"Stop fidgeting," Isabel said for the tenth time in as many minutes.
"You're wrinkling your dress." Isabel reached beneath the hem of Maria's
candlelight, crepe gown to adjust the six layers of crinoline. The full
skirt of the a-line gown swayed with even the smallest movement Maria made.
"I feel like a giant, marshmallow crème puff," Maria complained. "And what's the point of shoes if you can't even see them. Can't I just take them off?"
"Then your dress would be too long," Isabel said as she moved to adjust pearls sewn to the fitted bodice of the gown. Maria's small waist was accented with an appliqué of lace and pearls. She wore pearls in her ears and matching string of pearls around her neck, on loan from Isabel as her something borrowed.
Liz reached for Maria's wringing hands and gently held them. "Creme puff or not, you look beautiful."
Maria forced a smile. She reached forward and gently touched the baby's breath neatly tucked into Liz's hair. "Yellow's definitely your color," Maria said commenting on the dresses she'd picked out for Liz and Isabel. Her two bridesmaids wore spaghetti-strap, a-line gowns and carried colorful bouquets of wildflowers, the stems wrapped in yellow satin ribbons.
"Are you nervous?" Liz asked.
Through a shaky giggle, Maria admitted, "An absolute wreck. Thank goodness I have you two here to help me through this."
Liz twirled the princess cut diamond on her own finger and said, "Just remember that when Max and I call on you to baby-sit."
Shortly after becoming engaged, Liz and Max filed to adopt Joey, a six-year old boy Max had been working with at the county shelter in Roswell. Feeling Joey needed a new start for his new life with them, Max and Liz relocated to L.A. to be near their friends.
Liz found work as a T.A. while studying in the biology department at UCLA and Max quickly landed a job in the social services division of the city, in much need of help.
Joey and Hope became fast best friends. Even though they were close in years, Hope, having had a much more stable childhood than Joey, was the clear leader. Joey followed her around and seemed to look up to Hope. Joey wanted nothing more than to be just like Hope.
Max and Liz were glad Joey found a positive role model, but the task was difficult to explain why he and Hope couldn't always do the same things. Their latest dilemma was making Joey understand why he couldn't throw flowers at their wedding like Hope was doing at her parent's wedding.
"It's not fair," Joey had whined.
"But you get to carry the rings," Max told Joey trying to make him feel better about being the ring bearer rather than the flower girl.
"It's not the same," Joey had whimpered.
"Is it terrible two's or terrible six's?" Liz had laughed reveling with Max in the joys of parenthood.
"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Isabel asked Maria.
"About Michael?" Maria laughed at the insanity of Isabel's question. "God, no. He's the one thing... well, he's..."
"We know," Liz said rescuing Maria before any tears had the chance to ruin her makeup.
"The only thing I'm afraid of..." Maria began.
Liz and Isabel held their breaths waiting to hear what had Maria so jittery. They couldn't imagine how Maria could possibly have any doubts about Michael or his feelings. They wondered how Maria could be anything less than confident about the future that awaited her family.
"I'm afraid," Maria continued at full speed, "about tripping on my dress, falling face first to the floor, shining my underoos to all those guests out there, giving myself a black eye and broken nose - which will be lovely in the pictures mind you that will probably grace the cover of People Magazine, and then when I try to stand back up I'm gonna rip my gown and look like a pirate's wench just washed ashore, and."
"Hey," Isabel said stopping Maria's babbling. "Get a hold of yourself, girl!" Isabel took Maria's shoulders. "I did a lot of planning on this wedding. And I didn't plan for any falls, no broken noses, and no pirates were invited. So no need to worry about looking like a wench."
"I owe you so big," Maria said shaking her head. She truly was thankful for all the hard work Isabel had done putting together the perfect wedding. Even though Maria sometimes felt bad for leaving so much work to her, she knew that Isabel was having a lot of fun planning and making reservations and designing favors.
"Well," Isabel said. "I don't know if you'll ever get a chance to return that favor."
"He'll ask," Liz said answering the thoughts that she knew were in Isabel's mind.
"I don't know about that," Isabel said. "You know - always the bridesmaid, never the bride. I was thinking that I might just have to do the asking myself."
"Mommy!" Hope shouted rounding the corner at full speed.
"Hope! Slow down before you fall!" Maria shouted.
"You have to go now," Hope said out of breath.
............................................................................ ...............................................
