"Good morning," Chloe said, in a singsong voice, as she opened the door to Rachel's bedroom.
Opening her eyes, Rachel focused on Chloe entering the room, carrying a tray of food.
"What is all of this?" Rachel said.
"It's your wedding day breakfast in bed!" Susie said, bounding into the room.
"You didn't have to do all this," Rachel said.
"Chloe said we get to pamper you today," Susie said, fluffing and arranging pillows for her mother to comfortably sit up.
"We certainly are," Chloe said, placing the legs of the tray on either side of Rachel. "We have prepared all of your favorites," Chloe said, "At least Kevin said they were."
"It looks like he remembered," Rachel said.
Susie curled up against pillows on the other side of the bed, as Rachel looked at Chloe and said, "Thank you, for everything you've done. We could never have got this wedding off the ground if it wasn't for all your efforts."
"It was my pleasure," Chloe said.
"I hope you're not disappointed," Rachel said, as Susie snuck a mini muffin off the tray.
"Why would you say that?" Chloe said.
"I would have liked to ask you to be in the wedding," Rachel said.
"Not to worry," Chloe said, "You had everyone in place before you knew about me being alive. To see you stand up and get married, when you are so happy, is all I need. Look at this, you are already making me tear up."
"Me too, so let's stop," Rachel said, fanning herself, to prevent from crying. Looking over at Susie to see her munching, Rachel said, "Is this my breakfast or yours?"
"She wanted to bring extra food, so she could eat with you," Chloe said.
"I would love that," Rachel smiled at Susie, "Although, I am so nervous, I don't know if I can eat anything."
"Try," Chloe said, "You need your strength for later."
"Wait, what time is it?" Rachel said.
"It's not that late," Chloe said, "You have plenty of time before the ceremony this afternoon. I will make sure you do not get behind schedule."
"There he is," Jack smiled, at the sight of Kyle coming down the stairs, "Someone looks like they are ready to get married."
"Looks can be deceiving," Kyle said, "I'm starting to get really nervous."
"Did you sleep okay?" Jack said.
"Once I got to sleep," Kyle said, "Which took a really long time. Besides, Rachel and I were secretly texting each other late last night."
Billy came bustling through the front door, saying, "I don't believe it. Do you know what's going on today?"
"I hear there's a wedding," Kyle said.
"I was talking about all the snow out there," Billy said, "Where did that come from?"
"Did it snow?" Kyle said, walking to the front door to look, "That is a lot. How are the roads?"
"Don't worry, we will get you to that wedding" Jack said.
"Even if we have to snowshoe," Billy said.
"I'm surprised to see you here this early" Jack said.
"I just came by to see how things are," Billy said, "If I can do anything last minute to help."
"All I need you to do is show up on time," Kyle said.
"I will do that," Billy said, "I have a very excited ring bearer and flower girl at home."
"Johnny and Katie are looking forward to this?" Jack said.
"It's all they've talked about for weeks," Billy said, "Katie is happy she gets to wear a fancy dress and show it off to everyone. Johnny is not stoked about his suit, but he is pleased to be the ring bearer. He was practicing walking while balancing pillows on his hand yesterday evening. It was quite entertaining."
"I'm glad they are going to be a part of things," Kyle said.
"You're not nervous are you?" Billy said.
"Maybe a little," Kyle said.
Hearing the uneasiness, in Kyle's voice, Billy said, "Jack, should we sit him down, before he passes out?"
"I think he is going to be just fine," Jack said.
"I can see you are in capable hands," Billy said, "I will see you later." Heading for the door Billy said, "And don't be nervous. I mean, it's only the biggest day of your life." He flashed a smile before he left.
"Is it too late to change my mind about him being there?" Kyle said.
"I'm glad we have a moment alone," Jack said, "I have something for you." He retrieved an envelope and handed it to Kyle.
"What's this?" Kyle said.
"Consider it a wedding gift," Jack said, "Take a look."
Lifting the flap, Kyle pulled out a folder filled with papers. Sifting through them, Kyle said, "Is this what I think it is?"
"That is the floor plan for the renovations to the pool house," Jack said, "Assuming the two of you still want to go ahead with this."
