"I don't know what you're thinking," Kyle said, "But I don't appreciate you interrupting our wedding reception uninvited. It's best if you leave."
"I'm sure you would like that," Lola said, "At least your wife would."
"Lola," Rey said, "You don't want to do this."
"Why shouldn't I join the party?" Lola said, "Everyone else is here."
"Have you been drinking?" Rey said.
"Of course, it's a festive occasion," Lola said, "It's time to celebrate!" Focusing on Rachel, she continued, "Congratulations, you got what you wanted. Good for you, you won. You've got your rich trophy husband to show off to everyone."
"I would prefer if you did not speak to her that way," Kyle said
"Didn't you hear?" Lola said, "You don't have to protect her from me anymore. She dropped her restraining order."
"I know, that was Rachel's decision and I support it. You are causing a scene, maybe you should settle down," Kyle said.
"All I wanted was for you to love me back, because I do love you. We could have been the ones to get married," Lola pleaded.
"This isn't love, Lola, it's obsession and it has to stop," Kyle said, "It is not the time or place for this discussion. Rachel and I are happy together and you have no business trying to convince me otherwise, not that you could. Furthermore, if you are going to disrespect my wife, I am going to have to insist you leave."
Coming to his sister's aid, Rey said, "Come on Lola, let me take you home."
"Doesn't it bother you?" Lola snapped at Rachel, "The way he cheated on you in the beginning? You tossed him aside and now you have pledged your life to him."
"I am sorry you are so sad, but this is not just about you," Rachel said, "It's about our happiness, the start of our marriage. This is what we want."
"And it doesn't matter what I want," Lola said.
"I care about you and hope one day you find your happiness," Kyle said.
Lola glared at the couple as she said, "This won't last. I wouldn't even give the two of you one year."
"That's enough," Kyle said, anger in his tone.
Rey touched Lola's shoulder saying, "It's time to go, come on."
Turning to Sharon, Rey said, "I'm sorry to leave but I will come back."
"No," Sharon said, "Your sister is in pain, she needs you tonight. You should be with her. I will find another way home."
Rey gave Sharon a kiss on the cheek, before guiding Lola away. Once in the entranceway, Lola whimpered, "Kyle, you know I'm right."
When Lola had disappeared from sight, Kyle shook his head in disbelief, as he pulled Rachel into a comforting hug.
"What makes you think I would do anything to help you?" Tessa said.
"Because we are family," Austin said, "It's a very simple plan."
"I'm afraid to ask," Tessa said.
Austin produced a small cylinder container and said, "All you have to do is put a few drops in Summer's drink. When she starts to get woozy, you lead her towards the bathroom, where I will be waiting to slip her out the back way."
"To take her where?" Tessa said.
"I have a room secured in the hotel," Austin said.
"You want to drug her?" Tessa said, "That's your big plan? Are you crazy?"
"You know I don't like you using that word," Austin said, angered by her 'crazy' reference.
"What is that stuff anyway?" Tessa said.
"Don't worry, it won't hurt her," Austin said, "Just make her very sleepy. She won't even be able to detect it in her drink."
"No, I don't feel comfortable with this," Tessa said.
"It won't take long," Austin said.
"I won't do it," Tessa said, "You need to leave and forget this plan of yours."
Tessa turned to walk away, when Austin said, "Have you seen our father lately?" Tessa bristled as Austin continued, "There are some people out there, who would be very interested to find out who he is."
"I told you not to bring him up to me," Tessa said, "It's a moot point, he is behind bars where he belongs."
"What if Mariah were to find out all about dear old dad," Austin said, "You wouldn't want her to find out what you have been up to. Trying to break up the happy couple, helping me after that horrible night. How do you think Mariah would react if she found out you knew I was alive all this time, and you kept it secret. What if Rachel found out, that would wreck any chance you have with her."
"Stop it," Tessa said, "Don't threaten me."
