December 20, 1979:

8:47 p.m.

McCoy looked up from his file, hearing the tap on his office door.

"Hey, how'd it go with the florist," he asked, as he stood up.

She slipped off her wool coat and burgundy suit jacket placing both on the rack behind the door.

"I'd say it's a safe bet we won't see our orchids until New Year's. With the storm, we'll be lucky if they can scrounge up some mistletoe for your boutonnière, " she said dropping onto the leather sofa. "I called my mother before coming up here. They just closed Logan International until further notice, due to weather."

McCoy frowned. "Maybe by Friday…"

Donnelly shook her head, dropping her heels beside her. "Don't count on it, Jack. They expect a new storm Thursday night."

"Damn it Liz, it's one thing to not to have a bouquet... but your family and friends... your Mother should see you get married. Maybe it's time to think about post-"

"Don't even think it. Were not postponing this wedding again. Mom and I talked about it. I think she'll be happy just to know you've finally made an honest woman out of her daughter. Remember, she still thinks it's just a matter of time before we give in and get married in a church. Her exact words were 'I can wait for the real ceremony'. Besides, that's the least of my worries. Is Tim still around?"

McCoy joined her on the sofa shaking his head. "Left twenty minutes ago. Why?"

"How was your day?"

McCoy gave her a crooked smile, eyebrows raised. "I have a feeling it's about to take a turn for the worst. Why are you looking for my assistant?"

"Is the wedding off, if I tell you I asked for Tim to second chair on the Wendell case?"

McCoy groaned. "God, Liz…are you serious?"

"Jack, it's been three weeks. I go to trial on the 26th and I still don't have a second chair. Ben Stone's been great, but he's got the Juarez triple homicide starting right after Christmas. I've got to have some steady, experienced assistance with witness prep-"

"You've gone it alone on rape cases, before. Is this really necessary?"

"Eighteen rapes in nine months, need I say more?"

"Well, if you're going to steal my assistant, I feel I should be compensated, somehow" he said pensively.

Donnelly leaned over.

"Don't pout," she said. Seizing his already loosened tie Donnelly drew her close as she began kissing him.

Her fingers started to unbutton the white dress shirt. Running his hands over her shoulders and down her back McCoy returned the kiss.

"How far do you want to take this with Adam Schiff five feet away, counselor," he asked whispered as his lips moved down her neck.

"That depends," she replied breathlessly. "Did you remember the fitting for your tux?"

Donnelly laughed as she heard him swear.

She looked up at him grinning. "The wedding is in two days."

"Looks like we might actually make it to the alter, this time."

"Looks like. That is, if we both get through Thursday night."

McCoy looked at her with questioning eyes. "I thought we agreed the rehearsal Sunday was fine? With half the wedding party is delayed due to weather-"

"I can't believe you've forgotten,"she said mockingly. "I thought your bachelor party was the real reason you wanted to marry me. You know - all those juvenile male rituals - girls popping out of cakes, strippers- "

McCoy rolled his eyes. "As tempting as that sounds, with Adam there to supervise and court on Friday morning, I wouldn't count on more than a game of darts and a couple of drinks. Besides, I've sowed my wild oats. You're the one I'm worried about. I've heard about those bachelorette parties. Adult toys, lingerie, male strippers…I'll lay you money you wind up at Chippendales or Studio 54 before the night is over."

"Listen, Jack. Your the only guy I'd pay money to see in a g-string," she said leering. "Make you a deal: I won't stuff money in some strippers crotch if you won't."