"We've talked about this, but were only in the planning stages," Kyle said.
"You told me all about the way you wanted things before you got sick," Jack said, "I have assembled a team, who is going to work tirelessly on getting the adjustments done, by the time you and Rachel return from your honeymoon."
"I can't believe you are doing this," Kyle said.
"It won't be completely finished, but certainly livable," Jack said, "Anything you don't like we can change. Now you can bring your bride to your new home."
"This is incredible, thank you so much," Kyle said, "Don't say anything to Rachel, I want to surprise her when we get back."
"I thought you might feel that way," Jack said.
Checking his watch, Kyle said, "I should start getting ready."
"You have several hours to go yet," Jack said.
"There is something I have to take care of," Kyle said, "It's a surprise for Rachel. You know I could use some help, if you're up for it."
"Just what are you planning?" Jack said.
Pulling on his coat, Kyle said, "I will explain on the way."
"Okay, everything is ready," Chelsea said, descending the stairs, "The dresses are set up so everyone has their own change room upstairs."
"Thank you for all your help," Rachel said, as they stood in the living room, "I really owe you."
"Just enjoy your wedding," Chelsea said, "That's all the thanks I need. I am here for last minute adjustments, but let's hope there aren't any."
"Is it wrong that I am already nervous?" Rachel said.
"As the bride, you are entitled," Chloe said.
"I would feel better if Kyle were here," Rachel said.
"You will see him soon enough," Chloe said, "He is probably as nervous as you are."
The sound of the doorbell, sent Chloe to answer, greeting a smiling Abby and Mariah on the other side.
"Hi," Chloe smiled.
Spying Rachel, Mariah walked over saying, "I could hardly wait to get here. How are you holding up?"
"Not good," Rachel said.
"Don't worry, we are here to take care of you on your special day," Abby said.
"Where's Tessa?" Rachel said.
"She had some last minute thing to take care of," Mariah said, "She will be here."
"I see the bridesmaids are gathering," Kevin said, entering the room, "Hi everyone."
"I thought this area is ladies only today," Mariah teased.
"I do live here," Kevin said, "Plus since I am walking the bride down the aisle, I need to stay close by."
At the sound of the doorbell, Kevin said, "Let me get that."
"See he is useful for some things," Chloe said, as Kevin gave her a sarcastic look.
"Sharon, hi," Kevin said.
"Hi," Sharon smiled. Walking into the room, Sharon said, "There she is." She gave Rachel a hug.
"I have to admit I am getting excited," Sharon said.
"I'm excited and terrified all at the same time," Rachel said.
"That's how you know you really love the man you are about to marry," Chloe said.
"When I was arriving just now," Sharon said, "I believe I saw a limousine outside."
"What?" Rachel said.
"It's my gift to the bride," Abby said, "We are all going to arrive at that wedding in style."
"Abby, thank you," Rachel said.
"Well, you are going to be my cousin-in-law," Abby smiled.
"You are not the only one," Rachel said, "I am going to be related to Theo."
Abby waived her arm and said, "You don't have to be worried about him today."
"He's in the wedding," Rachel said.
"He's what?" Kevin said.
"Kyle asked him quite awhile ago," Rachel said, "Even though they are having trouble getting along, Theo is family now. Kyle didn't feel right kicking him out of the wedding."
"He's a lot more forgiving than I am," Mariah said.
Kevin could be heard saying, "Hi Traci," as he responded to the door.
"Kevin, hello," Traci said, "How are you?"
"I'm well," Kevin said, "How about yourself?"
"Very good, thank you for asking," Traci smiled, "Also I am very much looking forward to all the festivities today."
"Then right this way," Kevin said, outstretching his arm to the other ladies.
"Aunt Traci," Abby smiled.
"I see a lot of smiling faces," Traci said. Walking over to Rachel, she said, "You look very happy. Thank you for including me in your special day." Traci hugged Rachel.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Rachel said. She looked over to see Chloe welcoming other people into the house.
"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to your hair and makeup team," Chelsea said, "They are here to make sure everyone looks beautiful."
"You will all look more glamorous than you could ever dream," one of the male beautician's proclaimed.
