As Atsuhiro stepped down hard on the accelerator, Mrs. Ogarashi grabbed handholds and glared at him. "You do realize there is a woman in labor in the vehicle, right?" she demanded.

"Exactly," Atsuhiro replied without looking at her. His attention was focused on analyzing traffic and plotting the fastest and safest route to the hospital emergency entrance. He made a hard right into an alley and then a hard right at the other end. After two blocks, he made a left turn and then shifted into reverse. He drove backwards for two blocks, right into the ambulance bay at the hospital's emergency entrance, where he braked and turned off the engine.

Before Mrs. Ogarashi could say anything, he was out of the vehicle and running to the back to open the doors and helped guide the stretcher out of the vehicle and into the hospital. As Kenji pushed the stretcher through the doors, he called for assistance.

Kosaku was still in a state of shock when Atsuhiro helped him out of the back of the transport and Mrs. Ogarashi joined him. She glared at Atsuhiro and he responded with a grin. "Made it in under three minutes. Better than I thought."

Taking Kosaku's arm, Mrs. Ogarashi led him toward the hospital entrance. "They will need you to give them the information to admit Hibiki," she prompted gently. He took a deep breath and gave her a wobbly smile.

Before Atsuhiro climbed back into the vehicle, he threw a wave to Mrs. Ogarashi and yelled, "Just call Hinansho when you need a ride." She waved him off dismissively as she guided Kosaku toward the nurse's station.

The on-duty nurse looked up at their approach. "May I help you?"

"My wife was just brought in. Her water broke on the way here, but she's not due until the middle of next month. It's too early," Kosaku rambled.

"Can you tell me your wife's name?" the nurse asked soothingly, her professional demeanor penetrating Kosaku's panic.

Taking a deep breath, Kosaku said, "Her name is Hibiki Ito."

"Is this her first pregnancy?"

"No, we have a little boy."

After a brief pause while she accessed the computer, the nurse smiled. "I see that we received a call about your wife being transported to the hospital. Her doctor was notified and is with her now."

"Thank you," Kosaku murmured as he rested his crossed arms on the counter of the nurse's station and his forehead on his arms, exhausted from the tension.

Pointing down the hall, the nurse said, "The doctor will look for you in the waiting room when he has an update."

Mrs. Ogarashi took Kosaku by the elbow and led him in the direction indicated. After settling him in a seat, she looked around to see an area with a selection of refreshments. She nodded to herself in approval before taking the seat next to Kosaku to wait for news of Hibiki.

While they waited, several other people arrived. They settled into chairs, lost in their own thoughts and concerns. One young lady went to the refreshments area and made a cup of tea. She took it back to the older woman she was with and murmured, "Papa will be okay. You'll see."

Half an hour later, the doctor entered the waiting room with a smile on his face. "Mr. Ito?" he called.

Kosaku jumped to his feet and asked nervously, "Is Hibiki okay?"

Gesturing down a hallway, the doctor replied, "Please come with me if you would like to see your wife and new daughter."

Mrs. Ogarashi gave Kosaku a little push and whispered, "I'll just wait here. You go to your family."

Kosaku hurried after the doctor who led him down several corridors before gesturing to a room. Slowly and quietly, the new father walked in. Hibiki was lying in bed gazing down, enraptured at the bundle in her arms. She looked up with a tired smile when she heard footsteps.

The doctor spoke up, "Your daughter is a little on the small side, but that's to be expected since she's about two weeks early."

"Wait? Two weeks?" Kosaku said in confusion. "I thought she wasn't due until the middle of next month."

A tired giggle from the bed drew his attention. Hibiki said, "I talked to the nurse, and she thinks I mistook spotting during the early part of my pregnancy as a light period. That threw off the calculation of my due date."

"I'm just glad you're both okay." Kosaku kissed her forehead and noticed that her eyelids were droopy with exhaustion. Slipping their baby girl out of her arms, he whispered, "You get some sleep. I'll look after our little girl."

"Name?" she murmured as she drifted off.

