Chapter 57
It has been one month since Nick Edwards had been arrested. The evidence that the WSB had found uncovered a lot about what he had been up to. He was now facing charges for a lot more than he had been up to here in Port Charles. Once his trial was finished here he was being extradited to London to face a number of charges there as well.
Anna sat at the desk in their home office reading over an offer she had for a new job. Now that Robert was going to be chief of detectives for the PCPD she had to find something to do with her time as well. This looked like something that could be interesting, teaching at PCU was not something she had thought of doing but it did sound like it would be challenging. Robert walked in and leaned on the edge of the desk facing her. "So am I going to be married to a professor?"
Anna smiled up at him, "I think you just might be." She had been thinking about this for about a week since the letter had arrived.
"Does that mean you're going to take the position?"
Anna stood up and stepped closer to him putting her arms around his neck, "I think I am. I need something to do and this sounds interesting."
Robert moved his hands to her hips, "So now that we both know what we're going to be doing after the wedding can we focus on that and maybe have a little fun?"
Anna ran her fingers through his hair, "We can focus on the wedding but Maxie has assured me that everything is on track and we have nothing to worry about."
"As long as we get asked a question and we sign a paper before we leave the place, I'm good."
"That's all you need this time?" Anna asked with a laugh.
"I need you to be my wife when it is all said and done, that's what I need."
"Good," she smiled up at him as he leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "When do our guests get here?"
"Tiff said their plane gets in at 11:20."
Anna checked the time, "Then I have time to make a phone call before we have to leave." She grinned, "I want to be able to tell them about my new job too."
"Alright, I'll get out of your way." He pulled her closer and kissed her then grinned and left the room. Anna watched him with a grin of her own then picked up her phone to accept the job offer.
…
Anna and Robert were standing together at the airport waiting for Sean and Tiffany. "Are you sure you're ready for this? I mean this is the longest you'll be in one place since, well, since we were married," Anna said with a smile.
"I am very ready." He took her hand then leaned down and whispered in her ear. "I finally have a reason to come home," then he kissed her cheek.
Anna touched his cheek as he looked into her eyes. They had finally found their way home, "Yes you do."
"Alright, you two, the wedding is in a couple of days, save the mushy stuff."
"You leave them alone, I think it's wonderful."
Anna and Robert turned to see Sean and Tiffany smiling at them. "Hi," Anna said excitedly as she and Tiff hugged. "It is so good to see you."
"I was not going to miss this," Tiffany insisted.
"I am so glad you're here. I can't wait for you to meet Adam," Anna said beaming with happiness.
Then Tiffany turned and hugged Robert, "It's about damned time."
"I was not the only one involved."
"True, I'm just glad you two are finally back where you belong." Tiffany gave him a kiss then took his arm and turned, "Do you remember Ann?"
"I do, nice to see you again."
"Oh my! Ann, you have grown into a beautiful young woman." At fifteen Ann was tall like her mother, with her elegant beauty. Her hair was darker than Tiff's, closer to Sean's when he was a younger man.
"Anna, I've missed you." Once all the hugs were done and their bags were collected they left for Robert and Anna's apartment.
They were all talking happily as they walked through the door. Everyone's excited about their visit and the upcoming wedding. Their bags were just dropped by the door, they can be moved later. Robert and Sean disappeared into the kitchen to talk about the case against Nick quickly. They both knew they needed to get that out of the way. Once that was done they didn't want to think about him again until his trial.
After they had talked, they came back into the living room with drinks for everyone at the same time as someone knocked. The door opened and Robin and Emma walked in followed by Patrick and Adam who were both carrying take-out bags from Kelly's. They went straight through with the food while Robin and Emma stopped to get hugs from everyone.
Ann hugged Robin again after she had hugged the others, "You don't come to see me as much now that you're a mom. I get it, she is adorable but I miss you."
"I miss you too and that is why you are staying at my house while you're in town."
"This is going to be so much fun. I get to hang out with you and play with Emma, I can help out too." Ann started pulling Robin over to sit down when Patrick and Adam came back into the room. "Who is that with Patrick?"
"That is my brother, Adam."
"Seriously?" Ann looked at her then back at Adam, "Wow, because he is hot."
"You think lost boy is hot?" Robin asked with a little smile.
"Yeah, I do," Ann said still grinning, watching as her mom hugged him.
"I still can't believe you are here. How wonderful is this? After all this time, you are all together, the way it always should have been." Tiffany was still holding Adam by the shoulders. "You look so much like your father, but I can see your mom in there too." She hugged him again, "I am so happy you came home to them. They need you more than you'll ever know," she said quietly as she hugged him close.
