Chapter 16
Monday December 27th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
On Ship Spa
7:15 a.m.
"Anyone else wondering how things are going with the boys?" Lindsey asked with a smile as her stylist continued to work with her curls.
"I'm purposely not thinking about that," Sara countered with a smile as she looked at Lindsey through the mirror.
"She's probably got enough on her mind what with not panicking or anything," Mia pointed out as Sara rolled her eyes.
"Sara panic?" wondered Liz. "Not likely."
"I'm so not worried it's insane. You'd expect me to be worried and yet...I'm not," Sara shrugged.
"You have no reason in the world to be worried Sara. You've got Warrick. He's one in a million. You're the luckiest woman in the world, you know that," commented Liz.
"I know," Sara sighed.
"And there she goes back into that blissful other world. Good one Liz," Lindsey giggled. "Okay, we got about ten minutes until she comes back to reality, everything ready?" she asked glancing over at the two women who formed Sara's bridal party with her.
"I think so. We got the something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue," Mia spoke up. "So we should be set then," agreed Liz.
"And you got the ring, right Liz?" Lindsey checked.
"Nope, Sara does," replied Liz. "I don't have to worry about losing the ring like Greg does."
"Why..." Lindsey began before shaking her head. "Never mind, don't want to know. Don't need to be confused by what's going on," she continued with a laugh. "Did you guys ever honestly imagine Sara having pink as one of her wedding colours?" she asked with a giggle after a few moments.
"Hell no," Mia laughed. "If you had suggested that she would have pink in her wedding when I met her six years ago, I would have sooner believed that DNA was not admissible in court."
"Well, we can add to that the fact that I don't think any of us were expecting me to be over six months pregnant at her wedding either," mused Liz.
"No, or my mother to be here," Lindsey continued.
"Or Sara's son," Mia pointed out. "None of us saw that one coming when they got engaged."
"I don't think any of us saw any of what's happened in the past seven months coming when they got engaged," commented Liz. "Is it just me or do you guys feel like you're in some kind of alternate reality or something. I mean did either of you picture any of this ever happening?"
"No way," Mia sighed shaking her head.
"Same here, I figured they'd have a nice wedding about Christmas somewhere in Vegas, after a nice simple engagement like any other day in the two and a half years they'd been together," Lindsey agreed.
"You're telling me," replied Liz. "Oh and Linds, I may be borrowing you for the rest of the cruise if that's alright. I've gotten used to having Sara around and after the other day I just feel more comfortable knowing there's another person in the room at night."
"No problem," Lindsey smiled.
"Thanks, Linds," Liz smiled in return
"Well, you three are done," one of their stylists announced as the three women stepped back. "What do you think?" she asked. All three now had their hair in curls, half piled up on their head, with the other half falling down on their backs.
"Love it," admitted Liz with a broad smile
"Good," they nodded.
"Well, that's perfect timing; the bride is done as well," Sara's stylist spoke up with a smile as she spoke up.
"Is the bride in the room?" Lindsey asked with a giggle.
"I never knew I went anywhere," Sara countered as she looked up and smiled at the three in the mirror. Her 'hair' was up in a pile of large curls with white organza rose hairpins that were made with pearls and crystals, interspersed in the curls.
"You guys look fantastic," Sara continued as she turned in her chair to look at them.
"The bride is complimenting us...what's wrong with this picture?" Mia asked shaking her head.
"Quick, someone call the papers," giggled Liz.
"Better yet, check the bride's temperature, she must be sick!" Lindsey continued and Sara just shook her head.
"Alright, we have less than two hours to get dressed, and all that fun," Sara continued as she rose. "Thank you," she smiled at the four women who had done their hair before turning and linking arms with Lindsey and Liz.
"She's not panicking, she's complimenting us, and she's become a drill sergeant. Are we sure she's not the mother of the bride or something?" Mia asked with a smile as they made their way out of the spa.
"No, she's just Sara," laughed Liz.
"And we love her for it," Lindsey smiled.
"That we do," agreed Liz with a note of finality. "She's the one that brings clarity to our insanity after all."
"So true," Mia agreed.
"Hello, Bride here, enough talking about me," Sara giggled.
"We're not allowed to extol the wonderful virtues of the bride to be?" asked Liz in mock horror.
"The Sara Sidle I was a few years ago would be exceptionally upset about this whole situation. Rita Jacobs would think nothing of it considering I've been involved in more than a few weddings around the synagogue. Luckily...I'm neither of those women and a nice combined version plus, I don't care, and I'm going to enjoy it while I can."
"You do that," instructed Liz. "Cause I'm going to make your life chaos in about three months time, Aunt Sara."
"A welcome chaos, my dear. The only one I welcome more is becoming Bubbeh Sara, which I, along with Jill and Billy, already informed Bertie he can wait a few years to give us reason for the titles of Bubbeh, Grandma, and Grandpa."
"Yes well cousin Bertie better not if he knows what's good for him," Liz said.
"He can't wait forever though, Grissom is no spring chicken," Mia pointed out.
"Bite your tongue. Griss does not have one foot in the grave just yet," Sara pointed out as they approached cabin 6610.
"Thank God," Lindsey giggled.
"Okay, enough talk about my son, who legally isn't my son, having children," Sara declared as she moved away from Liz and headed towards the bathroom. "I'm being evil and claiming the bathroom first," she called back with a smile.
"Aren't we all in luck? We have our own cabins, and can drag Liz with us to one of ours to have a mirror," Lindsey giggled.
"I do actually have a mirror in my cabin Lindsey," replied Liz.
"And it's been taken over by the bride," Lindsey countered with a smile.
"Okay, I think my brain is completely gone since we're currently standing in my room," giggled Liz. "Okay, me thinking way to much stress in my life right now."
