1.Remember when I said last time that the inmates were running the asylum?  Yeah.  They're still in control.  Blame them for anything you don't like or crap I didn't explain.

2. I tried to fit everything I could into this monstrosity, and I'm sure I forgot a whole bunch of shit.  So don't be surprised if you get some flashbacks later on.

3.  The song quoted but not credited during the ball room scene is Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban.  The song mentioned, but neither quoted nor credited, is I Loved Her First by Heartland.

4.  This one plagued me so much kiddies, that I wrote it completely out of order, did just a spell check and a grammar check.  I usually read it twice for continuity but not this time because I wanted the damn thing finished!  So anything I forgot, left out, or just flat out fucked up, I apologize now for.  These characters needed to move on with their lives, and so did I. 

5.   The toast given by Stacy was written by the author of Tender Indulgences, and was used, at the time of the initial writing of this chapter, with the permission of the author. It has been quoted in its entirety, annotated in purple, and no single word has been changed.

6.   The Italian in the toast mentioned above translates as follows:  "Evviva gli sposi" - "Hurrah for the Newlyweds" and "Per cent'anni" - "For a Hundred Years"

7.   The words John remembers that Shawn said about Hunter were also written by the author of Tender Indulgences, and were used, at the time of the initial writing of this chapter, with the permission of the author.

8.   And lastly, very special thanks go out to Anna for this one who had to put up with me writing and crying to her over this chapter to the point I'm sure she wanted to slap me stupid.  She had to put up with odd questions at all hours of the day and night, at least three name changes, and the incoherent ramblings of the sleep deprived.  Thank you, Anna.  Love ya, girl.

Feedback: Lemme break it down for you…I write….you give feedback...any questions?
Summary Quote:  Uhm…actually, no quote this time.  I figure the title pretty much says it all; don't you?
Disclaimer: Not mine - theirs.  Some are mine and I'm keeping those.  No money made.  On with the show.

Come my love I'll tell you a tale,
Of a boy and girl
And there love story.
And how he loved her oh so much,
And all the charms she did possess
Now this did happen once upon a time,
When things were not so complex.
And how he worshiped the ground she walked,
And when he looked in her eyes, he became obsessed.
       Storybook Love - Willy DeVille

December 15, 2004 3:45 p.m. EST
Brookshire Baptist Church - Vestibule - Moccasin Gap, NC
 

Ellie laid her hand on her daughter's arm.  "Angela, would you -"

But the elder of the Elliott sisters was already nodding.  "I was just heading that way to check on her.  I'm sure she's fine, Mom."

Her mother nodded, but still held a look of concern in her eyes, watching her daughter ease out of the pew and make her way along the wall to the double set of doors leading into the vestibule where the bridal party had vanished.  Angela arrived in time to hear Hunter talking to her sister, whose eyes were still closed.

"Two times in about twenty-four hours is a little much, don't you think, Baby?" Hunter teased his bride as she laid half-way across his lap on the pew in the back of the vestibule.

Nan groaned and lifted a shaking hand to her forehead.  "Oh God I did it again."

"Oh yeah," he agreed.  "Did you eat anything today?"  At her negative motion, he looked up at the concerned faces of the wedding party gathered round them.  "Anyone have something?"

Ric stepped forward, already unwrapping a piece of hard candy he had in his pocket.  "Here you go, Sunshine."  He popped the candy into Nan's mouth, then turned to Hunter.  "That should hold her until you can get something in her at the reception.  But it needs to be soon."

"Thanks, Naitch.  We'll make those pictures quick," he promised, then turned to look at his wife's cousin.  "Won't we Poli?"

She passed a hand over her chestnut curls.  "Twenty minutes, tops.  If that."

Hunter turned back to his bride.  "Think you can sit up, Baby?"

Nan nodded and let him pull her upright.  Still a little woozy, she clutched at his shoulders for support, and rested her cheek on his shoulder. Sucking on the candy Ric had given her, she began to feel a little better.  "I'm sorry," she whispered against his neck.

"It's okay, Baby." He answered while rubbing a big hand up and down his arm.  "You just need to stop scaring the shit outta me, okay?"

She lifted her head.  "I don't know what's wrong with me.  I'm not usually this bad when I skip meals."

"Probably stress, Sis," Rosie spoke up. 

Rebecca nodded.  "Yeah.  And everyone knows you've been under buckets of it."

"And having little Miss Thang showing up certainly didn't help either," Karen added with an angry look.

At that reminder Nan turned to her husband.  "Make her go away.  I don't want her here."

"Neither do I," Hunter agreed then glanced to where Nan's brother stood.  "Brun?"

The redheaded detective just grinned and nodded.

Hunter turned back to his wife.  "See, all taken care of."  She nodded and looked at him, all of her feelings for him shinning in her eyes.  Feeling himself being drawn towards her, Hunter gave into the feeling and covered her lips with his.  And it wasn't long before Nan was kissing him back, both of them forgetting they had an audience, or where they were.

"Ookay," John mumbled, suddenly more interested in the tips of his shiny shoes than ever before. 

Kevin rolled his eyes, "Oh here we go."

Genie cocked a brow at him.  "Jealous?"

He grinned back at her.  "Care to make it a competition?"

Her smirk turned down into a fierce scowl. "Go to hell, Kong."

"Genie!" Audrey hissed.  "You're in a church, for Pete's sake!" That declaration seemed to break the spell over the bride and groom.

"Mmm." Hunter made an appreciative sound, and licked his lips, his eyes heavy-lidded as he broke the kiss.  "Butterscotch.  My favorite flavor," he murmured before dipping his head back down again.

Clearing his throat, Shawn coughed and tugged at his collar.  "Oh yeah, they're fine."

