A/N: ALRIGHTY, A NOTICE TO THE READERS. THIS CHAPTER CONTINUES FROM THE ONE BEFORE WHICH LEFT YOU WITH KAY AND FOX READY TO GREAT AND MEET THEIR GUESTS. AND ALTHOUGH I ORIGINALLY WAS GOING TO SKIP ALL THE WAY TO THE WEDDING CEREMONY, I DECIDED TO INCLUDE THE SCENE WHICH SHOWS THE NIGHT BEFORE OR WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CALL THEIR UNOFFICIAL REHEARSAL DINNER.
I ALSO REALIZED THAT JESSICA HAS BEEN SADLY NEGLECTED AND IT'S ABOUT TIME I GOT HER SCENE INCLUDED. AS A FAIR WARNING, THIS CHAPTER IS THE FIRST CHAPTER WHERE I'VE INCLUDED A FLASHBACK. THEY ARE THE BOLD ITALICIZED LETTERS.
SEE A/N BELOW (AFTER READING THE FIC OF COURSE) FOR MORE.
ENJOY.
~*~
Kay thought there was something unnerving about coming back from the dead or at least seeing family and friends since her untimely demise. And as she heard the first batch of arrivals enter through the front doors of the mansion, she was tempted to run to the bathroom and hurl.
"Too late." She mumbled with a sigh just as Rebecca appeared around the corner, followed by a rather sober Julian, two very cranky Crane girls and an exhausted John Hastings.
Fox caught her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She smiled at him, grateful that he had the knack to know when she wasn't at ease. If things were to go horribly wrong tonight, at least she would have her husband-to-be in her corner.
Uncharacteristically, Rebecca kept on walking towards Kay, gave her a hasty hug and then stepped back as if to admire her. What the hell was that? Kay inwardly pondered as she stood there, motionless.
"My, you've certainly gotten large." Rebecca quipped bluntly, not missing a beat. In truth, Kay wasn't that far along and not quite as large due to the extreme physical stress that she had undergone not to long ago, despite the fact that she was carrying twins.
From where she stood, Gwen looked mortified. "Mother!" She hissed, shooting Rebecca a glare.
Kay growled at her and folded her arms defensively. "I'm pregnant with twins, you b-"
"It's nice to see some things haven't changed while Kay was away." Fox quickly cut her off, not wanting to start the night with hostility. "I wouldn't normally say this but I would like it if everyone got along tonight."
"Oh, stop being so sensitive. I meant large in a nice way." Rebecca smiled and the Crane girls managed to roll their eyes. "You know, Kay, I never figured you as the death faking type." She continued, turning her attention back to Kay. "It's so passé. I thought you'd be more original."
"Mother, why don't I show you to your room. You probably want to freshen up before dinner is served." Gwen quickly interjected, ushering her mother away while sending Kay and Fox an apologetic look. "You too, Julian."
Julian muttered a few incoherent words before turning to the maid nearby. "Have a bottle of champagne brought to our room. I'm parched." He ordered. "Nice to have you back and throwing punches again, Ms. Callaway." Julian managed to say as he caught up with Rebecca and Gwen on the stairs.
Kay then turned to John who still looked shocked and bewildered as he stood there, gaping at the sight of a very alive and pregnant Kay. "Surprise." She said somewhat awkwardly.
"Yeah." He muttered as he hugged her tightly. The news was still fresh to him. A few hours ago, he had just been whisked out of Harmony, thrown into a private jet with two incredibly overexcited Crane girls, Rebecca and Julian under the shocking secret knowledge that Kay was alive. It was a lot to swallow.
"I'm sorry we couldn't tell you. We couldn't tell anyone until the very last minute." Kay said as she stepped away from him. John just nodded, speechless. "I'll explain everything later, I promise. Why don't you rest for a while? One of the maids will show you to your room." She suggested quietly.
"That would be a good idea." John replied. "Good to see you again, Kay. Fox, you too." He said shaking the other man's hand.
Introductions with the Crane girls followed. Camille was cheery and smiling while Cassandra who was in a less happy mood was wary but still managed to be polite. A few hugs were exchanged between the three siblings and Kay watched their closeness, feeling like she was somewhat intruding. Small talk ensued and when Kay thought that she couldn't take the uneasiness anymore, Camille and Cassie fortunately decided they needed to head to their rooms and get ready for dinner.
Kay breathed out a sigh of relief as she leaned back on the couch. "I think they like you." Fox said, encouragingly.
"Yeah." Kay mumbled, knowing full well that pleasing Fox's sisters would not be that easy. Behind the civility and pleasantries there would always be judgment. I can accept that. Kay inwardly told herself as she took a quick glance at Fox. And yes, Kay could understand that her future sister-in-laws wouldn't accept her that easily. They would need proof that she was worthy of their brother, just like Kay would if she was in their place. "The awkwardness just gave that away, huh?" She said sarcastically.
