Disclaimer: I don't own anything…
A/N: So, looks like we're in the home stretch. I hope to have this story finished within a couple weeks. Feel free to let me know how you want it to end, because I have an idea, but am willing to add in any ideas that you think will improve the story. Ok? Good…thanks for reading
Last Train Home Ch. 11
"Oh God, why am I so nervous?" Carly asked checking her reflection in the full-length mirror for what seemed like the millionth time. Courtney let out a soft sigh reaching out to grab her best friend's hands, which kept fluttering up to her hair in an effort to keep themselves busy.
"First of all, stop fussing with you hair." The younger girl ordered. "Secondly, everything is going to be fine…perfect, I mean."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because I wouldn't have come all the way home if I didn't think it was worth the trip," Courtney answered smoothing out the wrinkles that were beginning to set in the skirt of the bride's satin dress.
"You just called Port Charles home." Carly observed, which was met with a shrug from the other woman.
"Well, home is where the heart is," Courtney muttered.
"And your heart is with Jason."
"Don't start. This is your big day, which means there will be no couple talk unless it involves you and your soon-to-be husband."
"But…"
"No but's," Courtney scolded and was met with a nod. "You look beautiful." She took in her best friend's appearance in awe. Carly's dark hair hung past her shoulders in loose curls with some baby's breath woven in. Her make-up was done dramatically with smoky eyes and full red lips. On anyone else it would have looked trashy, but Carly had the facial features as well as the confidence to pull it off. Her dress fitted perfectly, the tube-styled top showing off her graceful shoulders and neck with just the right amount of cleavage. The look was finished off with the full satin skirt that fell down past her feet and offered a short train.
"You don't look so bad yourself, sweetie." Carly returned the compliment. Courtney looked just as beautiful, but in a more subtle way. Her light brown hair was swept up into a messy French twist that left a few scattered strands down to frame her face. She had decided to go natural with her make-up with just a light amount of blush and a soft shade of purple eye shadow that managed to match her dress as well as accentuate her misty blue eyes. A clear lip-gloss was all she to finish off the look. The lilac colored silky fabric of her dress clung carefully to her curves. The front was pretty if not a little conservative with its high symmetrical neckline, but the back was sure to catch everyone's attention. Because there was no back, in fact the back portion of the dress did not begin until right above her bottom, which left her spine as well as the small tattoo at the base exposed. She had been nervous, but Carly assured that it was perfect.
"Alright ladies, it's time to get married…" Emily opened the door to inform them that the ceremony would begin.
"We'll be right out," Carly assured as she waited for the young woman to close the door once again. "I have to make this quick, but I just want you to know how much it means to me to have you here. You're my best friend, even through everything. I don't what I would have done without…"
"Don't you dare start crying on me," Courtney laughed noticing the tears that were beginning to cloud the other woman's dark eyes. "There is no need to thank me. You're my best friend and Sonny's my brother and there is no way I would have missed it."
"I know, I just --you know-- had to get that out there," Carly whispered as the younger girl squeezed her hand in appreciation.
"Ok, let's get you hitched…" Courtney giggled as both women exited the dressing area.
"Daddy!" Michael squealed pushing through the sea of tuxedo-clad men to get to his father that was in the center.
"What's up?" Sonny asked leaning down on one knee to come face to face with his son.
"Aunt Emily says that you need to get out to the alter soon," the little boy informed him and Sonny nodded gesturing for everyone to clear out. As the men exited, the groom reached out to stop his best man.
"What's up?" Jason asked in confusion and watched as the other man stayed silent until the room was emptied.
"I --you know--I'm not too good at this…" The older man's gaze searched across the room in avoidance. He fiddled with the silver cufflinks in an order to distract himself, but could tell that his young best friend was beginning to become annoyed.
"Just spit it out, man."
"I've never really voiced how much I really appreciate you and what you've done for me and my family." Sonny finally managed to get out as his whiskey colored eyes settled on clear blue ones. The other man nodded, but didn't respond as he slid on the black tuxedo coat over his white shirt and dark vest.
"You know I'm happy to do it," he finally replied as he fastened the last button. "But you do owe me for wearing this." The comment seemed to ease the tension as Sonny reached out to straighten the other's bow tie.
"Yeah well, let's hope that someday I get to do the same for you…" he responded before walking out of the room.
"Hey," Courtney grinned as Jason took his position next to her. She was well aware that he would be her escort down the aisle, but couldn't quell the butterflies that were fluttering in her stomach as he took her arm in his. The soft notes of the organ could be heard as Michael and Morgan made their way out of waiting area. She noticed Emily and Lucky, who were standing in front of them, kiss each other softly before marching out.
"You ready?" Jason asked and was met with a nod. Their entrance into the room of guests was a little nerve-racking on the matron of honor. She never did like displaying herself in public for everyone to point out her flaws. Her ex husband must have remembered, because he held on to her a little tighter and offered her quite a few looks of encouragement on their stroll down the aisle. When they finally reached the alter, she heard him whisper quietly in her ear. "See, it wasn't so bad." She gave him a look of appreciation before parting ways to take her spot next Emily.