"Will someone let the guests know everything is okay before Momma E and Nana Lilly begin to pull out hairs?" Stacy spoke up from her position in the line up, still clutching onto Shawn's arm. 

"That would be my job," Nan's father announced.

Calmly, Shawn passed the blonde over to John, and collected his own wife.  "Trade you."

"Deal," John smirked as he wrapped a muscled arm around Stacy's slender shoulders.

Angela stepped forward seeing her father not too steady on his feet, obviously tired and not a little bit scared after the unexpected excitement at the end of the ceremony.  "I can do it, Daddy."

"Humph," Red grunted.  "I wasn't a salesman for nigh on thirty years without knowin' how to give a speech, Angie-girl.  Besides, I need you to wrangle Brun and your mother in about that McMahon girl.  Now just stand back an' watch me work."

With a determined look on his face, Nan's father walked, practically in a strut, back through the double doors leading to the sanctuary.  He strode about half way down the isle before stopping.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Red announced, clapping his hands to silence the rumbling murmurs of the concerned crowd waiting anxiously in the sanctuary.  "I'm pleased to announce that Mrs. Helmsley," he paused to grin, "is doing just fine.  Apparently in all of the excitement of the day, she forgot to eat anything, got a little overheated, and just got a bit lightheaded."

A relieved murmur filtered up from the guests and Red continued, "Rest assured that her new husband has things well in hand."  He paused for the rumble of amusement that he'd fully expected before he went on. 

"The bride and groom like to thank you for your concern, and would appreciate you joining us for an early meal and dancing at the reception to be held in the Reception Hall and Grand Ballroom at the Highland County Country Club."  He smiled at them all.  "We'll see you there shortly and thank you again for coming."

As assuredly as he'd entered, he left, signaling the cue for the ushers to begin escorting the guests out, beginning with Robbie and Ellie, followed swiftly by Jenkins and Lilly, the remainder to come more sedately afterwards.  Red passed Angela on his way out and winked at her.  "That's how you do it, little gal."  Planting his foot, he let his cane rest against his thigh, and leaned back a bit, a cocky smile on his face and snapped both of his fingers.  "I still go it."

Angela laughed.  "I never doubted you for a minute, Daddy." 

"Humph. Damn right you didn't.  Now let's get this shindig on the road," he declared, offering her an elbow.

Taking her father's arm, together the two of them walked outside into the lightly falling snow for the very few pictures that the newlyweds had requested be held until after the ceremony.  "Didja talk to Brun like I asked?"

Angela nodded. "Yes sir and he said he'd take care of it."

Red grunted noncommittally.  "That's what I was worried about." 

~<>~

 
You're as bright as the sunshine
Morning's first light
You warm my day, you brighten my night
You're sugar you're spice, you're everything nice,
And you're daddy's little girl.

December 15, 2004 3:58 p.m. EST
Brookshire Baptist Church - Parking Lot - Moccasin Gap, NC 

"What the hell were you thinking?!" he growled in only the way that her father could.

Tired of being chastised like she was a child, even if it were in semi-private, Stephanie rolled her eyes and leaned against the limousine her parents and brother had ridden in from the airport.  She folded her arms over her chest.  "I was invited, Daddy."

Shane snorted.  "Yeah, like hell you were.  I'm sure that Nan - Hunter's new bride - would have invited his ex-wife to their wedding."  Her brother tapped his chin in mock consideration.  "Oh, and let's not forget that that same ex-wife is also the new Missus Helmsley's ex-best friend.  Not to mention the same woman who's spent years making the bride miserable."

"She started it!"

"The hell she did," Shane hissed taking up one of their old arguments.  "You did this.  All by yourself, little sister.  So don't go crying to me.  If you want sympathy, I suggest you look it up in the dictionary between shit and syphilis!"

"That's enough!" Linda chastised her children, censoring both of them with a glare, as Shane helped his wife into the waiting limousine.  "Really!  Squabbling in the parking lot like two unruly brats.  Knock it off!"

Before anyone could respond or slide inside the luxury car, a voice called from behind them.  "Hello again, Stephanie."

Fluttering her eyes closed, cursing his timing, she turned around slowly to see Brun standing there grinning at her like the Angel of Death.  So much for staying and talking to Hunter, she thought.  "Brun."

Smiling his most charming, Vince greeted the younger man.  "Officer Elliott. It's been a long time."

Still grinning at Stephanie, Brun nodded.  "Mr. McMahon.  Mrs. McMahon."  Only then did he lift his gaze to let it fall elsewhere.  "Shane," he stuck out his hand and traded a handshake with the younger McMahon.  "Good to see you, man."

"You too, Brun," Shane beamed at him.  "How's it going?"

"Pretty good," the redheaded cop answered him before turning his cold gaze back on his friend's sister.  "I've spoken with the newlyweds. And, as I'm sure you've known all along, neither of them listed your name on their invitation list."

"Then how do you explain me getting one along with -" she coughed at the sudden look of interest on Shane's face.  "How do you explain me getting an invitation, then?  Tell me that."

"Clerical error," Brun explained patiently.  "How you got here isn't the issue now, however.  You're going to be allowed to stay-"

"Ha!" she smirked.  "Hunter overruled you."

Brun's grin grew more pronounced.  "No, actually Hunter and Nan wanted you tossed the minute they saw you in the sanctuary.  It was actually my Mother that insisted you stay.  Less embarrassment that way, she said.  And because they love her, they gave in.  But I get to set the conditions.  So you can stay, provided you cause absolutely no problems at all whatsoever.  And that you go no where near my sister.  Period.  If you do, then my former promise still stands."

Vince's brows furrowed thunderously, never liking being dictated to.  "What promise?"

