Disclaimer: I don't own anything regarding "The O.C." nor am I affiliated with any of the cast and characters used in the story. Anyone or anything that you don't recognize is mine, and anyone and anything else that you do recognize is not mine.

Against All Odds
Chapter 15 – It's Only The Beginning

Summer brushed past the crowd as she was looking for Seth. She looked around some more until she spotted him getting himself a drink. He turns around and smiles at her as she makes her way towards him. All of a sudden, the light begins to grow dimmer and dimmer. She looks up at Seth who appears to be calling her name, but she couldn't hear him. Summer calls out for him, but he is ultimately engulfed by the darkness. She continues towards his direction and calls his name until she couldn't her herself anymore, the darkness getting to her as well.

Summer was startled as she opened her eyes. She could see everything. She looked at her hands, which were visibly shaking. Her heartbeat was beating harder than usual. Finally, she turned towards Seth. He was actually there, sitting next to her. Summer continued to stare at him as though she had never seen in a long time.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"I'm fine. I'm just glad to see you, that's all."

"Okay," he looked at her quizzically. "Did you have a bad dream or something."

"Something like that."

"Well, we're almost there."

"Can you hold my hand?"

Seth gave her an odd look again, but he took her hand nonetheless. He noticed that she was shaking a bit, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he just took her hand and gave it a kiss.

"I'll hold it as long as you want."

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"There they are," Ryan pointed out the couple to Marissa.

Before he could stand up from their seat, Marissa was already running towards Summer and Seth. Ryan waved at Seth as Summer and Marissa continued to hug and chat.

"How long are you two planning to stay?" Ryan said as he got a glimpse of their luggage.

"Only for a few days," Seth answered, "but apparently, you can never be too prepared for these things."

"I only brought what I needed to bring," Summer said.

"Right," Ryan said.

"It's a girl thing," Marissa defended Summer. "You boys just don't understand."

As Ryan and Seth gathered their belongings, Summer and Marissa walked on ahead. Marissa noticed that something was bothering Summer. In fact, she wasn't looking too well.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Summer told her, getting tired of the question itself. "It's my first plane ride in eight years. I'm just feeling a little shaky, that's all."

"I'm so glad you came, Sum," Marissa said excitedly. "You don't know how much it means to me."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Summer smiled at her.

Right behind them, Seth and Ryan were having their own conversation.

"I'm glad you two decided to come," Ryan said. "It really means a lot to me."

"What has Marissa done to you, man?" Seth joked. "You're being sensitive all of a sudden."

"Well, apparently, I'm not sensitive enough," Ryan laughed. "You're making all of us look bad."

"Who's 'us' and how am I doing that?"

"Men in general," Ryan said. "I've heard all about the sentimental and romantic stuff that you've done for Summer."

"You have?"

"Yes, and you have to tone it down," Ryan said lightheartedly.

"Did Summer…"

"No, but she tells Marissa everything, and Marissa just felt like making me feel bad."

"Well, I just want to make her happy, you know," Seth said. "Things are really great right now."

"I can tell," Ryan said. "I'm happy for you."

"So am I."

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Upon leaving the airport, they stopped by a restaurant for a bit to grab a bite to eat before heading to Seth's house. Once their luggage was brought to their respective rooms, Ryan and Marissa ushered them both out of the house while they finished up getting ready for the party. There was already a bunch of people at the house helping them when they arrived.

"Where are we going?" Summer said after they've gone out for a ride.

"There's something that I want to show you."

"Where is it?"

"Right about here," Seth said as he parked the car.

"The dock?" she asked as he got out and went to open her door.

"Yup," Seth said while helping her out. "Come on."

"Is that what I think it is?" Summer pointed out to a familiar looking boat.

"Well, no, but you're pretty close," Seth told her as they finally reached it. "Summer, I'd like to present to you Summer Breeze II."

"You bought another one and still named it after me?"

"You know how the other one got totally dismantled," Seth started. "Well, a couple of years after that I just felt like getting a new one. I had a lot of other names in mind, but I just couldn't name it anything else."

"Well, I like it," Summer gave him a smile. "I think it worked out for the best."

"Do you want to go sailing?"

"Right now?"

"Yes," Seth said. "I had Ryan try it out a couple of days ago, and he said it was fine."

"Chino went sailing?"

"I think Marissa said he got seasick for a while, but yes, he did," he told her the story. "So what do you say?"

"I've never really been sailing before."