Fox sighed. "Kay, don't worry. They didn't immediately decide to hate you. They're giving you a chance, which is more than most women who date me get."
"I'm not worried, Fox." Kay rectified. "I know your sisters are important to you and you want us to be friends but it might not go that way. I'll try my best but I can't please everyone. And I don't really intend to. I'm marrying you, not them."
"I know, love." Fox smiled, planting a quick kiss on her lips. "But they will see why you're important to me; they'll understand why I love you so much and I guess wanting you and my sisters to get along is my way my of sharing my happiness with them, of showing them that I finally found what we've all been searching for."
"That is something you should say for our vows tomorrow." Kay kidded slightly. "I love you Fox and even if somehow I don't get along with your sisters, I'll still love you. Nothing will ever change that."
Fox nodded.
Half an hour later with everyone still in their rooms, and Fox, Kay and Gwen sitting in the living room, the Callaways finally arrived. Helena was first to reach Kay, practically shoving her own son and husband out of the way. Hugs were exchanged again, some handshakes amongst the men with a mixture of laughter and tears from the women.
Miranda was noticeably absent. Her flight had been delayed a few hours and was hopefully going to make it later that night. Nothing was certain.
By the time dinner was served, the tension had returned again. The Callaways sat on one end of the table while the Cranes on the other, adjoined by Fox and Kay in the middle. Dr. O'Neil was invited by default since he was there already but knowing it was wise to avoid being in the same room with two rival families, he turned the invitation down politely by making some excuse about work. Helena and Rebecca were shooting each other glares; the Crane girls were momentarily focused on John despite the fact that Fox had earlier informed them that the other man was somewhat involved with Miranda Callaway; and Arthur and Julian were comparing their macho-ness with each other.
John was unfortunately sandwiched by the Crane girls. It was every man's dream but his nightmare. Sure, the two women were both undoubtedly beautiful but Cassandra seemed to be the type that turns lethal when provoked and he had already noticed that Camille was carrying some serious baggage from past failed relationships.
"So, how do you know Kay?" Cassandra asked, purring slightly which was not missed by Helena or anyone for that matter. She was well aware that Helena was thinking murderous thoughts about her and her sister because John was supposedly reserved for Miranda. And this encouraged Cassandra to provoke and taunt the Callaway matriarch the best she could. It was just in her nature to do so.
And with Camille doubling the fun…or horror…depending on how one looked at it, it was working.
"She's my stepsister." He replied. John wondered why the girls didn't know of their families' sordid history. They were all tangled up together.
Camille arched an eyebrow. "Oh, I didn't know that."
"You should because your mother hired my father to pretend to be Kay's mother's long lost husband." John stated somewhat bitterly.
"Your mother, of course, did all that to get Sam, my father, who we all know is Ivy's former childhood sweetheart and the father of our half brother from opposite sides." Kay piped up, frowning.
Fox groaned. "There's nothing like airing our families' dirty laundry before our wedding." He declared sarcastically.
"Touching, isn't it?" Julian said with a shrug, taking another swig of his champagne.
The Crane girls shared a look. "So we can now all say that we're all somehow related to each other?" Camille said, frowning at the thought.
"How disturbing." Cassie declared.
"Very."
Rebecca nodded, joining in the conversation while taking a bite of her dessert. "That's how Harmony is. It's full of adulterers. Give it twenty years. Everyone will be related by then." She quipped.
"You should talk." Helena mumbled. "You could be the mother of half of Harmony." Jason looked completely appalled at his mother's spiteful comment.
Completely ignoring Helena, Rebecca turned to her daughter. "Gwennie, I don't think I like your future mother-in-law." She uttered and Gwen sighed sharply. "She's a gigantic bi-atch and has absolutely no sense of fashion. I mean look at what she's wearing. She matches the draperies."
Julian snickered. "I don't find that very funny, Julian." Arthur said angrily.
"I can see why. You have no sense of humor." The other man retorted.
"At least I'm not popping out, Miss Silicone Valley." Helena retorted vehemently, shooting Rebecca death glares. "You absolutely have no self respect."
The redhead scoffed. "You're just jealous because you can mop the floor with yours!" Rebecca exclaimed, huffing. "You should have gotten those puppies-"
Upon the word puppies, one of the servants managed to lose focus and trip, apologizing as he scurried out of the room as quickly as possible to avoid utter humiliation.
Meanwhile John's jaw dropped in disbelief at what he was hearing. The Crane girls were trying their best not to find humor in it all while Fox gritted his teeth in fury and Gwen buried her face in her hand, mortified for them all, especially her mother. This was not how the night was supposed to go.
"Do not talk to my wife like that, Rebecca!" Arthur ordered sternly.
