Peter pulled up his socks and slid his feet into the superbly polished shoes. "Are you nervous, Buddy?"
Neal rolled over on the bed and looked up at the older man, "No, are you?"
"A little. I thought you might be a bit anxious about your part in the ceremony today?"
"What? Singing in front of everyone? No, of course I'm not anxious. Peter, how silly of you to think I might be shy."
"Yeah, what was I thinking?" Peter looked around for his bottle of Valium before realising it was only in his dream that he had acquired a script for the relaxant.
"I'm actually looking forward to testing out my vocal range within the church."
What a surprise. Peter collected his cuff links off the dresser. "In that case do you think I could make another request?"
"Sure." Neal knelt up on the bed to assist Peter who was struggling with the cuffs.
"Tonight, when El and I dance, will you sing a song for us?"
"Of course. Which one?" Neal was nicely surprised.
"Earth Angel by the Penguins. Do you know it?"
"I think so. In any case, I'll learn it easily." Neal rolled back onto the bed and rested his head on the pillow. "Any reason behind the choice, Peter?"
The agent looked a little embarrassed. "Have you ever seen 'Back to the Future'?"
"No."
Peter rolled his eyes. What planet is this kid from? "Well there's a scene during the high school dance when it looks like George McFly and his wife Loarraine may not get together and then their son, Marty saves the future by playing 'Earth Angel' with the band." Peter recongnised he was rambling. "Anyway, it's just a really nice song and I'd appreciate it, if you wouldn't mind."
"No problem."
"Are you going to get ready?" Peter only became aware that while he was fully dressed, Neal was still lazing on the hotel room bed in his pajamas.
"Chill, Peter. We still have over an hour before we need to leave."
"Well, okay. But don't wait till the last minute."
Neal was going to respond but he suddenly realised it didn't deserve one. Instead, he hopped up and acquired a little gift box from out of his satchel. The slightly nervous wreck had sat back on the bed to re-tie his shoelaces. "Peter?"
"Yeah, Buddy?"
Neal stood in front of the agent. "I have something for you…I paid for it with my savings, even have the Bloomingdales' receipt so no need to be all concerned." Neal passed the box into Peter's hand.
Peter looked into the child's precious blue eyes before pulling him into a tight hug. The embrace lasted a while. Neal had the feeling that Peter was composing himself, again. Finally, Neal was released and broke the silence by suggesting that Peter open the present.
Inside was a classic silk tie with a slight royal blue pattern through the textured material. "Hope you like it."
"It's perfect Neal. Thank you." Peter began to remove his standard black tie which had been carefully selected for the wedding outfit.
"What are you doing?" Neal asked in surprise.
"I'm going to wear it today."
"But you can't. It won't match mine, or Dr Bryant's for that matter."
Peter smiled at his boy while he threaded his gift through under his shirt collar. "Neal, in years to come, when I look back on our wedding day and study the photos, what do you think will be more important to me, that my tie matches my best mans and junior groomsman or that I'm wearing something dear to me that my son gave to me on my wedding day?"
"Mom won't be happy."
"I'll take care of Mom. Single or double windsor?"
"Double."
-W-C-
Neal's eyes wandered around the massive Cathedral. He was impressed with the beautifully featured architecture of the internal structure and was in awe of the fine detailed religious art lining the walls that were unique to the Catholic Church. It was an intimate group that had gathered with pleasure to attend the Wedding of Ms Elizabeth Caffrey to Mr Peter Burke. Neal looked around Dr Bryant to check that Peter was still breathing. A few times during the morning, the young boy thought he may have to call someone to have Peter resuscitated when he forgot to breathe and his face turned pale. At one point, Neal brushed his skin against Peter's palms and he couldn't get over how sweaty the older man's hands had become. So Neal took it upon himself to settle the agent's nerves by telling stories and showing off card tricks. Eventually, Peter began to relax and so far, everything had gone off without a hitch.
