It's a simple, but beautiful service. There are two canopies on either side of the aisle, the differences obvious because while Maryse's side is decorated in silver and pink, Alicia's is entangled in purple and bright red, Ricardo and Alberto's ties matching while they stand side by side and wait, Rhyno and Heath whispering amongst themselves while the justice waits for a signal. When it comes, he beams and reaches over, motioning to the piano player. It hadn't been easy finding a compromise in everything for Maryse and Alicia but they had agreed on this, at least going somewhat traditional with the bridal march.
Sara comes out, her steps a little unsteady and assisted by Maryse's sister and AJ as she throws flowers out on either side, her flower girl dress red with white accents. Mike laughs softly and sweeps her up into his arms as AJ steps aside to wait for Alicia, blowing kisses at him, Maryse's sister walking over to stand across from Rhyno. Mike watches as shock and amazement crosses both Ricardo and Heath's faces at the same time as they get to see their wives-to-be in their dresses for the first time, turning to look. Maryse's dress is classic, white with a lace bodice, and Alicia's dress is cream, burgandy lacy material sweeping down her sleeves along her front, continuing down to the hem in a striking contrast.
Heath swallows hard and Mike only just hears the tremble in his voice as he leans in and tells Maryse, "You look incredible."
She laughs, taking in the grey suit that he's wearing, smoothing his light pink tie with her fingertip. "So do you," she tells him softly.
On the other side, Ricardo squeezes Alicia's hand, staring at her dress. "You're gorgeous," he tells her and she beams, patting at her freshly dyed blonde hair.
"Thanks, darling," she tells him, eyes shining. "You're beyond handsome yourself." He exhales as her smile softens. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," he breathes out, hands trembling slightly as he lifts her hand up to kiss her palm. It's clear he's anxious, in disbelief that he's even made it this far, considering his history, and Alberto rests a hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently until some of the tension eases from his stance as he nods thankfully over at his former employer.
The ceremony is simple. Goes by quickly. It's small enough that they all stand and watch, Mike stands in the middle of the yard, watching both ceremonies as best as he can while bouncing Sara in his arms with Sofia, Alexa and Mickie James whispering and giggling throughout the ceremony, beyond happy for Alicia and Ricardo, while Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh, Maria and Mike Kanellis hang around a bit behind everyone else. As soon as both couples finish following the justice's commands and exchange rings, I dos and kisses, Mike whistles loudly, mortifying both couples before they dissolve into laughter, Alicia rolling her eyes fondly at him before turning back to curl her arms around Ricardo's neck and kissing him more intently.
With everyone at the wedding either already married or involved, the bouquet toss and garter throw are skipped, everyone going right to the best part of the reception- food and dancing. Alicia is glowing, Ricardo's eyes locked on her, as they make their way over to a clear part of the ground to dance their first dance, Maryse and Heath already moving in soft circles nearby, their focus only on the other.
"I love weddings," AJ tells Mike with a small smile as she leans against him.
"I know you do," he chuckles, leaning over to kiss her on the lips. "I'm glad everything went off without a serious hitch." He looks from Ricardo to Heath, unsure which of the two he's the happiest for.
AJ hums and curls her fingers against his, leading him out to dance as well. They sway slowly, watching as Mike and Maria dance nearby, Alexa and Mickie playfully swaying together as well. Alberto is spinning Sofia around, making her laugh more freely than Mike's possibly ever seen her, and he chuckles as well, casting a glance over as Jinder and Sunil stand awkwardly together, watching them all with tense looks on their faces. "Who do you think they're here for?" he wonders.
AJ casts a quick glance over, then shrugs. "Perhaps Alicia. Maybe Heath. Possibly both. Who knows." She runs her fingers up Mike's neck, into his hair. "He hasn't caused any problems, so I don't see any reason to be concerned."
"True," he concedes, turning his gaze back onto her with a sheepish smile. "You're right. As always."
She winks at him and eases up onto her tippy toes, kissing him. They dance until Alicia approaches, beaming at AJ and inclining her head. "May I have this dance?"
Instead of her turning to Mike, she takes AJ's hands and sweeps her away while Mike stands there, blinking slowly before laughing and turning away. Ricardo is dancing with Sofia now, and Alberto is sitting by himself, watching the others with an almost wistful look on his face. Mike sighs and joins him, casting a quick glance over. "How's your night going?"
"Fine," he says. "Mi hermano is married and happy, what more could I ask for, especially after everything?"
Mike shrugs. "I dunno. Something, apparently, based on the look on your face."
Alberto grunts lowly, then slumps back in his seat. "This should've been Ricardo and Paige years back," he admits. "Paige and I were never good for each other. We were too toxic. He would've been happy with her."
"Maybe," Mike says. "Maybe not. Things were probably less likely to work out with them than we realized, if she could cheat on him so easily. You may have saved him from worse pain in the future if they had gotten married or had kids, she might've done something even worse when they were more committed to each other. Not that I think you shouldn't feel guilty about everything. He deserved better from both you and Paige."
Alberto nods. "Si. You're right on both counts."
"Besides, Alicia loves him," Mike continues. "They've both been through a lot, so I think they're just about right for each other. They've already helped each other through heartbreak, and gained real love and affection for the other, so I think it'll work out between them better than it ever could've between her and Alex or Paige and he. It just takes work and support. Something I'm sure they'll both be willing to do, and will have plenty of from all of us here."
Alberto stares at him. Then nods slowly. "Yes. Plenty of support."
Mike claps him briskly on the arm before getting up to see if he can collect his wife, chuckling when he realizes that Heath and Maryse haven't let each other go this entire time. "May I?" he asks once the song ends, smiling when Heath reluctantly lets his wife go, Mike twirling her around. "Just wanted to take a minute to let you know how happy I am for you," he tells her. "You deserve this and every other happiness."
"Thank you," she says, flushing prettily. "You and AJ too."
He smiles. Twirls her a few more times before glancing over. "Heath might kill me if I keep you much longer. Ready?" She squeaks, then laughs as he spins her towards the waiting man and letting go of her hand just in time for Heath to reach out and grip her hand, controlling the spin to resume dancing with her like nothing's interrupted their time together.
Mike turns to find AJ standing behind him, a soft smile on her face as he pulls her close and kisses her. "I think we can go now," he says, looking around at the quickly dispersing party. Only the married couples remain, dancing lazily around the grass, and she nods, following him back to the house to get Sara's things. She's sleeping in Sofia's arms on the couch and they thank her quietly, easing the little girl out of her arms, before leaving to go to the hotel to sleep until their flight back to California in the morning.
Maryse leans in and softly kisses Heath, in awe of his actually being her husband as he hugs her close and twirls her slowly, instrumental music playing soft and slow behind them. A few feet away, Alicia's fingers are tangled in Ricardo's hair, their own dance all but forgotten as they kiss under the moonlight. "I love you," Maryse murmurs to Heath and his teeth flash as his hands rasp over the delicate lace of her dress.
"I love you too," he tells her, resting his forehead against hers as he spins her away, then draws her back in, dipping her before kissing her so deeply that her toes curl in her shoes as she giggles against his lips.