Title: The Lightkeeper
Author: UConn Fan (Michele)
E-Mail: LoveUConnBasketball@yahoo.com
Story Summary: Sydney's been gone for two years, and Vaughn is married to Alice. What happens when Sydney returns and is forced to accept the new changes that await her in Los Angeles.
Disclaimer: Don't own Sydney or Vaughn (don't I wish I did?! Who doesn't?!) or Will or Francie, Jack, Irina, Amy, Danny Eric, Alice (does anyone actually want to claim her?) or Amy. I do own Sarah and Miss Harper, but go ahead and use them if you feel the need. Don't own the Yankees or Mets or LA Kings. No affiliation with George Steinbrenner or Robin Ventura or Derek Jeter (oh, can I have him *and* Vaughn?! Oh and don't forget Mike-the-UConn-benchwarmer!). Let's be real here, I don't own anyone. I'm having fun. If JJ wants to offer me a job, go head! I'd move to California! Don't sue me though, all you'll get is a lot of UConn, Yankees & Alias/X-files stuff that probably means very little to anyone but me. Oh, and lots of video tapes and books.
A/N: UConn women beat ND! woohoo! Men play #10 ND tonight at ND, so keep your fingers crossed! OMG, Alias Sunday was GOOD! I'm in a rut with Trying Normal . . . If you feel like you have an idea, heck if you've written something and want to help me out feel free to e-mail me, because I know where I want to go with it but right now I'm in a rut to get there. Oh, and Heatwaves "Always & Forever" is Will & Francie's last dance song purely because it was *my* parents wedding song (now they're divorced but I have problems with reality and refuse to accept that 10yrs after the fact) and plan on using it as my last dance song :)
**PLEASE** Read & Respond! Even if you hate it, please be constructive and tell me where I went wrong!
Dedication: To USABride.com. Yes, I know it's a website, but they helped me plan Will & Francie's wedding!
"Do you want coffee?" Sydney called into the bedroom as she stood in Francie's kitchen early the next morning.
"No I don't want coffee," her best friend called back in a muffled voice through the door.
"How about some toast? Or a bagel? You need to eat Fran. Brides have actually been known to faint during a wedding because they didn't eat."
"That's reassuring," Francie muttered as she walked out. "Thanks for coming over so early Syd. How long was the drive from your Dad's?"
"Ten minutes, it wasn't a big deal," she shrugged as she put two bagels in the toaster. "So how did you sleep?"
"You know I actually slept remarkably well. I never thought I'd be able to but I was so exhausted after the party last night," she sat down at the counter and smiled at her friend. "You and Michael really seemed to hit it off."
"Yeah," she said as she moved around the kitchen, unwilling to meet her best friends gaze. "He's a really great guy."
"I know! His wife Alice . . . They haven't been married all that long and they've already been through a lot of crap, but she and I don't get along that well," she conceded. "Michael is *amazing* though. He and Will can spend hours talking about baseball and hockey. Really, it's ridiculous," she looked up at her best friend as they laughed. "He's French too Syd, he speaks it fluently. You should hear him! You know how much I love Will, but I swear I felt my knees wobble."
"Seriously?" She laughed as Francie nodded.
"Yeah. He does something with the State Department and did some consulting work with Will when he first started working at the travel magazine."
"That's great," she agreed as she put a bagel in front of each of them.
"Thanks for being here for me Syd."
"Where else would I be? My two best friends are getting married, there's no way I'd miss this."
"You're going to get married one day Syd, and I'll be forcing you to eat breakfast," she smiled. "You're going to be a beautiful bride one day Syd, I just know it, and whoever you marry will make you so happy."
"Maybe," she shrugged. The problem was not so much in finding the right guy - although she could admit it to no one but her own Mother, she had found him - but the settling down, marrying and having a family part that was tricky. Truthfully Sydney had no desire for 'happily ever after', she'd settle for disagreements and falling into the toilet because he forgot to put the toilet seat down. She knew she'd be forced to spend the majority of her winter watching Kings games. She'd even sacrifice the occasional Yankees game to watch the Mets play instead.
"Trust me, have I ever been wrong?" Francie asked as Sydney's eyes grew wide. "Okay, have I ever been wrong about important stuff?"
"No," she laughed.
"You could marry Michael," she casually suggested. Sydney's eyes widened while she nearly choked on her juice.
"Francie, he's married. I saw the wedding band," she pointed out, leaving out that she'd met his wife and remembered her heart stopping years ago when she realized Alice was back in his life.
"I hate to be a pessimist Syd," she sighed. "Especially since this is *my* wedding day, and I intend to be married to Will the rest of my life, but I wouldn't be surprised if Alice already filed the divorce papers."
"Francie," she softly disapproved. "Just because you don't understand it or see something doesn't mean something's not there."
"Give me a break Syd," she protested as she finished her breakfast. "I saw more of a connection between you and Michael in the moment you met then I've ever seen with Michael and Alice, and they've known each other since they were nineteen."
"Nineteen? Really?" The words filtered out of her mouth before she could stop them, surprised at how long they'd known one another. There'd always been the assumption that they'd been together for a significant amount of time, but knowing that they had been together for all of their adult lives sent a tiny spark of guilt to her heart.
"Yeah, it'd be romantic if they both weren't so miserable." Francie placed her plate in the sink and turned towards Sydney, "I don't want to think about them, it makes me depressed."
"Because their marriage is miserable?"
"No because Alice makes me miserable. Alice makes *everyone* miserable." Sydney remained silent as she finished her bagel. "Do you want the shower?"
"No, I'm all set," she assured her.
"My Mom should be here soon, just let her in for me, okay?"
"Go enjoy your shower. Take a bath!" She loudly suggested as her friend walked out of the room towards the bathroom.
Francie's Mother arrived shortly after she finished her shower. While Mrs. Calfo began helping her daughter Sydney snuck away to change and put on her own make up in her former bedroom. By the time she came back out Lia was there working on Francie's hair. Walking into the bedroom Sydney was relieved to her best friend calm for the first time in days, and sat down for a few minutes to listen to Mrs. Calfo recall her own wedding day.
"How do I look?" Francie asked as Sydney walked back in the house, having just established that the luggage was in the limo and would be safely arriving at the reception hall with its owner.
"Oh Francie," she sighed with a smile. Her best friend looked absolutely breathtaking in her strapless white ball gown made from silk satin-faced organza that included an elegant train of a tasteful length. To top it all off her make up had been perfectly applied by Sydney's own hands and her hair pulled back off of her face and slightly curled. Resting on her thick mane of hair was a white two-tier veil with a satin trim held snugly in place by a silver comb.
"You look so pretty," Francie smiled as they hugged.
"I'll go see if Amy and Sarah need any help," Mrs. Calfo said softly as she walked out of the room.
"I can't believe I'm getting married."
"You two are going to be so happy."
"Oh!" She hissed as she walked towards her closet. "I'm so glad I decided to wear in these shoes or else I'd have blisters the size of Texas before today was over," she confessed as Sydney nodded. Opening her closet she turned around and handed Sydney a wrapped box. "I didn't get a chance to give you your gift yesterday, so here."
"Francie, you didn't have to -"
"I wanted to," she cut her off as Sydney slowly unwrapped the gift. Pulling out a clothing box she took off the top to reveal a simply beautiful and comfortable looking set of blue silk pajamas. "They reminded me of that set you saw in college but would never let me get you. I even had it monogrammed."
"Oh Francie . . They're beautiful, thank you," she stood and hugged her again.
"I have to stop crying," she muttered, pulling out another tissue as they both laughed. "I have something else for you," she sniffled and opened her nightstand drawer. "You just can't use it until I get home," she pulled out an envelope and handed it to a baffled Sydney. Softly she muttered her thanks and then smiled when she pulled out a gift certificate for a beauty day at the spa. "Promise me we'll go together when I get back."
"I can't wait," she smiled and they once again embraced.
"How many times can we hug today?" Francie laughed.
"A lot," she responded and placed the gift certificate in her purse.
"You're still going to give the speech tonight, right?"
"Of course," she nodded.
"Have you mailed the announcements?"
"Stopped by the mailbox on my way here this morning," she confirmed.
"Your going to collect all the gifts and money that people bring to the hotel, right? And tomorrow you won't forget to pick up my things from the hotel room or bring my dress to the cleaners -"
"I'll remember everything," she smiled. "I'll remember your belongings and the cleaners and I'll even remember to bring the cameras to be developed."
"Thank you Syd, I'm so glad your here," she sighed.
"Francie?" Mrs. Calfo knocked on the door and stuck her head in. "Your Father's here, would it be okay if we came in?"
Looking at her best friend, Sydney nodded and hugged her again. "Sure Mom," Francie agreed as Sydney smiled at her friend's Mother and slipped into the living room.
"Good, your both here," she sighed when she found Amy and Sarah.
"We're going in your car, right?" Sarah asked her seconds before Sydney could nod.
"You two both look wonderful," Sydney smiled, grateful that they had their hair done nicely and make up applied appropriately. "The bouquets arrived a little while ago, Mrs. Calfo bought them," she explained as she led them into the kitchen.
"They're beautiful," Amy sighed as Sydney set aside the three attendants bouquets.
"Are you girls ready to go?" Mrs. Calfo stepped into the kitchen and took her daughter's bouquet.
