Danny woke up the next morning and just stared at Mary sleeping for a few minutes. He was interrupted by a fussy Elizabeth.
"How are you sweetie? Did you know that mommy and daddy are getting married today?" He bounced her up and down. "Should we go get cleaned up for mommy?" He went into the bathroom and climbed into the shower, holding her against his shoulder. When their shower was over, he wrapped them both in fluffy towels and went to wake up Mary. She showered while Danny dressed himself and Elizabeth. The three of them headed to the Montecito at noon. They were greeted by Sam, who stole Mary away, Ed, who took Elizabeth upstairs to be dressed by Gillian, and Mike, who led Danny to a room in the casino.
"So man, you nervous?" Mike asked, helping Danny with his jacket.
"Mike, I've been waiting for this day for years." Danny checked himself in the mirror.
"You're nervous, aren't ya?"
"A little bit." He admitted.
"Don't worry. She loves you."
"I know. It's just that little bit." Danny held his finger and thumb close together.
"Isn't that where Elizabeth fits?"
Danny laughed. "You're right. She takes away all my worries."
"Well, lets get you married."
They went down to the chapel which was festooned with streamers and pictures of the couple. Danny waited at the front with Mike and Ed at his side. Nessa came first, carrying Elizabeth in her arms. Sam and Delinda followed. Then Mary, in a beautiful white dress, gathered at the waist, was escorted by Danny's father. Danny started smiling the moment he saw her. The aisle was short and soon he was taking her hand and staring into her eyes.
"I love you." He whispered.
"I love you too."
They turned to the minister, an elementary school friend of Mary's, who smiled, "Should we get started?"
Mary smiled and nodded, causing Danny to laugh.
"Alright," the minister began, "Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, we are gathered here to celebrate, finally, the marriage of Danny McCoy and Mary Connell. Now those of us who grew up in Vegas have been waiting for this day since high school graduation, so I am pleased to be the one to actually perform the ceremony."
A clump of Mary and Danny's childhood friends began laughing.
"Anyway, Mary...Danny, marriage is a joining of two hearts, two souls. I know that the two of you have been close since childhood and today we legally sanction your love. You already have the most beautiful child and we all hope that you will add more and multiple the love in your home.
"Now Danny, take Mary's right hand in your own and repeat after me: I Danny McCoy,"
"I Danny McCoy,"
"Take you, Mary Connell, to be my lawful wedded wife."
"Take you," his voice caught, "Mary Connell, to be my lawful wedded wife."
"I promise to love and cherish you. To always be with you."
"I promise to love and cherish you." Mary wiped a tear away. "To always be with you."
"To share my life with you and to be a light in your life. To be with you in sickness and in health, in good times and bad..."
"To share my life with you," Danny heard Elizabeth giggle and looked in her direction, then smiled back at Mary, "and to be a light in your life. To be with you in sickness and in health, in good times and bad..."
"Until such a time as death may part us."
Danny squeezed her hand. "Until such a time as death may part us."
"Mary, your turn." She repeated the same vows, smiling directly into Danny's eyes.
They exchanged rings, not letting go of each other's hand. And finally,
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. Danny, you may kiss your bride."
Danny put his hands on her cheeks and kissed his wife for the first time. The audience applauded wildly and Danny and Mary McCoy turned to them with smiles. Nessa handed them Elizabeth and they raced down the aisle, hand in hand.