"Pookie, are you going to let this…this…ogre yell at me like that?" Rebecca whined, pouting at Julian.
Julian sputtered, refilled his drink and rose from his seat. "Yes, Arthur, tell your wife to behave. She's making a spectacle of herself." He said apathetically.
"I should have brought some extra tranquilizers with me if I knew there was a beast that had to be put down tonight." Rebecca snidely announced. "Down, girl." She shot Helena a taunting look. The other woman was about to reach over and tackle her.
"Mother, stop it!" Jason yelled.
"Okay, enough!" Kay shouted as she abruptly rose from her seat, the chair screeching behind her, silencing everyone in the room. "Tomorrow Fox and I are going to get married and after that none of us have to be under the same roof again. But as of the next few hours, all I ask is some civility from all of you. Now, I may be pregnant and a few pounds heavier but I swear I will not hesitate to hurt the next person who makes a rude comment. Gwen has sweated blood into preparing this wedding. Fox and I have endured too much to be together and I will not stand here and watch the people that we consider family and friends ruin it!" She momentarily paused, exhaling sharply and glaring at each and every one of them. "If I knew that you were all going to act like this, I wouldn't have invited any of you."
Kay then threw her napkin on her plate and shoved her chair away as she hastily walked out of the dining room, still seething. Fox rose to follow her but Cassandra beat him to it. "Let me." She suggested and her older brother relented. Cassandra caught up with Kay just as she was exiting to the eastern side of the house. Kay noticed Cassandra but remained silent. Instead she took a seat. "I have to give it to you. I haven't seen anyone silence a room like that without dropping some horrific news or dirty secret." She quipped, taking a seat next to Kay.
Kay sighed sharply. "Please, let's just get on with it, okay? I'm sure your not here to offer a friendly shoulder to cry on, not that I went out here to shed some tears."
"Straight to the point. I like that."
"Not many people do." Kay quipped shrugging nonchalantly. "So, what do you want to know?"
Cassandra pursed her lips and was silent for a moment. "Well, I was going to try to subtly ask you questions that might give away your true intentions but why don't you just tell me instead? It'll save me from looking at my cue cards." She joked wryly.
Kay chuckled, liking the other woman. "Okay, as you already know, my parents are Sam and Grace Bennett. I have an older brother Noah, who is only-God-knows were right now and a younger sister, Jessica, who sadly tried to kill me. Not news to you, I'm sure. I ran away a long time ago. I had a baby but she died. And if you're wondering if I'm after your family's fortune, the answer's no. The Callaway family has given me more than enough. And yes, I do love your brother."
"Why my brother though?" Cassandra softly questioned, holding no malice in her words. She was just curious as to why someone like Kay, who seemed to have it all before she met Fox, would want him. "I know he's desirable. That's all too obvious given his past reputation and last name."
The brunette shrugged. "I don't think I can really make you understand, Cassandra. Fox has given me everything that I have ever wanted in life. In the time that I have known him, I have been incredibly happy. And I didn't have to do anything. I didn't have to work to get his attention and somehow I still earned his affection. I don't want to sound trite and say that Fox completes me but I understand that now. I know now the depth behind the words instead if it being just a catch phrase from a movie."
"That is the nicest thing anyone has said about my brother. He's incredibly lucky to have you in his life, Kay." Cassandra murmured, touched by the genuineness and warmth in Kay's words.
"I'm the lucky one."
Their conversation was brusquely interrupted by a commotion in side the mansion, followed by screech and some clattering of silverware. "Father just stumbled into one of the maids and Helena and they crashed into bar." Camille declared, guffawing uncontrollably. "I think he's had a little too many to drink."
"Well, it looks like the circus folk are starting their first act." Cassandra stated with a small chuckle as she stood up.
"We should go back. Fox has had to hold the fort for some time now." Kay suggested as she followed suit. "Oh, holy crap!" She shrieked, clutching her stomach, doubling over.
Cassandra immediately caught her, holding Kay steady. "What's wrong?" Camille demanded, rushing over to her other side, looking alarmed.
"Oh, God, I think I'm going into labor." Kay gasped, panting.
"But…now?" Cassandra asked, panicked. "It's too soon, isn't it?"
Kay nodded, groaning from the second onslaught of pain. "Cass, let's sit her down." Camille suggested and they helped Kay back to the bench. "Okay, you just breathe. Hee-hee-hoo-hoo." She said trying to demonstrate the breathing techniques.
"We should call Fox." Cassandra announced hurriedly.
"No, no, wait. I think it's going away. False alarm." Kay declared; her breath steadying. She shut her eyes for a moment and sighed. "It was nothing."
The two blonde women in front of her looked skeptical. "That did not look like nothing to us." Camille insisted. "We should get Dr. O'Neil. Fox is going to kill us if we just let this go."