"I can blow your world apart," Austin said, "Unless you do this one thing for me."
"Fine," Tessa said, "For the record I don't like this."
"You know there is enough in there to use on Rachel too," Austin said, "Then you could ring in the New Year with her as well. I know you want to."
"I have my own plans," Tessa said.
"What does that mean?" Austin said.
"I know what I have to do," Tessa said, "And I am doing it tonight. In fact there is no time like the present."
"What are you up to?" Austin said.
Taking the container from Austin and concealing it in the palm of her hand, she said, "Happiness."
"I am thrilled the two of you finally got married!" Mariah said, hugging Kyle and then Rachel.
"Thank you," Kyle said, "We are happy you could be a part of all this."
"I am pretty thrilled too," Rachel said, smiling over at Kyle.
"It's all so beautiful, it makes me wish it was my wedding," Mariah said. Kyle gave Mariah a hesitant look, prompting her to say, "Not with you, I meant in general. Don't get me wrong you make a very handsome groom." Tessa joined them with a smile as Mariah continued, "But I have my own good looking date right here."
"I missed the beginning of that, didn't I?" Tessa said.
"Just talking about wedded bliss," Rachel said.
"Where were you?" Mariah said, "I was looking all over."
"Oh, you know, I got talking to someone," Tessa said, "You know when you want someone to stop and they just keep going on and on. I couldn't get away."
"I've met people like that," Kyle said.
"So where are you taking your lovely bride for the honeymoon?" Mariah said.
Tessa stared transfixed at Rachel, the conversation around her fading away. Tessa had never seen Rachel look so beautiful. The sight of Rachel in her wedding dress made Tessa wish it was her wedding day with Rachel. Knowing Rachel had promised her life to Kyle, she was his wife now, was breaking Tessa's heart. She did not dislike Kyle, but she felt it was not fair, that he would spend the rest of his life with her, when her own feelings for Rachel were overflowing. Tessa was certain she loved Rachel, more than Kyle ever could.
"Tessa?" Mariah's voice pulled Tessa out of her thoughts.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Tessa said.
"Kyle was telling us about the honeymoon," Mariah said, "They are going to Hawaii."
"That sounds very romantic," Tessa said, "And I have not officially congratulated the two of you." Tessa moved in to hug Rachel. Holding her close, she lingered, hesitant to let go. Parting from her, Tessa said, "Look how beautiful you are. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Rachel said, "You made this day perfect as my maid of honor."
"I am always here for you," Tessa said, "I hope you will be very happy." Tessa's jealousy of Kyle was rising, as she deliberately held back her warm wishes for him.
"Aren't you going to give the groom a hug too?" Mariah said.
"What?" Tessa said, "Oh, of course."
Tessa moved in for a hug with Kyle, whispering in his ear, "How could you do this to me? She does not belong with you."
"Tessa?" Kyle brought her out of her daydream. He held his arms open, indicating a hug. Tessa gave Kyle a quick hug, before she said, "Be good to her. I know she will be to you."
"All the time," Kyle smiled.
"Are you alright?" Mariah said, "You don't seem yourself."
"I'm not myself," Tessa said, "And I can't wait anymore. I have something I need to share."
Watching Tessa walk to the front of the room, Rachel said, "What is she doing?"
Tessa picked up a microphone and said, "Excuse me, could I please have everyone's attention?" She waited for the atmosphere of the room to settle down before continuing, "We are here to celebrate a marriage between two people who love each other. I hope you do not mind if I take a moment, to say something, I should have done before now."
Looking on from the shadows, Austin mused, "What are you doing Tess?"
"There is someone very special to me in this room," Tessa said, "Whom I love very much. You are in my heart and my soul, my best friend and I will love you forever." Tessa paused as she looked at Rachel, until she forced herself to say, "Mariah? Could you come up here with me?"
Mariah walked over to stand by Tessa. "What's going on?" Mariah said.