"Way too much," Lindsey agreed as she linked arms with Liz. "Sara, kindly pass Liz's make-up," she continued
"In her suitcase in the closet behind you," Sara called back. "See you guys in about twenty or so," she added with a smile.
"Make it thirty," Lindsey countered getting the make-up case as Mia gathered their dresses. "So, I'm thinking soft make- up," she started as she led Liz from the room, Mia following.
"Given that we're in light pink and it's the Caribbean I would definitely go with soft make up," observed Liz getting her giggles under control...sort of.
"Very true," Mia agreed.
Forty minutes later the three returned to the cabin.
"Was wondering if you guys had fallen off the side of the ship or something," Sara teased when they walked in. "Oh my God. Sara you look..." Lindsey trailed off as she stopped in the doorway.
"You look very nice as well," Sara responded to Linds with a smile. Lindsey was wearing a pale pink ankle length dress with a sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. The front had a split and looked similar to a renaissance design, with crystal and embroidered flowers decorating the bodice and edge of the split, as well as the 'under skirt' that showed through.
"Uh Lindsey, there are other people trying to get into my room you know," chided Liz from behind her.
"Moving, moving," Lindsey answered before moving forward into the room.
Liz moved further into the room, enough to let Mia in before stopping as she looked at Sara. And Sara smiled at them. Liz was wearing a slightly different dress from Mia and Lindsey's, which were identical. Hers was ankle length and pale pink as well, but with a lace overlay with silver embroidery. Then over the top, a piece of pale pink fabric wrapped around her waist under the bodice from one side, then around, but left the front of the underskirt revealed.
"You look lovely, guys," Sara beamed as she looked up at them from where she sat on the couch.
"Thanks," replied Liz. "Is it that obvious that I'm pregnant though?" she asked worriedly.
"No, it's not," Sara assured her.
"Good," sighed Liz in relief.
"Knock, knock," Nicole Jackson's voice called from behind the three. "I bring the flower girl."
"Hi, Serena," Sara smiled as she joined them.
"Hi, Sara," ten-year-old Serena grinned as she looked around the room.
"Sara, I love the dress," gushed Nicole. Serena was wearing a dress comprised of a baby pink sleeveless satin top that was embroidered with flowers, and a white organza skirt that went to her ankles.
"Thanks," Sara smiled.
"Okay, enough chit chat, stand up so we can see what you look like not sitting down!" Mia ordered.
Shaking her head Sara carefully rose and moved away from the couch. "Happy?" she asked with a smile. Her dress was an ivory tank gown with a scoop neckline, featuring a trumpet skirt, beaded empire waist and a sweep train.
"You're stunning, Sara," Liz told her.
"Thank you," Sara smirked softly.
"Well, now that everyone is ready, I'll go see if the other ladies are ready to go," Nicole nodded before disappearing, Serena following her.
"You ready for this?" Mia asked as Sara sat down once more, this time to strap on her sandals.
"Oh, those are adorable!" Lindsey cried as she moved over to steal one and look at them. They were one-inch white sandals; a strap covered the toes, with a second strap starting on the instep by the strap for the toes and crossing over the food to attach to a simple strap around the back of the ankle. And the first two straps were decorated with flowers.
"Yes they are, and yes I am," Sara laughed. "Now give me back my shoe," she ordered light-heartedly.
"Here you go," Lindsey smiled as she handed it over. "So, we are dressed, primped and ready to go right? And we still have an hour until it's time to head to the beach..."
"Ahh, but we aren't completely ready yet," Sara opposed as she rose and made her way over to the bed where she had left a few bags.
"For you guys," she began as she removed three boxes and handed one to each of them. Glancing at her they opened the boxes. Inside they found a pink pearl set. Earrings, a pendant, and a ring with a thin gold band. Each had a small diamond next to the pearl, the ring having one on each side.
"They're beautiful Sara, thank you," Liz expressed gratefully as she walked over and hugged her friend.
"Your welcome," Sara grinned as she hugged her back.
"Thank you," Lindsey smiled as she slipped the necklace on before following suit with the earrings and ring. "I'm not even going to ask how you know our ring sizes."
"I'm not an investigator for nothing," Sara chuckled.
"Okay, we're accessorized, your turn," Mia announced.
"I have those already ladies," Sara countered with a smile as she pointed down at another bag.
"How? I thought we had them..." Lindsey began.
"I have my ways," Sara smirked before pulling the four boxes from the bag. Carefully she opened each one.
"Never did hear the story about them," Lindsey began. "I was just told that they were covered and had them with me..."
Sara smiled as she looked up at Lindsey. "Something old is exceptionally old," she began kindly as she lifted a delicate lace and ivory ribbon garter. "My Bubbeh Rebekah's garter. It was her grandmother's, and her grandmother's before her. It's not the original, my great-great-great-great-grandmother Elizabeth's of course didn't survive the hundred and fifty-three years since she married. When my great-grandmother was preparing for her wedding in 1915 she took the original and incorporated it into the new version...and surprisingly, just shy of a hundred years later it's still pretty well off," she finished with a happy grin. "Bubbeh would tell me how one day I'd be the next Jacob's woman to wear the garter. My mother wasn't given the honor. Surprisingly, even in the years since her death, no one would wear it," she trailed off with a sober smirk before shaking her head.
"Okay, your family traditions are so unbelievably cool," sighed Lindsey.
"Tradition is the very foundation of the Jewish life. Traditions dictate every aspect of our lives," Sara shrugged. "It really doesn't seem like that unique a thing to me for that reason."
"What's the something new?" Mia asked
"Warrick gave them to me a few weeks ago," Sara began as she turned to show them the box with a set of Tahitian 'blue' pearl earrings. "They go with the something blue," she continued as she picked up another jewelry box, "His grandmother had a set of Tahitian pearls."