"Is Francie ready?"
"As soon as I give her the bouquet she, her Father and I will be leaving."
"Then I guess we better go," Sydney hugged the mother of the bride and mentally checked to insure she had everything necessary. "We'll see you at the church."
"Drive safely!" She called after the three younger women as they walked out.
The drive from the house to the church went as she planned it. Sydney dished out certain responsibilities to the two other girls as she drove them, making sure no one had any questions and everything was in order. The guest's cars were already in the church parking lot as she searched for a close spot. When she finally pulled into a distant parking space she was glad that her own heels were comfortably worn in or else she'd have the Texas-sized blisters that Francie had earlier spoken of.
Carrying their bouquets the three women went to stand outside the church doors to wait for the bride. While they waited, Sydney was glad to see the 1941 white Packard limo that she knew Will and his parents had arrived in. Regardless of her common sense she also looked around and was relieved to see Vaughn's car already parked. Everyone was in place, and the wait for the bride was a short one. The white limo pulled to the sidewalk shortly after they arrived, and Francie got out holding her parents close.
"Ready?" Sydney met her at the entrance as she smiled and nodded.
"You look perfect," Amy chimed softly as Sarah held the church door open, allowing them entrance into the vestibule. Standing behind her best friend Sydney knelt down to fix her train, insuring that it was perfect for her trip down the altar. Adjusting her posture she walked around and smiled at her friend, pulling her close.
"I love you," Francie whispered.
"I love you too," Sydney pulled back.
"It's time," Mrs. Calfo reminded the girls. Using her eyes Sydney insured that everything was in place before she got in line behind the ring bearer and flower girl. Francie waved at her Mother and took her Father's arm, watching as Francie's cousin led Mrs. Calfo to her seat.
The doors of the church opened as the organist played a soft backdrop. Sarah was the first to go down the aisle, stepping into the church as cameras flashed and people stood watching. At the cue of the wedding coordinator Amy was the next to go, smiling sweetly at her brother. Slowly the young flower girl and ring bearer followed, the flower girl earning soft, sweet comments as she tossed her rose petals. Sucking in a deep breath Sydney stepped in and looked straight ahead. One thing she'd never been fond of was camera flash. Looking at the end of the aisle she found her eyes locking with Vaughn's, as unlikely or wrong as it may have been. Brown mixed with green until she was at her traditional spot waiting for Francie at the front of the church.
Seconds later, under the cue of Wagner's traditional Bridal March, Francie appeared on her Father's arm. With a smile bright enough to light the Los Angeles night sky she slowly walked to meet her future. Cameras flashed and all eyes were on the blushing, beautiful bride. At the end of the aisle Francie hugged her Father tightly and kissed his cheek before Mr. Calfo shook hands with the man he would trust to take care of his only daughter.
The minister began the ceremony, thanking everyone for attending the wedding. She half listened as he began to speak, instead allowing her eyes to look around until they once again met the one man she desperately wanted to avoid. Sensing her discomfort he sent her a small twitch of his lips, which blossomed into a full grin seconds later when she responded with her own sweet smile.
Francie and Will chose beautiful readings for there ceremony. Will's Aunt read Shakespeare Sonnet 116 and during a particularly nostalgic moment Francie's eight year old niece read Robert Louis Stevenson's "It Is the Season" from "A Child's Garden of Verses and Underwood's". Regardless of her repeated attempts to pull her eyes away from his, she allowed herself to drown in deep green as eight-year-old Angelica read the sixth stanza of Stevenson's poem.
"And he to her a hero is,
And sweeter she then primroses
Their common silence far dearer
Than nightingale and mavis are."
Tearing her eyes away she glanced down at the bouquet of flowers she carried. The hand tied ivory flowers that the attendants carried beautifully matched Francie's cascading bouquet of lilies. Her fingers crisscrossed as she held her flowers and she watched the light bounce off of Will's gold wedding band from it's resting place on her thumb. Using her other thumb she twirled it, half listening to the last reading before regaining her posture for the vows.
They fell back upon tradition despite writing their own vows and as a result Will was to go first. Sydney smiled widely as she watched Will's blue eyes sparkle as he took in his bride. Glancing across her brown eyes locked with the green of her male counterpart as Will's voice broke through her thoughts. "I take you Francie to be my wedded wife. I promise to be faithful to you, to give and to receive, to care and console, to inspire and respond, loving you now but even more in your growing and becoming. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart, when life is peaceful and in disorder, when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you, in times of leisure and of work. I will honor goals and dreams, and help you to realize them. I will be open and honest with you and join with you in fulfilling our lives together."
Sydney instinctively reached down and discreetly slipped a tissue into Francie's hand. She was absolutely certain that after those vows she was tearing up. Even though they weren't even directed at her, she found herself nearly tearing up at the beauty and magnitude of what Will had just pledged. Once her eyes were dry Francie's shoulders squared as she began her own vows.
"I Francie promise to love and cherish you Will, to give you my strength, to help you in good times and in bad, to respect our individuality, to make our home one of understanding. I give you all of my trust, all of my tomorrows, all of my life," she concluded. A smile broke across Sydney's face as she blinked away the tears. Seconds later her best friend met her gaze, smiling warmly at her through teary eyes as she gave her the bouquet to hold during the exchange of rings.
Will accepted a gold band from Michael before turning and taking his fiancée's hand. Smiling widely and looking into her glassy eyes he began, "I give this ring in token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love, with all that I am and all that I will become." Concluding his soft words he slipped the ring onto her left ring finger with ease.
During Will's vows Sydney slipped his gold band off of her thumb and handed it to Francie on cue. She carefully held on to his larger hand and repeated the words he had just spoken with her soft, respectful approach. "I give this ring in token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love, with all that I am and all that I will become."
Sydney didn't notice Francie's slight struggle to slip the ring up his finger and Will's chuckled response. By then she was too far gone in a certain CIA Agent's eyes and the impact of vows and promises she was nearly sure she'd never get the chance to say. If the minister hadn't needed to clear his throat to speak, she wasn't sure how long she could have stayed there lost in his eyes. For many years she wondered how long she could remain there without getting bored, and never once had she been given the opportunity to find out.
"Ladies and gentleman it is my greatest pleasure to present to you the new Mr. and Mrs. William Tippin! You may kiss your bride!" He declared as the church exploded in applause and the newlyweds shared their first married kiss.
Francie eagerly took Will's arm and began the trek down the aisle. Sydney smiled as she gently nudged the young flower girl forward and prompted her to make the journey down with the ring bearer. Once the youngest members of the party were in order she knew it was time for the moment she was dreading. Smiling at him she took his arm, well aware of her duty as the maid of honor to walk down the aisle on his arm. When he smiled down at her and proceeded to walk she was left to wonder if this was the one and only opportunity to walk down an aisle with him. Shaking her head slightly she willed the thoughts to stop as they reached the back of the church.
Aside from hugs of congratulations there wasn't much time from the dismissal of the ceremony until the receiving line. Within minutes she was standing in the receiving line squished comfortably between Will and Michael along with Francie, Mr. and Mrs. Tippin and Mr. and Mrs. Calfo. A smile was pasted on her face as she hugged and kissed people she didn't know or had forgotten she ever met all while thanking them for coming. The California sun smiled down on them as they stood out there, allowing Francie and Will at least one opportunity to speak to the eighty or so guests that were at the ceremony and would be at the subsequent reception.
Once the reception line was over the wedding coordinator led the wedding party and the parents over to the adjoining garden for photographs. Before the snapshots were taken she lived up to her role as Maid of Honor by smiling and cheerfully telling her best friend how beautiful she looked and how fabulous the ceremony had been while she did touch ups to her make up and readjusted her hair and veil. Sydney also made certain that both Amy and Sarah had their correct bouquets before she smiled widely for the dozens of photographs that the photographer insisted upon taking.
When it came time for just Will and Francie to be photographed she pulled the bridesmaids aside. Since she had known Amy longer she entrusted her with the keys to her Mother's car and the job of making sure both of them got to the reception. Before she left them to meet Will, Francie and Vaughn at the limo she also reminded them to help guests find their seats and take care of the presents before she got there. After she hugged the two of them she walked towards the limo and wondered when she became such a mother hen.
Following tradition in her job as maid of honor Sydney got into the limo with Vaughn, Francie and Will to ride to the reception at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena. As the driver shut the door Francie let out a heavy, almost comical sigh and tossed her head back. "You can breathe Fran," Sydney lightly teased as her best friend laughed, instantly letting her tension out.
"Hey, the scary parts over, right?" Francie looked at her best friend.
"Scary? Marrying me was scary?" Will took her head and jostled her.
"Memorizing my most personal, important thoughts and having to say in front of eighty people was scary," she amended as they shared a quick kiss. Moving her eyes to the side Sydney smiled at Vaughn, who was sitting next to her and across from the newlyweds.
"Thank you guys," Will said, drawing two sets of eyes to him. "I know the day isn't over, but thanks for everything you've already done."
"It was nothing," they said together as Francie laughed.
"You had a beautiful day for it," Sydney commented as she squinted out the tinted windows to look outside. "It's not too warm either."
"I can't believe I'm married," Francie sighed with a deliriously happy smile. Putting up her hand she showed it to Sydney and smiled widely, "see! Two rings!"
