Episode 25 Part II

"A Look to the Future"

I don't own these characters, but it would be nice if I did.

Wait...In this story, I created some of the characters, so I will actually own them.

Anyways, I do promise to keep them true to themselves.

And as to the ones I create, who they are is up to me, so...

The Ballroom of the Tipton Grand Hawaiian

Even though Cody and Bailey were now finally and officially husband and wife, they didn't have any time to stop and bask in the glow of it. When the wedding ceremony had been completed, they walked back down the aisle hand in hand to the cheers and applause from their guests. But they were met at the back by the wedding coordinator who quickly whisked the wedding party away to allow the guests to begin to file out. Once all of the guests had headed towards the reception where they would pick up their complimentary flip flops, Cody and Bailey were circled back around to where they had gotten married only moments before. Before they could join their guests at the reception, they had to take the wedding pictures. And it seemed like every possible combination of people in the wedding party had a picture taken of it. Finally, it was just Cody, Bailey, the wedding coordinator and the photographer left as everyone else had headed off the the reception. But instead of having a few minutes alone, the bride and groom were put through a litany of poses of just the two of them. They really didn't mind though as they knew they would have these pictures to look back on someday.

Finally, close to 4:00, Cody and Bailey were finally finished taking pictures and released join their guests at the reception. And to another standing ovations while the song Somewhere Over the Rainbow played, the bride and groom made their grand entrance. Everyone except them thought the song had to do with Bailey being from Kansas, but they both knew the true significance of that song. Cody and Bailey were lead to the head table to take their seats and joined their wedding party and their dates. Fortunately, as soon as they got there, the hotel's staff was ready to serve the reception meal. Since it only a little after 4:00, the meal hadn't been designed to be overly heavy. Plus, since the reception wasn't scheduled to last past 9:00, the plan had been to give all of the guests a few hours after it was over to enjoy Maui one final time before everyone flew home the next day.

Of course, being the bride and groom had some perks as Bailey and Cody were the first ones to be served. The wedding planner must have known what she was doing as that turned out to be a very good idea. While everyone else was waiting to get served, the head table was given the chance to eat. And the bride and groom had built up big appetites by then. By the time they had finished, they began making the rounds to talk and visit with their guests. So, for the first hour of the reception, everyone ate while Cody and Bailey went from table to table thanking everyone for coming to their wedding. And as they did, Cody was quickly realizing just how many new family members he had just acquired. While all of them gave him a warm official welcome to the family, he was doing his best trying to remember all of the names of the ones he had just met for the first time that week. Fortunately for Bailey, she didn't have quite as many new family members for her to have to remember their names. Of course, the biggest kick she got was finally getting to chat for a few minutes with her new Aunt Martha. While she would have liked to have gotten to know more why there was animosity between her and her sister, Carey, everyone was interrupted a clinking sound coming over the PA system. That got everyone's attention, and they turned to see where the noise was coming from. And standing at the head table with a spotlight focused on her, London was clinking her champagne class next to a microphone Todd was holding for her. So, once she knew she had their attention, she sat down her fork and took the microphone from her boyfriend.

"If I can have everyone's attention, its time for my maid of honor speech and Zack's best man speech. So, if Cody and Bailey will please return to their seats, their humiliation will get under way..."

Cody and Bailey just looked at each other, shrugged and returned to their seats at the head table. And once they were seated, London picked up the microphone again.

"Okay, as honored as I was to be the maid of honor, I'm even more so honored to be able to be the first to toast the new Mr. and Mrs. Martin. You see, I've known Cody for ten years now and Bailey for seven. When I first met Cody, he was this short little blonde boy with a twin brother than I could never tell apart. Well, that was until I discovered he was the Brain Boy, and I could use him to my advantage. And I did. For those of you that remember Yay Me!, it never would have existed if not for Cody. He was the one who was responsible for its inception. So, for six years at the Tipton and on the boat, I would use him for my own personal use whenever I saw fit. I know now that I was being incredibly selfish, but he didn't seem to mind. It would eventually dawn on me that Cody would do things to help me out like that because I was his friend.

And then there came the day where my Daddy tricked me into going to school on that stupid boat. I went from having the nicest penthouse at the Boston Tipton to having to share this tiny cabin with a complete stranger. Well, I thought I was good when I bought off my first roommate. I figured if I was going to be stuck on the ship, the very least I should have my own cabin. Well, that lasted less than a day before I soon had Bailey thrown in with me as my new roommate. I tried to buy her off too, but for some reason, she wasn't having any of it. So, I realized I was stuck, and I thought I was going to be miserable because I didn't think Farm Girl and I would have anything in common at all. Well, I'm here to admit that I was wrong. Having to live with Bailey for three years was one of the best things to ever happen to me. Sure, we had our moments, but she seemed to too accept me for who I was. And like Cody before, it dawned me on that Bailey was nice to me and helped me out because I was her friend. In fact, she's now one of my best friends in the whole world.

