Saturday, June third was warm, sunny, and the perfect day for an outdoor wedding. It made Nicky forget that she had ever had any annoyance about the planning and re-planning she had been forced to contend with over the past several months. That morning she had walked through the enclosed garden that they had chosen for the ceremony and had been pleased with everything she saw. It was intimate and would give a friendly feel to the otherwise extravagant festivities. Flowers were everywhere, the grass was lush, and the stone aisle and fountains added just a touch of grandeur. It was a beautiful space.
Though the morning had been hectic and overtaken by several last-minute errands that had been assigned to her, the time leading up to the ceremony was quite laidback. Nicky was pleasantly surprised, as she had been bracing herself for an abundance of ridiculousness to precede the wedding. That is what she had witnessed at the many nuptials she had been forced to attend when she was growing up.
Alex was a very low maintenance bride and nothing if not efficient. She had showered, dressed, and done her own hair and makeup with lighting speed. Nicky thought that Alex looked as close to perfection as any one could hope to look on the day they got married. She wore a white satin pantsuit that made her long legs seem endless and which was cut in all the right places to make it seem both sexy and elegant. Nicky had snuck over to catch a glimpse of Piper in her strapless white ball gown and couldn't get over what a striking pair they were going to be today. She had told them both just as much.
Nicky was wearing a pale blue chiffon gown that hugged her curves in all the right ways, despite its length being suited for somebody much taller than she was. It was supposed to have been hemmed, but Nicky had blown off her alterations appointment a couple of months back to hang out with Lorna instead. She had intended to reschedule, but kept putting off making the call until the wedding was only a few days away. Too late to schedule a seamstress, Nicky had assumed that Red would help her out and had been dismayed to discover that sewing was apparently not a skill that she had. It shouldn't have been too surprising, even Red's crocheted blanket in prison had been made by somebody else, but her unhelpfulness had been irritating anyway. The only advantage about her long dress that Nicky could foresee was that she might be able to ditch the uncomfortable high heels and have nobody notice.
She wore her hair in a sleek, simple knot at the back of her head. It was a style that had required several long hours the night before with a straighter, and then a little magic from the hairdresser she had visited that morning. She had even gone easy on the eye makeup and had painted her lips a soft pink. Nicky knew she looked stunning, although Alex had joked about missing the Heroin Barbie look.
Now there was nothing left to do but relax until it was time to head downstairs for the big moment. A fruit platter had been delivered to the room upon their arrival, and Nicky was contentedly picking out the strawberries. She popped them in her mouth and watched in amusement as Alex paced back and forth impatiently.
"You nervous, Vause?" Nicky teased, as she selected another strawberry from the platter.
"I'm sick of waiting," Alex complained, "I don't see why we had to start getting ready so early. Now there's nothing to do."
"Well, most people do take a little more time primping that you do before they get married," Nicky consigned, "but if your goal is to look the same as you do everyday, with the exception of fancier clothes, then I'd say you nailed it."
"I've got my hair and makeup down to a science," Alex said confidently, pausing to look at herself in the mirror over the bureau, "I know what works. Why second guess it on today of all days?"
"You look great," Nicky said, looking approvingly down at Alex's sleek one-piece white pantsuit with the open back, "you always do." She pointed meaningfully at the platter of fruit that was sitting atop of the bedspread next to her.
"Eat," Nicky pleaded. "As your maid-of-honour, it's my job to make sure you don't pass out at the altar on account of hunger."
Alex chuckled and plopped herself down on the bed. Nicky leaned over the side to pick up the towel she had left on the floor that morning and draped it protectively over Alex's lap before handing her a cluster of grapes.
"You ate all the strawberries!" Alex complained good-naturedly as she plucked a grape and brought it to her lips, "but I guess after all you've done for this wedding, you deserve it."
"You know, I'm still a little annoyed you didn't let me hire a stripper," Nicky said, "I mean, what's the point of a bachelorette party without strippers?"
"Okay, that bachelorette party was just you and me hanging out, Nichols," Alex scoffed, "we'd have just looked like perverts."
"Man, I wanted to do something big but you kept vetoing all my ideas," Nicky rolled her eyes, "I wanted to take you to Vegas."
"We're on probation" Alex reminded her, "neither one of us is allowed to leave the state."
"Well, once we are allowed to, we should go," Nicky said, "that's all I'm saying."
"Deal," Alex replied.
Somebody knocked at the door and Nicky scooted off of the bed before Alex could react. Her laid back approach to getting married made her quite an easy bride to manage, but Nicky wanted her to actually relax and reflect a little bit before the ceremony started. Alex just seemed so bored about the whole thing, as if she was only going along with the fuss to please Piper. Maybe a fancy wedding had never been her vision, but it was still worth getting a little excited about.