Laughing she nodded, "I see."
"Hey, you two disappeared for awhile last night," she remembered as she looked at her maid of honor and her husband's best man. "Mike didn't I tell you how great Syd is?"
"Yeah," he smiled and adjusted himself in an effort to rid himself of his discomfort.
"Well, what did you guys talk about?" Now that most of her nerves were gone she was once again eager to know every detail of her best friend's nearly non-existent love life.
They glanced quickly at one another and then at Sydney. To tell the entire truth would divulge that their relationship was far deeper and far longer then Francie could imagine. Instead she answered with one of their more frivolous topics of conversation, "the Kings."
"I told you Syd, they're obsessed!"
"Passionate!" Vaughn and Will corrected.
Sydney looked at Francie before they both began to laugh. "You should listen to them talk about sports first thing in the morning," Francie explained. "They sit there and they'll literally debate baseballs National League versus the American League."
"Go Texas Rangers," Will muttered.
"You realize that's pathetic, right?" Vaughn shot back.
"The Mets are hopeless!"
"And the Rangers are going to go bankrupt because of A-Rod!"
Shaking her head Francie looked at her best friend and laughed, "see my point?"
The limo pulled into the Ritz Carlton as the drive got out and helped them all out. Sydney smiled and hugged her best friends before the group separated; Vaughn and Sydney entering the reception hall while Francie and Will prepared for introductions. Inside the reception hall she was relieved to see that employees from Francie's restaurant had arrived and Sarah appeared to be overseeing that while Amy smiled and waved before she returned to helping Francie's grandmother find her seat. "I'll agree with one thing Syd," Vaughn spoke lowly near her ear, nearly causing her to jump from her skin as she surveyed the reception hall.
"What's that?" She whispered, still not turning around to meet his eyes.
"I'd root for the Yankees over the Rangers any day," he conceded. A low laugh escaped her before his warm hand was on her shoulder; giving it a squeeze so light she thought she'd perhaps imagined it. Then he seemed to disappear into the bustle and chaos.
The wait wasn't long until it was time to applaud the newly arrived and newly married Mr. and Mrs. William and Francine Tippin. Sydney was delighted by their huge smiles and how genuinely happy they appeared to be around each other. Shortly after their arrival the DJ announced it was their first dance. Searching the crowd she hoped Vaughn would soon appear, knowing that they would soon be expected to join Will and Francie on the dance floor.
Stepping back she smiled as the opening chords of a Don Henley song hugged the room. Before the words even began she recognized it as his hit "Taking You Home" and smiled at the selection her best friends had chosen to begin their married life. Sydney found herself so wrapped up in watching Will and Francie seem to effortlessly glide across the floor that she didn't notice the man she had been searching for appear by her side. It wasn't until he placed a gentle hand to the small of her back that she looked to her side and smiled at him.
Twitching his head towards the dance floor he smiled at her, "I think this is our cue."
Smiling at him she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor and comfortably into his arms. One hand was folded in his while the other one rested on his shoulder, looking around at the guests rather then into his eyes. "Ready for your toast?" He whispered near her ear.
"I finished my sixth draft last night," she conceded to meeting his eyes and was unable to stop her smile. "I'm as prepared as I can be."
"I'm sure it's great," he smiled warmly.
"I love this song," she sighed. "They're leaving for France tonight, right?"
"The limo has been instructed to take them directly to the airport," he agreed.
"What about your speech?" She remembered. "Are you ready? I was an English major, I don't think you have that advantage," she teased as his grin grew.
"I'll hold my own," he assured her. Glancing quickly at Will and Francie he once again locked eyes with the woman in his arms. It had been far too long since he'd had the opportunity to just look over and look at her, and it wasn't a chance he was about to let go to waste. "How long until there's baby Tippin?"
"Year, year and a half," she estimated. "And once Francie gets baby fever, the world should watch out. I can already see her making everything in the restaurant fit into the baby theme," she chuckled.
"The real question is how many nights a week will they rope Aunt Sydney into babysitting while they run the restaurant?"
"Oh," she sighed with a smile, "probably every night. I'll do anything for babies."
"Really?" The surprise was evident as she nodded.
"Yes. I babysat nearly every weekend from the time I was nine as a Mother's helper until I started at . . . The bank," she caught herself as he nodded. The Alliance was still a not so distant painful memory, and she was a firm believer that you could never be too cautious.
Before he could let his common sense and the implication of his next question settle on his brain, he opened his mouth and asked, "do you want kids?"
Her smile grew wider, the dimples far deeper then he could ever recall. "I want a ton of kids," she confessed. "I know it's so *not* what I spent most of my life doing . . . I love being around kids, taking care of them . . . And regardless of what happened after Mom . . . left," she whispered, knowing only he would hear her. "For the first six years of my life I had everything I could want, I was so happy . . . I like to think that those were the happiest years of my parents lives too," she explained. "To answer your question, yes, I want kids."
Part of him was surprised at her desire for domestication, while another part of him wasn't. He couldn't come up with anything he wouldn't give to be able to crawl into her skin and see how she imagined it, to see what she so desperately wanted. More then that, he'd sell his soul to be able to give her what she sought.
"Tell me about it," he whispered as she looked up at him.
Sighing since she knew answering his soft demands would mean leaving out the essentials. Mainly that he had a starring role in her future dreams for the past several years. Even if she left him out she suspected he would be surprised at what her imagination conjured up. Not even her fantasies were perfection; she liked the flaws in her mind that made it seem even more real. The piles of laundry in the bedrooms proof of her perennial distain for laundry. He'd work long hours that she hated, but silently understood given the nature of the job she herself had once held. Even in her mind she was far from the perfect wife. Aside from hating laundry, she'd be known to burn the occasional dinner or cookies and forget to send in permission slips on time. Donovan would even have his own bad days, she'd imagine walking in the house from a long day at school to find he'd eaten her new sneakers. She wasn't seeking perfection, just happiness and her own generic brand of normalcy.
Regardless of the flaws, her fantasies had been wonderful. Richly textured she had imagined everything from the flowers she'd carry down the aisle to the color of the siding in the tiny house they'd buy. Donovan would sleep at their feet at night and he'd get up in the mornings before her, always ensuring that coffee was already perked when she woke up. They went to church on Sundays - something she had *never* done as a child. When their children came along - she saw three of them, all with green eyes and dimpled chins - she even taught Sunday school while he coached little league. Their eldest and youngest were girls, with a little boy stuffed in between two loving sisters. All had their mischievous streaks, and between the three of them the refrigerator was always covered in artwork.
"Syd?" He gently squeezed her hand as she shook her head and smiled.
"Three," she softly squeaked. "Two girls and a boy."
"It sounds great," he smiled as the song came to an end. "Speech time," he remembered as he let her go. Given the nature of what was about to happen, she had no option other then to quietly smile at him and wait as he obtained his wine glass and a fork. Standing slightly off to the side, she watched as he stepped up to the microphone at the front of the room. Raising his glass slightly, he used the fork to grab everyone's attention, flashing his bright albeit professional smile when all eyes were on him.
"Mignon McLaughlin once said that 'a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person'. Through my friendship with Will and Francie I've been given the pleasure of seeing both of them fall in love with each other for the first time, and to continue to fall in love over and over again. An experience like that is not one to be overlooked, and there aren't two better people I could imagine this for. I'd like to thank the Mr. and Mrs. Calfo for this fabulous day and to Will and Francie for inviting all of us to share in this day with you. For those who don't know I'm Michael Vaughn, I've worked with Will and I'm the best man. I remember the first time I actually saw them fall in love with one another again, right in front of me. I was having breakfast with Will one morning and he and Francie had just had an argument. Halfway through his rant Will starts talking about how much he loves Francie, how he loves all these qualities and things about her that she either doesn't notice or really doesn't like. Little did he realize that she walked in five seconds after he started. The look on her face . . . and the look of embarrassment on his when he realized that she'd been there all along," he chuckled and shook his head at the memory. "It was beautiful though," he soberly continued. Sydney smiled sadly, berating herself for how much she had obviously missed out on. Not only did she miss out on things in Francie and Will's lives, but also in every aspect of her former existence. "Seeing them in that moment, how they looked at one another and how all was forgiven and forgotten . . . I know they'll continue to fall in love with one another for the rest of their lives. Best of luck," he smiled and toasted his glass as the rest of the crowd did the same.
