A/N: Hi everyone!!! Sorry, spring sports, and work, and kids in general and doing some minor DIY home renovations has had me in pure chaos mode! This took FOREVER to write. I *think* I have 2 chapters left for this story after this one. I think. We'll see. There is zerrrro plot to this chapter, but needed to be written, and also needed to get myself out of my writer's block mode. So, consider it a filler chapter?
I hope everyone is doing well!
Xoxo
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"You ready?" He asked, his eyes wide, scanning over her appearance, a smile playing at his lips.
"I am. I think. Do I look okay?" She stopped momentarily to look in the mirror, grimacing at the sight of her still slightly puffy eyes, patting them lightly with her fingertips.
It had taken a while, and a lot of effort, to make herself look human again after the day's events, but she looked almost normal. Only minor traces of her inner turmoil still present on the surface. Long gone were the tracks of tears, the body wracking sobs, and the messy ponytail. To be replaced with elegant makeup, a bright smile, and soft curls. Jeans and hoodie were replaced with a long fuchsia silk gown, with thick pleated shoulder straps coming down to loosely gather around her chest in a criss-crossed V shape, leaving just enough cleavage exposed to drive Walter crazy. The silk material hugged tight around her abdomen, with ruching to one side, the long material pooling down to her feet with a long and alluring slit up to an incredible height on her left thigh, exposing her entire leg. Rose gold open toed heels that strapped around her ankles, stacked gold bracelets, and sparkly hoop earrings, polished off the look.
Walter had not been able to keep his eyes… or his hands… off of her.
"Your beauty is incomparable." Voice laden with sultry undertones, he answered.
The rosey hugh that complimented her cheeks, and the smile that followed only served to prove his statement true.
"Yeah, well, you're looking pretty sexy yourself there, Nerd. Very… martini shaken, not stirred." She smirked looking him up and down. From his slick black loafers, to his perfectly tailored black tuxedo, complete with slim fitting black vest, dark gray dress shirt, and black silk tie with gold tie clip. And the fuschia pocket square he had purchased earlier in the week upon Paige revealing the color of her dress. The suit hugged him in all the best ways, his not commonly worn gold wrist watch adorning his right wrist, and his fantastic posture had him every bit the picture of class and elegance. His hair well tamed, with its recent tight cut, and a fresh shave, she had struggled to not take him out of the suit. Walter O'Brien was ready to walk the red carpet.
Or walk to the bed.
"Actually, I don't believe I've ever had a martini, shaken or stirred." He answered, in his classic Walter confusion.
She knew he wouldn't understand the reference, and it only made it better as she bit back a laugh.
The afternoon had been a hurricane of emotions and questions stirring through her head, and challenging at best to navigate. But Paige made a conscious decision to put that all aside for tonight, and make those first baby steps toward mending fences with her remaining family, and would be there for Julia's wedding. Julia had been a wash of relief to learn she would stay for the festivities, before disappearing with her many bridesmaids to get ready.
Teddy and Veronica had spent the majority of the afternoon together, with many guest appearances by other family members including Bill and Harold, astonished by her being alive, reminiscing on old times, plans for the future, and many apologies being shared.
Richard had stayed, Teddy having extended an invitation to join the wedding festivities with Veronica. Something Walter noted both seemed… eager… about. Leonard had offered a room, which was being repainted and having the balcony refinished, but had two queen beds, to Veronica and Richard to stay the night, apologizing that there were no other rooms available. They had jumped at the opportunity. Again, Walter had been quite quizzical about their sudden desire to be around one another.
Claire and Leonard, after supplying Walter and Paige with some fresh towels, had shared how proud they were of them for standing up for their love and their life together, sharing that they, too, had had to fight for their life together. With some prodding, Claire admitted to setting off the sprinklers intentionally to 'keep the romance alive' for the pair, and how she had a fondness for them, both Claire and Leonard acknowledging how they reminding them of themselves. To which, Walter chided he would definitely be investing in more towels in the name of romance. They conversed briefly about life, love, and fighting the good fight. From there, the older pair were busy preparing for the big wedding (and setting up more romance with Veronica and Richard), while Walter and Paige had scurried off to their room.
Paige had rested for a while, while Walter ran interference with all of the inquisitive minds. Walter had brought up some plates of food, Paige not feeling up to dining with everyone downstairs. She hadn't faced anyone yet. She had showered and cried some more into Walter's chest, but once she declared she was staying and would put everything aside for the night, she had kept her word.
So Walter sat on the bathroom counter, simply watching her as she dried her hair, curled it meticulously, applied her makeup, reminding her with his words and his eyes just how beautiful she is. He had never seen a girl do their hair and makeup before, and found the process to be fascinating and educational, even attempting to curl a section of her hair, before it started smoking and he quickly relinquished that role in favor of observing, making her laugh. And much to her amusement, he had pulled her to him several times to kiss her, or pull at the towel she had wrapped around her torso, the only thing she wore while getting ready, having to playfully swat his hands away.
This time, when she asked for his help with the dress's zipper, he didn't hesitate, but instead put his lips to her shoulder, neck, and upper back, zipping it down, resulting in a fit of giggles from her.
He was thankful for her laughter.
Unfortunately, she made him zip it back up.
"Play your cards right Mr Bond, and perhaps there will be a martini with your name on it tonight… a dirty martini." Her implication abundantly clear, with the subtle waggling of her eyebrow, and the way her eyes scanned down his body in a sultry gesture.
"Oh, um, is that when it comes with the olives, or olive brine I believe?"
Well, she thought it was clear.
She just laughed. Walter O'Brien, never not the most entertaining enigma.
"Yes, Walter… though, uh, not exactly the kind of dirty I was inferring. But, yes… that's… accurate." She giggled, biting her lip and once again looking him over, eyes wide waiting for him to pick up on the hint. "I was thinking perhaps a different kind of dirty… maybe after a couple of martinis…" Watching his face, she pursed her lips when she could practically see the gears turn and the light bulb turn on.
