Fall officially nipped the air with the winds blowing in off of the ocean causing just the slightest chill in the air allowing most people to pull out their most fashionable light weight sweaters and long sleeves but to Lisa, it meant it was mere days away from the actual wedding. Showers and the bachelor parties had come and gone , schedules had been changed, rearranged, sometimes tossed out altogether ( Lola , Bless her heart, had even turned down a tooth paste commercial due to the logistics that she would be in Georgia ) dresses had been altered ( Zoey's dress had to be let out due to the fact she had gained five pounds of baby ) all the while the parents had flown down separately to help Roland and Valene with the last minute overseeing of the actual event that was on a countdown in the brides head like a timer .

All of the wedding party and guests were staying in the historic hotel that would also serve as venue for the reception. There may have been a tiny argument that had sprung up between the bride and the grooms parents as to where the rehearsal dinner would be held (this would be glossed over by Merilee) with Roland conceding since they were essentially hosting the kids big day ,Jon and Merilee could plan the dinner at their choice of restaurants . The rehearsal went off without a hitch (much to the relief of everyone) then it was off to The Old Pink House for dinner. The historic Georgian mansion known as the Pink House because of the painted pink stucco over the brick was built by James Habersham in 1771 who was the owner of one of the first cotton factors in the South. The ambiance and Southern hospitality had sold Merilee on the restaurant who had wasted no time making reservations for them.

The antiques and paintings on the walls in the dining room brought to mind a gentler era before the war, the bar had an array of fine whiskeys, wines, and more to suit the palette while the menu offered a vast array of fine southern food to choose from for all. While Lisa and Quinn sipped their wine they strolled around the room taking the ambiance all in before their appetizers arrived. Michael tugged to loosen his tie getting the stink eye from Grandma Annie who looked like a million bucks in a navy blue sequined dress, hair piled on top of her head and a glass of beer in her hand , she was giving Lisa's Dad an earful about Lord knows who or what .

Michael took his own beer back to the long table sliding in next to his best man who was sipping ginger ale. Chase made a face then sat back as Michael slapped him on the back.

'Dude, now isn't the time for you to have sympathetic evening sickness for your wife '

'Sorry,' Chase shot him a sheepish look,' I'll try to curb the urge. So, man, you made it through the rehearsal without zero drama from the parents which are major in my book ….'

'Drama free was always our goal to our wedding,' added Michael, smugly,' you and Zo had enough crap for fifty people. I was sort of worried that Mom and Lisa's Mom might clash like Pam and Amanda did about your wedding but they've been civil and seem to even get along.'

'Or Val is a really good actress '

'True but I don't think that Merilee would cause a scene …..'

Valene, looking lovely in a lavender sheath dress ,was chatting up Vince and Lola while his Dad looked busy carrying on a conversation with Logan , who seemed to be taking notes , who knew what that was about . Michael wouldn't bother to ask.

'Val is the best, Michael,' conceded Chase, who considered her his second mother,' it is virtually impossible not to love the woman. '

Michael raised his beer,' to my awesome Mom "

They clinked glasses.' Cheers '

************************Wedding Bells *************************************

' We are so pleased to have all of you as well as your parents with us for the most important day in our Michael and dear Lisa's life ,' chatted Valene , tucking Lola's hand through her arm while doing the same with an amused Vince on the other ,' blessed with the best friends I always did say .' She glanced down at the young woman's hand where a gold bracelet rested then down to where her fingers were unadorned slid a careful look into Vince's direction ,' the circle is nearly complete what with Chase and Zoey expecting their first child then Quinn and Logan being newlyweds. You two given any thought to the direction you're taking next?'

Lola swiveled her head around the room looking for Quinn or even Zoey to rescue her...at this point, she would even accept her Mothers help but Janna and Quinn's mother were taking a walking tour upstairs in hopes of a ghostly appearance of the restaurant's resident friendly ghost, which wouldn't help her out of this jam one bit . She sipped her wine.

