Twenty-four hours after Amanda's and Dominick's wedding saw the day of Casey's and Sophia's wedding. Everyone pitched in to help. Just like the previous day.

Casey was alone for the moment. Ellington, Beatrix, Virginia, and Tiffany helped her get ready. Hug her. Wish her luck. Casey had never loved her older sisters more.

On their way out, Ellington's parting words were that Casey should keep her eyes pealed. Visitors would be coming by soon. Just for her.

And to say that Casey felt surprised by the first visitors was an understatement.

Of all people to come see her first...

The redhead blurted in surprise when she opened her dressing room door, "Beth Anne! Benoît!"

Casey would have never expected Amanda's parents to seek her out. On her wedding day. She still happily welcomed them in.

Benoît said, "We wanted to see you because we've been fond of you from the start. Sophia told you of how she and my wife are connected?"

"Oh, yes." Casey said. "Talk about cosmic power."

Benoît chuckled before gesturing himself and Beth Anne. "We love Sophia. And your children. We love you as much as them. So we've decided to bring you into the family. Officially. Just as we did with your love."

Casey's heart jumped. "Oh, wow. Thank you."

Beth Anne moved closer. "You are so very welcome. Ben and I also have your 'something new,' my friend."

Now Casey was at a loss for words: the idea of getting a token from these two felt unexpected. Even after the recent exchange.

Amused by her visible thought process, Beth Anne presented Casey with a small palm-sized box. "Here you are."

Casey opened the box to reveal a gorgeous pair of drop-shaped pearl earrings.

"Wow." Casey looked back to the Rollinses. "Thank you for this treasure. I love them. So much."

"You are most welcome."

Beth Anne fixed them on Casey for her.

"Beautiful. Just beautiful." she said. "Now you've also got a pearl element. Just like we gave to Sophia. You will know it when you see it."

"Okay." chirped Casey. "Thanks for the tip."

Benoît checked his watch. "We must dash. But I imagine someone else will be by soon."

Casey thanked the Rollinses for stopping by, and watched them take their leave.

Benoît was also not wrong about a new visitor.

He and Beth Anne had only been gone a few moments when the next person arrived.

"Cassandra," came a warm voice. "You look so beautiful."

Casey almost jumped out of her skin: Judge Donnelley had come calling now.

"Elizabeth!" she blurted. "Come on!"

Judge Elizabeth Donnelley was now on the threshold of Casey's room. She was dressed for a good time. And... She looked to be on a mission.

The older woman asked kindly as she asked, "How are you?"

"Nervous. But over the moon." Casey answered honestly. "Have you seen Sophia?"

"I have. And I know for a fact that Harper is look after her today. Both of them arrived to where Sophia is just as I was departing. Would I be surprised if they show up here next? Uh-uh."

"I hope Harper and Melissa arrive soon because I want to see them both. And I have a present for my girl." remarked Casey. "I also have a gift for Soph. Maybe her parents can hand it off..."

Donnelley smiled in amusement. Watching this woman in 'off the clock' mode was fun.

But Donnelley said, "It just occurred to me the other day that I've known know you for a long time now. So after all these years, I've watched you grow in your victories. And even learn from your mistakes. All of it has been... more than a lot."

Casey nodded. "I feel that. Every day."

"Now look at all that's happened since you've met Sophia Rose."

"We have a life together. Four kids. Maybe one last one will join us in a few years." the councilor beamed happily. "Past that, we couldn't ask for anything more."

Donnelley felt a large dash of pride. "Excellent. Today, I am here to both include you in a family tradition of mine, and give you your 'something borrowed' now."

Casey was immediately taken aback. "What...?"

"I am human. You have more than earned it with me."

Donnelley pulled from her purse a necklace case.

Indeed...

Casey gasped when Donnelley opened the box and displayed the treasure within, one pearl necklace. Beautiful. Simple.

"What an extraordinary piece." Casey took it into her hands after Donnelley indicated for her to. "It's beautiful."

Donnelley closed the box and put it back in her purse.

"I have always been fond of you. Always." Donnelly fixed the necklace around Casey's neck for her. "I respect you. And I am so proud of how far you've come. In every aspect of your life. Cassandra, it's only forward from here."

The redhead's own heart flip-flopped. "Thanks again."

"You are so welcome. It's only forward from here." Donnelley responded. "Good luck with everything."

Donnelley had only been gone for mere moments when one very excited little voice filled the air.

"MAMA! MAMA, YOU LOOK SO PRETTY NOW!"

Casey's heart jumped for joy: Melissa had arrived now. And Harper was only a few steps behind her. But the little one had forgotten. She only saw her mother.

The little one repeated breathlessly, "Mama, you look so pretty. Wow..."

Casey held Melissa's hands in hers. "You look so pretty, too, Melissa Joy. I guess you wanted to say hi?"