"Warrick needs to give my fiancé lessons before the wedding, Lindsey sighed.
"FIANCÉ!" Sara and Liz shrieked.
"What did we miss?" Sara asked immediately before Lindsey broke out in giggles.
"Way off future plan, no wedding plans in my future..." Lindsey explained when she got her laughter under control and Sara released a sigh.
"Don't scare me like that. You think I want to face your mother and tell her that her eighteen-year-old daughter is engaged to a guy I supported?" Sara asked shaking her head.
"And let's not forget the pregnant woman here," chimed in Liz. "Linds, I've already had one scare on this trip, I don't particularly want another one so soon, alright?"
"Promise, no more scares on account of me," Lindsey answered drawing an 'X' over her heart. "What's the borrowed so we can shut up and let you get finalized?"
"Well, tradition calls that it is something from the bride's family. So..." she trailed off with a smile as she pulled a gold chain from another box. Dangling from the center of the chain was a Star of David. "It's Bertie's as you guys know. He's offered it for the wedding."
"Ah," Lindsey sighed. "He is so sweet."
"That he is," Mia agreed. "You got the lucky penny?"
"Already in my shoe," Sara laughed.
"Okay, let's let you do your thing, we need to get our own shoes on," Mia continued.
Sara shook her head as they turned to find their own shoes. Turning, she carefully put her jewelry on before even more carefully slipping her garter on; making sure the blue one she was also wearing remained lower on her leg. Retaking a seat on the bed, she smiled when she heard the three squeals come from the other side of the room. They'd found the final part of their jewelry...tiaras with a heart at the center and scrolls of rhinestones, overall it was one-and-a-half inches high at it's tallest point. Smiling softly once more, she began her final prayers before the wedding.
Monday December 27th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Cabin 6610
9:00 a.m.
"Warrick's coming!" Sophia warned as everyone gathered around Sara.
"He will need to get through, you know that, don't you?" Sara pointed out with a smile as Jill stepped back from fitting her veil to her own tiara. Similar to the one her bridal party wore, Sara's own tiara was three inches in height, with a central heart and scrolls of rhinestones, except hers had a teardrop stone in the center of the heart. Jill carefully made sure the front section of her veil was pulled back before stepping away.
"He will," Liz assured her before the door opened to reveal the groom.
"Oh my..." Sara gasped when she saw him. Warrick was wearing a black suit with a knee length jacket and a hunter green satin vest and tie over a white shirt.
"He's just a man in a suit, Aunt Sara," Bree pointed out with a smile. "No jumping him just yet," she whispered before everyone quieted down as Warrick crossed the room. Sara looked up at him briefly before glancing down, and he carefully lowered her ivory, elbow length 2-tier veil with silver edge and scattered rhinestones. Turning, he just as silently, and quickly, made his way from the room.
"My lord Sara, he is gorgeous!"Nicole sighed.
"I know," Sara smiled as she slowly rose. "Bertie?" she asked glancing around before he appeared at her side.
"Ready?"
"More than ready," she answered as she took his hand. Nodding, he smiled before they turned and followed the path Warrick had taken, all the women following them.
After the journey through the ship, accepting congratulations as they came, they made their way off-ship to where the wedding planner, and vehicles, were waiting. One limo had already left bearing Warrick, Greg, Archie, and Bobby. The second limo was waiting, and Liz, Lindsey, and Mia quickly made their way inside before Bertie helped Sara in, and then joined the four. Everyone else found seating in a number of cabs, all pre-paid.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone had arrived at the beach and the guests were gathered around the blue and silver Chupah set up on the beach.
The strains of Pachobel's Cannon in D began to play at first, and then the Rabbi began the short walk up the small aisle created by conch shells. After he had reached the Chupah, where a small table was standing with a wine glass centrally displayed, and a small book along with a hand-carved unity candle that was mostly white with hunter green and pale pink accents coming through the carved design. On either side of the candle, some distance to avoid melting, stood two tall white tapers that were lit. Turning around he took his place as Mia and Bobby appeared at the end of the aisle.
Bobby, like the other male members of the bridal party wore suits similar to Warrick's in coloring, but their jackets were shorter, ending at the 'normal' length instead of at the knees like his.
After Bobby and Mia had reached the Chupah and parted ways, Archie appeared with Lindsey, and they followed the same path as the first couple. Once they had joined Bobby and Mia, Liz appeared with Greg.
Liz, like the other two female members of the bridal party carried bouquets of fresh white roses, tied together with a pink ribbon. And Serena, as she appeared with Zoë's son Jonathon, had a ball spreading more white rose petals along the aisle as she and Jonathon followed after Liz and Greg.
A few moments after Serena and Jonathon had joined the others, Warrick appeared at the end of the aisle. Taking a breath he smiled before starting down the walkway. Once Warrick reached the Chupah, he smiled at the rabbi before he turned around. Sara was standing with Bertie at the end of the small aisle. After a moment they began the walk down the path.
When she reached Warrick, Bertie smiled towards him, before mother and son walked around him seven times. As they finished the last circle, they stopped on Warrick's right side. Smiling up at him, she squeezed his hand and whispered a "thank you Kaddishel (Baby Son)", before he stepped back and she turned to face the Rabbi as she slipped her hand in Warrick's.
The music ended, and for a moment it was silent, other than the sound of the ocean, before the Rabbi spoke, "Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. Blessed are You Hashem our Father, King of the universe, Who has made us holy through His Commandments, and commanded us regarding illicit relations, and has forbidden to us the betrothed, and has permitted to us those whom we have married through Chupah and Kiddushin; Blessed are You Hashem, Who makes His nation holy through Chupah and Kiddushin," the Rabbi began before looking at them.