Facing Mariah and taking one of her hands Tessa said, "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come into my life. We have been together for a long time and I have cherished every moment we have shared. I cherish you, l love you, and this is why I was late arriving today. I was getting this." Tessa got down on one knee in front of Mariah, as she unveiled a box, containing a diamond ring. "Mariah Copeland," Tessa said, "Will you marry me?"
Sharon looked on in surprise, Fen raised his eyebrows in question, as Kyle was slightly nodding his head in anticipation of her answer.
Mariah was stunned as she looked from Tessa to the ring and back again. "Tessa, I…you're sure?"
"You are my forever," Tessa said.
Mariah smiled and said, "Yes."
"Yes?" Tessa repeated.
"I will marry you," Mariah said, as Tessa rose to hug her. Applause filled the room as Tessa slipped the engagement ring on Mariah's finger.
"Everything is so amazing," Faith said, as she chatted with Susie, "And I love your dress, it's beautiful."
"I've never had one so nice before," Susie said, "I get to keep it, but I don't know when I would wear it again."
Standing several feet away from them, Connor Newman enlisted the support of his father, while he worked up the nerve to ask Susie to dance.
"It's easy," Adam encouraged, "You just go over to her and say, Hi, my name is Connor, would you like to dance with me? Then the rest will take care of itself."
"Are you sure?" Connor said.
"Positive," Adam said.
"Okay," Connor said. After a nod from Adam, Connor took a few steps towards Susie, stopping when someone stepped in his path.
"Hello ladies," Fen said.
"Hi," Susie smiled.
"I believe I promised someone a dance," Fen smiled, "Would you like to join me?" He offered Susie his arm.
"Of course," Susie beamed.
Connor sighed in disappointment as he watched, Fen lead Susie to the dance floor. Walking over, Adam put a hand on his son's shoulder.
"I'll never be able to talk to her," Connor said.
"The night is still young," Adam said.
Across the room Chelsea noticed her son was despondent, as someone approached her. "Chelsea?" Kevin said, "Is everything okay?"
"I'm fine," Chelsea said, "It's just my son is trying to introduce himself to a girl he likes, but he's not having much luck."
"There's a girl he likes here?" Kevin said.
"Yes," Chelsea said, "Your daughter."
"Which one?" Kevin said.
"Susie," Chelsea smiled.
"She's a few years older than your son," Kevin said.
"I know, but I doubt it's more than an innocent first crush," Chelsea said, "It was bound to happen, right?"
Spying Susie, dancing with Fen, Kevin said, "Talk about a first crush. Susie is glued to my nephew."
"She has a crush on Fen?" Chelsea said.
"She does," Kevin said.
"Aren't they related?" Chelsea said.
"They are," Kevin said. Seeing Chelsea's confused expression, Kevin said, "Rachel and I are hoping she grows out of it."
"Hey beautiful lady." Sharon turned around to see Nick smiling at her.
"Well, you look pretty great yourself," Sharon said.
"It's been an interesting event," Nick said.
"It was such a nice wedding," Sharon said, "I enjoyed being a part of it."
"It's too bad Rey had to cut the night short," Nick said.
"Yeah, but someone else needed him more," Sharon said, "I didn't see you bring a date."
"What are you talking about?" Nick said, "I had one of the prettiest ladies in the room on my arm."
"You mean Faith?" Sharon said.
"Yes, I meant Faith," Nick said, as he shared a smile with Sharon.
"She seems to have abandoned you," Sharon said.
"She is over there dancing with Noah," Nick said.
"That is so sweet," Sharon said.
"Looks like fun," Nick said, "Would you like to…"
"Love to," Sharon said, taking Nick's hand.
"Do I have to?" Susie said.
"All you need to do is dance with him one time," Kevin said.
"Why?" Susie said.
"Because Connor is a nice boy and it would make him happy," Kevin said.
"He's just a kid," Susie said.
"His Mom, made your lovely bridesmaid dress," Kevin said, "It would be a nice gesture if you dance with her son."
