Chapter Forty-Four
Mac didn't know what to think anymore, he had been on what seemed like a wild goose chase all night, every time he thought he could leave he heard something else, so now he was standing in the old church, this was the last place that he had heard anything, but that was twenty minutes ago.
But as soon as he entered he could feel the stress and unease of the past few weeks getting worse, there was someone here, now he needed to find them, it's not like there were many places to hide. And there was only one exit, so instead of trying to be a hero, he stepped back out into the early morning light and called for backup.
His backup took a little longer than he would have liked, but seeing as how Cruz and Coop were busy, that left few others, they really needed to get some more recruits. Decan and Landon arrived in a timely fashion, but it still felt like it had taken them forever. Decan had been on the force for a little over a year and Landon was getting ready to celebrate his fifth year with the P.C.P.D.
"I want you guys to cover me, Landon, you come with me, Decan you wait here and be prepared for anything, we don't know who is in there!" Mac exclaimed, then took a deep breath and went back in.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Carly had called ahead to prepare the spa for an extra person, seeing as how Brenda was a part of the original group, but with a tact that was completely unlike Carly, she didn't even bat an eyelash.
The ladies indulged in the pampering of Carly's staff for 2 hours. Manicures, pedicures, facials and relaxation massages, it was a perfect way to start the wedding festivities. After the first hour a small brunch was brought to the ladies, along with lots of water, everyone but Liz had a splitting headache, thanks to numerous bottles of tequila.
By the time they were all settled in to have their hair done, most were feeling much better. Liz wasn't sure what she should do to her hair, she had done the upsweep for her wedding to Lucky, she wanted nothing to remind her of that time. So allowing the beautician free reign to an extent, she sat back and allowed him to work his magic.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mac was expecting the capture of Mateo Ruiz to be difficult, he figured the priest would have a gun or something and cause more drama, but when they found him hiding behind the pulpit, he never even tried to run. It was obvious that there was something wrong with him, but all Mac cared about was getting the guy to the precinct. He would have to call Jason soon, but first he wanted to talk to Mateo. Hopefully the guy would be forthcoming with his bosses name, because he really wanted this chapter done with.
Decan and Landon took their car and Mac took his with the prisoner. He still couldn't grasp the ease in which Mateo was taken. Something about it seemed like it was planned, and Mac wasn't sure if that boded well for him or not.
When Mac escorted Mateo into the precinct a round of applause was heard, at his steely gaze, everyone went back to what they were doing before he had arrived. It was nice seeing his officers happy about the law finally doing something lawful, but right now he had bigger problems and priorities.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jason looked like a nervous wreck, Sonny had to laugh at the image, he had seen his friend in many modes throughout their friendship, but the jittery nervous man standing in front of him was definitely something he thought he would never see, it was endearing to know the enforcer could be rattled, it was even more sweet that a little wisp of a woman was the cause.
"Jason relax man, you have four hours before the ceremony, come, sit and eat." Sonny said, squeezing his shoulder as he led him to the table where he had laid out a small brunch.
"I am relaxed, I just don't want anything to get in the way of all of this, Elizabeth has been so patient with me, she has given me everything I have ever wanted, I want this to be a day to remember, not just for me, but for her. And in order to make sure that happens, I want to make sure anyone who would do us harm, is out of the way, but I can't because we don't know the threats or rather the identity of the person who is doing the threatening." Jason said, finally lowering his voice.
"I understand that, but one thing you need to remember, weddings, they never go off without one hitch or another, but as your best man, I will do everything in my power to make sure it goes as smoothly as possible." Sonny said, filling a plate and setting it in front of Jason.
"Then I suppose that is all I can ask, I just hope Lucky and Sam stay away." Jason said, thinking about the 'Does anyone have just cause, why these two should not be married', flashed in his mind, and he could just see Lucky or Sam standing there trying to destroy the happiness they were trying to create.