After some other words, the Rabbi indicated it was time, and Warrick turned to take the ring from Greg, who had taken it from the pillow Jonathon was carrying. Turning back to her he smiled before beginning to recite the words he had memorized, without her knowledge that he intended to recite the statement in two languages. "Harei At Mekudeshet Li B'taba'at Zo Kedat Moshe V'Yisrael. Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the laws of Moses and Israel." Slipping the simple white gold band on her left hand, her engagement ring now on her right, he looked up and smiled when he saw her grin.
After a few moments, the Rabbi nodded and began once more, reciting The Seven Blessings as he picked up the cup of wine. "Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine. Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who created everything for His glory. Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who forms mankind. Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who formed man in His image, with the form of a spiritual image he is structured, and He prepared for him out of that an everlasting structure. Blessed are You Hashem, Who forms mankind. May the barren Jerusalem rejoice and be glad with the in gathering of the Jews to her with joy. Blessed are You Hashem, Who gladdens Zion with her children. Be happy, beloved friends, just as your Creator gladdened you in the Garden of Eden at the beginning. Blessed are You Hashem, who gladdens groom and bride. Blessed are You Hashem our Father King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, happiness, merriment, glee, gaiety, love, affection, peace, and friendship. Quickly, Hashem our Father, let it be heard in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of grooms, the sound of brides, the sound of grooms rejoicing at their Chupah Ceremonies and young men from the musical feasts. Blessed are You Hashem, Who gladdens the groom with his bride."
Finishing the recitation of the seven blessings, the Rabbi lifted the wine and took a drink, before handing it to Warrick. Warrick in turn took a drink before turning and as Sara lifted her veil away from her face, he lifted the cup underneath for her to take a drink.
The Rabbi took the cup back and set it down on the table before picking up the small book. From it he pulled a copy of the Ketubah, and read the agreement therein, the promises made, and reaffirmed that those witnesses who signed the Ketubah witnessed the signing and agreement made between Sara and Warrick the day before. When that was done, he laid the Ketubah down on the table before looking back at the couple.
"This passage was chosen by the couple. It is written, in the second chapter of the Song of Solomon," he began.
"'My lover spoke and said to me: "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit; the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. Arise, come, my darling; my beautiful one, come with me. My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely."
"My lover is mine and I am his.' verse ten through fourteen and sixteen 'a'."
Sara glanced up at Warrick and smiled softly before focusing her attention back on the Rabbi.
"As Hashem our Father has brought these two together, today they stand before us to give their promises to one another before Him and those gathered to witness this day," he began before looking at Sara and saying, "Do you, Sararita, take Warrick Jamar Brown, to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him, and to save yourself only for him? To have and to hold, for richer for poorer; in sickness and in health, through good times and the bad, forever and a day?"
"I do," Sara answered as she looked up at Warrick.
"And do you, Warrick, take Sararita Tzipora Tzeitel Jacobs to be your lawfully wedding wife? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her, and to save yourself only for her? To have and to hold, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, through good times and the bad, forever and a day?"
"It's not long enough, but I do," He answered with a smile as Sara grinned up at him.
"Now, Sararita and Warrick will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle," The Rabbi continued as he moved out of the way and they stepped up to the table. As he spoke, they picked up their tapers and carefully lit the oil candle that sat in the unity candle. "Warrick and Sararita, the two distinct candle flames represent your lives before this day, individual, unique and special. Please take the candle symbolizing your life before today, and together light the center candle to symbolize the union of your individual lives."
Replacing their candles in the holders, they joined hands as the Rabbi continued. "As this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From now on your thoughts will always be for each other rather than your individual selves. Your plans will be mutual, your joys and sorrows both will be shared alike. Extinguish the two flames symbolizing your previous lives and you are forever united together in love," he instructed before they blew out their individual candles. Making their way back to where they had stood before, the Rabbi took back his place. "Light is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses an inner glow that represents our hopes, our dreams and aspirations in life," he finished with a smile.
"If there are any present who have just cause why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace," he offered and as it remained silent he smiled before nodding. "First Corinthians, chapter thirteen says: 'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 'And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.'"
As the Rabbi finished, Greg set a glass wrapped in a scarf on the ground and Warrick raised his foot before bringing it down on the glass, and an audible crunch filled the air before there were cries of 'Mazel Tov!' and 'Congratulations!'.
Taking her bouquet from Liz, white roses and Stargazer Lilies, Sara smiled before turning with Warrick to face the others. Making their way down the aisle, she laughed as they moved into the limo, "Did we really just do that?" she asked with a smile as Warrick joined her.
Carefully lifting her veil he smiled as he brushed it down her back, "I think we did."
"I know we did," Sara assured softly as she looked down at the gold band on her hand. "I love you."
"I love you, too," he smiled before kissing her gently. "I have a theory," he began as he shifted and moved her over so she was resting, her back against his chest.
"Oh really? What's that?" she asked with a smile as she linked her fingers with his.
"I'm liking the Jewish tradition of Yichud. I've been looking forward to spending some time alone with you for days."
"Even if it is only for half an hour?"
"Even if it was only for ten minutes," he smiled.
"God, I've missed you. I love our friends, but if they ever take my words to that extreme again...I'm saying we run away from home."
Warrick laughed before kissing her temple, "I'll drive."
Monday December 27th, 2010
Voyager of the Seas
Schooner Bar
11:15 a.m.
Everyone had stayed on the beach to gather the Chupah and Ketubah, and the Unity candles, before returning to the ship, arriving about five minutes after Sara and Warrick had, though the couple was on their own enjoying a few moments of peace and silence, and just being together as they broke their fast...well, Sara's fast.
