Oh my goodness! I have no idea when I started writing this chapter, but thank you for being patient with me. I caught this nasty sickness and couldn't really think about what to write. I had finished the ceremony part before I got sick a couple weeks ago. So the second half of this chapter took me the last few days to write.

With that said, this is the biggest chapter of Lily's life and I pray you'll enjoy reading it!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything related to "Meet the Robinsons," "TMNT," "Toy Story," nor "Criminal Case," nor do I own Ginny Owens' "Remember Me," Edwin McCain's "I'll Be," nor Natalie Grant's "Always Be Your Baby." I only own Lilianna, Ryan, Venus, Athena, James, Skyler, Karena, Diana, Randy, and Justine.

July 29, 2045 - North Hampton, New York, USA

LILIANNA'S POV

I woke up with a big smile on my face. This was the first time I had ever slept in my parents' bedroom and I felt like a queen.

Then I let out a gasp. I was getting married today. My grin got bigger as I hurried down the stairs to the kitchen. But I stopped in my tracks. It was not my parents I saw in the kitchen. I found Uncle Mikey, Auntie Renet, Uncle Leo, and Auntie Karai cooking food that did not smell like breakfast food.

"Good morning?"

My four relatives gasped.

"LILIANNA!"

"What are you doing here?" Uncle Leo asked in alarm.

"Is this a dream?" I asked with a yawn. "Where are my parents?"

"They're getting groceries," Uncle Mikey answered. "They'll be back."

I blew a sigh of relief.

"And the others?"

"Lilianna, relax," Auntie Karai assured me, walking over to me. "This is the one day of your life you should not be worrying about anything."

I laughed.

"Right. I'm the bride who is not supposed to worry about anything on her big day."

I chuckled nervously.

"I'm... gonna head on back upstairs."

I went back upstairs and back into my parents' bedroom with a frown. I took a look at the wedding dress all the women made for me.

"Why do you doubt yourself, Lilianna?"

"Master Splinter?"

I let out a gasp and turned around. My grandfather showed up in the room and looked like the real deal.

"Sensei."

I started to bow down, but the spirit stopped me. Instead, he bowed down to me.

"I'm so confused," I said out loud. "Why?"

"Today is the most important day in your life, Lilianna Mae Hamato," Splinter explained. "You have everything you need for your biggest trials yet. Leonardo's courage. Raphael's strength. Donatello's intelligence. Michelangelo's resilience. April's spirit. Your compassion. Aumanil."

Splinter stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Do not be afraid, Lilianna. I will always be with you. And so will your God. Everything will be alright. I do hope you're not having second doubts about your upcoming marriage."

"No! Not at all!"

"Then why are you afraid?"

I understood his point.

"Hai, sensei."

"I will see you soon, Lilianna."

We bowed to each other before Splinter disappeared. I suddenly felt boldened. I took the dress off the mannequin, held it against me, and spun around. I felt lights flashing around me and I felt myself transforming. Eventually, I was spinning around wearing the dress and I stopped. I looked down at my wedding dress and smiled.

I realized in that moment it wasn't just Lilianna Hamato getting married; Aumanil was to be a bride, too. Today, I was both.

I walked over to the mirror to admire myself. But l saw three people in the mirrors. To my left was Lilianna with her brown contacts, previously wearing the white nightgown with her long red hair flowing down to her hips. To my right was Aumanil with her natural blue eyes, her bangs and top half of her hair in a braided crown while the rest of her hair flowed, wearing the white one-sleeved jumpsuit and white boots.

And in the center was me, a combination of Lilianna and Aumanil. My bangs were swept to the left side of my head. The entirety of my hair was in a bun with a braided crown. My natural blue eyes sparkled with the silver necklace my mom gave me last night. My dress had white, blue, and purple lilies sewn all over the skirt as well as the two straps. There was white and green lace sewn into both the bodice and the dress so that I looked like a princess of the forest, where I was born and raised. Lastly, I wore the white cowgirl boots Justine gave me some time ago.

Suddenly, the door knocked, my dad's voice ringing through.

"Lily, are you in there? It's Mom and Dad."

"Come in!"

The door opened to my parents holding a bag of food. They both gasped at the sight of me. Dad ended up dropping the bag of food on the floor.

"Oh, Lily!" Mom exclaimed in awe, tears coming to her blue eyes. "You are so beautiful!"

Mom and I hugged as I heard the snapping of a camera.

"But isn't it a little early for you to put your dress on?" Mom asked. "The wedding isn't until four."

"That is eight hours from now, Lily Mae," Dad chimed in, checking his T-Phone.

"I felt nervous before because you both were gone," I explained. "But then Splinter came and gave me the confidence I needed. And besides, this is the most comfortable dress I have ever worn in my life!"

I twirled around with a grin on my face. I absolutely loved how the dress flowed when I spun.

"Although, I could spin back into plain old Lilianna for those eight hours," I continued.

My dad scrunched his green face up at that.

"My daughter, plain? From the second you were born, you have been everything but plain. Lilianna Mae is just as special as Aumanil. And I see that you've found a way to combine both worlds together for this special occasion."

"But please let me and Dad give you one piece of advice for now," Mom chimed in. "All of the girls know of your two identities. If it only took a few seconds for you to transform yourself into the bride, then they deserve a show."

I laughed.

"That is a good point. Okay, I'll change back into my nightgown."

I spun back into Lilianna wearing the white nightgown, holding the wedding dress. I placed it back on the mannequin. Then, I noticed the bag of Taco Bell that was on the ground and picked it up.

"I take it this is my breakfast?" I asked my dad.

"Oh!" Dad exclaimed with a chuckle. "You were so beautiful I totally forgot about it. Yes, that is yours. The breakfast crunch wrap meal, right?"

"Yes!" I replied happily. "You're the bee's knees, Dad!"

I kissed him on the cheek before digging into my breakfast.

KARENA'S POV

Wilbur, Diana, and I drove up to North Hampton together to stand with Lily and James on their wedding day. Right when we pulled up to the driveway, the purple-clad mutant turtle ran out to greet us.

"Welcome, welcome, welcome!" Donnie said happily, hugging me and Wilbur.

"Thank you for hosting, Donnie," I replied. "Your place looks amazing!"

"It really does," Wilbur said.

"Thank you!" Donnie replied. "Would you all follow me to the barn please?"

I carried Diana as we followed him to the barn. In the back was something covered in a blanket.

"Okay, I know that's not Lily's dress you've got hiding there," I said with a smirk.

"Nope!" Donnie replied.

He walked over the the structure and pulled the blanket off. Wilbur and I gasped with happiness on our faces while Diana let out a happy noise. Donatello had just uncovered a wooden horse on wheels with a seat for Diana. The horse was painted brown with a white mane and a purple blanket inside the seat.

"Donnie..."

I felt speechless as Diana and I looked at the horse. Diana happily beckoned me to put her in the seat. I placed her in the seat and she started moving her arms in excitement.

"I think she loves it," Wilbur said with a smirk.

"But where do the flowers come in?" I asked.

"Tallulah and I spoke about that," Donnie explained. "She found blue calla lily petals online and bought a batch for Diana. But Diana won't be tossing those petals down the aisle. Come here."

Wilbur and I walked to the back of the horse. Donnie pointed down to the back legs where we noticed a small door on its belly.

"All Mareena would have to do is sit on the back of the horse and that would activate the door and the fan, making the petals fly down the aisle."

"And you built all the mechanisms with no trouble at all?" Wilbur asked with a surprised tone of voice.

"That's right!"

Donnie immediately winced, knowing that he had bragged.

"Alright, it took me a week for this to work properly. But I'm happy with how it turned out! I had April test it numerous times since she and Mareena are the same weight."

"But wouldn't the door be obvious?" I asked.

"No, Mareena would be sitting on a purple blanket that matches Diana's. Diana will be holding her own bouquet of flowers."

"So where will the horse go after Mareena and Diana go down the aisle?" Wilbur asked.

"Mareena will wheel it around the bride's side. So what do you think?"

"It's perfect!" I replied enthusiastically.

I glanced around and then took a look at the time on my iPhone. It was now eleven-thirty in the morning.

"I should go inside and check on Lily and the rest of the bridesmaids," I said, taking Diana out of the horse's seat.

"That's a good idea," Donnie replied. "Lily was already wearing her dress and everything when April and I saw her for the first time."

"Seriously?" Wilbur and I asked at the same time.

"She's gotta be a nervous wreck," Wilbur suggested.

"Oh don't worry!" Donnie replied. "April and I convinced her to change back into her nightgown until the ceremony approaches. But yes, she was nervous."

"Is there anyone else here with Lily?" I asked.

"Athena came with her parents earlier but she came with us to get Lily breakfast and the groceries for her parents. Ryan, Venus, and her parents are on their way. Justine and Randy should be here any minute."

I walked inside and up the stairs with Diana in my arms. I knocked on the door leading to the bridal suite.

"Lily, it's Karena and Diana. May we come in?"

"Come in."

I opened the door and found Lily and Athena sitting on the bed.

"Your dad told me you were up here," I explained as Athena gasped.

"Is that Diana?" she asked excitedly.

"Yes, it is!" I answered in a higher-tone of voice. "She's Lily's goddaughter."

"I wanna hold the baby! Please?"

I chuckled, handing my daughter over to Athena.

"It's very lovely to meet you, Diana," she said sweetly. "My name's Athena."

Lily laughed. I noticed Diana had a strange look on her face.

"I don't think Diana likes the sweet voice, Athena," she explained. "She's definitely Wilbur's daughter. How old is she now, six months old?"

"In a few days, yes," I answered with a laugh. "I can't believe it's been that long already. And I still have evidence that I was pregnant with her."

I unbuttoned my dress to reveal the little baby bump that was left from my pregnancy. Lily walked over and placed her hand on my belly.

"You're beautiful, Karena," she assured me. "You're a good momma. Diana's lucky to have you."

"You'll be an amazing mother one day, Lily," I returned the assurance, knowing she emotionally struggled with the topic. "But come on! Today's your wedding day! We should be excited!"

"Speaking of being excited, it's pizza time!" Michelangelo yelled from downstairs.

The three of us laughed, and we even heard a giggle from Diana.

"Aww!" the three of us exclaimed.

"Lily, you and Athena should head on down," I told them. "I want to use this to my advantage and feed Diana."

DONATELLO'S POV

I watched Wilbur, Randy, and James put on their grey suits together. Then James started walking up to me.

"Hey, umm..."

James rubbed his neck. I couldn't help but smile and be understanding.

"I was nervous too," I told him. "Lily loves you. You are a lucky guy."

"That means a lot to hear you say that, Donnie," James replied, calming down. "But do I call you Donnie now? Dad?"

I chuckled, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"I remember the days when you were my student and you couldn't figure out what to call me. Back then, it was up to you. I wanted you to be comfortable in your studies. But now, tonight, you're my son, and I'm happy to welcome you to the family."

James looked at me with a confident smile on his face.

"Thanks, Dad."

Then he looked down at my body.

"Aren't you going to wear something?"

I grinned toward the door, noticing my wife standing there with a long purple cloak. I walked toward the mirror and I sensed April walking behind me.

"I was in this very room when I was getting married," I explained. "I had my three brothers with me and I was a nervous wreck! I was even tempted to take off my mask because I was so nervous. But what helped is that Mikey told me to imagine April calling me her husband."

Just then, April came up behind me and put the cloak on me.

"Donnie wore the exact same cloak," April explained. "Only it was white because he was the groom. I remember the time I was about the walk down the aisle. Donnie had this look on his face. His jaw was dropped. But when I started to walk, he had this smile on his face like he was in heaven. And knowing our daughter, you'll be in heaven today."

"You're not just saying that because Lily has the capability to kill someone, right?" James asked.

"She could," I replied. "And she has, on accident."

"But trust me," April chimed in. "Lily is all ready to go, and she's absolutely beautiful. You'll feel like you're in a fairy tale."

"I should check up on her," I said, giving my wife a kiss on the cheek.

"Go for it," she encouraged me. "She was asking for you."

I walked out of the groom's suite and into the bridal suite. It was only Lily in the room. She glanced up at me, got up, and walked towards me. We embraced each other. She kissed me on the cheek and I returned it. Then I took a look at her for the second time in her wedding attire. There were white, blue, and purple lilies along with white and green lace sewn all over the dress, including her two straps. Her long red hair was in a braided crown that ended in a braided bun, but her bangs were swept to one side. Her hair was covered by a lace veil, the lace shaped like lilies, and it was as long as her hair when down. Her natural blue eyes sparkled with her grandmother's necklace. Lastly, she gave me a gap-toothed smile behind lips painted with brown lipstick.

"Hey, Dad."

"Hey, Lily Mae. You're absolutely beautiful, just like your mom. But why aren't you wearing your contacts?"

"Because Lilianna Mae is not the only one getting married today," she explained fondly. "Aumanil is getting married also. When I held this dress against me, I did the transformation spin just like I would when I turn into Aumanil. But today, I'm both."

I placed a hand on her shoulder, my smile turning into a concerned frown.

"Lily, is there anyone on the guest list who don't know your dual-identity?"

"One, no. All of my friends and family know who I am... only Randy doesn't know. And two, the invitations have my real name on them. Everyone's going to know me as Lily."

"Hey, I'm proud of you," I told her, my smile returning. "How are you feeling?"

"Still nervous, but I feel ready, too."

"Donnie, Lily!" we heard Karena yelling from downstairs. "The ceremony's about to start!"

We gave each other one last hug.

"I love you, Daddy."

My heart melted, and I hugged her tightly.

"I love you too, Lily Mae."

We let each other go and we stared into each other's eyes, my brown eyes and her blue eyes. Then I shared a gap-toothed grin.

"Let's get you married."

Lily gave me a grin of confidence.

"Let's do this."

APRIL'S POV

I stood on Bob's left side by the time the ceremony started at four. The song started to play. Raph and Mona opened the doors. Then, the piano started to play, and right on cue, I started to walk down the aisle with Bob and Jenny, James' parents. I smiled at all the people who attended the wedding.

"Remember me in a Bible cracked and faded by the years."

The Justice League was in attendance and so was the Robinson family. Our mutant friends were also present with us and the friends that Lily made over the years were here as well.

"Remember me in a sanctuary filled with silent prayer."

Bob, Jenny, and I reached the end of the aisle where I smiled at James and Leo. Bob and Jenny took their seats on the right side while I joined Renet, Karai, and Ryan on the left side. I turned back to the back of the chapel where I saw Randy accompanying Venus and Justine down the aisle.

"And age to age and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace. Child of wonder, child of God, I've remembered you. Remember me."

Just as Randy, Venus, and Justine reached the end of the aisle, Wilbur started to accompany Karena and Athena down the aisle. I smiled, remembering my role in their wedding only three years ago. Today, they were standing with my daughter.

"Remember me when the colors of our sunset fills the sky. Remember me when you pray and tears of joy fall from your eyes."

Then Diana and Mareena came into the church riding a toy horse Donnie had made for them. Raph and Mona closed the doors behind them. Diana had a big smile on her face as the lily petals fell behind them.

"That's a good idea," I whispered to Renet.

"And age to age and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace."

"Donnie did an amazing job!" Renet whispered back. "Diana's just so adorable in that horse!"

"Child of wonder, child of God, I've remembered you."

"This is my cue," I said as Mareena and Diana reached the end of the aisle.

"Remember me."

When Mareena walked past me with Diana and the horse, I stood up and beckoned everyone else to stand with a smile on my face. Once everyone stood up, the doors opened, revealing my husband and our daughter. Every single person in the chapel gasped at the sight of Lily in her wedding attire. I turned towards the wedding party and James, Wilbur, and Randy all had their jaws dropped. Even Leo's jaw was dropped. I turned towards Donnie and Lily. Donnie simply had a proud smile on his face and Lily was beaming with her gap-toothed grin and excitement in her blue eyes. They linked their arms and started to slowly walk down the aisle.

"Remember me when the children leave their Sunday school with smiles."

I was in awe at what happened next: the guests started to bow down to Lily. My jaw dropped. Lily truly did look like a queen of the forest with her grace and poise.

"Remember me when they're old enough to teach, old enough to preach, old enough to lead!"

As the guests continued to bow down to Lily, I saw Donnie glancing at Lily as she continued to look at James. I turned around to see him smiling fondly at his bride, just like Donnie smiled at me all those years ago.

"And age to age and heart to heart, bound by grace and peace."

The rest of us bowed down. I bowed because I was thankful for Lily changing my life for the better the day she was born. She taught me a different kind of love and compassion all these years: a mother's love. I prayed Lily will get to experience this kind of love someday.

"Child of wonder, child of God, I've remembered you. Remember me."

I glanced up to see Donnie and Lily embracing each other.

"Age to age and heart to heart. Child of wonder, child of God."

Then Donnie shook James' hand.

"Remember me."

"Age to age and heart to heart. Child of wonder, child of God."

Donnie then walked to bow down next to me while James escorted Lily up to the altar where Leo was. I saw Leo smiling fondly at the couple as he did a small bow along with the wedding party. Lily and James returned the bow as the song ended.

"You may be seated," Leo said with a smile.

We all smiled and sat in our seats. Donnie and I held each other's hands.

"What I have witnessed today truly means the bride has made an impact on every one of us for the better," Leo said fondly. "Lilianna, we are honored that you are a part of our lives. Now, let us honor you as we witness and bless this union of matrimony under God. This holy bond is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, thoughtfully, and in accordance with those purposes for which God created it."

Leo paused, his smile fading away to a more serious expression.

"If anyone present knows of any reason why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."

There was silence in the church.

"Lilianna and James, here in the presence of God, family, and friends, if either of you know any reason why you should not marry, do now confess it."

There was more silence in the church. James had a big grin on his face and I could tell Lily had just as big a grin on hers.

"Who presents Lilianna to be married to James?" Leo asked.

Donnie and I glanced at each other and nodded with smiles on our faces.

"Her mother and I do," Donnie replied.

Lily looked back and smiled fondly at her father.

"Lilianna, James, please face each other and join hands."

Lily handed her lily and rose bouquet to Karena before putting her hands in James'.

"James, if it's in your heart, please repeat after me."

I watched James repeat the vows after Leo, and then it was Lily's turn, but no repeating was necessary.

"In the name of God, I take you, James, to be my husband," Lily said with a fond smile on her face. "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

"May we have the rings?" Leo asked.

Mareena handed one ring to Lily and the other to James. James repeated the exchanging of the ring vow after Leo, and then Lily said her part.

"James, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, in God's name."

Mikey then started to play a song and gave Lily a wireless microphone. Shinigami walked to where she needed to go to take pictures. Casey, who sat next to Donnie, also moved to take pictures himself.

"I'll be your dream, I'll be your wish, I'll be your fantasy," Lily sang sweetly, holding the microphone with both hands. "I'll be your hope, I'll be your love, be everything that you need. I'll love you more with every breath, truly, madly, deeply do. I will be strong, I will be faithful. I'll be counting on a new beginning, a reason for living, a deeper meaning, yeah. I wanna stand with you in the mountains. I wanna bathe with you in the sea. I wanna lay like this forever until the sky falls down on me."

"This was a good idea, too," I whispered to my husband.

"Leo's idea," Donnie whispered back as Lily continued to sing.

All too quickly, the song ended, but there was no applause this time, as this was a special ceremony instead of a concert. Leo smiled fondly before he started speaking again.

"Lilianna and James, remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ loved the church, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust in God with all your heart, and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come."

Leo grinned, along with Lily and James.

"By the power vested in me by the beautiful state of New York, in the presence of God and the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife! James, you may kiss the bride."

Donnie squeezed my hand gently as we witnessed James and Lily kissing each other for the first time as husband and wife. The entire chapel cheered with the bridal party, who were throwing their hands in the air. Mikey turned on another song as Lily and James walked down the aisle with their hands in the air and big smiles on their faces. Wilbur, Karena, and Athena followed them, and then after them came Randy, Venus, and Justine.

LILIANNA'S POV

After James and I had our pictures taken with our families by Shinigami and Casey, the two of us and the bridal party returned to the chapel where we waited inside. Suddenly, Journey's Don't Stop Believing started to play.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen, superheroes and mutants!" Uncle Mikey yelled into the microphone. "Are we ready to celebrate?"

I heard cheering from outside.

"First up, two of the most beautiful cousins the bride could ever ask for, Venus and Athena Hamato!"

James and I clapped as Uncle Raph and Auntie Mona opened the doors. Venus and Athena danced their way outside holding each other's hands.

"Next up, our second bridesmaid and our groomsman, Justine Pride and Randy Peterson!"

Justine and Randy simply walked outside.

"Next up, we have our matron of honor and best man, meet the Robinsons: Wilbur and Karena!"

Wilbur and Karena, with huge smiles on their faces, ran outside holding their hands up in the air.

"Are you ready?" James asked me.

I let out a sigh of contentment.

"I'm so ready!" I replied with confidence.

"And now, the moment you have all been waiting for: the presentation of our newlyweds. Please welcome for the first time, Mr. James Anderson and Mrs. Lilianna Hamato!"

James and I held our hands up high and skipped our way out of the church. We were met with wild cheering and flower petals being thrown at us. One we reached the middle of the yard, Uncle Mikey turned the volume down.

"Now I think it's time for the newlyweds to have their first dance as husband and wife," Auntie Renet announced.

Our song came on over the speakers. James placed one hand on my waist and the other in my right hand, which held the train of my wedding dress. I placed my left hand on his shoulder with a fond smile.

"The strands in your eyes that color them wonderful stop me and steal my breath. And emeralds from mountains thrust towards the sky, never revealing their depth."

James and I gazed into each other's blue eyes as we waltzed around the backyard underneath the fairy lights.

"And tell me that we belong together. And dress it up with the trappings of love. I'll be captivated, I'll hang from your lips instead of the gallows to heartache that hang from above."

James twirled me away from him and then he twirled me back to him.

"And I'll be your crying shoulder. I'll be love's suicide. And I'll be better when I'm older. I'll be the greatest fan of your life."

"Do you remember our very first dance together?" James asked.

"I was very scared," I answered, remembering that night well. "Even though my dad and I reunited, I still felt alone when I went to the ball with my friends. Everyone was dancing but I realized that I'm a mutant. No one would want to dance with me. I escaped outside and that's when you found me."

"You're not just a mutant, Lily," James replied sweetly, kissing me on the forehead. "You're my mutant. I've known that from the moment my eyes landed on yours behind the white mask."

I blushed.

"I can't believe we've gone through all of that," I explained. "From our first dance at the winter ball all those years ago through our doubts and anxieties, through all our dates and getting to know each other. It has all led us to this: our wedding day. But I have never imagined in my entire life that I would be getting married. I love you, James."

"And I love you, Lily of the Valley, or should I say Queen of the Forest? Because you truly look like a queen and you look right at home."

I giggled and then I frowned.

"What is it?" James asked.

"After this, we'll be on our honeymoon and then we'll be in a land that will look nothing like this."

"On the contrary, Wilbur and I flew to Pacific Bay for a weekend to look for a house. Russell gave him some pointers on what to look for. And we found a house on the border of White Peaks and Ivywood Hills. It's in the plains, but if you wanted to, the mountains are not far away."

I suddenly grew so excited that I threw myself into his arms at the end of the song. I heard lots of people cheering and saying, "aww!" I could not help but push my lips against my husband's. By the time we broke our kiss, the song ended. Everyone cheered for us as we walked to our sweetheart table. Suddenly, we heard the tapping of the microphone. We turned towards the church to see my dad with the microphone.

"Testing, testing. Can you hear me? Great! As Lily's father, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our celebration of her marriage to James."

My dad turned to my mom with a fond smile.

"When I married my wife, I never imagined all the good that would come of it, and I imagine all three of my brothers felt the same way about their wives. Then all four of us birthed a child, and we thought our lives were complete."

My dad then turned to me.

"Lily was our little miracle, born of purity, serenity, and compassion. But April and I never imagined that God would lead her to her own lifelong companion. James, I'm glad you and Lily found each other to balance and complete each other. Welcome to the family, my son."

We clapped with smiles on our faces.

"Bob, would you like to come up and say something?" Dad asked.

My father-in-law walked up to where my dad was and took the microphone from him.

"Thank you, Donatello. I, too, want everyone for coming all this way to celebrate the wedding of James and my new daughter Lily. When I saw James and Lily going to prom together, I had never seen my son so happy. Lily, thank you for everything you've done to provide him the love he needs. Please continue to watch over him for us."

I confidently nodded at him as Bob have the microphone back to my dad.

"And now, Lily, may I have this dance?"

I grinned. I got up and walked to the middle of the yard to meet my dad. We bowed to each other with smiles on our faces. Then, I placed my left hand on his shoulder and placed my right hand in his left while he placed his right hand around my waist. A guitar played softly in the background as we started to dance.

"You were my first love," I sang along. "Always there for me. You taught me how to walk and how to dream. God gave me your eyes, but it was you who showed me how to see. Now I can stand on my own, but I know you'll never let go."

I grinned as I continued singing along. I could not see it, but I could tell my dad was crying behind his purple mask and a proud smile.

"I'll always be your baby no matter how the years fly by. The way you loved me made me who I am in this world. I'm a woman now, not a little girl. Wherever this life takes me, I'll always be your baby."

My dad changed positions to where he was holding me close, like he always had when I was growing up. I embraced him back, placing my head on his plastron.

"You are my hero and that will never change. You still can dry my tears with just your smile. The one I've leaned on from my first steps to walking down the aisle. Now, there's another man in my life, but I know by the look in your eyes I'll always be your baby, no matter how the years fly by."

"Thank you, Lily Mae," Dad softly said.

I suddenly glanced up, resuming our waltzing positions.

"For what, Father?" I asked.

"For giving me a chance to be your dad."

"Did I have a choice?" I asked with a smirk. "I've been in your arms since the day I was born. I've trusted you all this time."

"Even if I've made mistakes?" Dad asked, his smile disappearing.

I stopped dancing for a moment, caressing my father's cheek, my smirk turning into a gentle smile.

"Yes, even then. You never gave up on me because a father's love is one of the strongest powers in the world. It's even stronger than my powers. I love you, Father. Always. Because I'm your little girl and you will never ever give up on me. It's who you are, Donatello."

My dad's smile came back and we continued dancing.

"I love you, Lily Mae. Always. My Aumanil."

I felt tears threatening to leave as the last of the song played over the speakers. When the song ended, my dad and I hugged and we heard clapping all around us. We returned to our tables.

"And now, it is time for our mother-son dance," Uncle Mikey announced. "Jenny, James, dance under the lights!"

I took the advantage to read the minds of the many guests here tonight.

"Lily looks so beautiful!" Athena thought as she herself had tears in her eyes.

"The song Lily and Donnie danced to was absolutely perfect," Karena thought as she feed her daughter some baby food.

"Who would have guessed that one of our children would be getting married?" Uncle Raph said in his mind. "Things just keep getting better and better."

"I love weddings!" Auntie Renet shared a happy thought as she let out a sigh.

"Lilianna sure has grown into a beautiful woman," Slash said with a smile.

"This was very much worth the drive," Russell thought with contentment. "The ceremony was beautiful, the reception is beautiful. This is going to be a gorgeous night."

The last person I glanced at was my dad, who looked right back at me. I read his thoughts.

"You are blessed, Lily Mae. I'm very proud of you and James."

I smiled while blushing. All too soon, James finished dancing with his mother.

"Alright everyone, it is time for FOOD!" Uncle Mikey said excitedly. "Our family made it all from scratch, so please, enjoy!"

ATHENA'S POV

The dinner was absolutely delicious. There was a little of every culture: American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and so on. While we ate, Lily and James had stopped by our table, where I sat with my boyfriend Skyler, Venus, Ryan, Uncles Leo and Raph, and Aunties Karai and Mona Lisa. The bride and groom had stopped at every table both outside and in the barn.

Suddenly, I received a text from my dad.

"Where's the cake?"

I took that as my cue.

"Ryan, Venus, Skyler, would you help me?" I asked.

The four of us used our ninja stealth to get away from the party and into the farmhouse to carry the cake onto the cart that was awaiting us outside the kitchen door. We wheeled it out to the middle of the backyard.

"Doesn't that cake look glorious?" Dad asked with a big cheeky smile. "I made it myself!"

We got laughs from the guests.

"No, it's true!" I yelled with laughter. "My dad Michelangelo really did make this cake! Come on, Lily, James! Come cut this cake!"

A soft piano tune started to play over the speakers as the bride and groom walked up to the cake with smiles on their faces. The cake looked absolutely beautiful. It had white frosting all over with blue lilies decorating it. The cake topper was designed like a light purple water lily.

"Oh, you can eat these!" Lily exclaimed, realizing the lilies were really chocolate.

A few laughs came from the guests as Lily and James exchanged their bites of cake. Lily playfully placed the small piece in James' mouth while James used a fork. The guests laughed and cheered as Shinigami took the pictures. Just after she took the pictures, Shinigami took the microphone from my dad.

"Good evening! My name is Shinigami and I've been taking photographs behind the scenes of this beautiful wedding. Lilianna had a brilliant idea on how to open the dance floor inside the church, so Casey and I will need everybody to gather onto the stage inside the church. Ryan and Leonardo will serve your cake shortly."

We all gathered inside the church. Thankfully, it was not too big a crowd so the stage wasn't overflowing onto the stairs. The chairs that were present before were now gone; instead, the church was filled with colored spotlights and a disco ball. The altar remained.

"Everyone pile in together!" Casey yelled as we continued to crowd ourselves together. "Okay good! First, let's have some smiles. Everyone, say your favorite catchphrase!"

"BOOYAKASHA!" I yelled with a handful of others.

I had also heard people yelling cowabunga, goongala, cheese, charge, and so on as Shinigami took the pictures up on a ladder.

"Awesome, dudes!" Casey yelled enthusiastically. "Now let's get some silly faces!"

I heard Uncle Raph groan as most of us made the most silliest faces possible.

"Good enough, Raph," Casey encouraged him. "Good enough."

We all laughed.

"Now let's get our hands up!" Casey yelled. "LET'S MAKE SOME NOISE!"

We all cheered, putting our hands in the air as Shinigami took her photos.

"TAKE IT AWAY, MIKEY!" Casey yelled for the last time.

"Let's kick things off with the Cha-Cha Slide!" Dad announced. "But now let's make things interesting: everyone gather into groups of four. The winner in each group gets to take a decoration home. It's all homemade with love."

I was grouped with Skyler, Lily, and James.

"Lily, you're in a wedding dress and cowgirl boots!" I said excitedly. "Good luck trying to win this!"

"Hey, I won't complain if I lose!" my oldest cousin replied enthusiastically. "Good luck, everybody!"

Everyone started off in the same groove, though there were a few mutants that had quit due to the inability to perform the moves. By the time we reached the clapping part, most of the humans, including my mom, Skyler, and James, had quit because they were getting tired. To my surprise, it was just me and Lily left in the group.

"You got this, Athena!" Lily encouraged me. "You're Michelangelo's daughter. Use that to your advantage!"

At some point, I had turned around. Lily and I were the only ones remaining along with Uncle Donnie and Aunt April.

"Only two groups left and three of those people are the bridal family," Dad announced. "Will someone in the family thrive or will the maid of honor win the dance-off?"

Everyone around us clapped as the four of us continued to dance together.

"You've lasted much longer than at Karena's wedding, Dad!" Lily yelled with a grin on her face.

"All those dance lessons were worth it!" Uncle Donnie replied.

"When did you take dance lessons?" Aunt April asked.

"The past two months. Mikey taught me."

"Nope, I'm out," Lily declared, standing off to the side with her husband.

"Oh!" Dad exclaimed. "The bride is out!"

It suddenly dawned on me that I was getting tired.

"Me too!" I yelled, standing with Skyler.

"It's up to Donnie and April now, ladies and gentlemen! Who will come out on top?"

"Well, congratulations, Athena," Lily told me. "You were the last person in our group."

"Hey, that's right! I was!"

"Which decoration were you thinking of taking home?" Skyler asked.

I pondered for a moment.

"Probably a centerpiece. Venus did an amazing job with them. And besides, it'll be nice to have one as a reminder of this day in our apartment."

"Our apartment? Who are you renting it out with?"

"Justine was kind enough to allow me and Venus to move in with her and Ryan."

"Whoa. How's that going to work out?"

"Venus and I are bunking in Lily's old room," I explained. "Justine will stay in hers. Ryan has slept on the couch and that's where he's staying."

Skyler pondered for a moment as the song ended with both Uncle Donnie and Aunt April being declared the winners.

"Do you think anyone else in your family will get married?" Skyler asked me.

"I don't think so," I answered. "Everyone in my family except my mom are mutants. Neither my dad nor my uncles thought them getting married was possible. Then they all got married. Then they said they would consider themselves lucky to have a kid. Low and behold, Lily was the first child born to April and Donatello, and then Ryan, Venus, and I came after, born to our fathers. I think they thought one of us getting married would be impossible. But Lily just proved them wrong today. She found love and she looks really happy."

"Are you happy, Athena?"

I took Skyler's hand and held it, gazing into his blue eyes.

"Yes, I am happy. I have you."

"If I asked you to marry me, would you say yes?"

I blushed, taken off guard.

"Not right now," I answered. "Once I know where I'll end up and when I kickstart my career as a history teacher, then yes, I would."

Skyler kissed my hand.

"I'll wait until the time is right. But right now, I'd settle for saying I love you. I've loved you ever since I laid eyes on you at homecoming."

"I... I love you, too."

"Really?" Skyler asked with surprise in his voice. "You're not just saying that because I said it?"

"Skyler, if I returned to New York to teach, would you come with me?"

"Yes, I would. I can be a physical therapist anywhere. You have dreams, Athena, and a home. I've learned these past few years that you are my home."

"Aww, Skyler..."

Everything suddenly moved too fast. Before I knew it, Skyler's lips found mine. I saw fireworks in my head and I returned the kiss... my first kiss.

"Whoo!" I heard cheering in the background.

Skyler and I immediately broke our kiss and turned towards Lily, who had her hands clasped together with a big grin on her face.

"It's about time!" she yelled happily. "How long have you all been dating again?"

"A year, Lily," I answered, rolling my eyes.

The dancing and celebration continued inside the church. Uncle Donnie had done the most amazing job building this place as both a chapel and a dance floor. The sun was just about to set, shining all sorts of different colors on the crystallized building. Yes, this truly was a successful day.

"Alright, all of you single ladies, it's time for the bride to throw the bouquet!" Mom announced.

There were quite the group of us walking towards the middle of the dance floor: myself, Venus, Justine, Mareena, and a few other women I did not recognize. I smirked when a Christina Grimmie song came on the speakers: Snow White. Once the first verse started to play, Lily turned around with her back towards us. She bent down, and she tossed her bouquet behind her. It was aiming right for me. All of us had our hands up, eager to catch it. I maintained my focus... and I caught it!

Lily turned around to see who caught the bouquet and squealed when she saw it in my hands. She ran up to me and hugged me, and I hugged her back.

"When we stood by Karena at her wedding, I was the one to catch the bouquet," Lily explained with a fond smile. "And I ended up being the next one to marry. I have to believe it will happen to you, little cousin, one day."

"Thanks, Lily."

JUSTINE'S POV

I couldn't help but smile at Athena and Lily after the former caught the latter's bouquet. The dance music started up again and the guests went back to dancing. I decided to check up on my parents.

"Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad. How are you?"

"This is a very special place and a very special day," Dad answered.

"It was a beautiful wedding," Mom said with a smile. "And you're beautiful, too."

"It means a lot for you both to come with me to New York," I replied.

My parents glanced at each other.

"We made a promise to be there for you no matter what," Dad said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "And we're going to stand by that promise."

"Thanks."

I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw Ryan.

"Hey, Ryan. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Actually, yes," Ryan answered, rubbing his neck. "Lily did a good job planning her wedding."

"Everyone in her family helped pull this off," Dad chimed in. "Everything has been wonderful."

"Justine, could we talk... alone?"

I blinked.

"Uh... sure."

Ryan and I walked outside.

"So, what's up?" I asked, putting my right hand on my hip.

"So..."

Ryan nervously chuckled.

"It's a nice night, isn't it?" he asked.

"Ryan, I've been around Lily long enough to know you're nervous about something. What is it?"

The young mutant turtle let out a sigh.

"I want to ask you out on a date."

I gasped. I had never imagined a man would have any feelings for me, even less so a mutant being.

"I know, I'm a mutant, but Lily and Uncle Donnie have given me hope," Ryan explained. "They've shown me that there are no bounds when it comes to love. And this past year has shown me that. I just love when your face lights up when you play video games with me. I love the passion in your voice when you talk about your dreams of being a veterinarian and opening a horse ranch. Your eyes light up when you talk about your past in Oklahoma, admiring the simplicity of your childhood."

I laughed.

"Now that I look back on it, I think my childhood was anything but simple. But why are you doing this, Ryan?"

"Because I think I like you more than just as a friend. And I hope that with this date, it will help me confirm my feelings for you."

I shrugged.

"Well, a cowboy rag doll dated a porcelain shepherdess," I replied. "And they ended up getting married. But Ryan, I've never gone on a date before."

"But I can see in your eyes that you want to say yes," he replied, gazing into my brown eyes with his. "You want to give this date a shot. My dad has given me advice on what to do on a first date and my goal is to knock you off your feet. Please, Justine. If this date doesn't go well, then we'll just be friends, because I'm happy when I'm around you."

I let out a sigh, suddenly feeling nervous myself.

"Ryan, what do you know about Christianity?"

Ryan nervously glanced at me.

"I know Lily, Athena, and Venus talked about God all the time when they were in the apartment together. But my father raised me on the Shinto religion, as were Venus and Athena. Lily converted the girls to Christianity, and all three of them are happier. But me? I know nothing about it."

I shook my head.

"Then, I'm sorry, Ryan, but I'm going to have to turn you down. My daddy's always told me that if I were to ever get married to marry a Christian. We'd be fighting all the time because of our religious differences. I think we're better off as friends."

I felt tears coming to my eyes. I was already beating myself up for turning down the opportunity to go on a date, even if it was with a mutant turtle.

"Excuse me."

I ran into the farmhouse and up the stairs to the bridal suite. I went into the bathroom and sobbed into the sink, not caring about ruining my makeup at this point.

LILIANNA'S POV

In the midst of everyone dancing, the song suddenly changed.

"Alright, single men, get onto the dance floor for the garter toss... whatever that means!"