"I feel so blessed to have them, I know how much I need them now." He leaned back and smiled at her, "I have heard a lot about you and you live up to the hype, Tiffany."
"Good," she gave him one of her brilliant smiles, "I would hate to disappoint."
Adam turned as Robin dragged Ann over to introduce her, "Hi shorty, who's this?" He looked at the girl with Robin, tall, light brown hair, green eyes, he swallowed, suddenly his mouth was dry. Play it cool, she's gorgeous. You have a girlfriend, don't be stupid. Wow, just wow. She is stunningly beautiful.
"Adam, this is Ann."
"Ann, of course, hi. You're Uncle Sean and Tiffany's daughter." He thought about shaking her hand but when Ann leaned in for a hug he happily hugged her back.
"Hi," she said as she held him a little longer than she needed. "You are going to hang out with me while we're here. We're close to the same age and it will be nice having someone to talk to." Especially someone that looks like you she thought as she looked him up and down again.
"Aren't you staying with Robin?" he asked as they moved away from the others some and sat down to talk.
"I am but she's got work and a family so as much as I'm looking forward to spending time with her I know there are going to be times when it's me you and our parents."
"That is true," Adam said with a grin. "We are going to have to keep each other from getting bored."
Ann couldn't believe he was sitting here talking to her like this. He might be the most handsome boy she has ever seen and he had hugged her and he is talking to her. Oh my god, he touched my hand. She smiled, "I think we could find a little harmless fun to get into while I'm here." That sounded flirty, right? Please, let him think it's cute.
"Nothing our parents will disapprove of," he said grinning back at her. "We don't want to mess up the first time we hang out."
"Of course not." That grin is something else, she thinks looking at his lips.
Robert was standing beside Sean. "I've seen something like that before," Sean said a hint of concern in his voice, tilting his chin towards Adam and Ann.
"Oh shush," Tiffany said as she took his arm and they wandered towards the kitchen, then Anna took Robert's arm and they followed them. They had all seen the looks between Adam and Ann.
Anna turned as Robert started pulling food out of bags, "You know Sean, there are some things you just can't fight," she said then smiled at Robert who leaned in and kissed her.
"That's my little girl," Sean said sounding a little worried.
Robert grinned brightly at Sean's discomforted as Anna put her hand on Sean's back. "Yes, Sean. And that's my son. They are going to spend time together. It's good if they get along."
He looked at her then glanced at Robert who was still grinning. "As long as they don't get along as well as you two did when you met." They all started laughing then got lunch ready to serve.
As they ate Emma Adam and Ann sat on the floor around the coffee table so the others could all sit at the table. They didn't mind since the upcoming wedding was the big topic of conversation at the table. Emma had them laughing at the funny little stories she was telling.
As they ate, Anna and Robin happily told Tiffany about the wedding plans. Tiff loved that they were getting married at the Quartermaine's this time. Robert Sean and Patrick mostly just listened while they ate. When they were all done, Adam and Patrick offered to clean up as everyone else moved back out to the living room.
Emma settled in on Robert's lap. "Ann, I get to wear a very pretty dress when Gampa marries Gamma."
Ann was sitting beside Robert and smiled at Emma, she loved that she was excited about their wedding. "I do too but I bet yours will be prettier."
"Yeah," Emma agreed with a big nod, making Ann laugh.
"Are you still your dad's beautiful book worm?" Robert asked her. Sean always bragged about how well she did in school and that despite inheriting her mother's good looks she was more interested in her studies than boys.
"I am, I'm on pace to graduate a year earlier. So I need to start thinking about where I want to attend university."
"Robin is this what you sounded like at fifteen?" Robert asked.
"At fifteen, I think so," Robin said with a smile.
"Yeah, then a handsome boy entered her life," Sean added.
"Handsome boys do have a way of distracting us, isn't that right Tiff?" Anna said with a laugh.
"And in the most wonderful of ways," she said as she ran her fingers through Sean's hair.
"We don't need boys, do we, Emma?" Ann asked smiling at her.
"Nope, only Uncle Adam because he's taking us to the park in his car."
Ann started laughing, "That's right just your uncle because he has a car to take us to the park." Ann turned to Robin, "That is if it's alright with you."
"Oh, if you and Emma have plans tomorrow don't let me stop you," Robin said smiling sitting with her mom. How wonderful was this afternoon? She had her family here with people that are as close as family and they were all here because her parents are going to be married again very soon. They all looked so happy, excited. Sitting here, listening to these old friends talk and joke. She started to think about the times like this that they had missed out on. This should have happened so many times over the years but that had been taken away from them. Adam should have been with them all along. She wiped away a tear as it rolled down her cheek.