Nicky opened the door to their suite and smiled at the sight of Cal Chapman, Piper's brother. She had found his inappropriate jokes at the rehearsal dinner rather entertaining, and appreciated his sense of humor through this all.
"Hey Nicky, hey, almost sister-in-law," Cal greeted them enthusiastically. He walked through the door that Nicky held open and looked back and forth between the two women.
"You both look great," he exclaimed. "Neri added some embellishments to her bridesmaid dress and now I can't decide whether I like the original better or not."
"She embellished her dress?" Alex asked skeptically, "Piper must love that."
"It's just a little more bejewelled than before," Cal explained, "you don't have to worry about her showing you and Piper up today though."
"Because that's what I was worried about," Alex said sarcastically.
"So, I just wanted to make sure we're all ready to go," Cal told them.
"Ready and waiting," Nicky told him, "Alex has been pacing back and forth in excitement since we got here. I hope my future spouse is that enthusiastic about me, if I ever get married."
Alex rolled her eyes and went to look out the window.
"I was just outside and everything is stunning," Cal said, "Mom, is puttering around driving the florists insane. Piper probably should have relented and invited a few more of the relatives so she'd have more people to talk to."
"Piper did not want any family members present that were going to spend the whole time passing judgement and gossiping about how we went to prison," Alex said, coming away from the window.
"The exception being Dad," Cal replied, "but she had to invite him. He's paying for the entire wedding."
"How's your Dad doing with it all now?" Nicky asked him, sounding amused.
"He has a massive migraine," Cal told her, "Aunt Sally just stepped out to buy him some Aspirin."
"Seriously?" Alex rolled her eyes, "make sure you don't tell Piper that. She's stressed enough already."
"Oh, Piper's fine," Cal said casually, "I just saw her. Neri and I may have convinced her to have a taste of brandy to relax before the ceremony. It was tasteful, though. Just enough to take the edge off, but not enough to get her buzzed."
"Man, and all we got was a platter of fruit," Nicky joked light heartedly, "that does sound like a good idea for you though, Vause. You want a drink to relax?"
"I don't need alcohol to relax," Alex replied, "I'm fine."
"Wedding day jitters are perfectly normal," Cal smiled, "everyone gets them. The day I married Neri? I kept alternating between these two extremes of happiness and sadness."
"Yeah, well, that might be because you decided to literally get married next to your grandmother's casket," Nicky reminded him. "Piper was full of stories when she came back from furlough."
"I still can't believe she got furlough," Alex scoffed, "that's supposed to be like the loch ness monster of prison."
"I still can't believe she landed you," Nicky sighed deeply, "despite my best efforts…"
"Save it, Nichols," Alex rolled her eyes, "we all know your one true love is Lorna. Who is going to be here today, by the way."
"I know that," Nicky said dismissively, "because I spent four hours helping Piper figure out the seating arrangement chart for the reception. I know everybody who is coming to this wedding. I can't wait to meet your Uncle Tommy, by the way, Cal. From what Piper told me, he seems like he's good for a lot of laughs."
"Just stay away from Great Auntie Muriel," Cal nodded importantly, "she's a nightmare. Consider yourself warned."
"Got it," Nicky grinned.
She turned back to Alex, "I haven't seen Lorna in several weeks though, so I'm not sure you're correct about this whole 'true love' thing. I've been seeing a lot of other people who aren't her, if you know what I mean."
"I know what you mean," Alex said dryly, "and I also know that you never really commit because you're so hung up on Lorna."
"Know it all," Nicky grinned wryly.
"Should we start heading downstairs now?" asked Alex, sounding a little nervous despite her cool act, "it's almost time."
"I guess we should," Cal said, "I want to do a once over and make sure everything is perfect before we begin. See you both down there." He turned on his heel and left the room without waiting for them.
"I like him," Nicky commented, once the door had shut, "I bet you'll enjoy his company at family gatherings."
"He brings out a side of Piper that I don't get to see too often," Alex said, "he grounds her. His shenanigans also distract her parents from focusing on Piper and I too much, so that's a bonus."
With a last look in the mirror, she picked up her simple bouquet of white roses and handed Nicky hers. A silence fell between them as they walked down the stairs and into the enclosed garden space that had been reserved for the wedding. Tall hedges blocked them from view as they waited at the back. Piper and Alex were going to be entering from separate sides. They would meet at the back of the aisle and walk to the front together. Nicky and Neri, the bridesmaids, would walk down first and wait for them at the altar with Cal, the officiant.