"If he wants to dance with me, he can ask me," Susie said.
"I think he's a bit shy when it comes to that," Kevin said. Kevin looked at her hopefully.
"Alright," Susie sighed.
Pointing Connor out, Kevin said, "Now is your chance."
Spying Susie walking towards Connor, Chelsea nudged Adam. "Hey, look at this," she said.
"Well, isn't that interesting," Adam said.
Connor did not see Susie approaching and was startled when Susie said, "Hi."
Looking at her, Connor's heart rate increased as he said, "Hi." He was at a loss for any further conversation.
"Are you Connor Newman?" Susie said, "I'm Susie, your Mom made my bridesmaid dress."
Connor nodded, but no words were coming.
"Would you like to dance?" Susie said.
Finally speaking, Connor said, "Sure, yes okay." He took her offered hand.
Watching them, Chelsea and Adam smiled as they shared a high-five. Looking over at Kevin, Chelsea raised her glass and mouthed a "thank you."
"Have I told you how breathtaking you look tonight?" Chance said, as he sat with Abby.
"Only about a dozen times," Abby said, "But I wouldn't mind hearing it a dozen more."
"Then get ready, because you are stunning," Chance said, kissing her.
"Something tells me we are interrupting," Billy said, sitting at the table with Victoria.
"You are," Abby said, "Please have seat."
"Detective," Billy said, acknowledging Chance.
"Billy," Chance said, "Hello Victoria."
"Nice to see you," Victoria said, "Lovely wedding today." Gesturing to Abby and Billy, Victoria continued, "You both did a nice job standing up for the bride and groom."
"I was just commenting to Abby how nice she looked," Chance said.
"I really like your dress," Victoria said, "And the color scheme, flowers, we even passed by a chocolate fountain."
"They have one?" Abby said.
"Yes, there are waterfalls and everything is so wonderfully over the top," Victoria said.
"They wanted epic and they got it," Billy said.
"Including the guest list," Abby said, "There a so many people."
"One too many if you ask me," Billy said.
"Billy was none to pleased to see our father," Victoria said.
"I haven't talked to him yet," Abby said.
"We have not spoken to Victor either," Billy said, "But I am sure it is only a matter of time."
"That is very perceptive of you," Victor said, standing behind Billy.
"And there it is," Billy said, taking a sip of his drink.
Traci retrieved a drink and turned around to see Paul, standing several feet away. Smiling when they saw each other, they approached, meeting half way.
"Nice to see you, Traci," Paul said, "You make lovely bridesmaid."
"Oh, thank you," Traci said.
"Can you believe this room?" Paul said, "I have seen butterflies, waterfalls, and I do not remember the last time I saw so many sparkles. I don't think I ever have."
"I know, they really went all out," Traci said, "Plus, they look so happy together."
"Meant for each other," Paul said.
"I think so too," Traci said.
"It is almost like something out of one of your romance novels," Paul said.
"Maybe, I will use them as inspiration for a new book," Traci said.
"I will be first in line for an autographed copy," Paul said.
Traci laughed before she said, "I don't mean to pry, but are you here on your own?"
"I am," Paul said, "That being the case, would you like to accompany me to the dance floor?"
"I would like that very much," Traci said.
"When you said the wedding would be epic, you were not kidding," Megan said, sitting with Kyle and Rachel.
"I didn't expect all this," Summer said, also at the table with Fen.
"I wanted to make sure my wife had the wedding of her dreams," Kyle said.
"It is," Rachel said, "But my husband did draw the line at lamas and doves."
Kyle laughed and said, "You love saying that don't you?"
"My husband?" Rachel said, "Yes, I do." She latched onto Kyle's arm, making him smile.
Daniel approached the table, saying, "This has to be best wedding ever."
"I'm glad you are enjoying yourself," Rachel said.
"The decorations, the food, and so many lovely ladies," Daniel said.
