TWO MONTHS LATER......

Tampa, Florida

"Chris, come on. We're gonna be late!" Mel sat on the edge of the bed in their hotel room. She slipped her feet into the high heel shoes her sister had picked out. "Chris, you ok in there?" She called to her fiancé.

"Yeah babe. I'm cool." He yelled, then mumbled, "shit" , as something fell. Mel laughed. It had been two grueling months, since the accident in the ring, that had almost left Chris paralyzed. Thinking back to that night made her cringe. He had broken his neck in two places. Almost a week went by before he regained complete feeling in both his legs. The doctors determined that they were clean breaks that would allow them to preform an operation to repair the damage. They agreed that Chris would heal up just fine. It would take a lot of physical therapy and time, they warned. It would be at least a year before he could return to the ring.

'The accident', as they kept referring to it, was in a way, a blessing. Running down the ramp that night, all she could do was think about how much she loved him and didn't want to live her life without him. Climbing into the ring, that fateful night, her mind had flashed back to all the good times they had shared. The nights they stayed up late, cuddling, watching cheesy movies and drinking wine. And the always interesting trips they made to Chris's parents house in Manitoba. Every time they returned to Canada, he was like a kid again. He loved showing her the sights and telling her stories of his childhood. Seeing him laying in the ring, unconscious, made her open her eyes to what she had been missing. Chris was trying to change. He was fighting Hunter that night because he loved her. He was trying to prove himself. He was fighting for her, for their relationship.

The bathroom door opened, and Chris walked out looking amazingly hot. His long blonde hair, fell over his new, black neck brace. His eyes were radiant, as he buttoned his shirt. Mel walked over and helped him put on his jacket.

"It's too damn hot for this thing. Why do they have to get married outside anyways?"

Mel laughed and smoothed the imaginary wrinkles out of his jacket. She quickly kissed his soft lips. "Because, it's beautiful this time of year. And besides my sister loves the out doors."

"Fine! Whatever. I hope there's gonna be cold beer at the reception." He smiled and winked at her.

"Oh Chris! Behave." Mel giggled, as they walked out the door.

Sunset Cove Resort

"Where is my sister? I told Mel to be here early." Autumn said, as she toyed with her hair.

"I'll call her sweetie. Don't worry, she'll be here." Dawn replied, as she dialed Mel's number.

"I'm getting married in forty-minutes Dawn. She's the maid of honor. She should be here already."

Audi had forgiven Dawn about a month ago. Dawn had written her a long detailed letter, explaining everything. Apparently, Dawn had only been trying to get Rob away from Audi, because Dawn felt that Randy was the best choice for Audi. Dawn was trying to save her best friend from a broken heart and worse, thinking that Rob surely couldn't love Audi the way Ran did. And of course she had been right. While Audi was sitting at the hospital with Mel and Chris, Randy was right there by her side. He took care of everyone. Getting coffee, making phone calls and everything else. Between all the errands, Ran also managed to win Audi back. He brought her dinner in the waiting room, covered her up after she fell asleep and left little notes, expressing his love for her. In the week that she stayed by her sister's side, she never once heard from Rob. She knew the feelings that she once had for him were gone.

"Mel, where are you? Audi's freaking out! I don't know how much longer I can keep her calm." Dawn said into the phone. "Oh you are? Ok." She hung up.

"Mel is about three miles away."

Autumn breathed a sigh of relief. "She's always late." Audi laughed and turned her attention back to her hair.

"I love you!" Chris blurted out, as Mel turned onto the freeway.

"I love you too Chris!" She shot him a puzzled look, finding the outburst of emotion odd, because he wasn't really into verbally expressing his feelings.

"I just realize that I don't tell you that enough." He smiled and put his hand on her knee.

"Traffic is awful today. I guess all the lucky people are heading to the beach." She laughed, knowing Chris would rather be anywhere that at a wedding.

"Hey, won't Audi understand, you know, if we blow off her big day? We can head to the beach too. Catch some rays, knock back a few cold ones."

"That would be great. But she's my sister, and I want to be there. It's won't be that bad."

Chris rolled his eyes. "Ok, but I'm only sitting through this wedding to make you happy."

Melony laughed. It was good to have Chris here with her.

Flash Back

"Hey...babe." Chris said in a groggy voice, as he woke up from surgery.

"How are you feeling?" Mel asked, as she held his hand. His face was pale and his eyes were blank.

"I feel great. Waking up to your beautiful face makes all the pain go away." He squeezed her hand, as she leaned down and softly kissed his lips.

"I'm so sorry about everything Chris. I feel like this is all my fault. I don't know how to fix this. How do I make things right?"

