It takes a thief

by Kitty Petro

Finnally the sequel to A thief is Born. Summary: Yuri is pregnant, Sly finnally gets the courage to ask Carmelita to marry hinm and Svetlana and Marias past comes beck to haunt them. T just in case

44. Chapter 44

AN: Sorry that it has been a while but I wanted to make this chappie perfect, and besides my friend who has helped me out has had a lot to do this week. Anyhow next is the epiolog so enjoy.

Chapter 44

Downtown Paris, the next morning…

"A fine morning, ladies," Naomi remarked, having linked arms with Maria on her left, and Svetlana on her right. "Don't you agree?"

"Da, Naomi…it is a good day," Maria answered, her energetic smile mirrored in her blue eyes this morning.

"Oui, Nomi," Svetlana ventured a moment later, using French…which she was trying very hard to learn and use. "Il fait beau…"

Naomi laughed softly as they stopped beneath the turquoise and gold awning of C'est Sing's front door. "Come, cheris…we have work to do," Naomi commanded softly, watching as Svetlana moved forward to open the door for the three.

Naomi led the way in, her two friends following. The regal-looking blonde moved gracefully and with purpose right up to the desk of Yuri's admin, the ever-cheerful and playful Desiree. "Bon jour, Desiree," Naomi greeted her with a smile.

The cute red-haired margay woman's yellow-green eyes were bright, and her smile was one of pleasure. "Bon jour, Mademoiselle Director," Desiree replied cleverly, her white teeth showing as she grinned most mischievously.

Svetlana put a hand over her mouth to stifle her giggle.

Naomi made a small face, but chose to ignore the impertinent yet well-meaning margay woman. "Ah, oui. Now, Desiree cheri…I need you to arrange a meeting with all my direct reports in Conference Room One as soon as possible," Naomi instructed with a hint of a smile.

"Bien sur, Mademoiselle Director," Desiree complied, yet couldn't help but tease too.

Naomi laughed, and shook her head. "Get on with your task, you scamp!" Naomi directed, trying---rather badly---to be strict with Desiree. Then, as Desiree began to bring up her email, Naomi added, "Oh, additionally…do be sure to have a projector set up as well."

"A projector?" Desiree asked, curious, her yellow-green eyes narrowing.

"Ah, I see your hearing is tres manufique," Naomi answered, then made a 'get-on-with-it' gesture. "As that is the case, I do remember instructing you to schedule a meeting for me, hmm?"

Desiree giggled, her slender fingers flying over her keys as only an administrative assistant's could. "Of course, Mademoiselle Director…I am on it!" she teased in reply.

Naomi rolled her eyes, but grinned, and then turned to her companions. "Now, until our meeting later, cheris…off to work. C'est Sing will not prosper on her own!" Naomi told them as she worked the handle to her office door.

"Dasfindanya, Naomi and Svetlana," Maria replied, nodding to Naomi then Svetlana in turn, then moving purposefully toward the front of the store to oversee customer relations.

"Adieu, mon ami," Svetlana answered with a grin. "I have my first meeting with the modeling staff this morning." Svetlana thought about that a moment, and then her bright smile faded considerably. "Oh, dear…" The now nervous little tigress shook her head and made her way toward the stairs.

"Svetlana?" Naomi announced a brief moment later, changing tack again. "Would you be so kind as to come with me a moment, hmm?"

Svetlana sighed, then silently thanked Naomi for postponing the beginning of her modeling career…well, at least for a few moments. "Of course, Naomi. I am coming," Svetlana told her and matched actions to words.

Svetlana, her big lovely brown eyes still a bit worried, dutifully followed Naomi into her office. Once inside, and after the door had been closed, Naomi gracefully moved behind her desk and sat down with a contented, yet weary sigh. "Ah, what a night, eh cheri?" she mused to her smaller friend.

"Oh, da," Svetlana answered, smiling…then blushed and added, "I mean oui, of course."

"Svetlana," Naomi said with a fond smile. "It is allowed for you to speak your native Russian, ami. I---and Madame, of course!---do appreciate very much your trying to learn French. But, cheri…one cannot learn it all in the course of a week you know."

Svetlana smiled at Naomi's understanding. "Merci, Nomi," she replied, pausing to phrase her reply in passable French. "Oh, but this is so hard! But, spasiba, for being so kind to me, my friend."

"Think nothing of it, cheri," Naomi advised, leaning her arms atop her desk then. "Now, was it just me…or did you too find it odd not to have Yuri about in her chateau?"

"Da, I did," Svetlana answered, nodding her head, then sighed heavily. "I miss her already…"

"Courage, cheri," Naomi counseled with a grin. "She will be back soon enough, don't you fret."

Svetlana smiled a quick apologetic smile. "I know, or should I say 'je sais'," she assured her friend, smiling at her use of the French phrase. "Now…why did you want to see me, Nomi?" Svetlana then asked, being sure to address Naomi by her nickname, knowing now how much Naomi liked it when she called her that.

Naomi smiled indulgently. "Ah, that. Well, cheri, I have something I wish to show you," Naomi responded, her amber eyes bright. "Allow me a moment, hmm?" As Svetlana took a seat and waited, Naomi opened her file drawers and began flicking back and forth through folders. "Ah, here we are!" she declared a moment later, reaching down, then pulling out a magazine from a folder within. She laid the older magazine upon her desk, then spun it around so Svetlana could read its cover. "Now, Svetlana…I am sure you recognize this particular magazine, non?" she asked.

"Oh, da," Svetlana replied eagerly, nodding her lovely head. "Da, that is Vogue, one of the most popular fashion magazines in the world, nyet?" Svetlana looked up at Naomi curiously…wondering where she was taking her.

"Ah, oui…very good, ami," Naomi told her, smiling. "Now, my clever friend…please take a closer look at this issue's date of publication, hmm?"

Svetlana frowned, then gazed down at the magazing, looking for the date. "Why, Nomi…that magazine is over ten years old!" she exclaimed softly, in surprise.

Naomi smiled, then nodded her head. "Very good, cheri. Oui, you are right…it is indeed that old," Naomi told her, congratulating her at the same time.

Svetlana looked back at Naomi, puzzled. "Um, Nomi? Might I ask why you have you kept such an old magazine, my friend?" Svetlana asked.

Naomi smiled rather cleverly, then opened the magazine to a bookmarked page, then bade Svetlana to look at the page presented. "Now, cheri…for the million dollar question, as it were…do you by chance recognize the young woman pictured there upon the page?" Naomi asked, her tone leading.

Svetlana frowned again, then looked down at the picture of a comely young cheetah girl, who posed for the camera. "Hmm, I will admit…she does look a bit familiar somehow," Svetlana replied, her dark eyes glued to the picture, studying it. "Hmph…but, I cannot say I know just where I have seen her before though." Svetlana then frowned again, and squinted a bit trying to read the text, which was rather small. Finally, the letters moved into focus and she began reading it aloud. "…Yuri Sing, the daughter of Paul and Genevieve Sing, has just recently launched her very own fashion line. Daring? But of course! Revolutionary? Does one really need to ask? A force to reckon with in the Fashion Future? Oh, but let us hope so! For, even though Sing's line, aptly enough named C'est Sing, is new on the scene, Yuri Sing shows us that she has the ambition, the verve, as well as the talent to make herself a name on Paris' runways. Case in point is this picture of one of Sing's very first creations, very fetchingly modeled by her best friend, one Mdme. Naomi Rousseau." Svetlana's jaw snapped shut with a click upon saying Naomi's name, her remarkable brown eyes huge now. She blinked owlishly up at Naomi.

"Silly…isn't it?" Naomi remarked humbly, indicating the picture with an airy wave of her hand. "I was just out of college then…but, eh…Madame insisted, and whatever Madame insists upon, why…" Naomi grinned cleverly again.

Svetlana blinked again, then flicked her huge eyes back and forth a number of times between Naomi and the magazine pictures. "Bozhe moi," the awed little tigress murmured, her hand coming up to rest at the base of her throat. "Oh, Nomi…you're…you're…you're beautiful, tovarisch!" she blurted out truthfully to the now blushing cheetah woman before her.

"You damn me with faint praise, cheri," Naomi replied, averting her eyes from the adoring tigress. "I---I simply thought you might like to know that you are not alone in your career, cheri. I have been where you are now, Svetlana." She turned her fond gaze to the startled Svetlana. "If you should ever need me, I am only ever a phone call or a visit away, cheri. Any advice you should ever like, you need only ask. A shoulder to cry on, perhaps? Again, call on me. All that I have learned in my days on the runways and in photo-shoots, they are yours for the asking, my friend…"

Svetlana blinked again and again, then her lower lip began to tremble, and tears welled in her magnificent brown eyes. "Oh, Nomi…" she wailed softly, getting to her feet to dash around the desk to wrap her arms around the smiling Naomi.

"Shh, cheri," Naomi soothed as the most grateful Svetlana gently, thankfully, wept, kissing her cheek and gently stroking her long dark hair over and over again. "I know..."

It was then that Desiree knocked upon the door to Naomi's office, paused the required number of moments, and then entered…only to find a gently weeping Svetlana being held tenderly in Naomi's arms. "Ahem!" Desiree ventured in mixed embarrassment and happiness. "Er, I---I do beg your pardon, Mademoiselle Director…but, you did ask me to inform you when all was ready for your meeting."

Naomi sighed, but gave away her real emotions with her smile. "Fagh! Why do you insist on calling me that, Desiree?" she growled, smiling all the while.

Desiree, cheeky as ever, laughed softly. "Why? Well…I do not know! Why do we call our beloved Yuri, Madame Sing, eh?" Desiree shot right back, grinning even larger now.

Naomi sighed, shook her head, then released Svetlana. "Give us a moment, ami. We will be along in a few moments, Desiree," Naomi assured her. "Make sure you put out water for everyone, would you?"

"On my way, Mademoiselle Director," Desiree answered, giggling as she scooted out, her eyes glowing with clever mischief.

"All right now, cheri?" Naomi then said, turning her attention back to Svetlana, who wiped at her eyes with the back of her hands.

"Da, I am fine," Svetlana assured her quickly, even as she dipped into her handbag for a much-needed tissue. "I am sorry I embarrassed you, Nomi…but, I---"

"Nonsense, Svetlana," Naomi told her, leaning over to gently press a kiss to Sveltana's temple. "You did not embarrass me. I am fine." Naomi then looked the gorgeous little tigress over. "Well, it is good to see at least that you did not ruin your makeup, cheri…" She grinned, hoping to lighten her friend's mood further still.

Svetlana blinked, then giggled into her hand. "Oh, you!" she laughed, thanking Naomi once more with her ever expressive eyes. "Come, Nomi…we have a meeting…do we not?" she added.

"Why…do you know," Naomi said in feigned astonishment, "I do believe we do, cheri. What an amazing thing, non?"

Both Svetlana and Naomi giggled then, and then the two began to make their way to the large conference room upstairs at C'est Sing.

Five minutes later, outside Conference Room One…

Naomi stood stock still, just outside the door for a few minutes, trying to think just how she was going to break the news of Yuri's motherhood to the rest of the staff.

A moment later, Svetlana ducked her head out of the conference room door, her dark eyes inquisitive. "All is ready, Naomi," she reported. "Any time, tovarisch…"

"I am coming, petite," Naomi assured her, then squared her shoulders, and took a few deep breaths. She then smiled, opened the door, and strode purposefully toward the vacant seat---Yuri's very own!---and promptly sat herself down. She waited until the buzz of voices quieted, then got to her feet. "Greetings, one and all," Naomi began, idly tugging the bottom of her jacket down. "I have brought you all here for a purpose," Naomi paused a moment, then continued, "Which is…I have an announcement," she declared to all and sundry. "But, before I proceed any further, do allow me a moment," Naomi added, reaching down to remove a slide from her pocket. She moved over to the waiting, yet still dark, projector, inserted the slide into its requisite slot, and thumbed the projector to life. A moment later, the device portrayed upon the projection screen a picture of Yuri's four new-born children. "Ladies…may I introduce you to Madame's latest creations…" Naomi said with a most theatrical smile.

Many of the women present oohed at that knowledge…then, most seemed to cant their heads, one and all, and sigh a collective, yet most distinctive 'aww'.

Naomi allowed this indulgence to go on for a while longer…waiting for the women's attention to wander back to herself. Which, thankfully, it soon did. "Now, did I not say that I have an announcement?" Naomi reminded them, smiling. "I did, and here it is! Yesterday, oh…at about three o'clock in the afternoon…our very own Yuri Sing gave birth to four lovely children. In fact, the very four you see before you in this picture."

Everyone turned again and this time, individual comments could be heard over the general buzz of conversation.

"Aw, would you just look at her! She looks just like Madame!" one young woman proclaimed her voice soft and full of emotion.

"Michelle…does he not have our Madame's wonderful eyes?" came another.

