"I think we may have outdone ourselves," Mariah said, standing with Tessa, in the reception hall of the Grand Phoenix.
"It looks spectacular, if I do say so myself," Tessa said.
"I have to agree," Abby said, arriving, "Kyle and Rachel are going to love the décor. I have a feeling this bachelor/bachelorette party will be an event we won't soon forget."
"I only hope everything goes as planned," Mariah said, "We have a few surprises in store."
"Amazing!" Everyone turned to see Chloe walking in. "It's such a beautiful set up in here," Chloe smiled.
"It should be fun," Tessa said.
"We have this event tonight and then in 48 hours we have to transform this room into a wedding/reception occasion," Chloe said.
"That's when the magic happens," Abby said.
"Where's Kevin?" Mariah said, "I hope he is still planning on coming."
"He is going to meet up with me in a little while," Chloe said, "Don't worry, he will be here."
"Abby, where is your date?" Mariah said.
"I invited someone, but I'm not sure if he will come," Abby said.
"All of you are set with Chelsea and the dresses, right?" Chloe said.
"I needed some adjustments to mine, but Chelsea assured me it will be ready in plenty of time," Mariah said.
"Mine is done," Abby said, "The bridesmaid dresses are just lovely. I am getting excited about this wedding."
"Wait until you see the bride's dress," Chloe said, "Rachel is going to look stunning."
"I have no doubt she will," Tessa said.
Soft music played in the background, as party guest began arriving. Jack had Adele on his arm, while Sharon arrived with Faith.
Chloe appointed herself guest co-ordinator, greeting people as they arrived. "Sharon, it's nice you could come. No escort? I thought you were dating someone. Is his name Rey?"
"I was planning to come with him, but he had unexpected work come up, so I brought my daughter Faith," Sharon said.
"I love parties," Faith said, "Especially when they pertain to weddings."
"Me too," Kevin said, arriving with Susie.
"Hi," Chloe smiled, "Where's Bella?"
"She had an upset stomach, so I left her with Esther," Kevin said, "I don't think it's too serious."
"I hope not, she has flower girl duties in a couple of days," Chloe said.
"Faith, have you two met?" Sharon said, gesturing to Susie.
"No," Faith said.
"This is Rachel and Kevin's daughter, Susie," Sharon said, "This is my daughter Faith."
"Hi," Faith smiled, "It's nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too," Susie said.
"Is it your Mom who is getting married?" Faith said.
"Yes, she is," Susie said, "I'm so excited, I get to be a bridesmaid."
"That sounds like fun," Faith said, "Do you want to go and see what kind of food they have over there?"
Looking at Kevin, Susie said, "Can we?"
"Just don't get into any trouble," Kevin said.
"We won't," Susie said, as the two of them scurried off.
"Two preteens," Sharon said, "What could go wrong?"
"It would be nice if they stay friends," Kevin said.
"Wow," Summer said, walking in with Fen.
"The place looks great," Fen said.
Spying Summer, Abby said, "I don't remember seeing your name on the guest list."
"I came with Fen," Summer said, "In case you have forgotten, he is in the wedding."
"Oh my gosh, there he is," Susie gushed, as the sight of Fen.
"Who?" Faith said.
"Over there," Susie said, "That's Fen Baldwin. He's so good looking."
"Yeah, I guess," Faith said, "He's a lot older than us."
"That's not the only drawback, he's my cousin," Susie said.
Noticing Susie watching him, Fen smiled and waved. Susie gave him a nervous smile, with a wave back.
"Breathe," Faith said.
Ashley and Traci, stepped off the elevator, when a familiar voice said, "Ladies."
"Paul," Traci said.
"I didn't expect to see you here," Ashley said.
"I was pleasantly surprised to receive and invitation to this shin-dig," Paul said. Offering each an arm, Paul said, "May I?"
"I would be delighted," Traci smiled.
"You go ahead, I have to take care of something first," Ashley said. Pulling her phone out of her purse, Ashley checked her messages, replacing her phone as someone stepped off the elevator.
"Ashley?" Ravi said.
"Ravi, hi," Ashley smiled, "I didn't know you would be here."
"I'm a groomsman in the wedding," Ravi said, "I was in turn invited to the party."
"I wasn't aware you were part of the wedding," Ashley said, "It's lovely you were included."
"You look very nice as usual," Ravi said, "Have you been in yet?"
"No, I was about to," Ashley said.
"In that case," Ravi said, offering her his arm, "For old time's sake."
Ashley smiled as she accepted his offer, entering the room, as Devon and Elena stepped off the elevator.