The wedding march began as the bride made her appearance. Bobbie was at her side to bring her daughter down the aisle, because Carly wouldn't have it any other way. Her mother had been through so much upon her arrival in Port Charles, and Carly deemed it only fair that she was the one to give her away. Courtney saw a look of shear happiness shine in her brother's eyes. He carefully took Carly's hand and led her up to the minister.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Everyone held their breath as they waited to for something to happen. "Caroline and Michael have prepared their own vows…" The minister offered as everyone let out a sigh of relief that the ceremony had not been interrupted. The clergyman gestured for Carly to begin.
"Oh where do I start?" Carly opened trying hard to keep her trembling voice steady. "Sonny, things between us haven't always been great. I mean there were times when I've been ready wring your neck…" she let out a soft giggle as the guests looked at each other in confusion. Surely, this wasn't how normal wedding vows started. The groom smiled with amusement as he held on a little tighter to her delicate hand. "But through it all, you've always remained my constant. There is nothing I wouldn't do for you and I know that you feel the same way about me, no matter how badly I irritate you. You're the love of my life and I'll forever be grateful for the love you've instilled in me." She finished with a small smile."Carly, you're like a tornado. I know that I've told you that more than a few times. You cause all this havoc and sweep people up into your life." Sonny began as the minister looked on in surprise. Carly even seemed a little shock, but tried hard not show it. "That's why I love you, though. Everything you've ever done for me has been with the best of intentions. You have this amazing way of fighting for everyone you love even when they don't want it. You have pulled me back from the brink many times and without you I'm not sure where I would be right now. Our family is the best thing that ever happened to me and I don't think there is any way I can repay you for the happiness that you've brought into my life." He reached up to swipe a few of her tears away and give one of his awarding winning grins. "I love you with all of my heart." Sonny finished as he caressed her cheek softly.
"Do you have the rings?" The minister looked towards Jason who grabbed them in the breast pocket of his jacket. The minister held them in the palm of his hand. "May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts" He placed one ring in Sonny's hand before continuing. "Michael, in placing this ring on Caroline's finger, repeat after me: Caroline, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.
Sonny repeated with tears in his eyes as he placed the solid gold wedding band on Carly's ring finger. The minister nodded in approval as he turned his attention to the bride.
"Caroline in placing this ring on Michael's finger, repeat after me: Michael, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed." Carly managed to do as the minister asked as tears streamed down her face.
"May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness. In as much as Michael and Caroline have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined. You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other's best friend. What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder." The minister advised. "And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride."
Sonny pulled his new wife close to him and crushed his lips on hers in passionate kiss as a round of applause filled the room. They pulled away and began to make their exit hand in hand. Everyone filed out after them. Emily and Lucky followed by Jason and Courtney.
"Weddings still make you cry?" The light haired man asked good naturedly when he took in the glassy eyes of his ex wife. She nodded in response and felt the pad of his thumb dry the area under her eyes in a show of tenderness. She offered him a weak smile as the brightness of the sun greeted them. Most everyone was gathered on the church steps throwing rice at the bride and groom who were entering the black limo parked out front.
Courtney noticed as Jason wandered away from the group. After promising Emily and Lucky that they would meet them at the reception, she followed after her ex husband. He was standing off to side watching as everyone got into their vehicles on route to the Cellar. He wasn't quite sure what had caused a sudden attack of claustrophobia, but knew that he could no longer stand being surrounded by that many people.
"You alright?" She came up behind him with a look of concern.
"Yeah…" he replied. "I just needed some air." Courtney nodded taking a seat on the stone bench nearby. She watched as he loosened his collar and smiled to herself, he always did clean up well.
"Come here." she called forcing him to lean down in front of her. She reached forward in an effort to readjust his bow tie as well as his collar in a way that was somewhat comfortable but still elegant.
"Perfect," she breathed taking in her handiwork. "You look very handsome."
"Yeah, well you look beautiful." He returned which brought a smile to her face as she motioned for him to take a seat next to her. He readily accepted and she took this time to lean against him and let out a smile yawn. "Tired?"
She nodded in response and peered up into his blue orbs. She wasn't quite sure what she was looking for. Love? Forgiveness? What she did find was a dim passion and without thinking she allowed herself to succumb to the urge that been weighing heavily on her mind since the night before. She guided his face to hers and for one moment everything was clear. His lips tasted exactly the way she remembered and it was as if they were still one. She had never left town, he had never dated Elizabeth. No, they were the same star-crossed lovers that had fought so steadfast to hold on to their relationship. It was as if she could envision herself back at the loft waiting tirelessly for him to come and when he did they would melt into one another.
As quickly as the image came to mind it was replaced by cold cruel reality of Jason pulling away. Everything came back into focus and things were the same as they were before.
"We should get going," he said making his way towards parking lot leaving her alone on the bench. She tried to ignore the thud of her heart falling to the ground and headed towards the car.
A/N: Ok, so they finally kissed. Let me know what you think. I know this chapter was kind of boring, but I really wanted to focus on Carly and Sonny's wedding. I promise way more Journey drama at the reception.