Kevin frowned at the man's overzealous nature, as Chloe put her hands on Rachel's shoulders and introducing her to the team she said, "This is Rachel. She is the bride in the ceremony today."
"Ah," the same man said, "We will emphasize your natural beauty."
"Oh, thank you," Rachel said.
"Well," Chelsea said, "The dresses await upstairs."
Abby clapped her hands together and said, "So, should we all get ready?"
"Sure, why not?" Rachel said, "I can't believe this is happening."
"Wait," Sharon said, "Aren't we missing someone. What about Tessa?"
"She is on her way," Mariah said, "She should be here any minute."
As everyone began to climb the stairs, Mariah held back as she took out her phone. Kevin watched as Mariah dialed, waited for a connection and then sighed as she ended her attempted call.
"Were you calling Tessa?" Kevin said.
"Yeah," Mariah said, "It just went straight to voicemail."
"Like you said, she will be here soon," Kevin said.
"I'm sure you're right," Mariah said, "It's just not like her to be late for something so important."
"Mariah, are you coming?" Sharon called from upstairs.
"On my way," Mariah said.
"I will show Tessa upstairs when she gets here," Kevin said.
"Thanks," Mariah said.
Standing at the bottom of the stairs, Kevin heard Sharon say, "You have to see what they have done in here!" Amid the sound of excited chatter and laughter, Kevin smiled as he shook his head.
"So, do you think she will like it?" Kyle said, returning to the house with Jack.
"I am sure she will love it," Jack said, "You certainly are pulling out all the stops to make today more special."
"I want to give her the wedding day of her dreams," Kyle smiled.
"Oh, you're home," a voice said, making Kyle and Jack turn to see their guest, walking in from the dining room.
"Theo," Jack smiled.
"What are you doing here?" Kyle said.
"The maid let me in," Theo said, "As for why I'm here, it's your wedding day, isn't it? Or did you reschedule again?"
"It's just, that I thought you were meeting us as the venue," Kyle said, observing Theo already dressed in his tuxedo.
"I told you I was planning to be here early," Theo said, "I thought since we are family, we could go together. Perhaps, I can help you calm those nerves, because you look a little stressed out."
"You're certainly are early," Kyle said.
"Not really," Theo said, checking his watch, "Shouldn't you be getting ready by now?"
"He's right," Jack said, "It's about that time."
"I guess it is," Kyle said, taking a nervous deep breath.
"I just don't understand why she's not here yet," Rachel said, as she and the bridesmaids arrived the Grand Phoenix.
"I will try to get a hold of Tessa again," Mariah said.
As they crossed the lobby, a bearded Austin, looked up from under a hat and glasses. Observing them all in their wedding attire, he adjusted his tie and smiling he stood up, strolling towards them.
"Susie, where are you?" Rachel said.
"I'm right here," Susie said, dropping the bouquet of flowers she was carrying.
Austin bent down to pick them up. "Here you go," he said, handing them to her.
"Thanks," Susie said,
Addressing the ladies, putting on a Scottish accent, Austin said, "You must be having a wedding. Lovely ladies and a beautiful bride."
Guiding Susie closer to her, Rachel said, "Thank you."
"Let's get upstairs," Abby said.
"Congratulations," Austin said.
Looking back, Abby saw a flicker of familiarity. "Excuse me?" Abby said, "Have we met?"
"Oh, I don't think so," Austin said, "I would remember a beautiful face, such as yours."
"I work here," Abby said, "Are you a guest of the hotel? We don't let just anyone loiter in our lobby."
"I was just on my way to see about checking in," Austin said, "I have a lot to accomplish."
"Someone at the front desk, can help you," Abby said, "Excuse me."
As she walked away, Austin said, "Abby, won't you be surprised." Watching the elevator doors close, he mused, "No Tess? So, where are you? What are you up to?"
"There sure are a lot of people out there," Kyle said, observing the wedding guests arriving, as he and his formally dressed wedding party, stood behind the scenes.
"You wanted epic," Jack said, "That included a lot of people."
"The decorations are really striking," Ravi said, "The flowers alone are a beautiful touch."
"Rachel's favourites," Kyle said, "You like those decorations, wait until you see the change up for the reception."