"Let's go see Dr. O'Neil but I don't want the others to know." Kay argued firmly. "I don't want them fussing over something so little. And with everything that's happened these last few months; I know they'll make a big deal out of it. Can you two help me up?"
"Yeah." Cassandra whispered and she and her sister, helped Kay out of the bench. "Do you think you can walk back to the house?"
Kay nodded. "Unless this pregnancy suddenly eradicated my motor skills, I think so." She smiled. "I owe you both."
"You know you can thank me by naming one of the twins after me." Cassandra joked, grinning innocently. Kay chuckled, shaking her head in amusement.
"Only after me." Camille protested. "I did help you with the breathing."
"Take a number, girls. There are a lot vying to be the twins' namesakes." Kay replied.
Cassandra and Camille looked disappointed. "I get the third child!" Cassandra suddenly exclaimed.
"I get the second!" Camille declared, just as loudly. Kay couldn't help laughing.
"That's what I meant!" Her sister protested. "It is the second child, right?" Cassandra turned to Kay.
"I'm not sure." Kay replied uncertainly.
"It's third. There are the twins which makes two. Then there's a third. See?" Camille firmly insisted as the three of them rejoined the group who had moved into the living room. Jason and Gwen were sitting together while Helena and Arthur sat across them, just to the right of a slightly drunk Julian and a giggling Rebecca. John had retreated to the far corner of the room, looking at some family photos which were strangely there.
Helena quickly rushed over to Kay, apologizing for everything. As expected, Kay gladly accepted the apology. She then excused herself to go upstairs to lie down and rest for a while. Fox followed just as the speakers in the mansion turned on and Alistair began to speak.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. I know that many of you have been anxiously waiting for the explanation as to why I faked Kay's death. Well, you don't have to wait any longer."
************************************************************************
Boston
Jessica Bennett laid in her bunk silently, staring at the bottom of the bed above her. It was empty; her cellmate, Claudine, was transferred to solitary earlier in the week for getting into a fight with one of the other women.
Over food. Jessica bitterly thought biting her bottom lip and shifting to get more comfortable. That would be impossible; to get comfortable that is, in this hellhole that she often silently referred to as lesbian hell. Not that Jessica had anything against lesbians.
She had never imagined spending the holidays in prison or being in prison in the first place. She was the chief of police's daughter or ex-chief to be exact, never got into trouble as a kid and was the all around American girl from little town, Maine. No one had seen this coming.
Jessica slightly scoffed as she noted the difference between jail and prison. Some people would think it was one and the same. But Jessica knew better. Jail was nothing when compared to prison. Jail was just a small cell where they keep drunks and liquor store robbers locked up for the night at most. Prison was different.
Prison was a city of criminals and in her case, female criminals. Prison was where you might get a friendly initiation in the shower on your first night; where you get stabbed in the eye for looking at someone the wrong way. It was almost like the horror stories that she often saw on TV. Thankfully, Jessica never went through any of those. There were close calls, she had to admit, but she had been lucky.
In the last few months that she had been here, Jessica had grown a reputation. She didn't cause trouble, didn't pick fights with anybody, didn't even socialize with the other women but she was known as a sister killer. Most of the women in the penitentiary were in for shooting a boyfriend they caught cheating, some were abused wives who killed their husband; while the rest were either bank robbers or in for something that had to do with drugs or prostitution.
But Jessica was different.
Jessica was young, stunning and had a look of purity and naiveté in her. And she killed her sister. Her pregnant sister. That scared the inmates, even those who'd lived harsher lives and seen so much brutally, that they thought they could take on just about anything now.
If she could kill her sister, then she wouldn't hesitate with them.
Jessica shut her eyes and tried to push her troubled thoughts away. She would never admit it to anyone; not her parents who came to see her as often as they could in between trial dates or not, or to Miguel who she trusts right now, that she really, really hated it here.
I'm going to get out of here. She painfully thought curling in her bunk, pressing her forehead against the cold wall. Jessica was relying on her lawyer, Geoffrey Briggs, to do just that. He was a high end criminal lawyer from New York who had enough cases to make any other attorney green with jealousy and any D.A. wary. His services came with an expensive price, a price that Jessica knew her family couldn't afford but thankfully, Briggs offered to work pro bono.
As long as they let the media tag along, of course. Winning Jessica's case against the ever powerful Cranes would just about put Briggs on the top and he intended to reach that said top.
Sighing, Jessica rethought her plan. The next trial date was three weeks after New Year. She knew exactly what she had to do or say then. Briggs had coached her on some parts but the rest was up to Jessica. The crazy act she would pull would do the trick. At least, Jessica hoped it would because she was not going to serve life or get the death sentence for ridding the world of one miserable bitch.
Those drama classes in high school better pay off. Jessica thought with a wry smirk.
