Morning dawned crisp and clear over Cabot Cove. The day held promise to be sunny and pleasantly warm with just a gentle, ocean - scented breeze. It was the jewel of a day that everyone wishes to have for their Wedding Day.

Seth awoke first to find Jessica snuggled up against him with her head on his shoulder and sighed with delight to think that he would wake with her for the rest of his life.

I should go downstairs and surprise her with breakfast, but I can't bear to let go of her. Not just yet, he thought as he gazed down upon her and laid a soft kiss to her forehead. The rumbling of his stomach betrayed him however, and woke Jessica from her slumber.

"Seth, did I hear thunder?" she groggily asked.

Seth laughed, "No Jess. That was just my internal alarm clock telling me it's time for breakfast. I'll go down and make it while you shower. By the way, good morning," he said as he kissed her.

"Good morning! Ohh, this is nice," smiled Jessica cuddling closer into Seth's embrace.

"A-yuh, but we're going to have to get up if we want to get married today."

"You're right, of course," agreed Jessica, giving his cheek a small kiss. And with that Seth threw back the covers and they rose. "You go ahead and clean up. I'll get breakfast ready."

Freshly showered, Jessica came into the kitchen to the wonderful aromas of fresh coffee, bacon, and toast.

"Mmmmm, whatever you're making smells fantastic!"

"Pull up a chair, but first," Seth laid his hand on Jessica's cheek and leaning in, kissed her lovingly. "Good morning!"

Jessica could see the mischief in his eyes. "Why two 'good mornings'?" she asked. "Not that I'm complaining."

"Woman, I can't even begin to count the number of times I've wanted to kiss you 'good morning' when I walked into this kitchen. I'm so happy that I finally can."

"Oh Seth," Jessica sighed with a smile.

Seth held out the chair for her, "Sorry dearest, but you're out of anything fresh here at home too. It's a good thing you keep your freezer stocked."

After she sat down at the table Seth brought her a steaming cup of coffee. Jessica shook her head slightly and admitted, "I know. It's one of the problems with keeping two households. The New York apartment doubles my chores in several aspects and, well, with Grady and Donna thinking about moving I really don't see a need for it anymore."

"But you have me to help you with it now."

"Seth! Of all people, I'd think that you'd never want to go back to New York."

"As long as it was with you, I wouldn't mind. By the way, I didn't know that Grady and Donna were thinking about moving," noted Seth as he put down plates of bacon and toast. "Where to?"

"Grady mentioned he had a second interview with a Boston firm. I'd like that."

"A-yuh, they'd be a lot closer to home. We'd be able to see them more. I wonder when they'll add to their family."

"Soon, I think. I suspect that's what's initiating the move," surmised Jessica as she picked up a slice of toast. "Oh, dear…"

"What Jess? What's wrong?" asked Seth looking up from his coffee.

"We haven't talked about it yet - where are we going to live?" said Jessica with some concern, the toast suspended halfway to her mouth.

Seth just laughed. "Good grief, Woman! Hasn't it occurred to you yet, that with the exception of sleeping, I've been living here at least part time for several years? I might say that I'm ecstatic that I get to do the sleeping part now, too!"

Jessica's mouth dropped open into an '0' of surprise while Seth grinned impishly at her.

Then she flipped her toast at him.

"Now, now, Jess! There's no need for violence," chuckled Seth, catching the flying square. "Actually," he continued in a serious tone, taking her left hand in his and fingering the engagement ring on it. "I've always thought that home is where the heart is and my heart is with you. So I'm very happy to live in this house with you or anywhere else you may want to be."

"Nice save," granted Jessica through misty eyes. "I'll have my toast back now, please."

"Too late," Seth smiled as he took a big chomp out of the bronzed bread. "Catchers keepers, tossers weepers."

"You just made that up."

"A-yuh, I did. Now you can quote me."

They stared at each other for a few second and then began laughing, never letting go of their held hands.

"Actually Seth, it's been wonderful sleeping in your arms these last two nights. I can't even begin to describe it. And to wake up with you in the morning…."