The church was beautifully decorated with yellow roses and satin ribbons, a la Isabel-flair. She'd missed not even the smallest detail when designing and planning. The candelabras were fitted with dripless white candles, the end of each pew was marked with yellow roses, greenery and ribbons, and the center isle was lined with a rolled-out white carpet. The white, baby grand piano was outfitted with yellow roses and ribbons. Isabel had even brought in specially-fitted stained glass in yellow and white to temporarily replace the church's usual glass.
Guests filled the pews. hundreds of family members, friends and coworkers.
And in the front of the church, Michael stood waiting for Maria. He waited for her to join him before the preacher. He waited for his family to become official. He waited for his life to begin.
"Hey," Alex said from behind him. "There's a lot more people here than I had figured."
"Yeah," Max joked from behind Alex. "You've got quite an audience. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"
"Are you kidding?" Michael scoffed. "You're just lucky I'm going first, Maxwell. You know, show you how it's done. Alex, did you go by the jeweler this morning?"
"Sure thing," Alex answered. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a heart-shaped diamond on a tiny gold band.
Michael stared at the ring for a moment in disbelief. "What the hell is that?"
"I'm going to ask Isabel tonight," Alex said smiling ear-to-ear.
Max patted Alex on the back. "Congratulations."
"She hasn't said yes, yet," Alex reminded Max.
"Hey, that's great," Michael said. He reached forward to take Alex into a hug. Through gritted teeth, Michael whispered, "But you better have gotten something else from that jeweler."
"Take it easy," Alex said pulling away from Michael's death grip. "It's right here in the other pocket." Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a small platinum band. He held the ring close to his face and read the inscription. "Maria, my love and hope."
Michael reflected on how perfectly Maria had named their daughter. Hope had been all any of them had for years. When he was on Antar, Michael had dreamed of his return home to Maria. Then, upon arriving back on Earth and learning he'd lost Maria, his dreams were all he held. In his dreams, he saw her. And in her, he saw hope. That hope was what kept him going even in her absence. In each of his patients at the hospital, he saw hope. In the eyes of the anxious families of those patients, he saw confidence as they placed their hope in him. And when Michael discovered Maria back within his grasps, hope surrounded his being and became his lifeblood. Then, after learning hope truly belonged to him, in the form of a beautiful daughter, Michael suddenly found himself utterly dependent upon the one thing that had been his crutch - hope. The hope for family. When Hope was taken from him as abruptly as she had appeared, Michael faltered on losing faith that he was meant for the kind of life he'd dreamed of since he was not much older than Hope. Yet somehow, even in a time when he could have easily slipped into depression, Maria and his briefest encounters with the sweet smile of Hope had kept him afloat.
And then she said yes. Maria said yes. Michael had marveled at how Maria could say yes without blinking an eye. Even with his less-than-perfect track history, his love had said yes. Despite how undeserving he was of the request, she'd agreed to marry him with no consideration. Maria had once again bestowed upon him the hope on which he had become reliant. She'd opened her life to him... and ultimately given him Hope. a charming little girl, a child he was proud to call his daughter.
Michael remembered the night, a few weeks after having escaped from the FBI, that they saw the news report on television. Jackson held true to his threat. He'd told the world of the existence of aliens. He'd told anyone who would listen about the experiences he had with the aliens. And then he was committed to the looney bin. As a permanent resident of Oak Leaf Hills, Jackson was ordered to remain under high sedation for delusional tendencies and potential to harm himself or others.
Only a few nights later, Michael and Maria had decided it was finally safe to tell Hope the truth about her father. Michael had worried that Hope wouldn't understand why her father had been absent from her life for so many years. Still, he could hardly wait to begin developing the kind of relationship he'd envisioned since the day he'd learned she was his Hope.
One night, after Michael took Maria and Hope out for a special dinner, they sat Hope down to explain. Maria went first. She was worried that Hope may be angry that her daddy was not with her so she told Hope how Michael wasn't aware that she was in L.A. "You know how lots of people don't know mommy's real name?" Maria explained. "Michael didn't know Marianna was really mommy either. If he'd known, then he would have been able to find us."
Hope said she understood, but Michael wasn't fully convinced. So, with Hope's permission, he connected with her and showed her everything he knew she could handle at such a young age. He showed her how much it killed him to leave her mother. He showed her how much he loved her and Maria. He showed her how he'd prayed for them to be a family. And then he shared with her some of the plans and hopes he had for their future life together.
