Author's Note: This chapter has a shout-out from a moment in The Pursuit (the new Vaughn book) that might not make sense if you haven't read it, and could also contain spoilers.

Chapter Twenty One - The Reception, Part 2

Vaughn couldn't stop the grin that spread across his face. As all the guests began to mingle, he headed straight for the older Asian woman sitting by herself at one of the tables.

The next time I want to bawl on your shoulder is the day you finally marry that girlfriend of yours.

It had been a lifetime and a different girlfriend ago, but here she was, tissue in hand.

"Hello, Akikio," he drawls, lightly punching his shoulder. "I've got that shoulder you were talking about right here."

"There you are!" she laughs. "I was starting to wonder if I'd gone to the wrong reception!"

Delighted, he pulls her into a hug. " I thought you couldn't come!"

"The husband has the grandkids," she replies, hugging him back so tightly that the air fled his lungs. That hasn't changed, either.

"So," she says. "You've done well for yourself, Vaughn."

"You could say so," he replies easily. "Would you like to meet her?"

"Of course!"

He nods, snagging his wife as she roams by.

"Akiko, meet my wife, Sydney. Sydney, this is Akiko Schwartz. We were both in the same recruiting year at the Farm."

Sydney meets Akiko's strong handshake with one of her own. "Nice to meet you," she greets easily. "Hey, you don't happen to have stories to tell, do you?"

"Tons," Akiko replies, a mischievous grin on her face.

"I'll be hiding over on the other side of the room," Vaughn says dryly.

--

"So, Mike, I was thinking."

"Never a good sign with you, Eric."

"Ha ha! You're hilarious. Anyway, I proposed to Will-"

"Congratulations! You'll be very happy together."

"Would you shut up? I proposed that we have another party. You know, so we can clear some things up."

"Sounds fine to me, but I'll have to check with Sydney."

"Ah, the old ball and chain. At least she's pretty."

"Eric!"

"What? Listen, I'm not going to play pool again with the hustler. I like my money."

"Well, seems as though you've finally wised up."

"You are."

"What?"

"Come on. The guy would be easy pickings for you. You've already told him you wouldn't want to play against him. Clearly, you were setting things up there."

"Eric, I can't do that! We're practically family! Not to mention that he's not a hustler. The guy can't bluff. There's just no one worse than you at pool, apparently."

"Michael."

Vaughn sighs. "Fine."

"Thanks, buddy. He took me for two weeks pay, you know."

"He's an analyst. Believe it or not, they actually make less than we do."

"I know. That's why you're gonna take him for three."

--

"Bien," Amélie Vaughn announces, her light French accent a gentle purr. ("All right.") "Before we continue, I understand that there is one final tradition."

She turns, smiling at her daughter-in-law. "Quand vous êtes coeur prêt et cher." ("When you're ready, dear heart.")

"Merci, belle-mère," she replies, touching her arm. ("Thanks, mother-in-law.")

She steps on the stage and takes a deep breath. "Can I have all you poor unmarried wannabes come to the front of the stage, please?"

Mock-grumbling, they do so.

"Okay," she laughs, turning her back to the crowd. "Here goes nothing!"

She throws the bouquet and then whirls swiftly, eager to see who caught it.

Vaughn's wedding planner stands there, astonished, the roses in her hand.

- to be continued -

Review Responses

Linda: A toast to Michael and Sydney! Again! (That means more wine!) lol

Nana: I think they would, too. ;)

MvsGirl: I love a good angst fic like the next person, but everybody needs a little fluff!

Ilovemypenguin: haha, my Daddy gave me that speech, too!

AngelWings: Breathe! :pats your back: lol

noa jeo: Who me? :whistles:

Aylssa: Love YOU! Thanks for the review!

Jaryn, Jasmine, & jasmine1314: Here ya go!

black kitti: Hmmm. The dividing is mainly for readability. I can't tell you how many fics I've read, and one instant turn-off for me as a reader is text that goes on and on and on. (Although an uncut version of the Wedding is posted because so many people wanted to print it off). There's three more parts, including the epilogue.

Nattie700: Well, glad you liked! Poor Vaughn!

Leo's l'il sista: Alas, I remain stubbornly in denial when it comes to the finale, so it's very, very hard for me to read fics set after it. lol

twin*muse: :gushes: Wow! I;m not sure I deserve such high praise, but thank you!

K4e: It ain't over yet. ;)

WishingStar: LOL, this isn't more important than sleep! Go to bed! ;)

Hermione512: I'm glad you enjoyed it!

2 or 10? ;)