Well, me having friends like that was a complete shock to my system. You see, I was raised to think that the bottom line is the only thing that mattered. But it dawned on me that that wasn't the way to live. My father still lives that way, but he doesn't have anyone close to him that he thinks he can trust. I'm fortunate that I realized the error of my ways in time. I now have friends that I can count on when I need them, and in return, I know I will be there when they need me. And I know I have two true friends in both Cody and Bailey. I was happy for them when they went off to Yale together, but I didn't realize just how much I would miss them both until I didn't see them everyday. So, needless to say, knowing that I'm going to have them both back in Boston for medical school makes me extremely happy."

London turned to face them. "So, above all, what I want to say most to you two today is...thank you. Thank you both for being my friend and continuing to put up with me when you had every reason not to. If you guys ever need anything in the future, I hope you know you can come to me for help." She paused. "But, we're not here today because you two are my friends. We're here because you two love each other so much that you wanted to marry each other. Well, despite what you might think or what I might have said, I knew this day has been coming for a long time now - even before my mirror told me so. And while you two have lived your lives, you have taught me a very valuable lesson. You see, ever since I first saw you two get together, I've watched you both be so confident in who you were that you didn't care what others thought of you. You two were so comfortable in your own skins, and you didn't try to be more than who you were. You see, I always thought that I had to be what people wanted me or expected me to be. Well, when I saw you guys didn't yet had the other love you just the way you were, I got a little jealous. I wondered why you could find that and I couldn't..." London smiled. "Well, turns out you two were doing things the right way. Be yourself, and good things will happen to you. The past couple of years, I've just been myself, and my life has never been better."

She turned back to face the crowd. "But they also taught me how two people who are in love with each other should be around each other. With my parents long since divorced and my father having over two dozen wives, I didn't know. But, I got to watch you them meet and fall in love with each other the right way, and I must say, it was very interesting to watch. I saw Cody stand up for Bailey when I tried to bribe my way to the Miss Tipton pageant crown. I saw him do whatever he could to make her happy whether it ended up bringing them together or temporarily tore them apart. But through it all, they never stopped loving each other. While neither is perfect, they are perfect for each other. And, now they are married. When you see true love like those two share, you have do everything you can to help it along. I might have been a little late starting, but I hope I've done my part in doing so..." She raised her glass. "So, will everyone please raise their glasses and help me toast Mr. and Mrs. Brain Boy or Farm Girl...or Mr. and Mrs. Martin, however you want to call them."

And with that everyone toasted the happy couple. Once London was done, Zack stood up and picked up the microphone.

"Alright, for those who don't know me or can't see the resemblance, I'm Zack Martin, Cody's twin brother and best man..." He paused and couldn't help but look over at Grammy Pickett. When he saw she wasn't scowling at him, he sighed in relief. "Well, I know most of these speeches usually involve the best man sharing extremely embarrassing stories about the groom, but, I'm not going to do that. For one, I don't really think there is much I tell about the groom that the bride doesn't already know. For another, the few things she might not know about would implicate me as well, and I'd rather let sleeping dogs lie. So, Bro, just remember me doing this when it comes time for us to switch places..."

The crowd laughed at that.

"So, I thought I would go in a different direction here today. I know we don't look as much alike as we once did, but Cody and I are identical twins. Except for the ten minutes between our births, Cody and I have always been around each other our whole lives. Whether that be in the womb together or sharing a room together up until we left for the boat, I could always turn and it seemed like he was there. And even when we did go there, we were just right across the hall from each other. And as the cooler and older brother, I at times made it seem like I was happy when my brother wasn't always around. But, it was me who went to try to bring him home from math camp when it was me who was missing him. And I had to again learn to get used to him being away at Yale while he was there for college. But like London, I'm happy that he will now be back again in Boston.

And him returning back to Boston kind of makes things seem like it did when we first moved there ten years ago. Then, we were both about to begin a new school where we didn't know anyone else except each other. And now, we are both about to begin a new school in the Boston area again. But things are a lot different in other ways. For one, Cody will know someone there - his wife. And the fact that we're here for his wedding is something that would have blown my mind ten years ago. Back then, I could care less about school, was more outgoing, and was better with the ladies. Cody was smarter, more introverted, and really shy around girls." Zack paused and laughed. "Which is why its ironic that we're here for his wedding while I'm about to begin Harvard Business School in a couple of months."

He turned to face his brother. "Codester, things have definitely changed for us in the last ten years. It may have taken me a little longer, but I like to think I've finally grown up as I now take school more seriously. And I blame you for that. You had to go and rub off on to me. Well, Baby Bro, I like to think I've rubbed off on to you as well. I know I always gave you hell about whether or not I'd ever be an uncle or if you'd ever find a girl willing to date you. Well, the truth is I was wrong about that. You've always had the girls attracted to you, but you just never really noticed. And now that we're here for your wedding, I know why. You were just waiting for the right one. And almost seven years ago, you found her. And once you met Bailey, it was like no other girls even existed in the world. Broseph, from the very beginning, you fell hard, hook line and sinker. And for the longest time, I couldn't understand why. And that's where you once again rubbed off on to me.