She wasn't sorry. Not really. Kay had made them unhappy, before she ran away and then after, when she came back. She wasn't going to stop. And everyone was either too afraid or powerless to try. So I had to do it. I had to stop her. She thought, taking some pride in her success.
But Jessica wasn't going to pay for her crimes either. She had absolutely no intention to because in her mind it was justifiable. She was just doing what she thought was best to protect her family and her friends. Plain as that.
Now, why in hell should I spend the rest of my life in a cell for protecting the people I love? I should be given a damn medal. Jessica inwardly declared.
She wasn't going to let anyone else pay either. Not Miguel who helped the best he could, although there were moments that Jessica thought he was going to cowardly back out on her; and not Luis who saw what they were doing to Kay but looked the other way.
Her thoughts focused on Miguel. The young man had come to see her earlier, to wish her a happy holiday and of course to talk.
"There's trouble coming, Jess." Miguel had said.
Jessica had shrugged at him then, cradling the phone between her ear and shoulder, looking at Miguel though the glass. "There's always trouble." She said with indifference. In the months that Jessica had stayed in the Boston prison, she had grown even colder.
"I can feel it. Something big is going to happen." He insisted, shivering as if there was a draft in the room.
"Yeah," Jessica conceded. "In a month I'm going to walk and there's nothing the Cranes are going to do about it." She cockily declared.
Miguel sighed heavily. "You know that they have the best lawyers. They're going to fight you tooth and nail."
"I know. And I'm going to fight them back. They know I'm guilty. Hell, everyone knows I'm guilty but I'll show them. You just wait." She declared boldly, grinning slightly. "So, how's Charity?" She asked, changing the subject. Jessica had been pleased to her that her cousin and good friend had gotten married. And she knew it wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for her.
"She's pregnant." Miguel's voice was barely a whisper, as if he was ashamed.
"That's great!" Jessica exclaimed. "See what you can do with Kay out of the way?" She grinned.
Miguel smiled back, emotionless. "I'm just worried."
"About the baby?" Jessica asked, her voice softening.
"About everything." Miguel clarified, frowning. "If Charity ever finds out that I-"
"She wont." She argued firmly. "We've been through this before. She won't find out. No one is going to tell.. Seriously, you have to worrying so much. You're going to die before your time."
Miguel nodded chastised like a guilty little boy. "The guilt is driving me crazy." He whispered solemnly, biting his lip as if to stop himself from getting to emotional.
Jessica sharply sighed, rolling her eyes. "There's nothing to be guilty about. Nothing, Miguel. Just put it out of your mind, okay. You didn't do anything wrong. Repeat after me: 'I didn't do anything wrong.'"
"I didn't do anything wrong." He mumbled grudgingly.
"With a little more feeling next time." She chided. "If you compare all her bad deeds against ours, we're still the lesser evil. She may have been pregnant when I eliminated that bitch but she was still a bitch out to get us and our families. You remember that the next time you feel guilty."
"Okay, okay." Miguel said, defeated. "There's something going on with the Cranes and Callaways. They've all just disappeared." He said, changing the subject.
Jessica arched a dark eyebrow. "Disappeared?" She echoed, quizzically.
"Yeah." He muttered. "The media are having a field day looking for where they went."
"Disappear how?"
Miguel shrugged, shifting the phone to the other ear, the other aching. "I don't know. First there were rumors that Kay might be alive-"
"Just rumors so don't get all worked up."
He nodded, not thoroughly convinced. "Then some mystery lady showed up at the Crane Christmas party and Fox disappeared. Do you think it's Kay?"
"No." Jessica said all too quickly. "What happened then?"
"Then the Callaways and the Cranes just upped and left. No one knows where they are." He stated. "What do you think it is?"
Jessica paused briefly and then shrugged. "I'm sure they just gathered together to pool their resources." She stated. "They're preparing to take me down and make me pay for killing their precious little bitch."
"You have to stop referring to her like that. She's dead."
"If the shoe fits." She callously retorted. "Whatever. Take care of Charity and tell her I said congratulations."
"I will." He mumbled sullenly.
"Oh, and Miguel?"
"Yeah?"
"I'll be out before that kid is born. I promise you that." She smiled.
Miguel just nodded and walked out.
************************************************************************
New Year's Eve
Kay stood in front of the full length mirror, her hands running over the material of her wedding dress. She wore a silk strapless couture gown with French lace that Kay thought added such elegance to its simplicity. It was white which made her tanned skin glow and floor length with a small sweeping train.
She exuded the elegance and rare beauty that most Crane bride's posses on their wedding day. Her dark hair was parted in the middle, gently swooped back and tied into a simple French knot, adorned by white flowers and diamond studs. Her jewelry was simple, just a pair of dangling diamond earrings that Fox had custom made just for Kay and this wedding, and of course the engagement ring that he had given her a few days ago.