Turning around he smiled softly at her, a smile that finally reached his beautiful eyes, as he moved aside to allow her the spotlight. "Good evening," she smiled and stepped up to the microphone. "I'd like to extend a warm thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Calfo and of course the newly christened Mr. and Mrs. Will Tippin for including all of us in this fabulous day," she let out soft sigh and brushed hair out of her face. Knocking the world's finest hit men senseless was no problem, but giving a speech in front of eighty left her nauseous. Her back grew warm as she felt Vaughn step closer to her, nearly willing his calm posture into her. Taking a deep breath she continued with a smile. "This is an amazing day for me. Will and Francie have been my best friends for my entire adult life. I was actually there when they met. It was at a library at UCLA. Both Francie and Will had wanted the last copy of the newest Stephen King book and they ended up fighting about it in the middle of the library. Not a small fight, but a major blow out - I thought the librarian was going to call the campus police!" She recalled through her laughter. At their seats Francie and Will were giving her the desired effect. "Eventually they agreed that Will was chivalrous enough to let Francie read the book first and then they'd meet at the library in a week to exchange. They've been friends ever since, and I think that's probably one of the very few fights they've ever had . . . Will and Francie are both incredible people on their own, and when you put them together they make an unstoppable unit. They're funny and intelligent, generous and forgiving. George Elliot once wrote that 'what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined...to strengthen each other...to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories'. Will and Francie have been joined from the first day they met, first as the best of friends and confidantes and then realizing that they were meant to be together. They make each other and those around them better without even trying," she smiled and shrugged. "What more could you ask for? Congratulations, and I am so happy for you both and the happy life I know you'll share," her warm smile grew as she directed it towards her closest friends. Raising her glass she spoke, "to Will and Francie!" and took a small sip.
Turning around she was relieved to meet his eyes as he smiled proudly at her, a smile reminiscent of the ones he'd give her after a mission well done. He remained silent as he shook his head and began to lead her over towards their seats at the head table. "What?" She asked softly, confused by his behavior.
"Your speech was better," he smiled as she shook her head.
"Yours was great!" She protested.
"It's okay Syd, your the English major, you won," he conceded as she laughed. Smiling at him she walked away from him, taking her seat at the head table between Francie and Eric. A minute after they were seated dinner was served. Between the two of them Will and Francie had chosen their favorite parts of the restaurant's menu and the staff had taken extra precautions in preparing them to perfection. As she at her dinner she listened to Will and Francie recount some of the more memorable moments of their relationship, tracing the ups and downs and when each knew that the relationship they were in was the one they wanted for the rest of their lives.
Once everyone was finished eating dinner Will led Francie over to make the first cut into their wedding cake. They looked up together and smiled widely as people clapped and the photographer continued to work. Very carefully they each took a square of cake with a fork and placed it in one another's mouth, feeding each other as their guests cheered. Then the restaurant employees went about the business of cutting the cake, saving the top tier for traditionally sentimental reasons, and seeing to it that every guest had a slice.
Although Vaughn was unable to speak to Sydney in the hours that passed, the wedding reception was fun and beautiful. Francie shared her dance with her Father followed by Mrs. Tippin being led around the dance floor by her only son. While he was certain that she was single, Vaughn noticed that his former asset made no effort to partake in Francie's bouquet toss, instead happy to stand by and watch Amy catch it. That was followed by the garter toss, which one of Will's friends from college caught. Then the evening wrapped up their last dance, Heatwaves "Always and Forever", around five in the evening.
He walked back into the reception hall at the Ritz shortly after Will and Francie departed for the airport. Walking in he was pleasantly surprised to see that Sydney was among the few people left in the reception hall. The last time he had seen her she was disappearing to a room at the hotel with Francie to help her best friend change before they departed. Stepping slowly she watched her finish up talking to the DJ and the manager from Francie's restaurant, looking entirely beautiful and overwhelmed.
"Hey," he stepped up to her side.
"Hi," she smiled.
"Do you need help? You've got a lot there," he chuckled. Sydney carried two garment bags and half a dozen plastic storage bags that were full of one-use cameras. Apparently being a maid of honor was more work then being a best man.
"Would you mind? I used valet parking but this is really heavy," she sighed. The truth was that she was more then capable of doing it on her own, but if he offered his time and help she knew better then to turn it down.
"What is this?" He asked, taking the garment bags from her as they began to walk out.
"That's Francie's wedding dress and other odds and ends. I have to drop the dress off at the cleaners tomorrow and get the cameras developed too," she remembered. "I guess I'll be busy tomorrow," she chuckled, handing the ticket to the valet and waiting for her car to appear.
"Are you having dinner again with your Father?"
"Two family dinners in as many weeks, I think we're setting a new record," she muttered as he laughed.
"Here you are Miss Bristow," the valet appeared, handing her the car keys. Before she could make a move Vaughn slipped a tip into his hand and he walked away.
"Thanks," she whispered as he put the garment bags carefully into the backseat.
"Do you want me to drop the cameras off tomorrow?"
"I've got it," she insisted.
"Be careful out there," he said softly, "the roads are a mess today."
Silently she smiled and nodded at him before getting into her car and driving away.
"Sydney, how was today?" Irina smiled widely as her daughter walked into the house.
"It was . . Beautiful," she smiled and sat down on the sofa. Effortlessly she kicked her shoes off, relieved to be out of her heels. "Everything was great, from their vows to the cake . . . Francie looked so beautiful."
"You look beautiful too, I love the dress," she complimented.
"It was everything Francie imagined it would be," she smiled.
"That's fabulous sweetheart, everyone deserves that on their wedding day."
Growing serious Sydney nodded. Adjusting her seat on the couch she picked nonexistent lint off of her gown and looked back at her Mother. "What was your wedding like?"
"Oh, Sydney," Irina's smile grew. "Your Father and I married in July, we had met in September, so we'd only known one another for nine months . . . I was twenty years old and he was twenty one. Julie and Millie were my bridesmaids. They were both literature students and they really were two of the best friends I'd ever had . . . . Oh Sydney," she sighed as she recalled the long ago day. "When I walked down the aisle and looked at your Father . . . Meeting him in September had been carefully planned, it had been my objective, since your Father was already with the CIA and had been for some time. Somehow, somewhere along the way. . . Actually, sometime on the second date," she laughed, "I fell for him. We actually spoke about marriage on the second date, seriously spoke about it, and it stopped being about just work," she confessed. "I fell in love with him, it's the most dangerous thing I've ever done but I loved him and I loved every moment I spent as Laura Bristow. Perhaps our marriage was an illusion Sydney . . I don't expect this to be a consolation to either you or your Father, but it was an illusion for me too, because I desperately wanted it to be real."
Looking down at her hands she decided now would be the time to bring up what had been haunting her for nearly a week. "Remember when I disappeared last Sunday?"
"Yes," she spoke softly and nodded.
"I went to see Vaughn . . . I didn't plan it," she quickly added. "I just . . . I walked into the kitchen after I had showered and I saw you and Dad . . . Together."
"Sydney," her Mother shook her head and smiled. "Sweetheart, why didn't you say something earlier?"
"I didn't feel it was my business -"
"I'm your Mother, we're your parents, and it is your business." She sternly corrected. "What would you like to know?"
"Anything," she smiled.
"We fought it . . . I am not the woman your Father thought I was, and he's finally come to terms with that, but he's also realized how much of me is really the woman he knew . . . . Both your Father and I have done horrible things to each other, things that can't be taken back or corrected . . . Love is overcoming that, forgiving and moving past it. Your Father accepts what I can give him, and I've promised to always give him the truth. Ironically I'll never be your Father's favorite person, but he can't bring himself to stop loving me," she chuckled.
"You wear a wedding ring," she whispered.
"Yes, I do," she agreed as she looked down at her left hand. "It's actually the very same ring your Father gave me. I told my superiors that I took absolutely nothing with me when I left, no clothes, no jewelry . . . But I always managed to keep the ring," she smiled. "Rather simple, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful," she corrected. "Are you two still . . .? "
"Yes, Sydney," she smiled, "your Father and I are still legally married."
"You never went through with the divorce?" She smiled as she asked the question. Not only were her parents *together*, they were *married*.
"No, we didn't," she agreed. "Sydney . . . I know this is a lot to take in, and I know you've experienced a wide amount of changes since your return, but your Father and I love you. Neither one of us has consistently proven it to you, but we love you and only want what's best for you, that's all we've ever wanted."
"I want you and Dad to be happy too."
"We're not conventional Sydney, but we're happy."
"Good," she nodded.
"Are you hungry?" Irina stood and set her book down; the fluid motion that she used to stretch once again reminded her daughter of a cat.
"I don't think I could eat another thing, they served an early dinner at the reception and it was huge."
"I'm glad you had a nice time," she smiled. "How is Mr. Vaughn?" She casually asked as her daughter trailed her into the kitchen.
"We only had a few minutes to talk."
"Was his wife there?" She glanced at her daughter curiously while she began to prepare her own dinner.
"No," was her soft reply as her Mother's smile widened.
"How was your speech?"
"Francie and Will loved it. I hate giving speeches though."
"Then it's best that you want to teach high school. Being a professor of literature requires giving lectures to large crowds of students every day."
"I need to start job searching Monday," she remembered.
"Sydney," Irina put something in the oven and then sat down across from her daughter. "You can stay here as long as you'd like. I don't want you to feel as though I want you out of here. I love having you here," she smiled.
"Thanks," she smiled.
"Your Father will be here late in the morning, do you have anything you need to do?"
"I promised Francie I'd drop her dress off at the cleaners and bring the cameras to be developed, but I'm not sure when tomorrow I'll do that. Why is Dad coming so early?"
"I don't know, he just said that he'd be here by ten."
"Why don't you go lay down Sydney? You look like you could use a bath and a nap."
"Actually," she yawned, "that sounds good."
"I'll bring you up a small dinner later, okay?"
"Mom -"
"You need to eat Sydney," Irina stopped her. "Now go take a bath and nap."
"Thanks," she smiled and walked out of the kitchen.
