"I feel just awful for them," Traci said, standing in the living room with Jack.
"I know this must be so difficult to deal with," Jack said, "I thought they were the perfect couple and nothing could break them up."
"Have you talked to either Kyle or Rachel?" Traci said.
"No, I have not" Jack said, "I don't know if they even came home last night."
"Maybe we should…" Traci started, cut off by Jack signalling her to be quiet, when Kyle was spotted coming down the stairs.
"Hey there," Jack said.
"Hey," Kyle said, "Is there coffee?"
"There is some right here," Traci said, "I will pour you a cup."
"Thanks," Kyle said, as she handed it to him.
"How are you?" Jack said.
"Me?" Kyle said, sitting down, "I feel great."
Thinking Kyle was being sarcastic, Jack said, "I know this must a difficult time, these things are never easy, but you will get through this."
"Oh, I guess you don't know…" Kyle started.
"Honey, we do know," Traci said, "And we are here for you."
"I appreciate that but..." Kyle tried again.
"We are here, if you want to vent or if you feel sad, whatever we can do," Jack said.
"Dad, there is only one thing I need you to do," Kyle said.
"Anything," Jack said.
"Please tell me you still have your tux," Kyle said.
"Come again?" Jack said.
"Well, it would look silly, if my best man was the only one in my wedding party, not wearing a tuxedo," Kyle said.
"Are you telling me…you still need a best man?" Jack said.
Kyle smiled as he said, "Rachel and I talked last night, there were tears and apologies, but we got through it. I re-proposed and we are back together. More in love than ever, ready to exchange vows tomorrow."
"That's wonderful," Traci said, hugging Kyle.
"I am very happy to hear this," Jack smiled.
"I know things got ugly yesterday," Kyle said, "But at the end of the day, I am still crazy in love with Rachel. I'm fairly sure she is crazy about me too."
"I don't think you have to worry about that," Traci smiled.
"So, where is the blushing bride?" Jack said, "Sleeping in?"
"No, she's up and out already," Kyle said, "She was anxious to get to Kevin's to see Susie. After her daughter witnessed the fight, she wants to explain things to her and hopefully make her feel better."
"It's unfortunate she was upset by this," Jack said.
"I wanted to go see her too, because I owe that young girl an apology," Kyle said, "Rachel thought it was better she talk to her alone at first. I truly hope I can make things right with Susie again."
"I'm sorry to come by so early," Rachel said, as Kevin shut the door behind her.
"Not a problem," Kevin said, "Chloe is already out with Bella."
"What about Susie?" Rachel said.
"It's hard to say," Kevin said, "She barely spoke to us after we left the party last night and now she won't come out of her room."
"I hate that she got so upset by this," Rachel said, "I should go up and talk to her."
"Hold on," Kevin said, "How are you doing? This break-up can't be easy for you either. Is there anything I can do?"
"There is," Rachel said, "Walk me down the aisle tomorrow."
Kevin paused, before he said, "You mean…you are still getting married?"
"Kyle and I kissed and made up," Rachel smiled, "Well, it wasn't as simple as that, but we understand and love each other. He proposed all over again, it was so romantic. I feel like I fell in love with him, more than I ever have."
"I am really glad to hear that," Kevin said, giving Rachel a hug, "I was worried…well never mind, you're getting married!"
"I can hardly wait," Rachel said, "I'm excited and nervous all at the same time."
"You will make such a beautiful bride," Kevin said, "Your groom is the one who will be nervous when he sees you walking down that aisle."
"Thank you, that's sweet of you to say," Rachel said.
"Mom?" Susie said, coming down the stairs.
"Hi, sweetheart," Rachel said.
"I didn't know where you were," Susie said, "Are you okay?"
"Oh, honey I'm fine," Rachel said, "I am very sorry I ran out yesterday."
"Kyle was yelling at you," Susie said.
"Come here and sit down with me," Rachel said.
"I know what you're going to say," Susie said, sitting next to her mother.
"You do?" Rachel said.
"You and Kyle broke up," Susie sighed, "You aren't getting married."
"Susie, I think..." Rachel started.
"You have to move out right?" Susie said, "You can stay here, can't she Dad?"
"Of course she could, but I think you should listen to what your Mom has to say," Kevin said.