Kosaku kissed her on the forehead again. "We'll talk about names when you wake up. I have a couple ideas."

There was a knock on the door and the doctor stepped aside to allow the visitor to enter. Mrs. Ogarashi stopped and asked the doctor, "Are Hibiki and the baby allowed to have visitors?"

The doctor smiled. "Visitors are allowed, but I think Mrs. Ito is currently asleep. Mr. Ito is holding their new daughter." With a nod to Kosaku, the doctor left.

Mrs. Ogarashi walked over to Kosaku who had a soft smile on his face as he examined his daughter. Pushing the blanket aside gently, Mrs. Ogarashi said, "She's beautiful. Have you chosen a name yet?"

Shaking his head, he responded, "Not yet. We're going to talk about it when Hibiki wakes up." The baby yawned and stuck her fist in her mouth.

"Well, be sure to tell her she did a good job. This little girl is darling." Mrs. Ogarashi patted him on the shoulder. "I'll call Hinansho for a ride home and tell them all the good news. You three get some rest."

OHSHC

During lunch on the second day of the business meeting, Haruhi approached Chisato. "I can't thank you enough for filling in for Kosaku. Even though we established boards to help manage our investments, this first meeting with the board information is taking longer than expected."

"I'm happy to help," Chisato replied. "It's actually been a lot of fun working with Kosaku for the Hinan family. A very different experience from working for a major accounting firm and focusing on audits."

Rene walked up and put an arm around each of the ladies. "I'm so glad things are working out so well. I don't know what we'd do if we had to wait for Kosaku to return from the hospital with Hibiki."

Takashi joined the group. "Although things have been going well with the business meeting, I'm still a little worried that if we don't finish soon, it might interfere with wedding preparations. I can't take any time off from work if we can't finish this weekend because I've already scheduled all my available leave for the honeymoon."

Haruhi patted his arm. "Don't worry. We will do our best to take care of business. Then we'll all help make sure you and Chiharu are married on schedule."

"Speaking of which," he responded, "I just thought of a couple things I need to check with Chiharu about. I'll be back before we start the next session." He had a small smile on his face as he exited the dining room and headed to the front desk.

Sighing, Rene said, "I almost can't believe that he and Chiharu are getting married in two weeks. It seems like just yesterday we were preparing for Mitsukuni and Reiko's wedding."

Rene jumped in surprise when Mitsukuni slipped up behind him and said, "It's nearly our six-month anniversary." He grinned at Rene's reaction.

"Though it feels like we're still on our honeymoon," Reiko commented. Smiling, she stroked her husband's arm as she stood beside him.

Kyoya joined the group, stepping up behind Haruhi and wrapping his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her ear before commenting, "Our wedding plans are on schedule and I'm very much looking forward to our big day."

Haruhi turned in his arms and caressed his cheek. "I want another cup of tea before we return to the meeting. Care to join me?"

"Sounds delightful," he purred, taking her hand.

Rene grinned as he watched them walk away. "I can't wait for otou-san and okaa-san's wedding. They're going to be so happy together."

Chisato shook her head, chuckling at Rene's flight of fancy.

OHSHC

Hibiki watched her husband as he walked around the hospital room holding their new daughter, Ayame, and whispering to her about her big brother and all the things they would do together as a family. "He is an incredible man. Sometimes I can't believe he chose me."

Kosaku contemplated his wife and daughter. "I cannot believe how incredibly lucky I am. I have Hibiki, Ren, and now Ayame. Add to that our jobs at Hinansho and our life is nearly perfect."

Beckoning to Kosaku, Hibiki said, "Bring Ayame here. She will need changing and fed soon."

Gently placing the precious bundle in his wife's arms, Kosaku leaned down and kissed Hibiki. "I will be so glad when we're all home together."

"Me, too," she replied. Unwrapping Ayame and changing her diaper, Hibiki continued, "Maybe you could bring Ren to meet his new sister."