' Valene , I know that you mean well but don't be marrying us off just yet '

'Honestly you kids after a few years or five, it is just absurd,' scolded Valene, good naturally,' don't try that practical angle on me either, Vince. Why Roland and I barely had two dimes to our name and our wedding was lovely '

Vince doffed her cheek with a kiss. 'I wouldn't dream of saying such a thing at all. Janna has also graciously offered to perform a hand fasting ceremony for us if that is what Lola wants but my girlfriend isn't quite ready for us to settle down just yet '

Lola shot him a warning look.' I happen to agree with Lisa about the timing. Truth be told, Valene, the timing isn't right for me and Vince. Not right now '

'Just don't wait too long ...'

********************************Wedding Bells ********************************

Much to the dismay of Lola's mother, the resident ghost failed to make an appearance at the rehearsal dinner , the meal arrived treating them all to a fine menu that consisted of southern sushi ( Michael's favorite aside from actual sushi ) shrimp and grits , crispy duck and a dinner salad with fresh greens covered in a champagne vinaigrette . Talk was lively, many bottles of bubbly had been opened, and stories had been waxed on by many until it was Chase. and Logan, the original roommates that took to making the toast of the evening .

Chase lifted the beer that Vince had shoved into his hand only minutes before signaling that he and Logan should stand to do the honors. They wholeheartedly agreed they knew Michael the best.

'So as many of you know, Michael and I have been best friend since the sixth grade,' announced Chase as the women proceeded to make noises at him. He chose to ignore them,' This was way long before girls were allowed into P.C.A. ' Zoey stuck her tongue out at him while Lisa, Quinn, and Lola booed ,' Right away , it almost seemed like we knew that we were going to be best buds . Okay so Michael could be more emotional than myself but it was cool , we got what made each other ticked , and those were awesome days in Maxwell Hall '

'Aw, man, those were the best 'sighed Michael, feeling melancholy over his beer.

'Yeah, those two wusses were a bunch of lamo sapps until I became their roommate,' contributed Logan, easily enough as his wife shot him a careful look, 'what, Quinn, what's with the look? I have got to tell the story the right way …'

'Oh dear ...' sighed a fretful Quinn, knowing how carried away her husband could get especially after a few drinks,' just don't be a jerk, sweetie '

Logan flashed his trademark charming smile then continued his speech,' I joined Michael and Chase in the seventh grade as their roomie , me being super cool, and them not being remotely cool by a long shot . I'm not going to lie , it was kind of rough getting used to one another , we argued , fought a lot, played tricks on each other , but somewhere along the way , we became good friends .' He paused to catch his buddies gaze including Vince in it as well,' I have never really made friends easily cause usually people only saw me as the rich guy and tried to use me . Those two jerks didn't give a damn …and let me tell you, if I was an ass, they gave it right back. '

Chase slapped Logan's shoulder,' Dude that was most of the time '

'Besides underneath all that jerk stuff was a good guy, we knew it 'added Michael, sappy himself.' Chase, you going to take over before Reese here makes me cry like a baby '

Lisa, sitting beside Michael, chuckled into her wine then patted his hand.' There, there '

Chase picked up where Logan had been interrupted at ,' We could spend hours here regaling you with old P.C.A. stories , our adventures you might even call them , but I think what Logan here is trying to say is our lifelong bonds of friendship were forged in that dorm room at Maxwell Hall . We're damned grateful for those days that also led to our friendship- relationships with the girls then later on, Vince joined our little group of misfits. '

'For the record, I am the sane one out of you idiots; chimed in a grinning Vince.

'We love you, Michael, and Lisa,' Logan raised his glass signaling the others to raise their glasses,' we wish you all the damn happiness in the world '

As those most important to them toasted a new beginning for them, Michael and Lisa shared a kiss that was filled with warmth a, love, and promise.