The scar on her chest, just above her heart had luckily healed well, the stitches long gone and now all was left was a line that was conveniently fading away and covered by make up.
"I'm ready." Kay said out loud, more to herself than to the other occupants of the room who right now only consisted of Helena and Gwen. Everyone else was downstairs, mingling with each other or like Julian and Rebecca, taking advantage of the unlimited supply of alcohol. Fox, on the other hand was a few rooms down the hall with Arthur who was helping him out.
"You look beautiful, Kay." Gwen, who was donned in an expensive custom made two piece soft green number, said. Beside the blonde, Helena Callaway was daintily wiping away proud tears.
"Thanks, Gwen." Kay said, opening her arms to hug the petite blonde. "You have no idea how grateful I am for everything that you have done for me. You didn't have to, you know." Unofficially, Gwen was her maid of honor.
Gwen nodded. "It was my pleasure." She replied.
"I'm proud of you, Kay. You've grown up so much and you have turned out into such an amazing person." Helena declared, shedding more tears.
"All thanks to you and Uncle Arthur." If it weren't for the two of you, I would have probably ended up on the streets or some shelter. Kay thought with a wry smile.
Glancing at her diamond studded watch, Gwen declared, "I'm going to go downstairs and get everything settled. The priest is here and we have about a little over half an hour before midnight. We should start." She then headed out the door, casting Kay one last smile.
"Aunt Helena, I just want to thank you for taking care of me all these years." Kay tearfully began as she clasped the other woman's hand tightly. "I know you didn't have to take in a stray like me and I am very grateful for your kindness. I was not easy to handle, I caused trouble more than I did good but…you, you never gave up on me and-"
"Oh, honey, I know." The Callaway matriarch gently whispered as she held Kay in her arms and patted her back as if to soothe her. "I've always known that you're grateful. And yes, you were a handful," Helena chuckled. "But I'm proud of what you've become. I wouldn't have any other way. Now, you stop crying. You're going to ruin your make up. I'm going to get your uncle Arthur while you get your make up retouched, okay?"
"Okay." Kay nodded, sniffling.
"I love you, Kay."
"I love you too, Aunt Helena." She answered.
Helena smiled, ushered Guy the make up artist into the room and headed to Fox's room where Arthur was presumably giving poor Fox the speech about taking good care of Kay or else. Instead, she ran into her own daughter who was rushing to Kay's room, her vibrant red hair flying behind her.
"Mom!" Miranda called. She was wearing a dainty soft pink tea length organza gown that hugged every curve of her body.
"Where have you been?" Helena demanded.
"The paparazzi hounded me when I landed in Hawaii and Alistair's jet only picked me up an hour ago. And I would have swam here if I knew where to go." She explained hurriedly. "Where's Kay?"
"In her room. Go outside and take a seat. The ceremony's going to start." Helena declared. "You can explain everything later to her. It's a good thing you're here. She would have been devastated if you missed this."
"I know." Miranda whispered as she turned around, headed back down the stairs and did what her mother had told her.
Helena proceeded to Fox's room and firmly planted a knock on the door. The blonde groom appeared, neatly dressed in his elegant brand new tuxedo. "Time to start." She said and Fox nodded, readjusted his tie one last time and went downstairs to take his place. Arthur reemerged from the bathroom room. "Kay's waiting and Miranda's here."
"About time, too. Let's get the show started then." He beamed.
"I'll see you downstairs." Helena said as she quickly turned on her heel and headed to the staircases.
"Alright." Arthur murmured as he went to fetch Kay. "Ready Kay?" He asked as he knocked on Kay's door, gently opening it.
"Ready as I'll ever be." She replied, picking up her bouquet of red roses just as Arthur offered her his arm. Kay gladly accepted it and he led her down the curved grand staircase and out the back yard where the strains of Mendelssohn's Wedding March hung in the air.
"Listen, Kay, I don't think I ever told you this but Fox is a good man and I'm proud that you made such a good choice. I know our families don't get along but he does love you and that's all that matters to me." He said as they paused just before the small crowd that consisted of family and friends whose eyes were all turned to Kay. But all she could see was Fox standing beside John by the enormous arbor that was lit by delicately small fairy lights and decorated by clusters after clusters of giant red and white roses everywhere.
"I didn't choose Fox, Uncle Arthur." She rectified quietly as she caught Fox's gaze and held it, her breath catching. "We just kind of chose each other."
"Anyway, I am proud. I don't tell you this often enough but I am." He whispered as they began to walk down the rose covered isle. They stopped in the front and Arthur planted a quick kiss on her forehead, just before handing her over to Fox who smiling happily.
"Who gives away this woman?" Father Connor, a tall thin figure of a man asked.
"On behalf of all of those who love her, I do." Arthur replied just before he took a seat beside Helena.