"Oh…" Her brows rose at his aha moment. "You meant…" A slow nod with a salacious smile gave him the answer. He gulped. "... dirty." He looked her over, subconsciously licking his lips. "I, uh, I understand now. Y-yes. Yes. That, um, yes. Okay."
Part of her had questioned if Walter's awkwardness around her being suggestive and flirty would end after they had consummated their relationship. Proving herself wrong was the best feeling. She truly enjoyed reducing his 197 IQ to nothing more than a stuttering teenage boy seeing boobs for the first time. Stepping forward she ran her fingernail over his chest, playing with his tie.
"So, um, you want to indulge in a martini with me this evening, Walter O'Brien?"
"It is a special occasion, after all, and we're not driving, have plenty of time to sleep before tomorrow, so…" she stepped closer to him, making his body feel electrified, his hands on instinct grabbing her hips. "We uh, wouldn't…" Her fingers trailed over his chest, up and around to the back of his neck where they tangled in the short hair there. His eyes fluttered at the contact. "...want … to… uhh…" Her body's full length pressed against him. "... be rude…" Her lips came but a mere millimeter from his, tickling him, her eyes boring into his own with such desire, and with him already struggling to control his impulses, and she whispered.
"Good. But, uh, I don't intend on sleeping..."
Gulp.
And with that she placed the most chaste of kisses to his lips, so feather like he couldn't be sure it even occurred, before pulling back and grabbing her small purse.
"Noted." He pursed a smile and nodded his head in amusement… and arousal, before opening the door and holding it open for his date.
"Let's go dance the night away, boyfriend."
He grinned, that title would not get old.
"Whatever makes you happy, my dear." Being the perfect gentleman, he held out his arm for her to take, a grin of pride dancing at his lips.
She happily took his arm with hers, nuzzling in close to him, inhaling his classic Walter scent - simple, clean, nothing fancy. From her angle, she noticed that just above his collar, behind his ear, there was a light mark contrasting with his olive skin, lightly purple and oddly in the shape of a woman's mouth.
Oops.
She beamed at having left a mark on him, as if they were kids in high school. Who would have thought. Walter. And her. The smirk and throaty giggle that escaped her caught his attention.
"What is it? Too much? It's too much. Would you prefer I held your hand? I should just hold your hand, it's just a hallwa--"
She stopped walking, and grinned at him, before shutting him up with a light kiss.
"It's… perfect, Walt. I was just thinking about us… I, uh, I'm glad we're doing this." She wouldn't tell him she was also glad they were doing it… at least not in the middle of the hallway. Or point out that Walter at 32 years old had a hickey on his neck, being immensely awkward socially to begin with.
"Oh, um…" He smiled, that goofy Walter smile she adored so much. "I am as well." Sharing a long moment to simply gaze at her, running his hand down the length of her arm to entwine with her own, he smiled, pure, loving. "You ready for this?"
Walter was not blind to her valiant attempt to stay strong to be there for the wedding, for Julia, to mend broken fences, swallowing her pain to make the most of a bad situation. He may not be able to properly articulate it, or even relate to that level of selflessness, but, he wasn't blind to it. He had held her as she cried, kissed her hair, whispered how it would all be okay, repeatedly attempted to convince her to eat something. Given her space, mentally, to make a decision on whether to stay or not. Then she had uttered the words "I think we should stay. For Julia. She didn't do anything wrong, it would be wrong of me to leave her special day, especially after everything I caused today." And, as if looking in a mirror, he watched Paige with his own uncanny ability to put on a mask, swallow down feelings, and push forward as if there were nothing wrong. Though he hadn't been certain how to respond to her, over the next several hours, she seemed to appreciate his light banter, and going along with nothing heavy existing in their minds. She was running the show, he was simply along for the ride, and he'd go along with whatever she needed.
That didn't, however, mean that he wasn't horribly worried about her.
"Honestly?" He nodded, confused, he would never want her to lie to him. Her mask fell a bit, the raw emotion there just beneath for only him to see. "I don't know." She squeezed his hand, and gave a sad half smile. "But, I am with you, we're together now … Julia is getting married, and seems really happy. So, in spite of what else has happened, I'm going to focus on the happiness tonight. If the sadness seeps in, well, I've got you here to remind me to be happy."
"And be here, I will." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, his thumbs rubbing at the backs of her hands. "Oh! And your mother." She gave him a questioning look. "Well, uh, it seems that happiness may be infectious… She and… Richard… they perhaps, are what you might say hitting it off?"
"Shut up…" Her face was a mix of things he didn't understand, amusement? Delight? Annoyance? It confused him. Had he said something wrong? Perhaps he shouldn't have said anything.
"Oh, um, okay. I'm sorry…"
"No, Walter… I'm not telling you to shut up. I'm just… flabbergasted… I mean… my mother… and Richard?! Are you sure?"
"Sure? No. Well, not that anything is actually transpiring other than they are looking at one another the way that Toby looked at Happy, and how I…" He stopped, turning suddenly red.
"And how you… what?" She teased, a bright smile playing at him.
"Okay, yes, how I look at you. I guess my eyes are open to recognizing that… now."
"I love that, Walter." She smirked, touching his cheek comfortingly. "Makes sense though. Richard is handsome, smart, single… rich. Perfect for my mother. And my mother is attractive, charming, conniving…" He was certain there was a layer of sarcasm there. "I guess I'll have to talk to her… make sure her intentions are… honorable."
"Oh, well, Lenny did offer them a room with two beds if that's what you're worried about…" She gave him a look that said he misunderstood. "Oh, you don't mean dirty intentions this time. You mean because she's a con artist."
She grinned and nodded.
"Yup."
"I wish you came with a manual."