I finally understood it myself when I met Maya a couple of years later. I finally understood what happens when you meet the one. And as I much as I hate to say it, I had no idea how to handle it. Fortunately for me, I had you there to give me advice..." He paused and looked out at the crowd. "And believe me, going to my brother for advice about girls was both surreal and slightly humiliating. But, he was right. He told me not to try to understand women, but rather, try to understand the woman you love. So, I've tried that, and I have to admit that its working out pretty well. So, whenever my brother gives me advice now, I do tend to listen."

Zack turned to Bailey. "Now, as for my new sister, I have to admit that I was a little jealous for the first little while that you two were going out. You see, I was used to constantly give him a hard time, but with you around, that didn't seem to bother him as much. But most of all, I think I kind of resented you because I thought I was losing my brother. Suddenly, Cody wanted to spend all of his free time with you, and I missed the days when it was just him and me. Plus, I always viewed it as my role as the older brother to be the one to protect him, but you slowly took over that role as well. I mean, for years, when it came to school projects, Cody and I always worked together. Sure, I probably took advantage of him a little bit, but it stung when he began choosing you to do them with instead of me. It felt like you were squeezing me out of my brother's life. But I was wrong. I wasn't losing my brother - I was in the early stages of gaining a sister. Over the years, I've learned that you are what makes Cody happy, and I want you to continue to do so. So, Bailey...welcome to the family..."

Zack turned to look at both of them now. "And now, instead of having a brother I know I can always count on, I have a brother and a sister. Broseph, while you may be a married man now, I don't think it will change you much at all. You've acted like a married man for a while now, and I don't mean that as an insult. I mean that you have been completely and totally devoted to your now wife basically since the day you met her. Sure, you two have had your ups and downs, but you managed to overcome them and be even stronger because of them. So, I just want you to remember what I told you earlier today – don't screw this up! Cody, you have a wife who is absolutely perfect for you, and Bailey, you have a husband who is absolutely perfect for you. I know I've asked before what you see in him, but I was just joking around. I know what you see in him because he is was one of the best guys I know. I hope you two know how lucky you both are to have each other. Continue to take care of each and support each other. You guys do that, and you should be just fine..."

He raised his glass. "So, if everyone will please, raise your glasses and help me toast my brother and my new sister..."

Once everyone toasted them again, Zack continued. "Now that London and I have sufficiently embarrassed the bride and groom, its time for something a little more upbeat. I've been informed that its now time for the new Mr. and Mrs. Martin to have their first dance as a married couple. And in case anyone wants to know, Cody and Bailey chose this song themselves as they felt it said everything that was necessary to say."

And with that, Cody stood up and helped Bailey up before they headed out to the dance floor all by themselves. And with everyone's eyes on them once again, she grinned at him.

"Ready to show everyone what we can do?"

He grinned right back at her. "Lets do it!"

And at that moment, the song Amazed (any version would work, but I'm more impartial to the BOYZ II MEN version). As they music began playing, Cody and Bailey began dancing.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby, when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away

And I've never been this close
To anyone or anything
I can hear you thoughts
I can see your dreams and I

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
And it keeps getting better yeah
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
(and you say you love me)
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart

Oh, it feels like our first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

I don't know how you do what you do it
I'm so in love with you
And it keeps getting better and better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby, I'm amazed by you

Feels like I am so...

I am so amazed by your love
It feels like forever inside
It's almost more than I can spend
And I can't control it, no

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
And it keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever (and ever), and ever
Every thing you do
Baby, every thing you do
I'm amazed by you

By the time the song ended, the bride and groom seemed to have forgotten they weren't alone as they just kept kissing each other over and over. And as they witnessed that, all of their guests began clinking their forks against their glasses encouraging them to continue. And they very well may have if they didn't hear a voice coming over the PA system.

"Please! We've all just eaten here!"

They turned to see London grinning at them.

"Besides, you two will have plenty of time for that later!"

They broke apart, and both were blushing a little as everyone else laughed. But Bailey leaned in and whispered to Cody. "You're right, I much prefer doing that without an audience."

He whispered back. "Me too, but I'll never apologize for making out with my wife ever..."

While they were to stay out on the dance floor, it was time for them to change partners. It was now time in the festivities for the father/daughter and mother/son dances. So, Clyde and Carey joined them on the dance floor so they could dance with their respective child. Once the new song began, Clyde and Bailey began dancing as he just smiled at his daughter.

"I had no idea Cody could dance like that..."

Bailey laughed. "Oh, he wasn't always as good as he is now. We did take some ballroom dancing classes together at Yale, but even before that, he took some lessons back on the boat just to impress me."

"Oh really? I'm kind of surprised he was able to fit those in with how much you two would study..."

She paused. "Well...lets just say he found a unique way of finding the time..."