Author: UConn Fan (Michele)
E-Mail: LoveUConnBasketball@yahoo.com
Story Summary: Sydney's been gone for two years, and Vaughn is married to Alice. What happens when Sydney returns and is forced to accept the new changes that await her in Los Angeles.
Disclaimer: Don't own Sydney or Vaughn (don't I wish I did?! Who doesn't?!) or Will or Francie, Jack, Irina, Amy, Danny Eric, Alice (does anyone actually want to claim her?) or Amy. I do own Sarah and Miss Harper, but go ahead and use them if you feel the need. Don't own the Yankees or Mets or LA Kings. No affiliation with George Steinbrenner or Robin Ventura or Derek Jeter (oh, can I have him *and* Vaughn?! Oh and don't forget Mike-the-UConn-benchwarmer!). Let's be real here, I don't own anyone. I'm having fun. If JJ wants to offer me a job, go head! I'd move to California! Don't sue me though, all you'll get is a lot of UConn, Yankees & Alias/X-files stuff that probably means very little to anyone but me. Oh, and lots of video tapes and books.
A/N: UConn women beat ND! woohoo! Men play #10 ND tonight at ND, so keep your fingers crossed! OMG, Alias Sunday was GOOD! I'm in a rut with Trying Normal . . . If you feel like you have an idea, heck if you've written something and want to help me out feel free to e-mail me, because I know where I want to go with it but right now I'm in a rut to get there. Oh, and Heatwaves "Always & Forever" is Will & Francie's last dance song purely because it was *my* parents wedding song (now they're divorced but I have problems with reality and refuse to accept that 10yrs after the fact) and plan on using it as my last dance song :)
**PLEASE** Read & Respond! Even if you hate it, please be constructive and tell me where I went wrong!
Dedication: To USABride.com. Yes, I know it's a website, but they helped me plan Will & Francie's wedding!
"Do you want coffee?" Sydney called into the bedroom as she stood in Francie's kitchen early the next morning.
"No I don't want coffee," her best friend called back in a muffled voice through the door.
"How about some toast? Or a bagel? You need to eat Fran. Brides have actually been known to faint during a wedding because they didn't eat."
"That's reassuring," Francie muttered as she walked out. "Thanks for coming over so early Syd. How long was the drive from your Dad's?"
"Ten minutes, it wasn't a big deal," she shrugged as she put two bagels in the toaster. "So how did you sleep?"
"You know I actually slept remarkably well. I never thought I'd be able to but I was so exhausted after the party last night," she sat down at the counter and smiled at her friend. "You and Michael really seemed to hit it off."
"Yeah," she said as she moved around the kitchen, unwilling to meet her best friends gaze. "He's a really great guy."
"I know! His wife Alice . . . They haven't been married all that long and they've already been through a lot of crap, but she and I don't get along that well," she conceded. "Michael is *amazing* though. He and Will can spend hours talking about baseball and hockey. Really, it's ridiculous," she looked up at her best friend as they laughed. "He's French too Syd, he speaks it fluently. You should hear him! You know how much I love Will, but I swear I felt my knees wobble."
"Seriously?" She laughed as Francie nodded.
"Yeah. He does something with the State Department and did some consulting work with Will when he first started working at the travel magazine."
"That's great," she agreed as she put a bagel in front of each of them.
"Thanks for being here for me Syd."
"Where else would I be? My two best friends are getting married, there's no way I'd miss this."
"You're going to get married one day Syd, and I'll be forcing you to eat breakfast," she smiled. "You're going to be a beautiful bride one day Syd, I just know it, and whoever you marry will make you so happy."
"Maybe," she shrugged. The problem was not so much in finding the right guy - although she could admit it to no one but her own Mother, she had found him - but the settling down, marrying and having a family part that was tricky. Truthfully Sydney had no desire for 'happily ever after', she'd settle for disagreements and falling into the toilet because he forgot to put the toilet seat down. She knew she'd be forced to spend the majority of her winter watching Kings games. She'd even sacrifice the occasional Yankees game to watch the Mets play instead.
"Trust me, have I ever been wrong?" Francie asked as Sydney's eyes grew wide. "Okay, have I ever been wrong about important stuff?"
"No," she laughed.
"You could marry Michael," she casually suggested. Sydney's eyes widened while she nearly choked on her juice.
"Francie, he's married. I saw the wedding band," she pointed out, leaving out that she'd met his wife and remembered her heart stopping years ago when she realized Alice was back in his life.
"I hate to be a pessimist Syd," she sighed. "Especially since this is *my* wedding day, and I intend to be married to Will the rest of my life, but I wouldn't be surprised if Alice already filed the divorce papers."
"Francie," she softly disapproved. "Just because you don't understand it or see something doesn't mean something's not there."
"Give me a break Syd," she protested as she finished her breakfast. "I saw more of a connection between you and Michael in the moment you met then I've ever seen with Michael and Alice, and they've known each other since they were nineteen."
"Nineteen? Really?" The words filtered out of her mouth before she could stop them, surprised at how long they'd known one another. There'd always been the assumption that they'd been together for a significant amount of time, but knowing that they had been together for all of their adult lives sent a tiny spark of guilt to her heart.
"Yeah, it'd be romantic if they both weren't so miserable." Francie placed her plate in the sink and turned towards Sydney, "I don't want to think about them, it makes me depressed."
"Because their marriage is miserable?"
"No because Alice makes me miserable. Alice makes *everyone* miserable." Sydney remained silent as she finished her bagel. "Do you want the shower?"
"No, I'm all set," she assured her.
"My Mom should be here soon, just let her in for me, okay?"
"Go enjoy your shower. Take a bath!" She loudly suggested as her friend walked out of the room towards the bathroom.
Francie's Mother arrived shortly after she finished her shower. While Mrs. Calfo began helping her daughter Sydney snuck away to change and put on her own make up in her former bedroom. By the time she came back out Lia was there working on Francie's hair. Walking into the bedroom Sydney was relieved to her best friend calm for the first time in days, and sat down for a few minutes to listen to Mrs. Calfo recall her own wedding day.
"How do I look?" Francie asked as Sydney walked back in the house, having just established that the luggage was in the limo and would be safely arriving at the reception hall with its owner.
"Oh Francie," she sighed with a smile. Her best friend looked absolutely breathtaking in her strapless white ball gown made from silk satin-faced organza that included an elegant train of a tasteful length. To top it all off her make up had been perfectly applied by Sydney's own hands and her hair pulled back off of her face and slightly curled. Resting on her thick mane of hair was a white two-tier veil with a satin trim held snugly in place by a silver comb.
"You look so pretty," Francie smiled as they hugged.
"I'll go see if Amy and Sarah need any help," Mrs. Calfo said softly as she walked out of the room.
"I can't believe I'm getting married."
"You two are going to be so happy."
"Oh!" She hissed as she walked towards her closet. "I'm so glad I decided to wear in these shoes or else I'd have blisters the size of Texas before today was over," she confessed as Sydney nodded. Opening her closet she turned around and handed Sydney a wrapped box. "I didn't get a chance to give you your gift yesterday, so here."
"Francie, you didn't have to -"
"I wanted to," she cut her off as Sydney slowly unwrapped the gift. Pulling out a clothing box she took off the top to reveal a simply beautiful and comfortable looking set of blue silk pajamas. "They reminded me of that set you saw in college but would never let me get you. I even had it monogrammed."
"Oh Francie . . They're beautiful, thank you," she stood and hugged her again.
"I have to stop crying," she muttered, pulling out another tissue as they both laughed. "I have something else for you," she sniffled and opened her nightstand drawer. "You just can't use it until I get home," she pulled out an envelope and handed it to a baffled Sydney. Softly she muttered her thanks and then smiled when she pulled out a gift certificate for a beauty day at the spa. "Promise me we'll go together when I get back."
"I can't wait," she smiled and they once again embraced.
"How many times can we hug today?" Francie laughed.
"A lot," she responded and placed the gift certificate in her purse.
"You're still going to give the speech tonight, right?"
"Of course," she nodded.
"Have you mailed the announcements?"
"Stopped by the mailbox on my way here this morning," she confirmed.
"Your going to collect all the gifts and money that people bring to the hotel, right? And tomorrow you won't forget to pick up my things from the hotel room or bring my dress to the cleaners -"
"I'll remember everything," she smiled. "I'll remember your belongings and the cleaners and I'll even remember to bring the cameras to be developed."
"Thank you Syd, I'm so glad your here," she sighed.
"Francie?" Mrs. Calfo knocked on the door and stuck her head in. "Your Father's here, would it be okay if we came in?"
Looking at her best friend, Sydney nodded and hugged her again. "Sure Mom," Francie agreed as Sydney smiled at her friend's Mother and slipped into the living room.
"Good, your both here," she sighed when she found Amy and Sarah.
"We're going in your car, right?" Sarah asked her seconds before Sydney could nod.
"You two both look wonderful," Sydney smiled, grateful that they had their hair done nicely and make up applied appropriately. "The bouquets arrived a little while ago, Mrs. Calfo bought them," she explained as she led them into the kitchen.
"They're beautiful," Amy sighed as Sydney set aside the three attendants bouquets.
"Are you girls ready to go?" Mrs. Calfo stepped into the kitchen and took her daughter's bouquet.
"Is Francie ready?"