"Oh Walter, where would the fun in that be? I thought you enjoyed a challenge?"
"You're right, I do." He turned, taking her with him, holding her hand in his as they walked the long corridor to the stairs. "Besides, a man like Richard surely has safeguards in place for that sort of thing."
"I hope so, but love makes you blind, Walter. Even the rich and successful are prone to it." She shrugged, stepping carefully down each step with her heels and long gown.
"Well, if it would make you feel better, I could speak to Richard? Though, admittedly, I'm not sure what I would say."
"Let me talk to her first. If there's reason to warn Richard, we will."
"It's a plan, then. Pretty amusing if you think about it, though."
"Why's that?"
"Well, I've been in a relationship for all of a day, and I may have inadvertently managed to set your mother up with a romantic endeavor."
"Who would have thought? Walter O'Brien, Nerd genius and match maker!"
Before he could respond, a voice caught their attention at the bottom of the grand staircase.
"Ahh, Walter, good to see you. And Miss Paige. You're looking positively radiant!" Leonard announced standing in the main lobby directing wedding guests.
"Lenny, you're too kind. Thank you." Paige blushed, her cheeks matching that of her gown.
"I'm pleased to see you this evening. I trust that you'll find the means to enjoy yourselves. Kick back, have a little fun?"
"That is the plan, yes. I know it's a vineyard, but will there be a full bar? I promised Walter I'd introduce him to a martini." She whispered, loudly, in a conspiratorial tone, giving Lenny a wink.
"Ahh, of course. And if there weren't, I'd whip some up myself just for you two!"
"Excellent."
"Anything else I can do for either of you to ensure you'll have a memorable evening?"
"That depends, will we need towels?" Walter quipped dryly, making Paige smirk.
"Claire has promised to be on her best behavior." Lenny chuckled.
"Thanks, Lenny." Paige responded, before leaning in to kiss the man's cheek, pausing a moment there to whisper. "For everything."
"Anything for you, Miss Paige." He answered sweetly, lightly squeezing her upper arm affectionately.
"Peanut!" Teddy's oddly cheerful voice rang through, and they turned to see him, rather haphazardly, and a bit unsteadily, scuffling across the rounsteady. His tie quite crooked, a few wet stains down the front of his suit jacket and shirt, his face a wash of grief, and his eyes red and bloodshot.
It only took a second for them both to come to the same conclusion:
Papa was hammered.
"Oh boy." Paige mumbled, tightening her grip on Walter's hand. "Papa… hi."
"P-peanut. You look b-beauti…beauty… well, you look lovely!" He stumbled out, the sound of the ice cubes clinking in his glass and amber liquid sloshing about capturing both Walter and Paige's attention.
"Papa… and I see you are feeling quite lovely… how's about I take that? Save some for later?" She teased, taking the glass from his hand.
"Oh nonsense! I'm simply a man--"
"Ready to embrace this new found freedom, I know Daddy. I know." Veronica rushed in, bathed in a form fitting black gown, simple with its spaghetti straps and deep plunging v-neck line, the material embellished all over with crystals, slightly blinding them as they'd reflect the lighting as she moved. A large silver cuff bracelet on her right wrist, and silver stacked beaded ones adorned her left. A silver and black stones necklace fell loosely around her neck, to settle in the cleavage at her chest. Her hair, softly curled much like Paige's, fell just past her shoulders, and her makeup light and delicate.
"Now Ronnie, I told you--"
"I know, you're fine. But, you're not and Julia has already enough family chaos today, Dad. Let's not add drunk grandpa to the mix, yeah? Come on, please, come sit down." The entire time she spoke she was struggling to both hold Teddy up and move him to the nearby arm chairs, Walter jumping in to assist, in lowering Teddy into the chair. "Thank you, sweetie." She offered to Walter, getting Teddy settled, who quickly closed his eyes. "That's it, Daddy. Take a rest." She stood, smoothing out her dress.
"Having fun, mom?" Paige chided, receiving an annoyed glare in exchange.
"He's been having a hard time keeping away from the bar." Offering simply with a motion to Teddy. "Paige, honey, you look beautiful, that is a great color on you! And Walter, looking sharp as ever. Oh, just look at you two… together… and so good looking. Leonard, just look! What a great looking pair!"
"Indeed Ms. Dineen." Leonard offered with a laugh to Paige's expression of annoyance.
"Don't tell me she's already corrupted you, Lenny." Paige teased, to which Leonard smiled, putting his hands up in defense.
"Oh hush, dear. Leonard here is too good to corrupt!" Her excitement and rash movements were causing the dress to shimmer in Paige's eyes.
"That's some dress, Mom. I didn't realize coming for the wedding was part of your plan." She looked to both Walter and Veronica, still unsure of how everything had come to play out.
"Isn't it stunning?! I didn't intend on staying, at least not in anything more than jeans! Richard had it sent over. Can you believe that? Such a sweetheart! How come I never met him while I was staying with you?"
Paige bit her lip and exchanged a knowing look with Walter, to which Walter, took great interest in examining his shoes as he smirked.
"Riiight. Richard. I guess with all the, uh, chaos, I missed that you two have become… close."
"Oh he's quite magnificent, Paige. When Walter arranged all of this, Richard personally flew down to collect me. I showed him a bit of the Belize lifestyle yesterday, and we flew here together this morning. He's very fascinating. That's all." Veronica's excitement and attraction was evident in her voice.
She was smitten.
"Mother… Richard is a friend of ours, and a business associate… He is not a mark." She scolded lightly.
"Oh, Paige! Honey! No! It's not like that at all!" Paige rose a doubtful brow. "Honest! I swear on Ralphie, I am clean. I haven't done a con since I left. I mean it. I'm living a good, straight life now. I even opened a little beach side yoga business. Got my reiki certification. I'm doing really well, Paige. And yes, Richard is very attractive, and kind, and smart, and I have immensely enjoyed his company. But honey, if pursuing that makes you uncomfortable, it's done and over. You just say the word!"