While Alex, picked at her bouquet of flowers mindlessly, Nicky peered curiously around the group of hedges to check out the guests who were sitting in wait for the wedding to start. It wasn't a large group. Just a handful of select family members and a couple of Piper's friends from college.
Sitting near the back together was Vasily, Lida, Red, and Lorna. Nicky thought that Lorna looked beautiful in a strapless floral cocktail dress, with her brown hair curled into soft ringlets. She was talking excitedly to Red, likely expressing the things she would do differently when she was finally the bride. Nicky couldn't help but notice the way Red was avoiding Lorna's eyes and just seemed rather distracted. Her disenchantment with marriage and weddings in general might explain the current glazed look on her face, but Nicky knew it was probably much more than that.
Admittedly, Red had been quite withdrawn more often that not lately. She had been busying herself with work and seemingly avoiding social interaction as much as she could. What had happened with Benny was still weighing heavily on her, as it most definitely should. It was good that Red was feeling remorseful, and was mindful of the consequences that her actions had caused.
Gloria would be coming home in just a little over a week now. What should have been cause for celebration, was now tainted by the strain that had developed in Red's relationship with Gloria's youngest son. Although Nicky was trying to be understanding of what Red was going through, it was difficult to feel sympathetic for someone who could have prevented any of this from happening had she used a shred of common sense. And truthfully, Nicky had been so preoccupied with preparations for the wedding that she hadn't had much time to focus on Red's current predicament anyway.
"How is it looking out there?" Alex asked.
"I think everyone is pretty much here," Nicky said, looking back over her shoulder at Alex. "Lorna is sitting with Red. She didn't bring a date with her?"
"Nope," Alex smiled, "she only RSVP'd for one."
"Interesting," Nicky purred, "I may have to seize some opportunity tonight. You might not be the only one getting lucky at this wedding."
"I never expected anything less from you, Nichols," Alex said dryly, "feel free to use the hotel suite, if you want. We did get two after all."
"Thanks, but I'm only kidding," Nicky laughed, "Lorna and I aren't doing that. I haven't slept with her at all since I got out."
"Seriously?" Alex said, "that's shocking. Not even that night she slept over at your place when Piper and I were there?"
"We shared the bed," Nicky conceded, "but nothing happened."
"I'm impressed by your restraint," Alex commented, "that doesn't sound like you."
"Oh, I have my reasons," Nicky replied, raising her eyebrows as turned back to look at her friend.
"Such as?" prodded Alex.
"I've been waiting to see if her crazy would ever get under control," Nicky replied, "but it's not like I've been going without all this time. I've been busy with several different suitors. Lorna just doesn't happen to be one of them."
"So long as you're happy," Alex sighed. She nodded at the hedge.
"Are Piper's parents out there yet?" she asked, "did you see them?"
"Yeah, they're sitting at the very front," Nicky replied, peering around it yet again. "Dad isn't moaning or clutching his head, so that's a good thing."
"I wish my mom could have been here," Alex said quietly, "I have been thinking about her a lot lately. You're the only person here today that is really here for me."
"Well, luckily I have enough personality to count as several people," Nicky grinned.
"Diane would have smacked me for a lot of the shitty choices I've made in the past, but I think she'd have loved to have been here today. To have met Piper." Nicky nodded but wasn't really sure what to say. Fortunately, the music started playing then.
"Here we go," Nicky said enthusiastically, patting Alex's arm supportively. She waited for her cue and then walked down the aisle and took her spot next to Cal. Neri was right behind her, wearing the same dress as Nicky except in pale pink, rather than blue, and she had bejewelled the bodice with several cheap looking rhinestones. She got an A for creativity, but Nicky thought hers still looked better.
Nicky beamed as she watched Piper and Alex appear at the same time and join hands before walking down the aisle together. All the wedding guests rose to their feet. Piper's mother, Carol, had taken out a handkerchief and dabbed at her teary eyes the moment she spotted her daughter, but Nicky was pretty sure they were the joyful kind. She was pleased that Piper's family was being supportive, even if Alex Vause wasn't necessarily what they had ever expected or wanted for her. Deep down, they just wanted their daughter to be happy.
Cal was an entertaining officiant and, at Alex's request, he kept the proceedings short and sweet. Piper and Alex had each written their own vows to one another, which Nicky had always considered to be much more meaningful than just using the standard ones. As she looked around the place and all the excessiveness and microscopic details they had stressed about, but which had served to bring everything together so wonderfully, Nicky knew this was a day she would never forget. Marka had dragged her to a lot of weddings growing up, but this was one of the few that she could recall actually being happy to be at. The love and joy between her two dear friends made this special. Nicky wished that someday she could be as lucky as them.