Linda nodded, interrupting her husband.  "She won't cause any problems, Brun."

He flashed her a genuine smile.  "Thank you Mrs. McMahon.  I appreciate that.  As does my family."  He looked at Shane.  "Have a good time at the reception."  As silently as he'd approached, he turned to leave.

"What promise?" Vince asked again.

"He threatened to shoot me," Stephanie answered deadpan.

Vince's eyebrows nearly burst through his hairline.  "You can't do that."

Brun paused, did a half turn to look back at them over his shoulder, and fixed them all with a cold smile.  "Watch me."  Turning back around, he walked away with Shane's laughter echoing behind him. 

~<>~

 
Love and marriage, love and marriage
Go together like a horse and carriage
This I'll tell you, brother
You can't have one without the other
Love and marriage, love and marriage
It's an institute you can't disparage
Ask the local gentry
And they will say it's elementary
       Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra

December 14, 4:25 p.m. EST
Reception Hall - Highland County Country Club - Moccasin Gap, NC 

"Can you believe they came in to …what was the name of that song again?" He asked his wife as they followed one of the uniformed wait staff to their table, which at the moment was still empty. 

"Rock and Roll Part 2 by Gary Glitter," his wife answered with a jubilant smile, her eyes tracking the movements of the bride and groom as they made their way slowly towards the head table, pausing here and there to speak to the guests already seated.  The bridal party followed in behind and broke off, winding their way through the reception hall to take their seats, for those that weren't seated at the head table.

"We're awfully close to the head table, don't you think," he asked his wife.

Calmly she reached over and plucked a place card from its glittering snow-flake holder, her face splitting into a huge smile upon reading the name.  Replacing it, she turned the smile on her husband.  "Evidently we'll be sitting with a couple of the members of the bridal party, so it makes sense that we're close."

"Really."  His eyes widened and he craned his neck to glance around the room.  "Who?"

She pointed behind him with a wry grin.  "Them."

He looked up to see two more people moving to join them.  He swallowed hard, his face cracking into a smile as they took their seats, still a bit flummoxed at being at a WWE wedding.  He glanced around the table, easily recognizing the notorious Y2J, Chris Jericho, and he thought he remembered reading in the bulletin that his lovely companion was Triple H's sister.  But he couldn't recall her name.

"Hey, Marie!"  Chris exclaimed, leaning over to hug the woman. "Good to see you again, hon."

Her husband's eyes grew to the size of saucers as he asked, "You know him?"

But it was Chris who answered, extending his hand.  "We've met once or twice.  Chris Jericho."

He shook it.  "Nice to meet you," he turned a quizzical gaze on his wife.  "You never mention him either."

She laughed gaily and shrugged her shoulders.  "Surprise."

As her curious gaze traversed the room, Rosie spotted Tina and Dave seated with Lillian, Rob Conway, Chris and Nancy Benoit, Maria and … oh dear Lord, was that Randy Orton?  She gave a groan.  "Chris," she nudged him, with tilt of her head in their direction.  But Chris misunderstood her, thinking she was asking for an introduction.

"Oh!  Sorry, Rosebud," he laughed.  "Rosie Devine, meet Marie Howlett, Nan's roommate from college and -" he trailed off looking curiously at her companion.

Marie smiled and began to make introductions.  "My husband -"

"Oh, looks like this is us," a new female voice interrupted.  "Over here, love!  Sorry, sorry.  We got a bit turned around, I'm afraid," the lady said in a flustered tone as she took her seat.  "Hey, Ro.  Chris."

"Emma.  Well that explains why there's only six seats at a table that seats eight," Chris tossed a grin her way as Rosie embraced her friend.  "You're looking well.  He must agree with you."

Her face lit up.  "Oh he does.  Believe me."

Rosie made an irritated sound sitting back down.  "I'm over the moon that you're happy.  Really I am.  But even a dead goat's better than that Olympic dumb-ass, Em."

The brunette looked around quickly.  "He's not here, is he?"

Chris gave a loud laugh, oblivious to the two sets of eyes bouncing back and forth at their conversation like balls in play at a tennis match.  "Are you kiddin'?  After the beatin' we gave him at Trips' bachelor party, I'm surprised he can still walk!"

Emma leveled a grateful look on the blonde wrestler.  "And I owe you a debt of thanks for that."

Chris reached across the table and squeezed her hand.  "You don't owe us anything.  Not a one of us didn't enjoy every minute of it.  I just wish we'd known it was for you too, at the time."

"Good thing you didn't, Jericho," a deep voice boomed over their heads.  "Or you'd all have gone to jail for murder."  He lowered his massive frame into the chair at his place setting, one that, on closer inspection, was a bit bigger than the rest.  "God but I'm hungry."  He looked over at Jericho.  "Tell me that Camp Buddy's Catering is putting on the dog."

Chris laughed.  "As best I know, that's who Sweets hired."

"Good," he grumbled.  "That's a man who knows to make food edible, and not into art."  He winked at Rosie.  "Hey Ro." He smiled as she waved back at him.  He took Emma's hand in his, then his eyes fell on the still silent couple.  "Oh, I'm sorry.  We've not met."

Marie extended her hand.  "Marie Howlett.  I'm Nan's roommate from Wake Forest."

"Nice to meet you," he grinned as he returned her handshake gently.  He turned to the man sitting beside her and extended his hand, slightly surprised when the other man took it immediately.

"This is my husband," Marie said.

He watched with nearly fearful fascination as his hand completely disappeared, swallowed up as it were, in the famous wrestler's handshake. 

"And you are?" the big man prompted politely.

"I'm -"

"Hey, Dr. Sparky!" Stacy's voice echoed across the reception hall, as Big Show's deep laugh rumbled like thunder through the room. 

