Soon, as if in the blink of an eye, it was almost Christmas time. It was rather hard to believe that this would be the first Christmas that the Brandenham Hotel would experience without Bitsy, but everyone working there was dealing with it the best way they knew how. With Lionel gone, the hotel bar was now under new management, with all remaining bartenders doing their best to carry on without him. As usual, Helen struggled with her feelings on the matter, not least because she was getting ready to spend the rest of her life with the woman she loved, the woman who despite everything had decided to ride or die with her. As for Shampagne, he was still waiting for Bitsy despite everything. Even at the ripe old age of fourteen years old, with his body feeling the effects of arthritis and his senses gradually dulling, he was still waiting no matter what.

It was Christmas Eve, and the hotel was bustling with activity. The lobby was filled with people from all walks of life, coming to spend the holiday at the Brandenham Hotel. There were families, couples, and singles alike; all looking for a place to stay for the night. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits despite it being a bittersweet time of year. Savannah especially was in a good mood. Not only was she going to spend the holiday with her half-brother Rabbi Cartman and his family tomorrow, but she'd also received news from the CEO of a record company that they wanted to produce her demo.

For now, though, Savannah was working behind the bar alongside Kaidence during the holiday rush. Kaidence was excited for Savannah. She had been a great friend and supporter of Savannah's music career and had always been there for her. Kaidence could tell that Savannah was on the verge of something big, and she was happy to be there to share in Savannah's success.

"Oh man, you must be so happy about finally getting a record deal, Savannah," Kaidence said. "I can't imagine how long you must've had to work for it."

Savannah smiled. "Yeah, it's been a long road, but it's finally paying off. I'm just so grateful for all the support I've gotten from everyone here at the Brandenham."

"Uh-huh. Though I gotta ask... why didn't you ask your brother to hook you up with Diamond Bright Records? I'm sure they would've been more than happy to sign you on."

"Nah, I want to work to be where I want to be, not just have it handed to me. I don't want to be a nepotism baby."

Kaidence nodded understandingly. "Alright, I get it. Honestly, I'm just glad you're getting the recognition you deserve. You should be proud of yourself, actually."

Savannah smiled. "Thanks, Kaidence. I really appreciate it."

"No problem. So... ready for Christmas tomorrow?"

Savannah nodded. "Yeah, definitely. It's gonna be a great day."


At the same time Savannah was reveling in her success with Kaidence, Helen and Kayla were getting ready for a special occasion of their own. It was finally time for them to get married! Helen and Kayla had been planning this thing for months now, and they were both very excited to become a married couple. However, it wasn't without a little bit of uneasiness.

"God, I'm so nervous," Helen said while fidgeting with her floor-length black dress.

"Helen, don't worry about it," Kayla assured her. "It's going to be alright."

She could understand why Helen would be fraught with nerves, though. They were getting married at the courthouse, with only Guilhermina, Jasmine, and Rabbi Cartman and his family bearing witness to this monumental event. Kayla wasn't entirely sure where things could go from here after this, but they'd been through worse things before.

Kayla decided to examine herself again. She was wearing a white dress, one that looked more akin to something a young girl would wear to homecoming or prom than to her own wedding. It was covered in iridescent sequins, and it had a strappy back, a side slit, and bra cups. It also had an illusion mesh V-neck neckline that plunged a little past her breasts. She turned to look at the sides of the dress. Not a wrinkle in sight, she observed. The dress fit her perfectly, like it was made just for her. Kayla smiled, satisfied with her choice. She felt beautiful.

"Well, don't you look amazing, querida!" Guilhermina asked Kayla.

Kayla blushed. "Thank you, Guilhermina. Glad you think so, too."

Guilhermina smiled. "You know, you deserve to feel confident and beautiful every day, especially today. You're an amazing woman, Kayla, and don't you forget it."

Kayla nodded, feeling a warmth spreading through her chest.

As Helen and Kayla stood in the courthouse, waiting for their turn to say their vows, they couldn't help but reflect on their journey together. They had faced many challenges and obstacles as a couple, but they had always managed to come out stronger on the other side. This moment was a testament to their love and commitment to each other.

"I can't believe this is really happening," Yentl said. "Can you, Eric?"

Rabbi Cartman shook his head. "Not really, but they deserve to be happy no matter what happens."

"Very true," Jasmine chimed in. "Besides, it's nice to not have to think about losing someone they loved, even if it's just for a moment."

The Cartman family, Guilhermina, and Jasmine all watched with bated breath as the couple prepared to exchange their vows. They had all been there for Helen and Kayla through thick and thin, so it was only natural that they were here to witness this special moment.

As the judge called their names, Helen and Kayla stepped forward. They looked into each other's eyes, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was the moment they had been waiting for - to officially declare their love and commitment in front of their loved ones.

"Alright!" Eileen could be heard shouting in the background. "Way to go, you guys!"

Rabbi Cartman momentarily shushed his oldest daughter so as to not ruin the moment. Eileen's outburst was met with a few chuckles and smiles from the group. Once that was out of the way, Helen and Kayla exchanged vows, their voices filled with emotion as they promised to love and support each other through thick and thin. The words they spoke were heartfelt and sincere, a reflection of the deep connection they shared. As they slipped rings onto each other's fingers, a sense of joy washed over them. They were finally becoming wives.

Yentl covered her mouth with her hands and started tearing up. The sight of Helen and Kayla exchanging vows was overwhelming for Yentl. Tears welled up in her eyes as she witnessed the love and commitment between her two friends. She couldn't help but feel a deep sense of happiness for them, knowing how much they had been through to reach this moment. Yentl's emotions were mirrored by the rest of their loved ones, who watched with tears of joy streaming down their faces. This was a celebration not just for Helen and Kayla, but for all those who had supported them on their journey to marriage.


With the courthouse marriage ceremony over and done with, it was time to head back to the Brandenham Hotel and get back to business. Not even a few hours in, and they'd already been adjusting to married life just fine. Sure, things certainly hadn't gotten any easier since Helen and Kayla both assumed ownership of the Brandenham, but they were at least was determined to make things work.

Kayla, for her part, dove into it with unabashed optimism to her very core. Growing up in the 1990s, she was instilled a core belief that you could do anything just as long as you set your mind to it. To that end, she'd quickly set out to establish herself as a capable lawyer for Bitsy Brandenham, one of the most notorious hotel magnates in New York. But with her gone now, Kayla knew she had to take on the legacy of the hotel along with Helen. It was going to be a lot of hard work, but her drive and tenacity propelled her forward.

Upon arriving back at the Brandenham Hotel, the newlyweds dropped by the reception area to share the good news.

"Wow, congratulations, guys," the receptionist said. "I had a feeling you two were right for each other."

Kayla giggled. "Thanks, Luka. It's nice hearing that from you."

Luka smiled. "Not a problem, ma'am." He gave a thumbs up.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but smile. "You don't have to call me ma'am, Luka. We're friends, right?"

He nodded and smiled back. "Yes, ma'am. I mean, yes, Kayla."

Kayla laughed and ruffled his hair. "That's better. Now I think it's time Helen and I got going."

"Alright, Kayla."

Helen and Kayla then walked hand-in-hand to the elevator to ride up to the penthouse, eager to begin their new life together.