**********************************Wedding Bells ******************************

The morning sun warmed Michael's face as he stepped out on the veranda of his family house, coffee cup in hand and a happy smile across his face as he contemplated what he would do with himself with the hours he had before the ceremony. Maybe the guys could carry on the tradition of video game wars before the wedding unless his mother put her foot down.

"Weather channel looks like it's going to be all clear and sunny,' replied his Dad, conversationally. He took a drink of his own coffee,' perfect for the wedding '

'Good, good,' replied Michael, non-plussed as he moved to stand beside his Dad,' a little rain wouldn't have stopped us especially since we're getting married at the church '

Roland was quiet, thoughtful, as he drank his coffee as he considered if words were needed to tell his son . It wasn't that he didn't care but Valene did better expressing emotions than he did though he felt as if he and Michael had never really needed things spelled out between them.

'The females may disagree with you, son,' responded Roland, putting a strong hand on Michael's shoulder in support,' your mama was in a tizzy when they put in a twenty percent chance of rain last night for the dinner.' He chuckled a bit,' Lisa's folks are good people despite the few disagreements your mother and I had with them in the past.'

He winced wishing he could withdraw the statement but Michael paid no attention to it which was just as well. It wouldn't do anyone the least bit of good to rehash the past when Lisa's folks thought she and Michael were much too serious for high school sweethearts and had wished their daughter date more than just their son. Thank the Good Lord, they came to their senses.

' Yeah, Dad , I think they got over wanting to do the fancy , society wedding in Carmel ages ago '

Michael flicked a glance towards his always stoic father.' Jon only frightens me slightly now but I try not to let it bug me...Logan still gets worked up that Frank hates his guts even though it isn't true .'

Roland laughed with him, raising his glass in a salute of sorts.' Frank knows Logan cherishes Quinn...the professor enjoys watching that young man squirm '

Michael put his coffee cup down on the railing then rubbed his chin.' Do you think Jon feels the same way about me , Dad ?"

'Quite possible, son,' answered Roland, clearing his throat, uh, er. Michael, I...i just wanted to say that your Mama and I are proud of you. I'm proud of you '

' Aw Dad, I love you too ' Caught by emotion, Michael hugged his Dad as Grandma Annie , hair piled high on her head, bright purple satin robe alerting them of her presence, stuck her head out of the double doors to yell at them .

'What is this ...a dang scene from a Days of Our Lives wedding? Valene is cooking up a country breakfast feast to feed an army before we have to head over to the hotel to help with the bride ,' explained Annie , not breaking her stride ,' Chase, Logan, and Vince will be arriving shortly so get your butt inside, Michael Barrett , and help set the table for the Three Musketeers '

'Yes, Ma'm 'Michael picked up his coffee cup before his Grandmother had to tell him twice and it didn't matter if he was 15 or a grown adult, he never disrespected the woman.

Roland couldn't help smiling over his own caffeine.' You nervous for today? '

Michael beamed brightly like he had that day when he'd officially talked to Lisa for the first time and before he got his pants stuck in the Jet X. ' Naw, I'm ready '

***********************************Michael loves Lisa ************************

Meanwhile over at the hotel, Lisa slid into the lavender silk robe that had been a present from her mother , absently picking up her brush to run through her dark hair , sighing as it wholly sunk in that she would marry her Michael in a manner of hours . Finally, it was today!

Butterflies did a slow rumba in her belly but funny how she wasn't nervous or jittery like she had been when she watched Zoey prepare to marry Chase two years ago or Quinn marry Logan a while ago , Lisa simply felt wonderful . The jitters might arrive at the church or when her Mother joined her but at this moment, she was incredibly exuberant.

There was a loud tap on her door followed by a loud,' knock, knock! Lisa, honey, you up now?'