Anna pulled her a little closer putting her other arm around her as well. "No thinking about what could have been or what was taken away. We are only looking ahead." Then she kissed Robin's forehead.
Robin smiled, loving that her mom knew what she had been thinking. "I'm good, it's passed now."
"Good."
The rest of the afternoon passed like this. Them talking happily, sharing memories, telling stories.
…
Robert was already laying in bed when Anna came into the room, she smiled and got into bed cuddling in beside him. "I am so excited!"
"I can tell," he said and kissed the top of her head. "In three days you and I are getting married for the last time."
"Our friends are here, our kids. Oh, Robert. Emma looks so adorable in her Flower Girl dress."
"I love you being this happy. This is all I have ever wanted for you. For you to be happy."
"I have never been happier than when I am with you." Anna looked up at him, "I love you so much."
"And I love you." He kissed her tenderly. "I think we should get some sleep, we have some busy days ahead of us."
"How busy? I'm getting married soon and I was thinking we could have a little fun before I do." Anna bit her lip as she grinned at him.
"Are you suggesting we have a little fling before you get married," he asked playing along.
"Yeah, this is the last time I will ever get married, so" she grinned again, "this might be your last chance before you take the plunge."
"Oh, you heard that I'm getting married as well?" he asked as he kissed her neck.
"I did," she said as her fingers moved down his chest. She turned her head finding his lips, passion igniting the moment their lips met. She moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened. His hand moving down her body as Anna moved even closer, this man was all she will ever need.
...
"How can you be this calm?" Tiffany asked as she and Anna sat at a table in the Metro Court, waiting for Maxie and Robin to join them. Anna's wedding is in two days and she is far too relaxed in Tiff's opinion.
"I have been told, all I have to do is show up in my dress looking beautiful."
"You've got this then, you're always beautiful," Tiffany said and they both smiled. Then Robin and Maxie walked in together. As soon as Tiff saw them she understood why Anna was not freaking out about her wedding. One look at Maxie was all it took to know she was the one on edge about the wedding. "I take it Maxie is your wedding planner."
Anna smiled, "Yes she is."
Tiffany stood up and hugged Maxie when they got to the table, "It is so good to see you."
"You too. Didn't Ann come with you?" Maxie asked.
"Yes, she did. She's here in Port Charles but is at the Park with Emma and Adam today," Tiff told her as they all took a seat.
"That's perfect, she'll have someone to hang out with and Paula is so nice. I'm sure they will all get along great. Should I put her at your table Robin, that makes it six?"
"That's perfect," Robin agreed with a smile as Maxie made a quick note.
"No that won't work, Gloria is coming. Adam will want to sit with her," Anna reminded them.
"Gloria is the mom, should I assume Paula is Adam's girlfriend?"
"Yes, she is. They actually went to high school together and Adam had a crush but they didn't start dating until they were both here."
"Oh, that's sweet." Tiffany and Anna talked more about Adam while Robin and Maxie worked on the seating arrangement for dinner. By the time their lunch came, Maxie seemed calmer about the wedding and they were talking about what was happening in their lives.
…
Adam sat beside Ann as they watched Emma playing with another little girl at the park. "It must have been so weird to find out they were alive."
"I don't think weird is the right word, actually," Adam said. "I always wanted to know who my family was. I always knew I would find my sister. Finding out that my parents were alive was amazing. Getting to meet them, getting the chance to know them. It wasn't weird, it was the best thing that could have ever happened."
"What do you other parents think about the fact you have your real parents now?"
"It was just me and my mom, Gloria. I was really angry when I found out how she got me. It was mom and dad that made me see that even though she didn't do it the right way we should all be grateful she was the person that raised me and let me go looking for answers. That I could have ended up with someone that isn't as good a person. That yes, someone had taken me from them but that Gloria was not that person."
"What about now? Are you still angry?"
"We've talked, I'm past the anger and I still love her, I always will. She's still my mom, I just get to have two moms." Then he smiled, watching Emma spinning around happily. "I now have a family, not just a mom. I love them all so much already and I know they love me."
"The first night my mom was talking to Anna about you, they must have been on the phone for two hours. I forget how well they all know each other until they spent time together." She nudged him with her elbow. "I like seeing your parents as a couple, I've only gotten to hang out with them at the same time a few times but it is so clear they love each other, it's nice to see them finally admitting it."
"Yeah, Dad says the timing was finally right again and it all fell into place for them to find their way back to where they belong." Adam smiled and looked at Ann, "He gets so mushy talking about Mom."
