Lily?" Sophie said my name walking up behind me in Jessica's living room at our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding.

She stood in a pink satin A-line dress with a small silver box in her hands.

"What's that, my friend?" I smiled at her.

"I went through the last box from Eve's apartment last night and I found this." She handed me the box.

"What is it?" I asked looking at the box in my hands.

"I don't know. There's a card though." She shrugged.

A small white card attached to the wrapping paper with a single piece of clear tape. My name printed in Eve's handwriting.

I took a deep shaky breath before opening the card.

For your 'Something New'

I remember how upset you were about not being able to find it. I know a guy. ;)

Love you, girl.

Love,

Eve

I unwrapped the box already knowing what it was. Tom Ford Tuscan Leather Intense Eau de Parfum.

"I, uh... A week before our engagement party Eve and I were at the loft talking about plans and I mentioned that this was the perfume I wanted to wear for the wedding but I couldn't find it." I explained quietly staring at the black box in my hand.

"Thank you, Sophie. Thank you for finding this." Tears stung the back of my eyes.

"I miss her too, Lil." She said hugging me tight.

"Lily?" Dani's voice pulled me from my thoughts as we sat with Jessica, Sophie and Ainsley in the back of the limousine on the way to Winter Rose Castle.

"Hmm?" I turned to face her as she sat directly next to me.

I felt incredibly glad that I'd chosen cry-proof mascara as a rogue tear trailed down my cheek.

"Are you doing okay?" She asked gently touching my arm.

"Yeah. Yeah." I smiled shaking my head softly.

My hair tickling my bare back styled into a twisted crown braid half updo.

"You've been staring out the window awhile." She smirked at me reaching up to wipe the tear from my face.

"I was thinking about Eve." I admitted looking over at Sophie who smiled warmly at me.

"We all miss her." She said with a small nod.

She and Ainsley wore gold floor length a-line dresses with thin straps and a v-neckline.

"It just feels like the day is moving so fast. I want to cherish every second but it's all just a blur."

"I hear that's normal." Dani said squeezing my forearm gently.

Dani's maid of honor dress, nearly identical to Sophie and Ainsley's dresses except for a thigh high slit and off the shoulder sleeves.

"It is. When I married Martin it was a complete whirlwind. All of the sudden, I was standing outside the church on my daddy's arm ready to walk down the aisle." Jessica said smiling at me, her gold mother of the groom dress had lace three quarter off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.

Despite what Martin had done in the time since, she had truly loved him when she married him and he did give her two children she adored.

Our limousine turned down the driveway leading to the large castle like mansion lined with still lit blue Christmas trees. At just after nine on New Years eve the castle lay mostly empty anticipating our arrival. Malcolm and the groomsmen would arrive within the hour.

We walked into the gold ballroom where we'd hold our roughly two hour long reception after the ceremony while the roughly one hundred and fifty guest were seated in the grand hallway. A large diamond chandelier hung in the exact center of the room. Most of the tables set up in a square with a large empty space near the double staircase for the pictures.

"It's fine. It feels fine." I insisted as my loving bridesmaids worried over my dress.

I twirled just to prove a point.

My diamond satin A-line ballgown skirt spun with me and my fitted V-Neck bodice shined under the florescent lights.

"Let's get some solo pictures of our bride then we'll do the 'something blue, borrowed, and used." Our photographer, Kelly Stewart said before guiding me through various poses throughout the ballroom.

"Okay, Dani first." Kelly motioned her forward.

"'Something Blue'." Dani handed me a long, thin jewelry box.

I already wore diamond drop earrings with a matching necklace and bracelet.

I opened the box to find an elegant women's diamond encrusted watch with sapphire accents.

"It's beautiful, Dani." I smiled at her.

"My uncle's a jeweler." She smiled helping me fasten the watch onto my left wrist.

"It's perfect."

Kelly ushered Jessica forward to switch places with Dani.

"'Something Old'." She smiled handing me the box.

A vintage scroll bridal tiara sat on a pink pillow inside.