Soon after Kyle and Rachel arrived in the hallway. "Sounds like the party is in full swing," Kyle said.
Rachel was about to enter the room, when she noticed Kyle was holding back. "Shouldn't we go in?" Rachel said.
"Not yet," Kyle said, "I want to take advantage of having you to myself for a few minutes." He engaged her in a kiss.
"Get a room," a voice said. Kyle and Rachel looked to see Billy smiling at them, with Victoria at his side.
"Billy…" Victoria said.
"I guess that's our cue to go in," Kyle said.
Hand in hand, Kyle and Rachel, entered the room, followed by Billy who announced their arrival. Gesturing to the guests of honor, Billy proclaimed, "Ladies and gentleman, may I present the future Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Abbott!"
Applause erupted as Kyle put his arm around Rachel, both displaying big smiles.
"I am still not so sure this is a good idea," Adam said, as he stood in the hallway with Chelsea and Conner.
"I was invited and you both are my dates," Chelsea said.
"Maybe I should take Conner home," Adam said, "I'm afraid he might be bored with no one his age here. I can come back and pick you up later."
"Would you stop worrying and try to enjoy yourself," Chelsea said.
"Yeah, Mom said it would be fun," Conner said.
"I'm out voted," Adam said.
"Yes, you are," Chelsea said, "Come on let's go."
Chloe saw them first, addressing Adam. "What are you doing here?"
"He's with me," Chelsea said.
"And you brought Conner," Chloe said, smiling at him.
"We mentioned all the food that would be here and there was no keeping him away," Chelsea said.
"She told me they had lots of desserts," Conner said.
"Which you are not having too much of," Chelsea said.
"You know, Conner, that's my favourite part too," Adam said, "Let's go see what we can find."
Conner was eagerly eyeing the tables of food, not taking any notice of people around him, until he bumped into someone.
"Watch it," Susie snapped.
Conner looked up at Susie and his heart skipped a beat. "Sorry," he said. He kept his eyes on her as she walked away with Faith.
"Conner?" Adam said. Noticing he was watching Susie, Adam said, "She's a pretty girl."
"What?" Conner said, flustered, "I guess."
Adam nodded, before saying, "Here, this looks good." Conner tried to focus on the food in front of him, however Adam saw him frequently glance in Susie's direction. Realizing his son was attracted to a girl, Adam smiled with a light chuckle.
Mariah took Kyle by the arm and Tessa took hold of Rachel's, as they led them across the room, Mariah saying, "Okay, you two sit here."
Kyle and Rachel did as they were instructed, with Kyle saying, "You have that look in your eye. You are up to something."
"I don't know what you mean," Mariah said, "Do you know what he's talking about?"
"Not the slightest," Tessa said.
"They are going to embarrass us," Rachel said.
"Not a bad idea," Tessa said.
"I like it," Mariah said.
Tessa stayed by Kyle and Rachel, as Mariah walked across the room and grabbed a microphone. "Could I have everyone's attention?" Mariah said.
The room fell quiet, as Mariah continued, "First, I want to thank everyone for coming tonight, as we celebrate the impending nuptials of two people who are meant to be together, Kyle and Rachel." Applause erupted again, Mariah waiting for it to quiet before she said, "I have watched these two crazy kids fall in love and it's been quite a ride to say the least. They conquered a few obstacles, but are finally ready to tie the knot. I never thought I would see Kyle settle down, and although I haven't know Rachel as long, I am impressed that she was able to tame Kyle."
"I'm still working on it," Rachel said.
"A work in progress," Mariah said, "We have a few surprises tonight, so let's not keep the happy couple in suspense. I am personally happy to see two people who you would not have expected to see here." Outstretching her arm, Mariah said, "Daniel Romalotti and Noah Newman!"
Kyle and Rachel smiled, Sharon gasped in delight and Kevin smiled at the sight of his old friend.
Mariah hugged each and handed them both microphones. They acknowledged the crowd, with Noah saying, "Do you want to start?"
"No, you go ahead," Daniel said.
"You sure?" Noah said, "I don't mind if you go first."
"You take it," Daniel said, "I insist."
"Alright," Noah said, "Rachel and Kyle congratulations on your upcoming wedding. I am happy to be here. It's true we were not close friends, so why am I here you ask?"
"I've been wondering that myself," Daniel said.
"My friend, allow me to settle your curiosity," Noah said, "Rachel and I share a past connection."
"What?" Kyle said.
"No not that kind of connection," Noah said, "Rachel, at one time, used to tutor me when I was in high school."