This sort of thing went on for several moments more…until Naomi felt it time to move on. Naomi cleared her throat and everybody turned toward her again. "Ahem! Madame Yuri has given me an order, one which I am about to impart to all of you. And, that order is this: while Madame does very much appreciate you all visiting her---which I am sure you all will---please do remember that she is very tired." Naomi then narrowed her eyes meaningfully, then continued. "That being the case, mon amis…I had better not catch word that you are tiring her out…or are overly fussing over her and her children!" Naomi glared at them then…as only a cheetah can. "Do you all understand?" Then, in her native French, she repeated, "Tu comprehens?"

There was a moment of silence, then almost to a woman, they all nodded their assent.

"Good. Tres bien," Naomi replied happily. "Now…as has been ordered by Madame Sing---as of this very moment---I am now in charge of day-to-day operations of C'est Sing." Naomi said this last very matter-of-factly, almost without thinking about it.

The assembled women unexpectedly broke into a rousing round of applause, one that left poor Naomi blushing, her ears rotated back in her embarrassment. The cheering went on a moment, then abated to occasional murmuring or giggling.

Naomi tried to continue, but had trouble at first. She finally regained her composure, and got on with things. "Thank you for your support, cheris…I do appreciate it," Naomi told them, bowing her head to them. She then smiled warmly, and clapped her hands softly together. "Now, as my first official act as Director…I would direct---" Naomi grinned at her pun, "---you to please congratulate our very own Maria Foloreva for accepting our offer to assume my former position." Naomi waved for Maria to stand, and when the pleasantly shy but pleased Arctic vixen did, the assembled women gave her a delighted cheer and swarmed around the blushing Maria, wishing her well, and giving her their heartfelt congratulations.

"Please, everyone," Maria finally nearly shouted, while smiling. "Enough! I thank you…one and all. But, please…you are making me claustrophobic!" Maria tried to make a face to show her 'terror'…but failed miserably. The women of C'est Sing gave their 'actress' a round of soft appreciative laughter…as well as the space she requested, thankfully.

"Item next," Naomi then stated. "Madame's babies…they are magnificent, are they not?" That got the reaction Naomi expected…another round of applause and cheering. Naomi then held up a hand to quell the noise. "Now, since we are on the subject of babies…you will perhaps remember our own Vigdis, hmm?"

Naomi thumbed the advance button on the projector and an image of one of their most endearing models appeared on the wall. There were soft exclamations of recognition and many knowing nods in the crowd.

"I see that you do indeed remember! Vigdis was---up until only very recently, in fact---our top model. Well, bearing that in mind, cheris…I may now inform you all that she has decided to retire from C'est Sing."

"What?" gasped one woman in shock.

"Oh, no!" cried another in near panic.

"C'est terrible!" yet another exclaimed.

"Now, now…do calm yourselves," Naomi told them, holding her hands above her head to get everyone's attention. "All is not lost, you will see. Now, as I was saying…you see, Vigdis' daughter just has given birth to triplets, and as such, our new grandmother wishes to help her daughter out during this undoubtedly very trying time."

The assembled ladies were silent then, evidently still shocked by this news. A moment later, Bianca Desaix, the ever efficient ocelot woman who ran C'est Sing's Manufacturing department called out, "But, Ms. Rousseau…while I do rejoice for Vigdis…alas, her departure…well, it leaves us short a model! Not just a model…but our top model! Just who shall we get in time to replace her, hmm?" Bianca's face showed her worry. "I mean, all the outfits my girls produce will be worth nothing if there is no one to model them, nes pas?"

Naomi, much to everyone's surprise, only smiled. "Ah, but I am surprised at you, Bianca! Who told you that we have not already selected a replacement for our Vigdis, eh?" Naomi asked in return. She grinned as her sensitive ears picked up the sound of Svetlana's soft groan beside her, the little tigress knowing exactly what was about to come. Naomi smiled, the reached out to take Svetlana's cold little hand in her own. "Attention now, everyone…please! Please, listen!"

The room's buzz of conversation waned, and the ladies turned their attention back to their new boss lady.

"Now, cheris," Naomi---beginning to understand what Yuri found so alluring about being in charge now---began, "we are fortunate---oui, we are!---that our newest model is---at this very moment, in fact!---standing amongst you in this very room!"

There came the sound of soft gasps, and then the conversation level rose once more a long moment…then thankfully abated again. "Come, Naomi! Who is she? Our newest model, eh?" was shouted by more than one voice, as their eyes flicked from face to face, each wondering just who this mystery woman might be.

Naomi smiled indulgently, then waved them all to be quiet once more. "Very well, I shall not keep you in suspense…well, for too much longer, that is," Naomi told them, then grinned at their expected groan. She waited almost a minute, then finally spoke to her eager staff. "Now, please, cheris…I want every one of you to give a very warm and very welcoming round of applause to C'est Sing´s newest model! Who is she, you have asked me, non? Well, allow me to tell you then. Why, she is our very own Svetlana Umanova!"

"Svetlana?" came the collective gush of surprise. Naomi then thumbed the projector again, and this time, a large picture of a smiling, exquisite Svetlana---in her favorite purple evening gown---appeared on the wall. "Ooh…it's her! Oh, isn't she just beautiful?" the crowd of women cooed and grinned happily.

Naomi raised her and Svetlana's joined hands, even as Maria moved over to put her arm around her dear friend and hug her, laughing in her happiness. Svetlana looked into the cheering crowd shyly, adorable as always. Her hot blushing---as everyone cheered her---only endeared the little tigress to her workmates even more. They thronged about the nervous, yet smiling beauty, wanting to see her as well as congratulate her. Around all the heartfelt congratulations from her colleagues, Svetlana could hear voices in the crowd informing their neighbors as how Svetlana's being chosen as the new model was going to put their sales numbers through the roof! Svetlana smiled at them all, blushing again before they let her go so she could take her seat once more.

Naomi smiled. "Now, cheris…now that my announcements have all been made…I would like to now discuss exactly where we---that is C'est Sing---are going to go next!"

Two days later, at the Sing Chateau…

Yuri had returned home to her chateau, and was pleased to find that Bentley had already moved in as well. As she and her fiancé moved inside with their new children, they were both much surprised to find their assembled friends waiting for them inside.

"Hallo, cher and cheris!" Yuri gushed in greeting, delighted to see all her friends there to welcome her back home. "You are far too kind to visit both Bentley and I."

"That's a crock," Kitty told Yuri bluntly, then smiled. "And, you know it, Yuri." She then rushed forward and hugged the smiling snow leopard woman. "Welcome home, lady!"

"Merci, Kitty," Yuri laughed softly…intrigued as always by Kitty's ability to turn a phrase.

"Welcome home, lovely lady," Sly said by way of greeting, his dark brown eyes glittering with amusement…and, yet something else as well. He bowed graciously to his pal and his lovely lady. "Now, if both of you would care to follow me…"

"Okay, Sly," Bentley answered suspiciously, "what are you up to, mister?"

"Me?" Sly questioned, his eyes shining with feigned innocence. "Why…nothing at all, Bentley." He waved everyone to follow him, pausing only to link arms with a softly smiling Carmelita. "C'mon…time's a wasting," he added, and led the group inside the chateau, through the foyer, and up the stairs.

"This is so exciting," Yuri whispered to Bentley. "Isn't it, cher?"

Bentley thought about it, then finally shook his head and grinned. "Yeah, much as it might pain me to admit it…it is," he whispered back.

Sly and Carmelita led them all to the room Yuri had reserved for a nursery weeks ago. The warm oak door was closed, and Sly placed his hand most theatrically upon the s-shaped knob before he turned back to his audience. "Now, Yuri---oh, and you too, pal---" Sly nodded to Bentley, giving him a grin, "we all thought we'd…well, let's say all of us---your friends---wanted to do something special to celebrate the birth of your children."

"Oh my…" Yuri gasped, feeling a tingle of anticipatory excitement race up her spine.

Sly grinned even broader at having heard that! "So…we all pooled our resources, our skills, and our labor together, and…well, and…came up with this!" Sly intoned just as he worked the knob and swung open the door to the nursery. He motioned for Yuri and Bentley to move inside. "Go on…take a look, you two."

Yuri hesitated a moment, her glorious green-gold eyes blinking, then drew herself erect, smiled at the beaming---yes, beaming!---Sly Cooper, and stepped inside. "Mon Dieu!" she softly exclaimed a moment later, her hand leaping up to cover her mouth.

"What is it, babe?" Bentley asked, even as he stepped inside…then, he too was brought up short. "Whoa! Well, I'll be…"

"So…do you like it?" Carmelita asked hopefully to Yuri, her medium brown eyes shining in anticipation.

The nursery had been redecorated. The floors had been re-done in warm polished oak, with plush rugs down up in Sing blue and silver strategically placed about the room. The walls were half pink---on the right---and half pastel-blue---on the left. Upon the center of each wall was tastefully painted the Sing coat-of-arms---a silver hart leaping before four fanned white ostrich plumes on an bright blue field. Four individual cribs were placed two to each side---along with the requisite changing tables and chests-of-drawers, of course. Wooden chests---with each child's name engraved upon a brass placard---stood ready for the undoubtedly many toys each of Yuri's children would soon receive. Matching sheer drapes accented the four windows the room had, coordinating tastefully with matching room darkening mini-blinds.

"Like it, Carmelita?" Yuri responded using Carmelita's own words, then shook her head. "Non. I love it, cheri! Oh, everyone…I am…I do not know what to say other than 'merci'! Merci beaucoup, all of you delightful and so thoughtful dears!" Yuri laughed and threw her arms around Carmelita, crushing the vixen to herself in her happiness.

"I guess I'll take that as a 'yes', then," Sly quipped, as he smiled at the sight of Carmelita and Yuri embracing.

Bentley moved before his long-time pal, and took his hand, shaking it exuberantly. "Thanks a lot, Sly," Bentley told him, grinning. He then turned to the others, who beamed too. "Er..that is, thanks to all of you. This is awesome!"

Yuri then proceeded to move about the room, kissing and hugging each of her 'girls' long moments, giving her most heartfelt thanks to each of them in their turn. She then embarrassed poor Murray with a kiss on each of his cheeks, followed by a long heartfelt hug. Murray grinned foolishly, but happily at her. Yuri laughed a moment later as Jack returned her own hug, lifting her bodily off the floor…only to have Jack grin in embarrassment after that at his enthusiasm. Sean accepted his hug with more dignity…but, then proceeded to whisper something into Yuri's ear that left the snow leopard woman blushing. "Sean Mallory! That is terrible," she told him, lightly batting him on the shoulder. She then giggled a wicked little giggle. "But, merci…I shall have to remember that advice…for later." She cast a meaningful glance Bentley's way. And, that…why, that only left one Sly Cooper.

"You masterminded this whole thing," Yuri accused him, putting her hands on her curved hips. "Did you not, you rogue?"

Sly took off his hat, and then rubbed the back of his neck in his embarrassment. "Well, I don't know about that, gorgeous," Sly argued, grinning. "I had lots and lots of help…from everyone here, you know."

"Hmm, perhaps that is so," Yuri allowed, her smile growing as she 'confronted' Sly. "But I can still detect your handiwork nonetheless, Monsieur." Yuri then narrowed her eyes, her green-gold gaze boring in on the normally unflappable Master Thief.

"Er, well…I mean, c'mon…" Sly stammered for words---that, in and of itself, quite surprising---to refute her claim. "Look, it might of been my idea initially, now true," Sly admitted, but then hastened to add, "but all this never would of happened without---" Sly never finished his defense.

Yuri did something very uncharacteristic of herself. She squealed softly, her smile blooming brightly, and threw her arms around Sly's neck to hug him fiercely. "Oh, merci, Sly," she gushed, her emotions at full throttle just then. She then proceeded to kiss his face any number of times, until even Sly Cooper was blushing a most telling red. "Merci, mon ami!"

"Gah! Yuri…c'mon, woman…stop!" Sly protested, unable to do much in the snow leopard woman's fierce embrace. He then turned his head toward Kitty and Carmelita, his expression pleading. "Girls? A little help, please?"

Kitty turned to Carmelita, then reached her hand up and rubbed her chin thoughtfully, before turning to the grinning vixen beside her. "So…whatcha think, Sis?" she mused, enjoying the frantic look in Sly's eyes. "Do we help the guy out…or what?"

"Hmm," Carmelita pretended to ponder, dividing her time between the struggling Sly and her rascally adoptive sister. "I suppose we should," she told Kitty. "I mean, Yuri does have a pretty tight grip there, don't you think?"

Kitty pretended to scrutinize Sly's predicament studiously. She ignored Sly's continued cries of protest. "Hmm, I do see what you mean, Sis," Kitty finally decided. "Yeah, we'd better pull her off of him. He's getting a little blue in the face."

"I think a little red in the face would be more accurate," Carmelita laughed, even as she and Kitty moved in to gently pull the overly thankful Yuri off of the hugely flustered Sly Cooper. "Okay, Yuri…that's enough," Carmelita told her friend, "Sly's convinced that you're grateful, girl." She turned to Sly then, adding, "Aren't you, handsome?"

Sly rubbed at his neck, but nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Oh yeah! Message received, Yuri. And…you're welcome. We were all glad to do something nice for you and Bent…" Sly told her…from a safe distance that is…

Yuri blinked, then regained her composure quickly. She too had a touch of red in her cheeks now. "Thank you all," Yuri told them, avoiding Sly for a moment. "My children will love this place, their new home." She then grinned, and turned to Sly. "You know, ami…I had never thought I'd see the famous Sly Cooper blush so handsomely…" she added, giving Sly a wink.