"My mother wore this when she married my father. She was convinced it clashed with my wedding dress when I married Martin so I didn't wear it which in hindsight was probably for the best considering how that worked out but I think it'll help finish your look." She told me as I lifted it gingerly from the box.

She helped me fasten it in my hair and took a step back to look at me.

"I was right. It's perfect." She smiled wiping a rogue tear from her eye.

"Thank you, Jessica." I reached forward and hugged her.

"One day you'll pass it along to your daughter or the one destined for your son." She winked at me.

"Okay. Gil, it's your turn." Kelly motioned him forward.

"I have something for you for your 'Something Borrowed'." He said almost shyly handing me a medium long thin box.

Inside was a glittered sheer veil. Gil helped me fasten it in the tiara I wore. The back of the veil brushed the back of my ankles.

"Jackie wore this to our wedding in 2000. I know she'd want you to wear it tonight." He smiled at me.

"It's perfect." I smiled back at him.

Kelly guided me through another dozen solo portraits then posed with my bridesmaids followed by Jessica then Gil.

Finally, a full group picture with Gil, Jessica, Dani, Ainsley, and Sophie.

"Malcolm and the others are arriving." Jessica said.

"Mrs. Whitly, will you ask the groomsmen to come in for their pictures with Lily? We'll finish off with one large group photo around Lily." She looked around the room.

"Now, if you'll retire to the bridal suite while we take Malcolm's solo pictures before the ceremony?" She asked me after the last of my pictures were complete.

"Of course."

I walked alone down the hallway then into the bridal room lost in thought.

"Stacy told me once she thought you'd be a bridezilla." Jessica said gently shaking me from my thoughts.

"My mother never really knew me. Both of my parents always thought the worst of me. My entire life." I smiled sadly at her.

"Yet, you still wish they were here?" She asked.

"Part of me does. Yes." I nodded.

"I think that's only natural. Every woman wants their mother to help them plan their wedding and their father to walk them down the aisle."

"Gil has been more of a father to me than Todd Russell ever was." I sighed shaking my head.

"I'm sorry, Lily. This is supposed to be a happy day." She frowned.

"No, Jess. It's okay. It was bound to come up today. The best people I've ever known are here with Malcolm and I today. In body or in spirit, that's what matters." I smiled at her.

She smiled back at me.

"We're almost ready to start." Dani said walking into the room and handing me my bouquet of twenty-two white roses and twenty-two diamond flower accents.

"Are you ready?" Gil asked walking up behind Dani.

"Never been more ready for anything." I smiled.

Gil offered me his arm and lead me to an area just out of sight to watch as the processional lined up just outside the large wooden doors leading to the grand hallway.

The hallway easily accommodated our hundred and fifty guests, the gold aisle runner and an obscene about of mostly cream or white colored flowers. The walls of the hallway were wood paneled and the floor a sterling silver.

Our officiant, Nathan Scott, walked through the door into the grand hallway just before 'A Thousand Years' by Christina Perri began.

Heart beats fast

Colors and promises

Malcolm took Jessica arm and lead her down the aisle next.

How to be brave

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

Sophie and Aaron followed.

But watching you stand alone

All of my doubt, suddenly goes away somehow

Then Ainsley and Vijay.

One step closer

I have died everyday, waiting for you

Finally, Dani and JT took their walk down the aisle.

Darling, don't be afraid

I have loved you for a thousand years

Gil turned to me with a smile and straightened my tiara before pulling Jackie's veil over my head to cover my face.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

"You look perfect." He smiled and offered me his arm.

"Ready?" He asked as the music paused signaling our impending walk.

I slid my hand through the crook of his arm and rested my fingertips on his forearm my engagement ring resting on my right ring finger until the exchange of rings part of our ceremony.

"Ready." I smiled back.

He looked over and nodded at our DJ Ryan.

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I looked up at the hundreds of pairs of eyes staring at me. I gripped ahold of Gil's arm.

I will be brave

I will not let anything, take away

"It's okay." He whispered urging me to step with him down the aisle.

What's standing in front of me

Every breath, every hour has come to this

I normally didn't mind being the center of attention but in that moment my fingers trembled as my heart raced. The floor length skirt felt too long, like I'd trip over it at any moment.