"As soon as I give her the bouquet she, her Father and I will be leaving."
"Then I guess we better go," Sydney hugged the mother of the bride and mentally checked to insure she had everything necessary. "We'll see you at the church."
"Drive safely!" She called after the three younger women as they walked out.
The drive from the house to the church went as she planned it. Sydney dished out certain responsibilities to the two other girls as she drove them, making sure no one had any questions and everything was in order. The guest's cars were already in the church parking lot as she searched for a close spot. When she finally pulled into a distant parking space she was glad that her own heels were comfortably worn in or else she'd have the Texas-sized blisters that Francie had earlier spoken of.
Carrying their bouquets the three women went to stand outside the church doors to wait for the bride. While they waited, Sydney was glad to see the 1941 white Packard limo that she knew Will and his parents had arrived in. Regardless of her common sense she also looked around and was relieved to see Vaughn's car already parked. Everyone was in place, and the wait for the bride was a short one. The white limo pulled to the sidewalk shortly after they arrived, and Francie got out holding her parents close.
"Ready?" Sydney met her at the entrance as she smiled and nodded.
"You look perfect," Amy chimed softly as Sarah held the church door open, allowing them entrance into the vestibule. Standing behind her best friend Sydney knelt down to fix her train, insuring that it was perfect for her trip down the altar. Adjusting her posture she walked around and smiled at her friend, pulling her close.
"I love you," Francie whispered.
"I love you too," Sydney pulled back.
"It's time," Mrs. Calfo reminded the girls. Using her eyes Sydney insured that everything was in place before she got in line behind the ring bearer and flower girl. Francie waved at her Mother and took her Father's arm, watching as Francie's cousin led Mrs. Calfo to her seat.
The doors of the church opened as the organist played a soft backdrop. Sarah was the first to go down the aisle, stepping into the church as cameras flashed and people stood watching. At the cue of the wedding coordinator Amy was the next to go, smiling sweetly at her brother. Slowly the young flower girl and ring bearer followed, the flower girl earning soft, sweet comments as she tossed her rose petals. Sucking in a deep breath Sydney stepped in and looked straight ahead. One thing she'd never been fond of was camera flash. Looking at the end of the aisle she found her eyes locking with Vaughn's, as unlikely or wrong as it may have been. Brown mixed with green until she was at her traditional spot waiting for Francie at the front of the church.
Seconds later, under the cue of Wagner's traditional Bridal March, Francie appeared on her Father's arm. With a smile bright enough to light the Los Angeles night sky she slowly walked to meet her future. Cameras flashed and all eyes were on the blushing, beautiful bride. At the end of the aisle Francie hugged her Father tightly and kissed his cheek before Mr. Calfo shook hands with the man he would trust to take care of his only daughter.
The minister began the ceremony, thanking everyone for attending the wedding. She half listened as he began to speak, instead allowing her eyes to look around until they once again met the one man she desperately wanted to avoid. Sensing her discomfort he sent her a small twitch of his lips, which blossomed into a full grin seconds later when she responded with her own sweet smile.
Francie and Will chose beautiful readings for there ceremony. Will's Aunt read Shakespeare Sonnet 116 and during a particularly nostalgic moment Francie's eight year old niece read Robert Louis Stevenson's "It Is the Season" from "A Child's Garden of Verses and Underwood's". Regardless of her repeated attempts to pull her eyes away from his, she allowed herself to drown in deep green as eight-year-old Angelica read the sixth stanza of Stevenson's poem.
"And he to her a hero is,
And sweeter she then primroses
Their common silence far dearer
Than nightingale and mavis are."
Tearing her eyes away she glanced down at the bouquet of flowers she carried. The hand tied ivory flowers that the attendants carried beautifully matched Francie's cascading bouquet of lilies. Her fingers crisscrossed as she held her flowers and she watched the light bounce off of Will's gold wedding band from it's resting place on her thumb. Using her other thumb she twirled it, half listening to the last reading before regaining her posture for the vows.
They fell back upon tradition despite writing their own vows and as a result Will was to go first. Sydney smiled widely as she watched Will's blue eyes sparkle as he took in his bride. Glancing across her brown eyes locked with the green of her male counterpart as Will's voice broke through her thoughts. "I take you Francie to be my wedded wife. I promise to be faithful to you, to give and to receive, to care and console, to inspire and respond, loving you now but even more in your growing and becoming. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart, when life is peaceful and in disorder, when I am proud of you and when I am disappointed in you, in times of leisure and of work. I will honor goals and dreams, and help you to realize them. I will be open and honest with you and join with you in fulfilling our lives together."
Sydney instinctively reached down and discreetly slipped a tissue into Francie's hand. She was absolutely certain that after those vows she was tearing up. Even though they weren't even directed at her, she found herself nearly tearing up at the beauty and magnitude of what Will had just pledged. Once her eyes were dry Francie's shoulders squared as she began her own vows.
"I Francie promise to love and cherish you Will, to give you my strength, to help you in good times and in bad, to respect our individuality, to make our home one of understanding. I give you all of my trust, all of my tomorrows, all of my life," she concluded. A smile broke across Sydney's face as she blinked away the tears. Seconds later her best friend met her gaze, smiling warmly at her through teary eyes as she gave her the bouquet to hold during the exchange of rings.
Will accepted a gold band from Michael before turning and taking his fiancée's hand. Smiling widely and looking into her glassy eyes he began, "I give this ring in token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love, with all that I am and all that I will become." Concluding his soft words he slipped the ring onto her left ring finger with ease.
During Will's vows Sydney slipped his gold band off of her thumb and handed it to Francie on cue. She carefully held on to his larger hand and repeated the words he had just spoken with her soft, respectful approach. "I give this ring in token and in pledge of my constant faith and abiding love, with all that I am and all that I will become."
Sydney didn't notice Francie's slight struggle to slip the ring up his finger and Will's chuckled response. By then she was too far gone in a certain CIA Agent's eyes and the impact of vows and promises she was nearly sure she'd never get the chance to say. If the minister hadn't needed to clear his throat to speak, she wasn't sure how long she could have stayed there lost in his eyes. For many years she wondered how long she could remain there without getting bored, and never once had she been given the opportunity to find out.
"Ladies and gentleman it is my greatest pleasure to present to you the new Mr. and Mrs. William Tippin! You may kiss your bride!" He declared as the church exploded in applause and the newlyweds shared their first married kiss.
Francie eagerly took Will's arm and began the trek down the aisle. Sydney smiled as she gently nudged the young flower girl forward and prompted her to make the journey down with the ring bearer. Once the youngest members of the party were in order she knew it was time for the moment she was dreading. Smiling at him she took his arm, well aware of her duty as the maid of honor to walk down the aisle on his arm. When he smiled down at her and proceeded to walk she was left to wonder if this was the one and only opportunity to walk down an aisle with him. Shaking her head slightly she willed the thoughts to stop as they reached the back of the church.
Aside from hugs of congratulations there wasn't much time from the dismissal of the ceremony until the receiving line. Within minutes she was standing in the receiving line squished comfortably between Will and Michael along with Francie, Mr. and Mrs. Tippin and Mr. and Mrs. Calfo. A smile was pasted on her face as she hugged and kissed people she didn't know or had forgotten she ever met all while thanking them for coming. The California sun smiled down on them as they stood out there, allowing Francie and Will at least one opportunity to speak to the eighty or so guests that were at the ceremony and would be at the subsequent reception.
Once the reception line was over the wedding coordinator led the wedding party and the parents over to the adjoining garden for photographs. Before the snapshots were taken she lived up to her role as Maid of Honor by smiling and cheerfully telling her best friend how beautiful she looked and how fabulous the ceremony had been while she did touch ups to her make up and readjusted her hair and veil. Sydney also made certain that both Amy and Sarah had their correct bouquets before she smiled widely for the dozens of photographs that the photographer insisted upon taking.
When it came time for just Will and Francie to be photographed she pulled the bridesmaids aside. Since she had known Amy longer she entrusted her with the keys to her Mother's car and the job of making sure both of them got to the reception. Before she left them to meet Will, Francie and Vaughn at the limo she also reminded them to help guests find their seats and take care of the presents before she got there. After she hugged the two of them she walked towards the limo and wondered when she became such a mother hen.
Following tradition in her job as maid of honor Sydney got into the limo with Vaughn, Francie and Will to ride to the reception at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena. As the driver shut the door Francie let out a heavy, almost comical sigh and tossed her head back. "You can breathe Fran," Sydney lightly teased as her best friend laughed, instantly letting her tension out.
"Hey, the scary parts over, right?" Francie looked at her best friend.
"Scary? Marrying me was scary?" Will took her head and jostled her.
"Memorizing my most personal, important thoughts and having to say in front of eighty people was scary," she amended as they shared a quick kiss. Moving her eyes to the side Sydney smiled at Vaughn, who was sitting next to her and across from the newlyweds.
"Thank you guys," Will said, drawing two sets of eyes to him. "I know the day isn't over, but thanks for everything you've already done."
"It was nothing," they said together as Francie laughed.
"You had a beautiful day for it," Sydney commented as she squinted out the tinted windows to look outside. "It's not too warm either."
"I can't believe I'm married," Francie sighed with a deliriously happy smile. Putting up her hand she showed it to Sydney and smiled widely, "see! Two rings!"