The RAW Diva waved at him from the head table as she seated herself with the bride on one side, and John Cena, who apparently was wearing a green and purple kilt with white high-tops, on the other. Dr. Sparky shook his head, tying to figure that one out and failing.

The US Champion lifted his head to see to whom his girlfriend was speaking, but couldn't easily pinpoint who it was since no one was waving in response.  But his eyes did fall on a stunning brunette smiling widely, in his direction.  He smiled back, kicking his chin up in greeting for the unknown woman. 

Her face sure did seem familiar, he thought as he slid into his seat.  He was about to ask Stacy who she'd spoken to, but his girlfriend was busily whispering to the bride.  Instead, he turned to his right and asked, "Nana Lilly, have you ever seen that lady at the table over there?"

"Over where, Johnny-lad," Lilly asked, unfolding her napkin and placing it on her lap.  When he indicated the appropriate table, she studied the unknown brunette, and her ruggedly handsome black haired companion.  She shook her head.  "I believe so…but I can't place where.  Why?  Do you know them?"

"No."  He shook his head, his gaze trained on the couple now laughing with Jericho.  "No, can't say as I do.  Feel like I should though."

Lilly chuckled richly.  "Some faces are like that.  Familiar, yet not."

"I suppose."  John settled back in his chair, unable to help but thinking he'd seen her before somewhere.  But where?

Audrey's eyes scoured the room.  While the décor was absolutely breathtaking, with everything draped in white satin and fairy lights, making the place look like an enchanted snow-covered forest, she was frustrated.  She couldn't see Oz anywhere. 

She did take a moment to notice where the other members of the bridal party had ended up though, as well as some of her friends.  Of course, the head table was taken up by the bride and groom, their parents, the maid of honor and best main, and their dates.  Oh and little Cam, she thought fondly, watching the little boy bounce happily on his father's lap.  She waived cheerily at Lyon where he sat with his grandmother, the Cenas, including John's cousin and his date, as well as Nan's sister, brother-in-law and nephew.

The McMahon contingency was only two or three tables away, seated with Jim Ross and his wife, along with Jerry "The King" Lawler.  And beside them was a table chocked full of Guererros.  That's pretty much the only wrestling people she knew who weren't a part of the wedding entourage.  Finally, on her third sweep of the reception hall, she spotted Oz walking unhurried to take his place along the wall behind the head table, to the right.  The most inconspicuous place he could manage. 

She watched as he tapped his ear and spoke lowly into the microphone that she knew was attached to the collar on his jacket.  Finally, he looked up and caught her stare, his eyes zeroing in on her like a laser tracking system.  He gave her a slow nod and an even slower wink.  Feeling her stomach flipping over, she knew she was grinning like an idiot, but she returned his nod, then turned back to the conversation at her own table.

"What other kind of photography do you do, Poli?" Karen asked genuinely interested. 

She shrugged after firing off two or three more shots.  Lowering the camera, she replied, "Pretty much anything.  I prefer to work with landscapes, but weddings and portraits pay the bills."

"Portraits," the blonde continued.  "Like people bringing in their kids for sittings and stuff like that?"

The brunette nodded.  "Partly.  I get a lot of kids, but a fair share of engagement, and anniversary shoots."

"Bet you like working with those kids though," Kevin added, to which Genie snorted loudly.

"Poli?  Like kids?  Oh please."

Her scoffing drew Undertaker's attention.  He swept an appraising eye over her lithe frame.  Longish curly brown hair framed jade green eyes resting under highly arched brows and slightly slanted at the corners, hinting at a more exotic ancestry than was typical in this part of the country.  It gave her an ethereal cast to her face that still made him look twice whenever she walked past. 

Of course, her body didn't escape his attention either.  Every bit of five foot ten, more if she wore heels, the woman had curvaceous, strong legs which were at the moment completely encased in black leggings that cupped her bottom like a lover's touch, tucked into thigh-high, black suede boots.  The kind with the tops turned down.   She wore a black silk blouse, cuffed at the wrists, the sleeves voluminous.

Over it was a Regency waistcoat, the only break in the unrelenting black of her attire.  The garment was sleeveless of course, as that type of clothing was designed to be.  It featured black velvet facings that gleamed with a triple row of antiqued, pewter-toned buttons, each with a floriated cross. Tunic collar and waistcoat back were also black velvet, texturally contrasted in rich brocade in front.  She filled it out in a way that made him want to either stand up and sing, or cry in thanks.  And he knew from the limited time he'd spent around her, including the ride back to her house last night that ended with a mere kiss on the cheek for him, that her mind was as sharp as her tongue.  He always did like a quick witted woman.

The whole outfit made her look like a pirate, a look he wasn't entirely opposed to.  At least not on her.  Still, even all of those attributes considered, if she didn't like kids…

"You don't like children?" Taker asked.

"On the contrary.  I happen to like children very much -" Poli peered through the viewfinder at him, and clicked the shutter repeatedly.  Then she lowered the camera again. "-sliced thin, served on toast, smothered with mushrooms and onions," she finished with an enigmatic smile.

Karen shook her head.  "Nah, they just mess up the flavor of the mushrooms."

Once the laughter at the table died down, Undertaker looked right into Poli's eyes and announced, "I have five children."

Kevin banged a fist on the table, still laughing.  "At least we know he can definitely do something right."

"Oh you're one to talk," Genie groused.

But Poli turned a deaf ear, and let go of her camera, allowing it to dangle from its neck-strap against the black brocade. "Five.  Really?" At his nod, she patted his cheek.  "Then I'm sure they'll be extra tasty," she smirked at him before sauntering away. 

