Chapter Nineteen

Another Christmas in Llanview came and went, and New Years Eve quickly began approaching. Everyone in the small town was busy talking about Blair and Todd's upcoming wedding, as some secretly hoped it would be as eventful as their others. To Natalie, the time just flew by as she was busy with re-enrolling at L.U, attending meetings for the community center, as well as running last minute errands for Blair. In fact, Natalie had found herself worrying less about the stalker as she was too caught up in everything to stop and think about it.

But, that all stopped on the morning of New Years Eve, when John showed up at Llanfair.

"Come on in," Natalie said, opening the door wider and moving to the side so he could pass her. "I'm just getting ready for the wedding," Natalie said motioning to sweatpants and t-shirt she wore, and then to her hair which had been pulled back in an elegant twist.

John nodded. "That's why I am here. I need to talk to you about the wedding."

"Okay," Natalie motioned toward the living room. "Jess and Mom are at the Palace helping Blair. We can sit in here."

John followed Natalie into the spacious living room and took a seat, not even bothering to try and get comfortable. "I don't think you should attend the wedding," John said bluntly as Natalie took a seat.

"What?" Natalie looked across at him in confusion. "John I am one of the bridesmaids, I have to attend."

John wordlessly reached into his pocket and handed her a note.

Carefully, Natalie unfolded it to reveal a copy of a hand written note.

Lieutenant McBain,

Don't you enjoy the celebration of New Years Eve? I do – think about it, it is one special day to reflect on your hopes and dreams for the coming year. Have you thought about yours? I have a feeling that ours are of a similar nature – possibly involving a beautiful red head?

Well, whatever yours are, I am fully aware of mine and intend to make them come true. New Years Eve is always a wonderful night for new beginnings.

I do hope you had a wonderful Christmas, because I have a feeling the New Year will bring you nothing but sorrow.

Natalie remained silent, just staring motionless at the letter she held in her hands. After a few seconds she snapped out of it and handed the letter back to him.

"I am going to the wedding," she said firmly.

"Natalie…"

She held up a hand to stop him. "John, I am not going to run my life around this guy anymore. I am going the wedding."

John took a deep breath, trying not to get angry. Sometimes Natalie's stubbornness could be infuriating. "Fine, but I am going with you."

"John that is ridiculous. Every member of my family will be there, including Uncle Bo. Don't you think that's enough people looking out for me?"

"No," he replied as he shook his head. "Natalie, if I can't stop you from going to the wedding then you're not stopping me from looking out for you. What time does it start?"

Natalie rolled her eyes. "The wedding starts at six." Natalie sighed in frustration, trying to remember her promise to cooperate. "I have to be there at five. I'm driving over with Jess and Mom."

John nodded and stood up. "Okay, I'll see you tonight." He looked her in the eye letting her know he wasn't kidding.

Natalie walked him through the foyer and opened the door for him. As he was leaving she spoke, "You do realize you have to wear a suit right? You know tie, jacket, the whole bit."

John smiled. "You're worth it kid," he said turning away before Natalie could respond.

John's breath caught in his throat as Natalie began to make her way down the aisle. She was absolutely stunning. Natalie wore a long black, silky halter dress that showed off every curve on her body. Her hair was swept back just as it had been when he had seen her earlier. Throughout the entire ceremony, John's eyes were glued to Natalie, his concentration suggesting it wasn't just because of the case.

Much to the relief of the Manning family the wedding went off without a hitch and the reception quickly jumped into full swing causing the night to fly by.

Natalie was having a wonderful time, despite the note John had received. As much as she hated to admit it having him there was helping her to relax and enjoy herself. She spent most of the night dancing, moving from her father, to her brothers, Bo, Nash, and even once with Michael – a dance which she noticed John did not look pleased about. Actually, Natalie and John didn't even encounter each other until close to midnight, when they bumped into each other at the bar.

"A beer, please," they both said in unison.

"What, no Champagne?" he asked, unable to keep from smirking.

Natalie stared at him incredulously. "Have I ever struck you as the Champagne type?"

Grabbing his beer John took a sip and gave her the once over. "I don't know, you are looking like quite the heiress tonight," he replied, his tone joking.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "Notice anyone suspicious?"

John opened his mouth to speak, but closed it when Natalie suddenly pulled him away from the bar. Realizing they were now on the dance floor he looked down at her in confusion.

"Roxy is making her way over here," Natalie said looking over his shoulder. "Here, talk to me as we dance – that way she won't come over."

Happy to comply, John took her hand and began dancing with her, making sure they remained a safe distance apart, as he didn't want to cause another argument. "I told my mom and Rex what was going on but I don't want anyone else to know. Jessica, Kevin, Roxy – they would all over react and I don't need that right now," Natalie said, breaking him out of his thoughts. "So, anyone suspicious?" she repeated as she took a second to glance around the room.

"Nothing so far. I don't know, I just have this gnawing feeling that something isn't right. The stolen wedding rings, pictures from Ro, and the letters he has sent me, all make it seem like this is all about you. But, then when I consider the letters and pictures he has sent me, and how he directed me to Ginger's body and made sure to set it up so it looked like you it really seems like this is becoming more about me." Sighing, John shook his head. "I honestly don't know what this guy's agenda is and that scares me, especially since we know he is working with someone."

"Could it be about both of us?" Natalie asked, trying not to notice how close they had become.

"I considered that but it doesn't make sense. As you pointed out, aside from Layla and Evangeline everyone else is dead."

Seeing how frustrated John was, Natalie smiled and spoke softly. "You always win out over the bad guys John, this time is no different."

Surprised at Natalie's tone, John opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by the beginning of the countdown. "Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!"

"Five!"

They stopped dancing.

"Four!"

John looked down at her oblivious to everything else around them.

"Three!"

Natalie stared back at him.

"Two!"

Instinctively, John leaned forward and pulled Natalie toward him capturing her lips with his.

"One!"

Although temporarily stunned, Natalie kissed him back.

"Happy New Year!"