"Well, considering where we are, I assume it did impress you some..."

"Daddy, I wouldn't care if he always stepped on my toes when we danced. That doesn't matter to me at all."

Clyde could just nod. "I know. I have to admit that when you were growing up, I always wondered what kind of guy would finally be able to tame you. But I realize I was thinking about it all wrong. You didn't need to be tamed – you needed someone who would run along side of you."

"Yeah, I guess I did. And I have that."

"I know that too. I guess I should have known the guy you gave your heart too would be different than the ones that your older sisters did and your two younger sisters seem to have. But you were always the different one, Sweetheart - well, you and your sister, Amy. But while he doesn't fit the usual mold, your husband is a good man. And now with your youngest sister heading off to join you in Boston, I'm halfway expecting her to find herself someone more similar to Cody that the rest of your brothers-in-law."

Bailey laughed again. "Well, we'll just have to see what she finds and accept it. The heart wants what the heart wants, Daddy."

He nodded again. "You're right. But while I've already asked Cody to keep an eye on her up there for me, and I'm hoping you will too. Just make sure she doesn't get herself into any trouble..."

"Daddy, I won't spy on her for you."

Clyde grinned. "Okay, fine. I'll just rely on the reports from Cody then. I may be his father-in-law now, but I can still intimidate him."

"Just trust that she knows what she's doing, Daddy. The rest of us did, and everything has worked out just fine."

"That's true."

She paused and teased him. "So, now that Cody and I are married, does this mean he and I can actually share my old room together when we visit Kettlecorn?"

He teased her right back. "I don't see why not. You're finally his wife, so now, you're his problem!"

"Daddy!"

"Just kidding. But like I've said before, you'll understand what I was feeling when you finally become a parent yourself..." He laughed. "Besides, I can't wait to see what kind of grand kids you two are going to give me..."

She laughed too. "Well, I think you'll have to wait a while for that. It won't be until have we've finished medical school at least. Probably our residencies too..."

"I kind of figured that. Well, I'm just glad you are so happy, Sweetheart. You deserve it...Mrs. Martin." Clyde paused and laughed again. "Though, now that I think about it, I do hope you two have at least one daughter. I'd love to see how Cody reacts to watching his own little girl grow up..."

Across the dance floor, Carey and Cody were dancing as well.

"So, Mom, I'm now a married man. What did you think of my wedding?"

Carey couldn't help but smile at her youngest. "Honey, it was absolutely beautiful, and I couldn't have picked a better bride for you if I could..." She paused. "But it still feels so weird that my Baby Boy now has a wife."

He just smiled back. "Thanks...I think."

"Its not that I think you having a wife is weird, but it still seems like it was just yesterday that I brought you two home from the hospital. And it seems like it was a couple of hours ago that I dropped you and Zack off at that boat." She sighed. "I just wish I had known then how much you two going there was going to change everything..."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I would have had more time to get used to everything. Cody, you're married now, and I think your grandmother is probably right that your brother will be there himself sooner than later. Its just a strange feeling realizing that your kids don't need you as much anymore..."

"We'll always need you, Mom. Maybe not in the same ways we used to, but we still do. Besides, I know you aren't ready now, but aren't you looking forward to being a grandmother someday?"

Carey just gave him a look. "Yeah, eventually! But look at me. Do I look like I'm old enough to be a grandmother? I know I'm...in my mid forties, but I like to think I still have it!"

Cody laughed. "Mom, I don't know how to respond to that. But, you have to remember that Bailey and I won't be looking to have kids until we are at least out of medical school. But you do need to accept that the time will eventually come..."

"I know. Its just with you two off with your own lives now, I'm not sure what to do with mine..."

"You can do whatever you want with it. I know in the past I haven't been all that enthusiastic about you dating, but I really do think you should get back out into the game, Mom..." He grinned. "In fact, I can think of someone who wouldn't mind having a dance with you tonight if you were interested..."

Carey sighed again. "You've been talking with your grandmother, haven't you?"

Cody kept grinning. "I might have. But think about it this way...Mimi loves Bailey, and she loves Maya. So, she's shown so far that she has pretty good taste. Now, I disagree with her about Dad, but isn't there an old song that says two out of three ain't bad?"

She shook her head. "How do you even know about that song?"

"It doesn't matter. All I'm saying is that maybe you should give her taste the benefit of the doubt for once?"

Carey slumped her shoulders and sighed. "I'll think about it..."

Speaking of tastes though, as the father/daughter and mother/son dances were ending, the wedding cake was wheeled out from the kitchen. Immediately, everyone's eyes turned to it as they began oohing and ahhing. Chef Paulo had really outdone himself this time. It was a six tiered cake that was absolutely stunning. Cody and Bailey almost felt bad about having to cut into it, but, they did anyways. And after they had cut out the first piece of it, Cody couldn't help but notice the twinkle in his wife's eyes.

"You're not planning on doing what I think you're planning on doing, are you?"

Bailey just grinned at him. "I might be. What are you going to do if I do?"

