A/N: This is the last chapter. It's coming to an end, but I have an idea for a sequel so I think that there will be more to come. I'm also working on the sequel to Fine Line Between Love and Hate so hopefully they will both be out soon.
Unexpected
Chapter 24
Stephanie was kind of nervous. Today her and Mark were getting married. It wasn't nervousness for the rest of her life to begin, she was actually excited about that, but she was nervous that someone like Paul or her father would ruin things for them. It was supposed to be her special day, so she decided that she wasn't going to let anything ruin it for her.
"Steph, relax. Everything is going to be fine," Sydney said bringing Caleb in.
"I know, actually as long as my dad and Paul stay away things will be all good," Stephanie told her.
"My dad wanted to see if you were ready," Sydney said.
"All I need is someone to help me with the veil," Stephanie said. "Are your sisters ready?"
"Yeah, we're all read. We're so excited. You and Dad are perfect for each other," Sydney said. "Dad's going crazy."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," Steph said.
Sydney put nine month old Caleb on down and helped Stephanie with her veil and hair. "I'll tell Dad we'll be ready to go in five and send Shane back this way," she said. "Do you want Caleb to stay here?"
"Yeah, we need a few minutes of cuddle time before everything starts," Stephanie said. "Thanks for running all those errands, and I'd like to see the girls before things start though."
"Okay," Sydney said before leaving.
Stephanie was so happy that her and Sydney were getting along. They had some rough times before they got to where they are. She knew it had to have been difficult for the younger woman who was only six years younger than she.
In a few minutes the room was buzzing. Shane, Savannah, and Sierra arrived. Stephanie spent a few minutes with the girls before telling her brother that she was ready.
"Are you sure that you want to do this?" Shane asked.
"Yeah, Shane. Mark makes me more happy than anything else," Stephanie told him and gave him a smile.
"If you happy then I can't convince you not to do it, but if he hurts you I'll have to hurt him," Shane said before he walked his baby sister down the aisle.
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Mark was about to go crazy. There was a point that he wasn't sure he could love again, but no he was sure that he could go through with this. Without Stephanie he wasn't sure what he'd be, but he knew he wouldn't be the man he was right now.
He couldn't wait to see his bride. He wanted to get through today so they could begin the rest of their life together. He waited for so long to find the kind of love that he'd found with Stephanie. He wasn't going to let her slip away if it killed him.
"Dad, Steph said she'd be ready in about five," Sydney said. She wanted to talk to Savannah and Sierra for a minute," Sydney said. "Relax., this is supposed to be the happiest day of your life."
"Do you think your mom's watching us now?" Mark asked. He and his first wife, Serena, had been happy, but she died when Sydney was seven and Savannah was three. He still missed her from time to time.
"Yeah and she's happy that your happy," Sydney reassured her father. She also gave him a hug. "You look great. Steph would have to be crazy to thing other wise."
"Thanks little girl. Let's get ready," Mark said.
It was only a few minutes before the wedding march began and he saw his first glimpse of Stephanie, and she took his breath away.
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Paul just heard from Linda that Stephanie was getting remarried. He wasn't sure what to think about that. Now that the rage had boiled down and he was able to again think clearly, maybe Stephanie was right about Vince manipulating him. Maybe Steph hadn't been unfaithful, and the little boy he's seen so many pictures of in Linda's office was really his.
He shook his head trying to clear the thoughts, which unfortunately was unsuccessful. He didn't know what brought about the thoughts of Stephanie on, and he was even more clueless about what would rid him of them. He didn't have the time to think about it either. Something possessed him to buy a plane ticket to Houston and he wasn't going to miss the flight for anything.
He quickly threw a few days worth of clothing and minimal toiletries into an overnight bag then headed for the airport. He barely had time to think.
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Stephanie slowly walked down the aisle and felt surprisingly relieved. She hadn't seen or heard hide nor hair from her father or Paul. She also saw the love in Mark's eyes and knew they would make it through everything that could be thrown at them., and the day would be perfect since the people they loved were with them.
She listened absently to the priest as the ceremony began. They had designed the ceremony to include each of the children so no one would feel left out of the new family. They were going to be a single unit.
She didn't say a word or even appear to be listening until the priest said something about declaring their intentions.
The ceremony went surprisingly smoothly. No one interrupted and no one did anything else to sabotage the moment. Steph and Mark had never been happier.
The reception began smoothly. The reception was at the house, which was filled with family and friends. There hadn't been any unexpected guests.
Stephanie and Mark circulated around the rooms that contained guests and, of course, danced, which Mark wasn't exactly thrilled about. He definitely could have done without that part.
It didn't take long for dinner to begin, and of course Shane had to speak claiming it was tradition. Stephanie pleaded with him to wait until after the meal, and thankfully she managed to convince him.
However when the meal ended Stephanie hadn't convinced him to wait even longer. "When I first heard about Mark and Stephanie having a thing for each other I laughed among other things. When I saw her without him she was absolutely miserable, and from what I hear he was equally as miserable. When I saw them together for the first time I knew this was it. The kind of love that lasts forever. I wish them all the happiness in the world," Shane toasted causing his sister to blush.
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Paul couldn't believe the grandeur at the Calloway house. He knew he had to have missed the wedding, which he wasn't sure if was a good or bad thing at the moment. He didn't want to make a scene (or maybe subconsciously he did), but he did want to see if Stephanie was as happy as everyone said she was and see his son. Well, he thought it was his son. Maybe he should have the DNA test Steph talked about a while ago done. Then at least he would know for sure.
He saw the people dancing, talking, and generally having a good time. He quickly scanned the area hoping to quickly find Stephanie before someone like Shane or Mark found him.
He found her and quickly went over to her.
"Paul, I thought I said I never wanted to see you again," Stephanie said harshly. "This is supposed to be my day."
"Stephanie, I want to tell you that maybe you were right. I shouldn't have freaked out when your dad talked to me. Maybe your son is actually ours," Paul said.
"You lost that right when you told me you were positive the child wasn't yours. You lost that right when you called me a whore," Stephanie said. "Please get off my property."
Paul not wanting to cause a scene for which he would get his ass kicked to no end. He could take on Mark or Shane individually, but this wasn't a fair fight.
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"Steph, I love you more than anything," Mark said before he kissed her.
"I love you, too," Stephanie replied.
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