Rachel closed her eyes and laughed at the memory.
"It was for a short time, but somehow she got through my thick head everything I needed to learn," Noah said, "So, thank you Rachel, I appreciate all your efforts. I owe you. Kyle you are a lucky man."
"Don't I know it," Kyle said.
"So she's responsible for you not being an unemployed bum?" Daniel said.
"I wouldn't go that far," Noah said, "Daniel, why don't you take it away?"
"Why thank you," Daniel said, "Congrats to you both. Rachel and I are old friends. Her and I and some other person, I can't remember his name..."
"Kevin," Kevin said.
"That's it," Daniel said, "Anyway we used to hang out together all the time. We were like the three musketeers. Little known fact is back then, I used to have a bit of a crush on Rachel, except she only had eyes for the other guy."
"She has good taste," Kevin laughed.
"Yes, she does," Kyle smiled.
"So Kyle," Daniel said, "The only thing I can say to you is, how did you do it? She would never give me a second look."
"She stole my heart right away, I was a goner," Kyle said.
"So was I, but that doesn't answer my question," Daniel said.
"Daniel, you know I love you," Rachel smiled.
"Now she tells me," Daniel said. He walked over to share hug with Rachel. Kyle reached out for a handshake, but Daniel instead surprised Kyle as he pulled Kyle in for a hug. "I'm a hugger, I can't help it," Daniel said.
"I hope that's true," Summer said.
"Hey, you," Daniel smiled.
"Hey, you," Summer said, hugging him.
"Noah!" Sharon gushed, taking him in her arms. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"What's the point of a surprise if you know about it?" Noah said.
"How long are you staying?" Sharon said.
"A long time, right?" Summer said, hugging him.
"I was hoping to be invited to the wedding of the year," Noah said.
"Of course you are invited," Rachel said, "You and Daniel."
"We wouldn't have it any other way," Kyle said.
"Okay," Mariah said, back on the microphone, "Let's hear it for the comedy stylings of Daniel and Noah."
"We're going on tour," Daniel said.
"No, I told you that's not happening," Noah said, "Forget it."
"We'd be a smash hit," Daniel said.
"Is there cake?" Noah said, walking away.
"Alright, let's keep the surprises coming," Tessa said, now standing with Mariah.
"Yes, this is more for Rachel," Mariah said, "Sorry Kyle."
"I'm good with it," Kyle said.
"Rachel we have found a blast from the past for you," Mariah said, "An old friend that you lost touch with."
"She's really happy to be here," a voice said, over Rachel's shoulder.
Rachel looked up, recognition coming into her eyes. "Megan?" Rachel said.
Megan smiled as Rachel stood up. "It's me," Megan said, pulling her friend into a hug.
Fen noticed Tessa bristle as the sight of another woman, sharing a warm hug with Rachel.
"I can't believe you're here!" Rachel said.
"I know, it's been too long," Megan said, "It is really good to see you. You look great and so happy."
"That is because of this guy," Rachel said. Taking Kyle's hand she said, "Kyle, I want you to meet one of my best friends I ever had, this is Megan Dennison. Megan this is Kyle Abbott, my fiancé."
"Hi, it's really nice to meet you," Kyle said.
"So you're the one who put that smile on her face," Megan said, "You take care of her or you will have a lot of people to answer to and I will be first in line. So nice to meet you."
"Don't worry, she will always be my number one priority," Kyle said.
"Good to know," Megan said.
"We have so much catching up to do," Rachel said, "You are at least staying for the wedding aren't you?"
"I wouldn't miss it," Megan said, "I remember we used to talk about finding our prince charming. Looks like you found yours."
"Did I ever," Rachel smiled.
"Hey," Fen said, walking up behind Tessa.
"Hi," Tessa said.
"So, are you feeling better about things?" Fen said.
"I'm fine," Tessa said.
"Last time we talked you were conflicted and pretty down about your situation with a certain someone," Fen said.
"I am handling things," Tessa said.
"What does that mean?" Fen said.
"It means I have everything under control," Tessa said, "I know what I need to do."
"And what is that?" Fen said.
"If things work out the way I am hoping, you will find out," Tessa said.
"If you are planning to tell Rachel how you feel 48 hours before she gets married, don't," Fen said.
"You worry too much," Tessa said.
"Tessa, leave it alone," Fen said, "Look over there. Do you see how happy they look? Don't take that away from them."
"I am going to create my own happiness," Tessa said.
