Mattie smiled when she heard whispers outside her bedroom door. She'd spent the night at her father's house, in her childhood bedroom, for one last time before she walked down the aisle to marry Morgan.

She shifted, tugging the blankets down. Trust her not to be the cliché nervous bride on her wedding day. But she had no butterflies in her stomach, no worries on her mind. She knew that she was doing the best thing.

After all, she'd only been in love with Morgan Corinthos for half her life.

So by now, fourteen years later, she knew that she was making the right decision. There was simply no other option. Mattie honestly couldn't imagine not marrying Morgan. And now she was nearly there.

She let out a little giggle as the whispers outside her door grew louder and a quiet knock rang out. Sighing, she rose from the bed and reached for her robe. Belting the silk garment, she crossed to open the door just as it was being opened from the outside. Molly and Mackenzie fell into her arms when the door opened.

"Good morning, my sweet sister!" Mackenzie exclaimed throwing her arms around Mattie in a hug.

"Hi. Were the two of you coming to get me up?"

Molly nodded. "It's eight. Your wedding is at three. You need to take a shower and get to the church by at least noon."

Mattie rolled her eyes. "That's still four hours away. And I don't know about you, but it doesn't take me that long to shower."

"Ha ha. But I have direct orders from your aunt to make certain that you get to the church in time," Molly replied, tugging on Mattie's long ponytail in retaliation.

"Hey, hey, hey. Quit that," Mackenzie brushed Molly's fingers away from her sister's hair. "She needs to have hair to put up today. No touching."

Molly grinned, leaned in to kiss Mattie's cheek. "I'm so happy for you. You deserve to find a really great man like Morgan."

"Don't worry, we'll make sure that you're at the front of the line for the throwing of the bouquet," Mackenzie said dryly, giving Molly's shoulder a comforting pat. She grinned at Mattie.

"Yes, you will be in front. Now, both of you, go! I can get myself in the shower. Go get yourselves a cup of coffee. I'll be down in a little while." With a hand to both their shoulders, she pushed them out into the hallway. "Go!" She shut the door behind them with a smart slam.

Mackenzie turned to Molly. "Think she's nervous?"

Molly shook her head. "Nah. She wouldn't be nervous over something like this. She's been in love with him since before she really knew that love was."

"Good. Now about that coffee. I brought pastries." Mackenzie led the way downstairs.

"Pastries? I'm supposed to fit into my dress today," Molly moaned when they'd reached the kitchen.

Mackenzie grinned wickedly. "Live dangerously." She broke a cheese Danish in two and handed half to Molly.

"Well if it's only half. I'll run double-time tomorrow," Molly said with her mouth full. She glanced up toward the ceiling, thinking of Mattie as she prepared for her wedding.

Mackenzie followed her glance. "You know most women only dream about finding that perfect man. I'd say that Mattie found hers all right."

Molly grinned. "And I'd say that you are correct in that statement. Now we better hurry so that she makes it to the altar in time."

But they both knew that Mattie was anything if not perpetually prompt.

GH*GH*GH*GH*GH

Morgan stood in front of the mirror in one of the back rooms at St. Timothy's. He was dressed and ready to go, even though he still had two hours before the actual ceremony began.

He smoothed down the black suit, thinking that Maxie had made a good choice in wedding clothes. He was grateful that Mattie's aunt had taken over the wedding planning because it meant that his own wife-to-be wasn't stressed at all.

It was strange, he thought, to call Mattie his wife. Even though he'd been in love with her for years, it was entirely different now that they were to be married.

But he didn't doubt that he was making the wrong decision. After all, he'd been in love with her for so long that a wedding was only a formality. They were already together forever in his eyes. And now the wedding would make it legal.

Smiling now, Morgan stepped back from the mirror. He pictured Mattie in the bridal suite down the hall, with her aunts and other female relatives. He knew that he wasn't much for those female necessities that marriage brought, but would deal with them because it made her family happy.

Morgan knew that making her happy would be easy. He loved her and she loved him. That was enough for now. He thought of the little house he'd been eyeing. That would make her happy, he knew. Their own house, their home together, a far cry from their little apartments.