"Kyle and I had a big fight yesterday," Rachel said, "I'm sorry, you saw that. You can't blame Kyle, he was upset about something I did, that I shouldn't have."
"You kissed Fen," Susie said.
"It was something like that," Rachel said, "Kyle and I got angry with each other and sometimes when adults argue they say things they shouldn't."
"If he doesn't love you anymore, I won't have anything to do with him either," Susie said.
"Kyle did not mean the things he said, when we fought," Rachel said, "I talked to Kyle last night and we forgave each other, we realized that no matter what, we will always love each other very much."
"You're going to be friends with him?" Susie said.
"We are going to be husband and wife," Rachel said, "Kyle and I made up and we are still getting married."
"You are?" Susie said. Rachel smiled as she nodded. "There's still a wedding tomorrow?" the excitement was rising in Susie's voice.
"There sure is," Rachel said.
"And you get to wear you're beautiful bridesmaid dress," Kevin said, "I know how much you would like that."
"Yeah, but…" Susie said.
"What's wrong?" Rachel said.
"Are you sure Kyle still loves you?" Susie said.
"I have never been more sure of anything," Rachel said, "He is going to be part of our family and he really loves both you and me. I know deep down you love him too."
Susie nodded. "He's really cute," she said.
"I have to agree," Rachel said, "He is very cute."
"What about Fen?" Susie said.
"What do you mean?" Rachel said.
"He did something wrong," Susie said, "I thought he was so nice."
"Oh, honey he is nice," Rachel said, "He did not mean to upset anyone."
"But Fen and Kyle were being so mean to each other," Susie said.
"As you get older relationships and feelings can get complicated," Kevin said, "You don't stop liking someone because of a fight or misunderstanding. Part of friendship is understanding and working through things so you get to a good place with them again."
"Fen and I will always be friends," Rachel said, "I know he still wants to be your friend too. Besides, didn't you tell me Fen was kind of cute too?"
"Mom…" Susie blushed. Rachel shared a smile with Kevin.
"I made six bridesmaid's dresses in six weeks," Chelsea said, as she sat at a table at Crimson Lights, "For nothing."
"Not for nothing," Chloe said, "Maybe you could sell them. People will be so impressed you will be flooded with requests for more."
"Are you serious?" Chelsea said.
"Just a thought," Chloe said, "I'm trying to keep my mind off the disaster from yesterday."
"I never thought those two would break up," Mariah said, "They were so in love. This whole thing is horrible."
"I should go talk to Rachel," Megan said, "Make sure she is okay."
"Tessa told me she saw her last night and offered her some comfort," Mariah said, "She was really upset."
"I'm sure they both are," Chloe said.
"Don't look now," Meagan said, "But here comes the man in question." She nodded her head in Kyle's direction, as he entered from the patio.
Mariah stood up and walked over, offering him a little smile, when he saw her coming.
"Hey," Mariah said.
"Hey yourself," Kyle said.
"How are you doing?" Mariah said.
Deciding to joke with his friends, Kyle downplayed his happiness. Sighing he said, "I'm okay."
"Can I buy you a coffee?" Mariah said.
"No thanks," Kyle said.
"He looks so sad," Chloe said, as she watched him. Walking over, she said, "Hi Kyle."
"Hi," Kyle said.
"Have you seen Rachel?" Chloe said.
"I saw her," Kyle said.
"But it didn't go well," Mariah said.
"We talked," Kyle said, "Without fighting. I told her how I felt, she told me how she feels."
"Too bad you couldn't work things out," Chloe said.
"I didn't say that," Kyle said.
"What?" Mariah said.
Kyle could no longer hide his smile, as he said, "We made up and are back together."
"And the wedding?" Chloe said.
"It's still on," Kyle beamed.
Mariah exclaimed in delight as she hugged Kyle. Afterwards she punched his arm.
"What was that for?" Kyle said.
"For coming in here looking all sad and making us think you were suffering from a broken heart," Mariah said.
"That was not very nice," Chloe teased, "Does Rachel know you can be this devious?"
"I hope so," Kyle laughed.
"We're curious," Megan said, walking over with Chelsea, "What's going on?"
"Go ahead," Mariah smiled at Kyle.
"Rachel and I worked things out and we are still getting married tomorrow," Kyle said.
"You are?" Chelsea smiled.
"That is such wonderful news," Megan said.
"You must be so thrilled," Chloe said.