Kosaku disposed of the soiled diaper while Hibiki positioned Ayame to nurse. "I'm sure he will be very happy to see both of you." He placed a kiss on the top of her head before he said, "I'll head home to spend some time with him. We'll see you in the morning."

Hibiki smiled softly has she watched her husband leave her hospital room.

OHSHC

Fuyumi sighed in contentment as the Hinan family quarterly business meeting was finally concluded. The process had been planned for two days but had stretched to three and a half due to a couple snags, though Kosaku's absence was not one of them. "We should have anticipated that there would be some adjustments needed since we pulled the boards together so quickly. At least there were only three problem board members among the four boards."

Entering the lobby, Fuyumi was surprised to see Mr. Kanagawa talking to Yu, Aki, and Matsu. It was not that he was there or talking to those three, but his…disheveled look. "I've never seen him look less than professional," she considered. "I wonder if it has to do with the Otori Board Meeting this morning."

When Mr. Kanagawa noticed Fuyumi, he gestured for her to join them. "Just the person I was looking for," he commented as she joined the group and nodded to the other three.

"Is there a problem?" she asked hesitantly.

"I want to express my gratitude for your advice about taking a security detail with me to the board meeting this morning," Mr. Kanagawa replied. "I never would have expected Yoshio Otori to physically attack when he discovered that he no longer controlled the majority shareholders."

Placing a hand on his arm, Fuyumi asked worriedly, "I wouldn't put anything past him, but are you okay?"

Chuckling, Mr. Kanagawa replied, "The security detail intercepted and detained him. Because of his threatening rant, I decided it would be prudent to press assault charges."

Waving to indicate his ruffled appearance, Fuyumi asked, "When did this happen?"

"When the security detail handed Yoshio off to the police officers, he lunged at me. I stumbled getting out of his way," Mr. Kanagawa commented. "The only thing damaged was my dignity."

Fuyumi gestured toward the restaurant. "Why don't we have some lunch? You can fill us in on the board meeting while we eat."

Matsu said, "I like that plan."

OHSHC

Hibiki and Ayame were scheduled to be released from the hospital Friday evening. Despite being two weeks premature, the doctor deemed Ayame healthy enough to go home. Mrs. Ogarashi convinced Kosaku to allow her to accompany them. "I need to keep that scamp Atsuhiro in check," she insisted, remembering the trip to the hospital the previous week.

Fuyumi and the girls were waiting in the lobby with Ren. He was excited because his mother was coming home…finally. He still wasn't sure about his new baby sister, but he'd worry about that later.

Over the next half hour, they were joined by the rest of the Hinan's and their significant others. Takashi was the last to join them when he arrived home from work. When he came through the front door, he had to catch Ren, who ran toward him thinking it was his parents and sister. Takashi easily picked Ren up in one arm and lifted him to his chest. "Thank you for the enthusiastic greeting," Takashi teased.

"I thought you were Momma," Ren lisped.

Chiharu walked over and offered to take Ren, but Takashi handed her his briefcase instead. "Sorry to disappoint, little guy," Takashi said as he poked Ren's belly and made him laugh.

Chisato and Rene were talking quietly and watching the door when she announced, "The accountant's here with his wife and new daughter."

Hearing that his parents were there, Ren wiggled to get down. Takashi put him down and dropped onto the sofa. "…accountant's…daughter" echoed in his mind as he was beset by a very vivid memory.

^^^^^FLASHBACK ^^^^^

Mrs. Watanabe and Takashi were startled by a banging on the door. "It's Seiji," came a muffled call from the other side. "I have Ms. Edogawa and the three scientists with me. The security chief sent us here to stay out of the way while they deal with…whatever is going on."

Suspicious due to the sheer volume of treachery they had already found in the forensic audit, Takashi cautiously asked, "What is the name of the accountant's daughter?"

Seiji replied in a puzzled tone, "Kosaku and Hibiki only have a son, Ren." After a brief pause, he continued, "Is Hibiki expecting a girl this time?"

Chuckling, Takashi opened the door and let Seiji, the translator, and the three scientists slip inside. "I don't know if Hibiki is expecting...much less a girl. I just needed a trick question and that's what came to mind."