"So does my dad, big tough guy who is mush in Mom's hands," she said with a laugh. "So, I was a little worried I wasn't going to have any fun here. Yeah, who doesn't love a wedding but at least I know I'll have someone to hang out with. Paula sounds nice too, I hope she doesn't mind us hanging out."
"No, I told her we were spending the day with Emma and says she can't wait to meet you. She was there when your dad showed up and I didn't know who he was. I think she gets a kick out of all the crazy surprises that my family seems to come with," he said with a smile.
"It's not like they look for it either, Dad can be having a perfectly normal day then next thing we know over dinner he's telling us about some random guy from his past that showed up out of the blue looking for help."
"That's better than wanting to shoot him."
Ann put her hand on his shoulder, "Those type of guys come around once in a while too, I think it's Dad's current job that attracts them now." Ann thought it was nice to finally have someone to talk to that understands how much things related to her father's job could suck. "I heard you acted, that you didn't freeze. Dad said you're a chip off both blocks."
Adam smiled at her, "I didn't think I just responded." He turned to her a little more, "That experience with Dad made me realize what I want to do. I am going to be a police detective. I want to help people. I want to stop bad people from hurting good people. I want to follow in the family business," he said with a confident smile.
"I think that is a wonderful idea."
"Uncle Adam, Jenny has to go home now," Emma said as she came over to them.
They both turned to face her, "Oh, well do you want to play a little longer?" he asked her.
"Can we go for french fries?"
"French fries?" He looked back at Ann, "What do you think, is it time for some fries?"
He is way too cute, Ann thought smiling back at him. "Fries and playing at the park. This might be the best day I've had in a while."
Adam turned back to Emma, "I think that's a yes." He stood up and held out his hand to Emma. "Alright, fries at Kelly's it is. Let's go." Emma smiled, took his hand then started pulling him in the direction of his car. Ann laughed then hurried after them.
…
"Uncle Robert, how can you say that?" Maxie asked as she followed him out of Robin's kitchen.
"What? It really doesn't matter to me."
"This is your wedding!" Maxie was still talking about Robert's apparent disinterest in the wedding plans.
"Yes, and I am going to be married to the love of my life, again, finally. That's what matters to me."
"Maxie, let me translate," Tiff offered. "The wedding isn't what's important to him being married to Anna is all that matters."
"The wedding matters but I think if everything that could go wrong did. If at the end of the day they are husband and wife they will be happy," Robin added.
"Exactly," Robert said as he sat down beside Emma, she smiled up at him and snuggled in beside him.
"He got his way last time, we did the big wedding, that was his idea. Come to think of it, he got his way the first time too." Anna turned to Adam sitting beside her and put her hands on his cheeks, "Looking at me with those beautiful eyes, saying how much he loved me with a look. I knew he was it for me. Without asking me and without me accepting, we walked hand in hand to our future and got married right then and there." She leaned in and kissed Adam on the nose, "And the rest, as they say, is history."
Gloria wiped away a tear as she sat with Patrick. She had arrived earlier that day and Robin had insisted on having the entire family over for dinner, including her. She smiled looking at all these people that would have been part of Adam's life if he hadn't been taken away from Anna. What had surprised her when she arrived was how warmly she was welcomed. It had been made very clear that she was part of the family now not just Adam's mom. She loved hearing them talk about their lives, all of them but learning about the people that had created the wonderful boy she had the pleasure of raising was most interesting to her.
"As crazy as their lives can get with their careers and being heroes they always did the family stuff well. When they are with the family, that's what important. They have all made mistakes and they know that but that doesn't mean the love isn't there. I know there aren't a lot of guys that will say this about their in-laws but I am very happy that they have moved here and will be around all the time."
Gloria smiled at him, "No, I don't think I've heard a guy say that before."
Partick knew Gloria wanted to know more about Robert and Anna and had been telling her a few things and explaining more about things she was hearing from the others for the first time. "It took him almost dying for them to move past the pain. I watched that little family fight for him, they gave him strength and something to live for and he fought and got to meet his granddaughter a few months later. Your son is made from that, you have no idea how lucky you are to have him in your life. These Scorpios are very special."
"I am seeing that more and more," Gloria agreed with a smile.
"He's a great kid, you did well raising him."
"Thank you."
Sean started talking a little louder to get everyone's attention then told the story about Robert and Anna meeting for the first time. Mac joined in the fun and told stories about the young life of Robert Scorpio. The evening was spent telling stories and laughing, just enjoying their time together.
After everyone had left Robin and Ann sat alone together on the couch. "Did nights like tonight happen often when you were young?"
"Often enough that I remember them very well. The group might change some but the main people there would be our parents. I always knew how important times like that were to all of them, to me too. I loved spending time with them."