"I don't think you have to worry about them, and should they show up, I am sure the police will escort them out of the church, all you have to do is tell them, that you don't want them anywhere near you or Liz." Sonny replied, wanting to dispel his friends concerns, but knowing that if one or both decided they wanted to cause an uproar, nothing much could be done to prevent it, he knew Lucky Spencer very well and the boy, because that is what Sonny still saw him as, would do whatever he could to stop it, should he try, it was a Spencer trait, admirable at times and down right annoying at other times.
"Thanks, I know I am being idiotic, I just want to make Liz my wife, no more dancing around one another, it is time I claim my hearts mate and make her mine for life." Jason said, then slowly dug in to his meal, he was going to need his energy to get through the day and very long night.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Once everyone was deemed beautiful, the group left the hotel and headed to their own homes, to finish getting ready. Except for Emily, who was getting ready with Liz, she wasn't only the matron of honor, she was also Liz's sounding board, should her soon-to-be sister-in-law need some encouragement or advice.
"How are you feeling?" Em asked.
"Like I am the happiest women in the world, I have dreamt about this day for years, but until recently, I had convinced myself it would never happen and now that it is, I have no words to describe it. Not only am I marrying my best friend, but my other best friend will now be my sister, how could this day not be perfect." Liz said, embracing Emily before she sat down, fingering the beautiful ring on her left hand.
She was stressing out so much and she could tell Emily had also noticed her stress. She wasn't worried that Jason would not show up or leave before the 'I do's' but she was concerned about all the other people who could ruin her wedding. But before Liz could concentrate fully on the wedding, Emily, like the true best friend she was, distracted her.
"So what your saying is, you have never been happier." Emily said with a smile. "Well in less than two hours you will be walking down the aisle to meet my brother and the two of you are going to find an abundance of joy, because when you are together, no one else exists. I only hope Nikolas and I can find our way back to this, because I would love to become his wife again."
"You know what, I think you will get that. I know he has been distracted lately, but I believe he is going to get his head on straight and see that he should never have let you go. Let me warn you though, if an engagement is coming in the near future, I think us seven women should head to Vegas for a weekend of fun and sun." Liz said, already thinking about the possibilities.
"Let's get through your wedding first, then we can concentrate on getting Nik to pop the question again, and this time, I will not be giving up on him, like you said, he walks down that aisle again, he is stuck with me for life. So okay it's a little different but you know what I mean." Emily said laughing at her own foolishness.
"I do understand. I'll make you a deal, when Jason and I get back from our honeymoon, I will devote loads of time to see you and Nik together and married. Besides there is now seven women to torture all of our loves. Speaking of loves, do you think we should try and set Kelly and Lainey up with someone, because as far as I know, they don't have dates!" Liz said, already running through her mental list of available men.
"Well, Epiphany's son is quite the looker, do you think he would be interested in either of our single friends?" Emily asked, for she too was trying to think of all the single men of Port Charles.
"Possibly, there is also Max, the poor guy is so completely hung up on Carly, I think we need to get his heart focusing on someone who is available. I think he would be perfect for either of our friends. He is loyal and kind, caring and gentle, well at least when he needs to be. Okay, here's what we can do, I'll take Max on, seeing as how I have gotten closer with him, since he has been my bodyguard off an on for some time now, you take care of Stan. We won't decide who they should be with, we will just get them to Kelly and Lainey, once that is done, they can figure out who they might like." Elizabeth said, surprised that she now felt calm.
"How did you do that?" Liz asked with a smile.
"Do what, my dear?" Emily answered back, and smile also playing on her lips.