^^^^^END FLASHBACK^^^^^

Takashi took a deep breath, trying to regain control. "It's been nearly six months since Seiji's death. I didn't realize it could hit me so hard after that length of time."

Chiharu sat down next to him, placing a gentle hand on his arm, she asked, "Are you okay?"

Mitsukuni noticed Takashi's reaction, so he guided Reiko over and they stood by the sofa, waiting to find out what was wrong.

Resting his wrists on his knees, Takashi clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to make sense of the feelings and memories. "Seiji," he murmured. "How did I know about the accountant's daughter?" His brows drew together in concentration as he tried to put the pieces together into a coherent picture.

He was startle by Fuyumi kneeling in front of him and asking, "What about Seiji?" The was a pleading tone in her voice.

Taking a deep breath, he clasped his hands together and tried to explain. "It was during the time in Belgium last summer. It seemed like there were plots and attacks at every turn. Mrs. Watanabe and I were in the conference room we used as an office finishing up the last details of our report. We could hear gunfire and explosions in the distance."

He paused to rub his face with his hands, as if to scrub away…something. "Anyway, security had warned us not to open the door for anyone unless they were identified by the security chief. Someone banged on the door claiming to be Seiji with Ms. Edogawa and the three scientists. He said the security chief sent them."

By this point in his story, everyone had gathered around the sofa. "I had to protect Mrs. Watanabe so I needed to be sure this wasn't a trick to make us open the door. So, I ask him the name of the accountant's daughter. I knew it was him when he named all three of the Itos and asked if Hibiki was expecting a girl this time."

Mitsukuni and Reiko looked confused. "I don't understand," Mitsukuni admitted. "What is so unusual about that?"

"None of us knew that Hibiki was expecting at that time," Takashi explained. "When we went to the baseball game in Kobe, there was some speculation about the possibility that Hibiki was expecting. Nothing was confirmed until a few months ago when Kosaku requested additional accounting help and paternity leave."

Reiko nodded in understanding. "It must be quite surreal for you to have asked that question then and see the Itos with a daughter now."

After considering her explanation, Takashi shoulders started to relax. "You're right. Pairing that with the absence of Seiji and it's enough to leave anyone feeling off."

As a thought occurred to him, Takashi slid off the sofa to kneel and touch his forehead to the floor near Fuyumi's knees. "I'm sorry I was unable to keep Seiji safe so he could return to you and the children," he intoned.

Fuyumi place a hand under one of his shoulders and applied a light pressure to get him to sit up and look at her. "You protected him as best you could. I thank you for that."

Kyoya stepped up behind Fuyumi and placed a hand on her shoulder. "We will find out who was responsible for Seiji's death. Then we will get justice for him and all the others who were killed on that flight."

Haruhi knelt by Takashi and Fuyumi, place her right hand on Takashi's shoulder and taking Fuyumi's right hand in her left to squeeze it gently in support. "For right now, let's celebrate the arrival of Ayame Ito."

OHSHC

The weekend before Takashi and Chiharu's wedding was a flurry of activity as all the last-minute details were being checked and double-checked. Most of the doors of the Hinans' apartments were open as they rushed around. Fuyumi, Masaya, and Hibiki were not there because they were attending an anniversary party for Seiji's parents.

Left to her own devices for the day, Ageha sat in the doorway of the Shido's apartment watching the flurry of activity with amusement. She had offered to help and Chiharu asked her to wait there to be available to run errands as needed. So far, they hadn't needed her.

Rene came out of Takashi's apartment, looking up and down the corridor frantically. Spotting Ageha, he walked quickly over to her and asked, "Have you seen Hikaru or Kaoru? I don't know how I did it, but I tore Takashi's haori…again."

She cocked an eyebrow at him. "Again?"

Sheepishly he replied, "At Mitsukuni's wedding, I tripped and tore the seam of Takashi's haori. I was just helping Takashi try on his wedding ensemble when I tripped…"

"…and tore the seam," Ageha finished, pinching the bridge of her nose and shaking her head in consternation.