"What the---?" Sly demanded, then blinked too. "You mean, all of that…that display was just a ruse? A scam?" he added, a grin appearing on his face.

"Well, you did fall for it, Ringtail," Carmelita 'helpfully' pointed out with a grin.

"Well, damn!" Sly said, shaking his head a moment. He then grinned, and bowed to the three ladies. "Nice work, you three. Eh, what can I say? Haven't I always had a soft spot for the pretty girls?" Sly grinned his cheesiest of grins at them.

The group then moved back downstairs into the living room, where they moved into divided groups. Sly stood over talking with Bentley and Murray. Svetlana, Maria, Naomi and Kitty each held one of Yuri's children in their arms, enthralled by the easy-going little ones. And, that left Yuri and Carmelita, who moved over to sit down in two opposing armchairs.

"So, Yuri…how are your wedding plans progressing, eh?" Carmelita wanted to know. She might be a Master Thief, and a no-holds-barred ex-Interpol detective…but, c'mon, she was still a woman…and that sort of thing was never far from the hearts of women everywhere, it seemed.

Yuri grinned. "Ah, that," Yuri allowed, realizing that her wedding was only a matter of weeks away now. "Well, I talked with Etienne, an old family friend, and we are all set for holding our ceremony in the Cathedral of Notre Dame," Yuri told her friend.

"Notre Dame?" Carmelita replied, startled…emphasizing her awe with a low soft whistle. "Now that's what I call impressive," she added, then frowned. "Who's this Etienne guy anyway…besides an 'old' friend?"

"Oh," Yuri returned, nonchalantly. "Besides being an old friend of the family, cheri," Yuri told her, then paused a moment before continuing. "Etienne Villaneuve has the honor of being the Arch-Prelate of France."

"Madre y Dios!" Carmelita gasped, crossing herself. "Cardinal Villaneuve? You mean, you know the Cardinal…personally?" Carmelita gaped in surprise.

"Ah, oui," Yuri returned, canting her head in surprise. "Etienne, he is a such sweet man, Carmelita. Do you know that he used to bounce me upon his knee when I was but a baby?"

"Well, well…ain't that something?" Carmelita muttered, then shook her head. "Say, that's great, of course. I go there from time to time myself, you know. To Notre Dame, I mean…"

"You do?" Yuri questioned, intrigued by this unexpected response. "Might I ask why?"

"Yuri, c'mon," Carmelita replied with a smile. "I was brought up Catholic, remember? Besides going to Mass each Sunday…I usually go there pretty regularly for confession too."

"I had not realized," Yuri told her, smiling. "Well, it is good to see there is some religious influence in your group." Yuri's grin turned to teasing.

"Yeah," Carmelita responded, giving Yuri an embarrassed sort of smile. "Well, I have a tendency---when I'm mad---to er…well, swear, okay? So, usually once a month or so…I go to confession to well, ask God to forgive me my temper and my swearing." Carmelita looked away, embarrassed.

"God would forgive such a dear as yourself, Carmelita," Yuri told her with a smile, taking her hand a moment. "That I know."

Carmelita squeezed Yuri's hand in thanks, then released it. "Thanks. Oh, and ever since I've thrown my lot in with Sly…well, after every heist---er, I mean operation…I go and ask God's forgiveness for any sins I may of committed too."

"I understand," Yuri soothed, but then pointed out. "But, cheri…you and your Sly do so much good…I doubt God has much to forgive you of, hmm?"

Carmelita grinned, and then shrugged. "Maybe so," she allowed. "But I feel better when I do, so…"

"Each must follow their own conscience, cheri," Yuri allowed, reaching over to pat Carmelita's knee.

"So, have you picked a dress yet?" Carmelita asked, trying to bring Yuri back to the subject at hand once more.

"Oh oui, I have," Yuri proclaimed, which---quite frankly---surprised Carmelita.

"You have?" Carmelita parroted, then grimaced as she realized she had done so. "Er…do you think I might see it?"

"Of course," Yuri answered, getting to her feet. "If you would follow me, cheri." Yuri looked over her shoulder to Carmelita then, and in a conspiratorial voice softly added, "There is quite a tale to go with this dress, mon ami."

Carmelita nodded, then dutifully followed Yuri as she led her down the main hallway into the back of her sprawling chateau. Once Yuri made her way to a room Carmelita had never been into before, she paused. "In here, Carmelita," Yuri said mysteriously, then paused. "You must promise not to tell anyone about this dress. D'accord?" Yuri fixed Carmelita in her direct green-gold gaze.

Carmelita was a bit surprised by the need for secrecy, but decided to go along with her request. "Si, I agree," she told her friend, which made the exotic snow leopardess smile.

"Tres bien. Then, follow me," Yuri bade her, and opened the door, taking Carmelita's hand to guide her in.

Carmelita blinked until Yuri found the light switch, then blinked again as her eyes adjusted. She found herself in a goodly sized dressing room, done up in rich wood paneling, marble floors, and soft blue wallpaper. A full length mirror adorned the far wall, and there was a privacy screen against the back wall, as well as a dressing table and a bureau of sorts too. "Pretty slick, Yuri…I'm impressed," Carmelita ventured to add.

"Merci, it is quite nice," Yuri replied with a flash of a smile. "Now, pardon me a moment, hmm?" Yuri moved over to an armoire Carmelita hadn't noticed before, and then extracted a key from her around her neck. She worked the key, and opened the armoire, and then extracted a large rectangular wooden box. "Here we are…" Yuri took the box, and moved to the table in the center of the room. Yuri then undid the toggles holding the box closed, and opened it. "Voila!" she said and flipped back the soft blue tissue covering whatever was in the box.

Carmelita blinked and then crossed herself as she stared down at the dress folded so neatly in the box. "Oh Yuri…wow! That's…why, that's the most beautiful dress I've ever seen!" Carmelita told her in hushed tones.

"Oui, I could not agree more," Yuri told her with a soft pleased smile. "To tell you the truth, I had thought I would never wear this dress the day I was to marry my Bentley…as much as I might of hoped to…"

"Oh? Why not? Yuri, it's so beautiful!" Carmelita argued.

"I quite agree," Yuri said with a thankful smile. "However, that was not the reason, cheri." Yuri paused to think, then continued. "This dress has been passed down from Sing to Sing for over two hundred years, Carmelita. It was originally made for the Duchess of Verigny when she agreed to marry Raoul Sing, the twentieth Sing Duke. It is all of silk and the finest lace and satin."

"Dios!" Carmelita exclaimed in hushed awe. "That dress must be worth a fortune, Yuri!" Carmelita's eyes continued to gaze wonderingly at the exquisite gown.

"Oui, it most certainly is," Yuri agreed, then grinned over at Carmelita. "But do not tell your Sly…it might prove too great a temptation, non?" Yuri giggled softly at her jest.

"I won't," Carmelita conceded with a soft laugh. "Um, Yuri…" Carmelita then frowned, hesitating.

"What is it, cheri?" Yuri asked, curious.

"Um, I don't mean to pry or anything," Carmelita said very politely, but then persevered. "But, didn't you just tell me that you hadn't expected to wear that dress after you and Bentley became engaged? If that's so, then…?"

"Ah," Yuri guessed then. "So, how do I happen to have it in my possession now, eh cheri?"

Carmelita flushed, but grinned. "Yeah…something like that," she allowed.

"Ah, that is the secret I shall also entrust to you, cheri," Yuri told her conspiratorially. "And, I must entreat you to keep this information as confidential as any case you may of ever worked upon when you were at Interpol, Carmelita."

"Not a word, Yuri," Carmelita assured her passionately. "You have my word as a Fox." She held her right hand up as if taking an oath.

"Soon to be a Cooper, no?" Yuri teased then, a smiled lighting her face as her green-gold eyes twinkled.

Carmelita blinked, then blushed again, but smiled. "In time, Yuri…in time," she replied, grinning now.

Yuri grinned in reply. "Now, you may find this very hard to believe, Carmelita," she began, "but…my mother gave me this dress…one week before I went into labor, in fact." Yuri then fussed to herself, looking down at her once-again svelte figure, wondering if she would be able to get into it after her pregnancy.

"No way!" Carmelita exclaimed, then clapped her hands over her mouth. "Sorry," she added, blushing again. She composed herself, then continued. "But, I thought your parents were dead set against you and Bentley getting married."

"As did I, cheri," Yuri confessed, but a small fond smile ghosted her pretty face. "As did I. However, much to my initial dismay, my mother---in a hooded cloak, calling on me in the middle of the night, if you can believe that!---visited, and we had ourselves a---what would you call it again?---ah, yes, a heart-to-heart talk."

"Wow," Carmelita observed softly. "I bet that was some talk. So…what did she have to say?" Carmelita's eyes burned with curiosity.

"Oh, very much…and very little…all at the same time, Carmelita," Yuri told her, and smiled as she noticed Carmelita's frown. "Allow me to elaborate, hmm? My mother, Genevieve, arrived with this very box---" Yuri indicated the box on the table before them both that held the dress, "---and then took a good ten minutes to try to talk me out of marrying my Bentley."

Carmelita narrowed her eyes, gritting her teeth. "Which, I hope, you told your meddling mother to---!" Carmelita growled, but then cut herself off.

"Peace, cheri," Yuri soothed, smiling. "I endured her arguments with patience, I assure you. Then, much to my surprise, her resolve crumbled at that point, and I found her the next moment crying and hugging me in her happiness! Mon Dieu, but I was most surprised!" Yuri laughed softly.

"No doubt you would be, Yuri," Carmelita proclaimed, blinking, then grinning. "So…what then?" she wanted to know.

"My Maman," Yuri then answered, using the French word for 'mama' for the first time. "Why, she told me that she could not stay away…when her only daughter---c'est moi! (Yuri grinned here)---was going to be married! She then told me of my father's disapproval…and, of how she had warred with her conscience for a good long while. But, eventually, she told me that she just had to see me, to let me know how happy she truly was for me…her daughter. It was then that she presented this dress to me, and told me of its heritage. Ah, and then…she how she had worn this very same dress the day she wed my father." Yuri's amazing eyes were full of soft emotion just then. "Was that not sweet of her?"

Carmelita, normally a no-nonsense kind of woman, sniffed, tears appearing in her eyes. What can you say? The Foxes were emotional sorts…go figure! "Oh, that was so sweet!" she replied, reaching up to wipe at her tearing eyes. "I'm happy she came to her senses, Yuri…"

"Oui, as was I," Yuri agreed with a nod. "Needless to say, I was very moved. Then---oh, oui then---she made me promise to never tell my father of this meeting of ours! It would be our secret…mother to daughter." Yuri then sniffled herself, and fought to control her emotions briefly, finally composing herself once more. "Well, I agreed, of course! It was funny…but, I have never felt as close to my mother in a very long time as I did just then, mon ami."

"That's wonderful," Carmelita told her, meaning every word. Then, the two women sat there a moment in contented silence. Eventually, Carmelita spoke first. "Um, say, about that dress…er, so, um…do you think I…well, do you think I might see you in it?" Carmelita hurriedly blurted out, before her courage deserted her. "Before the wedding, I mean?"

Yuri blushed softly, then gazed intently over at Carmelita, clearly quite pleased by her request. "You would really like to see me in this, cheri?"

"Oh, si…por favor," Carmelita said in her native Spanish, her heart beating rapidly. "For me?"

Yuri smiled, inexplicably pleased. She reached out her hand to brush her fingertips against Carmelita's cheek fondly. "Of course I will," Yuri assented, turning to carefully lift the silken lacy creation out of its box and into her arms. "If…you would be so kind as to help, of course?"

"Why…I'd be honored, Yuri," Carmelita vowed, feeling happy tears in her eyes again that moment, even as she got hurriedly to her feet.

It took ten minutes time for Yuri to don her gown, and that only with Carmelita's supple fingers finishing the work by working the twenty-five tiny button closures in the back of the dress. But, finally, Yuri turned and looked to Carmelita. "So…cheri, how do I look?" she asked, nearly breathlessly with her excitement.

A fat tear leaked down from Carmelita's eye, and she sniffled, her heart swelling with emotion just then. "Oh, Yuri," she said in reverent tones. "Oh, sweetie…you look like a princess. Or maybe even a Queen." Carmelita clasped her hands together, feeling moved at the sight of her lovely friend, who was a vision in her eyes.

"Merci," Yuri replied softly, smiling at that comparison, and then with a rustle of lace, moved forward to gaze at herself in the full-length mirror. The exquisite snow leopard woman, tall, curvy, and elegant, was a showpiece in her ancestor's bridal gown. The gleaming, pearlescent white of the mostly silken gown enhanced Yuri pale fur and made her spots striking. Her exotic green-gold eyes were the color of priceless fine peridots against all that creamy white, while the ornate lace panel that ran down from the modest neckline of the gown to the waist was magnificent, showing off Yuri's bosom---but respectfully so. The form-fitting gown showed off Yuri's alluring figure to grand effect, and its soft skirts flowed around her long legs, moving about her like some silken wave when she moved…its medium length train hissing softly in her wake. "Oui, this shall do nicely, I think," Yuri observed as she gazed wonderingly at herself in the mirror. "Very nicely indeed…"

"More than nicely, Yuri," Carmelita corrected with a small laugh. "Oh man…Bentley's eyes are gonna bug out of his head when he sees you in that!"