He grinned right back. "Just remember turnabout is fair play!"

A few minutes later, both just stood there laughing as they wiped smushed cake off of each other's faces. Everyone else thought it was hilarious too - well, almost. Arturo was freaking about the possibility of them getting frosting on the dress and suit he had designed and stitched together by hand. While he made sure they weren't messed up, the professionals took over and began cutting the cake up for all of the wedding guests. And while it was being served, Cody and Bailey finally got the chance to return to their seats and sit down. And after everyone had had their share of the delicious cake, the dance floor opened up to everyone else. Since they had already danced some, the bride and groom were more than happy to sit back and watch for a little bit. Well, they did until Marcus and Melanie came over to sit down next to them.

"So, how's married life so far?"

Cody laughed. "Well, the first three hours of it have been pretty great. So, so far, I highly recommend it..."

Melanie just shook her head and laughed too. "Well, I'm glad to hear that. And it was an extremely beautiful ceremony. It's definitely given me some ideas for my own some day if you two don't mind if I borrow them."

Bailey smiled. "Please do. But here's a best piece of advice I can give you. The best part of a wedding is after its over. All of the worries about whether or not everything is going to go just right are over by then. And you can relax and really begin to enjoy it."

"I'll remember that..."

Cody grinned. "Well, I enjoyed every second of it. So, what comes next for you two? I assume you're off to law school, Melanie."

She nodded. "Yeah, I start next month. I was planning on staying at Columbia, but NYU offered me more money to go there. So, I pulled a chapter out of your books and switched allegiances. But, its still a top six law school in the country like Columbia is, so I should be all good."

Marcus grinned. "Plus, you get to stay in New York with me."

Melanie shrugged. "Well, that's a nice bonus I guess..." She paused and smiled at him. "Okay, I wasn't leaving New York regardless, but don't let that go to your head."

He laughed. "I won't..."

"What about you, Marcus? What's next for you?"

"Well, I was actually offered a slot on the comeback season of The Surreal Life, but I turned it down. I don't think I'm ready to be put out to pasture at 21. So, I'm actually going to start writing again. In fact, I'm thinking taking a stab at writing a second musical."

Bailey's eyebrows raised. "Oh yeah? Any ideas about a plot yet?"

Marcus nodded. "Actually, I do. I'm thinking about setting it at a high school aboard a cruise ship..."

Cody just looked at him and shook his head. "Wherever would you get the inspiration for a story like that?"

He laughed. "Oh, you know me. You know how creative I can be! Anyways, I'm even thinking of basing the characters on all of us. I mean, we have the young brainy couple, the self proclaimed ladies man who eventually meets his match, the rich hotel heiress, the strict disciplinarian with a heart of gold..." He grinned. "...the suave and smooth former child sensation and...well...Woody."

Bailey laughed. "Well, just don't character assassinate us. Other than that, I can't wait to see it."

"I would never do anything like that. Besides, we had enough crazy things that really happen to us on that boat that I wouldn't have to make up anything."

Cody smiled. "Well, just let us know when it debuts, and we'll be there for it."

"I will. But, you guys know Boston and New York aren't that far apart. I fully expect you guys to come down and visit us every so often."

Bailey smiled. "We will. Tell you what - if Valentine's weekend next February has decent weather, we'll be there."

Unfortunately for the bride and groom, more of their relatives came over and wanted to take pictures with them. So, Marcus and Melanie headed out on to the dance floor. A little while later, Cody and Bailey made their way back to their seats again to rest up after going through a second round of vigorous picture taking that day. But they weren't to be alone for too long as this time as this time it was Woody and Addison that sat down at their table with them.

Woody just shook his head and slapped Cody on the back. "Good job, Man. She's still way out of your league, yet you still got her to marry you..."

Bailey rolled her eyes. "Okay, for the last time, I'm not out of Cody's league nor is he out of mine! I really wish you guys would quit talking like that..."

Woody grinned. "Hey, I don't mean it as an insult or anything. Cody and I both know we are with ladies way too good for us. It doesn't mean we love either of you guys any less or that you guys love us any less. We just know you and Addison could do better than us."

"Well, I don't agree with that, and I don't think Addison does either! We love you guys, and to us, there is no one better for us! So, learn to accept that!"

Addison nodded. "I completely agree. Anyways, congrats to the both of you. We all knew you two would be the first ones to get married..." She grinned. "I just hope it goes better than that silly assignment we had in high school did..."

Bailey laughed. "Oh, I think it would almost have to. I'd like to think we're both much older, wiser and mature now. And I learned a valuable lesson from that and from when Cody had to take care of me our freshmen years of college when I had the flu really bad. When they say in sickness and in health, they really mean it. Besides, we plan on staying in the honeymoon phase as long as we can. As they say, the honeymoon is only over when you let it end."

"Good, I'm really glad to hear that."

Cody spoke up. "So, now that you two are college graduates too, I haven't heard what's next for you guys yet. Staying in Toledo or moving somewhere new?"