Chris gazed up into her eyes, a smile spread across his face. "Babe, it's in the past. Now we just need to move on. You were all I could think about going into surgery. I admit, I was scared. Scared that I would never see you again. You can make things right....Marry me!" Chris reached under the cover and pulled out the diamond engagement ring. "I held this ring in my hand all through surgery, praying that you would say yes. Mel, I don't want to lose you. I love you too much babe." Chris held out the ring on the palm of his hand. Mel had tears in her eyes. She felt so much love for him, her heart was literally about to burst.

"Chris, I don't know what to say. Yes Chris. I will marry you." She laughed and cried tears of joy. He slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her down for a passionate kiss.

"Chris, you make me so happy. I can't imagine my life without you either."

He looked at her lovingly. "Now you'll never have to." He brought her left hand up to his lips, planted a kiss on her palm and gazed into her eyes.

"Sounds perfect to me."

End Flash Back

Chris and Mel pulled into the parking lot. "Chris, are you sure your neck isn't hurting?"

"It's cool. I feel fine." He smiled and opened his door. They walked into the lobby of the resort and looked around. Mel kissed his cheek."I guess I'll go find the bride to be."

"Ok sweetheart. I guess I'll go find the guys. By the way, you look beautiful." He gave her a deep, heated kiss, and they parted ways.

"Hey Dawn! Hey sis! You look beautiful." Mel sais, as she entered the room where Audi was getting dressed.

"Hey Mel! I'm glad you're here. Now maybe she will stop fussing at me." Dawn said with a giggle and gave Mel a hug.

"Thanks sis. You look pretty amazing yourself. And don't pay any attention to Dawn, she's been into the bubbly."

"Bubbly! Where? I could use a drink or two." Mel said, scanning the room for champagne.

"Here girl, I'll pour you a glass." Dawn walked over to the mini bar and filled up another glass.

"Ok you two. Try to stay somewhat sober, so you don't fall down while walking down the aisle."

"Sure." Dawn and Mel said in unison, as they giggled and knocked back the champagne.

Looking in the mirror, Randy adjusted his tie over and over. Hunter, his best man, came offer to offer assistance.

"Here man let me help."

"Thanks. I just want everything to be perfect today." Randy said nervously.

"I'm sure it will be a day you'll never forget, that's for sure." Hunter chuckled.

"Hunter, you aren't going to cause trouble are you? Shit man, this is my day."

"Be cool Orton. I just want a chance to talk to Mel. And after the ceremony, when I, the best man, am escorting Mel, the maid of honor, down the aisle, it will be the perfect opportunity."

"Shit Hunter! Don't cause trouble. Chris and Mel have been through enough. They' re happy together. Leave them alone man. Past is past."

"Not until she knows I still love her and that I didn't break Jericho's neck on purpose."

"Whatever man. Let's go."

Chris sat at the bar, drinking a Corona, when Eric walked up and took a seat next to him.

"What's up Bischoff?"

"How you feeling Chris?" Eric signaled the bartender over and ordered a Corona for himself.

"I feel fine. I'll feel better when I'm back in the ring." Chris downed his beer and got up to leave.

"Look Chris, I wanted to talk to you about Mel, man to man. She's special and I don't want to see her get hurt. I love her and I want what's best for her. If she feels that you are what's best, then I have no choice but to trust that. For her sake, I hope we can be civil towards one another."

"Bischoff, I really don't have time for this. But know that, for Mel, I'll do anything, even if it means putting up with your phony ass." Chris extended his hand and they sealed the deal.

Randy, Hunter, Dave and Ric all stood at the altar, waiting for the ceremony to begin. Music played, as Mel walked down the aisle first. A look of shock registered on her face and spoke volumes, as she clearly didn't realize, that Hunter would be the best man. She took her place at the altar, seeking out Chris among the guests. She caught his eye and he gave her a playful wink. It was as if he were saying, don't worry, I know you love me. Mel smiled at him and waited as Dawn, Lita and Trish made their way down the aisle.

The wedding march played and Audi, escorted by her father, Chris Benoit, strolled down the aisle. She looked beautiful. She wore a simple, straight, silk gown and a crown of flowers on her hair. Randy beamed as he watched her walk down the aisle. Benoit kept glancing at his daughter, he was overwhelmed with pride. He kissed her cheek and handed her hand to Randy. The preacher gave an emotional sermon and proceeded with the vows. At the end, he asked the age old question. "Does anyone here, show just cause, why this couple, Randy Orton and Autumn Benoit, shouldn't be joined together in holy matrimony? Speak now or forever hold you peace."

"Stop! Don't do it!" Rob yelled from the end of the aisle.

To be Continued