"That, cheri," Yuri pointed out with a throaty chuckle, "is precisely what is supposed to happen, non?"

"Si!" Carmelita replied fervently, but with a most noticeable grin. "Oh, Yuri…I hope I look half as good as you do on my wedding day."

"Ah, cheri," Yuri said, turing at the waist to look Carmelita's way. "You will, I promise! Please, trust me, Carmelita…Naomi and I will not let you down…not on your wedding day! Oh, heavens no!" Yuri then grinned, reaching out to pat Carmelita's cheek.

"You look like a million dollars, Yuri Sing," Carmelita pointed out, then grinned herself. "Which might be pretty accurate…if I've learned anything at all about dresses."

"Oh you!" Yuri laughed. "Now, cheri…help me out of this, would you?"

Fifteen minutes later, the two returned to the living room, the two girls grinning as no one seemed to notice their absence. Well, except for Sly, it appeared, as the raccoon gent made his way over to the two beauties just then.

"Okay, just where did you two get yourselves off to?" Sly asked, smiling a smile just for his lady love.

"Oh, nowhere special, handsome," Carmelita adroitly lied. "Yuri was just showing me some ideas she had for bridesmaid dresses…"

Sly's eyes glazed over a bit at that, and he shook his head. "That's nice," Sly lied in return, but only to spare the ladies' feelings. "Okay, I'll let you two get back to your girl-talk. I'll be around if you need me, querera…"

Carmelita smiled as she watched Sly move back to talk with his childhood friends again.

Yuri smiled too. "You love him very much, don't you, cheri?" she asked softly.

Carmelita blinked, but then slowly nodded, softly smiling. "Yeah, I do," she admitted. "Though, it took me long enough to come out and admit it." That still sort of bothered Carmelita, it seemed…

"Eh, that is how love is at times," Yuri said sagely in reply. "What is important is that you know…the both of you, I mean." Yuri smiled a knowing smile at her friend.

"You know…I envy you, my friend," Carmelita then said, surprising Yuri very much.

"You do? But, why?" Yuri asked, wanting to know what was on Carmelita's mind.

"Oh, I don't know really," Carmelita admitted at first, then continued. "I mean, you're beautiful, you're in love, you've got four absolutely adorable children. Need I go on?" Carmelita gave Yuri a teasing look, but beneath that look was more…or so Yuri thought.

"And?" Yuri prompted, knowing there was still more.

Carmelita fidgeted a moment, then sighed. "You and Bentley will be able to give your children everything they need. Fine educations at the best schools, participation in the right clubs and organizations, sporting teams…all the things children need to become model citizens…"

"And?" Yuri pushed softly still, feeling as if they were getting close now.

"And…well, when Sly and I get married," Carmelita lamented softly then, "…and eventually have children, I worry about what we'll be able to provide them. I mean, a pair of Master Thieves won't exactly have the same options available to them for their children..."

Yuri smiled, realizing the truth had finally surfaced. "Ah, cheri, please…do not worry," Yuri soothed. "Come, Carmelita…you do remember my upbringing, do you not?"

"Well, uh, yeah," Carmelita said, verbally stumbling. "But---?"

"Why must you worry about your children's education, ami?" Yuri pointed out then. "If they are not allowed to attend the 'right' schools…why, then have the 'right' teachers come to them, no? Look…do correct me if I am wrong, but I feel Jacques and I turned out fairly well, have we not?"

Carmelita smiled and gave Yuri a thankful hug. "All right. Now, as for the wedding…" Carmelita began, changing the subject.

"Ah, yes…my Bentley would like your Sly to be his Best Man, you know," Yuri pointed out.

"I'm not really surprised to hear that," Carmelita said. "I've heard all the stories from Bentley as to how Sly always stood up for him at the orphanage." Carmelita smiled, then blinked. "Um, Yuri…I just thought of something."

"Oh? What would that be, Carmelita?" Yuri asked.

"Well," Carmelita began carefully, "I guess I don't understand why you don't want your father or mother to be part of your wedding." Carmelita had looked carefully over at Yuri, winking at her as she said 'mother'. "Doesn't every woman wish her parents there when they get married?"

"Perhaps, cheri," Yuri replied, feeling a mix of emotions…joy that her mother was happy for her---albeit secretly, as well as a knot of hurt within her chest that her father was not. But, that lasted but a moment. "Alas, to do that would be prove most disasterous," Yuri shook her head. "Non, I want my special day to be a most memorable and happy one. Should my parents attend my wedding, trust me…it will not be a pleasant day…for any of us."

"Okay, well…then who's going to give you away?" Carmeltia asked, a bit confused now.

Yuri smiled, understanding Carmelita's concern now. "Ah, I see. Now, do you remember how I told you that Jean-Pierre has always been like a favorite uncle of mine?"

"Yeah, I remember," Carmelita answered, a hint of a smile appearing on her lovely face. "Go on…"

"So, Carmelita my friend…I asked him, and Jean-Pierre said he would be delighted---and most honored---to be the one to give me away." Yuri smiled and sighed happily.

"No doubt he would be. He'll be one lucky guy, Yuri Sing," Carmelita thought to mention.

Yuri laughed softly, and patted Carmelita's hand in thanks. "Merci, cheri," she said. "That was very kind of you to say."

Carmelita grinned. "Okay, that's taken care of. Now, what about your bridesmaids then?" Carmelita aske, mentally ticking through her checklist.

"Hmm, let us see," Yuri thought aloud. "I would like all of my 'ladies' to attend me, of course." Yuri smiled at Carmelita, who grinned back, accepting Yuri's invitation with her eyes. "Naomi, of course, will be my Maid of Honor…as befits my best and dearest of friends."

"Makes sense," Carmelita replied, nodding in approval.

"Then, I shall have yourself, and Kitty---of course, as well as Svetlana, and Maria," Yuri counted off. "And, as each of you has a gentleman of your very own, that quite nicely provides my Bentley with his attendants as well, nes pas?"

Carmelita nodded, then frowned. "That'll work, all right. Er, well…except Kitty. I mean, how can you be sure she'll behave herself? You do know how she can be sometimes, Yuri…"

"Trust me, cheri," Yuri told the Spanish vixen beside her. "You leave Kitty to me…oh, and Naomi of course. Our lovely tomboy will do just fine, I think."

"Eh, it's your wedding," Carmelita opined with a shrug. She loved Kitty like a sister, but…could she manage to be one of Yuri's bridesmaids? She hoped Yuri knew what she was doing. "What color dresses will we be wearing, do you think?"

"Well, I had thought a nice bright pink," Yuri admitted, then laughed softly.

"Que lastima!" Carmelita said with a laugh. "Kitty will be impossible!"

"I know…that is why I changed my mind, cheri," Yuri allowed with a naughty little chuckle. "We both know how much Kitty would detest that, so no, I don't think that will do at all." The two laughed softly at the very thought of what Kitty's face would look like at even the thought of wearing pink!

The two then looked over to where Kitty was sitting, bouncing little Philipe upon her knee. Philipe seemed to be Kitty's favorite amongst Yuri's children, hands down. Next to her sat the platinum blonde Naomi, who was currently entertaining little Austin, talking very seriously with the little turtle boy who gazed seriously back at his statuesque Auntie. Yuri and Carmelita grinned as they both noticed how similar Kitty's posture now was to that of the very lady-like Naomi's.

"I'll have to hand it to you, Yuri," Carmelita then observed, "you and Naomi have certainly managed to make a lady out of our Kitty….er, well, almost."

Yuri laughed. "Ah, oui, we both thank you, Carmelita…but the real question is for how long shall she remain so after Naomi and I release her from her agreement, I wonder?"

"Eh, only God could answer that one, my friend," Carmelita said. "So, back to brass tacks again…what color are we going with again?" Carmelita knew that persistence ofttimes paid handsome dividends.

"I don't know…yet," Yuri answered, obviously toying with colors even as she spoke. "Hmm, I know…what would you think of nice golden yellow gowns, Carmelita?" Yuri paused to think that over, and nodded approvingly.

"Hmm, golden yellow, you say?" Carmelita repeated, thinking about her friends in that hue---then herself in it as well. She grinned, nodding as she liked the image that conjured in her head. "I like it."

"I too, cheri," Yuri agreed, nodding once more. "Just think of how wonderful that golden yellow would look against our Kitty's reddish fur…as well as with that darling blonde hair of hers!"

"Yeah, she'd look pretty great, you know," Carmelita opined, gazing at Kitty, then imagining the young freckled vixen in a simple yet elegant gown of golden yellow. "Against the guys' black tuxedos…that'll work pretty nice."

"I had not thought of that," Yuri replied, grinning broader still. "Ah, what of our exquisite Svetlana, eh? Can you not see how lovely she would look in golden yellow…against her soft orange-and-white fur, all the while highlighted by all that magnificent jet black hair of hers?"

"Yeah, you've got a point," Carmelita replied, looking at Svetlana who was playing a game of 'pat-a-cake' with little Celeste just then. "Of course, Svetlana would look pretty darn good in just about any color you could choose, Yuri…" Carmelita grinned, giving the lovely tigress another fond look.

Yuri laughed softly. "True," she admitted, then grinned. "Now that she is C'est Sing's top model---or soon will be!---I predict our sales will be rising most precipitiously."

"No doubt," Carmelita answered, then looked over to where Maria sat gently rocking little Belinda in her arms, softly singing---something in Russian, no doubt. "What about Maria then?"

"She is the easiest, cheri," Yuri responded with a grin. "With our Maria's snowy-white coloration, golden yellow will make her fur and hair appear warm and golden, don't you think?" Yuri paused then added, "Just think of what it will do with her pretty blue eyes, nes pas?"

Carmelita could only nod. "Okay, and that only leaves Naomi? Will she be wearing the same color gown as the rest of us, do you think?" she asked.

"Of course, Carmelita dear," Yuri answered. "Come now, wouldn't that color not look tres manufique against my Naomi's golden-brown and white fur and her silvery blond hair?"

Carmelita thought about that for a moment, then nodded. "Hmm, you know…golden yellow would look pretty great on all of us…myself included," Carmelita mentioned. "I usually don't wear much gold---or yellows for that matter---but, I think you've definitely got your color, my friend…"

Two months---a hectic yet exciting two months---later…

"…and I don't care what you say, sport," a glorious-looking, golden-yellow gowned Kitty Petro protested with a growl, gesturing with her bouquet of blue hydrangeas. "You and your Scots-whatchamacallits are not on the invite list, pal!"

"Och, lassie!" the kilted wolf gent growled in reply, "O' course we are! Ye're not lookin' in the right place tis all. We nine guid lads an' lasses are th' honor guard from the Queen's Own Highlanders. Why, there've been pipes an' drums at Sing weedin's since afore yer Da was nought but a gleam in yer grandda's eye!" The six foot tall Scot's cheek ruffs bristled with his indignation, even as he tapped one black shoe in a slow tattoo on the stone steps of the Cathedral.

"I don't care if you're the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz," Kitty argued back, her cheeks becoming a bit pink. "I'm not going to have you ruin Yuri's wedding with bagpipes!" She then growled something in her native Norwegian, most likely a curse of some sort, which only made the Scot frown in confusion. "C'mon…those things are worse than fingernails on a chalkboard!"

"Faith, what's all this goin' on now?" Sean, resplendent in his tailed tuxedo, white shirt, four-in-hand tie, and blue waistcoat. "Kitty? What's the problem, darlin'?" Sean narrowed his eyes, eyeing the kilted Scots warily.

"These party-crashers say they have an invitation," Kitty told Sean, even as she glowered at the kilted and uniformed group. "But, if they think for a single minute I'm going to---!"

"Peace, luv," Sean interrupted. "Have yeh checked to see if they actually are on the list, Kitty?"

Kitty blinked, then scowled, flustered. "Well, no," she answered. "I haven't but---!"

"Kitty," Sean urged her patiently, gently reaching out to stroke Kitty's shoulder to calm her.

"All right, all right," Kitty relented, then withdrew her list from her purse---that's right, her purse! "Ahem! Let's see now…" she murmured as she began to track down the list. She got to the "Q's" and paled, frowning. She cast a disapproving look at the Scots, but said nothing.

"Well, Kitty darlin'?" Sean prompted, trying to defuse this noticeable ruckus on the front steps of the Notre Dame Cathedral. "Are these fine lads and lasses been invited?"

Kitty's expression was thunderous. "Yeah, they're there," she answered. "But, not for long! Ha, bagpipers at Yuri's wedding…as if! I'm gonna see Yuri about this…don't think I won't!" The pretty vixen spun sharply on her low heeled shoes and dashed away inside the massive doors of the Cathedral, her golden yellow gown's hem snapping in her wake, along with her twitching and thrashing tail.

