I disclaim again. I only own Charlie and those unknown.

HELLO! Sorry for the lack of updates, been a little busy lately. Thanks for being patient!!

I know I said I'd do a few lead in chapters, but changed my mind. You get a few lead in paragraphs.

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Chapter Twenty – Here We Go

They had almost given up when on a visit to see John and Maria, Charlie spotted the perfect house. It was in a well established neighborhood and the house just beckoned her. She instantly fell in love with the craftsman bungalow; Randy thought it was too small, but Charlie thought it was perfect. Anything more than 2500 square feet was just a waste of space she told him. Four bedrooms are plenty for guests and a family. Randy wanted a home that reflected their financial status and in a secluded neighborhood. She wanted a house that felt like a home, not a museum. She wanted a home children could run through and guests could feel welcome to sit where ever. Charlie overrode his request and bought the home, paying cash so they could move in instantly. To celebrate, she went furniture shopping with Maria.

Randy had to admit he loved the home when Charlie was finished. He was sure it would be too feminine when he saw everything being delivered, but once she had it in place and added the accessories, he instantly felt relaxed and comfortable. Even with her insane amount of candles and pillows, it was homey and not feminine. She had added a lot of masculine touches and even let him have a 'man's room'; it was decorated with leather, sports memorabilia and a projection screen for better football viewing. Charlie had even added a few custom touches to accommodate his size.

Everything at work was picking up; people were regaining their faith in him. Randy had bonded with a lot of the guys again, forging new friendships and rebuilding damaged ones. Vince had expressed his desires to push Randy as long as he kept on the positive path he was traveling. He was in control of his personal life and his genuine happiness in that aspect of his life gave him the confidence in his professional life. He and Charlie were trying for a family since the wedding was so close and for the first time he truly felt lucky.

It had only been two months before it began. Randy was surprised it took that long. He came home after four long, brutal days on the road simply wanting to be alone with Charlie. He wanted to climb into the Jacuzzi, move to the sauna, fall into bed and curl up with his fiancé. All plans were halted when he walked in the front door to find his mom, sister and a wedding planner flanking Charlie in the family room. The dining room had different pieces of cake, a lot of magazines and an unreal amount of flowers. Not large arrangements, but just enough to get an idea what they'd look like on a larger scale.

The look on Charlie's face begged for relief. Nobody even noticed he walked into the room as they were all loud and boisterous. Randy watched them smother her and loved her all the more as she was being about as patient as anyone could be considering his mother and the planner were dominating the wedding. He'd been standing there for a good five minutes before he said anything and only chose to speak up when he saw Charlie rub her eyes and pinch the bridge of her nose.

Randy had never seen her move faster. She was off the couch instantly and wrapped around him whispering in his ear to save her. He tried to explain they meant well but Charlie wanted nothing to do with any of this. She had tried several times to explain the wedding would be very small and she could and had handled it on her own. Evidently she was talking to herself because his mother had swarmed in and took over. Randy said he'd speak with her and remind her, this was their wedding and their money so they'd plan it, already had planned it. She stated calmly she tried to explain it to his mother but she thought the time, date, location and arrangements were ridiculous. To top it off she was all over her for a grandchild. She needed to be stopped!

Charlie told Randy how his mom didn't verbally criticize their home directly to her; she did make faces and muttered a few disrespectful comments to the planner and his sister. "She said she loathed the decor and I must have had a decorator because the entire house looks like a Pottery Barn catalog." Charlie didn't care what others thought, but to blatantly disrespect her in her home was different. Charlie thought she was on good terms with his mom and they'd gotten past the initial husband stealer she had thought Charlie was.

Randy excused himself and asked to speak with his mother alone. Charlie caught the looks from Becky and the planner so she said she'd freshen up everyone's drinks. Randy stepped outside with his mom and tried to gently explain things to her. "Mom, what's going on? Who's that lady?"

"She's the wedding coordinator, Randy. She's here to make sure this is done right. This is Charlie's first wedding I presume, and she doesn't know what she's doing so we're here to help." Elaine said with a smile as she hugged her oldest child.

"Mother, Charlie does know what she's doing and it's rude of you to not consult either one of us before you bring in a coordinator. Everything has already been planned and booked so we don't need a coordinator." He felt his temper building at his mom's callous attitude.

"Honey, the wedding has to be in St Louis. Charleston simply won't do…and before you say anything else, having a wedding on New Year's Eve at midnight is ridiculous. People have plans on New Year's and you can't expect our friends to fly to South Carolina and waste their holiday just to see you get married again." Elaine patted his hand and started to go back inside when Randy grabbed her arm.

"This is my wedding, I'll invite who I want to invite. Everyone has plans for New Years so that's irrelevant. It's very small and intimate, the church only seats, maybe 100, and we won't be maxing that out. Everything has already been done and I will not change it." Randy gave his mom the same condescending pat on the hand she gave him and he walked inside to make sure she understood him. She always flustered him and he felt like he'd spoken in incoherent sentences that probably made no sense.

When Elaine entered the house again the coordinator was packing up her things and thanking Charlie for her time. HHumility did not bode well with Elaine Orton and she felt humiliated. She had gone through all the trouble to find the best wedding coordinator, flown all the way to Tampa to help and she was being treated like dirt. She proceeded to give Randy and Charlie a piece of her mind about how inconsiderate they both were after all her hard work. Charlie began grinding her teeth to keep her mouth shut and she didn't have to wait long before Randy, remaining calm, rebutted everything his mother said.