The invitees congregated in the first couple of pews and turned with anticipation when the organ began to play. Neal looked at the back of Reece Hughes and his wife and wondered if a man of so little personality could ever enjoy such a joyous occasion. Reece was standing next to Diana who brought along her girlfriend, Christy. Both were dressed in classic black and looked stunning together. Clinton had brushed up nicely. He had his arm around a date but unfortunately, nobody could remember the girl's name. Neal hoped that Clinton could. Might be embarrassing otherwise. June sat in the seat behind Clinton. She looked full of class and Neal was happy that she was able to make it. True to her word, she had called Neal a few days after the day they met and invited him over for lunch. Since then, Neal had visited at least once a week, usually on a Friday after his 'chores' were complete and had made a habit of bringing Satchmo along for a play date with Bugsy. Neal had invited Mozzie to the wedding and after a good deal of arm twisting and a couple of threats, he reluctantly agreed to attend, but only under official protest, whatever that meant. The faithful friend sat in one of the pews towards the back along with some passer-bys who had stepped into the church to have a sticky-beak at the wedding.
Neal heard his cue and moved up to the alter to sing his mother's request, Ava Maria. The congregation turned back at the sound of his breathtakingly angelic voice filling the Cathedral. Neal enjoyed that part, when everyone looked at him but then they all slowing turned again to check out the real attraction. As Neal continued to serenade the group, the bridesmaid came walking down the aisle. El's sister Jenny had flown up from where she lived in Cancun, especially for the wedding. Jenny was closely followed by the Matron-of-Honour, Dana Mitchell, El's best friend all the way back to high school. Her husband John was sitting next to June.
A moment later, Elizabeth came into view on the arms of Mr Phillips, El's old boss from the downtown art gallery where she had worked until recently. El looked stunning. Neal almost forgot the words of the song at the sight of his mother looking every bit the princess he envisioned. El was wearing a strapless ivory tulle gown with a diamante covered bodice. Simply stunning. As Neal brought the hymn to a close, he looked across at Peter who had tears of pride. He was to hear later though, that only half the tears were for El, the others were for his son and his exceptional rendition of Ava Maria. Peter took his beautiful partner's hands at the foot of the alter and vowed silently before all who were present to never let this exquisite treasure slip through his fingers.
The traditional ceremony lasted a while and eventually Peter and El followed the priest up to the alter along with their two witnesses, Dana and Andy, to sign the marriage certificate. Neal stepped up to his mark once again, this time to sing 'All things bright and beautiful.' El had let him choose something to sing while the certificate was being signed even though Neal caught on after a number of failed suggestions that it was a very short list he was able to choose from! This particular hymn had been the compromise and Neal was pretty sure it would be a perfect fit to bring a more upbeat vibe into the expected lull in the proceedings. He was right.
-W-C-
After the obligatory photo shoot, in which Peter threatened to have the photographer arrested and charged for something that he would quite happily make up if he was required to pose in one more 'outrageous' position, the wedding party were gratefully released and allowed to join the other guests at the reception. Dana had organized the reception venue, the loan of an incredible Manhattan apartment with a roof top terrace that overlooked Central Park. The wedding party got into the swing of the celebration without hesitation. It was a fun, casual event with dancing, cake and lots of alcohol. Neal managed to snare a glass or two of champagne before El ripped a third drink out of his hands and threatened to break his fingers if she found another in his possession. The kid settled for orange juice after that.
The girls had all kicked off their shoes and everyone was happily dancing with anyone who wasn't off getting a refill, after all, dancing was thirsty work, when Neal checked with Peter if he was ready for his request. After getting the nod, Neal took control of the microphone.
"Hey all!" The guests stopped and turned their attention to the junior groomsman "Thank you all for coming tonight. Looks like everyone's having a smashingly good time." People cheered and Neal snared a glass of wine off a waiter sailing by with a try of newly filled drinks. "Cheers!" He took a quick swig and disposed of the evidence after a stern glare from his mother. "Okay. I have a special request from Agent Burke for his incredibly beautiful new bride, Elizabeth Burke." Peter walked over and took El's hand. The guests made a small circle around the couple on the dance floor. Neal continued, "This song was chosen by Peter because he knows that no matter how much trouble Mom and he get into, their son will always save the day. Is that right Pap'pa?"
"Not even close, Buddy." Everyone laughed.
"Okay, so I may have misunderstood Peter's little parable earlier, my apologies. This one's for newly weds!" More cheers as Neal began to sing beautifully, 'Earth Angel, Earth Angel, Will you be mine, My darling dear, Love you all the time….."