"I wish they could have had nights like this when I was a little girl. My dad is always so much more relaxed around your family and tonight I could see how happy he is for your mom and dad."
"Uncle Sean has wanted them to pull their heads out of their butts since they both returned to the living. He wouldn't say it to them but he told me many times that they belong together and need to stop wasting time."
Ann laughed, she could see her dad saying that. "So your parents fell in love at first sight?"
"I don't think either of them will say that, no," Robin said with a smile. "Attraction, yes. Love, no. It was a feeling, a connection. Mom couldn't really explain it when I asked her about it. She says Dad was like coming home. Like they didn't know what was missing until it was right there in front of them."
"They were married within days of meeting each other, right?"
"Yes, but it took a couple of days for them to fall in love," Robin said with a big smile making Ann laugh.
Ann leaned against Robin, "I'm going to marry your brother one day."
Robin's jaw dropped not able to speak for a second, "Are you now?"
"He's gorgeous, there is no question there." She took a breath thinking about him. "He is so nice and caring, he's funny. I know he has a girlfriend and I am not going to tell him I like him, not yet. I'm in high school in a different city."
"So what's your plan then?" Robin asked with a smile wondering what Ann might be thinking.
"Encourage family visits," she said, making them both laugh. "Get to know Adam better. Maybe we'll become friends."
"So you are willing to take your time?" Robin asked with a little grin.
"Yeah, I'm only fifteen. He's eighteen, we have time to find our way to each other."
"Oh, that's good." Robin thought it was cute that Ann had a crush on Adam. The fact it was very clear they are both drawn to each other and that most of the adults had noticed that, Robin found amusing. If Paula noticed she doesn't seem worried about it. She had been very nice to Ann all evening and everything seemed normal with her and Adam.
"Um, I know I don't really have much to go on here. My friends talk about butterflies in their stomach, or a warm feeling when their boyfriends are around them. That sounds so dumb." Robin laughed and Ann looked at her. "See it does." Robin nodded in agreement. "I look at Adam and yeah I see a very hot guy. I also see someone that I want to talk to. Someone I want to know better. Someone I want to spend time with. Like I just want to be around him."
Maybe it wasn't just a little crush, after all, Ann really seems to like Adam. Robin told herself she should talk to Adam tomorrow. As far as she knew he was the first boy Ann has ever liked and she wanted to make sure he didn't hurt her in some way by mistake. "For now I think you should focus on getting to know him and becoming friends. You're right, in the future who knows what might happen."
Ann smiled at her, "Thanks for listening to me."
"I'm always here to listen, even if that means we spend an evening on the phone."
Ann turned and hugged her, "I know, I really do miss you."
"I miss you too."
…
Robert was the first one up and was sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee reading the morning news when Sean came down. He looked up, "Coffee's ready, help yourself."
"Don't mind if I do." After he had a cup of coffee Sean joined Robert at the table. "I can't help but notice that neither you nor Anna seems to be stressing about your wedding."
Robert looked up at him, "Like Tiff said last night, it's the marriage that matters. I want to be married to Anna. I want her to be my wife like she always should have been. We are starting over here. We both have new jobs we're starting soon, our home. Our family is here, we are done globetrotting saving the world. It's finally time for us, Sean."
Sean sat nodding at him, "I am very glad to hear that." That was all they had wanted last time they got married. Hell that was what they wanted the first time they got married but he wouldn't let them leave. "I know this time nothing and no one will come between you."
"We don't believe he's dead either," Robert answered knowingly. They didn't like to talk about Faison but they also wouldn't pretend that he could never be an issue again. "We're aware that he could reappear at some point and try to take this all away again but we aren't going to live in fear of that either."
"Good, because that is no way to live your life."
"Do you know what our ladies have planned for us today?"
"They are all spending the afternoon at the spa. You're stuck with me, old buddy."
Robert sat back and smiled, "You better spoil me, this is my last day as a single man."
Sean laughed, "You can count on it."
…
Adam wanted to spend time with Gloria while she was in town. Show her that she doesn't need to worry about him. She could tell he liked his room above Kelly's. That for him it was all he needed for now. Her son was finding his way in the world. He had found the family that had been calling to him, in some way since he was a young boy. Now he was starting his life and they were all going to be a part of that life. She didn't know how she felt about him wanting to be a police detective but she could see it was something that he felt very strongly about. The fact Robert and Anna made him agree to go to school first made her happy. They understood what Adam would be getting into more than she did and was glad he was going to have time to make sure it was really what he wanted.
They were now walking down on the waterfront. "I am very happy here, Mom. I can tell you're taking notes, checking boxes. Making sure your little boy will be okay."