One step closer

I have died everyday, waiting for you

I focused my eyes down the aisle and once they found Malcolm's everything stopped. I didn't have a care in the world as I stared at him from beneath the veil.

Darling, don't be afraid

I have loved you for a thousand years

He wore black suit with a black button up shirt with two buttons undone at the top.

I'll love you for a thousand more

And all along

I could see the tears in his eyes as he watched us walk down the aisle passed the hundreds of people in attendance but I didn't see them. We were the only two people in the whole world in that moment.

I believed,

I would find you

Malcolm ran his hand through his hair causing a stray piece to fall over his forehead.

Time has brought your heart to me,

I have loved you for a thousand years

Finally, Gil and I stood beneath the large chandelier barely a step away from Malcolm.

I'll love you for a thousand more

Gil and I turned to face one another so he could lift my veil and hug me. He pulled away from me, a tear trailing down his face. I reached up to wipe it away earning me a grateful smile before he turned and hugged Malcolm. He took my hand gently in his guiding it into Malcolm's and took my bouquet before turning to join Jessica in the front row.

Malcolm and I turned to face our officiant who smiled at us.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great joy I welcome and thank you, on behalf of Malcom and Lilian, for gathering at this late hour to bare witness to their union." Nathan Scott began before turning his attention to us.

"Marriage is a lifelong commitment of love. Only the two of you can do as you have chosen; joining yourselves to one another. As you find union with each other, proclaim that union tonight and pledge it's future, we, by our participation choose only to recognize and honor your intention to dwell together as husband and wife.

"Turn to one another, now, and join hands." He instructed.

Malcolm and I turned to face each other my fingertips resting on his upturned palms.

"Malcolm, please look into Lilian's eyes and recite your vows."

"Lilian Jade Russell." He smiled at me.

"You are the best part of me. My heart, my soul, my love. I promise to always love you for who you are and who you are meant to be. I promise to support you in all of your endeavors. I promise to walk alongside you through the good and the bad; in sickness and health. Then, now, forever."

I didn't even try to fight the tears that sprang to my eyes at his words.

"Lilian, please recite your vows to Malcolm." Nathan turned to me.

"Malcolm." I smiled at him through my tears.

"Malcolm, my love. You are the love of my life. My soulmate. My everything. I vow to always chose you. To always have your back, even when your wrong. To never put another before you, until we have kids. To support you. To love you unconditionally. To remind you that you are just a man. To allow you to be vulnerable and safe with me. I vow to always be yours as you are mine. You are never alone. I am always right by your side. Whatever you face, we face together. I love you, Malcolm Lucas Bright. Then. Now. Forever."

Malcolm's tears flowed as freely as mine.

"Do we have the rings?" Nathan looked at JT and Dani who stepped up to us.

I met Dani's eye and found tears streaming down her face as well as she handed me Malcolm's platinum wedding band.

"Do you, Malcolm, take Lilian to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Nathan asked him once Dani and JT returned to their spots.

"I do." He smiled at me.

"Lilian, it is with a free and unconstrained soul that I give you all that I am and all that I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love. Then. Now. Forever."

Malcolm slid my platinum wedding band onto my left ring finger followed by my engagement ring from my right hand.

"Do you, Lilian, take Malcolm to be your lawfully wedded husband?" Nathan turned to me.

"I do." I smiled at my love.

"Malcolm, I love you with all that I am, all that I have been, and all that I shall be with all of my heart and soul and now, I offer my proof. This ring is the offering of my being, all of my heart, my soul, and my health. All I have and all I will ever have; it is yours, as I always have and will always be yours. Then. Now. Forever."

I slid his ring onto his left ring finger.

"Now that Malcolm and Lilian have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged and have so affirmed in love and knowledge of the other, so also do I declare as the clock strikes midnight on this new year and I, now pronounce you husband and wife." Nathan said as the clock began to strike midnight.

"Malcolm, you may now kiss your bride."

Malcolm stepped forward and took my face in his hands kissing me deeply. Our guests offered their applause until our kiss broke and he was looking into my eyes again.