~<>~

 
Heaven bless you both,
To your health and may we live together in peace!
May you both be favored with the future of your choice,
May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice!
We'll raise a glass and sip a drop of schnapps
In honor of the great good luck that favors you,
We know that when good fortune favors two such men,
It stands to reason, we deserve it too!
To us and our good fortune!
Be happy, be healthy, long life!
And if our good fortune never comes,
Here's to whatever comes,
Drink L'chai-im, to life!
       L'chai-im, To Life! - Fiddler on the Roof Soundtrack

December 14, 5:19 p.m. EST
Reception Hall - Highland County Country Club - Moccasin Gap, NC 

The sharply clear peal of a fork tapped lightly against the rim of a crystal goblet quieted the dining guests almost in unison.  Everyone looked up to see the father of the bride waiting in front of the previously ignored microphone stand.  Once their attention was on him, Red began to speak. 

"Ladies and gentlemen," he let his eyes travel around the reception hall, the microphone resting easily in his big hand.  "Friends, both new and old," his gaze touched on where the Cena clan sat easily with Miss Millie and Lyon, as well as his daughter, son-in-law, and grandson.  "Honored guests," he tossed a wink at Lilly.  "Again, Ellie and I would like to thank you for coming out today, some of you farther than others," his eyes fell on Rosie and Chris, "to share this special day with our family.  This day has been long in the making, and today we culminate the celebration of the love two very special people."

Red turned a warm gaze on his daughter who was already fighting back tears and losing.  But her smile clearly showed that they were tears born from happiness.  Hunter reached over and took her hand, raising it to his lips and kissed the back of it before urging her to lean against him.

"When my daughter was very young, she liked hugs," Red began to speak again.  "Most children do, when they're given freely.  But Nanette was particularly fond of them, passing them out to whomever, or whatever would allow her to.  Her brothers and sister, sometimes to their annoyance.  Her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.  Her toys.  Even the family dog.  And certainly to us, her parents.  Whenever she hugged something, she, in her limited vocabulary at the time, referred to it as loving that person or object.  One day, in a typical display of teenage humor, my younger son Brian - or Brun as most of you know him - for reasons unknown handed Nanette a brand new, unopened loaf of bread and said, 'Nan, love the bread'.  Which, of course she did, with her normal exuberance, and returned it to her mother a completely squished, warm, inedible lump.  But it had been thoroughly loved."

He waited out the laughter that accompanied the image before he proceeded.  "And as irritating as it was at the time -" he glared at where Brun sat with his family, "which it most assuredly was, and you still owe your mother a loaf of bread, boy - I was reminded of that incident when I realized I'd have to make the first toast today.  That's when it occurred to me.  Even as a child, Nanette had it right.  She interpreted what is usually perceived as a feeling into something tangible.  Love isn't a noun.  It's a verb.  Not an object but an action.  Love isn't something you feel.  It's something you do." 

He paused, to retrieve his glass of champagne and raised it high.  "So please join me in a toast to the bride and groom."  As glasses were raised, he turned glassy eyes on his daughter and new-son-in-law.  "Baby girl, remember now what you knew then.  Nan, love your husband.  And Hunter, love your wife.  God bless you both."  He finished on a wobbly tone and quickly tipped his glass back to mask a sudden wash of emotion, barely noticing the wedding attendees following suit.

Red cleared his throat.  "I understand that the best man and the maid of honor have something they both wish to say as well.  So, I'll gladly turn the floor over to them."  He glanced down the table as he replaced the microphone.  "Shawn."  Applause thundered through the reception hall.

Nan met her father at the end of the table before he could take his seat and wrapped her arms around his neck, and cried softly, "I love you, Daddy."

Red patted her back.  "Love you too, Baby Girl."

When she released him, she turned to go back to her seat and saw more than one person wiping under their eyes, Kevin and Genie both being two of them.  Hunter was right behind her though, and she stayed standing to watch as her husband extended his hand to her father. 

"Thank you, Mr. Elliott."

"You know, I think you're entitled to drop the mister now, don't you?"  Red shook his head, pushed his hand aside, and hugged the younger man.  Surprised, Hunter returned it.  "But you're always gonna be boy to me."

Hunter laughed as he and Nan took their seats.  "I wouldn't expect it to be any other way…Papa E."

Red barked out a laugh.  "Yeah.  That'll do."

Shawn wound his way around the table to the microphone, plucked it from the stand, then moved the silver pole aside, much more comfortable with just a mic in his hands than speaking into one in a stand.  He had a tendency to forget to lean in for a stationary one.  Plus this way, it felt more like he was delivering one of his promos, and that helped settle his nerves some.

Raising the mic, he tugged at his collar comically as he surveyed the crowd.  "Wow.  This has been some ride, hasn't it?"  He grinned at the laughter and loudly voiced agreements from those in attendance.  "And I'd say that for any normal couple, we've come to the end of the ride, but I know these two better than most everyone in this room," he pointed back to the newlyweds, "and I can almost guarantee you that they've got more tricks up their sleeves.  This ride is far from over."

Wolf whistles and applause made him break again.  He waited until it died down before proceeding.  "But we have come to a crossroads, or more accurately, a redirection, if you will.  From this day forward, you're continuing the ride as a single, cohesive unit, rather than as individuals.  Or that's the goal at least," Shawn shrugged his shoulders settling a smile on the audience.  "Because from the moment you two got together, you've been that cohesive unit that so many people struggle to achieve, yet rarely do."

He deliberately glanced over to the McMahon table as he said, "Maybe it's because they've loved each other for so long.  Longer than before they became an official couple.  No two people I've ever know have had to fight so hard, try so earnestly, and work so diligently just to love each other."  This time his eyes fell on Stephanie specifically.  "In spite of every thing and every one, they prevailed, and that tenacity," he ground his teeth, then clenched his fist and shook it twice before lowering his hand, "has led us right to where we are today.  As guests at the victory party."