"Leave it up to me," Seth said. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

Summer watched as Seth set up everything. She had never seen him in action before, mainly because by the time they got back together, Summer Breeze was in smithereens.

"Are you checking me out?"

"No," Summer blushed, hoping he didn't notice.

"You think I look like a big dork, don't you?"

"I think it's very attractive to see a man who knows what he's doing, especially with boats."

"So you were checking me out," Seth smiled.

"No," Summer said. "It was plainly an observation on my part."

"Put this on," Seth handed her a life vest. "I know I'm not perfect, so there is a slim chance that we might tip over. I do want you to know that I will do my best to keep you dry."

"Thanks," Summer said as she put it on. "This is quite exciting."

Seth bent over, lifting her chin and giving her a lingering kiss.

"Summer, this is only the beginning."

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They went sailing for an hour or two. As they were heading back for the dock, they actually witnessed the sunset. Seth had witnessed it before, but it looked so much prettier and much more breathtaking with Summer next to him. She turned towards him and gave him a smile a couple of times before turning her gaze once again at the colorful spectacle. New York City was something else, but he had to admit that he missed Newport Beach as well.

Once they arrived back to his house, they immediately got ready for the party. Guests started to arrive a few minutes later. It didn't take long for Seth to get ready, and he joined Marissa and Ryan in greeting the guests. For the most part, it was mostly just him and Marissa as Ryan looked after the food and made sure that everything was set up right. Seth was fully aware of the time and the fact that Summer was still not down. He gave Marissa a look, and as if reading his thoughts, she nodded and excused herself as she went upstairs.

"Summer," Marissa called out as she looked through her room. "Where are you?"

"I'm in the bathroom," Summer called out.

"Is everything okay?" Marissa asked. "Seth is getting worried."

"Everything's fine," Summer said. "It's just that time of the month, you know."

"Okay, well, when you're ready, they're a bunch of people downstairs who are dying to see you."

"Great," Summer said.

Once she heard Marissa close the door, she let out a big sigh and looked at herself in the mirror. She had just finished putting her make-up. She walked across the room and closed the toilet lid before sitting on top of it. She was definitely feeling tired, but she didn't want to worry anyone, especially Seth. She noticed that her thigh was exposed, and she immediately covered it with her skirt. After taking one more deep breath or two, she stood up and exited the bathroom. Before heading downstairs, she made sure that her dress was fine and put on a happy face.

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The party was a typical Newport social night as expected. Summer knew most of them, although there were a few that she hadn't met before. She saw Jimmy and Hailey, as well as Caleb and Julie. She was also introduced to a few of Ryan and Marissa's college friends and colleagues, as well as a few more of Marissa's relatives. She saw Ryan and Marissa a few times, and even ran into Seth as well, but she hasn't seen them all in an hour or so. As Summer continued to walk around the room, she saw another set of familiar faces.

"Summer?"

"Yes, it's me," she said as she gave Zach a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"I was invited," Zach said as a woman approached them. "You remember Lindsay."

"Of course," Summer said as they hugged as well. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well," Lindsay smiled.

"So you two are together?"

"Yeah, it was kind of strange how it worked out," Lindsay said.

"So how does it feel to be the wife of a congressman?"

"It's not easy with him working a lot, but we manage," Lindsay gave Zach a smile.

"How are the kids?"

"Whoa," Zach said. "We haven't seen you in years and yet you seem to know a lot about us."

"Cohen filled me in."

"Oh, right, Seth," Zach said. "Are you two together?"

"We're taking it a step at a time, but yes, we are," Summer said. "Speaking of Cohen, I have to go find him. It was nice seeing you both."

"You too," they said in unison as Summer walked away.

She had trouble in finding Seth among the crowd, so she decided to get herself a drink. It was definitely weird being in the Cohen household again. Standing out there in the backyard with everyone around brought back a lot of distinct memories.

"Some party, huh?"

"Yeah," Summer said as she turned to Seth. "Where have you been?"

"I've been around," Seth said. "I've been looking for you, and hey, here you are."

"Do you want a drink?"

"No, but thanks for the offer," Seth said as he glanced at his watch. "It's almost midnight."

"If we stayed in New York, we could be in Times Square right now."

"Maybe next year, sweetheart," Seth said, causing Summer to turn and give him a smile. "Are you okay? You seem a little pale."

"I'm fine," she replied once again. "It's just the change of weather, you know."

"Where are Ryan and Marissa?"

"I don't know," Summer said. "I haven't seen them in a while."