Michael showed Hope an image of the three of them playing in the park and then an image of him carrying her to the car after the day's fun had exhausted his baby. He showed her an image of her standing on his feet as he danced her around the gymnasium at a father/daughter ball. He showed her an image of their family sitting around the tree on Christmas morning while Hope tore wrapping paper and tossed bows across the room. Then he showed her an image of him tucking her into bed. Just as he turned to leave her bedroom, Hope called out, "Goodnight, Daddy." Through the flash, Michael communicated to Hope how much pride he took in having her call him Daddy and how he truly adored feeling loved by her.
"Do you have any questions?" Michael had asked when he and Maria had finished explaining.
"Just one," Hope said. "Does this mean I call you Daddy now?"
"Pssst. Dr. Guerin," a young man on the second row called to Michael interrupting his thoughts.
Michael smiled at his intern, Andrew.
Andrew motioned to the balcony overlooking the sanctuary. Michael looked up and saw paparazzi readying themselves to steal the first photographs of the couple's wedding. Michael returned his eyes to Andrew and nodded. Immediately, Andrew stood and began making his way towards the balcony. As he neared the back of the church, he waved two other doctors to join him in ridding the ceremony of the uninvited guests.
"Geez," Alex said to Michael. "You running a hospital or a mafia operation?"
"No," Michael answered. "I just don't want anything to ruin this for Maria. Besides, we already hired a photographer. And at $450 an hour, he sure as hell better not be out-shot by some random newspaper reporters."
........................
Maria rounded the corner leading to the back of the church where she would begin her accent to Michael and her future. Hope giggled uncontrollably as Isabel and Liz scolded her.
"What's going on?" Maria asked.
"I don't think they wanted her to ruin the surprise," a man's voice said as he met Maria at the corner.
"Oh my gosh," Maria said as air left her lungs. She smiled up at a tuxedo- clad man she hadn't seen since she left Roswell so many years ago.
"Well, don't just stand there," Jim Valenti said. "I believe a nice doctor is waiting for me to give you away."
"Sheriff," Maria breathed. "How. I. I'm so glad you're here," she finally spit out as she waddled towards him.
Isabel realized Maria and Jim intended to hug. She thought quickly and ran between them successfully stopping both people. "No!" She shouted. She lowered her voice and spoke. "No hugging until after the photos are taken."
Jim looked at Liz with confusion hoping she could enlighten him regarding Isabel's no-hugging rule.
"Wrinkles," Liz explained.
"Ah," Jim said acknowledging that Isabel had evidently not changed a bit. "Wedding Nazi, too?" he whispered into Liz's ear.
Liz rolled her eyes. "You have no idea."
Isabel moved to the double doors and glanced inside the church. She signaled for the pianist to begin. When she heard the familiar tune, Isabel began directing. "Look alive, people. We are running behind! We have a show to do and the curtain is about to rise."
"Isabel," Liz reasoned. "It's a wedding ceremony.not a theatrical production."
.......................
Liz began her walk down the isle first. She smiled at Max who grinned back. They were both reveling in knowing they were next.
Isabel followed Liz. She told herself she wouldn't, but she just couldn't help herself. She had to adjust the bow on the end of pew four that was out of place.
Alex only smiled knowing the inner battle Isabel was fighting not to stop and straighten every bow and adjust every flower, and shape every melting candle. He loved her quirky compulsiveness and he loved her. He couldn't wait to ask her to marry him. Still, he knew this was Maria's and Michael's long awaited and much deserved day. So, he forced himself to forget about the ring that was burning a hole in his pocket. In his heart, he knew she would accept, but his jitters were growing greater with each passing hour in the day. Even though he knew Isabel before she was Belle and gracing covers of magazines, he couldn't help but occasionally marvel at the fact that he was dating a model. Being an agent, he was accustomed to being around stars and important people, but to have one of them notice him, the behind-the-scenes person... well, Alex just couldn't believe he was lucky enough to be in love Isabel and to have her return his love.
Hope followed Isabel. She took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. Half way up the isle, Hope ran out of petals. She reached her tiny hand into her empty basket and nearly panicked. She stood still in her spot and knew not what to do. She glanced around nervously only to discover everyone laughing at her.
From a nearby pew, Lupe recognized Hope's state. She knew Hope was about to either run out of the church crying or simply faint. Immediately, she began making her way through the pew to rescue Hope. "Hope," Lupe whispered. "Here, child. Take these," she said pulling flowers from the ends of three pews.