"Malcolm and Lilian, our best wishes go forward from this day with you and wish for you a fulfilling life, rich in caring and happiness. May you find a gentle and peaceful life that nurtures and comforts you, and that reflects your honesty, kindness, and integrity. There is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully, love its changes and choices, and let life amaze you and bring you great joy." He told us; our queue to turn and face our audience.

"It is my profound pleasure to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm and Lilian Bright."

Malcolm and I joined hands and began our walk back down the aisle accompanied by still more applause.

I came to life when I first kissed you

The best me has his arms around you

You make me better than I was before

Thank God I'm yours

Malcolm and I met the wedding party, Jessica and Gil back in the ballroom for the couple pictures before the reception.

From this moment, life has begun

From this moment, you are the one

Right beside you is where I belong

From this moment on

Dani and JT stepped out into the ballroom where he twirled her before they spilt to their respective seats with their significant others.

From this moment, I have been blessed

I live only for your happiness

And for your love, I'd give my last breath

From this moment on

Ainsley and Vijay took their turn following Dani and JT's lead.

I give my hand to you with all my heart

I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start

You and I will never be apart

My dreams came true because of you

Finally, Sophie and Aaron followed before walking together to their seats together.

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you, I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment on, oh

Gil extended his arm to Jessica and she took it with a smile. He lead her onto the dance floor and to the head table where Malcolm and I would join them for cake, Appetizers, and cocktails.

You're the reason I believe in love

And you're the answer to my prayers from up above

All we need is just the two of us

My dreams came true because of you

Malcolm reached for my hand which I gave him happily as the final verses of the song played announcing our entrance.

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you, I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment

I will love you as long as I live

From this moment on

Malcolm's smile always warmed my heart but now it seemed as if it could light the world on fire as he spun me onto the dance floor in preparation for our first dance song. Sometimes Late at Night by Eric Burgett.

He then wrapped his arms around my waist and I could feel his heartbeat in his chest.

Sometimes late at night when you're sleepin'

I find myself awake and it feels like I'm the one who's dreamin'

I rested my head against his shoulder as we swayed with very small steps so we could focus on the lyrics.

Sometimes late at night I see you lyin' there

I know I found the answer to my prayer

I sung gently running my fingertips over the fibers of his jacket.

I got a heart full of dreams and fears

You say I worry, say I think too much

I couldn't help but feel like Malcolm and I were the only two people not just in the room but in the world.

I don't believe I could take it here

In a world without your touch

He pulled me tighter against his chest so his lips vibrated against my ear as he sang to me.

For everything that's wrong in life

When I got you by my side

His arms tightened slightly around me drawing me to look up into his eyes.

I know it's all gonna be alright

It's so clear

I moved to wrap my arms around his neck so we could look into each other's eyes.

Sometimes late at night

Beside me in the dark

He sang for me again running his fingers through my hair. Emotion evident in his eyes.

You don't say a word, it's еnough to heal my heart

I watch a little smilе of moonlight move across your face

I pulled him closer to me so I could rest my head against his shoulder again, my arms still around his neck.

And when I hear you breathe this noisy world seems so far away

I got a heart full of dreams and fears

I listened to his soft voice singing in my ear gently as we drifted across the dance floor in each other's arms as tears streamed down my face.

You say I worry, say I think too much

I don't believe I could take it here

I could hear the emotion in his voice as he continued singing to me.

In a world without your touch

For everything that's wrong in life

I moved to look up into his eyes, tears freely flowed between us.

When I got you by my side

I know it's all gonna be alright

I reached up and wiped the tears from his cheeks before singing the final verse for him.

It's so clear sometimes late at night

Sometimes late at night

He gently wiped the tears from my face before passing me off to Gil for The Girl You Think I Am by Carrie Underwood.

You think I'm strong, you think I'm fearless

Even when I'm, I'm at my weakest

You always see the best in me when I can't

I wanna be the girl you think I am

I sang quietly along with the song the same as I had sitting next to his hospital bed after his stabbing.

"The veil suits you." He smiled at me latching onto a menial subject.

"I wouldn't know. I can't see it." I teased lightly.