"It's so nice to say, 'good night' to you my dear, and not have to leave you."

Jessica looked down for a moment and then lifted her head to look into Seth's eyes. "I never thought that I could love so completely ever again, but it seems that I have for some time without even knowing it."

Seth cleared the lump forming in his throat and squeezed her hand slightly. "I guess that's what happens when best friends fall in love."

"I feel so… blessed," said Jessica.

"Same here," nodded Seth. "This is a wonderful gift we've been given." They sat there smiling gently at each other for a long moment.

"Oh!" Jessica's eyes flew wide. "Talking about gifts - that reminds me." She went over to her purse on the counter and opening it, pulled out a square jewelry box.

Settling back into her chair, Jessica took Seth's hand and place the velvet box in his palm.

"This is for you. Think of it as an engagement gift."

A very surprised Seth noticed the Newburgh's Family Jewelers emblem and wondered aloud, "When did you have the time to get this?"

"While you were at the other side of the room at the jewelers I saw these and whispered to Michelle to put them in my bag. I hope that you'll like them."

Seth opened the lid to reveal four onyx tuxedo shirt studs and a set of matching onyx double cufflinks. All of the pieces were edged in scrolled platinum.

"They're beautiful, and the edges all gleam a little. Just like the wedding ring you picked out for me. I don't know what the say… Dearest, thank you!" exclaimed Seth as he leaned over and gave Jessica a long kiss. "I can't wait to wear them to our wedding."

"And speaking of which," he continued, "as much as I don't want to leave, I've got to get a move on and get cleaned up and dressed. Susan and John would have picked up my sister the airport and have her settled in at the Hill House by now. Then they'll be coming over to my place. Mort and Adele will meet us there too, and we'll all go to the church together. Are Grady and Marshall and the clan set to pick you up and escort you to the church?"

"Yes, and look at the time! I've got to start getting ready, as well," noted Jessica as they rose.

Slipping his arms around her Seth inquired, "So, are you going to give me a hint about what you're going to wear yet?"

"You'll just have to wait and see," replied Jessica gently tapping the tip of his nose. "And what about our honeymoon? Where are we going and when? What do I pack?"

"Where, is for you to sleuth out Madame Sherlock. When, is tomorrow at 3 p.m. We'll be flying out with everyone on your publisher's private jet, and what to wear is clothing for a week of strolling on soft paths, sandy shores, and into decent restaurants. Oh, and bring a swimsuit and a windbreaker. There, that should be enough clues for you!" said Seth with a wide grin.

"Sounds lovely," mused Jessica, ushering Seth to the door. He turned and took her back into his arms and placing his hand gently on her cheek said, "Jessica, I hate to, but I really have to go now. I love you and I'll see you in a few hours. Then I'll be yours and you'll be mine…"

"Forever," Jessica finished as she leaned in and pressed her mouth to his. "I can't wait. So go, and hurry."

While upstairs finishing her packing for the honeymoon, Jessica's attention was drawn to the insistent knocking at her front door. She went downstairs and cracked the door open to find Loretta and Corinne from Loretta's Beauty Parlor on her door step.

"Jessica! How grand to see you!" emphasized Loretta. "Now, we know you're hiding away from the reporters," she said with a wink, "but I just couldn't let a good friend and one of my best customers go to such an important occasion without having her hair and nails professionally done. Of course, we haven't told a soul. Well, nearly no one…"

Jessica finally realized that her mouth was hanging open like a guppy and snapped it shut.

"Why Loretta, that's really too very kind of you. But it's just a small ceremony," stuttered Jessica in surprise.

"Pish, tosh, Jessica. There is no such thing as a 'small ceremony,'" dismissed Loretta while easing in past the door. "A woman needs to look her best for these (wink, wink) type of affairs and we're here to make sure that you do. Now, Corinne let's just set up the cases over in the kitchen where the light's good."

Jessica quickly realized she was outnumbered and gracefully followed Loretta and Corinne into her kitchen.