Gloria looked over to see him smiling at her, "I'm sorry. I do it without thinking." She put her arm through his, "I know you are going to be fine here. You are an amazing young man Adam Scorpio and I am so proud I can call you my son."
"You didn't hyphenate it?"
"You are a Scorpio and that is something to be proud of. I can see how much you look up to your father. I knew how scared you were while he was missing. You are his only son and he couldn't be more proud of you. You are Adam Robert Hudson Scorpio, no hyphen."
"Alright." They walked a little way in silence, Gloria looking out at the water as they walked. "I know it must have hurt you when I found out the truth. I didn't react to that well. I was very angry and you were the person I could direct that anger at. I'm sorry about that."
Gloria stopped and looked at him. "I never thought anyone would know but I think once I knew your parents were alive and that you had been stolen from them subconsciously I wanted the truth to come out. Maybe that was why I drank so much that day. I am so sorry for my part in all of this."
"You wanted a baby to love, you did what you thought you had to to get that. You never wanted to hurt anyone just the opposite."
"How did you get so smart."
"Mom actually told me that. She made me see all you have ever done is love me."
Gloria hugged him tightly, "Thank you, Adam. I love you so much." She finally knew there were no hard feelings about how she had ended up raising him. That she had bought him.
"I love you too, Mom." They turned and started walking again. "We should get going if we're going to make our dinner reservations."
…
Sean had insisted on taking them all out for a night of fun before the wedding. Mac Alexis and Gloria were already there when Robert Anna Sean and Tiffany arrived. Robin and Patrick came in right after them with Bobbie and Monica. Luke saw them and walked over, "Barbara Jean, what are you doing here with this bunch?"
"You're just jealous that you're here working not having fun with us," Bobbie said with a smile then hugged him.
"I'll have you know I can do both."
"So you were invited to this?"
"Yes, I was." Luke turned to the growing group of people, "Alright, I expect you all to have too much to drink and spend a lot of money. I don't want to be the only one with a hangover at the wedding tomorrow. Drink up."
"You heard the man, let's get a round of drinks and get this evening started," Sean said as he waved a waitress over.
Robert leaned over to Anna after they had ordered their drinks, "In less than twenty-four hours we are going to be married."
Anna turned to him, "That sounds wonderful." She smiled then kissed him tenderly. They could hear the talking and laughing around them but that didn't matter. Anna touched his cheek, "You are all I have ever needed. With you I have everything."
"I have everything I have ever wanted because of you." He leaned in and kissed her again lovingly.
"Save it for tomorrow, bro. We'll have to watch enough of this tomorrow."
Robert leaned back and they smiled at each other, "I think they're talking to us."
"I think so too." They turned to face the rest of the people gathered around. "Robin, let's go try our luck." Anna stood up and put her hand on Robert's shoulder, "I'm feeling lucky." Robin got up, then she and Anna walked over to the blackjack table.
Tiffany came over and sat down beside Robert, she put her arm around him and leaned in. "I'm not sure I've ever seen you this happy."
"I am happy, Tiff. I really am." He looked at her and smiled, "I think this time we are finally going to get what we have always wanted."
"I think so too," then she gave him a kiss. "It really is about time."
"Yes, it is," Bobbie said happily from his other side.
…
When Anna woke up, she smiled as she opened her eyes, "Good morning."
She turned to see Robert smiling at her, his head propped up on his hand. "Today's the day."
"See I knew you were excited."
He leaned in and kissed her, "Of course I am."
"Mmmm, I need another one of those then I have to go take a shower. Robin will be here soon, I better not keep her waiting." Robert smiled and kissed her tenderly. "Now I need to get moving." She hopped out of bed and hurried to the bathroom, Robert smiled watching her.
Robert was just heading downstairs when Sean came out of the guest room, "Morning old buddy, how's the head this morning."
"I had a good time last night but made sure not to drink too much. I want to enjoy today."
"I'm glad, a few of your guests might not be doing as well this morning."
Robert smiled at him as they walked into the living room. "Everyone was having a good time last night, I still can't believe it was Monica that suggested doing shots with Luke."
"I think if they hadn't stopped her, she and Bobbie would have drunk those guys at the bar under the table."
"They were definitely having a good time, I wonder how much fun Luke had getting those two home," Robert said with a little laugh and Sean laughed along with him.
"Is Anna up?" came from behind them.
Robert turned, "Yes, she is in the shower and Robin will be here shortly to pick up both of you."
"Good, please tell me there is coffee."
"I will go make some," Robert offered. He knew Tiffany had had a few more drinks than she normally would last night. After the coffee was on Robert went up to the office. He walked over and sat at the desk, leaning back and closed his eyes, a grin on his face. He was just going to stay out of the way until the ladies had cleared out.