"Right..." He muttered.

Cause you think I'm brave, and you think I'm beautiful

You think that I can do the impossible

You always see the best in me when I can't

I wanna be the girl you think I am

"Have I ever told you that I always wanted children?" He asked.

"No. You haven't." I pulled back slightly to look at him.

"Since I was a boy I always envisioned my future with children." He sighed almost sadly.

"You do have children, Gil. Maybe we aren't biologically yours but we all love you. You've shown us a paternal love we lost or never even knew. That's infinitely more important than any blood relation." I told him as the song continued around us.

All I want, more than anything

Is to make you proud of me

My voice broke as I sang quietly as it did every time.

'Cause you think I'm strong, and you think I'm fearless

Even when I'm, I'm at my weakest

You believe in me; yeah, you're my biggest fan

So I wanna be the girl you think I am

I wanna be the girl you think I am

I finished the song but he didn't let me go quite yet.

"Lilian Jade Bright. You have always made me proud. You never have to worry about that." He told me with tears in his eyes.

I led him off the floor so Malcolm and Jessica could dance to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion.

You were my strength when I was weak

You were my voice when I couldn't speak

You were my eyes when I couldn't see

You saw the best there was in me

Lifted me up when I couldn't reach

You gave me faith 'cause you believed

I'm everything I am

Because you loved me

I smiled at Malcolm as he returned to me. Jessica wiped tears from her eyes as she walked towards Gil.

"Do you think they'll get married?" Malcolm asked me as we watched them from across the room.

"If they stop being stubborn maybe. Would that bother you?" I asked leaning into him.

"No. I think it'd be good for both of them. I would worry about how Dr. Whitly would react." He said his eyes unfocused.

"Let's not worry about that until it happens?" I suggested causing him to look down into my face.

"Of course." He shook his head.

Dani walked up to us then with a young man on her arm.

"You must be James Daniels." I smiled reaching out to shake his hand.

"I've heard great things about you."

"You really are Lilian Russell?" He mused staring at me, his brown eyes wide.

"You doubted her?" I teased lightly as Malcolm wrapped his arm around my waist.

"No... Of course not. It's just... You're a legend. I can't believe I actually get to meet you." He reached forward and shook my hand.

"Mr. Bright." He turned to Malcolm shaking his hand as well.

"Just Bright or Malcolm, please." Malcolm insisted.

"Oh gosh... it's Lilian Bright now, isn't it?" He looked between my new husband and I apologetically.

"It's alright. It's not officially changed yet. Dani is dropping off the paperwork for me on Monday and I'll go and sign when we get back." I smiled at her.

Dani glanced at me gauging my reaction. It wasn't that she needed me to like him but she wanted me to.

I smiled and nodded my approval. He seemed nice enough and I'd ask Ashlyn to run a thorough background later. I trusted Dani's judgement more than even she did but we couldn't be too careful.

I caught Malcolm watching Ainsley as their mother gathered the unmarried women for the bouquet toss after a half hour or so of dancing, appetizers, and cocktails. I wasn't terribly concerned with the bouquet or garter toss but Jessica was so excited for it I couldn't crush her.

"Come on, Lily. It's time." She beamed at me pulling my focus away from my new husband.

"Okay. Okay." I smiled at her.

I've been told I'm not ladylike

But I'm a lady like, woah

I could bring you to your knees

And get you kicked out the Garden of Eden

I stood at the head of the dance floor near the head table with my back to the group, my bouquet in my hand.

Untameable, unframeable, Mona Lisa

Oh, kiss you like a whiskey fire

Turn around, leave your heart in a riot

Lipstick in a cigarette pack on the dash

I tossed my bouquet over my head and turned around to watch Jessica catch the flying floral arrangement and laugh.

I'm a lady like that

The group cleared out and brought an intricate wooden chair over to me so I could sit down while the unmarried men gathered for the garter toss.

"Remember Malcolm, use your teeth." I teased as he crouched in front of me and the music started earning me a playful glare.

I'm gon ride, I'm gon ride, I'm gon ride

I'm gon ride on you baby, on you lady all night, all night

I felt his tongue wrap around the thin piece of lace wrapped around my thigh. He used his teeth to move it steadily down my leg.