The Schooner Bar had been reserved for a reception, and while they'd been enjoying the wedding, the second wedding planner had been setting up the reception. The Schooner Bar was a Royal Caribbean signature bar. It had a warm and inviting atmosphere, with teakwood accents and comfy leather chairs. A bar, and a piano...it was perfect for the couple, mostly because two of the guests played piano.
One end of the room had been given a buffet, featuring various items like Greek salad with feta cheese, Asparagus salad served with shallot and egg vinaigrette, Tomato mozzarella salad with fresh basil, and Spinach dip and corn tortillas and flatbread for the salad course. Then there were the hot items; Pepper-coated roasted strip loin served with natural jus or horseradish, Broiled salmon fillet on a bed of Mexican-style vegetables, Chicken breast Françoise with Dijon-mustard sauce, Pasta Primavera, Vegetable stir-fry, Garlic mashed potatoes, Rice pilaf, and Assorted seasonal vegetables. They even had deserts items, including assorted fresh sliced fruit, assorted cheeses, and French pastries.
For drink options they had all brands with mixer, house wine, beer, soda and juice. But the real center of the area was the wedding cake, a two-tier cake with fresh white roses and stargazer lilies as decorations. Then on the other end of the table, was the dolphin ice sculpture.
Elsewhere in the room there were a few tables set up, along with room at the counter to sit. And an area was set up for dancing; with a pianist and singer they'd seen before, enjoying himself at the piano, where he had a microphone set up.
Everyone had arrived and found a place to sit, having already gotten their salads, when Sara and Warrick arrived, Sara now veil-less. They both smiled and accepted the clapping before making their way over to the bridal table, Sara gratefully sinking into a chair next to Liz when Warrick held it for her.
"Hi," Sara smiled as she looked at Liz while Warrick went to get their salads. "How are you doing?"
"Better now that I'm sitting down again," sighed Liz. "At least the table hides everything."
"You're dress hides everything too," Sara countered softly. "Honey, you're carrying high, you're barely showing as it is. No one who doesn't know would suspect a thing," she continued in a whisper as Warrick made his way back over. "Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me Sara?" wondered Liz
"For being here, I know it's not the easiest thing in the world," Sara explained with a slight shrug as Warrick joined them.
"Of course I'd be here for you, Sara," countered Liz. "You're my best friend and you've been a big part of my life for a lot longer than Nick Stokes."
"I know, exactly why I say thank you," Sara smiled sympathetically. "But enough, for now we're going to be happy. I just got married, and exchanged rings with my husband, and we've got a lovely reception that all of us get to enjoy," she added with a giggle. "And I'm giggling. Oy vey!" she sighed.
"And we are going to enjoy each and every giggle," Warrick grinned as he slipped a glass of champagne in her hand. "Aren't we, Liz Girl?"
"That we are," agreed Liz with a smile.
"And I'm going to just sit here and enjoy my salad," Sara smirked.
"She honestly thinks she's going to get away with that, doesn't she?" Warrick chuckled.
"Yep," laughed Liz.
"We'll have to prove her wrong some day."
"Not today?" Sara asked glancing between them.
"Nah, it's our wedding day, can't pick on you excessively," Warrick smiled.
"Nope, that's reserved for tomorrow," agreed Liz with a nod.
"Wait until the the Frilach and Hora, and the Chair dance my love, you might reconsider. Well, technically you're only going to get dragged into the Chair dance if I know the dearly insane couples of Bill and Gilly and Billy and Jill...and their children..." Sara trailed off with a shake of her head.
"We're doing Jewish dances?" Greg asked popping around from Warrick's other side. "Cool."
"Should I be afraid that he didn't even have to be told what the Hora and Frilach was?" Sara asked as she looked at him.
"I don't know," Warrick admitted shaking his head. "So, how many people do you think are in shock that the wedding colors included pink?" he asked with a smile changing the subject.
"You mean other than the bridal party?" questioned Liz.
"Well, I was," Greg piped up before Archie smacked the back of his head and Sara just shook her head as she and Liz giggled.
Forty minutes later, everyone had eaten lunch and was casually munching on their desert, as cake wasn't for quite a while yet. James, the pianist, finished the song he was singing, and gathered everyone's attention as he announced it was time for the bride and groom's first dance. Warrick moved his chair back before rising and offering his hand to Sara. When she had taken it, and they made their way to the center of the dancing area, she moved into his arms as the first cords of "I'll Stand By You" began to play and James began to sing along.
As the song finished, Jill appeared next to James and whispered in his ear. Bertie joined them, taking James' pace at the piano. Sara glanced from Warrick over to the Studers and Quinns before shaking her head as they brought out two chairs and grinned at the couple.
"Adonai help us, just don't drop us," Sara ordered as other members of the guests rose to join them on the dance floor. Sara carefully sat down on the chair, flipping her skirts up over her legs. Seconds later she found herself up in the air as Nate and Aramis lifted her chair. Bertie began to play as Warrick soon joined her in the air, with Bill, Billy, and Jim holding him up.
A scarf made its way up to Sara, and Warrick received the other end. As the song continued, many of their gathered friends enjoyed dancing along as the boys had quite a bit of fun with the two on the chairs. Finally Bertie brought the song to a close and the two found themselves back on the ground. Laughing Sara pulled Warrick away from the chairs by the scarf they still both held, before slipping into his arms as another slow song began to play, and the chairs were returned to their original locations. After the father-daughter dance, Sara danced with Jim to John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulder" and a 'mother-son' dance, that had everyone smiling as Sara and Bertie danced to "Sunrise, Sunset", Sara found herself being pulled by Bertie to the center of the room as James picked up the music he'd been given for the dance. Bertie and Sara were quickly joined by Jill, Billy, Gilly, Bill, Nate, Aramis, and Bree as they formed a circle, dancing the Hora. Greg soon came over, breaking their fast pace to slip in between Jill and Gilly. A few others gave it a shot and moved in, Warrick slipping in between Sara and Bertie.