Her eyes were pleading, and try as she may to see a lie there, Paige couldn't. She was being honest. Exchanging another look with Walter, she felt a twinge in her chest. She was so happily in love with this man, and he with her, she couldn't deny anyone that feeling.
"Alright… but please… don't mess it up? Okay?"
"Understood." Veronica smiled, pulling Paige in for a hug. "I've missed you, my girl."
"I missed you, too, Mom." Veronica pulled back, almost in disbelief. "I told you, I always do."
"Well, we have a lot of catching up to do. It's been what? Five months? And clearly a lot has happened!" Veronica exclaimed, giving a pointed look at Paige and Walter being together.
"Well, how about we go to the wedding, and we can catch up at the reception? I'm sure your date is waiting for you…" Paige carefully avoided her questioning.
"Enjoy your evening ladies…" Leonard piped up from beside them, before giving a sympathetic smile to Walter. "Walter, best of luck. They're quite the pair." Walter chuckled with a nod, before noticing Teddy slumped in the chair. "Not to worry, I'll see to it that Mr Thompson sobers up a bit before releasing him to the wild."
"Thank you." Walter extended both of his arms out with that goofy smile. "Ladies?"
"Wow, Pinocchio sure is a real boy, now." Veronica noted approvingly, taking Walter's arm as Paige did the same on the other, allowing him to escort them both toward the festivities.
Outdoors, beyond the terrace, further down the fields, along expertly crafted stone walls and walkways, was a large clearing overlooking the acres of fields and mountains in the distance, part of the clearing covered in stone pavers while the rest grew of perfectly lush green grass. A handcrafted wedding arch made of woven grape vines sat at the front of a long stone aisle lined with thousands of elegant and bountiful flowers in soft creams, pinks and yellows. Flowers encased the entire clearing, the sheer quantity of them ensuring each guest was welcomed with their fragrance and beauty. Rustic wooden chairs with crisp white cushions were arranged in sets of eight to either side of the arch, going back dozens of rows. Hundreds of hurricane vases and wooden lanterns with candles were scattered about, tucked amidst the flowers, hanging from tree limbs, resting upon the stone wall, lining the pathways. The positioning of the arch would allow the sun to start its descent just behind it, allowing night and day to embrace one another in a beautiful backdrop just as the bride and groom do the same. The meticulously manicured greenery, trees, shrubs, and plants, along with the rolling fields of grape vines set the perfect backdrop of peaceful tranquility upon the ceremony. Resting on each seat sat a program, professionally designed, printed on luminescent card stock, tied with an ivory silk ribbon, along with a small ivory gift bag atop the program. Just to the side of the left section of chairs was a large easel and canvas with an artist stationed, seemingly unaware of the guests entering, painting the beginning stages of the wedding scene before her. To the other side of the aisle, sat a pair of women, one with a harp, and one a violin, playing soft, welcoming music as the many guests filtered into the area. To the rear, behind the endless rows of chairs, was a makeshift bar, made from two wine barrels, and a live edge wooden top, serving glasses of house wine to the guests as they arrived, as well as several high top tables also made of wine barrels and wooden tops. Half a dozen wait staff roamed with trays of h'orderves, dressed in slick black and white professional attire.
"Typical Bill… can't tell Julia he loves the poor girl, so he'll just spend half a million on flowers…" Veronica commented snarkily taking in the exorbitant display of wealth.
Paige nodded, scanning their surroundings, overwhelmed. It wasn't the flowers she noticed. It was how everyone immediately turned to see her, hushing their conversations. The thumping of her heart grew rapid as the anxiety settled in her chest, and she began questioning if she should have left again.
"They're simply questioning how a fool like me managed to have the most beautiful woman on my arm." Walter quietly commented with a calming smile, as he leaned over to kiss her temple. The stares from the crowd had not been lost on him, he'd been accustomed to them his entire life, but this time, he knew they weren't focused on him.
"Thank you." Paige, taking in a steadying breath, smiled to him.
"Oh, there's my date!" Richard waved at them from the bar area, and Veronica practically danced with excitement. "Walter, honey, thank you for escorting me." Walter nodded in recognition. "Paige, sweetie, you're doing great. I know you've got a lot on your mind. Lots to discuss, but, try to have some fun, okay? You're far too pretty tonight not to! And with this studmuffin, too! Can't waste a good look!" Veronica, pausing to kiss them each on the cheek, animatedly offered before sauntering over toward Richard. Both Paige and Walter watched as Richard not so subtly checked Veronica out before kissing her hand.
"Gross." Paige scoffed, making Walter chuckle.
"I told you. It's very… odd."
"Definitely odd. Never in a million years would I think the two of them would even cross paths, nevermind be… whatever they're doing."
"Is this how weddings are? Generally speaking…" She looked over to see a wide eyed Walter taking in the elaborate scene.
"You haven't even seen the reception spot yet, Walt. This is just the ceremony!" His eyes froze, processing. "Weddings tend to get crazy. I've never understood the hype. Seems frivolous and wasteful."
That piqued his interest.
"You don't want to have a wedding?"
"Nothing like this, no. To spend so much time and money on a party. I mean, look how stressed Happy and Toby have been, and they spent a penny compared to this one. For what? For a party with people you don't actually care that much for, someone is always going to be upset about something, making fake niceties to family you barely know, when all you want to do is sneak off with your brand new husband and make out. No, if the day comes, I just want something simple. Just the people that really matter. The ones that would notice if I went missing, you know? A wedding is a start to a marriage, not a party for everyone else."
"That's very… logical." His brows furrowed as he processed her words. He hadn't expected them. Paige, as smart and reasonable as she was, was still a normal. A very EQ driven normal.
"You seem surprised."