In the next few minutes, everyone had seemed to gather inside to ring in the New Year. Seth and Summer remained outside among a few other people.

"Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…"

Before anyone could say 'Happy New Year,' the lights started to go out until it was almost pitch black. People started to panic a bit until a few lights went back on. Suddenly, a few spotlights went on and focused on Ryan and Marissa who were standing across the pool from everyone. The guest started to pile into the backyard one by one, sensing that something important was about to happen. Between Ryan and Marissa was a minister who finally addressed everyone a moment later.

"Oh my God," Summer whispered as Seth smiled and wrapped his arm around her.

"We are gathered to witness the union Ryan Parker Atwood and Marissa Gail Cooper," the minister said. "If there are any here who would object to this union, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace."

Seth saw from the corner of his eye that Julie was trying her best not to say anything, but both Caleb and Jimmy were able to comfort her. Seth knew that she and Ryan got along well, but he had heard so much about her need to be in control of everything that it didn't surprise Seth that she was a bit upset of this big surprise.

"Blessed God, we invite your presence on this day," he continued. "Bless and sanctify Ryan and Marissa, who come now to join in marriage. Grant that they may give their vows to each other in the strength of your steadfast love. Enable them to grow in love and peace with you and one another in all their days, that they may reach out in concern and service to the world. Amen."

As the minister asked both of them to repeat after him, Seth looked down to see Summer crying. If the other women were crying as well, he didn't notice. He continued to look at her for a moment until she noticed him.

"You're supposed to pay attention, you know."

"I am."

"This is so romantic," Summer whispered. "Julie must be livid."

"I think she'll be fine."

Seth looked up just in time after Ryan and Marissa had exchanged rings.

"You have declared your consent and vows before the Lord and these witnesses. May God confirm your promise and fill you both with grace. It's only the beginning, Ryan and Marissa. Now that these two souls have given themselves to each other by solemn vows and by the giving and receiving of rings, I present to all of you, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Parker Atwood, husband and wife."

The guest cheered after this announcement. Seth couldn't help but tear up a little. He wished that Kirsten and Sandy were present to witness the event, but he knew that they were watching from afar. In fact, they probably knew about it all along.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Ryan and Marissa smiled at each before the inevitable kiss. A few fireworks erupted in the background, after which everyone cheered some more. The band started to play the traditional wedding tune at the end of the wedding. Seth had to admit that he has never heard it played with guitars before. Seth and Summer watched as Ryan and Marissa were flocked with friends and family. They would get their chance sooner or later.

"I guess they're starting off the New Year with a bang."

"Cohen!"

"What?" Seth said before realizing what he said. "No, that's not what I meant, although I'm probably right."

"I've never seen Coop look so happy."

"Look at Ryan," Seth added. "He's smiling, and by smiling, I mean really smiling."

"This was just perfect."

"You'll get your turn."

Summer just smiles and leans her head on his shoulder.

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After Marissa and Ryan had their first dance, a few other people started to join them as couples situated themselves around the pool.

"Would you like to dance?"

"It would be my pleasure," Summer said, placing her hand in his.

They danced in silence, letting each other's presence comfort each other. For the first time in years, his life was finally starting to fall into place. There was nothing that could happen that would change anything. Everything was just perfect.

"You look very pretty tonight."

"You always say that."

"Only because it's true."

As they continued to dance some more, he sensed that Summer was heating up. He tried to ignore it in the beginning, but he couldn't shake the feeling anymore that something was definitely wrong.

"Summer," he said softly, but it appeared to startle her as her head shot back up quickly.

Summer rocked backwards for a bit before Seth caught her.

"Summer? What's happening to you? Are you ill?"

Summer was feeling lightheaded as she clutched Seth's arm for support. As if using all of her strength, she lifted her face to his and uttered the words that were in her head at that very moment.

"I'm so sorry."

The world around her suddenly tilted and swayed as though she had stumbled into a deep, dark well. The vision of Seth was fading, and her voice had failed her as she tried calling his name. Before long, she was engulfed by the darkness, but this time, Summer knew that she wasn't dreaming anymore.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm sorry for the long delay, or at least it's a lot longer than my usual updates. I don't know when I'll be able to update next. I'm going back to college on Monday as my Spring Semester starts, so I'm going to be more busy than usual. I'll try to update on the weekends, but I can't make any promises. I really enjoy writing this story, so I'm going to try my best as time permits. Once again, thanks to all of you for reading and for all your support!

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