Chuck mentally recounted everything that could go wrong and was relieved to realize there wasn't much left. He was here, the bride was here. No rain on the horizon, he thought as he blocked the glare of the sun from his glasses. Everything in place and just the way they wanted it.

He tried to ignore the glances and muted chattering emanating from the audience. He didn't do well in front of large groups of people and kind of wished Angelica would hurry up and get out here so she could share—or most likely hog—the spotlight.

His parents waved at him from the front row. His dad pointed at his camera, indicating he was getting everything on film. Chuck gave him the thumbs up.

Suddenly, the music swelled and everyone turned their attention to the steps of the pier, where Charlotte, escorted by an usher, walked onto the beach right on cue. She smiled at him from underneath a humongous flower and feather laden hat. She took her seat on the front row of chairs and turned her attention to the back with everyone else.

Next came the groomsmen, Phil and Dil. Tommy was still nowhere to be seen. Chuck glanced up to where his adorable little cousin Mildred was descending onto the beach. Everyone aww'd as she did a little dance across the sand. Her pink ruffled skirt and red curls bounced in unison and rose petals flew everywhere.

Next came Kimi in a dark purple dress. Her hair was done up in her typical haphazard fashion and she carried pink and purple flowers. She beamed at him. He grinned back. She stopped on the way to her position to wrap him in a tight hug. Next came Lil, in a lavender dress, her long brown hair flowing. She smiled widely and took her position next to Kimi. After that came Susie, in a pink dress with dark purple flowers in her hair. She grinned widest of all and took her place.

The music abruptly changed to the wedding march and Chuck took a deep breath. "Here we go."

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Angelica took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Here goes." she whispered. Drew smiled down at his daughter. "You ready, Princess?" She nodded and he led the way.

Angelica reached the summit of the hill where the grass and beach met. She looked down at the scene below. Everything was absolutely perfect. The sun was setting, deep oranges and reds reflecting off the sparkling ocean water. The Sand was white and smooth and seemed to go for miles. A makeshift aisle was lined with roses, lilies, Gerber daisies, and various white and gray shells. Her friends and family looked up at her expectantly from white wooden folding chairs. Her bridesmaids were all in place, looking radiant and almost as happy as she was. The groomsmen, in their khaki pants and white button up shirts. And in the same khakis and white shirt, beneath a white arbor completely covered in flowers, was Chuck. She smiled at him. He grinned back. Dil gave her a goofy grin and waved. Angelica fought the urge to roll her eyes. At least he wasn't wearing a colander on his head.

Angelica grasped her father's arm, suddenly realizing it may be just a tad bit difficult to walk on sand in four inch satin pumps. He smiled and walked her down the aisle.

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Chuck exhaled. At the top of the little hill stood Angelica, looking more beautiful than he'd ever seen her. And happier than he'd ever seen her, he couldn't help but notice. She smiled at him and then made her way down the aisle on Drew's arm. The walk across the beach seemed to take forever. He wanted her to be there now, but he also wouldn't have minded looking at her a bit more.

She was wearing a white lace dress that had a sweetheart neckline, fit her curves perfectly, and swooped out at the bottom a bit. He remembered from the wedding magazines she made him look at (so many!) that it was called a mermaid dress. Her golden blond waves were half up, half down and a simple lace veil trailed down her back. He saw a bit of pink poke out from under the gown, so Charlotte had given her the shoes. And, of course, she was wearing her necklace.

After what seemed like ages, they reached him. Drew hugged and kissed his daughter. He turned to Chuck, hugged him and placed Angelica's hand in his. He then took his seat next to his wife.

Angelica turned to face him. "I'm surprised you didn't fall down in those shoes." he whispered. "And how are you going to dance in that dress?"

She grinned. "I'm surprised you're still alive." she said, indicating the numerous flora surrounding them. "Aren't you allergic to this?"

"I'm allergic to everything. But I've been fine, thanks."

Reverend Greene cleared his throat.

Angelica grinned mischievously. "Sorry. Proceed."

"We are gathered here today—"

Chuck sneezed.

"Bless you!" said the entire audience in unison.

"We are gathered here today—"

"You jinxed me!" said Chuck to Angelica in a loud whisper.