"Actually, we both are," Rachel said, entering the coffeehouse, with Susie in tow.
"We just heard the news," Chloe said, "The wedding is still on."
"It sure is," Rachel said, as Chloe hugged her.
"So you couldn't resist this guy?" Mariah said, patting Kyle's shoulder.
"How could I?" Rachel said, "He said the most heartfelt things to me, professed his love and even proposed again."
The ladies let out a collective, "Awww…" Kyle slightly laughed as he shook his head.
"Mariah we want to apologize to you and Tessa, for the way the party turned out," Rachel said.
"You put so much effort into it for us," Kyle said, "We hope you are not too disappointed."
"As long as it all worked out for the best," Mariah said.
"Did your Mom tell you the good news?" Chloe said.
"She's still getting married," Susie said.
"Hey there," Kyle said, walking over, "Could you come over here and sit with me, I'd like to talk to you."
"It's okay" Susie said, "Mom explained you aren't fighting anymore and that you both are still in love."
"That's true," Kyle said, "However, I owe you an apology. I'm really very sorry, you saw me and your Mom argue. I know it must have upset you. I should never have spoken to her the way I did. Even though we fought, don't ever doubt that I love your Mom and you very much."
"You were mean to Fen too," Susie said.
"I was," Kyle said, "I should say I'm sorry to him. Can you accept my apology?"
Susie moved forward and hugged Kyle. Hugging her back, he heard a softer combined, "Awww…" behind him.
"Okay, everyone grab your drinks, this calls for a toast!" Mariah proclaimed.
"You toasted us yesterday," Kyle said.
"And I am going to do it again," Mariah said.
Tessa stepped in, by the patio, just as Mariah said, "To Kyle and Rachel. True love has brought them back together."
Tessa stared at Kyle's arm around Rachel as they stood close together. "What?" she mouthed to herself.
"As they blossom into married life, I wish them every happiness, continued good health and that all their dreams come true!" Mariah said, "To the future Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Abbott!"
Everyone cheered as Kyle kissed his future bride. Tessa slipped behind the wall of the patio where she was alone. Covering her mouth with her hand, tears fell as she bent forward. "No…" she said, "This can't be happening…oh, no…"
Hearing the sound of a whimper, Chloe peaked around the patio, to see Tessa crying. "Tessa?" Chloe said, "Are you alright?"
Noticing Chloe's concern for Tessa, Mariah rushed over and said, "Tessa, what is it?" Tessa's breathing was laboured and her tears falling fast. "Tell what's wrong?"
"I don't know what's happening," Tessa cried. Shaking her hands, she said, "I think I'm having a panic attack!"
"Okay," Mariah said, as Chloe pulled out a chair, "Sit right here, everything's going to be alright."
Rachel went to her friend and sitting next to her she put an arm around Tessa's shoulders. "It's all okay," Rachel soothed, "You are going to be fine."
"Here," Kyle said, handing Rachel a glass of water, "This might help."
Rachel helped Tessa take a few sips, and offered more comforting words, as she rubbed her back.
Rachel's affection helped to settle Tessa's anxiety. As her tears stopped and her breathing returned to normal, Rachel said, "There you see? Everything's alright."
"Better now?" Mariah said. Tessa looked over at her and nodded.
"What happened?" Mariah said. Tessa muttered and shook her head.
"Have you eaten today?" Mariah said.
"Not much," Tessa said.
"You need to take care of yourself," Rachel said.
"I'll get you something," Mariah said.
Focusing on Rachel, Tessa said, "Thank you."
"That's what friends are for," Rachel smiled "I have some good news that might help you feel better."
"You and Kyle are still getting married," Tessa said.
"Yes we are," Rachel said, "You will still be my maid of honor, right?"
Tessa looked at Rachel and touching her hand she said, "Are you sure?"
"About Kyle?" Rachel said, "I've never been more sure of anything. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Tessa saw a twinkle in Rachel's eyes, she had never seen before. When she talked about Kyle, there was delight and love in the tone of her voice.
"He makes you happy?" Tessa said, "Truly happy?"
"Tessa, I've never been happier," Rachel said.
"That makes two of us," Kyle said, "Everything okay over here?"
"Yeah, I think Tessa is feeling better," Rachel said.
"That's good to hear," Kyle said, sharing a smile with Rachel.