'If she isn't up now, you would have woken her being so loud, Lola '

' Ssh, Zoey, as if a bride is going to sleep in on her big day ,' retorted Lola with a snort ,' if I recall correctly you woke the whole house up at practically the crack of dawn on your day '

'It wasn't that early, Lola, and a bride is entitled to do as she pleases on her day '

'Oh, shush, you two, 'cut in a good natured Quinn, elbowing them both before they continued this silly bickering in the hallway,' Lisa, it's your bridal party bearing champagne.'

Lisa opened the door,' Good morning, and best gal pals of mine '

The girls sailed into the room brushing past Lisa, Quinn with a bottle of the bubbly while Zoey and Lola each held two glasses. Quinn had hastily thrown on loose linen pants and a bright yellow sweater while Lola and Zoey had simply added robes over their pajamas.

'Oh, don't worry, Lisa,' assured Zoey, leaning against the antique table,' I'll only have a sip '

'Good,' muttered Lisa, her smile stretching across her face as she picked up a glass,' I'm getting married today! 'She did a little dance bee bopping around the room,' Oooh!'

Zoey wiped at a tear welling at the corner of her eye, sniffling a bit.' Finally "

Lola wagged a finger at her friend.' Get those tears finished up now, Zoey Matthews! Michael and Lisa don't need pictures with you with splotchy face and gross eyes '

Zoey accepted the tissue from Quinn before shooting Lola a perturbed look.' I am pregnant, Lola, I can't help these stupid hormones! '

Lisa giggled at the absurdity of it all. 'I'm just grateful I have the three of you here with me on my special day. You're the best friends a girl could ever ask for '

'Ah we love you too, Lisa '

'Group hug '

'We really should have woken up one of your husbands to take a picture of us '

Then they all reached in at the same time arms encircling each other while the tears flowed between and around them chattering in the way they always had, the unopened bottle of champagne on the table beside them, love and friendship surrounding them which is what Merilee Perkins saw when she let herself into her daughters hotel room before she captured the image in film. Another precious memory preserved for all time.

'Happy Wedding Day, darling '

Lisa looked up from over her friends shoulders, sent her mother a slightly watery smile.

'Mom, come celebrate with us '

Closing the door behind her, Merilee sat her clutch and little camera on the table before her daughter and friends pulled her into a hug, if the tears came, they were allowed as she was the mother of the bride. After all of these years, Lisa had reached for her dream, found her dance studio. In a matter of hours would be saying' I do 'to the man of her dreams.

********************Michael loves Lisa *************************************

The church held a quiet beauty to it , the simple sprays of purple, lavender, and white flowers bedecking the end of each other pew and the single elegant gold painted vase overfilling with deep purple calla lilies and roses would greet Michael and Lisa at the front of the church .

A long, white runner added to the simplicity of the church that spoke of warmth and tradition of those who worshipped as well as those that pledged their life to one another as Michael's parents and grandparents had before him in this very church.

Soon , family and friends would be filtering in, taking their seats, preparing to witness the exchange of vows between Michael and Lisa . Grandma Annie had corralled Michael and his best men from the Barrett household escorting them to the church herself not trusting them to make it to the chapel on their own devices. She didn't care if they were 15 or 25 , playing video games right up into the actual ceremony just didn't sit well with her .

Annie had her hair all coifed and curled in an up do and she was dressed to the nines in a deep purple sparkling dress that was as far as matronly and grandmotherly as one could get but it suited her just fine . Today was a celebration, after all.

Michael was already looking handsome in his suit, tie undone around his neck, hands stuffed in the pockets of the dress pants as he followed his grandmother inside the church while the guys parked the vehicles. He breathed in then let it out, contentment filling him in.

Annie took in the flowers, the white candles yet to be lit then took Michael's hand into hers, her smile soft as she pulled him gently beside him , overcome with memories .

'Your Granddaddy would have loved Lisa like the rest of us do, Michael,' said Annie in a quiet voice,' you know, we tied the knot in this same church so very long ago. I don't know if we've said it or not but it means so much to us all that you wanted to be married here when it would have been easier to have the ceremony out in California .'