"As I was saying, we are gathered here today—"

"Wait!" yelped a voice. The crowd gasped.

Tommy bounded across the sand, tucking a shirt tail into his khakis. "Wait for me!"

The reverend looked beyond aggravated. "Who are you?"

"He's the best man," said Chuck, a look of relief on his face. He embraced his friend. "So glad you're here, man."

Angelica wrapped her cousin in a tight hug and uncharacteristically kissed his cheek. "You're here!"

"Sorry if I ruined your wedding, Ang. I just couldn't miss it."

"I'm just happy you're here!" She lowered her voice. "You do have the rings, right?"

Tommy nodded, patting his pocket.

"Let's proceed." Interrupted Reverend Greene. "We are gathered here today to unite Charles C. Finster and Angelica C. Pickles in holy matrimony." He looked to Tommy. "Do you have the rings?"

Tommy pulled the box from his pocket. He handed Chuck's ring to Angelica. She slipped the band on his finger.

"Angelica," said the minister, "Repeat after me.— "

"That's ok, I got it." She met Chuck's eyes. "I, Angelica, take you, Chuck, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

Tommy handed the other ring to Chuck.

"Ok, Charles, repeat after me-"

"I, Chuck, take you, Angelica, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

"Guess I'm not needed," mumbled the minister under his breath.

Angelica wrapped her arms around Chuck and kissed him enthusiastically.

Susie cleared her throat. "We're not to that part yet, Ang."

"Oh, right."

"The couple has a few things they'd like to say to each other." said Reverend Greene.

Chuck took a crumpled piece of paper from his pocket. It was clear to Angelica that he had been writing and re-writing and reading and re-reading in typical Chuckie anxiety. He cleared his throat.

"Angelica. I have loved you since we were in diapers." Everyone laughed. He chuckled and shrugged his shoulders.

"But it's true. As far back as I can remember, I have loved you. And—" he squinted at the paper and opened his mouth to speak again. Then he seemed to change his mind. He stuffed the paper back into his pocket. He took her hands in his.

"Angelica. You make me a better person." He smiled at her look of incredulity. "You really do. You make me be brave when I don't want to, face my fears. And get me angry—but you know, in a good way! I've done things I never would have done on my own. Every day with you is an adventure. And I'm really excited to see what's next."

Angelica nodded, trying hard not to cry. She didn't succeed.

"Angelica?" asked the reverend.

She took a quavering breath and dabbed at her eyes. "Chuckie." she said in a barely audible whisper. "You make me the better person." She clutched his hands and raised her voice a little. "Before you, I didn't have any real friends. None that cared about me, at least. And now I have the best friends I could ask for. And the love of my life. And—"

Angelica suddenly became aware that dozens of eyes were on here and her cheeks tinged pink. "I guess...you know I'm not good with this kind of thing. But I guess I just want to say…thank you for loving me even when I don't love myself."

Chuck cupped her face and leaned in for a kiss. Every one cheered. Revered Greene shrugged. "You may now kiss the bride. Not that it matters. Not that anyone would notice if I weren't here."

They turned to the audience. Angelica laughed, wiped her face and took the bouquet Susie handed her.

"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Finster."

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"You know," said Susie. "I was really touched out there. You crying so much was making me cry."

Angelica shrugged. "I got a little emotional. Sue me."

Susie laughed, handing her a glass of champagne. "I'm saying it's a good thing! It's nice to see your sweet side sometimes."

Just then, a chubby little blur of pink dress and red curls darted by, knocking into Angelica. Lil grabbed the champagne just in time to keep it from drenching her gown.

Angelica sneered. "Ugh, Chuck's little cousin is so annoying. Did you see her out there? Prancing around, trying to steal my thunder!"

Susie sighed. "But you always do something right away to bring me back down to earth."

Lil grinned. "Her sweet side was nice while it lasted."

Kimi rolled her eyes. "She's my cousin too, ya know. And yours now!"

"Don't remind me."

"Why, hello, ladies."

"Um, hi." said Angelica.

"I'm Tom. I'm the DJ."

"Yes, I know. I hired you. I'm the bride, remember?"