Melissa gave a vigorous nod. "Yeah-huh. Mama, how am I?"

The children had not been left out today.

And Melissa completely understood what was happening. So her parents went all-in with letting her dress up.

Melissa had even chosen her dress. It was a dark blue sleeveless number made of tulle and chiffon, stopping just above her ankles. She hadn't tripped. Yet. But Melissa's favorite part? The hem was decorated with rainbow-colored butterflies.

On her feet were a pair of silver-colored glitter flats. And Melissa's thick hair, which had slowly turned red over the past months, had been styled into a double-braided bun hairstyle. There were even decorative butterfly hairpins throughout. Melissa looked extremely cute. And she felt it.

Casey said to her, "You look wonderful. Just like a princess."

Melissa blew Casey a kiss before saying, "And mommy's dress—"

Harper hissed, "Missy Joy!"

She heeded Harper's warning and fell quiet. Fast.

Casey didn't know what Sophia's dress looked like. Not a clue.

Impressed, Casey said to Melissa, "Would you like to finish your thoughts?"

Melissa giggled hysterically in an attempt to keep her cool. "No!"

"Then will you please show me what that is?" Casey had indicated a new (and slightly overlarge) butterfly bracelet on Melissa's right wrist.

"Yes!" Melissa thrust her entire arm forward. "Mommy gave me a treasure!"

But Casey already known full well about the bracelet.

She and Sophia had agreed to give her new treasures today. For keepsakes later in her life.

Melissa's new bracelet was a silver-chained one with white and blue beads all the way around. But for in the middle. Here sat a big sturdy butterfly charm. It was blue. The same shade as Melissa's dress.

Casey lowered the little girl's arm after a few moments of polite examination.

She then retrieved a very appealing silver butterfly tiara from her vanity table for Melissa.

"What do you think?" Casey held it out to her. "This also has butterflies."

Melissa gasped dramatically. "Mama, this is all for me?"

"Yep! All for you!"

Casey secured the tiara comfortably on her daughter's head.

"But if it gets too uncomfortable to wear later on, give it to Auntie Harper. She'll hold on to it."

Melissa bobbed her head in understanding, but then whirled around when she remembered they weren't alone. Harper had been observing. And quietly taking pictures on her phone.

She snapped one more before encouraging Melissa to go check her appearance in a nearby floor-length mirror. The child happily flounced off. Yet on Cloud Nine.

"Judge Donnelley told me you were keeping tabs on Melissa. Thanks." Casey told Harper when she moved closer. "Where are your babies now?"

"Being doted on by your parents. We're sharing a large suite with Violet, Augustín, Abigail, and Melissa. It's been great." Harper then lit up. "By the way, my kids can't get enough of your sister. Abigail has done her own share of baby doting: volunteers to hold them, kisses them. She even let Melissa help her feed Zoelle her bottle."

Now Casey was the one in a fond mood. "Abigail Victory Novak loves kids. But babies are her favorite."

"I bet it comes from having so many nieces and nephews."

Harper gestured in the girl's direction. Melissa could be seen bowing and curtsying to her own reflection in the mirror. She was also practicing a posh English accent.

"I bathed Melissa today. I also dressed her, did her hair, and I made sure she got some breakfast."

Casey grinned. "Thanks, Harp. You're going to be her new best friend."

"I do not mind. Your daughter is a love bug." Harper shifted her weight on her feet. "And I have also seen Sophia's dress. Far be it from me to ruin that surprise, but I do come bearing a gift from her."

"Oh?"

"Mhm. This is for you."

Harper pulled a silver cuff bracelet from one dress pocket. It was broad. And just big enough to show a long line of elephants carved into the material. They were a family.

But Casey's heart fluttered.

One of the first things she had learned about Sophia was her love for the glorious gentle giants. But she was still the one who collected elephant-related items the most. A gift of elephant anything from Sophia to her today was a big deal.

"Outstanding…"

Casey slid the bracelet on to one wrist. It fit perfectly.

Then she said to Harper, "I thank you for bringing this to me. And… I have an offer for you."

Harper looked at her curiously. "In what way?"

"The bond between you and I… in correlation to being related… is probably one of the most complicated ones in this whole 'collective.' How about you and I just call it for what is: family?"

The redhead held out one hand. She really meant what she'd said.

"Okay." Harper held her hand. "Family."

They had hardly shaken on it when Melissa sidled back over. But her sigh was palpable.

"You're okay, pretty girl." Harper scooped Melissa into her arms. "Want to go some place quiet?"

Melissa nodded and laid her head on Harper's shoulder.

Casey kissed the Melissa's cheek. "I will see you later."

Melissa just yawned. Even gave Harper a pat on the shoulder before delivering Casey of a thumb's up.

"Guess that's our cue to go. And I will make sure she can have a rest now, too." Harper told Casey. "Don't forget to breathe."

Casey laughed, and helped Harper and Melissa get out of the room in one piece.