Sean sighed, closing his eyes a moment. He then reopened them, and smiled at the taciturn Scotsman. "I apologize fer that, my good Scot," Sean said, trying to mend fences, so to speak. "It appears there was a bit of a…well, misunderstanding o' sorts."

"Yer an Irish, aren't yeh, laddie?" the Scottish wolf asked brusquely.

"Aye, I am," Sean replied, drawing himself up to his full height. "What of it?"

The Scot surprised Sean then when he broke into a chuckle and grinned. "Why, nought at all, laddie buck! I---make that, we!---thank yeh for yer intercedin' on our behalf," he answered. He then shook his head, then exhaled wearily. "That lass---a rare braw an' bonny one she is, aye!---was more than a handful fer the likes o' an auld lad like meself."

Sean grinned at that, liking this fellow. "The name's Sean. Sean Mallory, sir. And, you would be?"

The wolf nodded at Sean's courtesy. "I be Angus MacGregor, leader o' this detachment. That'd be Leftenant MacGregor, mind yeh," the wold declared proudly.

"What's yer unit, Leftenant?" Sean asked, soldier to soldier so to speak.

"Second Company, the Queen's Own Scottish Highlanders," Lt. MacGregor replied, grinning. "Yeh may o' heard o' us…"

"A fine Regiment," Sean replied, nodding in respect. "I was with the First Company, Second Royal Commandos…before I was forced to retire, yeh see."

"A commando, is it?" Lt. MacGregor exclaimed, then looked Sean over professionally. "Aye, I can believe that, so I ken."

"Well, come along then, all of you," Sean instructed, waving the group forward. "And, we'll see where we'll be puttin' yeh all."

"Thanks, lad. Yer help's been mos' appreciated by all," Lt. MacGregor answered, nodding his proud bereted head to the tuxedoed Irishman.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame was an impressive edifice…ageless, immense, and possessing an unearthly beauty all on to its own. However, as truthful as all that might be…and as immense as it might be, there were a surprisingly small group of people within its surroundings this day.

"You do have the rings," Bentley fretted, sweating slightly in his top hat and tailed tuxedo, to his Best Man, none other than Sly Cooper. "Don't you, Sly?"

Sly smiled down at his nervous pal. "Relax, Bentley," Sly assured him, patting his waistcoat's left, then right pockets. "They're right where they're supposed to be, pal."

"What's taking so long?" Bentley fretted anew a moment later, causing Sly to sigh wearily. "Why can't we just get this whole thing over with?"

"Don't let Yuri or Carmelita hear you say that, pal," Sly advised with a grin. "Look, Bent…you gotta realize something, okay? Ladies like your Yuri or my Carmelita…this is like the most important day in their life, okay? Kind like when you've staged a big operation, y'know? Don't you want everything to go just so? Aren't you just ecstatic when a heist goes over exactly the way you planned it?"

Bentley frowned a moment thinking---oh, and sweating too. "Yeah, I get that," he responded, then grinned. "What I don't get is you, pal." Bentley laughed his soft nasally laugh. "You look so weird in that grey fox get-up, Sly."

Sly Cooper was far too recognizable to be seen in public as himself. So, with Yuri and Carmelita's help, he'd dyed his fur all the same grey color, ridding himself of his tell-tale black mask and ringed tail. He even wore green contacts lenses to disguise his normal brown eyes. Sly grinned down at Bentley. "Hey, I happen to think the gals did a bang-up job myself," Sly opined. "He then ran his hand through his slicked back hair, then comically licked a finger and touched it to his chest, and made a hiss sound. "I'm one hot-looking dude, pal."

"You are, and you're welcome," came a most familiar feminine voice behind where Sly and Bentley waited in a vestibule.

Sly turned and smiled a happy smile when he saw his Carmelita. "Oh, my," he said in a most charming and melodic voice. "Oh my my my my…" Carmelita, in Sly's eyes at least, looked like the prettiest girl in the entire world! She had her lustrous blue-black wavy hair piled atop her head, with certain curls tastefully springing free from her elaborate coiffure. Her gown was a simple, elegant spaghetti strap affair in golden yellow with a soft pleated skirts that reached down just past mid-calf. Sly smiled as he saw how the simple gown clung quite nicely in all the right places to Carmelita's nicely curved form. "You look like a little slice of heaven, querera," he told her proudly.

Carmelita grinned at his praise. "Thanks, handsome," she purred, eyeing him in his trim tuxedo. "You seem to clean up fairly well too, Mr. Cooper." She moved up to him, pressed herself to him a moment, then lightly kissed his cheek. "Sure you don't want to make that dye job permanent, Sly?" she teased, but not entirely, as Sly really did look very dapper---and sexy---in his grey fox get-up. "I could make it worth your while, fella." Carmelita looked over into his eyes, her expression serious as well as humorous.

Sly actually shivered at her proposition. "That's pretty tempting, querera," he said as he held her close, his hand almost reflexively stroking Carmelita's smoothly furred back. "Very tempting in fact…but, no."

"Aw," Carmelita teased, laughing softly. "Shucks." She then hugged Sly a moment longer, then let him go. "That's okay, Ringtail…I think I'll manage with you just the way you are." She then looked into his eyes. "I got to go, Sly. Yuri's gonna need me in a minute or so. I just wanted to see how you were doing." She then reached her hand up to touch his face. "I love you, sweetheart."

"Love you too, Carmelita," Sly told her, leaning over to lightly kiss her deep red lips, so as to not muss her makeup any.

"See you later, handsome," Carmelita said with a bright smile, looking with a bit of longing over her shoulder as she hustled away from the boys.

"Man!" Sly exclaimed, feeling a shiver run up his spine. "That is some woman!"

Bentley watched the interchange between Sly and Carmelita, and finally got something. He might be uncomfortable in this get-up---his tux, the too-tight tie, and shoes that hurt his feet---but, he'd willingly do it all…just to make his Yuri happy. He'd do just about anything---anything at all!---to garner just one fond smile from the amazing woman who would soon be his wife. "Thanks, Sly," he suddenly told his long-time friend.

Sly frowned initially, looking down at Bentley. But, the all-too-familiar look in his little friend's eyes was plain enough. "So…you finally get it, huh, pal?" Sly questioned.

Bentley sighed, then smiled. "Yeah, Sly…I finally do," he told him.

"That's the first step, pal," Sly told Bentley then. "It gets a bit easier once you figure out the woman's in charge."

"Say what?" Bentley replied, his eyes huge.

"Well, isn't she?" Sly pointed out. "Trick is not to let her realize that fact, is all. As long as she's happy…no one's the wiser, right?"

Bentley nodded. "Makes sense, Sly," Bentley replied, then was hit by another attack of nervousness again. "Is it going to be much longer, pal?"

"Patience, Bent," Sly advised with a smile. "Yuri's the one running the show. We're here to do what she wants us to."

"Yeah, I get that," Bentley returned, running a finger under his uncomfortable collar. "But, do you think she could hurry…just a little?"

Sly could only chuckle at his friend's predicament.

And, speaking of Yuri…

"Peace, mon belle petite!" Yuri urged, adjusting her veil just so over her face. "Whatever is the matter, cheri?" She looked from the mirror before her, turning to where a clearly upset Kitty stood, fuming.

"There's a bunch of dudes and dudettes in dresses out on the front steps," Kitty said disparagingly. "Ones that think they can barge in and play bagpipes---yes, bagpipes of all things!---at your wedding! Is that too much, or what?" Kitty's hands were very animated as she railed.

"Ah, I had forgotten them," Yuri said a moment later, her hand flying over her mouth, as her green-gold eyes went large in embarrassment. "Mon Dieu! You did not send them away, did you, petite?" Yuri looked quickly at Kitty, her anxiousness in her eyes.

Kitty shook her head, clearly saying without words she wished she had. "No, I didn't…Sean 'interrupted' me before I could send those party crashers packing!" Kitty ranted.

"Thank goodness for our Mr. Mallory then," Yuri exclaimed softly with a relieved sigh.

"What?" Kitty nearly screeched, her blue eyes huge now in shock. "Y-Y-You mean you really did invite those schmoes with their noisemakers?"

Yuri couldn't help but giggle at Kitty's unique choice of words. "Kitty, you are so funny sometimes, cheri," Yuri told her. "But, to answer your question, oui, I did indeed invite those gentlemen and ladies."

Kitty sputtered in shock. "B-But what the heck for?" she protested, waving her arms about. "Don't tell me you actually like bagpipes?" Kitty goggled at even the thought of that evidently!

"Kitty, the pipes can be very stirring at times, cheri," Yuri told her friend, trying to be nice. "Though, no…they are not my favorite instrument, I am afraid."

"Well, thank goodness for that!" Kitty opined, crossing her arms before herself.

Yuri eyed Kitty very speculatively a moment, then shook her head. "Ah, I see I must explain, hmm?" Yuri observed to her friend.

"Um, yeah…that'd be sort of nice," Kitty replied, rolling her eyes. "A refreshing change from all the mumbo-jumbo you usually give me, Yuri."

"Kitty, be nice," Naomi interjected just then, rather sternly…as she fussed with the folds of Yuri's dress.

"Okay, okay…sorry, Yuri," Kitty apologized, though rather tersely.

"Apology accepted, cheri," Yuri replied proudly, then grinned. "Now, about our Scottish friends." Yuri paused and then lifted her veil, so she could see Kitty clearly. "Now, please listen, petite. The story goes back to World War Two…you do remember what that is, eh Kitty?"

"Yeah, yeah, go on," Kitty said, waving Yuri to continue.

"Very well then," Yuri said then continued. "My family happened---back then at least---to own a villa just outside the coastal town of Dunkirk. Does that name ring any bells, Kitty?"

"Yeah, yeah…I've heard of that too," Kitty observed, nodding for Yuri to continue on.

"What an amazing thing! I am impressed," Yuri teased, laughing as Kitty stuck her tongue out at her. "But, that aside, after the Grand Armee was in shambles, and the British and Canadian forces were withdrawing, the Boche---er, that is the Germans, pardonnez moi---had nearly pushed the Allies into the Channel. Those poor boys were in danger of being captured or killed, so my Grandpere Yves Sing felt he had to do something to help…"

"Why am I not surprised?" Kitty posed, grinning at Yuri. "That must be where you get that taking in all the waifs act from, huh?"

"Hush, petite," Yuri replied with a grin. "Grandpere Yves was a very brave man…and, as such, captained his yacht over to the beaches, and began to help ferry the retreating troops over from France to England. Now, do keep in mind, that this was very dangerous work…for German aircraft prowled everywhere strafing the ships trying to save the poor beleaguered Allied troops."

"Okay, that's just swell and all…but what does that have to do with---?" Kitty blurted, getting impatient.

"Patience, cheri…I am getting to that," Yuri assured her, grinning. "Now, where was I again? Ah, oui…Grandpere Yves had just come back from a trip, and was maneuvering to shore to take on another load of soldiers, this time a weary group of French soldiers, when the Germans attacked in strength. Grandpere thought he was doomed, destined to be captured---along with those brave, beleagured French boys---by the Boche, when…he heard the most amazing sound…a sound he said was like the keening of wild devils. Both the Germans, as well as my Grandpere, were equally taken aback. As you might of guessed, it was Scots, the Highlanders---with their bagpipes skirling madly---that arrived to save those poor French soldiers, and promptly saw the Boche off. Grandpere Yves was very thankful---to say the least!---and beckoned for the Highlanders to board his yacht for England and safety." Yuri paused for effect, then continued. "But, the Highlanders were a proud bunch, so they told him no, they'd wait and let the 'wee French laddies' board. 'Always last to leave the field' their Colonel told my Grandpere. He told Grandpere that they would catch the next ride over."

"Oh, but that was so brave," Naomi observed with a catch in her throat.

"Oh, indeed it was," Yuri replied, nodding her head. "Grandpere ferried that load of Frenchmen over and then hurriedly returned, anxious to save the brave Scots. By that time, however, the tide had come in, and many of the remaining soldiers now stood up to their chests in the water, defending themselves, waiting for rescue. The Germans continued to attack, and so by the time Grandpere found his Highlanders---or so he now called them---they had suffered grievious casualties. Only thirty men of the one hundred original men were pulled aboard his yacht that day. They tried to thank him for his actions, but he would not hear of it! 'It is I---and France!---who should be thanking you, Monsieur,' he replied, tears in his eyes."

"Well, I…I mean, how was I supposed to know all of that?" Kitty protested, blinking back tears. She felt bad now…but that only made her angry, instead of apologetic.

"I know, you could not, petite," Yuri soothed. "You are feeling just the way Grandpere felt for those noble boys. He declared on the way over that they were officially Frenchmen that day, and friends of the Sings forever."

"Quite right," Naomi exclaimed, wiping at her eyes. "That is as it should have been, Madame."

"Precisement, cheri," Yuri agreed, smiling over at Naomi. "So…from that time on, Kitty, everytime there is an important Sing family function, an invitation is sent to the Queen's Own Scottish Highlanders…willingly, and with all of our hearts." Yuri fell silent a moment, composing herself. "After all, It is the least we can do for them, non? For all the Frenchmen---my Grandpere included!---who are now free because of their bravery and sacrifice, petite."