Because she'd lived with Sarah Lansing for years, she'd already planned to move into Morgan's apartment in Harborview Towers after the wedding and honeymoon. Sarah would be gaining a new roommate in Mattie's younger sister Mackenzie.

Morgan hoped that she would like the house and they could put a down payment on it after they returned from their weeklong honeymoon sojourn in the Caribbean.

No, Morgan thought as he straightened his shirt, he knew that he could never make a wrong decision when it came to Mattie. Perhaps it was because they'd been in a committed relationship since she was in high school. Or it was because they hadn't been able to imagine anyone else in their lives.

But whatever the reason, he was not experiencing those so-called pre-wedding jitters.

"You look pretty deep in thought," a voice from behind him in the doorway commented. "Second thoughts?"

Morgan turned to see his step-father smiling broadly at him. "Never. I was just thinking how I couldn't possibly make a wrong decision when it comes to Mattie."

"I'm proud of you, Morgan," Jax replied, walking into the room.

"Thanks. I'm pretty proud of myself. I managed to catch the eye of the most beautiful girl in the world," Morgan said with a smile teasing his lips.

"I want you to know that your mother and I are so happy that you and Mattie are finally getting married. Your mother especially regrets the way she treated Mattie over the years. I think that it was mostly sentimental, because of Robin," Jax said, with his hand on Morgan's shoulder.

"That's what Mattie says. But I still think that she's a little intimidated by Mom."

Jax laughed out loud. "Well, your mom can be a little intimidating at times. She'll be fine by the time you two have your first child."

Morgan coughed awkwardly. "Well. We haven't really discussed when on that front so she may have to wait a while."

Jax smiled when he saw that Morgan was a little uncomfortable. "That's fine. We're not talking about that today anyway."

A knock on the door made both men turn. Carly stood in the doorway. She smiled and opened her arms when she saw Morgan standing in this tux.

"Oh my baby, you look so handsome," she said, moved to hug him. He tightened his arms around her, burying his face in her hair.

"I love you, Mom."

She pulled back, holding his face in her hands. "I love you too, Morgan Corinthos. And by God, I raised a gorgeous man."

Morgan smiled, kissing her cheek. "Thanks for that."

"It's true." She motioned to his dapper clothes. "I mean, look at yourself. You're handsome."

Morgan laughed and hugged his mother again. "If that is your way of distracting me from pre-wedding nerves, you can stop. I am nerve-free. I have no issues with the idea of giving up bachelorhood and marrying Mattie. She's already been mine for a long time."

Carly angled her head, studied the man she'd raised. "No, you're not nervous. You wouldn't be. I can see it in your eyes. You are completely sure of your choice." She reached for his hand, looked into his eyes. "I've never known you to be surer about anything else."

Morgan turned, studied his image in the mirror. "I've never been more certain about anything other than that I love Mattie and want to spend the rest of my life with her."

"And that was just what I wanted to hear."

Carly, Jax and Morgan turned toward the voice to see Patrick standing in the doorway. He walked in further. "I was just wondering if I could stop by and talk to Morgan for a minute." He turned to Jax, "you'd know what I mean, having daughters."

Jax nodded, a smile teasing at the edge of his mouth. "Yes. Yes, I do. Come along Carly. Let's go see if Rachel and Victoria are here yet." He firmly took his wife's arm and led her toward the door.

Carly tried to pull away. "Wait. Wait. Wait—"

"Come on, Dear. Let the man have a conversation with his soon-to-be son-in-law," Jax said coolly, quietly shutting the door behind them.

Patrick turned back to Morgan, waiting a moment until he was sure that Jax had convinced Carly to move away from the door. He put his hands up in a peaceful signal.

Morgan smiled, motioned to the low chairs situated in the corner. Patrick took a seat, waited for Morgan to do the same.

"I meant what I said before—about wanting to spend the rest of my life with Mattie," Morgan began as Patrick shook his head.

"I know. I don't doubt it. I never did. I'm just doing this because I feel it's necessary. Robin's father quizzed me on my wedding day, well, on both days," Patrick said with a smile. "I just wanted to make certain that you know how special my daughter is."

