After the traditional first dances were had, the dance floor opened up. To everyone.

But Amanda then had her own agenda: seeking out her own list of people for certain dances.

Up first was Alex. They did have Olivia in common, but Alex loved Amanda because her wife did. She also treated the other woman like she really was one of their kids. It hadn't been too difficult to form a friendship after that.

Amanda found Harper after her. They got on so well that they were mistaken for sisters at times. But neither would forget how they'd been around each other in extremely vulnerable times. They were bonded. For life.

Even Maisie was on Amanda's list. She had earned her way into the broad collection of people that was this... unique family. How? For helping them during terrifically difficult situations, and for delivering the Bailey children. Amongst other things. Maisie also happened to be very fun. And amazingly smart. Having a dance with her would seal it all.

Then there was Violet. Casey's mother. In twenty-four hours, that woman would even be Sophia's mother-in-law. But forever of note was how Violet had always led the effort in spearheading the entire clan of Novak to give aid when it was needed. Violet Novak also had a generous heart and kind spirit. Everybody loved her.

The detective even got in a dance with Beth Anne. Her move here surprised everyone. Olivia even had a small cry about it. Amanda's and Beth Anne's previously-tumultous relationship had healed. Now the women were genuinely friends. And it was beautiful.


Olivia would have also expected Amanda to be tired after the dance with Beth Anne.

Yet…


"There you are, Liv!" came Amanda's excited voice.

"Indeed." the older woman said in surprise. "Did you need help with something?"

"Uh-uh, but I've had a dance with everyone at this table except for you. And our DJ will be starting a new track soon."

The detective extended a hand to her boss.

"May I have the next dance?"

Olivia didn't have to look around to know the others at the table were already ushering her on.

"Alright." she let Amanda pull her up. "You may."

Beaming, Amanda led Olivia to the dance floor. Different people were also flocking over. In pairs.

Olivia asked the bride, "What's this dance about?"

"To celebrate friendships." Amanda then lifted her chin slightly, indicating a sight over Olivia's shoulder. "Behind you. Ten o'clock."

Discreet, Olivia checked. Trevor and Harper could be seen together nearby. Also preparing.

Olivia looked back to Amanda. "Those two being friends is an oddity I will never be over."

"Harp told me last week that Trevor treats her like a sister. Maisie does, too." Amanda informed Olivia. "Your sister also loves the Langan children accordingly."

Olivia grinned. She had finally met Trevor's and Maisie's children today. They were around. Somewhere.

"Just what do Eloise and Arjan have to say about my sister?" she wanted to know.

Amanda smiled more. "They've been calling her 'Auntie Harper' for quite awhile now. Even Tuesday's children refer to Harper as such."

Olivia looked at Amanda in surprise. "How do you know about Trevor's twin?"

"Harper talks. A lot. She met those Langans when she was at Maisie's and Trevor's for dinner once. I think she said it was in April?" Amanda shrugged. "They liked her so much at once that by the end of the night, they invited her to their kids' birthday parties. Harper went. Brought presents, too. She also told me the name of Tuesday's wife."

"Don't quit there." Olivia said swiftly.

"I'm not even kidding, but her name happens to be Wednesday."

Olivia lifted one eyebrow. "That is nuts. Just what are the chances that people called Tuesday and Wednesday would meet, fall in love, and start a family?"

Amanda smirked. "Those chances are called Margaret Lux Langan. According to Harper, Maisie and Trevor fixed them up."

"Just like how Tuesday introduced Maisie to Trevor. I still need to get the story on that." Olivia shook her head. "Amanda, did that entire family miss their calling to be matchmakers?"

"Yes. Trevor does law and Maisie is a nurse, but Tuesday makes a living as a well sought-after physical therapist."

Olivia continued to hang on to every word. "And what does Wednesday do?"

Amanda winked. "Harper said Wednesday is a hippotherapist."

Olivia continued to be amazed. "Incredible. Even the Langans don't do anything small. How do you know this much about them?"

"Because Harper told me so. She and I hang out."

"You do?"

"Harper is a lovely person, but we did look after each other in vulnerable times. Neither of us will ever forget it. I won't forget it. She and I are bonded for life." Amanda said with great sincerity. "It also gives me such joy knowing that she is your sister."

"How is that?" Olivia said in surprise.

Amanda sounded like a child caught with one hand in a cookie jar. "After the Simon mess, I always hoped quietly that you would have some kind of sister. For company. I'm just sorry about how she came to be."

"There is no erasing that that. For her, or for me. But I'm glad to know Harp. She is one of the friends I've ever loved in my life. Now everything we've wanted for her is happening." Olivia said cheerfully. "Amanda, thank you for being part of it."