Laughing she nodded, "I see."
"Hey, you two disappeared for awhile last night," she remembered as she looked at her maid of honor and her husband's best man. "Mike didn't I tell you how great Syd is?"
"Yeah," he smiled and adjusted himself in an effort to rid himself of his discomfort.
"Well, what did you guys talk about?" Now that most of her nerves were gone she was once again eager to know every detail of her best friend's nearly non-existent love life.
They glanced quickly at one another and then at Sydney. To tell the entire truth would divulge that their relationship was far deeper and far longer then Francie could imagine. Instead she answered with one of their more frivolous topics of conversation, "the Kings."
"I told you Syd, they're obsessed!"
"Passionate!" Vaughn and Will corrected.
Sydney looked at Francie before they both began to laugh. "You should listen to them talk about sports first thing in the morning," Francie explained. "They sit there and they'll literally debate baseballs National League versus the American League."
"Go Texas Rangers," Will muttered.
"You realize that's pathetic, right?" Vaughn shot back.
"The Mets are hopeless!"
"And the Rangers are going to go bankrupt because of A-Rod!"
Shaking her head Francie looked at her best friend and laughed, "see my point?"
The limo pulled into the Ritz Carlton as the drive got out and helped them all out. Sydney smiled and hugged her best friends before the group separated; Vaughn and Sydney entering the reception hall while Francie and Will prepared for introductions. Inside the reception hall she was relieved to see that employees from Francie's restaurant had arrived and Sarah appeared to be overseeing that while Amy smiled and waved before she returned to helping Francie's grandmother find her seat. "I'll agree with one thing Syd," Vaughn spoke lowly near her ear, nearly causing her to jump from her skin as she surveyed the reception hall.
"What's that?" She whispered, still not turning around to meet his eyes.
"I'd root for the Yankees over the Rangers any day," he conceded. A low laugh escaped her before his warm hand was on her shoulder; giving it a squeeze so light she thought she'd perhaps imagined it. Then he seemed to disappear into the bustle and chaos.
The wait wasn't long until it was time to applaud the newly arrived and newly married Mr. and Mrs. William and Francine Tippin. Sydney was delighted by their huge smiles and how genuinely happy they appeared to be around each other. Shortly after their arrival the DJ announced it was their first dance. Searching the crowd she hoped Vaughn would soon appear, knowing that they would soon be expected to join Will and Francie on the dance floor.
Stepping back she smiled as the opening chords of a Don Henley song hugged the room. Before the words even began she recognized it as his hit "Taking You Home" and smiled at the selection her best friends had chosen to begin their married life. Sydney found herself so wrapped up in watching Will and Francie seem to effortlessly glide across the floor that she didn't notice the man she had been searching for appear by her side. It wasn't until he placed a gentle hand to the small of her back that she looked to her side and smiled at him.
Twitching his head towards the dance floor he smiled at her, "I think this is our cue."
Smiling at him she allowed him to lead her onto the dance floor and comfortably into his arms. One hand was folded in his while the other one rested on his shoulder, looking around at the guests rather then into his eyes. "Ready for your toast?" He whispered near her ear.
"I finished my sixth draft last night," she conceded to meeting his eyes and was unable to stop her smile. "I'm as prepared as I can be."
"I'm sure it's great," he smiled warmly.
"I love this song," she sighed. "They're leaving for France tonight, right?"
"The limo has been instructed to take them directly to the airport," he agreed.
"What about your speech?" She remembered. "Are you ready? I was an English major, I don't think you have that advantage," she teased as his grin grew.
"I'll hold my own," he assured her. Glancing quickly at Will and Francie he once again locked eyes with the woman in his arms. It had been far too long since he'd had the opportunity to just look over and look at her, and it wasn't a chance he was about to let go to waste. "How long until there's baby Tippin?"
"Year, year and a half," she estimated. "And once Francie gets baby fever, the world should watch out. I can already see her making everything in the restaurant fit into the baby theme," she chuckled.
"The real question is how many nights a week will they rope Aunt Sydney into babysitting while they run the restaurant?"
"Oh," she sighed with a smile, "probably every night. I'll do anything for babies."
"Really?" The surprise was evident as she nodded.
"Yes. I babysat nearly every weekend from the time I was nine as a Mother's helper until I started at . . . The bank," she caught herself as he nodded. The Alliance was still a not so distant painful memory, and she was a firm believer that you could never be too cautious.
Before he could let his common sense and the implication of his next question settle on his brain, he opened his mouth and asked, "do you want kids?"
Her smile grew wider, the dimples far deeper then he could ever recall. "I want a ton of kids," she confessed. "I know it's so *not* what I spent most of my life doing . . . I love being around kids, taking care of them . . . And regardless of what happened after Mom . . . left," she whispered, knowing only he would hear her. "For the first six years of my life I had everything I could want, I was so happy . . . I like to think that those were the happiest years of my parents lives too," she explained. "To answer your question, yes, I want kids."
Part of him was surprised at her desire for domestication, while another part of him wasn't. He couldn't come up with anything he wouldn't give to be able to crawl into her skin and see how she imagined it, to see what she so desperately wanted. More then that, he'd sell his soul to be able to give her what she sought.
"Tell me about it," he whispered as she looked up at him.
Sighing since she knew answering his soft demands would mean leaving out the essentials. Mainly that he had a starring role in her future dreams for the past several years. Even if she left him out she suspected he would be surprised at what her imagination conjured up. Not even her fantasies were perfection; she liked the flaws in her mind that made it seem even more real. The piles of laundry in the bedrooms proof of her perennial distain for laundry. He'd work long hours that she hated, but silently understood given the nature of the job she herself had once held. Even in her mind she was far from the perfect wife. Aside from hating laundry, she'd be known to burn the occasional dinner or cookies and forget to send in permission slips on time. Donovan would even have his own bad days, she'd imagine walking in the house from a long day at school to find he'd eaten her new sneakers. She wasn't seeking perfection, just happiness and her own generic brand of normalcy.
Regardless of the flaws, her fantasies had been wonderful. Richly textured she had imagined everything from the flowers she'd carry down the aisle to the color of the siding in the tiny house they'd buy. Donovan would sleep at their feet at night and he'd get up in the mornings before her, always ensuring that coffee was already perked when she woke up. They went to church on Sundays - something she had *never* done as a child. When their children came along - she saw three of them, all with green eyes and dimpled chins - she even taught Sunday school while he coached little league. Their eldest and youngest were girls, with a little boy stuffed in between two loving sisters. All had their mischievous streaks, and between the three of them the refrigerator was always covered in artwork.
"Syd?" He gently squeezed her hand as she shook her head and smiled.
"Three," she softly squeaked. "Two girls and a boy."
"It sounds great," he smiled as the song came to an end. "Speech time," he remembered as he let her go. Given the nature of what was about to happen, she had no option other then to quietly smile at him and wait as he obtained his wine glass and a fork. Standing slightly off to the side, she watched as he stepped up to the microphone at the front of the room. Raising his glass slightly, he used the fork to grab everyone's attention, flashing his bright albeit professional smile when all eyes were on him.
"Mignon McLaughlin once said that 'a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person'. Through my friendship with Will and Francie I've been given the pleasure of seeing both of them fall in love with each other for the first time, and to continue to fall in love over and over again. An experience like that is not one to be overlooked, and there aren't two better people I could imagine this for. I'd like to thank the Mr. and Mrs. Calfo for this fabulous day and to Will and Francie for inviting all of us to share in this day with you. For those who don't know I'm Michael Vaughn, I've worked with Will and I'm the best man. I remember the first time I actually saw them fall in love with one another again, right in front of me. I was having breakfast with Will one morning and he and Francie had just had an argument. Halfway through his rant Will starts talking about how much he loves Francie, how he loves all these qualities and things about her that she either doesn't notice or really doesn't like. Little did he realize that she walked in five seconds after he started. The look on her face . . . and the look of embarrassment on his when he realized that she'd been there all along," he chuckled and shook his head at the memory. "It was beautiful though," he soberly continued. Sydney smiled sadly, berating herself for how much she had obviously missed out on. Not only did she miss out on things in Francie and Will's lives, but also in every aspect of her former existence. "Seeing them in that moment, how they looked at one another and how all was forgiven and forgotten . . . I know they'll continue to fall in love with one another for the rest of their lives. Best of luck," he smiled and toasted his glass as the rest of the crowd did the same.