"Yeah." Rene blushed in embarrassment. "That's why I'm looking for Hikaru and Kaoru, so one of them can fix it."

Patting his arm affectionately, Ageha said, "HE is in the kitchen talking to Kairi about the catering at the reception hall near the shrine where Takashi and Chiharu are getting married. KC is in the greenhouse talking to Momo about the flower arrangements for the tables."

Confused, Rene asked, "Which he is in the kitchen? And who is Casey?"

"No, no, MiLord. 'HE' is Hikaru and Estee. 'KC' is Kaoru and Coco. HE and KC are their ship names," Ageha explained teasingly, using her old nickname for him.

"They bought ships? They didn't mention it at the business meeting last week." Rene was more confused rather than less by her explanation.

"Ship is short for relationship. Hikaru and Estee are in a relationship. So are Kaoru and Coco. It's something Kirimi told me about." Ageha patted his arm sympathetically. "An old-timer like you wouldn't understand."

"Ships are related to manga?" Rene questioned in a puzzled tone. "That's what Kirimi was into when I first met her."

"No, it's from fanfiction. A few years ago, one of Kirimi's friends introduced her to it because most of the new manga were boring. A lot of the stories were the same, just the names were changed."

"What is fanfiction?" Rene asked with interest. "Where do you find it?"

"I'll answer the second question first. It's all over the internet. There are websites for specific fandoms stories and there are general sites that have stories from lots of fandoms." Ageha waited for Rene to nod that he understood before she continued. "Fanfiction is just stories ordinary people write using characters from existing stories. There are fandoms for books, television shows, and movies. There are even some for video games."

Rene was about to ask another question when he shook his head. "I need to find Hikaru or Kaoru to fix Takashi's haori. I want to talk to you more about fanfiction later."

"Sure thing," Ageha called after Rene as he hurried down the corridor to the elevator.

OHSHC

Chiharu was surrounded by Reiko, Chisato, Haruhi, and Mrs. Ogarashi as she tried on her wedding attired designed by Kaoru and Hikaru. They included a special robe for the preparation time (before she put on the wedding kimono), a stunning green kimono with red accents for the reception, and a comfortable russet-and-gold sweater and tan slacks as a traveling ensemble. The final garment she tried on was the wedding kimono. They all admired the intricate detail of owls stitched in white on the white fabric. Each movement made the crystals used to accent the eyes appear to wink.

A message tone sounded from Chiharu's phone just as she was going to settle the wataboshi gently over her hair. When she was satisfied it was secure, she picked up her phone and checked the message. She turned pale and dropped into the nearest chair.

"What is it?" Reiko asked. "Is something wrong?"

In a hollow voice she murmured, "They're not coming."

Reiko sat next to her and carefully wrapped an arm around her. "Who's not coming?"

"My parents. My mother just texted to inform me they would not be attending the wedding. They do not condone it and they refuse to allow my 'disobedience' any longer. I'm ordered to return home and take my 'proper' place in the family business." Halfway through her rant, Chiharu got up from the chair and started pacing. "My father has made arrangements for me to marry his business partner's son."

Mrs. Ogarashi intercepted her on the third pass and wrapped her gently in a hug. "You are a grown woman. You can make and have made your own decisions, including who you want for your life partner."

Chiharu nodded into her shoulder. "Thank you for reminding me. I guess the elite family obedience training is still ingrained in my subconscious." She took a deep breath. "I had hoped they would finally accept my career path as well as my relationship with Takashi, but obviously not. They missed the yuinou because they said grandmother was ill. Now that I think about it, they never specified which one. I guess they were passive-aggressively objecting to our betrothal."

"Since you're having a traditional Japanese wedding, how much will their absence really affect the ceremony?" Chisato asked.

Holding up and tapping her fingers, Chiharu said, "There's the San-San-Kudo sake toast. Then the bouquets and bride's letter." She paused. "Thinking about it, those are the only things. I guess parents play much larger roles in Western-style weddings."