"I couldn't imagine being anywhere else." Amanda said in truth. "Plus… I couldn't imagine a life where we don't know each other. I mean it. You made me a better person, Olivia, because you picked me up after my setbacks. Always. Even when I didn't deserve it. Thank you. I love you."

Olivia's heart did its umpteenth joy-filled loop of the day. She and Amanda had always been close. Even when the younger woman toed the line. (Or jumped it) So for her to say all this now… On her wedding day…

Amanda really had grown up.

"I love you, too." Olivia told her friend.

Across the room, the DJ finally started the song up. It happened to be one of Olivia's favorites. Ever.

She led Amanda in the dance as the words filled the room.

It's a little bit funny

This feeling inside

I'm not one of those

Who can easily hide

I don't have much money

But boy if I did

I'd buy a big house where

We both could live

So, excuse me forgetting

But these things I do

You see I've forgotten if

They're green or they're blue

Anyway the thing is

What I really mean

Yours are the sweetest eyes

I've ever seen

And you can tell everybody

This is your song

It may be quite simple but

Now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is

Now you're in the world

If I was a sculptor

But then again, no

Or a girl who makes potions in

A travelling show

I know it's not much but

It's the best I can do

My gift is my song and

This one's for you

And you can tell everybody

This is your song

It may be quite simple but

Now that it's done

I hope you don't mind

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is

Now you're in the world

The table that Olivia had been plucked from was nearby. She could feel Alex, Violet, Maisie, and Beth Anne watching. All of them where curious and amazed. Each for her own reason.

But they were like mind readers. Olivia had already been reflecting on one very specific Amanda-related topic.

"I've been thinking about how beautiful everything has been today." Olivia told her. "Today, I performed a wedding ceremony for one daughter. Tomorrow, my other half and I are giving another away. We'll even be gaining a new one. But you know what?"

Amanda was now the one hanging on to every word. "Please tell me."

"I couldn't ask for more. Nether could Alex. She wouldn't have it any other way. Same goes for me. I am so glad I've been able to have an important role. Thank you again." Olivia gave her detective what was surely her millionth hug of the day. "Amanda Coraline Grace Carisi, you changed my life. I'm honored to know you. And see the woman you've become today."

"I might cry," was all Amanda could say.

Olivia rubbed Amanda's back. "Sweetheart, it's okay if you do. That is a promise. And it's your wedding day."

So Amanda leaned her head against Olivia's shoulder. Both grew lost in the moment. Just enjoyed it.

Back at the table…

Alex, Violet, Beth Anne, and Maisie finally looked away from watching Amanda and Olivia. Time to talk about a new item.

Maisie spoke. "Has it always been this way?

Violet stirred her drink. "Such is a broad question, my dear."

But Beth Anne gave a soft laugh. "I think she means Olivia's ability to make you feel as if you're the only other person on the planet when you converse with her."

"Yes." Maisie said seriously. "That is what I mean. I've been hearing stories about Olivia for a long time, and my husband has gone up against her in court a lot. Trev even swears that Olivia is the cause of his grey hair. But…"

"Go on." Violet encouraged. "What's changed?"

Maisie sat back in her chair. "My husband helped Olivia out of a real jam some years ago. They've been good friends ever since. I just didn't meet Olivia for myself until not long after Harper came into the picture."

"So you're still learning about her…" Violet realized.

Alex finally spoke. "My wife absolutely does have a way of making everyone feel seen. Her gaze is magnetic."

Violet blurted, "Oh, yes. But it's also a fact that being loved by Olivia is really something special. Augustín and I saw Casey become transformed because of her."

"Same can be said about Amanda." remarked Beth Anne. "I can't imagine a world where my daughter isn't here."

"And God only knows where or how Sophia, Harper, and Serena would be if Olivia hadn't met them with love." murmured Violet. "Sobering."

Beth Anne shivered. "Correct. Especially because my kin is the reason Sophia exists."

Maisie looked at her with a start. "Excuse me? Are you saying this family that my husband and I have been drawn in to has its own lore?"

"Yes." everyone else at the table said together.

"And," Beth Anne chimed in. "You are part of it. Same goes for my husband and myself. Trevor, too. The answer to your 'broad question' is an absolute yes."

Alex rounded her out. "It really has always been this way."

Maisie felt in a daze. "Wow. Does anyone want to tell me how this lore goes, then?"

All eyes fell to Alex. Next to Olivia, she was lauded as the second original matriarch. But she bore her title proudly.

"Well… My version of events begins in late October of 2000…"