Isabel gasped and threw her hand to her mouth.
"It'll be fine," Liz whispered shushing Isabel.
Hope and Lupe worked together to remove the petals from the roses. When the basket was full, Lupe smiled at Hope, "Sonrie M'ija. Show them that beautiful smile." Hope smiled at Lupe and continued her ascent. She took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal.
Maria, escorted by Jim, heard the music change and knew it was time for her walk.
"Marianna!" a voice called from behind her.
Maria and Jim turned around and were blinded by the flash of a camera. The photographer, satisfied with the startled expression he caught on film, dashed around the corner and headed up the hall.
No sooner than he'd rounded the corner, Maria and Jim heard a smothered yelp, a loud thud and plastic crunching. A tall slender man with blonde hair and green eyes emerged from around the corner carrying what remained of the photographer's camera and the exposed film. "Taken care of," the man said.
"Thanks, Dr. Adams," Maria smiled.
"No problem," the man laughed and pointed to the double doors leading into the sanctuary. "Dr. Guerin's waiting on you."
Maria nodded and took a deep breath.
"You ready?" Jim asked.
Maria suddenly found speaking impossible. She merely shook her head and bent towards the floor reaching for her feet.
Jim, assuming Maria was about to suffer a panic attack, was in shock. He had no idea what to do to help Maria. He wondered if he should holler for Liz and Isabel, but he didn't want to alarm the guests. So, he decided to attempt handling the situation himself.
"Yeah, that's good," Jim said patting Maria's back. "Bending over should keep you from fainting."
"I'm not gonna faint," Maria grumbled still struggling to find her feet. "Um. a little help here, please?"
Confused, but never one to argue with a Deluca, squatted down to help Maria with whatever it was she so desperately needed.
"My right shoe," Maria pointed.
Jim removed Maria's candlelight pump and noticed a small coin taped to the inside. "All this for a nickel?"
"No," Maria explained. "That's a six pence and it has to stay in the shoe for good fortune and a good marriage. I want what's in the toe."
Jim flipped the shoe and caught a small vile in his palm. "Do your shoes double as your purse or what?"
"Just hand it to me," Maria said taking the vile. She gripped the cap and twisted. She brought the vile to her nose. "Thank goodness," Maria said breathing deeply.
"Cypress oil? I guess some things never change," Jim laughed.
Feeling much more relaxed and ready to be paraded before her hundreds of guests, Maria handed the vile to Jim and said, "Here. Pocket."
Jim took the vile, handed Maria her shoes and said, "Here. Foot."
Maria giggled and dropped her shoe to the ground. She slid her foot into the slipper and took Jim's arm. "I'm really glad you could make it," she said sincerely.
"What? And miss the world's first alien/human wedding ceremony? No way," Jim said. "I just keep waiting for the flowers to glow or for the guests to float."
............................................................................ .........................
Michael wondered what was taking so long. Hope had long taken her spot next to Isabel and Liz and Maria had still not emerged from the double doors. He wondered if she had changed her mind about him. He worried if she was okay or she was battling paparazzi. And he feared he'd blown it last week when he told her he didn't really care if she went with 100% cotton or polyester blend napkins.
Just in time to rescue Michael's mind from leaving, Maria appeared at the doors in the back of the church.
Finally, Michael understood. He understood why Isabel had made certain he stole not even the briefest glimpse of Maria all day. If he'd seen her looking that beautiful, there would have been no wedding. He'd have melted on the spot. In fact, even then, Michael struggled to keep his balance.
As Maria made her way up the isle to Michael, she looked around at all her guests. She smiled back at each face smiling happily at her and Jim. Half way up the isle, her eyes found those of her future husband's. Michael was stunning in his black tux. Her grin grew wider at the thought of being his wife in a matter of mere minutes. Growing old, a thought she'd never found especially appealing, became something Maria could not wait to start doing... as long as it was with Michael. In an instant, she could picture herself with gray hair sitting next to Michael on their front porch swing watching the grandchildren play on the front lawn. Her eyes had grown weak throughout the years and she wore glasses, but she had no problem making out the fine lines that hugged Michael's eyes... a reminder of all the laughter and happy times they'd shared.
"Who gives this woman away?" the preacher asked when Maria and Jim stopped at the front of the church.
"I do," Jim said and released Maria's arm. He placed her shaking hand into Michael's extended hand and gave her one last reassuring glance before taking his seat in the second pew.
"You're late," Michael whispered.