Michael swallowed the lump of emotion that clogged his throat. ' Ah , Grandma , don't start unless you want me crying like a baby and the guys will never let me live it down if I blubber at my own wedding .' He pulled her close to hug ,' Lisa knew how important this was to me '

'She's a fine woman '

' That she is and in fifty minutes and counting I'll put the ring on her finger '

' Finally ,' Annie stepped back from her grandson ,' just don't wait another five years to give me great grandbabies , I'm not no spring chicken anymore , young man . I want to enjoy the babies before it's my time ….'

'Yes, Ma'm '

The double doors of the church opened bringing in Chase, Logan, and Vince talking loudly then instantly somber up upon entering the church. Vince took in the quietness of the church, nodded to Logan and Chase before straightening his suit jacket a bit more.

'Nice '

Chase checked his watch for the fifth time, anxious for his best friend. 'Forty five minutes until go time. What are we going to do here until go time? '

Logan made a point of peering around a hallway corner looking for the room that they would be hanging out in until they had to be up front – lots of doors in the church.

'I brought a deck of cards with me '

Vince arched a brow,' Isn't it disrespectful to be playing poker in a church? '

Logan smirked.' So, we won't play for money, what's the harm? '

Annie and Michael rejoined them catching the tail end of Logan's statement.' There isn't any harm especially if you donate the kitty to the church, Logan, which would be awfully kind of you to do '

Much to the utter amusement of his friends, Logan colored,' Yes, Grandma Annie '

Annie led them down a separate hallway opening a door,' why don't you fellas help Michael here go over his vows. Wouldn't want him to stammer during the ceremony ...'

'I haven't stammered in years! '

'I remember,' Chase clamped a hand on his back,' Forty one minutes, man '

***********************************Wedding Bells *****************************

Guests dressed in their finest made their way into the church pausing to take a program of the ceremony (Quinn had composed them on her computer) before taking their seats. Stacey Dillsen , looking lovely, in a rust colored dress perused the church hoping to find other familiar faces among the guests before debating on whether she was a friend of bride or groom .

She supposed she was friends with both Michael and Lisa but she could hardly straddle a pew – that wouldn't be right. Clutching her purse to her, Stacey failed to notice Dustin Brooks until he waved a friendly hand in front of her face startling her.

'Stacey, hey, you alright? '

Stacey blinked as if imaging things – Dustin was no longer the cute, little kid she remembered but had grown into a super handsome young man who surely had the women swooning at his feet. She pressed a hand to her heart and managed a smile.

'Dustin, hi ,' managed Stacey , shocked as he gave her a friendly hug ,' I honestly almost didn't recognize you …you must be graduated from P.C.A by now '

Dustin grinned.' Couple of years now actually I'm in college at the U of C '

'Cool,' managed Stacey,' I live and work in San Francisco but was so thrilled to be invited to Michael and Lisa's big day. 'She leaned in as if to whisper,' I...i just don't know which side I should sit on …..i knew Michael before Lisa but she's always been kind to me .'

Dustin offered his arm to her,' I'd say we're both on Michael's side '

They had just taken their seats when a tall, gangly guy dressed in an old world tweed type suit dashed in, he had a mop of short dark hair and an angular face and appeared quite lost. He pulled out a paper out of his pocket , surveyed the church then made his way to the middle of the pews before sliding in beside Stacey and Dustin .

He nodded slightly towards Stacey before he spoke , his accent unrecognizable to them .

'Pardon me but this is the location of the Barrett wedding? I just got in from Capri and am out of sorts but could hardly bother Mich-el on his big day for directions '

Dustin stared at him, trying to place the face to no avail.' Yeah this is the church '

'How do you know Michael? 'This came from a curious Stacey who knew everyone in their classes from P.C.A. and he didn't seem at all familiar to her .