A short time later, Loretta was fussing over Jessica's coiffure while Corinne was shaking a bottle of Rangoon Red nail polish.

"Corinne!" Loretta chastised. "For heaven's sake, what are you doing? Put that down and take out the bottle of Opalescent Pearl polish."

Jessica turned to look up at Loretta and asked with slight amazement, "Just how did you know I wanted pearl nail polish?"

"Honestly, Jessica! When have you ever not worn your pearl necklace to an important occasion, hmmmm? Of course you'd want your nails to match, now wouldn't you?"

"Well, yes. In fact, I am, and I do," answered Jessica, even more amazed. Perhaps it would be best if I just sat here quietly, she thought.

In short order Loretta pronounced, "There! All done, and looking as beautiful as ever. Corinne, let's pick up and leave, I'll bet Jessica's got a ton of things to do yet."

They were nearly out the door before Jessica caught up with them and while giving Loretta a hug told her, "Thank you so much! You and Corinne both. You've been just wonderful."

"Think nothing of it," demurred Loretta. "Well, we've got to go. Maybe we'll see you later, Jessica." (wink, wink)

I wonder what she meant by that? Jessica pondered as she closed the door and headed back upstairs to get dressed for the wedding.

... ... ... ... ...

Meanwhile, Seth was just finishing his shower and shave when Susan and John ushered in Seth's sister Helene through the front door.

"Dad? We're here!" called Susan up the staircase.

"Coming!" answered Seth as he trundled down the stairs while still in his robe. "Helene!" he cried giving his baby sister a big hug and a kiss. "I'm so glad you could make it."

"Oh, Seth! It's so wonderful to see you again. It's only been what, a year and a half or two since you and Jessica drove down to visit us in Florida," Helene gushed. "Just after cousin Buford's murder, as I recall," shaking her head sadly. "May God rest his soul. I wouldn't have missed your wedding for the world but I do wish you'd have given us a hint of it when you were down South. Shelby couldn't get away so I had to leave him at home."

"Yeah, Dad," chimed in Susan with a grin as she came around to the other side and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. "You could have given us all a clue."

"No. Couldn't have. We didn't admit it to each other until just the other day," retorted Seth somewhat ruefully.

"Now ladies," interjected John while taking in the prospective groom's wet hair. "Let Seth off of the hot seat. It looks like he just stepped out of the shower and I'm sure he'd be more amenable to being interrogated after he's dressed."

"Why thank you John, but please don't give them any more ideas," said Seth with a smile. "Oooh, look at the time. I've have got to get dressed. Susan dear, please make everyone comfortable. Mort and Adele will be here around five so keep an eye out for them." With that Seth scampered back upstairs to the bedroom and his waiting tuxedo.

Humming tunelessly all the while, Seth, now impeccably groomed and in his tuxedo trousers, pleated shirt, and natty bow tie came downstairs carrying his jacket and cummerbund, along with the velvet box holding the shirt studs and cufflinks.

"Wow!" Susan exclaimed as he walked into the living room. "You look really nice, Dad."

"Thank you, dear. Now would you be so kind as to help your old Pop with these shirt studs and cufflinks?"

"Of course, Dad," replied Susan moving Seth into the kitchen where there was ample light. "These are gorgeous studs and cufflinks. Where did you find them?"

"Ah, they're an engagement gift from Jessica," Seth contentedly answered.

"How sweet! I'm so happy for you, Dad. You've been alone for way too long."

"Oh, I haven't been alone, dear. Neither has Jessica, actually. It's just that now we'll be together a lot more!"

Susan just smiled and said, "Let me get that cummerbund for you, too."

"Remember, ruffles up for catching crumbs," added Seth with a grin.

While Susan was helping her father with the details of his attire, Adele and Mort arrived. After greeting John and Helene, Adele excused herself to see if she could render any assistance in the kitchen.

Susan had just finished up and they were leaving the bright kitchen when Adele met them. Looking at Seth with a slightly raised eyebrow, Adele said, "Oh Seth, can I have a quick word with you before we go?"

"Sure, Adele. Susan you go along and say hi to Mort. We'll be right out."

Once they were alone Seth looked at Adele and observed, "I know a concerned look when I see one. Is everything all right?"

"You tell me. I was a Marine long enough to recognize that scorch line above your ear for what it is. I'm sure there's a story behind it and I'll make you a deal. I'll trim it for you if you tell us how it happened someday," bargained Adele with a twinkle in her eye.

"It's a deal," declared Seth. "There's a pair of fine scissors over here in the drawer."

In short order Seth's hair was perfectly neat, without a hint of the brownish line the bullet had furrowed over his right ear.

When they returned to the living room Mort exclaimed, "Gee, Doc! You clean up really well. It's about time to go so let me help you on with your coat."

As Mort was holding Seth's coat for him Susan retreated to the kitchen and came out with a small plastic box. "Here Dad, we picked this up for you," she offered as she opened the box and took out a perfect white rosebud. Taking Seth's lapel she slipped it through the buttonhole and then smoothed out the satin lapel and straightened the white satin pocket point.

"Thank you, dear," Seth said before giving Susan a kiss on the cheek. Turning to everyone, he asked, "Well, do I pass muster?"

Helene, taking in her brother's neatly combed white hair, smartly fitted black tuxedo with satin lapels and white pleated shirt, complete with the gifted onyx button studs and cufflinks, shiny patent leather shoes, and topped off by the white pocket point and pure white rose bud in his lapel, exclaimed, "Seth, you're shining like a silvery full moon!"

Everyone agreed heartily.

As they were leaving for the church Seth asked a favor of John. "Would you mind driving my car over to the restaurant so Jessica and I can leave when the notion strikes us?"

Mort exchanged a knowing glance with Adele and before John could answer volunteered, "Hey Doc, why don't you let me do that? I know a short cut back to the church and could walk back in just a few minutes. We don't want John getting lost, now do we?"

"Thank you Mort, that's right kind of you," agreed Seth.

Adele could not resist a grin as they all piled into the car.

... ... ... ... ...

Back at Candlewood Lane, Grady and Jessica's brothers and their wives were gathered in the living room and waiting about while Donna and Marilyn helped Jessica.

Just when Marshall was going to call upstairs about needing to leave soon the two attendants descended with very satisfied looks on their faces.

Grady whispered to Donna as she came over to him, "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yes indeed," answered Donna. "Everything's just grand."

As Grady was about to ask for more details he heard soft foot falls on the stairs. Looking over he saw Jessica's sparkly golden pumps coming down the stairs, then he took in the rest of her and gasped loudly.

So did everyone else in the room.

Jessica came around the newel post to find everyone staring at her, agog with admiration.

"Good Heavens! What's wrong? Do I have something in my teeth?" Jessica asked with a perplexed look on her face.

Grady was the first to move to her and taking her hands said, "Gosh! No, Aunt Jess. It's just that you look so… gorgeous!" He took two steps back to take in the long sleeved, full length gown. "Wow!" he exclaimed.

"That gown is beautiful and looks wonderful on you. The color goes very well with your hair," chimed in Martin's wife, a fashion maven. "The pearls go perfectly with that modified scoop neckline, too. It looks like raw silk. Where did you get it?"

"I found it some time ago in London while on a book tour. I fell in love with its golden hue and I'd never before seen this subtle pattern of white that runs through it. This gown was quite an extravagant purchase but I just had to have it." Jessica looked slightly abashed as she admitted, "I've been waiting for a special occasion to wear it. I just never thought it would be for my own wedding…"

Marshall finally found his voice. "Sis, you glow like a golden ray of sunshine in Summer. Now, let's get you to the church so you can stun Seth speechless, too!"

Everyone chuckled a little at that, the spell broken. Stepping up to her, Marshall offered his arm and once taken, led Jessica toward the door while everyone else followed out behind them.