After they finished the Hora, each participant laughing as they tried to catch their breath, Warrick pulled Sara away to dance as James began to play "All I Ask of You", singing softly along with the other man so only she could hear.
"Hey," greeted Catherine as she sat down next to Nick.
"Hey," greeted Nick in reply as he kept his eyes on Liz, who was currently stepping into the arms of Tony before they started dancing.
"How are you doing, Nicky?" asked Catherine curiously as she took in Nick's distracted state.
"I'm fine, Catherine," replied Nick, still not taking his eyes off Liz.
"And that's the biggest load of crap I've heard in a long time," Catherine shot sarcastically.
"What's that supposed to mean?" demanded Nick as he finally turned to look at Catherine.
"What it means Nick, is that I'm not blind. You've been watching her all night. You care about her, don't you?"
"Something like that," admitted Nick quietly, his gaze returning to Liz. "There's something different about her though," he mused.
"Different? Different how?" pressed Catherine curiously.
"I don't know exactly," Nick admitted in mild consternation. "She looks as if she's filled out some. As if she's put on weight or something," he said with a slight shrug.
"Baby weight," commented Catherine before taking a sip of water.
"Excuse me?" asked Nick turning back to Catherine.
"Turns out she's acting as a surrogate for Sara and Warrick," replied Catherine. "Or so she says."
"You don't believe her?"
"Honestly?" asked Catherine. When Nick nodded, she continued. "No, I don't," she sighed.
"Why not?"
"Well," Catherine began, turning to glance at Liz for a moment before turning back to Nick. "You sure you really want to hear this?" she asked suddenly not so sure that this had been the smartest thing in the world to bring up.
"Yes Catherine. Tell me why you don't believe Liz is carrying Sara and Warrick's baby," pressed Nick.
"It's a number of things really," replied Catherine, taking a deep breath. "When I look at you Nick, I can tell you love her. I can see it in your eyes. I see the same feelings reflected in Liz's eyes, only there's also a pain there as well. Add to that the fact that this is the first time since we left Baltimore that the two of you have been in the same room together. There has to be a reason why she's been avoiding you for over a week now. I get this impression that she's hiding something and everyone from Vegas knows what it is and is helping her keep it secret. I also know that the two of you were together when we were in Vegas back in the spring. And her sudden case of food poisoning? Nick I was with her and Lindsey on the shore excursion the other day. She did not get food poisoning from undercooked fish because she didn't eat fish."
"How in the world would you know that Catherine?" demanded Nick.
"Grissom and I saw her leaving your hotel room the day Sara woke up in the hospital," replied Catherine. "It doesn't take a genius to figure out what happened between the two of you, Nick. It didn't take much after that to figure out there was something going on between the two of you. I tried to warn you, Nick."
"I know," acknowledged Nick. "So, you think it could be mine?"
"I think there's the possibility," admitted Catherine. "But I think you need to talk to Liz to know for sure. She was quite adamant the other day that it was Sara and Warrick's when Lindsey let something slip about a baby. When I asked them about it, it was as if they couldn't get their stories straight. One claimed the baby in question was Zoë's, the other claimed it was Sara's then they switched before Liz claimed that not only was Zoë expecting her second baby but that she was acting as Sara's surrogate," she explained shrugging slightly.
"Excuse me," Nick said rising from his seat.
"Nick...be careful," cautioned Catherine as Nick stepped behind her.
"I will," he agreed as he walked from the table and out onto the dance floor, directly to where Liz was still dancing with Tony. "May I?" he asked tapping Tony on the shoulder.
"Only if it's alright with Liz," commented Tony looking from Nick back to Liz in concern, knowing the truth about the secret she was hiding. When Liz nodded slightly, Tony stepped back, squeezing her hand in support before dropping it and allowing Nick to take over as her dance partner.
When Nick took Liz in his arms, she kept her eyes focused down on his shoulder, all the while praying that Nicole would keep still.
"So how are you Liz? I haven't seen you since we boarded," asked Nick quietly.
"I'm fine," replied Liz, her gaze still down. "You?"
"I'm good," admitted Nick. "Are you enjoying the cruise?"
"Of course. Aren't you?" Liz asked suddenly looking up, her eyes meeting his at last. "Nick I..." she trailed off as she got lost in his eyes and he started closing the distance between them.
"It's mine, isn't it," Nick stated when he was just about to kiss Liz, causing her to snap back to reality and step back. "I don't know what you're talking about," snapped Liz as she backed away from Nick.
"Yes, you do, Liz," argued Nick grabbing her wrist before she could flee. "I know about the baby. I just want you to tell me the truth. Is it mine?"
"I'm not discussing this with you Nick. Not here. Not now," hissed Liz as she pulled her wrist free and finally fled the room, only to have Nick hot on her heels.
"On no," Sara sighed when she saw them leave.
"No, stay," Warrick ordered lightly when he felt her start to move. "Baby, they need to talk. If we keep them apart they'll never deal with this," he continued when she looked up at him questioningly.
Sighing once more she nodded as he pulled her back into his arms, "It's going to be alright, right?"
"In the end, I know it will," he promised softly.
"Liz! Liz wait!" called Nick as he jogged to catch up with Liz. "Liz will you please talk to me?" he asked as he took a hold of her arm and turned her around to face him.
"There is nothing to talk about, Nick," replied Liz as she pried her arm from his grasp.
"If you don't want to talk to me, that's fine Liz but will you at least let me explain?" pleaded Nick, a hint of desperation in his voice.
"Fine," sighed Liz before turning back around and walking off in the direction she'd been going before Nick stopped her. "Are you coming?" she asked turning back to Nick a few moments later when she realized that he wasn't with her. "Nick, I'm not about to have this conversation in the middle of the promenade. If you really want to talk, then follow me," she instructed, once more turning and walking off down the hall, Nick trailing behind and slowly catching up and walking next to her as they made their way upstairs to Liz's room.