"Kyoya and I have been talking about something that might help," Haruhi suggested. "Mrs. Ogarashi, you and Chisato help Chiharu change out of her wedding kimono. We don't want the groom to see her in it before the wedding. Reiko, you get Takashi and Mitsukuni. And Rene and the others if you happen to stumble across them. I'm going to get Kyoya."

The four ladies stood there stunned for a moment as Haruhi left the apartment like a whirlwind. "That was…abrupt," Reiko commented.

"Yes," Mrs. Ogarashi agreed. "But she will be back soon with Kyoya, so we should get busy on our assignments." She shooed Reiko toward the apartment door and Chiharu toward the bedroom.

At the tapping on his office door, Kyoya looked up to see Haruhi leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed, watching him in amusement.

When he raised an eyebrow in question, she stated, "You were right, as usual."

"You'll have to be more specific. That covers a lot of territory," he teased.

Using her shoulder to push off the door frame, Haruhi walked around the desk and dropped provocatively into his lap. Tracing the buttons of his shirt with a finger, she whispered, "Chiharu just received a text from her mother. The Tojo family will not be attending the wedding. They are insisting she return home and do her family duty by marrying a business partner's son."

Stroking her cheek with his thumb, Kyoya whispered, "As we expected. Shall we go offer our solution?"

"That's why I'm here." Haruhi's attitude shifted from flirtatious to business-like as she stood up, turned around, and grabbed his hands to pull him to his feet. "Chiharu should be changed out of her wedding kimono by now and everyone waiting for our return."

Pulling her in close, he whispered, "They can wait a moment or two more." Then he kissed her passionately.

Reiko tapped on the open door to Takashi's apartment, taking in the unusual tableau. Takashi was seated in a chair with his head leaned back, arms crossed, and legs stretched out in front of him. Mitsukuni was standing behind the chair trying to suppress a laugh and not succeeding very well. Hikaru sat next to Kaoru on the sofa where Kaoru was engrossed in meticulously sewing a seam of Takashi's haori. Rene was on his knees at Takashi's feet.

"Please forgive me. I didn't mean to do it again. Really I didn't," Rene was begging as Reiko walked in.

Without moving out of his relaxed position, Takashi replied, "I already told you-it's fine. Kaoru will be able to fix it and no one will know it was torn." Reiko could hear that he was trying to keep a chuckle out of his voice.

Holding in her own amusement at the scene, Reiko said, "When you have a moment, please join us in Chiharu's apartment. There's been a little snag."

Without looking up, Kaoru called out, "Please tell me it's not on the kimono."

"No, it has to do with some attendees who won't be," Reiko supplied.

"Just give me a minute to have Takashi try this on," Kaoru remarked as he deftly clipped the thread and packed away his sewing kit. "Let's see how it looks."

Takashi stood and allowed Kaoru to help him slip into the jacket.

While they were focused on the fitting, Mitsukuni walked over and wrapped his arms around Reiko from behind as he whispered, "Why don't you go ahead and take Rene? Maybe you can talk some sense into him." He gestured to Rene groveling on the floor.

Turning in his arms, she asked, "What's the problem?"

Chuckling softly, he explained, "He tripped and tore a seam on Takashi's haori."

"Oh, just like at our wedding." Reiko nodded in understanding. Then she giggled, "I guess it's a good thing that Kyoya and Haruhi have decided on the Western tradition of tuxedos and dresses. Not a single haori for Rene to assault."

"Exactly," Mitsukuni replied, kissing her forehead.

"Done," Kaoru announced. "Now let's go see this other snag that needs fixed."

Reiko looked around and asked, "Where are Estee and Coco?"

Hikaru answered, "They took Ageha down to the kitchen to bring up some snacks."

By the time Haruhi and Kyoya reached Chiharu's apartment, all the others were gathered and waiting. Takashi was holding Chiharu on his lap and rubbing her back gently to sooth her. The couple looked at Kyoya and Haruhi expectantly.