When Cal announced them married and they kissed, Nicky clapped along with the rest of the people present. She looked out at the guests and met Lorna's eye. She was crying, and Nicky immediately wondered whether it was because she was so moved by the romance, or if she was feeling sad that it wasn't her.
It could have been her, had things been different. Nicky knew with complete certainty that if there was ever anybody she would willingly endure all the hoopla of an over-the-top wedding for, it was Lorna. Except, Nicky had long ago resigned herself to the painful truth that Lorna simply wasn't good for her. She had never fully reciprocated and Nicky was tired of feeling used. That didn't stop her from looking at Lorna now though and thinking about how hopelessly in love with her she was. Some things just couldn't be fought.
The next few hours were a mixture of photographs, being hugged by people she had never met in her life, and finally sitting down at the head table for the dinner. Nicky was starved. Piper and Alex both looked happier than Nicky could ever remember seeing them, and she enjoyed listening to Cal and Neri's green living ideas. They were both completely eccentric and a lot of fun.
Once everybody was done eating, it was time for Nicky to get up and deliver the toast she had agreed to give. She carried a wine glass filled with the sparkling cider she had requested, in lieu of champagne, and bluntly introduced herself to everyone as Piper and Alex's best friend from prison. She had scribbled down a couple of heartwarming anecdotes the day before, but generally preferred to improvise. Working a room was something that came naturally to her and, although some of Piper's relatives looked taken-a-back by her candor about developing friendships while incarcerated, Alex and Piper both looked bemused and Cal laughed loudly through it all. She joked around about Piper's shoddy electrical skills, the way she had been able to detect the chemistry between the two of them from the beginning, and how she had enjoyed watching them finally admit to one another what she had known all along. Nicky ended by wishing them a lifetime of happiness and amazing orgasms.
"Amazing orgasms? Did you really need to say that?" Red scolded, when Nicky skipped over to the table where Red was seated with Vasily, Lida, Lorna and a couple of Piper's friends from college.
"That's the nicest thing I could think of to wish them," Nicky told her, "and did you hear the crowd? Everybody was in stitches."
"Well, you made me laugh," Lida spoke up with a smile, "public speaking is certainly a gift of yours, Nic. I would be petrified to talk in front of all of these people."
"Meh, you just picture them all in their underwear," Nicky told her, "and if that doesn't work, then you try to imagine the face they all get when they're having an orgasm."
"That's terrible," Vasily laughed, "I still don't get how you get away with talking that way in front of Ma. She'd have smacked me into next week if I talked like you."
"She'd already developed this big mouth before I got her," Red told him, taking a sip of her drink, "there isn't much I can do at this point."
"You love it," Nicky insisted, leaning down to kiss Red's warm cheek.
"Oooh, Nicky," Lorna squealed, grabbing a tight hold of Nicky's arm, "they're about to do their first dance. Isn't that romantic? You need to dance the next song with me, okay? No matter what it is."
"Well, I draw the line at the chicken dance," Nicky replied, "but if it's anything else, then I'm all yours."
"Just try not to trip over that too long hem of yours, darling," Red said sardonically, taking yet another sip from her glass.
"Are you mocking me?" Nicky asked her incredulously, "because you know my dress being too long is entirely your fault."
"How is it my fault that you skipped your alterations appointment?" Red scoffed.
"How do you not know how to sew?" Nicky shot back, "didn't you need to make your own clothes when you lived in Russia?"
"There are stores in Russia," Red rolled her eyes, "don't be ridiculous."
"Alright, fine, I won't be," Nicky lamented, "I'm going to go dance instead. Lorna, you ready?
"Have fun," Lida smiled after them.
"Go dance with your wife, Vasily," Red commanded, not missing the look of annoyance that Lida had just shot at her husband.
"I have a broken arm," Vasily replied, "I can't dance. What if somebody accidently bumped into me?"
"What if we stay seated here and I accidently punch it?" Lida retorted. Red smirked.
"Mama, how is that funny to you?" Vasily complained, "that would hurt!"
"It's a slow song," Red pointed out, giving her son a look of exasperation. "Surely you're not that bad of a dancer that you're going to start staggering around falling into people?"
"Actually, that sounds exactly like him," Lida laughed. She stood up and tugged on Vasily's good arm.
"Let's go, babe," she said brightly. Vasily grumbled good naturedly but followed her obediently onto the dance floor.