"Did you meet someone special?" Summer said.
"I have not," Daniel said, "However, I was hoping Megan would accept an offer to dance with me?"
"How could I pass up such and intriguing offer?" Megan said.
"Isn't it almost time?" Summer said.
"Time for what?" Rachel said.
"You know, for a little garter and bouquet throwing?" Summer said.
Kyle and Rachel looked at each other, with Kyle saying, "I think it might be time for that, soon." Kyle mused a few seconds before he said, "I have to find that garter first."
"Oh, you know where it is," Rachel said.
"I believe I do," Kyle said.
"Okay," Summer said, as Fen slightly shook his head, "It is time for something else first."
"I'm afraid to ask," Kyle said.
"I would like you to dance with me," Summer said, adding, "If no one else minds."
"As long as you bring him back," Rachel said.
"I will consider it," Summer said, talking Kyle's hand.
"If I'm not back in five minutes, send out a search party," Kyle said, as Summer lead him away.
"Rachel, would you like to dance?" Fen said.
"I would love to," Rachel smiled.
Kyle made a big performance about retrieving the garter from Rachel. Once he had it in hand, the single gentlemen were instructed to gather in a group.
"Go on," Abby smiled, pushing Chance towards them.
Theo straightened his suit jacket, as Fen, Jack, Devon, Ravi, Daniel and Noah joined the group.
"Moment of truth," Devon said, to Jack.
Standing with his back to them, Kyle said, "Everyone ready?"
"Throw it!" Theo said.
As Kyle tossed the garter backwards, Theo saw it coming his way and reached out for it, when a hand appeared in front of him, snatching the item away. Fen smiled as he held up his prize, twirling it on his finger. People applauded as Fen looked over at Theo, noticing his reaction of disapproval.
"Better luck next time," Fen said, patting Theo on the shoulder as he passed by.
"Okay, ladies, it's time to throw the bouquet!" Chloe said, as ladies clustered together.
While everyone's attention was focused elsewhere, Tessa took the opportunity to further her and Austin's plan. Tessa had been monitoring Summer, and moved to the table where Summer's drink was still sitting. Reaching for the vile in her dress pocket, Tessa discretely let two drops of liquid fall into the drink. She quickly tucked the vile away and walked past the table.
"Alright, here it goes!" Rachel said, tossing the bouquet behind her.
Summer saw it coming, when suddenly Susie bumped her out of the way, so she could catch it. Everyone cheered for Susie, as Summer looked across at Fen, who shook his head in disapproval.
Turning to her mother, Summer said, "Did you see that? She pushed me."
"Everyone saw her," Phyllis said, "It was very childish. It doesn't matter, the bouquet was meant for you."
"Why do you say that?" Summer said.
"You and Fen," Phyllis said.
"What about us?" Summer said.
"Maybe you will be the next ones to get married," Phyllis smiled.
"Mom, we are not even thinking about that," Summer said.
"Perhaps you should be," Phyllis said.
"Don't get too excited," Summer said, "Fen is not ready to consider that big a step."
"You don't have to wait for him to propose," Phyllis said.
"What you are suggesting is not in the cards for us," Summer said.
"I will say this and then never mention it again and deny it in the future," Phyllis said, "Fen, he's a catch."
"Oh no, I am not discussing this with you," Summer said, embarrassed she walked away.
"I guess it wasn't our night," Abby said.
"Excuse me?" Chance said, "I thought we were having a good time."
"Me too," Abby said, "I only meant we were not successful catching good things."
"I thought I already did," Chance said, "You may have not caught the bouquet, but you never know what the future holds."
"I guess you are right," Abby said.
"In fact, this calls for a toast," Chance said. Reaching onto the table and retrieving two glasses, he said, "Are these ours?"
"I think so," Abby said, taking the drink Tessa had mixed drops into.
"To the future," Chance said.
"The future," Abby smiled. They clinked glasses and took a drink each.