He had somehow managed to calm his mother and thank her for her efforts, reassuring her it was appreciated. It took a lot of finagling but Randy succeeded and his mom and sister stayed to visit through the weekend. It took a day for her to relax again, but Elaine finally relented and quit bringing up the wedding. Charlie even showed her the dress she was wearing and Elaine fell in love with it. She admitted to her daughter she needed to let Randy go. She knew Charlie was great for Randy, she didn't know why she kept trying to find fault. Elaine also admitted the wedding plans sounded so romantic and wonderful, like a dream, she had just wanted to help. Charlie had walked in and heard the end of the conversation. She smiled at Elaine and hugged her, saying all she needed to with that gesture.

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Charlie flew to Charleston two weeks before the wedding for final preparations. She had to hire a special seamstress to handle her wedding gown. It had been passed down from her great, great grandmother. It had been worn four times prior to her and held special significance for each woman. Since she had grown so close to Maria in the past year or so, she had asked her to be an attendant. Two childhood friends, Trish and Victoria, girls she could trust with anything and a very well known celebrity who's attendance was kept secret until two days before. All four would wear Celtic gowns also from the era. Since each woman was very important and equally so; Charlie decided to have four maids of honor.

Even though her gown was from the mid 1800s, they agreed Randy's attire would not be. He would wear a simple tuxedo suit along with the groomsmen. John happily agreed to be his best man flanked by his brother, Keith and Dave. Due to their sizes, all three suits were custom fitted and Randy's inside breast pocket was embroidered with Charlie's family crest. The flower girl and boy were children of Charlie's best friend.

They had planned a guys and girls week filled with things each sex enjoyed. The girls had spa appointments, tours of historic homes, visits to museums and gardens while the guys had tee times, kayaking on the river and deep sea fishing. It was very hard for some of the guests to maintain some sort of decorum when the celebrities began arriving; from Brangelina to Tomkat to Posh and Becks and Gwen and Gavin. Only Randy knew Charlie was good friends with most of Hollywood's A-list couples and he had to keep his brother in check. Keith was a huge soccer fan and was rendered speechless when David Beckham boarded the boat to go deep sea fishing. Keith didn't care if Tom Cruise was on the boat too, Beckham had him in awe. He did have to admit, fishing and talking architecture with Brad Pitt ranked right up there at the top.

The day of the ceremony was anything but stressful. Charlie slept well into the day and enjoyed one more spa visit. This time she was alone and enjoyed the peaceful surrender of being pampered for several hours. She wanted time to think about her life, her choices and where she planned to go in her future. What hadn't she accomplished that she wanted too? Did she want to continue with her professional career? It did bring forth a bountiful plate and she'd never have to work again and odds were good her children would never have to work either. Did she want to travel with Randy? He had asked her too, not like she hadn't already, but did she want to do that all the time. She could join her best friend and get into aiding other countries, she did donate a lot of her money to certain charities and groups, but she could physically help too. So much to think about, plenty of time.

Charlie and her attendants had a late dinner together and she gave each of them a gift to express how much they all meant to her. Her best friend gave her the old, new, borrowed and blue items she would need for good luck. The old and borrowed were Angie's mother's pearls. A simple strand to accentuate the neck. The new and blue item was an idea her mom had given her. Angie wanted to express her gratitude for the unconditional support, unwavering and unflinching generosity, secret protection, and the guidance and loyalty she received with their friendship. She would give the item to Charlie at the church.

A knock at the door told them it was time. A horse drawn carriage would take them to the church, one for the attendants, one for the bride and her brothers. Instead of each woman walking down the aisle by herself as was customary, Charlie wanted her brothers to walk them down the aisle. She couldn't choose between them who would take their father's place by her side, so she chose to walk alone. The eight most important people in her life would be in front of her. Her brothers would take the first pew at the church, the place of honor for the parents of the bride.

Her brothers kept everything light and funny on the way to the church, each one knew he'd get emotional if they didn't joke around. Once they arrived it was another matter. As they gathered at the back of the church, Angie gave Charlie her gift. Her mom had given Angie a pair of diamond earrings when her daughter was born as a way to start a family heirloom. Angie and her boyfriend asked his good friend to design a pair of earrings to begin a family tradition. The multi-drop earrings each housed two round brilliant diamonds alternating with sapphires of the deepest blue. The diamonds and sapphires were set into 24 karat white gold. They didn't match the pearls or her gown, but Charlie wore them anyway. Angie read a poem she was to read during the ceremony.

You know my most intimate mind. My vulnerable side. My gratitude I cannot hide. Embracing my secrets to confide
in you.

And I can't deny the change in me. You are a guarantee to the highest degree and I am forever grateful. I am forever blessed with the comfort you suggest. You've always given me your best.

Sometimes...watching the way you sit and ponder. Laughing as a silly thought enters you. Your smile explodes
and takes flight, landing on me and I catch it.

Beautiful. Lucent. Pure. Secure. My cure... you are

With a hug and a kiss, Angie stepped aside before they both became emotional. Each of her brothers took a moment to share memories, funny stories and what they remembered of their parents when Charlie was young. The five of them shared laughs and tears and promised more during the ceremony and reception. Eric hugged and kissed his sister before leading Trish down the aisle. David did the same and escorted Victoria followed by Bryan and Maria. Alex paused and just looked at his sister. He had tears in his eyes and couldn't believe his baby sister was getting married. He was much older and was her protector. He now had to turn over those reigns to another man and he was having difficulty. Alex let a few tears fall as he held Charlie tight. Angie had to literally pull him from her and even she was having a hard time.

Standing alone at the back of the church staring at the closed doors while she waited, Charlie gathered herself together and took deep breaths. This was it. She thought of her vows and what she was going to say to Randy, editing them in her mind. He was all she needed, nothing more, nothing less. She smiled when she heard the violins begin to play and when the doors opened everyone was standing and all eyes were on her.

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Charlie's dress can be seen via my myspace page. I will post the link there.

Poem by Emily N Sorenson