"Nearly took me a lifetime to get here," Maria whispered back.
"Nah," Michael smiled. "We're just starting that."
"I feel like a giant, marshmallow crème puff," Maria complained. "And what's the point of shoes if you can't even see them. Can't I just take them off?"
"Then your dress would be too long," Isabel said as she moved to adjust pearls sewn to the fitted bodice of the gown. Maria's small waist was accented with an appliqué of lace and pearls. She wore pearls in her ears and matching string of pearls around her neck, on loan from Isabel as her something borrowed.
Liz reached for Maria's wringing hands and gently held them. "Creme puff or not, you look beautiful."
Maria forced a smile. She reached forward and gently touched the baby's breath neatly tucked into Liz's hair. "Yellow's definitely your color," Maria said commenting on the dresses she'd picked out for Liz and Isabel. Her two bridesmaids wore spaghetti-strap, a-line gowns and carried colorful bouquets of wildflowers, the stems wrapped in yellow satin ribbons.
"Are you nervous?" Liz asked.
Through a shaky giggle, Maria admitted, "An absolute wreck. Thank goodness I have you two here to help me through this."
Liz twirled the princess cut diamond on her own finger and said, "Just remember that when Max and I call on you to baby-sit."
Shortly after becoming engaged, Liz and Max filed to adopt Joey, a six-year old boy Max had been working with at the county shelter in Roswell. Feeling Joey needed a new start for his new life with them, Max and Liz relocated to L.A. to be near their friends.
Liz found work as a T.A. while studying in the biology department at UCLA and Max quickly landed a job in the social services division of the city, in much need of help.
Joey and Hope became fast best friends. Even though they were close in years, Hope, having had a much more stable childhood than Joey, was the clear leader. Joey followed her around and seemed to look up to Hope. Joey wanted nothing more than to be just like Hope.
Max and Liz were glad Joey found a positive role model, but the task was difficult to explain why he and Hope couldn't always do the same things. Their latest dilemma was making Joey understand why he couldn't throw flowers at their wedding like Hope was doing at her parent's wedding.
"It's not fair," Joey had whined.
"But you get to carry the rings," Max told Joey trying to make him feel better about being the ring bearer rather than the flower girl.
"It's not the same," Joey had whimpered.
"Is it terrible two's or terrible six's?" Liz had laughed reveling with Max in the joys of parenthood.
"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Isabel asked Maria.
"About Michael?" Maria laughed at the insanity of Isabel's question. "God, no. He's the one thing... well, he's..."
"We know," Liz said rescuing Maria before any tears had the chance to ruin her makeup.
"The only thing I'm afraid of..." Maria began.
Liz and Isabel held their breaths waiting to hear what had Maria so jittery. They couldn't imagine how Maria could possibly have any doubts about Michael or his feelings. They wondered how Maria could be anything less than confident about the future that awaited her family.
"I'm afraid," Maria continued at full speed, "about tripping on my dress, falling face first to the floor, shining my underoos to all those guests out there, giving myself a black eye and broken nose - which will be lovely in the pictures mind you that will probably grace the cover of People Magazine, and then when I try to stand back up I'm gonna rip my gown and look like a pirate's wench just washed ashore, and."
"Hey," Isabel said stopping Maria's babbling. "Get a hold of yourself, girl!" Isabel took Maria's shoulders. "I did a lot of planning on this wedding. And I didn't plan for any falls, no broken noses, and no pirates were invited. So no need to worry about looking like a wench."
"I owe you so big," Maria said shaking her head. She truly was thankful for all the hard work Isabel had done putting together the perfect wedding. Even though Maria sometimes felt bad for leaving so much work to her, she knew that Isabel was having a lot of fun planning and making reservations and designing favors.
"Well," Isabel said. "I don't know if you'll ever get a chance to return that favor."
"He'll ask," Liz said answering the thoughts that she knew were in Isabel's mind.
"I don't know about that," Isabel said. "You know - always the bridesmaid, never the bride. I was thinking that I might just have to do the asking myself."
"Mommy!" Hope shouted rounding the corner at full speed.
"Hope! Slow down before you fall!" Maria shouted.
"You have to go now," Hope said out of breath.
............................................................................ ...............................................
The church was beautifully decorated with yellow roses and satin ribbons, a la Isabel-flair. She'd missed not even the smallest detail when designing and planning. The candelabras were fitted with dripless white candles, the end of each pew was marked with yellow roses, greenery and ribbons, and the center isle was lined with a rolled-out white carpet. The white, baby grand piano was outfitted with yellow roses and ribbons. Isabel had even brought in specially-fitted stained glass in yellow and white to temporarily replace the church's usual glass.