Sara still followed Nick when her dance with Warrick ended, out of concern for her friend, to make sure that Liz was okay. She'd almost interrupted them when she saw Nick grab Liz by the arm but she stopped herself when she heard Liz suggest they talk privately. As she watched Liz and Nick walk away, she made a promise to herself to check in on her friend later, to make sure her talk with Nick had no serious side effects like the run in with Catherine had a few days before. Once Nick and Liz were out of sight, she reluctantly made her way back into the reception.
"We can talk in here. It's not like Sara will be coming back here any time soon," offered Liz as she unlocked and opened the door to her room. Entering her room, Liz made her way over to her balcony doors, where she stood looking out, her back to the room and Nick who was standing about ten feet behind her.
"I owe you the biggest apology Liz," Nick said quietly, although his voice seemed to echo in the quiet of the room.
"You're right. You do," agreed Liz who continued to stare out her balcony doors. "You used me Nick."
"Liz that was never my intention," Nick fought. "I meant what I said that day in your apartment."
"And I meant what I said too Nick," replied Liz coldly. "To think that I was even considering leaving Vegas for you," she laughed bitterly.
"You were?" asked Nick in surprise.
"Yes, Nick, I was," replied Liz. "But that's kind of beside the point now, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is," agreed Nick. "And I never believed what you said that day, Liz."
"Why not? It's the truth."
"It's no truer now than it was six and a half months ago Liz," argued Nick as he walked over to her and turned her around to face him. "I see it in your eyes now the same as I did then."
"And it changes nothing, Nick," snapped Liz as she pushed past him. "In case you've forgotten, you're spoken for and I don't think Rebecca will take too kindly to you being here in my room, let alone on the same ship as me."
"Rebecca's out of the picture, Liz. She has been for a long time now," Nick told her walking over to her again. "The relationship was over long before I ever came back to Vegas in the spring."
"Really?" asked Liz sarcastically, pushing past Nick once more as she went to her suitcase. "Then explain this," she demanded thrusting a piece of paper into Nick's hand.
"What is this?" asked Nick in confusion, looking down at the folded up piece of, what looked like newspaper in his hand. "Open it and find out," instructed Liz coldly.
Nick did as Liz suggested, unfolding the paper and discovering the article on his sister's funeral from the Dallas Globe. "Where did you get this?"
"You should know Nick. You're the one that sent it to Jim," spat Liz. "And your relationship with Rebecca looks far from over in that picture."
"Liz, I didn't send this to Jim," contradicted Nick. "I wouldn't. Why would I send something that I knew you would see and be hurt by. Liz, hurting you is the last thing I ever wanted to do and sending this," Nick said holding up the article as he approached her, taking a hold of her arms, "Would be guaranteed to hurt you. I have no idea how Jim got this article, Liz, because I didn't send it, unless..." he trailed off as a possibility dawned on him. "I cannot believe this," he said as he began to pace. "I cannot believe that she would go to these lengths. I knew she was upset but give me a break. For her to think that you had anything to do with the break up is just...I cannot believe this..."
"Wait a minute Nick. What are you saying?" asked Liz in confusion. "Are you saying that Rebecca sent the article to Jim?"
"She's the only one that could have Liz. She's the only one in Dallas outside my parents who even know about you and trust me, my parents would never do something this hurtful," replied Nick.
"But why would she do this Nick? She had you. She'd won."
"No Liz. She hadn't. You had and she knew it," countered Nick. "As I said earlier, my relationship with Rebecca was over before I even came to Vegas but when you pushed me away I thought I'd give the relationship another chance and it was the biggest mistake of my life, second only to walking out of your apartment that day. Rebecca didn't take my rejection well, especially after she learned I'd been offered a job in Vegas."
"You've been offered a job in Vegas?"
"Jim called around the beginning of October and offered me the job of Day Supervisor beginning in the New Year," answered Nick.
"Are you taking it?" asked Liz as she wrapped one arm across her middle and chewed on the thumbnail of her other hand, her elbow resting on her other arm.
"Yes, I am," said Nick. "Are you alright with that?"
"What I think doesn't matter, Nick," replied Liz flatly. "It's you're life, not mine. You can live and work wherever you want, makes no difference to me."
"Liz, the last thing I want to do is make you feel uncomfortable and judging by the way you've been avoiding me since we boarded, you're far from being comfortable around me," noted Nick.
"I have my reasons for avoiding and being uncomfortable around you, Nick. It broke my heart when I found out you had a girlfriend. I don't trust easily Nick and you broke my trust when you lied to me about Rebecca," explained Liz. "You have no idea how hard it is for me being in this room with you right now, knowing you're free but not knowing if I can trust you," she told him as she returned to her spot staring out of her balcony doors.
"Liz, I'm going to do whatever I have to in order to win your trust again," promised Nick as he walked up and stood behind her, looking at her through her reflection in the glass. "God knows I want you back Liz but if I've screwed up any possible chance of ever being with you again, then I'll accept that. If all we can ever be now is friends, then I'll accept that."
"She's yours," Liz said quietly, her voice the barest whisper and her gaze on her hands that were resting on her stomach.
"Excuse me?" asked Nick, not quite sure he'd heard her right.
"I said, she's yours, Nick," Liz said meeting Nick's gaze in their reflection as she took his hand and placed it on her stomach. "I'm carrying your child, Nick."
Nick stood there in silence for a few moments, holding Liz's gaze in the window, his hand still under hers on her stomach, feeling Nicole move under it. "You're pregnant? And it's my child, not Sara and Warrick's?"