Watching them Tessa detected a connection between them, as if a spark ignited when they looked into each other's eyes. "Wow," Tessa said, "You really love each other, don't you?"
"I thought that was obvious," Rachel laughed.
"I think I get it now," Tessa said, "You two are meant for each other."
"Are you okay?" Kyle said.
"Yes," Tessa smiled, "Nothing else matters, nothing should, except what you both have. It's pure, it's beautiful and it's rare. You are so lucky, you found each other. Cherish your lives together. As long as you have happiness…that's all I wish for you."
"That was very sweet, thank you," Rachel said, hugging her.
"As for you," Tessa said, focusing on Kyle, "Take care of her or you will answer to me."
"Noted," Kyle said, "But no need for the reminder, I will always take extra good care of Rachel."
"Kyle," Chloe said, "It's time."
"For what?" Kyle laughed.
"We really like you," Megan said, "Some of us more than others," she glanced at Rachel, "But it's time for you to leave."
"Why is that?" Kyle said.
"The girls and I are having a low key night before the wedding celebration and you know you can't see your bride the night before," Chloe said.
"Are you telling me, we are going to be separated until the wedding?" Kyle said.
"The next time you see your bride she will be walking down the aisle," Mariah said.
"Did you know about this?" Kyle said.
"I was going to tell you," Rachel said, "I don't like the thought of being away from you either, but they tell me it's tradition."
"Maybe it's time to start a new one," Kyle said.
"You can't do that," Chloe said.
"Now that you mention it, my Dad did say something about a father son dinner tonight," Kyle said.
"So go," Megan said.
"Hold on," Kyle said, "Rachel, where are you staying tonight?"
"Rachel and Susie are staying with me and Kevin at our place," Chloe said. Rachel looked at Kyle and shrugged.
"Beat it," Mariah smiled.
"I am not going anywhere without one of these," Kyle said, pulling Rachel into a kiss.
"I'll miss you tonight," Kyle said.
"Miss you too," Rachel said, "I love you."
"Love you more," Kyle said, kissing her once again.
"Oops, interrupting," Summer said, appearing in the patio doorway, with Fen behind her. Kyle and Rachel looked at them, with Summer saying, "Things are looking better?"
"Yeah, I didn't expect to see you together," Fen said.
"We are together and the wedding is still on," Kyle said.
"Congratulations," Summer said, "To both of you."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "Summer, I…"
"I am not mad at you," Summer said.
"You're not," Rachel said.
"No, I understand," Summer said, "And it's in the past."
"I hope that goes for you and me," Kyle said, to Fen.
"Excuse me?" Fen said.
"I'm sorry for what went down with us yesterday," Kyle said, "I over reacted and made assumptions. I should not have accused you and I apologize."
Fen nodded and said, "Thanks, I appreciate that."
"I hope you will still be in the wedding party tomorrow," Kyle said.
"I wouldn't miss it," Fen said.
"Maybe you two can be friends now," Rachel said.
Fen raised his eyebrows and Kyle said, "Sure, maybe we could do that for at least the rest of the year."
"You know that's only one more day, right?" Fen said.
"Yes, I do," Kyle said.
"Fen?" Susie was standing behind him.
"Hi," Fen said.
"I'm sorry too," she said.
"For what?" Fen said.
"For getting mad at you," Susie said.
"Thanks for the apology, but it's already forgotten," Fen said, "I should be the one saying sorry to you. I shouldn't have done what I did, and fought with Kyle. Friends?"
"On one condition," Susie said.
"What's that?" Fen said.
"Will you…keep your promise to dance with me at the wedding?" Susie nervously said.
"You bet," Fen smiled, "I am already looking forward to it." Susie giggled, as she blushed.
"Summer, you're welcome to stay," Rachel said.
"What's going on?" Summer said.
"A girls get together," Mariah said, "We are going to do the old, new, borrowed and blue thing."
"Oh, thanks, I would like to stay," Summer said.
"Sorry, Fen, girls only," Chloe said.
"I thought we were going to spend tonight together," Fen said, in a low voice.
"It's just for a couple of hours," Summer said, "I will let you know when I'm free."
"Okay," Fen said, giving her a kiss.
"See you tomorrow," Kyle said.
"Can't wait," Rachel said. Kyle took her in his arms and kissed her.
"A-hem," Megan said, "Goodbye Kyle."