I'ma take care of your body, I'll be gentle, don't you scream

It's getting hotter, make it softer, feel your chest on top of me

I laughed as he pulled his head from my skirt, my garter hanging from his lip.

I'm gon ride, I'm gon ride, I'm gon ride

I'm gon ride on you baby, on you lady all night, all night

He stood up and shot the garter into the air and it fell almost directly into Gil's outstretched hand.

I'm gon make you feel that loving, getting weak all in your knees

Kiss your body from the tip top all the way down to your feet

"Maybe it's a sign." Malcolm whispered to me as he helped me stand up and 'Worship You' by Kane Brown kicked off the open dance floor again.

"Maybe." I smiled looking over at Gil and Jessica dancing together near the center of the dance floor.

"What's on your mind?" I asked my husband as we shared a Champagne Cocktail.

"Do you think she'll be okay while we're gone?" He asked his eyes finding Ainsley easily on the dance floor where she danced with Ryan.

"I think so. I asked Sophie and Aaron to keep an eye on her." I smiled at him running my fingers through his hair.

"You've thought of everything." He turned to smile at me.

"Of course. I'm amazing." I teased.

"Yes, you are, Mrs. Bright."

"Malcolm, Lily! It's time to cut the cake." Our baker, Christine King called as she wheeled out a grand three tiered white cake with gold luster dust accents and twenty-two cream colored roses cascading down the tiers.

You're my person

My heartbeat, my slow dance

I picked up the intricate silver cake knife in my right hand

My Sunday morning sippin' on coffee in bed

My know-when-you-know best friend

Malcolm wrapped his right hand around mine so we could cut into the cake together. As we sliced through the top tier Malcolm leaned over and kissed me.

The stealer of my t-shirts, my reason for speedin' home from work

My saving grace

Inside was a luscious caramel sponge cake and a delicious caramel praline filling.

My everything

I never been more sure that you're my person

Another five or six songs played as our guests enjoyed their cake slices until our final dance song ''I'm With Her' by Folks Like Them

I took love for granted when I was young

This time I grabbed her and started to run

"I've always considered myself lucky just to know you and everyday you amaze me with how much you love me. Now, you've married me and I have no idea what to do with myself." Malcolm admitted as we danced across the floor.

She's my anchor, my saving grace

I'll be with her for the rest of my days

"We spend the next fifteen days in Cabo, alone together, then we get home and we build a life. Maybe we have children and we see where life takes us." I smiled looking into his crystal blue eyes.

It was worth every lesson I needed to learn

Just so I can say

I'm with her.

"What about my father?" He asked suddenly after a long pause as the song came to an end.

"What about him?" I asked as our guests lined up to throw rose petals over us as we exited out to the limousine that would take us to visit to Martin before returning to the newlywed suite at Winter Rose Castle.

"What will he find himself entitled to when we have children?" Malcolm's voice shook slightly.

"Malcolm Bright your father will have no claim to our children." I chuckled humorlessly as Jessica tried to organize our one hundred and fifty guests into two lines of seventy-five at the exit door.

"What will we tell them about who he is?"

"We'll figure that out when the time comes. Our children will be yours and mine and no one else's. They will know love and they will know that their parents are in love and they were created in love and that's the most important thing. We will be better than they were." I assured him as 'Die a Happy Man' by Thomas Rhett began indicating the guests finally figured out the two even lines.

And I know that I can't ever tell you enough

That all I need in this life is your crazy love

Malcolm and I joined hands and began our exit.

If I never get to see the Northern Lights

Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night

At the end of the lines of guest he pulled me to a stop, turned to me and pressed his lips to mine.

Oh, if all I got is your hand in my hand

Baby, I could die a happy man

A happy man, baby

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Malcolm asked me as we rode in the back of the limousine towards Claremont Psychiatric hospital.

"Want is a strong word, my love, but we made a promise and I had to pull a lot of strings to get us in this late." I answered.

"I really just want to take you to bed." He sighed nibbling at my earlobe, toying with the back of my earring with his tongue.