Shawn flashed his famous Show Stopper smile at the dark scowl that slithered across Stephanie's face, then turned it on the crowd as they applauded once again.  He waggled his eyebrows, barely resisting the urge to wiggle his hips as he would have had he been in the ring.  Instead, he turned his attention back to the bride and groom, his eyes falling on Nan, lighting up with a genuine warmth and affection that all could see. 

"You and I go way back.  Don't we Baby Doll?"  Nan nodded, wiping at the lone tear that trailed down her cheek.  "And her new husband here and I go back almost as far, right Hunt?"

"Damn right we do," Hunter answered gruffly.

"Yeah," Shawn nodded.  "Given that, I think that kind of makes me the expert on the two of you among those of us that know you.  Wouldn't you say?"

"Most definitely," Kevin's voice boomed from where he sat, one arm draped casually over the back of Genie's chair.  His tone brooked no argument, and no one there seemed anxious to give him one.

Shawn grinned.  "Thanks Kev."  He addressed the audience again.  "And as such, let me say that these are two of the best people I know."  He paused to let the implications of such a statement sink in.  "Yeah.  They are.  Grill that one on your George Foreman.  See," he looked down and swallowed hard, then raised his eyes again.  "You," he pointed a finger at the audience and swept it around the room, "don't know them like I do.  You see the carefully crafted images of The Game and The Ice Queen.  Thought I didn't know about that one, did you?  Well I do.  And so do they," her jerked a thumb over his shoulder.

"But did you ever stop to think," he tapped his temple.  "That they're that way because they had to be?  They've had to fight everyone they've ever known, myself included I'm ashamed to admit, to be together, and somehow manage to get to know each other at the same time.  Did you know that there's two great people beneath the images presented?  Most of you don't see the loving, caring, and insanely funny people beneath that false veneer." 

Again his eyes lit on Stephanie before moving on to Randy and settling there.  "Some of you did; but you threw it away.  And I pity you.  I really do."

"They're two very special people.  Both of which I'm proud to call my friends.  And given the amount of time I've known them both," he placed a hand on his chest and looked at them.  He sucked in a deep breath then blew it out sharply, followed by a quick smile and a shake of his head.  "I can think of nothing more appropriate than them building a life together.  And I, for one, am honored to be a part of it."

Shawn's voice dipped down.  "A wiser man than I once said, There is nothing nobler or more admirable than when two people who see eye to eye, keep house as man and wife, confounding their enemies and delighting their friends. Well, you certainly have proven you can confound your enemies," he grinned at his best friend, then turned his gaze on the bride, "and you most definitely delight your friends."

Shawn lifted a glass from where he'd set it before beginning his speech.  His movement prompted the crowd to do the same.  "So here's to my very best friends. I love you both.  May you continue confounding your enemies and delighting your friends for many, many years to come. Saludé."

Applause rocked the building as Shawn replaced the now empty champagne flute on the small table behind him and set the microphone in its stand.  With head bowed, he headed for his seat beside his wife, who was currently on her feet clapping, tears rolling down both cheeks and a wealth of emotion showing in her eyes.  Seeing that, he swallowed hard against the lump that had formed in his throat, and sniffed loudly. 

Hunter stood and stopped Shawn from resuming his seat.  The two men faced off for a moment, causing a deep tension to ripple through the reception hall.  But it was broken when Hunter wrapped Shawn up in a big bear hug.  He patted the smaller man on the back and spoke gruffly, "Love you, man."

"You too, Hunt.  You too," Shawn replied, returning the hug.

They had a split second before they were tackled from behind as Kevin squeezed them both with a yelled, "Awwwww!  Group hug!"  Laughter washed across the room at the familiar antics of the Kliq, definitely putting an end to any remaining tension.

Shawn peeled himself away from his buddies, and turned to embrace the bride.  He held her close and whispered the same words he'd said to her earlier that morning, "Be happy, Baby Doll."

"I am, Shawn.  I promise."

He released her and turned to take his seat, only to come face to face with his wife.  Still openly weeping, but laughing at the same time, she put a hand on either side of his face and said, "You are a wonderful man, and I love you."  Then she kissed him soundly, much to the delight of the crowd.

As the three men took their seats, all eyes turned to the maid of honor.  Of course, anyone who wasn't looking at her before certainly was when Shawn announced, "You're up Stace!  Make it good!"

"Yeah, and if you do," John's voice carried easily over the crowd, "maybe Mrs. Michaels will kiss you too!"

Casting a wearied glance over her slim shoulder to John's haughty smirk, Stacy rose slowly from the table and shook her head doubtfully, on her way to where the microphone awaited her. "Just for the record - particularly since they had the audacity to add fantastic Mr. Red and his words into the mix as well - I want y'all to know that I made one simple semi-selfless request of my dearest friends over here. On more than one occasion, mind you, they both promised me that I wouldn't have to follow Shawn today," she whispered, her last few words resulting in a giggle, when she lifted the contraption to her mouth and addressed the crowded reception hall.

"They knew that there's not a person on this planet that could ever feel comfortable following that man when it comes to toasts. When it comes to anything like this actually. And yet, they still purposely did it, and I find myself trying to come up with something that won't be forgotten ten minutes later and won't completely disappoint all of you." She sighed dramatically, dabbing at the corner of her eye. "I may just decide to hate them both from here on out, and never say a nice word about either of them ever again. I think that's what they both deserve." The happy couple continued to beam at her in amused anticipation.

"Go on, baby," her date for the evening called out, lifting his glass with a wink.

"You promised," she reminded him, pressing her index finger to her lips, to which he pretended to zip his own.