"Yeah, I guess I am. I suppose I pictured you as a typical normal in that regard. I don't mean that offensively. I just remember Megan ripping pages from magazines, trying on our mother's wedding dress when we were kids, acting out her fairytale wedding with her dolls. You and she are a lot alike, and I think I figured you'd have been similar in this aspect as well."
She couldn't help but smile at Walter bundling her with Megan. Somehow, nothing could be a bigger compliment.
"Oh don't get me wrong, I dreamed of the wedding. But, no, I never wanted anything… like this. Too overwhelming."
"Noted." Once again, she could visualize Walter taking his mental note of this, and filing it away in the little Paige filing cabinet in the far recesses of his mind. It equally warmed, and terrified her, that he kept such detailed notes about her, but also that he was filing a note about a hypothetical wedding.
"And, for the record, Megan ended up getting married to Sly… in a hospital room… with bandaid rings… with Ray officiating."
"You make a solid point."
"How about a drink? Looks like it's starting to fill in. Maybe we can hide in the back." She giggled, anxious to change the subject. While she was delighted with their new romance, the discussion of weddings and marriage was a bit premature and she had enough heavy weighted thoughts she was trying to keep at bay at the moment.
"Absolutely." Taking her hand, he led them to the bar, Veronica and Richard still there flirting, and in very, very close proximity.
"Mother… Richard..." Paige gave a telling look to Richard, making the older man swallow hard guiltily.
"Uh, Paige… you look beautiful this evening. It's great to see you. We didn't get to talk much… earlier…"
"Earlier doesn't exist tonight, if that's alright? I appreciate everything, and will be happy to discuss later. Just… not tonight. Tonight, we're celebrating Julia and Michael." Walter handed her a glass of white wine, taking one for himself as well.
"Say no more." Extending his glass out, Veronica's hand on his arm, he continued. "To new beginnings, love and celebration."
"Here here!" Veronica resonated.
"Cheers to that."
"Yes, to new beginnings indeed." Walter offered, wrapping an arm around Paige pulling her close to his side as the four glasses clicked in cheers.
"And love." Paige whispered to him, but Veronica heard it, pursing her lips in glee watching the younger couple.
"Well, shall we find some seats?" Veronica asked, lacing her fingers with Richard's, something that did not go unnoticed by Paige or Walter.
"Uh, yeah. Paige, you wanted to sit in the back?"
"Yes please, out of sight. I don't want to be taking any attention from Julia and everyone is already whispering."
"We are technically wedding crashers, so probably best we sit in the back as well." Richard chided.
"Hey, I was dead. I have a good excuse for not making the guest list." Veronica snickered as they took up four chairs a few rows in from the back on the bride's side. "I haven't been to a Thompson wedding in ages. Always such a todo."
"Was your wedding like this? I don't think I've ever asked, and Dad never talked really about it." Paige absentmindedly asked, seated between Walter and Veronica, thumbing through the program, as Walter peeked through the gift bag.
"Oh, no. It was very simple. It helped that the family didn't approve and I was seventeen and pregnant! Simple ceremony at Paul's church. His mom, your late grandmother Lucy, let me wear her wedding dress. And after she threw us a little reception at the local VFW with a sheet cake from the supermarket, and just our closest friends. My mother didn't go, she refused. But Daddy did. Walked me down the aisle."
"That sounds really sweet, mom."
"It was perfect. Your daddy got so drunk his best friend Robby had to help me get him to bed."
"I don't remember him being a drinker."
"Oh, he wasn't. That man was such a lightweight. I think he had maybe 3 drinks the whole night!"
"So, you do not get that from your father." Walter retorted under his breath, earning him a silent laugh and pat to his leg from Paige.
"He was so over the moon excited to get married, have you. He was celebrating."
"That sounds like him."
"Your father sounds like he was a wonderful man, Paige." Richard offered earnestly.
"Yeah, he was. Thank you."
"What's in the bags, Walter?" Veronica asked, sensing Paige hoped for a subject change.
"Oh, uh…" he began pulling items out to showcase, trying hard to mask his sarcasm, and failing. "Tissues, for when our love brings you to tears." Paige smirked. Richard chuckled, he liked seeing Walter in social settings. "Little chocolates, because our love is sweet."
"I get it. Sweet." Veronica excitedly chimed in making them all laugh.
"Sunglasses… in case you are blinded by our love."
"This is… Something. Do go on." Paige encouraged, shaking her head.
"Hangover kit… looks like advil, vitamin C, and a hydration multiplier… first thing that's actually logical. Oh, and it's so you can remember all the fun we'll share tonight."
"Wow." Richard mumbled, stunned.
"Boxed water… why is water in a box. That's peculiar."
"I think it's an environmentally conscious thing…" Paige reasoned, taking the water to look at.
"In case your tears leave you dehydrated."
"That's… I just don't even know what to say." Veronica quipped.
"Some, what I imagine to be very expensive, brand of lip balm." He handed the small tin over to Paige, who immediately opened it to smell it.
"Smells good." She held it out for Walter to smell, and then her mother and Richard.
"That does smell good." Veronica smelled again.
"What's the love struck message to this one?" Richard asked, intrigued.
"Oh, uh…" Walter read the small sticker attached to the tin as Paige handed it back to him. "So our first kiss isn't the only great kiss tonight."
"I mean, they're at least helping people out on that one." Paige smirked at Walter with a little shrug.
"I'd kiss you even with dry lips." He answered quickly, making her blush.
"Smooth." She whispered back, pursing her lips.
"And, lastly, a pouch… of… something." He pulled an organza bag from the gift bag, it filled with something, and very confused by its contents handed it to Paige, who immediately smelled it.
"Ooo, it's lavender buds." She held it up for Walter to smell, before passing it to Veronica.
"Smells like you." Walter noted, making her smile. "But, uh, what's it for?"