Alone at the table, Red heaved a deep sigh before bringing her glass of wine to her lips for another sip. At least the alcohol was good at this wedding, she conceded to herself, because she really hadn't felt like coming. Red loved Piper and had wanted to be here to celebrate her and Alex's special day. She enjoyed seeing Nicky looking so beautiful in her bridesmaid dress too. Red just could not stop feeling like there was a dark, inescapable, cloud of regret following her wherever she went. If only she had done the right thing when it was Benny's night, then she might actually be able to enjoy herself now. She turned her attention back to her children and tried her level best to stay in the moment.
The song had switched to a fast one, but Red smiled approvingly at how Vasily had remained on the floor, clutching his casted arm to his chest, while he spun Lida around with the other and looked to be having the time of his life. Nearby, Nicky and Lorna were dancing together. Red liked Lorna, although she worried about whether she was really a good person for Nicky to be with. She didn't want to see Nicky end up in a relationship where she gave so much and seemed to receive precious little back. Red wanted better for her than that. She wanted the best for all of her children, and she included Julio and Benny in that number. Red hated that she had made Benny feel like he didn't matter to her. The truth was, Red cared so much that it hurt.
Finishing her glass and discovering that the bottles on the table from their dinner were empty, Red stood up and headed towards the bar in search of another drink. There wasn't really much for her to do by herself while Vasily, Lida, and Nicky were on the dance floor. Getting just a little drunk seemed like an excellent idea. She met Piper and Alex on her way and had the chance to congratulate them both before ordering herself a rum and coke from the bartender. Then she went back to her seat.
"That was so much fun!" Lida exclaimed, falling into the seat beside Red a little while later and gasping delightedly, "you should have come dance with us."
"I don't dance," Red told her, slurring her words slightly. In the time she had been left to her own devices, she had visited the bartender two more times. She took a sip of her Vodka.
"I love watching you and Vasily dance though," Red said passionately, rubbing Lida's shoulder affectionately, "it makes me so happy to see all my kids having fun. You all have this energy about you. So motivated. I wish I had been more like that when I was your age."
"Oh, come on," Lida chided, "you must have had some fun too."
"Did Dmitri ever strike you as fun, honey?" scoffed Red.
"Well," Lida laughed awkwardly, "I don't know. He could cook up a good BBQ in the summertime. That was nice."
"Well, he was nice," Red lamented, "but women don't want just nice."
"We don't?" asked Lida, in bemusement, "I don't know if I agree. After growing up with a father like mine, I know I really appreciate how nice a man Vasily is. You raised him well." She smiled encouragingly.
"You don't really talk much about your father," Red said, swirling the ice cubes around in her glass, "only about your mother."
"Well, Mamochka and I were really close before she died," Lida commented, "Papa and I never were. He was a difficult man. So, I really appreciated Vasily's Papa's good humor once we started dating. My father always had something to be critical about."
"And you don't keep in touch with him?" Red asked.
"Once in a while," Lida shrugged, "but I avoid him as much as I can. The last time I saw him was Alexei's Christening. I was just over a week postpartum and he decided it would be funny to point out how fat I still was in front of everybody."
"Bastard," Red said bluntly.
"Vasily's Papa heard him and made a point to come up and say how beautiful he thought I looked," Lida smiled. "He was probably lying, but I appreciated the gesture nonetheless. Dmitri was always very good to me. I'm glad he got to be present for Alexei. I'll always be sad that he never got to meet Vera."
"That is sad," Red said softly, thinking of her ex-husband and how she knew he had doted upon the grandchildren. "I'm glad Dmitri was there for you though. Your own father never appreciated you like he should have. It must have been very difficult for you to cope after your mother died."
"I was twelve," Lida said, "and the summer after Mamochka passed, a family with two girls about my age moved in next door. Until I turned eighteen and left home, I spent as much time over at my friend Valentina's house as I could. I wish we hadn't lost touch. Her mom and dad treated me like one of their own kids."
"Well, I'm glad we get to have you now," Red said truthfully, "Vasily is one lucky man. Where is he anyway?"
"He went outside to call Maxim and Luca to see how the kids are doing," Lida replied. "I'm trying to get better at not checking up on them all the time, except all I'm doing is making Vasily call for me."
"That's normal," Red replied, "motherhood is basically just a permanent state of anxiety and guilt, at least in my case it is."
"Aww, I don't think you need to feel guilty," Lida soothed, "none of your sons would want you to feel that way. They don't hold any grudge against you. Don't you know that by now?"
"I guess," Red sighed, drowning the last of her drink, "but I wasn't actually thinking about them right now."
"Who were you thinking about then?" Lida frowned, "Nicky?"
"Let's go get more drinks," Red said, reaching for Lida's hand. Lida giggled as she got to her feet. She wasn't used to seeing her mother-in-law like this.
"I am thirsty," Lida agreed, "but let's slow you down a bit, okay? How much have you had?"