The blonde transferred her hazel eyes to the gentle expressions on her friends' faces. "Although, come to think of it, perhaps it's really not their fault at all. Maybe I feel out of sorts because I just don't know where to begin, since this is the last page in the book," she noted, returning their warm smiles, "At least, that's what we're told when we're young. This is where we read in the fairytale that the beautiful princess and her hero live happily ever after. It's where they ride off in the sunset together and forget everything bad that they ever encountered on their way to find each other."

She struggled not to glance Stephanie's way. "After all, the seething dragon has been slain, the competition toppled, and all is perfect in their glorious stone castle at the top of the mountain under their golden rainbow - The End. That's all they wrote." Her lips curled upward all the more, as if addressing Hunter and Nan alone more than the audience that awaited another opportunity to salute the newlyweds. "But this is only the beginning. Of so many wonderful things. And that's never been the story that the two of you have written anyway. And between you and me, I think that's what's made all the difference."

Stacy transferred the microphone to her other hand. "I first met Hunter about five years ago. It was in California, and he was literally a friend-of-a-friend, since I met him through Shawn and Rebecca Michaels, when I first joined WCW. Still knowing next to nothing about wrestling at the time, the only thing that made any sense about him to me was his general size. He looked the part. He was a big, powerful, strong guy that could possibly lift a house, if you asked him to," she began with fondness, "You see, believe it or not, I was lucky enough to meet Hunter before I met the Game, and that monstrous sneer of his."

She mimicked the facial gesture as best she could for those gathered, most good-naturedly chuckling along with her and the faux mockery, "We all know that sneer all too well, now don't we? ...Well, that was virtually non-existent in those days. At least around me anyway. In fact, I remember being struck by how goofy he was. He had this infectious smile, this incredible laugh, and always seemed to say something that made me roll my eyes in disgust and bust a gut at the same time." She cast another wise leer at her date and then back at the crowded room. "Suffice it to say, I liked him immediately."

The young woman gazed at the RAW superstar and former champion for a long time, before proceeding, as if choosing her words wisely. There was so much she wanted to say to him. To both of them actually. "But even then, something was missing," she whispered, the statement being amplified by the electronic device between her fingers, "Okay, okay, y'all are quick to assume that it was a championship, a title. I mean, his career ambition is infamous. Consuming. This is a man who has traveled a road of sacrifice, in order to carve out a legacy. A place in a business and company that he has called home. I think it's natural to feel that a few years ago, he was probably looking for that eminent belt." Hunter winked, knowing where her statement was going. "But don't forget those friends we had in common."

"Shawn and Rebecca had been married for all about- ...?" Stacy paused for dramatic effect.

The groom lifted his hand in the air, fingers splayed out wide. "Five minutes."

The brunette in question groaned in partial annoyance, "It wasn't five minutes, Hunter."

"Five minutes, Beck," he emphasized, leaning across his bride in the process.

Mrs. Michaels turned somewhat. "C'mon, I have told you a million times alread-..."

John appeared to be enjoying the impromptu argument between the two, spurring Stacy to cough at the unexpected interruption. "Okay, so maybe ten minutes is closer to the truth," she teased to her female friend's shrug and frown, "Regardless, Shawn and Rebecca were newly married - less than a year - and were already expecting a baby. They were so happy that the coldest cynic would have been spouting love sonnets after spending an hour with them." Kevin cackled, until he received an elbow to the sternum, to which Stacy nodded with satisfaction. "Hunter looked at them with such longing. They had what he wanted. What he needed, even if, at the time, he wasn't quite certain he wanted to admit it to himself." The groom looked to be ready to speak his peace, but wisely silenced himself.

"All he knew was that, unlike that unattainable belt, something like that could belong to everybody. It should belong to everybody. There should already be a perfect person out there for you." A recovering Nash smirked, when her eyes fell upon him. "He had been friends with Shawn for years, and had watched first-hand the transformation that had taken place when Becky walked into his life. It was like everything that his buddy had lived for suddenly faded away, and he found what he had been looking for all along." Her gaze traveled to indigo blues that she knew better than those of anybody else. "I say this with profound certainty, because Hunter wasn't the only one watching them. I was, as well."

"Unbeknownst to me, however, he had already met her. Knew her name. Knew her face. Knew practically everything about her. Probably even knew that he had already begun to fall in love with her," she added with a touch of sarcasm mixed in for good measure, "But was just too scared to do anything about it."

Hunter shook his head. "You might be the only person ever allowed to say that to me."

"Why do you think I chose the wedding toast to do it?" she indicated, sticking out her tongue, "Which brings me to his blushing bride over here." Nan sat up straight, prepared for Stacy's emotional appraisal. "By the way, if you ever wonder why women go to the bathroom in groups, ...or at least, in pairs, ...it's because if they don't, and they find themselves alone in there with another woman, they're legally obligated to become lifelong best friends with her, whether they like the idea or not. It's in that pamphlet that they give you at your very first slumber party."

John snickered aloud, drawing the stare of everybody in attendance. "That's good. I think I'm gonna steal that."

"Sshhhh!!!"

Uncharacteristically, he became insulted at the thought of being publicly shushed. "What?!" he yelped with a profound scowl, "Baby, it was funny. I was trying to compliment you!"

The blonde returned his grimace, not at all fooled by his innocent act. "I'm warning you, Cena, if you don't shut the hell up, somebody's gonna come by and bound and gag your stupid ass," she plagued, forgetting the live microphone in her manicured hand until it was broadcast across the entire room, "And don't think it'll be too tough for me to find ready and willing volunteers to do it either!"