"I knew this would be a big deal," Theo said, peeking out at the crowd gathering, "But this is beyond my expectations. Did you know even Mr. and Mrs. Victor Newman are here?"
"It's a who's who gathering," Jack said, "Nikki does look lovely."
Kyle peeked out at them, turning away with a frustrated sigh.
"Kyle?" Jack said, "Something wrong?"
"What is she doing here?" Kyle said.
"Who?" Jack said.
"Nikki Newman," Kyle said.
"She is an invited guest," Jack said.
"I invited Victor, not her," Kyle said.
"Did you really think, he wasn't going to bring his wife?" Jack said.
"Dad, today of all days, I do not want her here," Kyle said, "And you know why."
"I thought you had put your differences aside," Jack said.
"Any other day of the year I can tolerate her," Kyle said, "But not my wedding day."
"I know you wish your mother was here," Jack said, "I do too. However, no matter who is out there, does not change what a special day this is. You have a beautiful bride to marry, that should be your focus."
"You're right," Kyle said, "Are you sure you have the rings?"
"Billy has them," Jack said, "Johnny is the ring bearer, remember?"
"I'll be lucky if I remember my vows," Kyle said, "Or even my own name."
"We have everything under control," Jack said.
"I don't think I've ever seen you so wound up," Fen said.
"I want to marry Rachel," Kyle said, "We have been looking forward to this for a long time. So why do I feel like I'm climbing the walls?"
"I see a case of wedding day jitters," Devon said, "Take some deep breaths. You will be fine."
"Tessa, where are you?" Mariah spoke into her phone, "We are almost ready to start the wedding, get here as soon as you can. I'm starting to get worried."
"Still no luck?" Sharon said.
"I don't know where she could be," Mariah said.
"This woman cannot be much of a friend, if she can't bother to show up for her duties on a wedding day," Adele said.
"Okay, everyone," Chloe said, "Behold, the bride is officially ready."
Rachel stepped out in her wedding dress, amid gasps of delight.
"Oh sweetheart," Adele said, "You look so very lovely."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
"Mom, you look so beautiful," Susie said.
"I have to agree," Billy spoke from the doorway. Stepping in with his kids, Billy said, "You look amazing."
Rachel smiled as Abby, spotted Johnny and Katie and said, "Look at the two of you," Abby said, "You both look so wonderful."
"Delivery of the ring bearer and flower girl, as promised," Billy said.
"We have the other one over here," Chloe said, gesturing to Bella.
"Another lovely girl," Billy smiled.
"What about me?" Susie said, with a smile.
"Well, you look so pretty you might just upstage the bride," Billy said. Susie giggled.
"Are you and I going to be related after the wedding?" Susie said.
"Well, I have to think about that," Billy said, "Let's see if Kyle is my nephew, then his kids we be my…"
"Great niece," Traci said, "So Billy and I will be your aunt and uncle," Traci said, "I think that's how it goes."
"Sounds right to me," Billy said.
"Does that mean you are going to be my uncle-in-law?" Rachel said.
"That's messed up," Billy said, "Let's agree not to discuss this again."
"Deal," Rachel laughed.
Surveying Rachel's wedding dress, Billy said, "Kyle is in for a treat, when he sees this vision walking down the aisle."
"You're very sweet," Rachel said.
"You got this," Billy said.
Kevin bustled into the room, saying, "Okay, I've checked the…" he stopped when he saw Rachel, "….wow." Chloe even flinched at the wonderment in Kevin's eyes. "Stunning," Kevin said, "You look incredible."
"There's some more incredible looking girls over here," Chloe said.
"Wow, look how beautiful you both are," Kevin said, smiling at his girls.
"I feel like a princess!" Susie said.
"You are a princess," Kevin said, "You both are."
Addressing his kids, Billy said, "I am going to leave you in the capable hands of your Aunt Traci. You are going to walk down the aisle with, Bella, and your Mom and I will be out there watching." Looking at the others Billy said, "I guess we are about ready to get this show going."
"We have slight problem," Abby said.
"My maid of honor is MIA," Rachel said, "No one can reach her or knows where she is."