He could hear the raised voices as they rushed around to make sure they had everything before leaving. It was about twenty minutes after he had gone into the office that there was a knock at the door. "Come in." The door opened and Adam walked in. "There's my best man," Robert said smiling at him.
"Morning Dad. What are you doing in here?"
"Staying out of the way. Come have a seat. Until they are gone it's the best thing we can do."
Adam smiled, "Yeah, alright." He came over and sat across from Robert. He looked at his Dad who was watching him now. "Um, can I ask you something?"
"Of course you can."
Adam knew he needed some advice but wasn't really sure how to ask this. "So if I met someone and all I want to do is talk to them, spend time getting to know them better is that bad since I'm dating Paula?"
"I am going to assume this is a girl you're talking about." Robert could help but feel he was talking about Ann.
"Yeah, it's a girl."
"Meeting someone and wanting to get them better is one thing. You thinking that your girlfriend might not like it makes me think you could be interested in this girl."
"I did want to kiss her last night," he admitted. He saw the look on Robert's face and that he knew who he was talking about. "Ann is beautiful and funny. We talked for hours last night after Emma was in bed. We were still talking when Robin and Patrick got home."
"Just talking?"
"Yes, Dad. We were just talking."
"Just making sure."
"She's young and I'm not that guy that's going to try something with a girl when one, I have a girlfriend and two she's only here for a few days."
"I am very glad to hear that."
"I do like her. I want to keep talking to her. Once she's gone home I want to stay in touch and get to know her better."
"See that doesn't sound like a bad thing but I feel like there is a but coming."
"But I am also thinking about kissing her. I kept picturing that when I was laying in bed last night."
"How are things with you and Paula?"
"Fine, we're getting along great having fun going out so why am I thinking about Ann so much since meeting her?"
"You're attracted to her, she intrigues you and you enjoy each other's company. There's nothing wrong with that. Is this bigger than that?"
"I don't know. It's not like I want to break up with Paula and start a long-distance relationship with Ann."
"But?"
"But I want to keep talking to her once she goes back to Boston. I want to know everything I can about her," he said with a smile.
"I think for now that's all you should do. It's not like this is the only time you're going to see her. You are both young and getting to know each other and becoming friends seems like a good idea. Can you know where any of this will lead, no but there is nothing wrong with wanting to get to know Ann better."
"Thanks, Dad. I was a little confused but I feel better now."
"That's what I'm here for," he said with a smile.
Adam wasn't sure he should say this but figured he might as well, "Is it bad that I think Ann is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen?"
He had been noticing what had been going on with Adam and Ann. Robert could see that they are drawn to each other, he has felt that kind of pull before. As for the most beautiful girl, Robert smiled to himself, Anna had been about Adam's age when they had met. "Well, follow your heart but listen to your head."
Adam chucked with a half-grin, "Vague but strangely helpful, thanks."
"You do realize you are taking these gems of wisdom from a man that is about to marry the woman of his dreams for the third time."
"I do," he nodded, "No one can accuse you of being a quitter."
"Stubborn is the word they use," Robert said smiling at him.
"Yeah, they do," Adam said with a laugh. "I haven't heard anything in a few minutes, do you think it's clear to leave?"
"I'm sure Sean will come looking for us when the coast is clear. Oh, one more thing before he does. Remember, that's my best friend's little girl."
Adam smiled and nodded, "I know, that's actually why I wanted to talk to you."
"Alright then." Robert stood up, "Time to get ready, I need to take a shower."
"Have you eaten?" Robert shook his head as he stepped around the desk. "I'll whip something up for us."
"Alright," then Robert and Adam left the office. It was time to get moving, this is a big day and Robert wasn't going to miss any part of it.
…
Anna stood looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror. She knew Robert was going to love this dress. An elegant off white full-length dress, off the shoulders. She smiled realizing it was very similar to the dress she had worn at Robin's wedding. Sure that had been Robert's favourite colour to see her in but red wasn't a good choice for a wedding dress she thought with a smile.
Getting ready for the wedding at the Quartermaine's reminded her of their last wedding. Robin had still been so young, so excited that her parents were getting married. Her friends happily helping her, getting ready themselves. It had been a magical day. She looked over and smiled, Bobbie Tiffany and Robin were helping Emma get ready. Some of the same friends here to share this day with her and Robert.
"You look beautiful. My brother is a lucky man."
"Thanks, Mac," Anna said as he gave her a hug. She hadn't seen him come in.
"I thought you might like to know your groom has arrived."
Anna smiled, that made her very happy. "Oh good, that should lower Maxie's stress level some."