"I'm going," Kyle said, begrudgingly heading for the door.
Making his exit last as long as he could, Kyle turned to blow Rachel a kiss, which she gleefully caught.
Jabbing Kyle on the shoulder, Fen said, "They are kicking us out, come on."
As Fen guided Kyle out the door, Rachel said, "I love you."
"Love you too!" Kyle called back.
"Let's get the party started," Chloe said.
"I know you've made plans for this," Rachel said, "But I already have something new." She displayed her diamond bracelet.
"Wow," Mariah said.
"One guess who gave you that," Chloe said.
"It was a Christmas present," Rachel said.
"Well, Merry Christmas indeed," Megan said.
"It's gorgeous," Summer said.
"Tessa?" Mariah called out, walking to the patio, "Come in and join…us," Mariah trailed off when Tessa was nowhere to be seen. "Where did you go?" Mariah wondered.
Wringing her hands Tessa nervously paced the hotel room floor. Checking her watch, she sighed. The sound of the hotel room door made her turn sharply.
As the man stepped in, Tessa said, "It took you long enough!"
"Nice greeting," the man said. Throwing his coat on the chair, he said, "What is the big emergency?"
"Everything's changed," Tessa said, "Our entire plan has gone up in smoke."
"What happened?" he said.
"Rachel and Kyle," Tessa said, "They're back together. The wedding is still on!"
"No kidding," he said.
"I've been thinking," Tessa said, "Maybe we should cut our losses. We should stop everything we are doing. Cancel it all."
"Is that what you think?" he said, "Are you high?"
"I want out," Tessa said, "I saw something today. It was something in her eyes, her voice when she talks about him. I realized Rachel is really happy with Kyle. She truly loves her future husband and will have a good life with him and that's all I want for her."
"I thought you wanted the girl," he said.
"I do but…" Tessa said, "I'm happy for her."
"You don't sound like it," he said.
"I'm happy for her, just not for me," Tessa said.
"If you really want her, we can still make that happen," he said.
"You can?" Tessa said, "How?"
"We formulate a new plan," he said, "Take more aggressive action."
"What does that mean?" Tessa said.
"It seems to me, Kyle Abbott is the only one standing in your way," he said, "We take him out of the equation."
"How do you propose to do that?" Tessa said.
"It's simple," he said, "We get rid of him."
"Excuse me?" Tessa said.
"We..get..rid..of him," he slowly repeated, "For good."
"You aren't suggesting…you can't do that!" Tessa said.
"Maybe he will have an accident that does the trick this time," he said.
"No, you can't do this," Tessa said.
"Kyle Abbott is going to get what's coming to him, just like the rest of them," he said.
"Listen, you are my brother and I love you, but you have to stop this plan for revenge," Tessa said.
"You know what they tried to do to me!" he said.
"It's too risky," Tessa said, "I think it might be best if you leave here. Go somewhere and start over. Somewhere where no one knows about your past, you can build a better life."
"You think?" he said, "Not a chance. The plan remains, they all pay."
"Please, I'm asking you not to do anything to ruin this wedding," Tessa said, "They deserve their happiness."
"I know what they deserve and it's payback," her brother said, "Have you forgotten our goal here? We both get what we want."
"This is about her," Tessa said.
"She's my wife," her brother said.
"Not anymore," Tessa said, "She doesn't even know you're alive."
"Maybe it's time she did," her brother said.
"You can't do this," Tessa said, "You have to promise me you won't interrupt the wedding. This is the best day of their lives, let them have it."
"Fine," her brother said.
"You mean it?" Tessa said, "Austin, you promise me."
"I promise," Austin said, "Satisfied? You are giving up on your future with the one you want."
"What about your future?" Tessa said.
"I have it covered," Austin said, "I know what I have to do."
"You had better keep your word," Tessa said.
"When have I ever let my twin sister down?" Austin said.
"I have to go," Tessa said, "I will check in with you later."
"Sure thing," Austin said.
After Tessa shut the door, Austin shook his head. "A wedding," he said, "Everyone will be there. One big happy bunch. Well, they can have their special day with their special friends. You all better enjoy it while you can. I will deal with each of you, all in good time."
Austin walked to the desk and pulled a picture out of the drawer. Staring at his wedding photo with Summer, he stroked her hair.
Smiling he said, "Hi honey, I'm home."