But just mere seconds had passed when…

"Oh, Casey…" came one more new voice.

"You look absolutely stunning." finished another.

Olivia and Alex were now in the doorway. Both were awaiting permission to enter.

Casey beckoned to the Cabots. "Come in. Please. I'm ecstatic you two are here..."

The bride's voice trailed away, ending in a whisper. Olivia and Alex understood. They knew Casey loved them. And they loved her. Dearly.

"Today," said Alex. "Is an absolute perfect example of how friends can become family. We're overjoyed to welcome you into ours this way."

Agreeing, Olivia added, "We love you. We are so proud of you. To watch you come this far, and then make a successful life with Sophia has been amazing. It has also been an honor."

Casey turned bashful. "Then... I guess I've come a long way from the pesky person who showed up unannounced at a crime scene, huh?"

"She did what?" Alex blurted to Olivia in surprise

Casey smiled before saying, "Then I guess I've come a long way from the pesky person who showed up unannounced at a crime scene, huh?"

"What?" Alex blurted in surprise.

Olivia laughed. "Yes. Yes, you have. But... You've grown into someone whom I adore, love, cherish, and very deeply respect."

"The feeling is mutual on my part." Alex added. "The bond between the three of us will be unique. For life. But I love it. And at the end of it all, I know that the events of today are exactly where supposed to be."

Olivia looked to her wife. "Babe, would you change how any of us got here?"

"No." Alex replied. "Not at all."

The blonde then showed Casey a small velveteen drawstring bag from her pocket.

"To that end, we had this made for you."

Olivia spoke as her other half shook the bag's contents into her palm. "We have your 'something blue' now."

Casey's heart tuned over at this point.

Her friends were showing her a delicate royal blue oval-shaped locket on a silver chain. Casey's heart turned over again when she saw the photographs inside. The left half bore an image of herself with Sophia. Opposite was a snapshot of their children. Her family. Close to her heart. Always.

Olivia melted at the younger woman's expression: Casey was feeling overwhelmed by joy.

"Thank you, both. I love it." Casey said sincerely. "Will you be seeing Soph next?"

Olivia nodded. "Yes. Do you have something you'd like passed along?"

Casey handed her a small black box from her vanity table. "This is for her. And… Great minds think alike."

Surprised, Alex asked, "In what way?"

"There's an elephant bracelet in there. But she also sent one along for me." Casey showed them. "Wild, huh?"

Alex winked. "Actually… It shows that you and Sophia are very in sync."

"Yes." Olivia said in agreement. "She's right. But then again… She always is."

"Correct." Alex confirmed smugly. "But we should get going now. I think your parents are due next. See you later."

Both Cabots gave Casey one more hug before electing to take their leave.

She had hardly gathered her thoughts when…

"Cassandra Stephanie, you look magnificent."

Her parents had come calling. At long last.

Casey loved her parents. But they were also genuinely her friends.

She motioned for Senior and Violet to enter the room.

"How are you?" Senior asked as they helped her to sit at her vanity table. "Be honest."

Casey exhaled noisily. "Nervous. Eager. Over the moon."

Reassuringly, Violet said, "Your feelings are normal and valid. I also have your 'something old' now."

Casey knew exactly what it was. "Your old watch."

"Very good." Violet pulled it from her clutch and fastened it just above Casey's new bracelet. "Olivia wore this on her wedding day. Each of your married sisters wore it on theirs. One day, Abigail will wear it when she ties the knot. I wore this when I married pop. Today is your turn."

Beside Violet, Senior tacked on his own thoughts about a different matter. "All we've ever wanted for you is happening. Our joy? Terrific."

Augustín Ladislav Novak Senior loved all of his children equally. But… He had been looking forward to Casey's wedding ever since he'd first held her. Why? Because he'd missed most of Violet's pregnancy with her. And her birth.

But at least he'd had a good excuse: missing in action during a literal war.

Both of Casey's parents then correctly read her body language when they noticed she was trying not to go on another crying jag.

Violet said gently, "What is you need, Cassandra? Share."

Casey said, "Tell me the story of how you two met. Please?"

Her parents' first meeting was family legend.

But it was also Casey's wedding day. Heaps of indulgence was ahead.

Casey's parents would also be hard-pressed to forget the aftermath of her physical assault in her office. Even the doctors had been unsure if she would walk again. And no way would they ever forget the Charlie drama.

But... Today, she would be marrying the love of her life. A most gentle soul. A woman who would never lift a hand to her. Because she loved her. Cherished her.

Today was also about celebrating how far Casey had come. Of course they would give her what she wanted.

"As you well know," Senior began. "We were actual kids."

Violet chimed in, "But no matter what Augustín says: I saw him first."

"Got it." Casey chuckled. "Go on."

From there, Casey's parents told her all about their first meeting.

Any other business? It could wait. Just for a little bit longer.