Slipping Through the Cacks

Chapter 8: Crashing Down

See Part 1 for disclaimers

Natalie looked at herself nervously in the mirror and smoothed her dress down. "This is it," she murmured to herself. She had picked a beautiful blue dress in a sundress cut, and she was wearing sandals that were just dressy enough. Natalie sighed and closed her eyes fighting back her nervousness. Funny, she hadn't felt this when she married Cristian. She forced herself to open her eyes and smile at her reflection.

Jessica and Viki had done a gorgeous job on her she had to admit. They'd descended like vultures at seven o'clock that morning and immediately set to work. A still-exhausted Natalie had let them do what they wanted; knowing it would be easier on all of them in the end. They had conditioned her hair until it shone in its' natural soft waves, per John's requests. Her make-up was light, but what had taken the most time for them to get just right was the accessories. Jessica had insisted she wear the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

Viki had let her borrow her blue earrings that Ben had bought her, taking care of two of the requirements. Natalie had thanked her with tears in her eyes, knowing those earrings were the last thing Ben had ever bought her. Then Jessica had given her a charm bracelet from when she was eight years old for the something old. Finally, John had bought her the 'something new,' a gorgeous gold choker with blue strands intertwined. But the best thing was the note, which read: "To Natalie, I'm so lucky to be making you my wife today, thank you for never giving up. Love, John"

And now the moment was almost here. Her breath caught in her throat as she realized that in just an hour she would be Mrs. John McBain. "Natalie McBain," she murmured, her hand going to gently touch the choker. She smiled at her reflection and laughed softly at the girlish look in her eyes. "I can definitely live with that." Just then, Viki walked in. "Sweetheart, it's almost time." Natalie smiled. "Is Dad ready?" Viki nodded. "He's waiting for you outside the doors." Mother and daughter embraced. "Thank you for everything, Mom." Viki kissed her cheek. "You have only yourself to thank sweetheart."

Suddenly music began to play, signaling the beginning of the ceremony "It's time!" "Hurry, go." Viki went to take her seat in the church as Natalie came behind her to meet Clint. "You look gorgeous darlin'." She smiled. "Thank you, Dad. Ready for this?" He kissed her cheek gently. "Ready to give you away again? Not on your life. I'm going to stay in Llanview for a while this time, get to know my baby girl. I'm sorry I haven't been in your life but that's going to change starting now." Natalie smiled at him as she linked her arm through his. "That means a lot to me, Dad."

Half an hour later, it was time to recite the vows each had written. Natalie took a deep breath as she waited for John to start. "Natalie, we've known each other for a long time, and we've known we were meant to be together almost as long as that. I don't think either of us would have chosen the path we've taken to get here because it's been a long, hard road for each of us, but I have to say that the reward is just that much sweeter for all we have suffered through. I love you, Natalie." A ripple went through the crowd and Natalie's blue eyes were swimming with tears.

Joey indicated for Natalie to begin. She took a deep breath and fanned herself making the guests laugh. "I'm gonna kill you for making me cry right when I'm supposed to give my vows," she sniffled, laughing. She sucked in a deep breath and the church went silent as she began, gazing into his eyes. "John, I have waited for so long to hear those words, and now that I have the feeling is just indescribable. We have been through so much together and I think our relationship is stronger for it. Thank you for always being there when it counted."

Joey smiled at his sister. "And now by the power vested in me—" Suddenly a voice rang out through the air. "STOP! This wedding cannot happen!"

TO BE CONTINUED