Guests filled the pews. hundreds of family members, friends and coworkers.
And in the front of the church, Michael stood waiting for Maria. He waited for her to join him before the preacher. He waited for his family to become official. He waited for his life to begin.
"Hey," Alex said from behind him. "There's a lot more people here than I had figured."
"Yeah," Max joked from behind Alex. "You've got quite an audience. Are you sure you want to go through with this?"
"Are you kidding?" Michael scoffed. "You're just lucky I'm going first, Maxwell. You know, show you how it's done. Alex, did you go by the jeweler this morning?"
"Sure thing," Alex answered. He reached into his pocket and retrieved a heart-shaped diamond on a tiny gold band.
Michael stared at the ring for a moment in disbelief. "What the hell is that?"
"I'm going to ask Isabel tonight," Alex said smiling ear-to-ear.
Max patted Alex on the back. "Congratulations."
"She hasn't said yes, yet," Alex reminded Max.
"Hey, that's great," Michael said. He reached forward to take Alex into a hug. Through gritted teeth, Michael whispered, "But you better have gotten something else from that jeweler."
"Take it easy," Alex said pulling away from Michael's death grip. "It's right here in the other pocket." Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a small platinum band. He held the ring close to his face and read the inscription. "Maria, my love and hope."
Michael reflected on how perfectly Maria had named their daughter. Hope had been all any of them had for years. When he was on Antar, Michael had dreamed of his return home to Maria. Then, upon arriving back on Earth and learning he'd lost Maria, his dreams were all he held. In his dreams, he saw her. And in her, he saw hope. That hope was what kept him going even in her absence. In each of his patients at the hospital, he saw hope. In the eyes of the anxious families of those patients, he saw confidence as they placed their hope in him. And when Michael discovered Maria back within his grasps, hope surrounded his being and became his lifeblood. Then, after learning hope truly belonged to him, in the form of a beautiful daughter, Michael suddenly found himself utterly dependent upon the one thing that had been his crutch - hope. The hope for family. When Hope was taken from him as abruptly as she had appeared, Michael faltered on losing faith that he was meant for the kind of life he'd dreamed of since he was not much older than Hope. Yet somehow, even in a time when he could have easily slipped into depression, Maria and his briefest encounters with the sweet smile of Hope had kept him afloat.
And then she said yes. Maria said yes. Michael had marveled at how Maria could say yes without blinking an eye. Even with his less-than-perfect track history, his love had said yes. Despite how undeserving he was of the request, she'd agreed to marry him with no consideration. Maria had once again bestowed upon him the hope on which he had become reliant. She'd opened her life to him... and ultimately given him Hope. a charming little girl, a child he was proud to call his daughter.
Michael remembered the night, a few weeks after having escaped from the FBI, that they saw the news report on television. Jackson held true to his threat. He'd told the world of the existence of aliens. He'd told anyone who would listen about the experiences he had with the aliens. And then he was committed to the looney bin. As a permanent resident of Oak Leaf Hills, Jackson was ordered to remain under high sedation for delusional tendencies and potential to harm himself or others.
Only a few nights later, Michael and Maria had decided it was finally safe to tell Hope the truth about her father. Michael had worried that Hope wouldn't understand why her father had been absent from her life for so many years. Still, he could hardly wait to begin developing the kind of relationship he'd envisioned since the day he'd learned she was his Hope.
One night, after Michael took Maria and Hope out for a special dinner, they sat Hope down to explain. Maria went first. She was worried that Hope may be angry that her daddy was not with her so she told Hope how Michael wasn't aware that she was in L.A. "You know how lots of people don't know mommy's real name?" Maria explained. "Michael didn't know Marianna was really mommy either. If he'd known, then he would have been able to find us."
Hope said she understood, but Michael wasn't fully convinced. So, with Hope's permission, he connected with her and showed her everything he knew she could handle at such a young age. He showed her how much it killed him to leave her mother. He showed her how much he loved her and Maria. He showed her how he'd prayed for them to be a family. And then he shared with her some of the plans and hopes he had for their future life together.