"Right." Tom turned his attention to Kimi. "How about you, you married? You're too beautiful to be single I guess. I love Chinese girls."

Kimi groaned. "I'm Japanese!"

Tom the DJ held his hands up defensively. "No harm, no harm."

"Look, said Angelica, "We're kind of having a moment here. Could you give us some space?"

"This is my DJ booth."

"She's the bride!" shrieked the girls in unison.

He shrugged and walked away.

"Ok, so the music is still playing." said Susie. "Was he even?...Where did you find that guy?"

"Moving on!" said Kimi. "Here!" She handed Angelica a shot glass.

Kimi handed glasses to Susie and Lil and then lifted her own.

"Are we seriously taking shots at a wedding?" asked Lil.

"Hell yes we are," said Angelica. "I'm married! And I'm never going to wear this dress again. And we only have the open bar until 10:30. Let's do this!"

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"Hey guys. What's up?"

"Getting away already?" asked Phil. "I don't blame you. Married life, huh?"

Chuck laughed and adjusted his glasses. "Just taking a breather. I've spent all night talking to people. Most of them I don't even really know. Angelica is huddled up behind the DJ booth with the girls herself."

Tommy handed him a short crystal cut glass. Chuck tilted it in his hand. The amber liquid splashed around the glass. "Scotch?"

He gave Chuck a cigar. "This is how men celebrate!" All the men lit their cigars and took a puff. A few seconds passed.

"Wow, that's terrible." said Chuck.

"So bad." said Phil.

"The worst." Dil agreed.

Tommy shrugged. "Hey, the scotch is pretty good though."

"It is. Thanks, man."

"So what's the plan?" asked Phil.

"We've already done everything—the cake, the dances, all that. We'll hopefully finish up here soon and then we're staying at the Marina tonight. Heading to Paris tomorrow."

"Angelica hasn't thrown the bouquet yet." said Dil.

"Oh, we gotta see that." said Tommy. "Nothing better than watching desperate girls clamor over each other for the bouquet."

Chuck took a swig of his scotch and swished it around in his mouth. He was still unsure of how he felt about it. "So. Who's the next to be married?" He looked at Tommy.

"Hey, I'm trying hard to not get married this year. I mean, I love Lil. I definitely want to marry her someday. Just not wanting to rush things."

Phil took a fake shotgun stance. "When you gon' make a honest wo-man outta ma sister, Pickles?"

"I'm telling you, man," continued Tommy, "She's got that baby fever. All she talks about is babies. I'm taking her to get a puppy tomorrow. That should buy me some time."

"I'm really excited to be an uncle," said Phil. "Please name him after me."

"So, who do you think is next?" asked Chuck.

"Probably me," said Phil nonchalantly as he finished his drink. "I asked Susie to marry me."

Tommy choked on his scotch. "What did she say?" he asked, coughing.

"Well I wouldn't be bringing it up if she'd said no."

"And when were you planning on telling everyone?" asked Dil.

He shrugged. "We're not telling anyone yet. She's not wearing the ring. Didn't want to take away from your big day."

Chuck clapped his back. "Congratulations, man."

"Thanks."

"We should get back." said Chuck.

"Yeah," said Dil. "I gotta make an appearance for the end of the festivities and then Kimi and I are heading out. There's supposed to be an invasion tonight."

"An invasion?"

"An alien invasion." Dil rolled his eyes. "Obviously."

"Well," said Chuck. "If that's the case, I'll see you when I see you, buddy. If the invasion doesn't happen, I'll call from France."

They met the girls at the edge of the dance floor.

Chuck wrapped an arm around Angelica and kissed her forehead. "Hi there, Mrs. Finster."

She giggled uncharacteristically. "Mr. Finster." She smelled like honeysuckle and lavender and faintly of vodka. The love of his life.

Susie met Phil's eyes and held up Angelica's bouquet triumphantly. "Guess who caught the bouquet?"

"My Nubian goddess?"

Susie rolled her eyes. "Right."

Angelica sighed and buried her face in her husband's chest. "I wish we could just sneak out."

"Only another half hour or so."

"But I'm ready to start the honeymoon," she said, grinning. "I have a few ideas for tonight—"

"On that note," said Kimi. "We have to go."