Addison smiled. "Actually, we are moving – to Hershey, Pennsylvania. I was offered a position within the company as a nutritionist. Its my fantasy job, so Woody and I decided to go for it..."

"What about you, Woodchuck? What are you going to do now?"

He laughed. "Actually, I lucked out too. Thanks to me taking over for you on Yay Me!, London gave me a great recommendation. So, with her backing, I secured a spot working for the local ESPN radio station in Harrisburg. So, while I won't be behind the camera for that, they do also want me to be a part time cameraman for its sister television station. I figure after working with London, there's nothing they can throw at me that will phase me."

Cody teased his old roommate. "Just remember to point the camera at the people who are supposed to be on the air and not yourself..."

"Yeah, yeah..." He sighed. "You're never going to let me forget that, are you?"

Bailey laughed. "Well, with you guys there, you guys won't be far from New York City either. We were just talking to Marcus and Melanie a little while ago, and we're going to head to the Big Apple for Valentine's Day. You guys should definitely join us!"

Addison nodded. "Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fun. That will be a good way for us to all see each other every so often."

However, they were interrupted once again. But this time, it was the father of the groom that was doing so.

Kurt grinned at his son. "Cody, would you mind if I danced one song with your new wife and my new daughter?"

Bailey smiled. "I'd love to..." She kissed Cody's cheek. "Be right back, hubby..."

He smiled back. "Well, if you are going to do that, I know of a beautiful lady I should ask for a dance myself." So, excused himself from Woody and Addison, and he walked over to his hopeful dance partner.

"Grammy...would you do the honor of dancing with me?"

She looked up at him and grinned. "It would be my pleasure to dance with my newest grandson."

Across the dance floor, Kurt couldn't help but smile at his danced with his daughter-in-law.

"Bailey, I have to thank you again. I've never seen my son look so happy as he has today, and I know you're the reason for that. Thank you for putting that smile on his face."

She grinned back. "Well, he's been putting one on mine for a long time..." She paused. "So, has seeing one Martin man go through one of these again given you any ideas?"

Kurt laughed. "Well, it might have, but Maria and I have only been together for less than two years. No need to rush anything."

"So? Sometimes you just know. I remember Cody and I talking about what our wedding would be like our junior years of high school. Even way back then, we knew this day would eventually come."

"I remember reading about that in one of his e-mails. How did the reality compare to what you two talked about back then?"

Bailey laughed. "Exactly the way I wanted it. I wanted our wedding outdoors where we could be surrounded by nature. And that's exactly how it was though having it on the beach was far more than I could have ever dreamed of..." She paused. "Of course, back then, Cody said he wanted it in the Palace at Wurttemberg in Germany..."

Kurt shook his head and laughed. "Well, I'm glad to see my son has already learned to give his wife whatever she wants..."

"Well, that was before we learned that a wedding does not a marriage make. A relationship takes a lot of work and maintenance. If its not strong, than no matter what or where the wedding is, it won't be enough to save it."

"Well, I know for a fact that you two have a very strong relationship. I just wish my mother was still alive and had gotten a chance to meet you, Bailey. I know she would think the world of you. But, if I had to guess, I'm sure she's probably been watching out for you two for a long time now wherever she is..."

"Cody's told me all about her, and I think I would have definitely liked her as well. And I hope she's keeping an eye out for us too. But as for here, I promise you I'll take good care of Cody for the rest of our lives."

"I know you will. Trust me, sometimes relationships just don't work especially when those in them want different things. Unfortunately, I know all about that. But I don't think you two will have any worries about that. You two have shared the same dreams and plans for a long time now, and they all seem to be working out for you guys."

Bailey nodded. "Yeah, but just because we're married now, it doesn't mean our plans are all done. In fact, I'd say we're just getting started with them..."

Across the dance floor from them, Cody was now dancing with Grammy Pickett.

"So, what did you think of the ceremony, Grammy?"

She smiled at him. "I thought it was just perfect. Bailey looked just beautiful, didn't she?"

He smiled back. "Yes, she sure did. But then again, I'm extremely biased and think she always does."

Grammy laughed. "Good answer. I always knew you were a smart one. And if I may say, you looked very handsome yourself, Cody. I'm sure my granddaughter would definitely agree with me on that."

"Thank you, Grammy."

She kept laughing. "So, how are you adjusting to the fact that the size of your family probably quadrupled today? Think you'll be able to handle that?"

"Well, I think I will if they just give me time to learn all of their names. Most I already know, but there are a few I just met for the first time this week."

"I know you'll do fine. So, what do you think of your new ring so far?"

Cody looked down at it. "You know, I've never worn jewelry before, so it was kind of a weird feeling for the first little while. But now, I think I've gotten used to it. Plus, I know every time I look down at it, I'll think of Bailey."

"Another good answer..." She grinned. "You're on fire today!"

He laughed. "Thank you again..."