Michael showed Hope an image of the three of them playing in the park and then an image of him carrying her to the car after the day's fun had exhausted his baby. He showed her an image of her standing on his feet as he danced her around the gymnasium at a father/daughter ball. He showed her an image of their family sitting around the tree on Christmas morning while Hope tore wrapping paper and tossed bows across the room. Then he showed her an image of him tucking her into bed. Just as he turned to leave her bedroom, Hope called out, "Goodnight, Daddy." Through the flash, Michael communicated to Hope how much pride he took in having her call him Daddy and how he truly adored feeling loved by her.
"Do you have any questions?" Michael had asked when he and Maria had finished explaining.
"Just one," Hope said. "Does this mean I call you Daddy now?"
"Pssst. Dr. Guerin," a young man on the second row called to Michael interrupting his thoughts.
Michael smiled at his intern, Andrew.
Andrew motioned to the balcony overlooking the sanctuary. Michael looked up and saw paparazzi readying themselves to steal the first photographs of the couple's wedding. Michael returned his eyes to Andrew and nodded. Immediately, Andrew stood and began making his way towards the balcony. As he neared the back of the church, he waved two other doctors to join him in ridding the ceremony of the uninvited guests.
"Geez," Alex said to Michael. "You running a hospital or a mafia operation?"
"No," Michael answered. "I just don't want anything to ruin this for Maria. Besides, we already hired a photographer. And at $450 an hour, he sure as hell better not be out-shot by some random newspaper reporters."
........................
Maria rounded the corner leading to the back of the church where she would begin her accent to Michael and her future. Hope giggled uncontrollably as Isabel and Liz scolded her.
"What's going on?" Maria asked.
"I don't think they wanted her to ruin the surprise," a man's voice said as he met Maria at the corner.
"Oh my gosh," Maria said as air left her lungs. She smiled up at a tuxedo- clad man she hadn't seen since she left Roswell so many years ago.
"Well, don't just stand there," Jim Valenti said. "I believe a nice doctor is waiting for me to give you away."
"Sheriff," Maria breathed. "How. I. I'm so glad you're here," she finally spit out as she waddled towards him.
Isabel realized Maria and Jim intended to hug. She thought quickly and ran between them successfully stopping both people. "No!" She shouted. She lowered her voice and spoke. "No hugging until after the photos are taken."
Jim looked at Liz with confusion hoping she could enlighten him regarding Isabel's no-hugging rule.
"Wrinkles," Liz explained.
"Ah," Jim said acknowledging that Isabel had evidently not changed a bit. "Wedding Nazi, too?" he whispered into Liz's ear.
Liz rolled her eyes. "You have no idea."
Isabel moved to the double doors and glanced inside the church. She signaled for the pianist to begin. When she heard the familiar tune, Isabel began directing. "Look alive, people. We are running behind! We have a show to do and the curtain is about to rise."
"Isabel," Liz reasoned. "It's a wedding ceremony.not a theatrical production."
.......................
Liz began her walk down the isle first. She smiled at Max who grinned back. They were both reveling in knowing they were next.
Isabel followed Liz. She told herself she wouldn't, but she just couldn't help herself. She had to adjust the bow on the end of pew four that was out of place.
Alex only smiled knowing the inner battle Isabel was fighting not to stop and straighten every bow and adjust every flower, and shape every melting candle. He loved her quirky compulsiveness and he loved her. He couldn't wait to ask her to marry him. Still, he knew this was Maria's and Michael's long awaited and much deserved day. So, he forced himself to forget about the ring that was burning a hole in his pocket. In his heart, he knew she would accept, but his jitters were growing greater with each passing hour in the day. Even though he knew Isabel before she was Belle and gracing covers of magazines, he couldn't help but occasionally marvel at the fact that he was dating a model. Being an agent, he was accustomed to being around stars and important people, but to have one of them notice him, the behind-the-scenes person... well, Alex just couldn't believe he was lucky enough to be in love Isabel and to have her return his love.
Hope followed Isabel. She took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. Half way up the isle, Hope ran out of petals. She reached her tiny hand into her empty basket and nearly panicked. She stood still in her spot and knew not what to do. She glanced around nervously only to discover everyone laughing at her.
From a nearby pew, Lupe recognized Hope's state. She knew Hope was about to either run out of the church crying or simply faint. Immediately, she began making her way through the pew to rescue Hope. "Hope," Lupe whispered. "Here, child. Take these," she said pulling flowers from the ends of three pews.
Isabel gasped and threw her hand to her mouth.
"It'll be fine," Liz whispered shushing Isabel.
