Kendall finally decided on a black cocktail dress that she had purchased on her earlier trip to Paris, but she had not yet worn in Pine Valley. It was daring even by her standards, and she realized quickly that it would probably not be worn again for many months. Zach eyed his wife appreciatively, noting how her pregnancy had filled out the dress in all the right places… and wished fervently that they could spend a quiet evening at home… in bed.

They arrived early at the Valley Inn. Zach insisting on inspecting the accommodations and making sure that everything was up to his own exacting standards before the guests arrived. Kendall couldn't help but laugh as she realized that her husband, always very conscious of little details that made the difference, could easily rival her mother in his ability to create an atmosphere. She noticed immediately that elegantly framed photographs of their wedding were placed throughout the room—giving the impression of a well-planned and long anticipated event, rather than the hurried affair that it had been. Zach would not allow her to thank him, merely stating that it was just another way to start off on the right foot with her family. Once Zach was satisfied with the arrangements, he relaxed and waited comfortably for their guests to arrive. Kendall observed him with envy, wishing that she could appear as tranquil as she nervously continued to flit about the room.

Fortunately, the first guest to arrive was Myrtle Fargate… and Zach greeted the woman with genuine warmth, "Mrs. Fargate… always a pleasure… I'm so glad that you could join us."

He lifted her hand to his lips and she flirted with him easily, "Why Zach Slater as I live and breathe… Kendall, darlin', you're just lucky that I'm not younger or I'd steal this man from right under your nose."

"And I would be spellbound, I'm sure, Mrs. Fargate. You know that I only have eyes for you," he responded in kind.

"Now, now… we must stop this in front of your wife…" Myrtle answered before turning to Kendall with a warm embrace. "I'm so very happy for you, my dear. Bianca has told me all of your good news, but you can count on my discretion."

Kendall hugged the older woman tightly and whispered, "Thank you… your support means everything to us."

Myrtle pulled away and nodded, "You'll do fine… just remember that you don't have to answer to anyone for the choices you've made."

"You sound just like Zach," Kendall laughed.

Myrtle answered with a smile and a wink, "That's because we're right."

Soon after, the remaining guests began to arrive, and it became readily apparent that Erica had been busy spreading the news of their marriage. Opal Cortland accosted Myrtle the moment she entered the room, "Myrt! Why didn't you wait for me? I showed up at your house and that Simone said you'd already left. You knew I was comin' to pick you up, and I wanted to talk to you about this marriage of Kendall's. That girl's gone and broke her poor mother's heart."

Myrtle answered with a frown, "Opal, Kendall has married Zach Slater and we're here to celebrate that occasion not to gossip about it. Go say hello to the happy couple."

"Oh, you're right, I guess I should give Kendall a hug," Opal answered as she turned toward Zach and Kendall who stood conversing softly. She lowered her voice and leaned towards Myrtle, "Although what she sees in that Zach Slater fella is beyond me… I mean he's a fine lookin' man and all, but he's a Cambias! Erica is fit to be tied!"

Myrtle frowned at Opal, "Now, Opal… considering the amount of time you spend visiting his establishment, the least you can do is give the man the benefit of the doubt. If Bianca and Kendall think he's all right, then Erica will come around eventually. Now go over there and be nice."

Opal started walking away and turned back to Myrtle, "Well… I'm always nice." She approached the couple, "Kendall, darlin'… it was such a surprise to hear of your weddin'."

Kendall hugged Opal while Zach stood behind her and smiled before turning his attention to the latest entrant to the room, "Excuse me, Mrs. Cortland. Kendall, I'll be right back," he said softly in his wife's ear before walking to the doorway to greet Ethan, wondering what kind of trouble the young man had in mind.

He was answered quickly as Ethan handed him a sealed envelope, "Consider yourself served, Zach."

"What's this, Ethan? A wedding present? You shouldn't have," Zach answered with dry humor.

"Don't worry, I didn't. I'm having Biancer served with similar documents, claiming my rightful share of Cambias Industries… you remember… the company that the two of you stole from me," Ethan answered petulantly. "As the son of Alex Cambias, Sr., I am entitled to a one-third share of the estate… per the terms you two worked out when you still thought I was your son."