"I want that too, but we gave our word. In and out. Ten minutes tops, and we don't even have to make it to the bed."

"Promise?" He teased.

"I promise." I leaned in and kissed him.

Malcolm and I held hands as we walked down the hallway.

"Ah! Malcolm, my boy! Lilian, you've made such a beautiful bride. I see Jessica has lent you the Milton Tiara. You are a lucky man, my boy." Martin looked between us as we walked through the door.

"It was a gift." I answered with a nod.

"Hello, Dr. Whitly." Malcolm nodded at his father.

"Oh, come now, Malcolm. On your wedding day you could call me dad." Martin sighed and looked at me.

"Is it Lilian Whitly now?"

"Bright is the name he's chosen and it's the name I'm taking." I answered.

"We came because you asked us to but we don't have a lot of time before our flight." Malcolm lied effortlessly beside me.

"Ah, your honeymoon. How long will you be gone?" He asked pointedly.

"Two and a half weeks. We return on the seventeenth and return to work on the eighteenth." I answered.

"You two must be anxious to be alone." Martin smirked at us.

"Lily, will you turn just once for me so I can see the back?" He asked me.

I nodded and took Malcolm's hand so he could spin me slowly almost like a ballerina.

"Absolutely beautiful. Very pretty veil." He mused.

I resisted the urge to tell him it was Gil's wife's veil.

"Please. Please, can we take just one picture?" He asked looking at me.

I nodded.

"Without the chains, please. My son will only be married once."

I looked over at Malcolm who looked at me.

"Mr. David? Please." I said.

"Ma'am?" He asked.

"He won't hurt me." I assured him.

"How can you be so sure?" He looked at me.

"You said while Malcolm and I were investigating the murder at Remington Academy that he was the one person you can't hurt." I looked at Martin who nodded enthusiastically.

"He won't hurt me because that would hurt him. Malcolm would never come back here." I turned back to Mr. David.

He sighed but stepped forward and removed the handcuffs and the chain around his waist.

"Would you, please?" I handed Mr. David my cellphone, the camera already up.

Malcolm and I stepped over the red line to stand next to his father. Martin laid his hand respectfully on my hip as he stood between us.

"Smile." Mr. David said, his voice and body tense but I knew I was right.

All Martin wanted was to be close to Malcolm. To control him. The best way for me to protect Malcolm and our family from Martin was to get close to him. Allow him the small wins so I appeared to be an ally.

"Thank you, Lilian. Truly." Martin looked at me as Mr. David handed me back the phone.

"It came out well." I smiled showing the picture to him.

"That it did." He smiled back at me.

"Ah, well, go on you crazy kids. I hope you enjoy your trip." Martin smiled at us.

"Goodnight, Martin." I nodded at him.

"Yes, goodnight, Dr. Whitly." Malcolm echoed.

"Goodnight." He beamed at us.

"Does he seem odd to you?" Malcolm asked as we climbed back into the limousine.

"Yeah, he does. Surprisingly well behaved even before the picture." I mused.

"Do we worry?" He asked as I settled into his arms for the drive back to our newlywed suite before the flight in the morning.

"Yes. When we get back on the seventeenth." I answered looking up into his face.

He smiled looking down at me.

Malcolm's lips were on mine before we got the door to the suite open. He helped me unfasten the veil and tiara from my hair laying it gently on the table by the door. He pressed my back against the now closed door kissing me again. His lips didn't leave mine as he took off my earrings, necklace, bracelet, and watch. They trailed down my neck as we worked his jacket off his shoulders. I used his shoulders to support myself as I kicked off my diamond crusted stiletto heels.

We stumbled blindly through the suite removing each other's clothes.

My bare back hit the wall as his chest pressed against mine, his lips eager against mine then moving down my neck, his thumbs slid under the hem of my panties. He left a trail of kisses down my torso removing the last of my clothing.

He moved to lay me down on the floor his fingers laced with mine pressing my hands against the floor as he slid into me. I sighed as my body began to accommodate him. His lips returned to my neck as we lost ourselves in one another making love for the first time as husband and wife.