"Alright, can I have everyone's attention?" Jack requested, holding the microphone, "First of all, I couldn't be more pleased to see that my son has found the woman of his dreams and is getting married. Also, I am so happy to welcome Rachel into our family. I am proud to know I will be your father-in-law. On the note of family, Adele and I have been working on a little project, we hope will give you more insight into the lives of Kyle and Rachel and what led them to this point."
"Oh, no," Rachel said.
"Can't wait," Kyle said.
"Without further ado," Jack said, "I direct your attention to the screen."
Everyone watched as pictures of Kyle and Rachel in their younger days, flashed up on the screen. Kyle and Rachel were smiling and laughing at each other's photos. Music played in the background as Kyle and Rachel grew up in the succession of images on the screen. The show culminated with their engagement photo, prompting a collective, "Aww," from the guests.
"Thanks for that Mom and Dad," Kyle said.
"It was out distinct pleasure," Jack said.
The last photo faded from the screen, when suddenly another image took over the screen. Kyle and Rachel, lost their smiles, surprised at what they saw. Summer dropped her glass as she stared at the picture of Fen and Rachel kissing in the park.
Rachel and Fen shared a look of disbelief, as Kyle stood up. Summer looked back at Fen, betrayal on her face.
"Summer…" Fen said.
Rachel looked at the picture and could feel Kyle's suspicious eyes on her. She slowly turned her attention to her fiancé. "Kyle…" she stammered.
"Do you want to explain to me what that is?" Kyle demanded, anger in his voice.
"I don't…" Rachel said, struggling to find the words to explain.
"That is not what it looks like," Fen said, stepping closer to them.
"Is that so?" Kyle said, "Because it looks like you are kissing my fiancé."
"It wasn't like that," Fen said, "It was only a moment."
"Are you two having an affair?" Kyle said, "How long has this been going on?"
"Kyle, for heaven's sake, of course we are not having an affair," Rachel said.
"Then explain it to me," Kyle said, "When was this?"
"I told you about the night Fen walked me home," Rachel said, "The night we were followed."
"It looks like he did more than walk you home," Kyle said.
"Rachel was feeling upset so I tried to make her feel better," Fen said. Kyle looked incredulously at him. "Not what I meant," Fen said, "We hung out in that park and I was just being a friend. It was a moment that should not have happened. What that picture does not show is after I kissed her, Rachel pushed me away and told me I shouldn't have done it, which I shouldn't have. This is not Rachel's fault. If you want to be mad at someone about this, be mad at me, not her. She did not do anything wrong."
"Why was she upset?" Kyle said, "Did you upset her?"
"She was feeling down," Fen said.
"About what?" Kyle said.
"You!" Fen said.
"Wait," Kyle said, focusing back on Rachel, "Was this when I was still in the hospital? I was struggling with the most difficult time in my life, I thought I had your full support and all the while you were cavorting with Baldwin?"
"How could you think that?" Rachel said.
"A picture is worth a thousand words," Kyle said.
"You know me better than that," Rachel said.
"I thought I did," Kyle said, "Now I don't know what to think."
"It was all you?" Summer said, "You kissed her?"
Fen hesitated, before he said, "Yes, I did."
Summer slapped Fen. "I trusted you," she said.
"I'm sorry," Fen said.
"So am I," Summer said, "Sorry, that I thought you were worth it." Tears spilled down her cheeks as she ran out.
"Are you saying you don't trust me anymore?" Rachel said.
Gesturing to the screen, Kyle said, "Doesn't look to me like I can."
"Kyle, don't do this," Fen said.
"Shut up, or Summer will not be the only one who hits you tonight," Kyle said.
"Jack, can we get rid of that?" Kevin said, gesturing to the screen.
"It's not my projector," Jack said, "I don't know where it's coming from."
"If you don't trust me, then why are we getting married," Rachel said.
"That's a good question," Kyle said, "Maybe we shouldn't."
Rachel stared at Kyle in disbelief, tears welling. Mariah tried to interject saying, "Okay, you two just need to cool off and talk about this."
"I think Kyle has made his feelings quite clear," Rachel said.
"Let's not make any rash decisions," Megan said.
"I made a rash decision when I agreed to marry him," Rachel said. She took off her engagement ring and handed it to Megan. "He's going to want that back," Rachel said. Her tears were falling as she ran out.
Tessa stood at attention when Rachel left, Megan looked over at Kyle with distaste.
"What are you waiting for?" Mariah said, "Go after her!"
"I have some unfinished business," Kyle said, glaring at Fen.
Rachel sat crying in the park, when she noticed someone approach her. She looked up to see Tessa's sympathetic face. Tessa tried to soothe Rachel as she took her in her arms.