Opening his bible, Father Connor began to read. "Love is patient, love is kind…" A few minutes later, after the I do's were said, he then asked Fox and Kay to say their vows and exchange the rings. Fox was first to speak.
"Kay, when I first met you, I knew you were different. I knew my life wasn't going to be the same ever again. And I'm glad because since I've met you, I have felt more emotions than I have ever experienced my entire life. You have challenged me and inspired me and above all else, you have given me the greatest gift of all: you. You're an amazing woman, Kay, who I don't deserve but I must have done something right in my life because you're here. You're standing in front of me, holding my hand and smiling." Fox paused for a moment as he stared at Kay who was crying now, her hand firmly holding his. Swallowing, he continued. "No one has seen my heart like you have, Kay. No one has given me such courage and strength and happiness. And I am grateful beyond words that you are in my life and will be forever. I love you, Kay. So, today, I take my place, neither in front of you nor behind you, but beside you. I promise to love, honor and cherish you forever. I love you, Kay." He then slipped the ring on her finger, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it softly.
Fox knew that there weren't really any words that could describe his feelings but he hoped that this would be sufficient enough, that deep inside Kay would understand without the words. And she did.
"I love you too." She whispered back, wiping away her tears. There were a few sniffles in the crowd, some touched sighs just as the cameras continued to take pictures. "Fox, I love you more than I have ever loved anyone in my life. For as long as I can remember I have been searching for that special something and now, I have it with you. And I never ever want to let it go. You say that I have given you a lot. I think it's the other way around. I have guarded my heart with a fortress, Fox, and you managed to climb and reach me anyway. You taught me how to trust, to let you in. I thought I was brave and strong but from you I learned it takes great courage and strength to let someone love me and to love back. I have been given two chances in my life already and you, Fox, are my third and final chance. I have been lost and wandering most of my life but now, with everything that you have give me: the love, the happiness and these babies, I am home. I'm home." Kay tearfully declared; her voice breaking as she gently touched the side of his face. "You make me feel safe; you are the anchor that keeps me from drifting and I promise you, that I will stand by your side and I will share your sadness as well as your happiness. I promise to love honor and cherish you, Fox Crane, until my dying day. I love you. I love you."
Touched and teary eyed, the priest clasped his hand together. "With the powers vested in my I now, pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." He said just as the clocked struck twelve and the pendulum swung. Father Connor had performed many weddings in his life and seen many happy couples but today, with Fox and Kay baring their hearts and souls, he was moved. He wished them well.
"Happy new year, Mrs. Crane." Fox whispered as he leaned forward and kiss Kay.
"Happy new year, Mr. Crane." Kay whispered back in between kisses. "I love you, Fox." And behind them, their family and friends cheered and exchanged kisses just as the photographers that they hired continued flashing their cameras.
"Everyone, I now introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Fox Crane and wish you all a happy new year!"
************************************************************************
Two Days Later, Mexico
In a city just outside of San Jose Cabo, Simone Russell peered through her dark sunglasses, blending in with the relatively small crowd in the local marketplace. She looked well in place rather than a tourist as she stood there with her dark hair tied into a simple pony tail while wearing a fitted white tank top and jean shorts. "What the hell?" She mumbled as she picked up the magazine, examining it closer.
"Are you going to buy that magazine?" Senora Alvarez or Rita, a woman that Simone had befriended, asked wincing from the heat of the sun above them. She was a small, Mexican woman, formerly a grade school teacher but was now retired and tending to her quaint little convenience store just down the street from Simone Russell's apartment.
"Si." Simone replied, handing the other woman a worn one hundred peso. Still frowning at the magazine, Simone hastily flipped through its pages as she hurried back to her apartment.
Nicholas Foxworth Crane, heir to the Crane billions, shocked the world by secretly marrying a mysterious woman on New Year's Eve. Simone searched for more pictures but there was nothing else that showed the bride's face. There were only two pictures in the magazine; one was an enlarged picture of a solemn Fox in the cover, taken a few months ago during Kay's funeral and the other was one of Fox again but this time, he was facing a woman who unfortunately had her back turned to the picture. It was obviously a wedding. "Dammit." Simone cursed as she threw her purse on the rumpled bed; the man who was there the night before now obviously gone. Not that Simone really cared.
She proceeded to the balcony of her room, which overlooked a rather peaceful street below. Scowling, she flopped down on the cushioned rattan chair and red the article. There was no mention of the woman's name, just that she was unknown and that the wedding was supposed to be top secretly. Apparently someone had leaked information to the press. Simone thought with a small sigh. The article then went on with how shockingly hasty this wedding was considering that Fox wasn't even six months past mourning his deceased girlfriend, Kay Callaway. Was this married to fill the void and replace her or did he never love her? The article rather snidely asked.