"Okay, I suppose I get it now," Kitty replied, not able to look at Yuri now. But, she still wouldn't apologize…she was too proud, even if her heart now understood why the Scots were there. "Er, well, Sean's seen to them anyway. But, enough of that…we've got a wedding going on!" Kitty then clapped her hands, the self-proclaimed director of operations again. "Let's get a move on, ladies!"

"At once, Mademoiselle Director," Naomi teased, grinning at Kitty. She then turned her attention back to Yuri. "Yuri? Are you ready, mon belle ami?"

Yuri gave herself one further look in the mirror, and nodded in satisfaction. She then dropped her gauzy veil back into place over her lovely face, and looked to her friends. "I am ready, cheris," she declared. "Kitty, gather my attendants here…the ceremony is about to begin."

"Back in a flash, sport!" Kitty returned, grinning as she dashed out.

Ten minutes later…

"Everything---and everyone---is now in place, Yuri my sweet," a grandly attired Jean-Pierre informed his 'niece'. The brilliant white-furred goat gentleman was garbed in a black silk tuxedo, his waistcoat and cravat done up in Sing blue, a small blue hydrangea buttoneer upon the satin lapel of his tuxedo.

"Merci, Uncle," Yuri replied, her beauty muted mysteriously by her gauzy white veil. Yuri then looked ahead and smiled to see her girls, all clad in fabulous golden yellow, waiting for her to give the word. "Very well, Carmelita," Yuri instructed her beautiful friend, "give the signal to begin, cheri." Yuri felt her heart rate speed up, and a nearly intoxicating shiver ran up her spine.

Carmelita nodded to Yuri, then slowly pushed open the door separating the vestibule they all waited in from the cathedral proper. Carmelita looked quickly over to find Sly, and found him standing in the vestibule opposite her. She smiled a loving smile his way, then nodded to him.

Sly turned and nodded toward the altar. At that, an ensemble of violins and violas took up a stately yet lively tune, accompanied a moment later by a trio of silvery flutes. Sly waited for them to complete one chorus, then with great dignity and poise, he stepped forward out of the vestibule and down the side aisle moving toward the central aisle that would lead to the altar.

Carmelita smiled a conservative smile, then matched her Sly step for step, the two of them moving toward one another with the precision that only a pair of Master Thieves could hope to manage. Once they met in the central aisle, Sly gallantly held out his arm to his lovely companion, and Carmelita looped her hand to rest at the crook of Sly's tuxedoed arm. The two shared a quick happy glance, then---in time to the music---began to move a stately pace toward the altar…some sixty strides away.

Next came Maria and Jack. Maria's arrival elicited a soft round of "ooh's" and "ahh's", as the white-furred beauty appeared in her warm golden-yellow gown, which---much as Yuri had told Carmelita before---made her lustrous fur appear warm and gilded. She looked magnificent next to the towering and oh-so-handsome Jack Turner, who was rather dashing in his blue-accented black tuxedo. These two followed after Sly and Carmelita, precisely ten paces behind.

Next to appear was Kitty…and her most unsettle-looking Ling Chu. Kitty was a vision in her golden-yellow gown, which enhanced the reddish-brown of her fur, as well as the white that graced most of her face, throat and the inside of her arms and lower legs. Her short bright blonde hair gleamed in the late morning sun that streamed through the stained glass windows of Notre Dame. Kitty looked every bit the lady this morning, showing off all she had learned from her teachers to full effect it seemed…which, in part, may of led to some of the discomfort Ling Chu seemed to reflect just now. The handsome, yet nervous, Tibetan snow leopard gent went through the paces neatly, offering Kitty his arm, and then very stately led the gorgeous little vixen down in their friend's wake.

As Kitty and Ling moved off, Svetlana and Sean appeared next. Sean caught sight of his angel-in-tigress-form and smiled a very fond, very appreciative smile her way. He was so proud of her that he thought he might burst! Svetlana was absolutely precious this day, the golden-yellow of her gown accenting her soft orange, black-striped, and white fur to grand effect---as well as showing off her truly stunning figure very well too! Sean, with military precision, marched his way to come to a stock-still halt beside his Svetlana, his green eyes showering her with his love and awe at how truly glorious she looked. Svetlana felt her cheeks go pink at being the recipient of such a gaze, but her soft thankful smile told Sean all he needed to know of her feelings toward him.

"Ready, Angel?" he asked without moving his lips.

Svetlana could only nod, and take his arm. The two then moved into line behind Kitty and Ling.

Last, but by no means least, Murray appeared next, along with his Naomi. Murray couldn't keep the somewhat dopey grin off his face as he laid eyes on his lady love. Naomi was exquisite in her golden-yellow gown, which enhanced her natural golden-tan fur and made her stacked-up platinum hair seem to glimmer and shine. Naomi's smile---though demure---spoke volumes of her feelings toward the grinning hippo gent she linked arms with a moment later. The two followed after Svetlana and Sean at the very same pace.

As the ten attendants made their way to their appropriate positions before the main altar's steps, the music changed to something a bit more majestic. The five couples---plus the very nervous bridegroom!---turned to look down the length of the central aisle, awaiting the arrival of the incomparable Yuri Sing.

It was then that the main door---some three meters tall---swang open, and before anyone could say a thing, there came the unmistakeable skirl of what could only be bagpipes---though, these were softly played. First through the doors came Leftenant MacGregor, his naked claymore (that's a Scottish sword) held straight up braced against his shoulder, his black, red, green, and white kilt swaying slightly as he marched. His white stockings glistened, and the dirk hilt in his right sock matched the red cairngorm of his sporran. In behind MacGregor came two bagpipers, then the remaining six soldiers, their baldric's and kilt's tartans identical, marching in the soft stamp of their highly polished shoes setting time. Ten paces behind the Scots finally came the polished and poised Jean-Pierre, upon whose arm walked a literal vision of snowy white perfection…Yuri Sing herself!

"Hey, I know that tune," Sly whispered to Bentley. "Isn't that La Marseillaise?"

Bentley blinked several times, then grinned. "Why, it is!" Bentley agreed. "Say, that's pretty clever." La Marseillaise was the French national anthem…which was rather appropriate for the very French Yuri Sing.

But, just as soon as Yuri moved into view, the bagpipers went silent, and the strings and flutes took up the strains of the Wedding March…known oft-times in America as "Here Comes the Bride". Yuri seemed---even more than usual---to glide along like some ethereal being, and moved down the aisle, her train whispering along in her wake. The audience watched---in near breathless wonder---as the tall, statuesque snow leopard woman, accompanied by her 'uncle', preceded by her martial escort of kilted Scots, made her way most majestically down the blue carpeted aisle until she was only two steps from the steps of the altar, where she halted.

The Cardinal Villaneuve---looking very impressive in his ecclesiastical finest, complete with mitre and crozier---beamed down upon the lovely woman who he once used to entertain by bouncing the small girl upon his knee. He nodded to everyone assembled, then in a deep, rich, and warm voice, announced. "Bon jour, everyone." He then looked down upon those involved in the ceremony.

"This day, this glorious day, I am priviledged to perform one of the most enjoyable of my responsibilities: to wed a man and a woman." Etienne Villaneuve could be quite the smooth-tongued gent when he was of a mind to be. "Now, on to the proceedings, hmm?" he jested, trying to lighten the mood just a bit. "Very well then, we are here today to join in holy matrimony this woman, Yuri Sing, and this man, Bentley Turtle." He gestured to each as he mentioned their names. "Who giveth this woman away this day?" he intoned just then, smiling down at Jean-Pierre and the veiled Yuri Sing.

Jean-Pierre snapped his heels together with a soft click then laid his hand protectively over Yuri's. "I, Jean-Pierre Moreaux, this lovely lady's uncle, give her into your care on this day of her wedding," Jean-Pierre intoned very stately and solemnly.

Cardinal Villaneuve nodded his pleasure, then nodded again, this time to Jean-Pierre, who lifted Yuri's slender hand into his own, then moved with her to stand her beside Bentley, finally laying her hand into his. "Be happy, cheri," Jean-Pierre whispered to his precious niece as he moved back to take a seat in the front pew.

Yuri watched him go, and felt a round of butterflies in her stomach. She then looked down and to her right and gazed down into her Bentley's nervous yet still adoring eyes. Yuri smiled a warm embracing smile for her intended.

Sean had already handed Svetlana his kerchief, and the emotional tigress was already dabbing at her big glistening eyes, sniffling. "You must be strong, mon belle ami," Naomi whispered to her poor friend.

They all stood there then, the closest of friends, as they watched in a mixture of awe, amusement, love, and some boredom (hey, only Yuri and Bentley actually had anything to do, you know!) as the Arch-Prelate of all France worked his way through the ceremony that would make Yuri Sing and Bentley Turtle husband and wife.

Svetlana, almost on cue, began weeping softly as Yuri and Bentley exchanged their vows. Naomi was not much better, though she made less noise than Svetlana did. Maria was the most stoic of them all. Kitty, on the other hand, stood there and valiantly blinked back tears as the ceremony continued. Rings were exchanged, as had been their vows…and at the exchange of rings was where Kitty finally lost her battle with her tears, and sniffled and cried silently yet openly in her joy.

"Now, with the power vested in me by the Holy Mother Church," Cardinal Villaneuve intoned majestically. "I now pronounce you husband and wife!" His Eminence then beamed happily, then chuckled. "Go ahead, my Son…lift her veil and kiss your Bride."

Bentley gulped, his eyes huge behind his glasses just then. Yuri bent helpfully over, and Bentley---with trembling hands---gingerly took Yuri's gauzy veil and lifted it to reveal her truly lovely face. Bentley couldn't help but smile as he saw the love, and excitement, and devotion in his wife's eyes. "I love you, Yuri Sing," he whispered.

"And, I you, Bentley cher," she whispered back.

Bentley then lifted his hands, took Yuri's sweet face in them, and pressed his lips to her own in a loving kiss. Yuri put her hands on his shoulders and returned his kiss…apparently far longer than Bentley had anticipated…as he began to struggle a little. Yuri finally relented, and broke their kiss, smiling a beaming rascally sort of smile. Bentley, on the other hand, gasped for air…all the while looking rather entranced and grinning a big goofy grin.

"Monsieurs et Mademoiselles, may I be the first to present to you Monsieur and Madame…er…" His Eminence began then faltered. He then whispered to Yuri, "What name have you two decided upon, hmm?"

Bentley decided that, "Look, your Cardinalship," Bentley pointed out, making Villaneuve grin. "I'm an orphan, okay? As such, I've never had a real family name. So, that being the case, why don't we make it Monsieur and Madame Sing?"

Yuri gasped, then beamed at her husband. "You mean this, cher? You wish to take the name of Sing?" she questioned.

"Yep, I'm sure, babe," Bentley told her. "I think it's got a nice ring to it myself, Bentley Sing." He grinned over at his wife. "Don't you think?"

Yuri laughed, then clapped her hands together in happiness. "Oh, cher…I love you even more now! Give us a kiss!" she replied. Bentley laughed to and did as she bade him too.

Cardinal Villaneuve laughed a soft jovial laugh. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you all, Monsieur and Madame Sing!"

The audience---such that it was---broke into applause and cheers. Lt. MacGregor nodded then, grinning, and his pipers began again, playing a thrumming happy tune, one that the string section and the flutes then joined quite enthusiastically.

Sly moved forward and shook Bentley's hand. "Congratulation, Mr. Sing," he teased, making Bentley blush. "I'm happy for you, pal! You got yourself one heck of a woman, fella!" He said this loud enough for Yuri to hear, and she grinned over at the rascally raccoon-in-fox's-clothing.

Carmelita couldn't help herself and rushed into Yuri's arms to congratulate her, holding her close, kissing her cheek whenever she could. "Oh, Yuri…that was so beautiful!" she crowed…then, stopped and looked into Yuri's green-gold eyes. "And, you are so beautiful, Yuri…even more than you usually are, sweetie."

"Merci, Carmelita," Yuri replied, her eyes brimming with tears of her happiness. "I am so happy!" she added, then began to cry…but only a moment, and then she laughed in her joy. "Oh, I am so mixed-up this day…"

"That's understandable, Yuri," Carmelita answered with a laugh. "You're allowed, you know."

Yuri then beamed at her friend, so very glad that she had the remarkable woman by her side. Yuri's reverie was squashed a moment later as she was essentially mobbed by her ladies-in-waiting. Svetlana had reached her first and now clung to her side, hugging her fiercely and laughing. Maria bade Yuri her congratulations, even as she worked to remove Svetlana from their friend. Kitty nearly bowled poor Yuri over in her exuberant greeting. "Peace, Kitty!" Yuri protested with a giggle. "I know you are happy for me, cheri…but really!"

Kitty wiped at her eyes futilely, all the while beaming with pleasure. "So, you're a married lady now, eh?" Kitty mused. "I guess that means you can use Madame proudly this time, huh?" Kitty teased, making the other girls groan then giggle.