I chuckled at Uncle Mikey's innocence. I grabbed a chair and sat on it. James knelt down in front of me with a grin as his hands searched my right leg. I giggled when he found the garter. He dragged it down my leg and over my cowgirl boot. He held it up high and then stood up to face the single men. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ryan was sitting at his table with his head on his arms, looking very depressed.

After James tossed the garter like it was a slingshot, I got up and walked to Ryan's table.

"Hey."

Ryan glanced up at me.

"Hey, Lily. Congrats again on your big day."

"Ryan, what's wrong?" I asked with a frown.

"Don't worry about me."

"You're my cousin. Of course, I'm going to worry about you. And besides, the last thing I had in mind was someone looking glum on my wedding night. Please, tell me what's wrong."

Ryan let out a sad sigh as he stood up.

"I asked Justine out on a date but she turned me down when I told her I wasn't a Christian. Is something wrong with me, Lily? I mean, besides from being a mutant?"

I smiled, putting a hand on his.

"No, Ryan. Nothing is wrong with you. But I understand Justine's reasoning. It's not usually a good idea for a Christian to date someone of a different religion. The philosophies are different. The morals are different. The ways to achieve salvation are different. But I truly am sorry she turned you down. You're a good guy."

Ryan scoffed at that.

"After everything I've done to you, you still think I'm a good guy?"

"You're like Uncle Raphael. Most of the time, you let your anger define you. Your anger gives you reason to fight. Sometimes it's out of impatience. And other times, it's because of care. But I remember the day you came over to my house after you were bullied and I tried to save you. You gave me assurance that I did the right thing and asked me for my forgiveness. And I asked for yours and you gave it to me. You're my cousin, Ryan. I love you."

"I'm not asking you to convert me to Christianity because I want to read my father's book. But do you think things can change?"

"Absolutely. Life would be boring without it. After all, we are ninjas. Our role in life is to adapt to change. Who knows? Maybe you'll change. Both my parents changed to make their relationship work."

Ryan shook his head.

"It's okay. I never thought I'd have the confidence to ask Justine out on a date, and I was expected to be turned down but not for the reason I had in mind."

I let out a sigh.

"Are you going to be okay when you go back to Todayland?" I asked. "I know you and Justine are living together."

Ryan winced.

"Shoot. You're right. I don't know what all I'm going to do. And Wilbur won't be there either. He's living here now."

"You'll have Athena and Venus," I replied. "I know you and Venus are especially close."

Ryan let out another sigh.

"You should go see how Justine's doing. She looked like she was about to cry. She's in the farmhouse."

"Justine? Crying? She never cries. Thanks, Ryan."

I kissed my cousin in the cheek before leaving the church and entering the farmhouse. I used my telepathy to find Justine, in tears, in the bathroom.

"Justine, are you okay?" I asked.

"Lily?" Justine turned around with surprise and tears in her brown eyes. "I can take care of myself. And besides, you're the bride. You should be down in the chapel dancing the best night of your life away."

"I should be here with you," I corrected her with a kind smile. "You stood with me at my wedding so now I'm standing with you. Ryan told me you turned him down."

"I hate rules," Justine replied, suddenly angry. "I felt wise when I turned Ryan down, but I hate myself for it too."

Justine shrugged.

"The thought of going on a date with Ryan actually appealed to me. My dad came to life as a cowboy rag doll and my mom a porcelain shepherdess. I thought, hey, going on a date with a mutant turtle would be pretty great. But then I realized Ryan and I were raised in two different religions. We'd never get along. And Daddy always told me to marry a Christian if I ever get married."

"Hey, who said a first date will immediately lead to marriage?" I replied. "I never imagined marrying James when I first met him. I knew I'd eventually go back to New York and I'd never see him again. I even told him that. But fate, God, had different plans for me, and maybe he has different and better plans for you, Justine."

I chuckled.

"Look, I've seen the way you two play video games together. You're both so happy when you compete against each other and when you play together. You're both clearly happy when you spend time together. All a first date is about is getting to know each other. That's it. If it doesn't go well, then you'll know it's not meant to be. But faith is about taking a leap. And I told Ryan that things can change. But a relationship is about more than your religious beliefs. Heck, I'm the most religious in the entire family, not Ryan's father. I study the Bible every day to learn more about myself and about Jesus. Ryan isn't even that religious. He probably got that from his mother because Auntie Karai didn't care much about rules either when she grew up."

Justine gave me a hug and I embraced her back.

"She probably didn't care when she started dating Leonardo, huh?" Justine asked me.

"They were technically siblings," I answered with a chuckle. "Karai was Splinter's biological daughter named Miwa. Leonardo was adopted by Splinter and he found out the truth from his sensei."

Justine sighed.

"What I'd give to not have an ounce of care in the world," she said.

"Ryan's always wanted structure and to care more," I replied. "He's always been jealous of me for that. Maybe you can teach each other something."

"We both have fathers who'd rather go by the rules," Justine said with realization.

I pointed a finger at her.

"Then that's where you start. Find things you have in common because that's what relationships are built on."

Justine finally smiled.

"How did you know you wanted to marry James?" the cowgirl from Oklahoma asked me.

"From the moment we first met, James always read me like a book, like I read people's thoughts with my powers. I didn't have to say anything for him to understand what I'm feeling. He knew I needed something before I knew, and because of that, he's always taken care of me. Yes, we've had bumps in the road, but who doesn't?"

"Thank you, Lily. Not many brides would walk away from their own celebration to cheer someone up. You're more than Donatello's daughter like everyone else says. You're a daughter of the King of Kings."

I laughed.

"It's my pleasure, Justine. And besides, it's my responsibility as the bride to make sure everyone's having fun celebrating."

"Well, then let's go have some more fun!"

We laughed as we held each other, walking out of the bathroom and down the stairs back to the party.