That's Kay. Simone inwardly declared as if trying to persuade herself. She cringed at the thought of her former best friend as vivid memories from the night Kay was kidnapped and killed filled Simone's thoughts. She had tried to put that part of her life behind her. Simone had left Harmony because she didn't want to be part of the mess. She didn't want trouble in her life again. God knows she had enough trouble. She left to run away from it all. So, why am I suddenly so sure it's her? Simone demanded from herself.
She knew she was crazy to all of a sudden think that this woman could possibly be Kay. She was just torturing herself by doing that. Kay was dead. Dead. Simone was there when Kay was buried. She had seen Fox. He had been so devastated. She had watched while the casket was lowered into the ground.
So, the woman, whoever she may be, couldn't possibly be Kay, right? Simone pondered, the thought now disturbing her. Shoving her ridiculous idea out of her mind, she placed the magazine on the table and decided she was wrong.
"Leave it alone, Simone." She chided herself. "You have a new life now."
She had to be wrong because if she wasn't, Simone was sure that trouble was going to catch up with her again.
~*~
A/N: I INCLUDED A LOT WITH THIS CHAPTER. WELL, AS MUCH AS I COULD BE FIT IN ANYWAY.
THE DINNER SCENE WAS TO SHOW THE FAMILY RIVALRIES, THAT ALTHOUGH KAY AND FOX DO LOVE EACH OTHER AND HAVE ALISTAIR SUPPORTING THEIR MARRIAGE, NOT ALL IS PARADISE IN EDEN. THE RIVALRY IS BEST SHOWN THROUGH HELENA AND REBECCA. I CHOSE REBECCA TO ACT ON BEHALF OF THE CRANES BECAUSE SHE SIMPLY IS THE ONE PERSON WHO LIKES TO PROVOKE PEOPPLE AND SHE IS CONSTANTLY DRUNKENLY DRAPED ON JULIAN'S ARM. SO, I SUPPOSE THAT MAKES HER PART OF THE FAMILY.
MIRANDA WAS LEFT OUT FROM THE DINNER SCENE SIMPLY BECAUSE THERE WERE TOO MANY CHARACTERS AND IT WAS CHAOTIC ENOUGH AS IT IS. SHE SERVED AS A NICE SURPRISE TO KAY WHEN KAY SEES HER AFTER THE WEDDING. (BUT THAT'S ALL OFF CAMERA OR IN THIS CASE PAPER).
KAY HAS FOUND COMMON GROUND WITH THE CRANE SISTERS, ESPECIALLY CASSANDRA BECAUSE SHE'S THE TOUGHER CRITIC. BUT THEY WON'T BE ALL CHUMMY WITH EACH OTHER ALL THE TIME.
THE SCENE WHERE ALISTAIR WAS ABOUT TO EXPLAIN WHY HE CHOSE TO FAKE KAY'S DEATH WAS OMITTED BECAUSE THERE'S NO NEED TO REWRITE IT AGAIN SINCE THAT SCENE WILL BE USED WHEN KAY FACES JESSICA, LIKE SHE SAID BEFORE. IT WOULD BE TOO REDUNDANT AND POINTLESS.
NOW, THE VOWS. MOST OF THE WORDS, BUT NOT ALL, ARE MINE. AND I GIVE CREDIT TO OTHERS FOR THEIR PART. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LOVELY TO WRITE ABOUT THE RECEPTION BUT THERE WAS REALLY NO NEED. THEY MAKE TOASTS, ANNOUNCE SPEECHES, MINGLE AND GET DRUNK (EXCEPT FOR OUR MOMMY TO BE) AND OF COURSE, NO PARTY THAT CONSISTS OF THE CRANE AND CALLAWAYS CAN'T GO ON WITHOUT SOME MILD BICKERING. IT'S ALL UP TO YOUR IMAGINATIONS.
NOW, THE MOST IMPORTANT NOTE IS THIS, MALICE IS SADLY COMING TO AN END. I DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT END IS BUT IT'S ONLY A FEW CHAPTERS AWAY. THIS STORY, ALTHOUGH I'M SOMEWHAT RELUCTANT TO LET IT GO, HAS TO HAVE A CONCLUSION. NOT ALL WILL BE ANSWERED OR RESOLVED BY THE END OF MALICE AND THAT IS WHERE THE SEQUEL COMES IN.
YES, THERE WILL BE A SEQUEL BUT THAT'S ALL UP TO YOU, LOVELY READERS. IF THERE'S ENOUGH INTEREST, THEN I'M WILLING TO WRITE IT. THAT'S WHY I INCLUDED SIMONE IN THIS TOO AND BECAUSE SHE'S BEEN MISSING FOR A LONG TIME. AND I LIKE THE CHARACTER.
WELL, THAT'S IT FOR NOW. THIS A/N IS GETTING OBSCENELY LONG. AS, ALWAYS I APPRECIATE COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
PLEASE REVIEW.