Peter pulled El in close and the two wrapped themselves up in each other entirely and were totally oblivious to the guest gradually joining in their moment of bliss.
-W-C-
"No way!"
"Why not Baby Seal?"
"Because it's your honeymoon, Mam'ma, and I'm not going to crash it."
Peter and El were on the couch while one very upset teenager paced back and forth across the rug.
"It's a week at the Bahamas, Neal. Walking on soft white sand, the aqua blue water washing over your ankles, snorkeling on the reefs with tropical sea creatures."
"Did you just give me the same spiel you're travel agent gave you Peter?"
"Maybe. But doesn't it sound inviting? Aren't you even the slightest bit tempted to work on your tan and check out the local talent?"
El spun and glared at Peter. Neal's cheeks went a slight shade redder than they already were upon hearing that he was expected to go on his parent's honeymoon. Maybe if he was fourteen months but he wasn't he was fourteen years old and it was just degrading.
"I'm not going. You two have a great time. Thank you for offering but I'll be fine here."
"Not going to happen, Neal. If you are that intent on not coming then we'll work something else out."
The something else turned out to be someone else – Diana. She agreed to look after Neal for the week and would supervise him at the office. Neal and Dianna had built a respectable relationship over the past month and as Peter allowed Neal a little more freedom, the junior agents came to appreciate the young boy for his knowledge, talents and as a simple distraction from the daily grind. Peter and El also worked out an arrangement with June. She offered for the boy to sleep over at her house which Neal happily agreed to after comprehending that the alternative was sleeping on Diana's couch. June was looking forward to having the young chap and his puppy stay with her for a short while. She always enjoyed his company and found his passion and enthusiasm contagious. Neal was happy with the deal. Better than hanging around the newly weds while they…he cringed. He didn't even want to go there.
-W-C
The plan went smoothly. El and Peter lazed on the golden sands and allowed the crisps clear waters to wash over their feet. June and Neal listened to classical music, played cards and watched old movies before bed each night and Diana found supervising the fourteen year old pretty straightforward. Yes all went well. Well, until midweek when Neal took off for a lunch break and didn't return. Diana talked herself into calming down after accepting the fact that they'd be plenty of time to kill the child after she found him safe and sound.
-W-C-
Diana grabbed Neal by the ear lifting him from his seat. "What the hell? Diana!"
"Card games over boys. FBI." Diana held up her badge with her spare hand. "Leave now before I arrest all of you." Upon seeing the badge, the young delinquents didn't have to be told twice. They were out of there, excepting one of the young punks who reached for the money on the table. "Don't even consider it." The young guy withdrew his arm and took off in the direction of his mates. Diana released Neal who looked more angry than concerned that he'd been sprung. When Neal went to collect his winnings, Diana swiped his arm away and took possession of all the money on the table. She scooped it all into a clear evidence bag then grabbed Neal's upper arm and dragged him out of the building, towards her car.
"What are you going to do with that money, Diana? It's my money."
"No Neal. It's not. It's money gained illegally. Imagine if NYPD busted you. What a great present for El and Peter to come home to. Did you have a nice time on your honeymoon Mr and Mrs Burke? That's great. You can collect your son from Juvenile Hall right after you collect your bags from carousel three."
"Good on you, Diana," Neal responded sarcastically.
When they arrived at the car, a couple of nuns with a stand for the GoodWill had set up right beside Diana's car. She took that as a sign and deposited the money, much to Neal's horror into their tin.
"Diana!" Neal yelled but to no avail. The money was gone.
Diana stood over the young kid, pointing a stern finger right into his line of vision."You do something stupid like that again, Neal and I'm going to break one, or even both of your arms. Clear?"
"Yes, Diana."
-W-C-
"So the lady suit is babysitting you this week eh man?" They were sitting up on the terrace at June's. A chess game in progress positioned between the two friends. "Should be able to make a little progress while the folks are away? Lady suit a pushover?"
Neal looked irritably at Moz then turned his attention back to the game. Raising his hand he swiped the chess pieces with all his might clear across the terrace.
"Okay. Maybe not."