"You know what! Thank you. Do you think it is time to get to the church, we have some things to discuss so if we head there now, we can get everything done and I won't have to worry about the wedding starting late." Liz said, but she never bothered to wait for an answer, she just rushed upstairs, grabbed everything that she was going to need and was waiting by the door for Emily.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Lucky left while Sam was napping, he needed a few moments to himself, to think. The fresh air really did nothing to alleviate the stress that had his shoulders so tense, but he knew today was not going to be a good day, the love of his life was marrying a mobster, said mobster had taken everything that was his. Before he even knew what was happening a scream of pure unadulterated rage burst from him, bringing him to his knees, the tears that soon followed washed some of his pain away, but there was an emptiness inside that he knew would never be filled again.
Sure he could have twenty kids, with the same woman or twenty different ones, but it would never be the same, the only children he really wanted, were the ones he created with Elizabeth, his Angel.
Once control was more or less found, Lucky dejectedly walked back up to his apartment, to the woman who was not Liz, but the child could be his, and even though it was not Elizabeth carrying said child, he did plan on doing the right thing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sam awoke as soon as Lucky left the apartment. She was happy for this moment of peace, while she did care for Lucky as a friend, her heart would always belong to Jason, but like she had said earlier, that was over, but in her secret heart of hearts, she could keep that longing safely tucked away there, where no one but she herself knew where and how to find it.
She had played a dutiful wife before, seeing as how she and Lucky hadn't spoken of a divorce or anything, she would continue to do so. She only prayed that Lucky return soon, she needed something to keep her mind off the impending festivities that were soon going to be commencing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Mac was becoming more and more frustrated the longer he spent time with Mateo, the man was being obtuse and obstinate, everything Mac asked was met with a stony silence.
Mac understood he wasn't one to strike fear into the hearts of men and criminals, but he did honestly believe he did his job to the best of his abilities. Mateo's calm outer appearance if it was being faked was disconcerting, but Mac vowed he would crack the man before four that afternoon, he wanted to give Elizabeth good news.
So he worked diligently, not relenting. At that moment, he wasn't above using some violence to get what he wanted, he only hoped it wouldn't come to that, but somewhere deep down, he kind of did want it to come to that, he wanted to inflict some if not all the pain he had inflicted on Elizabeth and Skye, for that would be a good start at retribution.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
All seven women crowded into the small bridal room in the church. Liz was already in her dress, and looked positively radiant. Even Carly admitted that she had never seen Liz look so beautiful. The dubious looks from others was enough to crack the group up, but they all agreed, Liz was positively glowing inside and out.
Carly gave Liz her something blue, a garter of course. Lainey gave something old, it was her grandmother's earrings, beautiful yet simple, opals with a single diamond inlaid on the bottom. Kelly had something borrowed, it was the comb her mother gave her, when she turned eighteen, it too was made of opals, it looked beautiful against Elizabeth's dark tresses. Emily had something new, a diamond choker, off set by garnets and rubies. Ad Robin had the sixpence for her shoe. Brenda having not been a part of the original group, gave Elizabeth her mothers ring to wear, it wasn't like she needed something else to go with everything else, but it felt right. It was a ruby ring, nothing opulent or anything but beautiful in its own right.
"You guys, I don't know what to say. This is not only a special day for Jason and I, but it has been made all the more special because I have found six wonderful women who I can call friends. We may not have been close before, but I think after tonight, that will change. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Liz said, hugging everyone in turn, but when she reached Emily she had to pause, "Emily, this is gorgeous but you shouldn't have spent so much, I…"
"Hush, don't go telling me what you do or do not need. It is the very essence of you, and yet it pales in comparison to your beauty." Emily said, hugging her tight, then finally stepped back. "It's almost time, everyone ready?"
"Without a doubt!" Everyone exclaimed.
Everyone left except Emily, they had some time to kill still. Besides when it was time, Sonny would come for them. So they took this opportunity to fix or touch up what ever needed it. A comfortable silence stole over the room, while each woman thought about what had transpired and finally brought them to this point in life.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
You guys have been absolutely wonderful, thank you for all the great feedback, I only hope you continue to enjoy it. The more feedback I get, the quicker I write, so I thank you for keeping my muse sated.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX