"What are you doing here?" Tessa snarled, "Why aren't you behind bars?"
"I am on parole and here to see the wedding," Simon said.
"I don't think Austin wants you here," Tessa said, "Because I certainly don't!"
"Tessa, is this who I think it is?" Mariah said, walking to her.
"My so called father," Tessa said, "It's not worth introducing you."
"Well, let's get this wedding started," Simon said.
"Didn't you hear?" Mariah said, "No one wants you to stay."
"And who are you dear?" Simon said.
"I am not your dear," Mariah said.
Going to put an arm around Mariah's shoulders, Tessa said, "Mariah, is my fiancé."
Simon looked at them, furrowing his brow, prompting Tessa to say, "I can tell you don't approve, and I don't care."
"On the contrary," Simon said, "I am happy both you and your brother have found someone to share your lives with."
"Your blessing does not make it all better," Tessa said. Turning away she continued, "Someone get him out of my sight."
"Okay, time to go," Chance said, "I'm going to insist, or I will arrest you again. Send you right back to jail." Chance smiled.
"On what grounds?" Simon said.
"Public disturbance or anything else I can think of," Chance said, "I am giving you 15 seconds to leave or I pull out my handcuffs."
"Fine, I will take my leave," Simon said, "I wish both couples all the best. Perhaps, I will see you around."
"Actually you won't," Austin said. Walking towards his father, Austin continued, "My wife and I will be leaving Genoa City. However, let me make this clear, stay away from Tess. If I have to come back here to protect her, you won't like it."
"I am glad you have your sister's best interests at heart," Simon said. "Good luck with your future."
Leaning in to her husband, Abby said, "Chance you didn't bring your handcuffs."
"He didn't know that," Chance said.
Austin stood watching his father, until he was out of sight.
Putting a hand on Tessa's shoulder, Austin said, "I'm sorry, you were subjected to our father. I didn't know he would be here, he just walked in."
"I'm glad he's gone, but I do not want to talk about him," Tessa said, "This is your day."
Austin shared a smile with his sister, before Tessa continued, "Which reminds me, I have something for you." Tessa handed Austin a small box, wrapped with a ribbon.
"A wedding gift?" Austin said, "I'd rather wait for Lola."
"This is something personal between you and me," Tessa said.
Austin nodded and began to undo the packaging. Taking off the lid, he said, "Tess, this is beautiful." He lifted out a light blue handkerchief.
"This belonged to our mother," Tessa said, "See her initials are sewn in." Austin looked at her, moved by the gesture, as Tessa spoke, "I thought you could have this with you today, as you marry the woman you love."
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Austin said, "However, I am all thumbs right now. Could you do the honor?"
Taking the handkerchief, Tessa folded it appropriately and placed in the front pocket of Austin's suit jacket. "How's that?" she said.
Looking down at the blue fabric peeking out, Austin said, "It's perfect. Thank you, this means so much."
"I just want you to be happy," Tessa said.
"With Lola as my wife, that will not be an issue," Austin said.
Glancing at Mariah, Tessa said, "Did you ever think you and I would be so lucky?"
"Not in a million years," Austin said, "But look at us now."
"I love you," Tessa said.
Austin smiled, as Tessa hugged him, saying, "Tess, I love you too."
Tessa dabbed away tears, as Mariah walked over, joking, "What's going on here? You are going to ruin her make-up."
"I might need a touch up," Tessa smiled through her tears.
"Then let me help you," Mariah said.
"It's fine I can take care of it," Tessa said.
"Let me help you," Mariah said, with a glint in her eyes.
Grasping Mariah's hidden meaning, Tessa said, "Right, I could use your help. I would love that." Looking at Austin, she said, "Would you excuse us?"
Austin waived them on, chuckling to himself.
Walking over to Arturo, Abby said, "The bride must be getting anxious, I know I am."
"You've always been a good friend to Lola," Arturo said.
"As she has been to me," Abby said, "She's not just a great employee, but someone I really like talking with."
"I am happy my sister is getting married to the man she loves," Arturo said. Surveying the room, he continued, "However, you know…"
"I was just thinking the same thing," Abby interjected, "Do we have time to do something about it?"
"Let's find out," Arturo said. Turning towards Austin, Arturo said, "Hey, future brother-in-law, how much time have we got before the ceremony gets underway?"
"It's Austin," he reminded, continuing, "We can start as soon as Lola is ready."
"Is an hour about right?" Arturo said.
"Knowing Lola that might not be long enough," Austin said.
"Great, I have to step out," Arturo said.
"You what?" Austin said.
"I'll be right back," Arturo said.
"Why don't I go with you," Abby said.
"Two is always better than one," Arturo said.
"Where are you going?" Chance said.
"You will understand when I get back," Abby said, "We won't be long." Giving Chance a kiss on the cheek, Abby followed Arturo to the exit.
"Okay," Chance said, "We will be waiting."
"I think she's better," Susie said, sitting on the living room floor, playing with Diana.
"She seems to be getting over it well," Rachel said, sitting down with a sigh.
"I can watch her if you're tired and want to lie down," Susie said.
"I appreciate that, but I'm okay," Rachel said.
"You still feel it?" Susie said.
"Just a little," Rachel said, "I'm sure it will clear up soon."
"Mine didn't last too long," Susie said.
"That's good, thank you for sharing it with us," Rachel joked.
"Sorry," Susie smirked.
Rachel smiled watching her girls interact. Susie was trying to teach Diana how to roll a ball between them. Diana wasn't having much luck, but she giggled in delight when her sister rolled it towards her.
The sound of the doorbell, elicited a tired groan from Rachel as she pushed herself off the couch. Opening the door, Rachel was greeted by a delivery person, holding a bouquet of a dozen red roses, encased in their own glass vase.
"Rachel Abbott?" the delivery person said.
"Yes," Rachel said.
"I have a delivery for you," the delivery person said.
"For me?" Rachel said.
As he handed them over, Rachel said, "Thank you. Hold on I will get a tip for you."
"No need it's all been taken care of," the delivery man said, "Have a great day."
Rachel smiled in thanks and carried the flowers into the living room.
"Wow, those are beautiful," Susie said, getting up to take a closer look.
"They certainly are," Rachel said.
"Who are they from?" Susie said.
"I don't know," Rachel said, setting them on the living room table.
Diana crawled over and pulled herself up against the table to see the flowers up close.
"There's a card," Susie said, anxiously reaching for it.
"May I?" Rachel said, holding out her hand.
Susie gave her mother the small envelope and Rachel removed card. The front side read, 'Thinking of You'. Turning it over, tears came to Rachel's eyes as she read the message written on the card.
In loving memory of Susan Brantford on this sad anniversary.
I know she is smiling down on you
Hopefully these will make you smile too.
With love, Kyle
Seeing her mother's tears, Susie became concerned. "Mom?" she said, "Are you okay?"
Transfixed by the flowers, Rachel said, "I can't believe he remembered."
"Can I see?" Susie said, reaching for the card.
Rachel handed it to her and when Susie saw they were from Kyle, she sighed, "Oh."
"That was very thoughtful and a very sweet thing for him to do," Rachel said, "He even remembered when I told him what my sister's favorite flowers were. Red roses."
"I wish had met her," Susie said.
"That would have been wonderful," Rachel said, "I think you would have loved her."
"I can't say the same thing about her daughter," Susie said.
"Miranda is misguided," Rachel said, "I wish we could find her to help her."
"Maybe it's better if she stays away," Susie said, "I know that sounds mean, but she scares me."
"I don't want you to feel that way about your cousin," Rachel said, "Somewhere in there was a sweet, down to earth girl. It is my hope we can get her back to that and start to heal relationships."
In an attempt to change the subject, Susie said, "Did you notice?"
"What's that?" Rachel said.
"Kyle signed the card with love," Susie said.
"He was sending loving thoughts, because of the day," Rachel said.
"If you say so," Susie said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Rachel said."
"I don't understand why you don't admit that you still love him," Susie said.
"Who says I do?" Rachel said.
"You always look so happy whenever you are around him," Susie said, "You smile every time you even say his name. I think he still loves you too."
"Are you suddenly an expert?" Rachel said.
"I just think if you love someone, you should tell them," Susie said.
"It doesn't matter, what Kyle wants and what I want are two different things," Rachel said, "So I think we should table this conversation."
"You should thank him," Susie said, "Personally. I can watch Diana."
"Kyle is in bed sick," Rachel said, "I will text him later."
While Tessa retreated to help Lola, Chance approached Austin saying, "How are the nerves doing?"
"I can't tell," Austin said, "I can't feel them anymore."
"You sound like a man who's ready to get married," Chance said, giving Austin a pat on the shoulder.
"Well," Mariah said, "I wonder where Abby and Arturo have rushed off to."
"I know, they've been gone awhile," Chance said, checking his watch.
"While we are waiting," Austin said, "Maybe the two of you can help me with something."
"What do you need?" Chance said.
"Lola and I are planning to say some special words for each other during the ceremony," Austin said.
"You want us to listen to you practice?" Chance said.
"Okay," Mariah said, "Let's hear what you have."
"The thing is," Austin said, "I don't have anything composed yet."
"Nothing?" Mariah said.
"You're cutting it awfully close," Chance said.
"Your bride is getting ready as we speak," Mariah said.
"I am aware," Austin said, "I don't know what to say to her. I can't find the right words."
"Speak from your heart," Chance said, "Tell her how much you love her."
"The love part I've got," Austin said, "But then what?"
"Tell her how much she means to you," Mariah started, "What an important part of your life she is, how you want to make her happy and looking forward to your future together."
Chance waived his hand at Mariah in agreement. "Once you see your bride and are standing in front of her it will all come together," Chance said.
"Just remember love, happiness and future," Mariah said.
Nodding, Austin said, "I can do that. Thanks."
"Not to add to your worries," Chance said, "But we seem to be missing a minister."
"I know," Austin said, "I hope…" Austin trailed off as he phone signaled a call coming in. Checking his display Austin said, "Actually this is him. Excuse me a moment."
"We're back!" Abby announced as she and Arturo walked back in.
Observing them both carrying bags, Chance said, "Where did you go?"
"We can't have a wedding without decorations," Abby said.
"We decided to run out and pick some up," Arturo said.
"Where is Lola?" Abby said.
"She's in the back with her mother and Tessa getting ready," Chance said.
"Still?" Arturo said, "I shouldn't be surprised."
"If we all pitch in, we can have this place decorated in no time," Abby said, "This way we can surprise the bride."
Ending his phone call, Austin said, "She's going to be surprised alright."
"What's wrong?" Abby said.
"Our minster just cancelled on us," Austin said.
"Okay, maybe you can find a replacement," Mariah said.
"Where am I going to find someone at the last minute?" Austin said.
"Right here," Arturo said, "I can do it. I got ordained a while back for a friend's wedding."
"That's great, except you being Lola's brother, I was going to ask you to be my best man," Austin said.
"I'd be happy to step in as best man," Chance said.
"That's a great idea!" Abby said.
"Okay Chance, you're in," Austin said, "Thank you gentlemen."
"Now let's get this place decorated!" Chance said.
While Abby and Mariah, set up flowers in vases gold candles were set in their holders. Chance was in charge of the blue and white balloon display, while Austin affixed strings of hanging lights. Arturo was busy setting up white silk drapes to create a wedding archway for the bridal couple.
"There, what do you think?" Arturo said, gesturing to his creation.
"Wow, you did a great job," Abby said, immediately walking over to adjust some of the fabric.
"I think that about does it," Chance said.
"I appreciate you all going to this trouble," Austin said, "Lola and I were just thinking of something simple, but this has made our day more special."
"What about music?" Mariah said.
"I've got it covered," Abby said, holding up her phone.
"It's magical," Tessa smiled, emerging from the back of the restaurant.
"I just hope Lola likes it," Austin said.
"I have no doubt she will," Tessa said. Walking to one of the flower displays, Tessa continued, "These are beautiful." Shifting her gaze to Austin she said, "Are these real flowers?"
"I assume…" Austin said, looking to Mariah.
"Yes, they are real," Mariah said.
"You know Lola's allergic right?" Tessa said.
"What?" Austin said, panic taking over his face, "We have to get this out of here!"
"I see panic," Arturo said, "What's wrong?"
"The flowers are real," Austin said.
"Yes, they're my sister's favorite kind," Arturo said.
"Not when she's about to have an allergic reaction," Austin said.
Arturo frowned and paused before he said, "Lola doesn't have an allergy to flowers."
Austin shifted his gaze to Tessa. She smiled and playfully punched his shoulder. "Ah," She giggled, "You're such an easy target."
"That was not funny," Austin said.
"You should have seen you're face," Tessa said, "It was priceless."
Hearing Mariah slightly laughing, beside him, Austin shot her a glare. Noticing, Mariah lightly cleared her throat and stepped away.
"Don't you know not to mess with a guy on his wedding day," Arturo said.
"Rules don't apply when the groom is your brother," Tessa said, "I'm sorry Austin. I was just having a little fun."
"I know messing with me is your favorite thing to do," Austin said.
"Speaking of favorite things," Tessa said, "I came to tell you the bride is ready."
"Looks like it's time to start," Arturo said, "Just a couple of things first. Be good to Lola, make her happy, don't contradict her when she talks about food, she knows best. Most importantly, whatever you do never…"
"Arturo can you help me with this?" Abby called.
"Sure thing," Arturo said, walking away.
Austin raised his arm, holding his hand out in question. "Never what…?" he muttered.
"Like I said, easy target," Tessa said. Austin gave her a look, as Tessa continued, "And I love you." She gave Austin a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"Back at you Tess," Austin said, "Are we ready to start?"
"Yes, I'll go let her know, it's time," Tessa said, disappearing into the back room.
"Places everyone," Arturo said, walking to the archway, followed by Austin.
Chance took his place next to Austin, while Abby sat next to Mariah.
Tessa stood at the back of the room, as Arturo nodded at Abby, who started the bridal music, by remote, the sound flowing through speakers on her sound system.
Tessa walked down the aisle to the front, smiling at Mariah and then her brother as she took her place.
"Are you ready?" Celeste said.
"I am," Lola said.
"I know you wanted Rey to give you away," Celeste said, "I'm sorry, he is not here today."
"But he is," Lola said, "I can feel it."
Celeste smiled at her daughter, as the bridal march began to play. "That's our cue," Celeste said.
Linking arms the duo walked out, Lola paused, marveling at the surprise decorations. Lola focused on Austin, reveling in thought of him becoming her husband.
Reaching the archway, Celeste handed Lola off to Austin, before retreating to sit with the other ladies.
"Arturo?" Lola said.
"I'm officiating," Arturo said.
"That's wonderful, but I thought we had someone for that," Lola said.
"He couldn't make it, Arturo stepped in," Austin said.
"This makes everything more perfect," Lola said.
"Let's begin," Arturo said. Lola and Austin joined hands as Arturo began to preside over the couple.
Lola's long white dress and the upswept beauty of her hair, drew Austin in, as he prepared to speak. "Lola…" Austin began, he paused before he said, "I have to admit, I was unsure of what to say today. It's difficult to put into words how much I love you. It's never been easy for me to talk about my feelings, but this is what is in my heart. You make me the happiest man alive and I want to do the same for you. I promise to take care of you, to respect you and support you. I will laugh with you, cry with you and celebrate with you. I am so proud to able to call you my wife and I know we will have a wonderful future together."
Lola blinked away tears, as she responded. "Austin, when you told me you were uncertain of your words today, I was relieved it was not just me. There is so much to say, yet so few words to convey it. I will refer to my big brother, who is not with us today, and something he once told me. Hold the ones you love close to you. Support them when they are weak, console them when they are sad and smile with them when they are happy. Never miss an opportunity to tell them you love them and to be there with them. This is what I promise you, as my husband. I agree, we will have a wonderful future and I feel blessed to start a life with you."
Lola and Austin exchanged rings, pledging their love to each other. Arturo then proclaimed Austin and Lola, husband and wife. The newlyweds shared a kiss as those in attendance clapped, amid a few cheers of congratulations.
Every muscle in his body was aching, coupled with congestion Kyle closed his eyes as he sat propped up in bed. He found he could not lie flat, nor get completely comfortable. One minute he was freezing cold and a few minutes later he was too warm.
The beeping of his phone made him groan as he reached for it. The message before him was something that finally made him smile.
"Hi Kyle
I hope you are feeling okay
Thank you so much for the roses, it was such a lovely gesture
I am so moved that you remembered what day this is for me
You are the sweetest
With love, -R
Kyle immediately texted her back.
"You are more than welcome, I am glad they made you smile
I am doing okay, just suffering the worst cold ever
I feel pretty miserable, but receiving your text made it a bit better
Hopefully I will be back in the world soon and see you in person
Kiss Diana for me -K
Rachel smiled as she continued the messaging.
Sorry you are feeling so bad
You should take some of that medication I brought over
If it's any consolation, the first 48 hours is the worst
I will be thinking of you and hoping you feel better very soon
Hugs -R
Kyle texted her back, sending a single heart symbol. Rachel could not ignore the butterflies built up inside of her, as she smiled and unconsciously hugged her phone.