"Three...I think," Red said, considering the question carefully for a long pause as though it confused her.
"And that's not including the wine at dinner," Lida reminded her with a smile.
"Is that a problem?" Red frowned, "because I'm not even feeling it."
"I think you're feeling it maybe just a little," Lida giggled, "so maybe I'll just order us two bottles of water this time. Wait a little bit and then get more on the next round."
"You don't want a drink?" Red asked, "you didn't even have any wine with us."
"I'm the designated driver," Lida told her, "remember? We agreed that you and Vasily get to have the fun tonight while I be responsible."
"Well, we can call a taxi," Red replied, "you deserve to have a little fun. You don't get a night out without the kids too often."
"And that's probably not going to change anytime soon," Lida replied, handing Red a bottle of water, "but honestly, I don't miss it much. This is fun, but I'm just as excited to get home and cuddle my babies. I miss them."
"I was like you when mine were small," Red told her, as they took their seats again, "you're a very good mother. Vasily is even a pretty good father, I'm proud to see. I hope the two of you have more someday."
"Oh, I think you can count on that," Lida said lightly, taking a big gulp of water, "probably won't even have to wait too long before you get to be a Grandmother again."
"What?" Red exclaimed, looking over at her daughter-in-law with wide eyed amazement, "Lida, are you—?"
"Yes!" Lida laughed, "I'm already three months but I just found out this week! I couldn't believe it, that I didn't notice for so long. I guess I was too distracted with Alexei and Vera to pay much attention. It sure made me feel better about the eight pounds I've gained already, though!"
"Oh my God, honey!" Red exclaimed, pulling Lida into a warm embrace, "now that you said it I can just see how much you're glowing! When are you due?"
"End of November," Lida said excitedly, "but baby will probably be here sooner than that. Both Alexei and Vera were early."
"And you're feeling okay? Everything's good?" Red asked, squeezing both of Lida's hands in hers.
"I feel wonderful," Lida replied, "not a touch of morning sickness."
"Oh, good," Red said, "you're one of the lucky ones."
"I wasn't going to say anything until tomorrow since this is Piper and Alex's day," Lida told her, "but you basically set me up, Ma. How could I keep it to myself?"
"I'm glad you didn't!" Red said excitedly, "honey, you've just made me so happy."
"Good," Lida giggled, "maybe, if you're not too busy, you'd like to come to my ultrasound appointment with me on Tuesday?"
"Yes, of course!" Red said enthusiastically.
"What's up?" Vasily asked them, walking back over to the table. "I spoke to Max and both the kids are already asleep in their beds."
"Oh, darling," Red said breathlessly, getting out of her seat to wrap her son in a big hug, "I just love you so much."
"I love you too, Ma," Vasily replied, patting her on the back, "what's brought on all this love? Are you drunk?"
"Maybe a little," Red admitted, "but barely."
"I told her our news," Lida grinned up at them.
"You did?" Vasily said, "no fair! I wanted to be the one to tell her."
"Oh, please," Lida scoffed, "it's more my news to share than yours. I'm the one who has to do all the work."
"I'll be the one driving to the grocery store in my pajamas every time you get a middle of the night craving," Vasily retorted.
"And you'll do it willingly because you love your wife and appreciate the beautiful gift she is giving you," Lida reminded him, "but let's not talk about this anymore in here. Don't even tell Nicky. We'll share the news with everybody else tomorrow."
"Fine," Red relented begrudgingly.
"Hey, family," Nicky said, as she and Lorna approached them with their arms wrapped around one another tightly, "what's going on? There's a little bit too much of the whole 'cat that ate the canary' look happening over here."
"We're having fun," Vasily told her, "this is a great wedding."
"Alright, let's just cut to the chase," Nicky said, "is Lida pregnant?"
"How did you guess?" Red frowned.
"You are probably the least subtle people on the planet," Nicky rolled her eyes, "and you Russians all talk too loud. Anyway, congratulations."
"Yes, congratulations!" Lorna echoed.
"Thanks," Lida giggled.
"I can't wait until I get to have a whole van filled with little babies," Lorna gushed.
"Uh, huh," Nicky turned to look at Red, "can I talk to you for a minute alone?"
"Of course," Red blinked. Nicky grabbed her arm and tugged her towards the dance floor where a slow song was playing.
"I don't want to dance," Red protested.
"You basically just get to hug me in a circle and call it dancing," Nicky told her, pulling her close, "no skills required." She wrapped her arms around Red and rested her head against her shoulder.
"I thought for sure when I saw how many drinks you put away that you were going to entertain us all doing the macarena or something. I'd have paid to see that," Nicky teased.