' Yes, I was an exchange student at P.C.A. for only two months before I transferred elsewhere because of my father's job ,' he explained , removing his hat ,' I am Ollie Biallo . Michael was kind enough to be my friend and show me the ropes in that short time and we have corresponded through email over the years . He and his Lisa even attended my sister's wedding a few years ago….'

'I am only very happy to be invited when he marries his lil Lisa '

'They've been together forever,' replied Dustin,' they were voted most likely to get married first their Senior Year at P.C.A. but my sister and Chase beat them to the alter '

'It's a happy day indeed'

*****************************Wedding Day *************************************

Lisa shimmied into her gown , the delicate lace and beading following her curves, into an A line gown skimming her ankles complete with illusion lace straps and a v neckline , the style reminiscent of the 1930's and now which was very much the dancer bride . Her dark hair was pulled back in a sidewept , the only adornment , a rhinestone comb . Her great grandmother's teardrop earrings fell from her ears completing the picture.

'You look radiant, sweetheart ' Merrilee leaned in to give her daughter a side hug ,' the most beautiful bride I've have ever seen . Your father and I love you very much, Lisa '

Lisa kissed her cheek then squeezed her hands.' I love you too, Mom '

'Be happy '

'I am '

A flash went off around them as Lola captured the perfect moment on film then passed the camera back to Jeremiah Trottman , who had arrived late . She shot him an annoyed look then with a sunny smile called out,' Enough tears or we'll have to freshen up our make up again before we go out there in exactly ten minutes and counting '

Quinn, looking ethereal in the gauzy mauve dress with yards of tulle stepped in between Lola and Lisa handing the bride a blue garter.' Lisa, you can't forget the lucky garter for your borrowed "

The garter had been Zoey's and landed with Logan who on his wedding to Quinn had tossed it to Michael. As far as all were concerned , it brought luck with the love .

Zoey adjusted the satin belt on the deep purple lace gown she wore and did her part as the matron of honor assisting Lisa with the tried and true tradition of the garter .

'Just make sure Vince gets it next '

Lola glowing in gold shimmering gown, blanched,' or not, Lisa, because that wouldn't be fair '

Lisa laughed,' Is it time? '

*****************************Wedding Bells**********************************

The church was packed, Pastor Tate stood at the altar, as Michael, ever so handsome took his place, Chase, Logan, and Vince, standing tall and proud beside him as the minutes ticked away, his eyes awaiting the arrival of the one true love of his life to join him.

Well here we are again

I guess it must be fate

We've tried it on our own

But deep inside we'd known we'd be back to set things straight

Zoey walked slowly down the aisle, her baby bump slightly visible beneath the purple lace, beaming as she met her husband's loving gaze as she took her spot on the bride's side.

I still remember when your kiss was so brand new

Every memory repeats

Every step I take retreats

Every journey always brings me back to you

Quinn strolled down the aisle next, lips curled in a smile, as Logan winked at her as she joined Zoey as they waited for the bride. It hadn't been that long since she had been a bride herself and even now could feel Logan's love from here.

After all the stops and starts

We keep comin back to these two hearts

Two angels who've been rescued from the fall

After all that we've been through

It all comes down to me and you

I guess it's meant to be , forever you and me , after all

Lola gave the bride a whispered 'Break a leg 'before turning and walking down the aisle , an old pro at the maid of honor gig at this point . She held her bouquet of flowers in front of her tempted to wave them in a jaunty way but figured her friends wouldn't approve but she did catch Vince's intense gaze and blew him a kiss.

When love is truly right

This time it's truly right

It lives from year to year

Oh it changes as it goes

And on the way it grows

But it never disappears

The music swelled, the guests were on their feet as Jonathon escorted Lisa down the aisle, every nuance, every pore, every smile radiated her happiness as he placed her hands in Michael's.

'Well, it's about time '

'Can we get to the I do part?'

Chuckling at the eagerness of the bride and the groom, 'We most certainly can '

Amid the laughter , Michael and Lisa pledged their love forever, after all .