Morgan nodded gravely, knowing that what Patrick was doing was partly for show and partly because he was serious about making sure that his little girl was happy. "I love her. I've always loved her. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"I know. And I also know that she feels the same way about you," Patrick replied. "You know, Morgan. Mattie was only nineteen when her mother died. It wasn't unexpected; after all, Robin had been sick for years by then. But it still affected Mattie, as it should. She'd lost her mother, her base. I'd say that you sort of became that base, that solid fixture in her life. And for that I'm grateful."

Morgan nodded. "I'm glad that I could be there for her. And I will be there for her every day for the rest of my life. You don't have to worry, Dr. Drake." He cleared his throat, deciding that the formal name was appropriate for a grilling session.

Patrick's smile widened. "Now I've intimidated you. I never meant for that to happen. Mattie wouldn't like it." Then he tilted his head thoughtfully. "Maybe I did mean to intimidate you. Maybe I want you to know how special that woman is to me. You may not fully understand it now, but someday when you are facing the man who is about to marry your own daughter, you'll see where I'm coming from."

Morgan nodded. "I do see where you're coming from. I know that you love her. I love her too, more than anything. I will never do anything to intentionally hurt her."

"I know that you won't. She wouldn't let you. I raised my daughter to be strong, like her mother. She'll fight back before you strike the first blow," Patrick said, rising as he patted Morgan's shoulder.

Morgan smiled at the thought, knowing that what he said was correct. Mattie would be just as likely to strike first before anyone else had a chance.

Patrick walked to the door, opened it. "I'm happy to call you my son-in-law. And just to let you know, I'll expect some grandchildren in the next few years." He was gone before Morgan could say a word.

Morgan rose, went to shut the door, smiling at the image. He too hoped to have children with Mattie in the coming years.

But, he thought reasonably, let's just get through the wedding first before discussing kids.

GH*GH*GH*GH*GH

"Room for one more?"

Mattie turned away from the mirror toward the doorway where Lila Rae stood expectantly. She smiled, opened her arms. "Hey."

Lila went into them, careful of the dress. She blinked back tears, forcing herself to breath. She didn't need to upset Mattie on her wedding day. But Mattie heard her breath hitch.

Frowning, Mattie pulled back, held Lila at arm's length. "Sweetie, what's wrong?"

Lila shook her head, unable to speak. Tears dropped down her cheeks. "Nothing. God, I'm so sorry. You don't need to deal with this today."

Mattie's look alone silenced her friend and she shook Lila slightly. "Stop. What are you talking about? What's wrong? Is it the baby? What?"

Lila shook her head. "No, no. I'm fine. The baby's fine. I'm just a little overwhelmed. I haven't seen you since before Christmas and well…" She held up her left hand, watched as the diamond glinted off the sunlight streaming in the window.

Mattie's eyes widened as she snatched up Lila's hand for a closer study. Then her eyes jumped to Lila's. "He proposed."

Lila nodded. "Yes, on Christmas Eve."

Mattie grinned. "Oh I'm so happy for you. You're engaged! You and Cam are getting married, that's so great!" Then she dropped Lila's hand, continued studying her face. "You are happy, right?"

Lila sighed, moved away from Mattie, and paced the length of the room. "I-I don't know. I want to be happy but I still can't help but feel nervous. I love Cameron, I do, but I just don't want to hurt him."

"Lila, how could you hurt him? He loves you, you love him. You guys are having a baby together, for Pete's sake!" Mattie threw up her hands in exasperation. Then she stopped. "Lila, I know that you have some issues with relationships. But you are nothing like your mother. You love Cameron, he loves you. That should be enough for now."

Lila smiled. "How is it that you always make me feel better?" she reached over again, hugged her friend.

"Because that's what I'm trained to do. I'm a doctor. And I'm your friend, Lila. I love you and I want you to be happy."

"I am happy. And I just need to stop worrying about the small stuff," Lila said decidedly and studied her friend in the mirror. "And I do not need to be worrying about my stuff on today of all days. Holy hell, Mattie, you're getting married!"

Mattie grinned. "Yes, I'm getting married today and I am so excited. You like the dress?"

Lila's eyes widened as she ran her hand down the long skirt. "I love the dress. Oh, part of me wishes I wasn't pregnant so that I could wear a dress like this. I'd look like a blimp in it. I already made Cam promise that we get married before I get to that point."