"You have an idea?" Chiharu asked tentatively, curling her back into Takashi's chest.

Kyoya smiled reassuringly. "We had been contemplating how to broach the subject of having four sets of parents at the wedding and reception. However, we had not said anything because it seemed unfair to the Tojos that Takashi would have three sets standing for him." He paused, draping his arm across Haruhi's shoulders. "I know we have been designated otou-san and okaa-san, but there are other parents who were involved in raising Takashi."

"I was thinking about asking if Akira and Asami would be allowed to stand with you as my parents," Takashi admitted. "For all the difficulties we had in the past, we have reconciled now. I am still a Hinan, but I would like to acknowledge their care and training as well."

Chiharu sniffled quietly. "How will that help me?"

"When the Tojos did not attend the yuinou, we anticipated that they may try to force you to comply with their wishes." Smiling, Haruhi answered, "We were thinking that Yorihisa and Izumi Haninozuka could stand as your parents, if you don't mind?"

Turning her head to look at Mitsukuni, she asked, "Do you object?"

He grinned. "I would consider it a privilege for you to allow them that honor."

Loudly Hikaru commented, "Well, it looks like I'll need to let Kairi know that we will need LOTS of sake for the San-San-Kudo." He made a big show of writing a note.

OHSHC

Christmas Day dawned bright and crisp. Everyone was up early, too excited to sleep any longer. Atsuhiro drove the first transport with the ladies. They wanted to be at the shrine at least an hour before the men arrived so they could help Chiharu dress to perfection in her wedding kimono.

The priests at the shrine ushered them to a large room and provided tea service. The ladies took turns helping Chiharu with her hair and make-up. They shared tea, stories, and teasing. Just as Chisato and Mrs. Ogarashi were settling the kimono on Chiharu's shoulders, they heard the men arrive.

"This is really happening," Chiharu breathed. "It's not a dream."

Mrs. Ogarashi patted her shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. Brides are always nervous on their wedding day. It's a tradition."

That comment made the bride laugh. "Thanks, I needed that."

"Now that you're ready, Chisato and I will head to the reception hall to help," Mrs. Ogarashi said. "We'll see you soon…with your new husband."

It seemed like no time at all before Takashi and Chiharu were standing before the priest for the purification ritual and prayers. They already wore the rings they exchanged when they registered their marriage at the courthouse the previous day.

They were surrounded by their three sets of parents, Takashi's siblings, and the sibling's significant others. The priest was surprised by the crowd of fourteen, but he thought, "Family is family and they come in all shapes and sizes."

Following the ceremony, Takashi and Chiharu presented a special tea blend along with a tea set as an offering.

The twins had packed the wedding attire in their rolling wardrobe trunks, so Atsuhiro and Aijima were able to easily move them from the shrine to the reception hall during the ceremony.

Atsuhiro drove the transport with the family while Aijima drove the newlyweds in a limousine. When Aijima finally arrived, Atsuhiro teased, "What happened? Did you get lost?"

Grinning widely, Aijima responded, "No, I just took the scenic route. Though I'm sure they had no interest whatsoever in the scenery outside the car."

Kairi and his crew did a splendid job with the lunch, which was served to a crowd of family, friends, and business associates.

Tachibana had assigned himself to the entrance to discourage uninvited guests or gate crashers. When Mr. and Mrs. Tojo tried to slip in, he stopped them.

Mr. Tojo said indignantly, "We are here to collect our daughter. She is getting married next week to…"

Regarding the man with steely eyes, Tachibana stated, "Chiharu is already married. Perhaps you should consult the Shinbun archives for an article published several months ago regarding Yoshio Otori. He tried to force his daughter into an unwanted marriage." He glared over the top of his sunglasses. "It did not end well for him."

Paling at the implied threat, Mr. and Mrs. Tojo decided that their best option was to leave. Tachibana smiled in satisfaction as he watched them walk away hurriedly.

Two hours later, Takashi and Chiharu changed into their traveling clothes and left for their honeymoon amidst the well wishes of their family and friends.

14