"Now, all you have to do is be a good husband to my granddaughter. And I think I've gotten to know you well enough to do that you will. Cody, you're a good guy, and I have faith and confidence that you'll treat her right."

"Thank you once again, Grammy. I will be the best husband to Bailey that I can be. I promise to love, honor and cherish her for the rest of our lives."

"That's all anyone can ask of you. You'll do just fine." She winked at him. "Besides, look at the bright side. When you two head up to the honeymoon suite tonight, no one will wonder or worry about what you two are doing up there..."

Cody just looked at Grammy in surprise, but fortunately, an announcement over the PA system saved him from having to respond to her statement. Seems like it was time for Bailey to throw her bouquet and for Cody to throw the garter. So, both the bride and groom bid farewell to their dance partners and returned to the head table. Bailey was up first, and when it was time for her to throw it over her shoulder, all of the single women in attendance lined up to catch it. Of course, unbeknownst to the other ladies, two of them had vowed to themselves that they would do whatever it took to catch the bouquet. And when Maya finally wrestled it away from London, everyone was relieved that no one was bleeding or had had teeth knocked out.

But when it came time for the garter, things were a little different as none of the guys were as gung ho to catch it. Now, they did give plenty of catcalls when Cody dropped to a knee and reached his hands up under Bailey's dress to slide it down her leg. When he turned to face them, he had a large grin on his face as he began aiming it at several different people. And that caused them to begin ducking down behind others, but there was one who couldn't hide from him no matter what he tried. Thanks to him teaching Cody how to shoot rubber bands when the were kids, Zack could only sigh when his brother shot it right at him. As no one else was clamoring to steal it from him, he just caught it and shook his head.

With that, Cody pulled up a chair next to Bailey so that could grab a breather as Zack and Maya shared a dance as the catchers of the bouquet and garter. But like before, another couple pulled up some chairs next to them. This time, it was Gertie and Tapeworm. And Tapeworm just grinned at Cody.

"Thanks for not aiming it at me, man..."

Gertie rolled her eyes. "Well, unlike Howie, I was actually going for the bouquet, but I wasn't about to get in between London and Maya..."

Bailey laughed. "Yeah, I'm just happy no one got hurt..." She shook her head. "So, you guys ready for grad school to start back next month?"

"Yeah, I think so. It'll be nice to be back in New Haven again...even if you two won't be there."

Cody smiled. "Well, you'll still have your deluxe suite in the sky..."

Tapeworm paused. "Actually, we won't. Gertie's Dad has rented us our own apartment for next year as a graduation gift to us both. Its at the intersection of Park and Chapel."

Cody just looked at him as he thought of something. "Hmmm. Unless I'm mistaken, that will be a block away from the school of architecture, won't it?"

He sighed. "Yeah, it is..."

"So...have you already gotten on Gertie's case for having such short walks to her classes next semester?"

Tapeworm just gave him a look and slumped his shoulders. "No, I haven't..."

"And why not?" Cody teased him. "You sure did enough for us!"

Gertie spoke up. "Because I can kiss him and he doesn't care so much afterwards..."

"She has me there..."

Bailey grinned. "And there's nothing wrong with that at all..."

Gertie turned to her and grinned. "Oh, I know. I find it to be one of my most useful tools. But our new place will have a guest room, so you two will have a place to stay with us the week before Thanksgiving for the Big Game this year."

"And you two will have a place to stay with us the same time the year after. And you two are more than welcome to come up and stay with us in Boston any time you want."

Tapeworm grinned. "Just make sure you two clean up well. I have no desire to smell formaldehyde..."

Cody shook his head. "As long as you don't complain about how close our place is to the medical school..."

"You know I can't make that promise..."

Gertie sighed. "Its going to be weird not having you guys around from now on."

"We're only a phone call or a two hour drive away..."

"We may have to call you two about Halloween as well. For one, I think we may be a little too old to hang out with the undergrads at the Mortician's Ball, and two, between you two and Zack, there was always something going on to keep it interesting..."

"Just let us know..."

Tapeworm paused and grinned at Cody. "So, since you know have a wedding ring, should I start calling you Frodo now?"

Cody laughed. "Nah. I have no desire to ever destroy let alone take this ring off. I mean, its my...precious..."

Meanwhile, out on the dance floor, Zack and Maya were dancing with each other. Since they had the floor to themselves, some were watching them, but most were otherwise busy doing something else. And as they danced, Maya could resist the urge to tease him.

"Nice hands back there. You know, if Welker had hands that good, your Pats might have beaten my Giants in the Super Bowl several years ago."

Zack teased her right back. "Well, at least I didn't have to press it against my head to make sure I caught it..."

"All that matters is that Tyree did catch it..." She smiled. "Have I mentioned how handsome you looked up there today?"

He smiled back. "Well, you're not looking so bad yourself today. In fact, you look down right gorgeous..."

"Thank you. And I loved your best man speech you gave. It was just the right amount of teasing mixed with coming straight from you heart."