"Of course… it really isn't the time or place for this conversation… but Bianca and I are very aware of your rights to my father's estate. Provisions have already been made in case you decided to pursue the matter. Would you like to meet and discuss it sometime tomorrow?" Zach answered smoothly, pulling a PDA from his pocket as if to check his schedule.

"Have your attorneys contact mine!" Ethan said loudly as he stalked toward the bar for a drink. Zach smiled as he watched, feeling once again sheer relief that this boy was not his son. Kendall caught his eye and they both enjoyed a moment of quiet laughter before turning to greet another of their guests.

"Well… Zach, you could have knocked me over with a feather when Jack called and told me about your marriage," Livia Frye Cuddahy said to her former client. "Congratulations… although I'm not sure what to think about two of my clients getting together like this. Which one of you do I represent now?"

"Why Kendall, of course, Livia… she deserves only the best," Zach said with a smile and a hug. "Where's your husband?"

"Tom's out of town, but he sends his best wishes. I didn't know if gifts were in order, but I wanted to give you something to commemorate the occasion," she replied offering a small wrapped gift as Kendall joined her husband.

"Livia! That is so sweet, but completely unnecessary," Kendall observed as she joined their conversation.

Livia lifted a photograph of Zach and Kendall flanked by Bianca and Maggie with Miranda snuggled into Zach's arms, "I had no idea you had Bianca and Miranda with you! Where were you married?"

As Kendall began describing the wedding to Livia, Zach walked over to greet Derek Frye and his daughter Danielle, who had just walked into the room "Derek, I'm so glad you could join us… Miss Frye."

Dani smiled with pleasure at being called Miss Frye, "Thank you for having me Mr. Slater. Have Reggie and Lily arrived yet?"

"No, I haven't seen them, but I'll be sure to send them your way when I do," Zach answered before the girl wandered about looking at the photographs. Zach turned to her father, "Did you come with Livia?"

"Yeah… and this is quite a little party you've thrown together. I just hope you know what you've gotten yourself into, Slater. Marrying into the Kane family can be hazardous to your health… and I'd just as soon not have you as my guest again anytime soon," Derek answered with a smile.

"I always know what I get myself into,Derek," Zach said with a smile as he turned towards Kendall having noticed the arrival of Ryan and Greenlee. "Please help yourself to something from the bar… excuse me."

Greenlee reached Kendall before Zach did, and he noted Ryan hurrying to keep up with his wife while looking around the room at the other guests. As Zach approached, he heard Greenlee saying, "… inconsiderate of you. We have been swamped at Fusion trying to cover for you while you were gallivanting all over Europe with Zach Slater…"

To which Zach interrupted, "Actually, it was only France and Italy… although I'm sure that you can appreciate the importance of a proper honeymoon."

Ryan looked at Zach and almost laughed, offering his hand to Zach, "Slater… my condolences on your marriage."

Zach clasped the other man's hand with a sardonic grin, looking quickly from Greenlee to Kendall, "I don't know, Lavery. I think I won the sweepstakes this time."

Kendall smiled sweetly and kissed Zach slowly and deliberately while Greenlee frowned and opened her mouth, but her husband decided to divert her attention before she allowed Kendall to bait her, "Look Greenlee! Here's a picture of Miranda… she's grown so much!"

"Oooh, she has! But why is the picture so dark? Didn't they have electricity at this place?" Greenlee said sarcastically.

Kendall pulled out of their kiss and said in a carefully modulated voice, "It was the most romantic candlelight wedding… in a picturesque village in the Italian Alps. Of course Zach spared no expense in making it perfect. There's just something so… breathtaking… about eloping to the continent."

"Well… you can't say that you were married at a castle," Greenlee carped back.

"Who needs a drafty old castle when you're marrying the most exciting man?" Kendall asked snidely.

"Greenlee, let's look at the rest of these pictures," Ryan suggested as Zach quickly steered Kendall away from the couple.

Kendall heaved a deep sigh as she leaned against her husband while Greenlee and Ryan looked at the pictures on display, mouthing a silent thank you as she had noticed the photographs drawing the attention of their guests at opportune moments. Zach held her close against him and kissed the top of her hair when they were approached by Palmer Cortland, "Kendall, my dear, I was so surprised to hear of your marriage."

Kendall hugged Palmer and then answered, "You know my husband, Zach."

"Yes, I do. What did your mother say to your news?" Palmer asked conspiratorially after nodding to Zach.

Kendall replied, "She was a little surprised, but she didn't know that Zach and I were dating, much less planning to elope."

"I've known Erica Kane for years, and 'a little surprised' couldn't possibly have described her reaction… But from the looks of these pictures it was a very impressive elopement," Palmer answered.

"Only the finest for my wife," Zach said softly, kissing Kendall lightly on the lips. From behind them he could hear Greenlee harrumphing while her husband snickered. Kendall started to turn toward them with a sharp retort, but Zach continued to hold her close and shot an exasperated look at Ryan over Kendall's head. He was hoping to keep the two women apart so that their inevitable argument would occur at the Fusion offices instead of during the evening's festivities, but was not entirely convinced that anyone was going to cooperate.

Palmer was soon pulled away by Opal and they stood arguing loudly near the bar when Erica, Jackson and his children arrived fashionably late. Zach laughed to himself when he realized that Erica was trying a different tactic, and pretending to give her grudging consent to their marriage as she hugged Kendall effusively.

He hadn't told Kendall yet, but it had quickly come to his attention that Erica was actively seeking to have their marriage declared illegal. Of course, Kendall's greatest allies, Bianca and Myrtle, were both tirelessly working to convince Erica to give Zach a chance. Unfortunately, Erica had never been convinced that Kendall could make a decision for herself and it would be a long while before she gave up trying to undo her daughter's marriage—if she ever did. However, mindful of Kendall's penchant for cutting her mother out of her life, Erica had decided to portray the mother wronged instead of the vengeful version at the present time.

Jackson was more reserved, embracing Kendall quickly and shaking Zach's hand, saying, "Slater" to which Zach replied, "Jackson."

Zach was very pleased to greet Lily who smiled and informed him of the number of glasses and tableware displayed throughout the room, suggesting that he had perhaps not ordered enough to accommodate all of their guests. Reggie jumped in, holding out his hand and saying, "Zach… uh… I can't say I ever liked you very much… but… what you did for Lily was pretty great… and now you're family… so…"

He shook Reggie's hand, "Thank you, Mr. Montgomery, and I promise to take very good care of Kendall."

"You better… or else you'll be answering to me," Reggie answered with a laugh before turning to his sister, "Come on, Lily. Let's go find Dani."

Neither Zach nor Kendall was very surprised at the general air of disappointment they received from most of their guests, and Zach quickly realized that Kendall was hurt by their behavior. Erica's rush to inform everyone of their marriage—and her disapproval of same—had wounded her daughter, and he wished that he could whisk her away from them all. Zach knew, though, that the success of their marriage and life together could depend on her ability to withstand this criticism. If she cracked this quickly, he doubted very much if they would be able to withstand difficulties that they would face in the future.

When everyone had gathered into small groups, Zach picked up a flute of champagne and tapped on it with a fork to gaintheir attention, "Please select your favorite photograph from our wedding as a souvenir of this evening, and as soon as the waiters have refilled your glasses I would like to toast my beautiful bride." He watched Erica carefully, and saw alarm dawn in her eyes as Kendall refused the glass offered to her. She looked up, catching Zach watching her and raised an eyebrow before lifting her glass of sparkling cider toward him.

After that single toast, they were seated and the meal was served while the guests continued to converse in small groups. Although they had all examined the photographs on display, no one except Myrtle and Livia had asked for details about their wedding … and Zach and Kendall did not offer any unsolicited information. Erica had been taken aback when she saw pictures of the beautiful ceremony and noted the presence of Bianca, Miranda and Maggie—but stubbornly refused to discuss it with them even as she was seated next to Kendall. Zach noted with sorrow how hurt Kendall was by her mother's refusal to even mention the wedding.

Zach and Kendall had agreed to wait until dessert to make their announcement about the baby, but the closer it got the more nervous Kendall became. He rested his hand lightly over hers… calming her with a look of affection that could have easily been taken for love… a look that was noted with concern by Erica. Once everyone had been served dessert and coffee, Kendall and Zach rose to gain the attention of the entire group. As their guests looked at them with curiosity, Zach squeezed Kendall's hand and allowed her to take control. He had confidence in her ability to handle the situation… and merely offered her his silent support.

Kendall glanced at him quickly for courage before clearing her throat, "Ahem… can I have everyone's attention?"

She paused for a moment, glancing at Zach and blushing a little at the look in his eyes, before rushing on, "Well… I guess you already know about our marriage… so that has saved us one announcement… but we have another one to make…" As her voice trailed off Zach pulled her to him and kissed her lightly on the forehead before she continued, "Please congratulate us once again… because we're expecting a little cousin for Miranda early next year."

The stunned silence was not surprising to either of them, but was very disheartening to Kendall… until Myrtle loudly announced, "That's wonderful! I'm so glad that there are still young people who don't waste any time taking care of the really important things of life!"

Zach answered, "Thank you, Mrs. Fargate," before everyone started talking at once.

Erica quickly moved to hug Kendall and gushed, "This has all happened so fast, Kendall. I just don't know what to say…"

"Please say that you're happy for us, Mother," Kendall replied softly.

"Well, of course I'm happy for you, Kendall. I'm just surprised, that's all. This is a lot to take in," Erica answered before stepping aside for Jack to embrace her.

Since no one seemed to expect anything from Zach, he quietly scanned the room and observed the different reactions. Greenlee turned pale and threw her napkin on the table as Ryan leaned forward and whispered something in her ear. They rose, gave Zach and Kendall some perfunctory congratulations and left quickly on the pretext of an early morning. Ethan didn't even try to pretend and quickly stalked from the room, resembling nothing so much as a very tall child in the midst of a temper tantrum. The remaining guests congratulated Kendall, shook Zach's hand and found excuses to leave as quickly as possible. Soon only Myrtle remained seated, enjoying her dessert and the quiet.

"Well, my dears… you really know how to throw a party," the woman observed dryly to the couple.

Kendall replied, "Thank you, Myrtle. I don't know that I could have survived this without you and Zach."

"I didn't do anything… it was your man that took care of it all," Myrtle replied. "You just show him how much you appreciate him when you get home tonight."

"Oh, I will… I certainly will," Kendall said as she looked at Zach and leaned forward. He pulled her into his embrace and their kiss lasted much longer than she had intended, but their audience of one didn't mind at all.

"Can we drop you at your home, Mrs. Fargate?" Zach asked, looking over Kendall's shoulder.

"Thank you… that would be lovely. I always did enjoy the company of young lovers," she replied with a smile.


Zach sat quietly in the living room of their condo, listening with half an ear to Kendall describing the evening's events to Bianca. He chuckled to himself a couple of times as Kendall neglected to mention her terror and made it sound like they had just overwhelmed the entire group with their confidence. That was all right, though, because Kendall's confidence was going to be key to their survival.

He reached into his pocket and removed the envelope he had received from Ethan, opening it and reading over the legal document. It was exactly as Ethan had said—a claim for his one-third share of Cambias Industries. When Zach had found out that Ethan was not his son, he and Bianca had made arrangements for Ethan's share to be distributed to him in easily converted stocks, bonds and real estate. They had legally arranged it so that he could not influence their reorganization, and he could gain neither power nor influence from his inheritance. Zach had insisted, though, that Ethan be required to ask for his inheritance, thereby dispelling any notion that he had been looking for something more than easy money. He smiled to himself at how well his plan was falling into place.

As he folded it back into the envelope, Kendall entered the room wearing a sheer gown that he had commissioned for her from a designer in Paris. He looked at her appreciatively, desire flaring in his eyes as she sat on his lap and kissed him thoroughly.

"Myrtle says I should show you my gratitude for this evening," she said in a husky voice.

Zach growled low in his throat, "And just how grateful are you?"

"Oh… very grateful," she said as she rose and pulled him behind her toward the bedroom.