"Yes, it should." He took her hands, "Anna, I truly am happy you and Robert are getting married again."
"I am too and I know it is finally our time. That this time it's forever." Anna leaned in and kissed his cheek, "You better get out of here, we need to finish getting ready."
"Alright, see you down there."
Robin came over now that the bow was firmly attached to Emma's hair. "I know that bow is cute but I don't think it will last in her hair once she gets to start playing."
"That's alright," Anna put her arms around Robin, both of them smiling at Emma, "she's beautiful."
Robin turned and saw the enormous smile on Anna's face, "I love seeing you this happy." Anna hugged her a little tighter.
"She's right Anna. I haven't seen you look this happy in much too long," Bobbie said as she and Monica walked over to them. They might be moving a little slower today but overall didn't seem in that rough of shape considering their night before.
"I think it has a lot to do with a certain someone," Monica added.
"He is kind of great," Anna said, still smiling, letting Robin go.
Monica looked at Bobbie, "We know what you're getting today," Bobbie said.
"We had that man that we loved more than any other, we made mistakes too but they were our true loves. We've lost them. You are incredibly lucky, you get to marry your true love again today," Monica told her sweetly.
"Don't mess it up," Bobbie said with a big smile making them all laugh then she hugged Anna. "I am so happy for you and Robert. You both deserve to be happy."
"Oh, Bobbie. Don't make me cry."
"You're right, we don't want to mess up the make-up," Tiffany said as she walked into the room. "Alright, whenever you are ready we can start."
Anna's face lit up as she took a deep breath. "Well then, Emma are you ready?"
"Yes, Gamma." She picked up her basket with flower petals, "Do I start throwing them?"
Robin smiled, "Not yet. Remember you are going to go downstairs with Aunt Tiff, she's going to tell you when to start tossing them."
"Okay, Mommy." Tiffany took Emma's hand and they walked out of the room followed by Monica and Bobbie.
Robin turned and smiled at Anna, "You don't want to keep him waiting."
Anna put her hand to her mouth, shook her head and smiled, "We've both waited long enough." Robin took Anna's hand and they walked out of the room and down the stairs.
Maxie stood at the back of the room, looking at everyone there. Robert and Adam had taken their places at the front. Sean Mac and Patrick sat waiting together, Alexis and Ann sitting behind them. Gloria was seated closer to the back with Paula. Edward Tracy and Luke were seated on the other side. Bobbie and Monica walked in and joined the Quartermaines. There were also a couple of men she knew were on the police force when Robert had been commissioner. Maxie knew her parents had been invited but she wasn't really surprised they hadn't shown up.
She didn't want to think about that today. She looked back at Robert and Adam, at first she didn't understand Robert and Anna's easy-going attitude about planning their wedding, now she gets it. This is for them, it's about their family. Almost anyone in this room could have been a part of their wedding party, but only Robin Adam and Emma are. The people that are here because of their love for each other. She could have come up with the most extravagant wedding ever or the simplest get-together and they would have loved it as long as they get to say 'I do', that's all that matters.
"Alright you little cutie," Tiffany said making Emma smile. They were just outside the seating room, "When the music starts, you start walking towards Grandpa dropping petals as you walk. Are you ready?" Emma nodded. "I'm going to go sit down and before you know it the music will start."
"Okay," Emma smiled brightly.
When Tiffany came into the room she touched Maxie's arm, "Time to take our seats," she said with a smile, Maxie smiled back and they went and sat down.
The music started and Emma appeared in the doorway, a big smile lit up her face when she saw Robert waiting. She waved at him then remembered her flower petals and quickly grabbed a handful and tossing them by her feet. She slowly made her way down the aisle, running out of petals just before reaching Patrick then she went and sat down beside him. "Now it's Mommy's turn," she told him as they turned to see Robin in the doorway. Robert smiling proudly at her as she walked down the aisle, then turned to stand beside him.
Everyone stood as Anna appeared in the doorway. Before her, was the man she loves more than any other and their two children standing just behind him on either side. She took a moment to take it in, because of him she has them, she has everything. Robert was beaming with happiness, god she loves his smile. She started moving towards him, holding his gaze. He took her hand as she reached him then they turned to face Lucy, she would be performing the ceremony.
Anna felt like she was in a dream as they said their vows. She knew her friends and family were there but all she was only focused on was Robert. "You may kiss the bride." Anna smiled as they leaned in Robert put his arms around her then dipped her before kissing her passionately, causing everyone there to cheer.
He stood her up, "You're stuck with me now."
"Good, that's just the way I want it." She gave him another quick kiss then they turned to their guests smiling then walked up the aisle together. A new start together and they were looking forward to every minute.