Veronica turned the tag hanging from the ribbon to read it.
"Note says Throw some love on Mr and Mrs Blakely!"
"Oh, it's like the rice toss. I had that at my wedding. Getting pelted by dry rice is not a pleasant way to start a marriage." Richard proclaimed, absently rubbing his head at the memory.
"I read on their wedding website that they were invested in being eco-friendly." Paige added, smelling the satchel once more.
Both Walter and Richard simultaneously, with incredulous looks, peered around at the over abundance of consumerism, and everything being far from eco-friendly on display. Paige laughed.
"Hey, at least the birds won't choke on rice. Gotta give some credit."
"Save the birds… Not the planet. Noted."
"I hope Zoey doesn't expect something like this when the time comes." Richard shook his head.
"She seems pretty down to earth, Richard. I think she'll be pretty reasonable." Paige offered sympathetically, but with a smirk.
Walter loaded the items all back into his bag, just in time to see Paige open up her camera app on her phone, holding it out in front of them to snap a selfie.
"Oh, yes… pictures." He quickly put the bag down on the ground by his feet, wrapping his around around her shoulders and nuzzling in close to her. Smiling, she snapped several shots, including one of Walter kissing her cheek, before Veronica leaned over to also be included. Walter shifted away to allow the women a photo together. "We're making a photo album for Ralph."
"He emailed me the other day to tell me all about you two going away for the weekend! He was very excited at the possible… scenarios." Veronica teased as Paige snapped the photo with a laugh.
"I'm sure he was… Everyone!" Paige demanded, making each of their male counterparts lean in and Paige rotated the phone to get everyone in, before clicking the button.
"Does Ralphie know about you two?"
"Oh, uh, no. Not yet. No one does, besides everyone… here. Who now know entirely too much." She had a quick pang of grief shoot through her, and instantly felt Walter's fingers lace into hers, holding her tight.
He was a man of his word. He wouldn't let her forget he was right there.
"He is going to be thrilled. However, and whenever, this came to be, he will be so happy, Paige." Veronica patted Paige's leg reassuringly. "I certainly am."
"Yes, well, neither you nor Ralph are very good at hiding your hopes for Walter and I…" She muttered, noticing movement at the front of the ceremony area. "The Minister is here… wait…" She squinted her eyes to get a good look at the man. "Is that Reverend Mitchell?" Veronica sat up some, looking over the heads in front of them to also get a good look.
"Wow. Yup. It is. I had no idea he was still alive."
"Was he your minister?" Richard asked, thumbing through the program.
"Yeah, going back years. He married my parents, baptized my brothers and I, communions, the works, and then again with Paige, and all of my nieces and nephews, including Julia. Last I saw him was when Derrik, Harold's boy, had his eldest son Cameron baptized… Cameron's got to be what… ten?" Veronica mused.
"He's a couple years older than Ralph. Maybe fifteen."
"Wow. And Reverend Mitchell looked deathly back then. He's got to be in his late nineties now."
"And still working." Paige added. Walter typed away on his phone's display, distracted from their conversation. Paige appeared annoyed. "Walt?"
"Hmm? Oh. Sorry. Reverend William Mitchell, masters degree in theology from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Semi-retired, is… 97 years old. Great credit score. Owns a home in Pasadena. Looks like he has a heart condition."
"It's eerie how you do that, you know." Richard chided with a laugh. "Very odd, Walt."
Walter looked up, confused.
"It's okay sometimes to wonder about people and not do a background check on them, Walter…" Paige again pursed her lips in amusement.
"Oh…" He looked very dejected, as he returned his attention to his phone. "Looks like he saved a toddler from choking, received an award from the Pasadena mayor…"
"Uh, in early 1987?" Veronica asked knowingly, to which Walter scrolled ahead.
"Uh, yeah, March."
"That baby was Paige!" All three of them turned their attention to Veronica. "Yup! You used to love just running free at church, everyone adored you with your chubby cheeks. Well, one of the older ladies gave you one of those hard strawberry candies… You weren't even two yet… and you choked on it. I panicked. Your dad was at work. Everyone was screaming. And Reverend Mitchell didn't miss a beat, scooped you right up as you were turning blue, flipped you over and was pounding on your back, using his finger to scoop it out. He saved your life that day."
"You never told me that."
"I haven't thought about that in years! Your dad wanted to ring that old lady's neck!" Veronica chuckled.
"There's a photo." Walter handed the phone to Paige, an old, grainy newspaper photo of Rev Mitchell holding a chubby cheeked, smiling toddler on display.
"There's those cheeks." Veronica laughed, showing Richard.
"Yes, yes. I was a fat toddler." Paige chuckled, handing the phone back.
"A very cute toddler." Did Walter just use the word cute again? She was questioning her Twilight Zone theory again.
But, oddly, she felt the calmest she had all day. Completely random conversations, memory lane, goodie bags… It was working to be an excellent distraction. Even having her mother there, which normally came with a feeling of dread, was giving her a sense of calm. For all the pain the last 24 hours had brought, it also brought her clarity and a perspective shift on her relationship with Veronica, the choices she made and paths that Veronica took. It all looked so different now.
Silently, she slipped her hand into Veronica's, and rested her head on her shoulder, feeling a wave of emotion hit her. It was evident she had surprised the older woman, but she was quick to release Richard's hand to cross it over her and place it on Paige's cheek, turning her head slightly to kiss her hair. Walter and Richard both looked on sweetly, trying not to be obvious at their voyeurism.
"Thanks for coming, Mom."
"There's no place I'd rather be, hunny. Nowhere."
At that, melodious music began, Walter noting that several other musicians had joined the harpist and violinist, now all playing together in harmony, classical soft music, as Michael's many groomsmen walked solo down the aisle to the altar. Paige straightened up watching them.