"That would take a lot more alcohol," Red replied, "I can handle my booze."
"How disappointing for me," Nicky replied, "you should spin me." She tugged on Red's hand and twirled herself around.
"You look so beautiful in that gown," Red told her.
"I know," Nicky said simply, "and I didn't even trip."
"Good girl," Red murmured, "I love you."
"I love you too," said Nicky automatically, "I was glad to see you looking so happy just now. I haven't seen you like that too often lately."
"Well, you know why," Red said quietly.
"Yeah, but there's no sense in punishing yourself for something you can't change," Nicky told her, "and you did apologize. I give you credit for that."
"I know," sighed Red.
"I wanted to ask you if you'd be alright if Lorna and I take off soon?" Nicky asked.
"You're going out with her?" Red asked.
"I want to go upstairs with her," Nicky said point-blank, "Alex gave me the key to their spare hotel room. Seemed like a good idea."
"I guess so," Red said softly, "just don't get your heart broken."
"I just wanted to make sure you'd be alright spending the night alone," Nicky said carefully, "since you've been so upset lately."
"Of course, I'll be fine," Red said tersely, "don't treat me a delicate old lady."
"Alright, I won't," Nicky said, leaning over to kiss Red's cheek as the song ended, "I love you and I'll see you sometime tomorrow then. Okay?"
"Goodnight, honey," Red said. She walked back over to join Vasily and Lida, as Nicky sped out of the banquet hall with Lorna.
This wedding had turned out to be a wonderful time for Nicky, and the best part had been spending time with Lorna. She probably never would get over her and knew she didn't really want to. Pushing Lorna away for the past several months seemed to have the unintentional, but pleasing, effect of making Lorna want her more. It was fun being the person being actively pursued for a change. It gave Nicky hope that maybe Lorna was starting to crave and want her the way she had wanted Christopher many years before. Except Nicky's affections were not an allusion, so Lorna genuinely loving her would be a healthy thing. Maybe Lorna was beginning to understand what was real and shouldn't be taken for granted. It was becoming very obvious to Nicky that Lorna did not want to lose her.
"That was such a beautiful wedding!" Lorna sighed contentedly, "didn't they look happy?"
"Sure, they did," Nicky agreed. Piper and Alex had been joined at the hip every since the ceremony. It was difficult for them to properly greet all of their guests since they only had eyes for each other.
Nicky swiped her card and opened the door, allowing Lorna to enter first. It was the room she and Alex had gotten dressed in that afternoon.
"I love the view from here," Lorna said, walking over to stand in front of the window.
"It's even nicer from outside," Nicky said, sliding the door open and motioning for Lorna to step out. Wrapping her arms around Lorna from behind, Nicky inhaled the sweet vanilla scent of her hair and savoured being this close to her.
"You smell nice," Nicky said, bestowing a kiss on the top of her head.
"And you look beautiful in that gown," Lorna reciprocated, "your hair looks great too. I think I prefer it curly because it's more you, but I like it for tonight." She placed her hands atop of Nicky's, which were still wrapped tightly around her waist.
"I'm glad you like it curly better," Nicky replied, "because this takes way too much work for me to maintain." She tugged Lorna over to the patio sofa and pulled her down.
Lorna breathed a note of contentment and leaned back into Nicky's embrace. Silence fell between them as they both just enjoyed cuddling together. If Lorna had to describe what being in Nicky's arms felt like, she would probably say that it felt like home. She was safe with Nicky, the only person who really understood her.
"I think I can see a star," Lorna said, pointing her right hand up at the sky.
"Looks like a satellite," said Nicky dismissively, "remember Lolly from prison? She'd say that it was the CIA spying on us right now."
"It's still pretty though," Lorna insisted and Nicky smiled.
"It sure is," she agreed.
Lorna reached for Nicky's hand and began smoothing it back and forth between her own. The night was warm and it was so peaceful out here together, high above the city.
"So, tell me all about your life," Nicky said smoothly, running her fingers through Lorna's silky hair, "you seeing anybody?"
"Nobody, Nicky," said Lorna, "I even quit my job and went somewhere else so that I don't see Harry anymore. It's all finished. How about you?"
"Yeah, I've been seeing people," Nicky said honestly, "but only casually."
"Who?" asked Lorna. Nicky could feel her visibly stiffening up in her embrace. She liked that Lorna was so affected by the thought of her with somebody else.
"You really want to know?" Nicky asked her skeptically.
"Yes," Lorna nodded determinedly, "I want to know everything about you."
"Just don't go into a jealous rage," Nicky warned her, "although, I have to admit I'd be a little flattered if I discovered I had that effect on you. I wasn't serious about any of these people anyway."