Hope and Lupe worked together to remove the petals from the roses. When the basket was full, Lupe smiled at Hope, "Sonrie M'ija. Show them that beautiful smile." Hope smiled at Lupe and continued her ascent. She took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal. took a small step and tossed a yellow rose petal.
Maria, escorted by Jim, heard the music change and knew it was time for her walk.
"Marianna!" a voice called from behind her.
Maria and Jim turned around and were blinded by the flash of a camera. The photographer, satisfied with the startled expression he caught on film, dashed around the corner and headed up the hall.
No sooner than he'd rounded the corner, Maria and Jim heard a smothered yelp, a loud thud and plastic crunching. A tall slender man with blonde hair and green eyes emerged from around the corner carrying what remained of the photographer's camera and the exposed film. "Taken care of," the man said.
"Thanks, Dr. Adams," Maria smiled.
"No problem," the man laughed and pointed to the double doors leading into the sanctuary. "Dr. Guerin's waiting on you."
Maria nodded and took a deep breath.
"You ready?" Jim asked.
Maria suddenly found speaking impossible. She merely shook her head and bent towards the floor reaching for her feet.
Jim, assuming Maria was about to suffer a panic attack, was in shock. He had no idea what to do to help Maria. He wondered if he should holler for Liz and Isabel, but he didn't want to alarm the guests. So, he decided to attempt handling the situation himself.
"Yeah, that's good," Jim said patting Maria's back. "Bending over should keep you from fainting."
"I'm not gonna faint," Maria grumbled still struggling to find her feet. "Um. a little help here, please?"
Confused, but never one to argue with a Deluca, squatted down to help Maria with whatever it was she so desperately needed.
"My right shoe," Maria pointed.
Jim removed Maria's candlelight pump and noticed a small coin taped to the inside. "All this for a nickel?"
"No," Maria explained. "That's a six pence and it has to stay in the shoe for good fortune and a good marriage. I want what's in the toe."
Jim flipped the shoe and caught a small vile in his palm. "Do your shoes double as your purse or what?"
"Just hand it to me," Maria said taking the vile. She gripped the cap and twisted. She brought the vile to her nose. "Thank goodness," Maria said breathing deeply.
"Cypress oil? I guess some things never change," Jim laughed.
Feeling much more relaxed and ready to be paraded before her hundreds of guests, Maria handed the vile to Jim and said, "Here. Pocket."
Jim took the vile, handed Maria her shoes and said, "Here. Foot."
Maria giggled and dropped her shoe to the ground. She slid her foot into the slipper and took Jim's arm. "I'm really glad you could make it," she said sincerely.
"What? And miss the world's first alien/human wedding ceremony? No way," Jim said. "I just keep waiting for the flowers to glow or for the guests to float."
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Michael wondered what was taking so long. Hope had long taken her spot next to Isabel and Liz and Maria had still not emerged from the double doors. He wondered if she had changed her mind about him. He worried if she was okay or she was battling paparazzi. And he feared he'd blown it last week when he told her he didn't really care if she went with 100% cotton or polyester blend napkins.
Just in time to rescue Michael's mind from leaving, Maria appeared at the doors in the back of the church.
Finally, Michael understood. He understood why Isabel had made certain he stole not even the briefest glimpse of Maria all day. If he'd seen her looking that beautiful, there would have been no wedding. He'd have melted on the spot. In fact, even then, Michael struggled to keep his balance.
As Maria made her way up the isle to Michael, she looked around at all her guests. She smiled back at each face smiling happily at her and Jim. Half way up the isle, her eyes found those of her future husband's. Michael was stunning in his black tux. Her grin grew wider at the thought of being his wife in a matter of mere minutes. Growing old, a thought she'd never found especially appealing, became something Maria could not wait to start doing... as long as it was with Michael. In an instant, she could picture herself with gray hair sitting next to Michael on their front porch swing watching the grandchildren play on the front lawn. Her eyes had grown weak throughout the years and she wore glasses, but she had no problem making out the fine lines that hugged Michael's eyes... a reminder of all the laughter and happy times they'd shared.
"Who gives this woman away?" the preacher asked when Maria and Jim stopped at the front of the church.
"I do," Jim said and released Maria's arm. He placed her shaking hand into Michael's extended hand and gave her one last reassuring glance before taking his seat in the second pew.
"You're late," Michael whispered.
"Nearly took me a lifetime to get here," Maria whispered back.
"Nah," Michael smiled. "We're just starting that."