"Yes," replied Liz in a hushed voice, not quite sure what to make of Nick's tone. "I knew I shouldn't have told you," she mumbled a few moments later, pulling away from Nick when he didn't respond in any way. "I think you should leave now," she suggested, wiping away a few tears.
"Catherine was right then?" asked Nick, not hearing what Liz had just said.
"What does Catherine have to do with anything, Nick? I just asked you to leave," demanded Liz.
"I'm not going anywhere, Liz." Nick informed her. "And as for Catherine, she noticed me watching you at the reception earlier. We started talking and that's when she told me you were pregnant and that you told her it was Sara's but that she suspected it was actually mine," explained Nick as he walked over to where Liz was standing next to her bed. "You weren't going to tell me were you?" he asked quietly.
"No," replied Liz quietly as she sat down heavily on the bed, her eyes going to her hands.
"Why not?" asked Nick curiously, no hint of accusation in his voice, only confusion and concern. "Did you think I wouldn't want to be a father to this child?" he asked, kneeling down on the floor in front of Liz taking her fidgeting hands in his.
"No. I always thought you'd make a wonderful father," admitted Liz.
"Then why Liz? Why weren't you going to tell me?" asked Nick as he brushed some hair behind Liz's ear before caressing her cheek lightly.
"And have you hate me for ruining your life? I couldn't do that Nick. I just couldn't."
"Why do you think I would have hated you? I could never hate you Liz. I love you too much for that," reassured Nick.
"You had a life Nick. A life in Dallas that didn't involve me. We knew each other for barely over a month and we'd been together only that one time so it's not exactly something we talked about in great detail. I know you well enough though to know you'd want to do the right thing by this child. I was afraid that you'd feel obligated to be with me for the sake of the child, and that's the last thing I want because you'd end up hating me for ruining your life," explained Liz through unbidden tears.
"Oh Liz," sighed Nick as he sat on the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. "I could never hate you or any child of ours," he soothed as he let her cry. "If you felt so strongly then why keep it?" he asked a short while later when Liz's sobs had turned to sniffles.
"I couldn't."
"Why not?" asked Nick curiously.
"My faith won't allow it, but more importantly, it was you," replied Liz as she wiped her eyes on the handkerchief Nick handed her.
"I don't understand."
"This baby is a part of you, Nick," explained Liz. "If I couldn't have you, I'd at least always have a part of you. She's named after you, you know."
"She is?"
"Yes," replied Liz. "I decided to name her Nicole."
"It's pretty," admitted Nick with a smile.
"I was also thinking of giving her both of our last names. That way she too would have a part of you."
"Nicole Fabrey-Stokes?" asked Nick. "I like that," commented Nick when Liz nodded.
"Listen Nick, would you do something for me?" asked Liz nervously.
"Of course Liz, anything. Just ask."
"I'm really tired and I'd like to lie down and try to get some sleep," offered Liz.
"You want me to leave?" asked Nick.
"No, Nick, that's not it," replied Liz. "I had a pretty bad scare the other day and I'm not comfortable being alone right now so I was wondering if you'd stay here with me while I tried to get some sleep."
"Of course," agreed Nick.
"Thanks," Liz said graciously as she got up from the bed and walked into the bathroom, taking her pajamas with her.
While Liz was changing, Nick got the opportunity to think and to look around the room a bit, noticing the still wrapped gift on the bedside table, "You never opened your gift." he pointed out when Liz re-emerged from the bathroom a few minutes later.
"Oh," commented Liz in surprise. "I had no idea that was even for me," she admitted in mild embarrassment. "Sara brought that back just as I was getting ready to leave for mass the other night and we've never really had the chance to talk about it since then," she explained. "I take it it's from you."
"Yes it is," confessed Nick. "Do you want to open it?" he asked picking it up. "It's alright if you don't want to..."
"No Nick, I would love to open it. Like I said, I just didn't realize it was actually for me," explained Liz as she walked over to him, taking the gift from his hands. "Care to join me?" asked Liz as she patted the bed next to where she'd climbed in under the covers. As Nick climbed on the bed next to her, Liz set about opening the gift. "Oh Nick. It's beautiful," breathed Liz as she looked at the white gold cross with seventeen diamonds channel set into the cross. "It's too much, you shouldn't have spent so much on me," she chided as she ran her fingers over the pendent.
"Liz, it's not the pendant I wanted to get but I didn't know how well a heart shaped pendant would be accepted. And it's not too much. You deserve something this beautiful," countered Nick. "Liz I was thinking. About the baby."
"Oh? Thinking what?" wondered Liz nervously. "I was wondering if you'd move in with me?"
"Excuse me?"
"Liz it's not what you think, I promise. I bought a house in Henderson, not that far from Sara and Warrick actually. It's a three bedroom and I was thinking that maybe we could use one of the rooms as a nursery for Nicole and you can take the third bedroom. I'm not going to pressure you in any way Liz, I swear, I just thought it would give us both the chance to be in our daughter's life and to see if there is at least the possibility of there being something there between us again. You could be at home with Nicole while I'm at work and then I can look after her while you're at work and I'm sure that Sara would be more than happy to look after her for a few hours in the afternoon while I'm leaving and you're going to work," explained Nick.
"Can I think about it for a bit?"
"Of course, Liz, like I said, no pressure. Take as much time as you need," reassured Nick. "Now why don't you try to get some sleep and I'll wake you up in time for dinner...that is if you're going to dinner tonight."
"I don't see why not," admitted Liz as she lay down, Nick running his hands through her hair. "Besides I need to have a few words with Catherine Willows," she said a hint of anger in her voice.
"All right Liz, but right now you need sleep," pressed Nick. "And I'm not going anywhere."
"Thanks," responded Liz sleepily as she started dozing off as Nick continued to run his fingers through her hair.