Yuri stood back then, and looked around. Jean-Pierre was deep in conversation with the Cardinal Villaneuve. Sly and Sean were laughing and talking with the now gregarious Scots, while Jack must have been teasing her Bentley, as the tiger gent's eyes were full of laughter while Bentley's were huge, and his cheeks a rosy red of embarrassment. Svetlana had been talking with Maria, but now she dashed over to slip her arm around her Sean, who introduced the lovely girl to the kilted Scots.

Bentley finally managed to disengage himself from Jack thankfully, and made his way over to his new bride's side. "So, babe," he asked then, smiling a smile just for her. "Feel any different?"

Yuri blinked, then laughed a soft warm laugh. "Oui…and non," she giggled. "Isn't that funny, cher?"

"Actually no," Bentley replied, wrapping his arm around his wife's---he still had to keep reminding himself he was now married to the incomparable Yuri Sing!---slender waist. "It makes a whole world of sense to me, babe." He then looked slightly up into his wife's lovely smiling face. "I love you, Yuri Sing."

Yuri blinked, then gazed down in adoration at her husband. "I love you, Bentley Sing…for now and forever, mon cher," she told him softly and fervently.

"Hey, that works just swell for me, babe," Bentley replied, then flicked his eyes around. Then, he did something very out of character.

Yuri gasped as she felt someone softly pinch her lovely derriere. She initially looked for Sly Cooper…but, no…it could not of been him, he was across a crowded room from her. Then, a moment later, it finally dawned on her as to who it had been that had just goosed her. She gazed down at her husband, and then laughed as he waggled a playful eyebrow her way. "Bentley!" she pretended to chide him. "Such behaviour, my husband…"

"There's more where that came from, babe," Bentley promised her, which elicited a giggle out of his new lovely wife.

"Ah, for that I am glad," she assured him with a kiss.

Eventually, the kindly clergy of Notre Dame genially 'escorted' the new couple and their guests from the Cathedral. As everyone headed to their cars---well, their limousine, in the case of Yuri and her friends---to head to the reception, which---accordingly enough---was to be held at the private ballroom of Le Bistro Bourgeot.

Sly paid the limousine driver fifty euros to constantly---yet randomly---beep the big Citroen's horn at all the passers-by---both pedestrian as well as vehicular. That elicited stunned surprise for the first half-kilometer or so…but, by the time they were in Paris proper, the obliging Parisian traffic blared their horns gleefully in reply, and the folks on the sidewalks laughed and applauded…simply because it was such fun!

"Sly, please!" Yuri tried to protest, "this sort of display is just not done in Paris, ami!"

Sly laughed, and pointed out to the many waving people. "Oh, really? Why, then, O Queen of all Brides, you'd better tell all them that!" he called out over the din.

"Il est impossible," Yuri retorted with a laugh of her own, and waved back at the waving Paris public.

It was only fifteen minutes later that the shining white Citroen pulled into the parking lot of Le Bistro Bourgeot, and was greeted by the still immaculately attired Jean-Pierre himself!

"Bon jour, cheri!" Jean-Pierre greeted his niece, as well as his new 'nephew'. "Congratulations to you both on this happiest of days!"

Yuri stepped out of the limousine using Jean-Pierre's hand as a support as she did so. "Ah, mon Jean-Pierre!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around her uncle's neck. "Everything is ready, non?" She paused, seeing the brief look of surprise in Jean-Pierre's expressive dark eyes. "Of course it is!"

Jean-Pierre beamed at her compliment. "Oui! Now, if you all would follow me?" he replied, allowing Yuri to take his arm as he escorted them inside. "This way. This way," the overeager proprietor declared with a non-stop smile on his lips.

They followed along in Jean-Pierre and Yuri's wake---Bentley taking his place beside his wife on her right---into the posh establishment, moving deep within the place until they came to a private hallway, where they turned down, and then Jean-Pierre halted them before a pair of twin burl-wood doors with fittings of gleaming brass. "Now, Messiers et Madames…welcome, one and all, to Le Concourse d'Elegance," he announced, throwing open the polished wooden doors to present the room to his guests.

"Mon Dieu," Yuri gasped, both hands leaping up to cover her pretty mouth in surprise. "Jean-Pierre! You have outdone yourself, mon oncle…"

"C'est manufique!" Naomi added from just behind Yuri's shoulder, her amber eyes full of wonder.

Sly simply whistled softly, shaking his head in appreciation. "That's some reception, pal," Sly told Jean-Pierre with a grin.

"Merci, one and all," Jean-Pierre answered with a grin and nod. "Now, please…everyone inside!"

The wedding party found their seats soon enough…for they were at the head table at the far end of the room. While Sly and the boys went off to get drinks for them all, Carmelita, Svetlana, and Naomi worked to bustle Yuri's dress, securing it with the seed buttons on the back of her gown. The twelve dear friends shared the next ten minutes---free of their guests---to offer the new happy couple all their best wishes. There was, as you might guess, many a hug and/or kiss exchanged in that time.

"Oh, mon amis," Yuri finally said, as the looked upon all her friends. Tears flooded her exquisite green-gold eyes, her joy and love reflected in the bright smile she gave them all. "I love you all so much…and, I am so very glad that you are all here with my Bentley and I on our wedding day. Thank you all, mon chers et cheris!" Yuri continued to weep, until---to everyone's surprise---Svetlana moved forward to comfort her friend, her own eyes dry for once.

"Shh, Yuri cheri," Svetlana soothed, stroking Yuri's smooth fur where her back was bared. "I know. We are all so happy for you, you know."

Yuri hugged the caring little tigress fondly a long moment, then leaned away from her, wiping her eyes with a kerchief. She then smiled at Svetlana, her eyes full of love. "So, now it has happened, non?" Yuri teased with a soft chuckle. "It is your turn to comfort me, eh my Svetlana?"

"I don't mind, Yuri," Svetlana assured her with a soft caring smile. "After all the times you have dried my tears, mon ami."

"Oh, Svetlana," Yuri exclaimed softly, and hugged her once more.

"Kinda get you, doesn't it?" Kitty teased just then, then thumped her chest with her fist softly, grinning. "Right about here…"

Sean laughed softly at the rascally vixen's routine. "What a rare rogue yeh are, darlin'!" he proclaimed. "Though, I'd stand clear o' yer Carmelita ere I said much more, lass…"

"I'm just teasing, sport!" Kitty squeaked, even as she ducked behind Sean's form, as Carmelita began striding her way, disapproval written all over her face.

Thankfully, Yuri intercepted Carmelita, and it wasn't but a moment, and the confrontation was forgotten.

The guests arrived the next moment, and Naomi and Carmelita formed a reception line of the wedding party, so that each guest could greet and congratulate the entire group, one after another…with Bentley and Yuri at the end.

As the last of the guests moved past and took their seats, two last-minute figures appeared. Trish Connelly and Uma Metzer, in their working clothes, moved down the reception line, each woman carrying one of Yuri's children in each arm. "Special delivery fer a Yuri Sing," Trish announced, her green eyes clever, her smile contagious.

"Ah, Ms. Connelly!" Yuri gushed, moving forward to take Celeste and Belinda from Trish's arms, fussing and cooing over the two adorable, well-behaved children. "I see you got my invitation, eh cheris?"

"Aye, that we did," Trish replied, shaking her head. "It was one I couldna refuse! What with it comin' on linen paper an' all done up fancy-like with gold ink like it was!"

Sean Mallory recognized that accent straight off. "Mary, Mother o' God," he said aloud. "Either me ears are deceivin' me, or yer a bonny Irish belle, so yeh are!"

Trish heard the brogue of Sean's speech and grinned. "There's nothin' wrong wit' yer ears, boyo," Trish teased in reply. "Though, I'd not go so far as to call meself an 'Irish belle', doncha know…"

"Faith!" Sean laughed, drawing Svetlana close to his side, putting his arm around her trim waist. "Svetlana, tell this daft girl that she's a rare beauty, so she is! Not as exquisite as me Svetlana now, mind yeh…but she's not hard on the eyes…not by a long shot."

Trish blushed at Sean's compliment, smiling. "Away wit' yeh, you fly rogue!" Trish laughed. "Yer almost as bad as that wretch, Sly Cooper…wit' all his flowery flattery!"

"Trish, that's not true, and you know it," Carmelita pointed out, grinning broadly as she hugged her friend. "What brings you here, sweetie?"

"Yer tall blonde friend, that's what, darlin'!" Trish told Carmelita, her eyes scanning about for something, or perhaps someone. It was only a moment later, and Trish squeaked loudly as she felt someone pinch her lovely rump.

"Lookin' fer me, darlin'?" Sly Cooper posed in his absolutely abysmal rendition of Irish brogue. His now green eyes glittered with amusement.

Trish glowered at the cheeky fox that had thought it allowable to pinch her bum. "Try that agin', boyo," she warned, her teeth showing, "an' ye're like to find yerself missin' a few teeth." Trish then frowned as something about the fox man's voice jangled in her brain. It was then that she put two-and-two together and gasped in shock. "Sly Cooper! Bloody Mary an' Joseph…is that you, boyo?" she whispered.

"Aye," Sly told her conspiratorially, his grin almost indecent. "I'm in disguise," he 'helpfully' pointed out. "So…mum's the word, pretty girl."

Trish grinned as she blushed at his flattery. "Aye, tis yerself, so it is," Trish reasoned, putting her hand on his arm so she could rise up on her tiptoes to buss Sly's cheek. "There'd be no mistakin' that honeyed tongue o' yers."

By that time, Naomi, Kitty, Maria, and Murray each had one of the Sing children nestled in their arms, the four small ones looking out curiously into the noisy room, wonder on their small faces.

Uma and Trish made their hellos and goodbyes, and then departed---not wanting to intrude on such an occasion. "Congratulations, Herr und Frau Sing," Uma told Yuri and Bentley as she was about to depart. "The best of luck to you on your new family…"

About an hour later, Jean-Pierre returned and announced that dinner was about to begin…so, could all his guests please return to their seats? When they did, the proprietor of Le Bistro Bourgeot clapped his hands together, and a veritable horde of waitstaff streamed in, a good number of them pushing gleaming chromed trolleys with covered buffet trays…from which the most sumptuous and wonderful aromas wafted.

In no time at all, the efficient staff of Le Bistro Bourgeot had set up a truly heavenly and mouth-watering buffet, the likes of which most of the guests had never seen before in their lives! Bouef Burgundy, Poule Cordon Bleu, veal Marsala were but a few of the wonderful things prepared that day. Side dishes of all sorts and types were available, as were many another thing…all for the asking. As the guests moved blissfully through their meals, the wait staff---once they were certain all had had their fill---began to move the buffet line away and out.

Yuri sat back, wiping her lips daintily with a linen napkin, and sighed. She then looked to her friends, then her Bentley---who, it seemed had the appetite of a much larger man---who also sat back content. "So, Bentley," she mused. "How was your dinner, hmm?" she wondered.

"Oh, that was excellent…awesome, even," Bentley groaned, yet smiled. "I've got to let Jean-Pierre know that he and his staff were outstanding!"

"He will be pleased," Yuri answered, then grinned as she heard the small band begin playing soft ballroom music. "Bentley?" she then asked softly, yet with some insistence.

"Yeah, babe?" Bentley replied, turning her way with a smile.

"Would you care to dance, mon belle cher?" Yuri asked, with both her voice as well as her luminous eyes.

Now, normally, Bentley wasn't much into dancing. But, c'mon guys!---how was he supposed to refuse Yuri when she asked him like that? "Uh, sure…of course," he stammered, then got to his feet. "Yuri Sing, my love, my wife…would you honor me with a dance?" he asked her quite formally.

Yuri fairly beamed, so proud of him! "I would indeed, mon cher," Yuri replied, getting gracefully to her feet. She allowed Bentley to lead her to the now cleared dance floor, and the two moved to its center. The band noticed, and then changed its tune---so to speak---to that of a stately waltz. For, they knew, that everyone---even someone with two left feet!---can dance a waltz passably. Yuri thrilled as she felt Bentley place his hand on the curve of her hip, taking her other hand in his own. She gazed down into her husband---her beau!---and his shining eyes. "I did not know you were a dancer, Monsieur," she teased him fondly.

"You know," Bentley replied, even as he moved his lady wife about in a very decent rendition of a waltz, "neither did I…until now." He then looked up slightly into her beautiful green-gold eyes and smiled. "Must be the fact that I've got the perfect partner…"

Yuri laughed a rich soft laugh at his gallantry. "Oh, cher…" she said fondly, pulling Bentley tight against her as they danced. She felt so wonderful, so content that she could not prevent herself from humming along with the band.

Sly and Carmelita joined in, and wowed the crowds with their fancy footwork. Sly took great delight in choosing songs in which he could dip his graceful, oh-so-lovely Carmelita, enjoying the look of the thrill in her eyes each time he did so. Carmelita, for her part, smiled and matched his moves with near perfect harmony. "Oh, sweetie," she told him as he pulled her close again, enjoying very much the feeling of his body pressed against her own, "I haven't had this much fun in ages!"