"Okay," Lorna said cautiously, "that's good to know."
"There were a couple of one night stands," Nicky began, "a fling with a girl named Brooke from school, and umm…. Luschek."
"Luschek!" Lorna exclaimed, sitting upright in Nicky's arms as she turned around to look her in the eye, "as in the sort of doughy guy that worked in electrical? Are you joking?" She looked as though she wasn't sure whether or not she was supposed to laugh.
"Nope," Nicky said with a chuckle, "and I got to say that he can be pretty good. We don't see each other too often, though. The first time was on New Years after you ditched me and the last time was a few weeks ago. He helped me babysit Lida and Vasily's kids."
"I never ditched you," Lorna protested. She turned around in Nicky's arms so that she could sit backwards on her lap.
"You told me to go," she argued, linking her hands around Nicky's neck.
"I gave you my blessing because I could tell that was what you really wanted to do," Nicky clarified, "I didn't want you to leave."
"Okay," Lorna sighed, "I'll take the blame." She leaned forward to rest her cheek against Nicky's. They hugged one another tightly.
"So, Luschek babysat?" Lorna said skeptically, a few minutes later, "I never really dubbed him as a kid person."
"Would you qualify me as one?" Nicky asked, placing her hands on Lorna's hips and then stroking her thighs up and down.
"You told me before that you hated kids," Lorna replied, "back when we were at Litchfield. Remember at the Mother's Day event?"
"Well, in general, I suppose I don't like them," Nicky lamented, "but I like Vasily's kids in small doses, and I'd like my own hypothetical children."
"You want to have kids someday?" Lorna asked, running her hands slowly to Nicky's front and resting them over her chest.
"If the circumstances were right," Nicky shrugged, "if I was in a good relationship with somebody who wanted them too."
"Like me?" Lorna chirped up, sounding almost hopeful.
"Why not?" chuckled Nicky, "you never know." She dug her fingernails a little harder against the dress fabric that covered Lorna's thighs.
"I don't want you to be with Luschek, or Brooke, or anybody else," Lorna said seriously, "do you know how much that bothers me?"
"If it bothers you as much as listening to you harp on about the guys you were obsessed with bothered me, then I feel really bad for you," Nicky said curtly.
"I never meant to upset you," Lorna said, "I just couldn't turn my brain off about them before. I'm sorry."
"Water under the bridge," Nicky brushed her apology off, "you didn't really do anything wrong. I was the dumb one for falling in love with you when I knew you were never going to love me back."
"Why don't you ever believe me when I say, I love you?" Lorna asked, tearfully, "you mean more to me that anybody!"
"Now, that's what makes it worse," Nicky replied, supporting the back of Lorna's head with her hands, "knowing that we both love one another but also understanding that it just doesn't work with us."
"I think it didn't work before because I wasn't ready," Lorna said, "it wasn't because the feelings weren't there."
"I'll give you that," Nicky sighed.
"I'm ready now," Lorna whispered in her ear. She began trailing kisses down the side of her neck, before Nicky shrugged her off.
"How do you figure?" Nicky asked her skeptically.
"I know how much I love you," Lorna said softly, "how much I like being with you. It doesn't matter if it's at a wedding, just hanging out at home, or even in prison—you make everything better."
"According to Marka, I just make everything worse," Nicky scoffed.
"Well, she's an idiot," said Lorna, "I'm right."
"I just don't want to fall for this talk," Nicky said, "and then we wake up in the morning and discover you're feeling completely different."
"I promise, I won't," Lorna said. She leaned forward and brushed her lips against Nicky's.
"Will you give me just one more chance?" she pleaded, "I promise I won't disappoint you."
"One more chance," Nicky agreed, giving Lorna an uncertain smile. She cupped her beneath the chin and brought Lorna close again for another, more passionate kiss. As Nicky surrendered to the love she had been resisting for so long, her heart began pounding in her chest and her entire body began to tingle. Maybe when a love was this strong it was worth risking heartache for. All Nicky knew right now was that she was happy.
Nicky felt like her entire life had become a myriad of second chances. It would have seemed hypocritical to deny to Lorna what so many others had done for her. Her life was good right now and Nicky was in a better place that she had ever been before. She was living an honest, healthy, happy life. A lot of it was because of Red's influence, but Nicky knew that it was mostly because of herself. She was stronger than she had ever fully realized and she had so much to be thankful for. At the moment, it was for the beautiful petite woman she was holding in her arms. Everything was wonderful.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed it. I really loved writing it, but I am very excited it is now finished because that means Part 3 begins and Gloria is FINALLY coming home!