"Oh look, there's Josh." Paige nudged Walter who nodded, seeing their new friend, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, make his way toward the front of the ceremony. "I don't see Emily." Walter, a bit taller, scanned the area.
"There, up front." He pointed across the aisle, down toward the altar. Emily, with her shorter brown curly hair, and emerald green gown, beaming and waving to her husband.
"Oh, she looks so pretty."
"Do you know them?" Veronica asked quietly.
"Just met them last night. Josh is a software engineer, had lots to talk with Walter about. And that's Emily, his wife. They have a son about Ralph's age with unique needs, too."
"Sounds like a good match." She mused, taking in each of the men. "Wow, Derrick is so grown up." Paige's eldest cousin walked past.
"Yup. He and his wife have a plastic surgery practice in West Hollywood. Harold is so proud. And that's Matthew." Julia's youngest brother, and youngest of all the cousins, proceeded next.
"Nooo!" Veronica gasped taking in the tall, muscled, young man, in his early twenties. "He was a scrawny, pimple-faced preteen last I saw him!"
"Yup. He plays college football now. Pretty good from what I heard."
"You don't say."
"And there's Max." Paige pointed to Julia's next eldest brother.
Paige filled Veronica in on each of the groomsmen with whom she hadn't seen in many years due to her incarcerations and the family's distancing themselves from her, and Walter listened in attentively. He was finding it remarkable how, even distanced from her family, and having not even interacted with the majority of them over the weekend, Paige still knew so much about them, took the time to keep tabs on them, their successes, families, life events.
"Wow. Everyone has changed so much."
"He works for Papa. Slated to take over the business when Papa retires. His wife, Maggie just had their second baby in February. Tessa. She looks just like Bill."
"Ouch. Poor thing." Paige chuckled.
"Thirteen. There are thirteen groomsmen. This is insanity." Walter mumbled with annoyance, making Paige squeeze his hand. "I don't even know thirteen people."
The music shifted once more, as the bridesmaids began to enter, wearing dusty rose colored long gowns, slits up The left leg much like Paige's dress, the material a silk with chiffon overlay, form fitting with a slightly different dress style and design with each woman. Every woman had their hair perfectly tamed and pinned, makeup fit for an event, and a bouquet of white roses and lilies clutched in their hands.
"Oh, there's your girlfriend, Walt." Both Veronica and Richard turned inquiring eyes to Paige, and then back to the woman she was referring to.
"Sasha…" He grumbled, looking anywhere but at the young cousin of Paige.
"Who is that?" Richard asked, curiously entertained by this entire experience. Paige's family was certainly a wild experience.
"That's my niece Sasha. She's Harold's youngest. Bit of a socialite. Has never heard the word 'no'." Veronica explained.
"Oh, she has now." Paige giggled, squeezing Walter's hand.
"Oh don't tell me she came onto Walter." Veronica laughed. She turned to Richard. "She may also be a bit of a… harlot."
"Mother!" Paige scolded, to which Veronica shrugged innocently.
"She invited me to her room to talk… or not talk."
"In front of me."
"Well, there's never been any shame in her game, I'm afraid." Veronica laughed, reaching over to pat Walter's leg in amusement.
"Walt… remember Julia mentioned Liza?" Walter nodded, and Paige pointed to the next woman descending the aisle. "That's her. Harold's other daughter."
"She's the one with the unsightly offspring?"
Paige bit her lip to keep from laughing, and Veronica and Richard followed suit.
"Yep. That's the one. Remind me to show you pictures."
"I'm not sure I need to see that." He mumbled, taking in the sights around him, and the overwhelming number of people, still reeling from the sheer quantity of bridal party members, coupled with an even greater number of guests.
"Looks like all of my nieces and nephews are in the wedding." Veronica spoke solely to Richard, but both Walter and Paige heard it as well.
It didn't take a genius to tell that it upset Paige on some level, just one more way to show that she was removed from the family. The way her chest paused its movement for an extended moment, and she looked down to her lap, before taking in a deep breath and straightening her smile, he saw it, he felt the pain she was exuding. Taking her hand with one of his, and wrapping the other around her shoulder, pulling her close to him, so, angled some in their chairs, she was resting her back against his chest somewhat. Seeing a relieving smile grace her lips, he kissed her temple.
"I'm glad you're sitting with me. I would be lost without you." He offered, hoping to provide some comfort.
Her grip on his hand tightened, and her other hand took up residence on his thigh, squeezing lightly.
"Yeah, me too." She whispered, relaxing back into his arms.
She was very thankful this man was at her side, and would remain there.
As the last of the bridesmaids made their way to the altar, the music once again changed, and a young boy about five years old, slicked back brown hair, in a mini tuxedo shyly walked the aisle with a wooden ring box.
"Who's the kid?" Veronica asked, flipping through the program to read when Paige shrugged in response. "Oh here it is… Michael's nephew, Jackson."
"He's cute." Paige nodded, to the boy scurrying down to the end. "Oh look, that's Max and Maggie's older one. Eleanor. She's two I think?" Paige pointed to the sole flower girl, a flower crown on her head resting atop her fine, blonde baby curls. They chuckled as she placed, dutifully, one flower pedal at a time, took a step, then repeated the process.
"She's adorable. What an old fashioned name." Veronica replied, a grin plastered to her face watching the toddler. "She looks just like Max did as a toddler."
"Walt, look how cute she is!" Paige excitedly tapped his leg.
"She is meticulous and detailed. I approve."
Walter noted that both Paige and Veronica had the same wistful, joyous expression on their faces watching the little girl, and he couldn't help his own heart strings being pulled watching her, and them. Perhaps it was the wedding - Paige did warn him that weddings have a way of bringing out all the 'lovey dovey dopey' feelings - affecting him, or perhaps it was his new romantic entanglement with Paige, or being a part of this family, with all its quirks, this weekend, maybe it was a combination of it all, but seeing the little girl, who looked a lot like the grainy newspaper picture of Paige as a toddler, teetering her way down the flower Path, made him think that perhaps, someday, he and Paige could have a wedding, and maybe, if she wanted, they'd have their own chubby cheeked toddler with bouncing curls and big eyes. Maybe.
Storing that thought away for later contemplation, he again kissed her head, delighting in how she leaned her head back onto his shoulder, allowing him to breathe in the scent of her hair.
The music changed, to a dramatic bridal entrance, the deep tones an announcement to all, and Paige, holding his hand, stood, allowing him to follow suit. A long moment passed, and as Julia descended the stone steps with Bill at her side, all eyes turned to her.
Except Walter's.
Walter, rather, turned his eyes to Michael. Standing there at the altar, so much emotion plastered on his face, nervous, yet entirely sure. His hands were shaking, wringing open and closed, and his eyes were wet with unshed tears. Walter couldn't help the overwhelming feeling that hit him, how Michael looked like the happiest man in the world, and how he hoped he, too, would have that experience someday. The thought made his skin tingle, and an odd excitement wash over his entire being. He hoped that someday, maybe, he could stand at that altar and watch Paige, bathed in white beauty, walk to him to start their lives together, making him the happiest man in the world.
Maybe it was the wedding.
Maybe it was the emotional overtone of the weekend.
Maybe it was the new giddiness of being with Paige.
Or, perhaps, maybe Leonard's romanticism was rubbing off on him.
But whatever it was, it was bringing a smile to his face as he envisioned what his future could hold now that Paige was with him. A future so bright he may even need those sunglasses in the goodie bag. A future so beautiful that he would do everything in his power to not mess it up.
He couldn't remember ever wanting something so much as he did the images swirling around in his mind. Not Scorpion, not intellect, not his father's approval… not even the shuttle blueprints from NASA.
He just wanted her. Forever. A life with her. The I do's, and fancy dress and boutonnieres, the cake, and dancing, but then, the simple days and quiet nights, raising a family and washing the dishes. Making her favorite meal and hearing all about her day.
That's it. That would be the dream.
He hoped that would be her dream, too.
Finally turning to see Julia just as she was about to pass their row, he could see it even clearer, given their striking resemblance. Julia looked like a princess in her white fitted gown with an impressive train dragging behind her, simple, yet exceptionally elegant. Long veil, and stunning bouquet of white roses, white lilies, white orchids, and moonflowers, wrapped with a diamond encrusted sleeve, gripped firmly in her hand. Her hair, expertly done in a loose updo, makeup delicate and airy, and a smile that ignited joy, Julia looked every bit the blushing bride.
"She's beautiful." Paige stated quietly to no one in particular, but then wrapped her arm around Walter's torso, hooking on his waist, holding him close, and he wrapped his around her, rubbing her upper arm and kissing her temple once more.
"She looks happy. They both do." He whispered to her, again wondering if she was having any thoughts of them while seeing Julia and Michael.
"I'm glad we stayed… To see this. I'm glad this will be the memory we'll get to end the day on." She turned slightly to look him in the eyes, and hers held so much power, and emotion, and dare he garner to think, happiness. "And I'm really glad I'm able to see it with you, Walt. For us to be here together. To see what can still come of darkness. You know?"
Her words perhaps didn't specifically convey it, but the look she gave him, and the way she held onto him, he was certain, even with his limited EQ, that she was also thinking of them and their future. It made a smile spread across his cheeks, and into his eyes, and he leaned forward to place a soft, lingering kiss to her forehead.
"I know exactly what you mean." She blushed, and they both knew they were speaking of far more than Julia and Michael. "And, I'm glad you will have some positive moments to hold onto from today. You deserve it."
She was about to say something, but then Julia made it to the front, and everyone sat, effectively ending their conversation. They noticed Teddy seated in the front row, with Leonard lurking nearby, and an empty chair beside Teddy. Paige inhaled deeply, watching her grandfather, tears streaming down his cheeks watching Julia, and tried her best to focus on the positive. But she still held tight to Walter, and him to her, seeking comfort and reassurance, listening intently as Reverend Mitchell blessed the union, and spoke of love, honor and sacrifice, truth and respect, commitment and faith in one another.
His words echoed in Paige's mind, both thinking of Papa's failed marriage, and how her grandmother had broken nearly every covenant of their marriage, and how while trying to be strong for Julia's sake, Papa was most certainly having those same dark thoughts as he faced that betrayal. But, in a lighter tone, she also thought of Walter. And how, without a marriage, he had already shown himself to hold those vows within himself when it came to her.
There was no one alive that cherished her as much as he did; that sacrificed for her the way he did - including being willing to give up his life, his work, money, everything he had; that loved her the way he did, a love so strong she had felt it like electricity that first day she met him; that would stay with and love her in joy and in sorrow - all of her broken Humpty Dumpty pieces and all; for richer or poorer - as he had said, he signed her paychecks and loved her as a broke single mom; that respected her as much a he did; who would remain faithful to her - of which she had zero doubt; and, who would protect her always, mind, body, heart, and spirit, as he had done relentlessly since she had first laid her life in his hands going 200 mph in a Ferrari with an airplane eight feet above her head, protecting her always, without ever seeking praise or even acknowledgement for it. Their relationship had just begun officially, but she knew it truly began three years ago, they just hadn't caught up yet, and while it would be a wild experience to merge their lives romantically, she was excited for it, and had no doubts that Walter would be the one she would say 'I do' to when the day came. Because while he demonstrated those views daily with her, she held them in her heart for him as well.
Her life may be a mess at the moment, but sitting there beside him, holding his hand, feeling his arm, so warm around her, the way she felt so calm in his arms, she knew she was ready for their lives together to begin fully, and that most people would run from the mess, but, in three years, she had never once seen Walter O'Brien back down from a challenge.
"I do."
"I do."