Rushing in through the entrance of the Grand Phoenix, with a dressing bag draped over her arm, Tessa anxiously pushed the elevator button a few times. As the door opened she stepped in with another patron, with whom she stood in silence. Tessa was surprised as the other person stopped the elevator, turning to face her. "Where have you been Tess?"
"Austin?" Tessa said, "What are you doing here?"
"Visiting," Austin said, "I think people are looking for you. I saw Kevin down here, searching for you."
"What if someone saw you?" Tessa said.
"I spoke to the ladies, no one recognized me," Austin said, "Except I think Abby was suspicious."
"Are you out of your mind?" Tessa said, "Are you trying to get caught? What are you all dressed up for? You promised me you would not interrupt this wedding."
"I will keep my word," Austin said, "Now where were you?"
"I had something to take care of," Tessa said.
"Did you?" Austin said, "What exactly?"
"Nothing for you to worry about," Tessa said, "Now if you don't mind, I have a wedding to get ready for."
"You are up to something," Austin said.
"What I am is late," Tessa said, pressing the button to restart the elevator, "You just remember to keep your word. Stay away." She warily eyed Austin as she walked off the elevator.
"So are we about ready to start?" Jack said, as Billy returned.
"There's one problem," Billy said.
"What's wrong?" Kyle anxiously said, "Is Rachel okay?"
"Rachel is just fine," Billy said, "Nervous, but fine. However, she does not have a maid of honor."
"Tessa's not here?" Fen said.
"No," Billy said, "They haven't been able to reach her."
"I thought she would have come with Mariah," Kyle said, "Is she here?"
"Yes, Mariah is here, but no sign of Tessa," Billy said.
"Maybe she's not coming," Fen said, more to himself.
"Of course she's coming," Kyle said, "She is one of Rachel's best friends. She wouldn't miss being a part of her wedding."
"Then why isn't she here?" Fen said, "Maybe she didn't really want to be part of this."
"Why would you say that?" Kyle said, "Do you know something we don't?"
"No," Fen said, "I don't know where she is."
"Did she say something to you about not coming?" Kyle said.
"I have no idea what is going on with Tessa," Fen said.
"This is perfect," Rachel fretted, "I am about to get married, and I have no maid of honor."
"Rachel, if you like I could step in," Chloe said.
"You would do that?" Rachel said.
"For you, of course I would," Chloe said, "I would be happy to…"
The door to room opened as Tessa rushed inside, stopping when she saw everyone staring at her.
"I'm sorry," Tessa said.
"Where in the world have you been?" Mariah said.
"I know I'm terribly late, I was held up," Tessa said.
"I had all these terrible scenario's running through my head, of what could have happened to you," Mariah said.
"I didn't mean to worry you…" Tessa stopped when she saw Rachel.
"Tessa," Rachel said, "What…what happened? I was beginning to think you weren't coming."
"I'm so very sorry," Tessa said, "I had to take care of something."
"You had to take care of something," Rachel repeated, "Something more pressing than being here for me as my maid of honor on my wedding day? What is more important than that?"
"You have my deepest apologies," Tessa said, "It will all make sense later, I assure you. My gosh, you look breathtaking, so beautiful."
"We were all worried about you," Rachel said.
"I know," Tessa said, "But I am here now, if you will still have me?"
Rachel paused, before she said, "Of course I still want you in the ceremony."
"How can I make this up to you?" Tessa said.
"You could start by getting dressed," Chloe said.
"Of course, I will be ready as fast as I can," Tessa said, rushing into a side room.
"Rachel, are you alright?" Traci said.
"I'm fine," Rachel said, "I am about to be married. At least we know Tessa is alright."
Sharon worried as she heard Mariah mutter, "I'm not sure she is."
Pictures fluttered up Austin's phone as he sorted through images of Fen, Kyle, Abby, Mariah, Kevin, & Noah. "You are all here, in the same place," Austin said, "Yes, I promised Tessa I would not interfere with the wedding. But no one said anything about the reception." He flipped to a picture of Summer. "It won't be long now," Austin said, staring at her photo, "It's all for you."
Checking his watch, he said, "The wedding must be about to start." Austin smoothed out the lapels of his suit jacket and proceeded to the elevator. Stepping inside, he stood and said, "I love a good wedding." A smile crept across his face as he disappeared behind closing doors.