Sly grinned, then surprised her by dipping her again, causing Carmelita to gasp in excitement then softly chuckle. "That's it, querera," he told her, smiling into her lovely eyes. "We got to do this more often!"

Carmelita laughed, and hugged the man she loved.

Sean and Svetlana laughed and boogied as the band moved on to some upbeat big band stuff. Svetlana whooped as Sean twirled her about, catching her in his strong arms at just the right moment. The two moved very well together, their eyes never leaving one anothers as they danced. As the song finally wound to an end, Sean lifted a most surprised Svetlana up into his arms, ending the dance with her snuggled in against him in his arms. "Mmm," Svetlana purred in heavy contentment. "That was so fun!"

"Glad you liked it, darlin'," Sean nearly panted, but laughed. "Now, mind if we sit the next one out, luv? I'm fair parched, so I am." Sean whisked Svetlana back down on to her feet.

Svetlana turned to face her beau---oh, but she loved knowing he was her's!---and surprised him when she threw herself into his arms, squeezing him thankfully tight, pressing her head to his chest. "Oh, Sean…thank you…thank you, well, for everything!" she told him quietly. She then moved on to her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his…just to let him know how much she cared for him.

Sean blinked at being the recipient of such a kiss, but then grinned, and kissed his girl---Faith, was he not the luckiest lad on Earth?---as a man should kiss his lady love. Finally, he deemed his kiss went far enough, and he broke off, holding Svetlana gently in his arms. "I love yeh, Angel mine," he told her.

"Oh, Sean," Svetlana returned in a breathy emotion-filled voice. "I love you too." She sighed then took his hand and led him off toward the bar. "Thank you for the dance, Sean. I very much enjoyed it."

"Ah, but yer welcome, darlin'," Sean replied, ordering a cola for himself, and a sparkling water for his sweet. "Thank you for bein' here…with me, I mean. Er, what I meant is…"

Svetlana took a sip of her water, then turned to the unsettled handsome man beside her. "I know what you meant, Sean Mallory," she assured him. "But, to tell the truth, I can think of nowhere else I would rather be than right here with you right this very moment, my love."

Sean grinned, quite possibly the happiest man on the face of the planet. "Svetlana, I don't know what yeh see in me, love…but, I know this much: I love you, woman."

Svetlana simply smiled, sighed, and nestled her head to her beau's shoulder in sheer and utter happiness.

During a break in the action---so to speak, as the band needed a break now and again, after all, didn't they?---Kitty grinned, thinking of the 'perfect' gift to give Yuri and Bentley on this, their wedding day. But, to pull it off, she knew she had to have some help. Now, Naomi would never agree to what she had in mind, so she was out. Nor would Carmelita, Kitty told herself. So, that left…Svetlana and Maria! Grinning conspiratorially to herself, she made a beeline over toward where the two Russian girls sat with their respective beaus.

Kitty surprised them all when she suddenly plopped herself down into the chair on the right of Svetlana. "Hey, girls! Did you miss me?" she asked roguishly.

"Kitty!" Svetlana gasped, surprised. She then recovered, and shook her sable-haired head, grinning at her rascally friend. "You startled me!"

"Just keeping you on your toes, Svetlana," Kitty assured her, grinning. "Hey, you two lovely gals doing anything at the moment?" she added.

Maria frowned, thinking. "Uh, nyet," she answered, instantly on her guard. Something in Kitty's tone urged caution for some reason. "Why? What have you in mind, my crazy friend?"

Kitty smiled proudly…thinking 'crazy' was some badge of honor or something. "Look, c'mere, Maria," Kitty urged, waving her over to her other side. "And, I'll fill both you and Svetlana in on what I've got in mind…"

"Faith, what's that girl up to now?" Sean posed to Jack as he watched the little blonde vixen speak quickly and conspiratorially to both Svetlana and Maria in hushed tones.

"Haven't a clue, mate," Jack confessed with a grin. "But, to be sure, it'll be somethin' to remember…too right, it will be."

"Aye," Sean said in resignation, finally grinning too. "That's just what I'm afraid of, lad…"

Kitty talked, explained, pleaded, and cajoled her two somewhat reluctant friends for a good ten minutes. "So…we agreed then, ladies? You'll do it?" she finally posed to them.

"Oui, I will," Svetlana replied with a frown, then abruptly giggled. "And you, Maria?" she asked her closest and dearest friend.

Maria looked to Svetlana, then to Kitty. Then, back to Svetlana again…and finally back to Kitty. The snowy-white haired vixen finally chuckled, grinned, and nodded her affirmation. "Da, why not, eh?"

"That's great, girls!" Kitty crowed, grinning hugely now, her blue eyes alight. "Give me five minutes, and I'll come back and we'll do it." Kitty leapt to her feet, and moved purposefully toward the bandstand, weaving her way through the many dancers.

"Svetlana, what's goin' on, darlin'?" Sean asked, somewhat worried.

Svetlana put her hand on Sean's hand in reassurance. "You will see, Sean," she told him, smiling mysteriously. "Trust me, it will be nice."

"If you say so, Angel," Sean said…clearly still worried.

Kitty returned five minutes later, and turned her attention toward Maria and Svetlana. "We're set, girls! Ready to go, you two?"

"Da, Kitty, we are" both Svetlana and Maria answered, after giving each other a rather crafty and mysteriously sort of look. The two Russians followed their blond friend toward the bandstand, and its podium. Kitty smiled, then stepped up on to the dais, and gently removed the microphone from its holder. "Ahem! Ah, attention! Could I have your attention, please?"

Carmelita looked away from Sly, toward the sound of her "sister's" voice, and goggled at seeing her at the podium. She looked back to Sly, and announced, "Well, I suppose it had to happen…sooner or later."

Sly frowned, confused. "What's about to happen, Carmelita?" Sly wanted to know.

"That!" Carmelita replied, pointing one accusatory finger in Kitty's direction.

Sly followed the exhilarating length of his lady love's slender arm, then saw at what she now pointed. Sly paled a moment, then gulped. "Oh dear," he managed to exclaim.

"Could I get everyone's attention please?" Kitty repeated, waving one arm above her head to direct the crowd's attention her way, as the dance floor for once was clear…evidently every one was taking a break. None too surprisingly then, a majority of Yuri's guests turned and looked toward Kitty, who smiled a welcoming smile for them all. "First off…" Kitty began, once she was assured she had the lion's share of the crowd's attention. "I think it only fitting that we start off by my saying…c'mon now, folks…give it up for Yuri and Bentley!" Kitty tucked the microphone beneath her arm, and whistling shrilly, began to loudly applaud Yuri and Bentley. The crowd grinned at her display, hesitated a moment, then---why, then---they joined right in. The ballroom reverberated with the cheers and applause. After everyone quieted a moment later, Kitty continued. "I---oh, and some close friends of mine---are about to make what we shall call a rather interesting presentation." Kitty smiled then, hoping to erase the looks of curiosity her announcement had wrough. "That is, me and my friends would like to show our happy couple just how much we hope they'll be sticking together through it all, until the end of time."

Kitty then smiled, "Okay, girl…hit it!"

Svetlana leaned down and pressed the play button on the CD player that was part of the sound system of the band. A pleasant melody began to play, and Kitty moved together with Maria and Svetlana…the three beginning to sing a song…softly at first, but louder and stronger as the song wound along.

I don't want to go another day

So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind

Seems like everybody is breaking up

Throwing their love away

I know I got a good thing right here

That's why I say (Hey)

Nobody's going to love me better

I'm going to stick with you

Forever

Nobody's going to take me higher

I'm going to stick with you

You know how to appreciate me

I'm going to stick with you

My baby

Nobody ever made me feel this way

I'm going to stick with you

I don't want to go another day

So I'm telling you exactly what is on my mind

See the way we ride

In our privated lives

Ain't nobody getting in between

I want you to know that you're the only one for me

And I say

Nobody's going to love me better

I'm going to stick with you

Forever

Nobody's going to take me higher

I'm going to stick with you

You know how to appreciate me

I'm going to stick with you

My baby

Nobody ever made me feel this way

I'm going to stick with you

And now

Ain't nothing else I can need

And now

I'm singing 'cause you're so, so into me

I got you

We'll be making love endlessly

I'm with you

Baby, you're with me

So don't you worry about

People hanging around

They ain't bringing us down

I know you and you know me

And that's all that counts

So don't you worry about

People hanging around

They ain't bringing us down

I know you and you know me

And that's why I say

Nobody's going to love me better

I'm going to stick with you

Forever

Nobody's going to take me higher

I'm going to stick with you

You know how to appreciate me

I'm going to stick with you

My baby

Nobody ever made me feel this way

I'm going to stick with you

Nobody's going to love me better

I'm going to stick with you

Forever

Nobody's going to take me higher

I'm going to stick with you

You know how to appreciate me

I'm going to stick with you

My baby

Nobody ever made me feel this way

I'm going to stick with you

The song came to its dramatic conclusion, and the three stopped singing. Kitty then grinned over at her accomplices, each of whom were breathing nearly as heavily as she herself was. She then beckoned them to bow with her, which they did.

There was a pause, then a wild cheer went up, and the crowd bursted into a round of appreciative applause. The trio curtseyed politely a number of time, then with waves and smiles, they made their way off the dais, and hustled back to their seats.

Yuri made her way over to where Kitty sat talking animatedly with Svetlana and Maria. "So, you rogue," Yuri observed, her eyes narrowed. "What was all that about, eh?"

"Call it a gift, Yuri," Kitty replied, ever the rascal. "Oh, and you're welcome…"

Yuri tried hard to appear cross…but, finally couldn't continue her charade, and laughed, leaning over to hug the engaging little vixen. "Merci, Kitty," Yuri told her, leaning over to kiss her friend's cheek. "You sing very well," she complimented Kitty…then added, looking over at her Russians then, "all three of you."

Svetlana looked over to Maria, then blushed, which Maria followed suit in doing. "Spasiba, Madame," the two replied, then broke up in a fit of giggles.

Yuri shook her head, but grinned. "My three rascals," she declared, then reached over to hug all three at once. "Oh, how I am blessed," she added, squeezing the three tightly.

"Yuri!" Kitty yowled, "You're hugging too hard!"

"Hush!" Yuri replied, and kissed the struggling little vixen on the cheek. "Ooh, aren't you just the cutest little thing, cheri?" She had somehow managed to keep her grip on Kitty, all the while releasing Svetlana and Maria, who grinned at Kitty's plight.

"Yuri!" Kitty writhed, but to no avail in the deceptively strong Yuri Sing's grasp. "Hey, Svetlana…Maria? Little help here, girlfriends!"

"Did you say something, tovarisch?" Svetlana returned gaily, pretending not to of heard a single word Kitty had said. "Did you hear anything, Maria?"

"Nyet…it is quiet as church, my Svetlana," Maria purred to her friend, her eyes dancing merrily.

"Turncoats!" Kitty accused as Yuri now bussed her other cheek repeatedly. Kitty despaired, finally yowling out, "Help! Carmelita!"

The next day, at the Sing Chateau…

Yuri and Bentley, suitcases standing beside them, began to bade their friends---their family really---goodbye before they began their well-deserved honeymoon.

Yuri turned toward Naomi. "Now, cheri…I am leaving both my chateau and my poor business in your most capable hands. Please, do not disappoint me, eh?" Yuri teased, feeling very secure in the knowledge that her friend was in charge of things.

Naomi laughed, even as she hugged her friend. "Ah, do not worry, ami! I won't," Naomi promised. "C'est Sing will be here for you upon your return!"

"Are we all set, Carmelita?" Yuri then asked, seeing Carmelita step out from the backseat of Yuri's Ferrari.

"Yep!" Carmelita assured her. "Your luggage is all packed and ready to go." Carmelita then jerked her thumb to the Gang's aging, but well-maintained panel truck. "And…I've got the four car seats all rigged up, so your darlings are all set for their stay with their Aunties and Uncles."

"Carmelita, you do not need to---" Yuri fussed, frowning.

"Yuri," Carmelita replied, adamantly. "A woman should be just with her husband on her honeymoon. Don't worry about your children, eh? With---oh, what?---five Aunts and five Uncles to watch them…they'll be in good hands."

"Are you sure, cheri? For I---" Yuri returned, fidgeting.

"Yuri. Go. Now!" Carmelita declared, taking Yuri by the elbow and guiding her into the driver's seat of the red Ferrari. "Have a great honeymoon! We'll see you when you get back!"

"Take care of the kids, Sly," Bentley told his greatest friend. "It'll only be a week."

"That's two weeks, cher!" Yuri corrected, even as she donned her dark sunglasses.

"Right, two weeks," Bentley said with a grin.

"We'll be fine, pal," Sly told him, even as he got Bentley in the now purring Ferrari and closed the door. "Now, have fun you two! Send us a postcard!"

"Merci, Sly! Merci, Carmelita!" Yuri called, obviously stalling.

"Good night, Mary Ellen! Good night, John Boy!" Kitty crowed, not wanting to miss out.

Yuri only laughed, then stomped the accelerator on her hot car. With a scrabble of grit, the red racer took off, the two honeymooners waving at their friends from the tiny window of their car. "Be back in two weeks! Adieu!"