Turning around he smiled softly at her, a smile that finally reached his beautiful eyes, as he moved aside to allow her the spotlight. "Good evening," she smiled and stepped up to the microphone. "I'd like to extend a warm thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Calfo and of course the newly christened Mr. and Mrs. Will Tippin for including all of us in this fabulous day," she let out soft sigh and brushed hair out of her face. Knocking the world's finest hit men senseless was no problem, but giving a speech in front of eighty left her nauseous. Her back grew warm as she felt Vaughn step closer to her, nearly willing his calm posture into her. Taking a deep breath she continued with a smile. "This is an amazing day for me. Will and Francie have been my best friends for my entire adult life. I was actually there when they met. It was at a library at UCLA. Both Francie and Will had wanted the last copy of the newest Stephen King book and they ended up fighting about it in the middle of the library. Not a small fight, but a major blow out - I thought the librarian was going to call the campus police!" She recalled through her laughter. At their seats Francie and Will were giving her the desired effect. "Eventually they agreed that Will was chivalrous enough to let Francie read the book first and then they'd meet at the library in a week to exchange. They've been friends ever since, and I think that's probably one of the very few fights they've ever had . . . Will and Francie are both incredible people on their own, and when you put them together they make an unstoppable unit. They're funny and intelligent, generous and forgiving. George Elliot once wrote that 'what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined...to strengthen each other...to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories'. Will and Francie have been joined from the first day they met, first as the best of friends and confidantes and then realizing that they were meant to be together. They make each other and those around them better without even trying," she smiled and shrugged. "What more could you ask for? Congratulations, and I am so happy for you both and the happy life I know you'll share," her warm smile grew as she directed it towards her closest friends. Raising her glass she spoke, "to Will and Francie!" and took a small sip.
Turning around she was relieved to meet his eyes as he smiled proudly at her, a smile reminiscent of the ones he'd give her after a mission well done. He remained silent as he shook his head and began to lead her over towards their seats at the head table. "What?" She asked softly, confused by his behavior.
"Your speech was better," he smiled as she shook her head.
"Yours was great!" She protested.
"It's okay Syd, your the English major, you won," he conceded as she laughed. Smiling at him she walked away from him, taking her seat at the head table between Francie and Eric. A minute after they were seated dinner was served. Between the two of them Will and Francie had chosen their favorite parts of the restaurant's menu and the staff had taken extra precautions in preparing them to perfection. As she at her dinner she listened to Will and Francie recount some of the more memorable moments of their relationship, tracing the ups and downs and when each knew that the relationship they were in was the one they wanted for the rest of their lives.
Once everyone was finished eating dinner Will led Francie over to make the first cut into their wedding cake. They looked up together and smiled widely as people clapped and the photographer continued to work. Very carefully they each took a square of cake with a fork and placed it in one another's mouth, feeding each other as their guests cheered. Then the restaurant employees went about the business of cutting the cake, saving the top tier for traditionally sentimental reasons, and seeing to it that every guest had a slice.
Although Vaughn was unable to speak to Sydney in the hours that passed, the wedding reception was fun and beautiful. Francie shared her dance with her Father followed by Mrs. Tippin being led around the dance floor by her only son. While he was certain that she was single, Vaughn noticed that his former asset made no effort to partake in Francie's bouquet toss, instead happy to stand by and watch Amy catch it. That was followed by the garter toss, which one of Will's friends from college caught. Then the evening wrapped up their last dance, Heatwaves "Always and Forever", around five in the evening.
He walked back into the reception hall at the Ritz shortly after Will and Francie departed for the airport. Walking in he was pleasantly surprised to see that Sydney was among the few people left in the reception hall. The last time he had seen her she was disappearing to a room at the hotel with Francie to help her best friend change before they departed. Stepping slowly she watched her finish up talking to the DJ and the manager from Francie's restaurant, looking entirely beautiful and overwhelmed.
"Hey," he stepped up to her side.
"Hi," she smiled.
"Do you need help? You've got a lot there," he chuckled. Sydney carried two garment bags and half a dozen plastic storage bags that were full of one-use cameras. Apparently being a maid of honor was more work then being a best man.
"Would you mind? I used valet parking but this is really heavy," she sighed. The truth was that she was more then capable of doing it on her own, but if he offered his time and help she knew better then to turn it down.
"What is this?" He asked, taking the garment bags from her as they began to walk out.
"That's Francie's wedding dress and other odds and ends. I have to drop the dress off at the cleaners tomorrow and get the cameras developed too," she remembered. "I guess I'll be busy tomorrow," she chuckled, handing the ticket to the valet and waiting for her car to appear.
"Are you having dinner again with your Father?"
"Two family dinners in as many weeks, I think we're setting a new record," she muttered as he laughed.
"Here you are Miss Bristow," the valet appeared, handing her the car keys. Before she could make a move Vaughn slipped a tip into his hand and he walked away.
"Thanks," she whispered as he put the garment bags carefully into the backseat.
"Do you want me to drop the cameras off tomorrow?"
"I've got it," she insisted.
"Be careful out there," he said softly, "the roads are a mess today."
Silently she smiled and nodded at him before getting into her car and driving away.
"Sydney, how was today?" Irina smiled widely as her daughter walked into the house.
"It was . . Beautiful," she smiled and sat down on the sofa. Effortlessly she kicked her shoes off, relieved to be out of her heels. "Everything was great, from their vows to the cake . . . Francie looked so beautiful."
"You look beautiful too, I love the dress," she complimented.
"It was everything Francie imagined it would be," she smiled.
"That's fabulous sweetheart, everyone deserves that on their wedding day."
Growing serious Sydney nodded. Adjusting her seat on the couch she picked nonexistent lint off of her gown and looked back at her Mother. "What was your wedding like?"
"Oh, Sydney," Irina's smile grew. "Your Father and I married in July, we had met in September, so we'd only known one another for nine months . . . I was twenty years old and he was twenty one. Julie and Millie were my bridesmaids. They were both literature students and they really were two of the best friends I'd ever had . . . . Oh Sydney," she sighed as she recalled the long ago day. "When I walked down the aisle and looked at your Father . . . Meeting him in September had been carefully planned, it had been my objective, since your Father was already with the CIA and had been for some time. Somehow, somewhere along the way. . . Actually, sometime on the second date," she laughed, "I fell for him. We actually spoke about marriage on the second date, seriously spoke about it, and it stopped being about just work," she confessed. "I fell in love with him, it's the most dangerous thing I've ever done but I loved him and I loved every moment I spent as Laura Bristow. Perhaps our marriage was an illusion Sydney . . I don't expect this to be a consolation to either you or your Father, but it was an illusion for me too, because I desperately wanted it to be real."
Looking down at her hands she decided now would be the time to bring up what had been haunting her for nearly a week. "Remember when I disappeared last Sunday?"
"Yes," she spoke softly and nodded.
"I went to see Vaughn . . . I didn't plan it," she quickly added. "I just . . . I walked into the kitchen after I had showered and I saw you and Dad . . . Together."
"Sydney," her Mother shook her head and smiled. "Sweetheart, why didn't you say something earlier?"
"I didn't feel it was my business -"
"I'm your Mother, we're your parents, and it is your business." She sternly corrected. "What would you like to know?"
"Anything," she smiled.
"We fought it . . . I am not the woman your Father thought I was, and he's finally come to terms with that, but he's also realized how much of me is really the woman he knew . . . . Both your Father and I have done horrible things to each other, things that can't be taken back or corrected . . . Love is overcoming that, forgiving and moving past it. Your Father accepts what I can give him, and I've promised to always give him the truth. Ironically I'll never be your Father's favorite person, but he can't bring himself to stop loving me," she chuckled.
"You wear a wedding ring," she whispered.
"Yes, I do," she agreed as she looked down at her left hand. "It's actually the very same ring your Father gave me. I told my superiors that I took absolutely nothing with me when I left, no clothes, no jewelry . . . But I always managed to keep the ring," she smiled. "Rather simple, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful," she corrected. "Are you two still . . .? "
"Yes, Sydney," she smiled, "your Father and I are still legally married."
"You never went through with the divorce?" She smiled as she asked the question. Not only were her parents *together*, they were *married*.
"No, we didn't," she agreed. "Sydney . . . I know this is a lot to take in, and I know you've experienced a wide amount of changes since your return, but your Father and I love you. Neither one of us has consistently proven it to you, but we love you and only want what's best for you, that's all we've ever wanted."
"I want you and Dad to be happy too."
"We're not conventional Sydney, but we're happy."
"Good," she nodded.
"Are you hungry?" Irina stood and set her book down; the fluid motion that she used to stretch once again reminded her daughter of a cat.
"I don't think I could eat another thing, they served an early dinner at the reception and it was huge."
"I'm glad you had a nice time," she smiled. "How is Mr. Vaughn?" She casually asked as her daughter trailed her into the kitchen.
"We only had a few minutes to talk."
"Was his wife there?" She glanced at her daughter curiously while she began to prepare her own dinner.
"No," was her soft reply as her Mother's smile widened.
"How was your speech?"
"Francie and Will loved it. I hate giving speeches though."
"Then it's best that you want to teach high school. Being a professor of literature requires giving lectures to large crowds of students every day."
"I need to start job searching Monday," she remembered.
"Sydney," Irina put something in the oven and then sat down across from her daughter. "You can stay here as long as you'd like. I don't want you to feel as though I want you out of here. I love having you here," she smiled.
"Thanks," she smiled.
"Your Father will be here late in the morning, do you have anything you need to do?"
"I promised Francie I'd drop her dress off at the cleaners and bring the cameras to be developed, but I'm not sure when tomorrow I'll do that. Why is Dad coming so early?"
"I don't know, he just said that he'd be here by ten."
"Why don't you go lay down Sydney? You look like you could use a bath and a nap."
"Actually," she yawned, "that sounds good."
"I'll bring you up a small dinner later, okay?"
"Mom -"
"You need to eat Sydney," Irina stopped her. "Now go take a bath and nap."
"Thanks," she smiled and walked out of the kitchen.