Mattie laughed and hugged Lila again. "You can have whatever dress you want. You forget, my mom had her first wedding while she was pregnant with me. Her dress was classically cut and she was nine months pregnant."

Lila shuddered. "That will not be me. I won't get married when I'm nine months pregnant. I'm thinking at more like four or five months. But we will not discuss my wedding when yours is today, now. Who's doing your hair?" she ran a hand down Mattie long dark hair that was currently running straight down her back.

Mattie smiled, recognizing the change in topic. She'd get Lila to talk at one time or another. "Mackenzie. She and Molly ran back to the house to get some supplies. Maxie should be here any minute. She was going by the Quartermaine Mansion to pick up Georgie."

Lila angled her head. "I'd heard through the grape-vine that Dillon and Georgie were back together. I guess that sort of makes us relatives. Dillon being my cousin and Georgie being your aunt."

Mattie laughed just as there was a knock on the door. Lila moved to open it, smiling despite herself when she saw Cameron. "Hey."

"Hi. I was just seeing if you wanted to take a walk outside before the ceremony begins. It's about an hour and a half till." He grinned when he saw Mattie across the room. "You look pretty snazzy over there."

"Thanks. And congratulations. I heard about the engagement. Now go, get the mother-to-be off her feet," she replied with a smile. She made shooing motions with her hands.

Cam grinned, led Lila out of the room. Mattie shut the door behind them, thrilled that her friends were happy.

She turned back to the mirror, twirled a little bit for show. She was marrying the man of her dreams, her prince charming. And she had no second thoughts whatsoever. She couldn't have them, she thought, not after having loved him for so long. It just wasn't possible.

A second knock on her door made her turn. She walked to the door and remembering Molly's words, requested a name before she opened the door.

"It's me, Mattie. It's Dad," Patrick said from the other side of the door.

Mattie smiled, opened it, and went into her father's arms. "Hey Daddy."

"Hi there Princess. Or should I say queen?" He pulled her back, held her at arm's length. "You look so beautiful."

"Thanks Dad." She looked down, slightly embarrassed.

"Your mother would be so happy right now," Patrick began. Then he stopped, not sure how to continue.

Mattie reached for his hand, used her free one to tug the chain out from beneath the dress. Cradling the ring in her hand, she smiled at her father.

"I'd like to think that she's here today. She's close to me. I have a part of her."

Patrick nodded. "Yes, she's here. With us. And she would be so proud of you. As I am."

"Oh Daddy," Mattie began, but gave up and went into his arms.

"I just want you to be happy. I'm not going to lecture you and Morgan about making sure that he will support you because I know that you can support yourself. But you two belong together. I couldn't have chosen a better man for you, Mattie," Patrick finished, kissing her cheek.

"Thank you for that, Daddy. I love Morgan. And I am ready to become Dr. Drake-Corinthos."

He gave her one last smile before stepping out of the room. Mattie took a deep breath, clearing the emotion out of her body. She sat down at the little table to repair her makeup before the rest of her entourage arrived.

Smiling, she fixed her makeup, loving the way her ring caught the sunlight that streamed in the window. A glance at the wall clock told her that she had a little over an hour before the ceremony.

She pressed a hand to her stomach. It wasn't nerves that caused her jitters, she thought, it was pure adrenaline, excitement. She couldn't wait to marry Morgan and get a start of the next phase of her life.

Because it was turning out to be the best phase yet.

GH*GH*GH*GH*GH

So here's the first part of the wedding. Hoped you liked it. I especially liked the part of Morgan and Carly and then Morgan and Patrick. I feel that Patrick knows that his daughter is smart, beautiful, and well able to support herself. That being said, he doesn't really have to threaten him like Robert did when Patrick married Robin. So he does it mostly for show. I really wanted to portray Morgan and Mattie as nerve-free on their wedding day. Mattie's loved Morgan since she was a teenager and has been planning that she would marry him since her early twenties. Morgan has loved Mattie since she was in late high school or early college. They have no second-guesses about getting married because they are so sure about their love for each other. Thanks for reading! As always, I appreciate reviews. Enjoy!