Zack shrugged. "Well, today is Cody and Bailey's day. As much as I like to give them pure hell, they both deserved a day like this."

"Yeah, they did. I have to admit, today has given me a lot of ideas..."

"Same here. I used to be totally anti-weddings, but maybe they aren't so bad. I mean, if you truly love someone, what's wrong with wanting to stand up in front of everyone and expressing it?"

Maya teased him again. "So, saying there may be hope for you yet?"

Zack laughed. "I think so. I could definitely see us doing something like this some day ourselves..."

She got serious. "Yeah, I can too..."

"I mean, we'd have to do something that was more symbolic for us. I mean, Hawaii was where they had their first date, not us. I guess we could do it on a submarine, but I don't think there is one big enough to fit everyone..."

"Well, when the time comes, we'll think of something..." Maya smiled. "Of course, for that to happen, you will have to ask me first..."

He teased her back. "Well, as soon as I seriously hurt myself, I'll know its the right time. I mean...look at Cody and Todd..."

She laughed. "Well, the next time you get a hangnail and have the urge, I'll be waiting..." She leaned in and kissed him. "And know that my answer will be yes..."

Zack smiled. "That's good to know. I..." He paused and frowned as he saw something. "Wait a minute! Is that my Mom sitting over there and...flirting with Arwin?"

Maya turned to see where he was looking. "Yeah, I think it is. Something wrong with that?"

"No, I just never thought I'd ever see that..." He shrugged and smiled. "Oh well, what were we talking about again?"

"Us..."

"That's right. Well, if you're promising to say yes, then I'm promising you now that I will ask you some day. I don't have a promise ring like Cody had, but I'm giving you my word."

She smiled. "That's good enough for me. Seems like while we weren't the ones who got married today, we just took a big step in our relationship ourselves."

"Yeah, I guess we did..."

Maya paused and smiled again. "How about we take another one then too?"

"Yeah? What do you have in mind?"

She leaned in and whispered her idea in his ear. And when he heard her, his eyes went wide.

"Are you serious?"

Maya just smiled. "Yeah, I am. I think we're ready, Zack."

Zack just looked at her for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, I think we are too..." He paused and grinned. "So, how about we get out of here already?"

She laughed. "I don't think we can until the bride and groom make their exit. While your speech is over, I'm sure you still have some best men duties to perform..."

He winked at her. "Maybe so, but I'll show you later just how appropriate of a name 'best man' is..."

At that moment, they heard a large clap of thunder come from outside. And Zack couldn't help himself but to laugh. "Sounds like a storm is coming. You know, I was once told storms can be very lucky things..."

Back at their table, Cody and Bailey were enjoying a brief moment of privacy when they too heard the loud clap of thunder. Both just looked at the other and grinned.

"I think you jinxed us, Cody. You said you wouldn't care if it stormed on our wedding day, and now, it looks like it will..."

He leaned in and kissed her. "I'll take that as a good omen then..."

"Me too. Like you said before, storms were always a good thing for us..."

"Except this time, I don't have you all to myself in front of a roaring fire...yet"

Bailey smiled. "Right now, I kind of wish you did..."

"Me too. And I am glad I finally have you all to myself for the first time today. I haven't had a chance yet to tell my wife just how beautiful she looks today."

"Well, if I may say, my husband looks very handsome today himself..."

She leaned in and kissed him this time. "Do we really get to spend the rest of our lives together?"

"If I have anything to say about it..."

"Same here..."

Cody smiled at her. "Think anyone would mind if we slipped out of here right now?"

Bailey laughed. "As much as I'd love to, we don't have the excuse of heading off to our honeymoon to justify it..."

"How about if I just said I wanted some alone time with my wife?"

She kissed him again. "Just like I told you when you were recovering from your surgery, you need to be a good boy and be patient. Soon enough, the reception will be over, and then we can lock ourselves away in the honeymoon suite. And just remember, you're only a few weeks away from having me all to yourself in Paris and Majorca..."

"I can't wait for either of those...Wife"

"Me either, Hubby. But until then, lets just enjoy the rest our fairy tale wedding..."

"Except that this is no fair tale. This is really happening. You and I are real. We are definitely a work of nonfiction, baby. And while it may not be a fairy tale per se, the story of us will always be my all time favorite story..."

Bailey leaned in and kissed him. "Mine too..."

Cody closed his eyes and leaned in and kissed her again. But when he finally opened his eyes, Bailey wasn't there. And he was no longer in Hawaii or even at his wedding reception. Instead, he was sitting in an easy chair, and there were close to twenty five young children all looking up at him and smiling.

"Is that still your favorite story, Grandpa?"

Cody just smiled. "It sure is. The story of how I met and married your Gramdma is the best story I've ever heard..."

To be Continued...

AN: I may have some bad news. Due to my busy schedule in the real world, I haven't had a chance to edit the final chapter yet. I'll try to tomorrow or Friday. So, the final chapter may not be up until this weekend. Sorry in advance for the delay.