Female laughter of friends and strangers alike could be overheard behind raised napkins politely lifted over painted mouths, along with Carol's high-pitched reprimand of "Stacy Keibler!" from one of the other tables.

"Sorry," she mouthed to the older woman and then back at the bride and groom. However, none of them seemed permanently bothered by her minor faux pas. "Needless to say, Nan's personality has always been as large as Hunter's muscles and as fiery as her trademark tresses," she recalled with regard, "From the moment I first met her at a RAW show a little less than three years ago, I've thought that she's the most fearless woman that I know. She fights for what she believes in, for who she believes in, and she refuses to live with regret. The thought of failing and falling don't deter her from going after what she wants out of her life. They're almost not an option, because life as a whole is too precious to live with what-ifs."

The blonde was grateful that Ava wasn't far from her line of sight, as the dark-haired beauty glanced discreetly to the man by her side, blushing when baby blue eyes met her chocolate brown ones. Stacy watched the quick shy smile pass between them, keenly aware how it touched something deep inside her. "At the time, I think that I was searching to do the same with my own life, but hadn't quite perfected the knack. I wanted to change so many things about how I was living, but was always afraid of what it might cost me in the long-run. That's the worst thing about dreams - They come true; they don't come free. Because it's what has the ability to ultimately cost us most that we learn to cherish best." The redhead was soon her focus once more, the two women saying more in a look than some could say in an entire conversation. "Again, I liked her immediately too, and I hoped that her bravery would eventually wash over me."

"But looking back now, as true as all that was, that evening, she seemed sad. Lost. Longing for something that I wasn't yet aware of. But she was. She knew him already. Listened to stories as he had. Knew voices as he did. Ran from the same love he did," the diva noted with elevated sentiment, as she reflected back upon what she had been privy to during the last few weeks of Hunter's marriage to Stephanie and what little she had been told about the beginning of this particular union, "Nan remained distinctively aware that her future was with that man, even though at the time, neither was available for new relationships." Despite her best efforts, her grin grew crooked, and she surrendered the idea of attempting to disguise it. "Funny thing about love, it comes a-knockin's when you've begun to give up on it. Even when it's most inconvenient ... Especially when it's most inconvenient."

As Stacy glanced around at her married friends, she took an extra moment to turn back to Hunter and Nan, and drink in how happy they seemed to be. The copper-haired beauty's back remained pressed up against her new husband's chest, his strong arm draped lazily behind her shoulder. She wanted to see that for all of her friends. Joy unspeakable. She hadn't been able to be there to see it with Shawn and Rebecca, missing their wedding by roughly five months of course, but she promised herself that she'd be there for everybody else that she loved.

"They say that you should consider yourself lucky if you see true-blue magic like that up-close once in your life. Well, I've been blessed to see it a few times already. And frankly, when I first found out that they were a couple, a part of me wasn't surprised at all. I was relieved, pleased, and most of all, grateful, since they both deserved the opportunity to hold on to what they had been searching for, for far too long."

"And three months ago, I was honored to be asked to be maid-of-honor here today. However, that presented me with two very important jobs. First off, to keep the bride sane." Her cinnamon orbs lifted to the couple a few tables over that she had met outside the church in the chaos of Nan's pre-ceremony jitters and waved at them casually. "And well, you may need to defer to the experts as to the degree of success that I obtained in that particular department. It might actually surprise you." John craned his neck painfully, trying to get a good look at her intended target, peering back suspiciously at the blonde, when it still didn't register to him who they were.

"But the other was to try to encapsulate the love between these two people for this toast. I've just told you the miracle that I have witnessed in each of them, but over the last few weeks, I've come to the conclusion that it's nearly impossible for me to do something like that. I haven't been through their struggles, cried their tears, or felt their hearts break on lonely nights as they have. I'd be the first to tell you that there are very few people that can truthfully say that they know them both as well as I do, but still I feel out of place when I consider treading on holy ground. I would only trivialize what they share, and I would never want to do that."

Stacy felt her tears burgeoning behind her eyes once more, but found it futile to fight them. "But I do want to stand up here tonight and celebrate with them the first day of the rest of their lives together. After all, I've been there to see their laughter, ...And a fight or two, ...Times that they've fought alongside one another, ...And when neither of them felt strong enough to go on, ...Moments when I've been forced to glance away because the look that passed between them was so private that I was guilty for even being in their midst, ...And other times that I just couldn't do that, because it was in those many situations - both wonderful and terrible - that their love grew more secure, durable, and enduring. That to peek away would almost be a sin," she clarified, beginning to sniffle.

"You see, there is no fairytale here - No white knight, or charging steed, or helpless damsel. But it's true and real and something that isn't going to fade over the course of time. It isn't contingent upon beauty, or money, or convenience, because the two of them were hooked onto the other before they even shared their first kiss." Her pretty face brightened, as she whispered into the microphone, "Because as someone once told me, when two people belong together, it's only so long before they just know is love."

Recalling the continuing tale of first love that they all had been told over the last few days by the Cenas, the RAW diva commenced affectionately, "As some of you may know, the past few weeks, we've been in Australia, and where they arranged for the two of us to stay, there was a lighthouse that was built in memory of two legendary lovers. They were young. Barely into their teens, when, as it was custom back then, the boy was shipped off to sea. Each morning, his love, being left behind, rowed out from the mainland to this little stretch of island, where they used to swim together, where they used to laugh for hours, where they shared their first kiss. At sunset, she would light a candle and send him a message in a bottle."

Memories of many starry-skyed evenings spent out on the very same shore with the man she herself adored fluttered through her mind. "One day it would be a prayer for his safety, ...or a song that they had once sung together, ...or sometimes just some words of love. Whatever had been lain upon her heart throughout that day." She dabbed at the corner of her eye. "She did this faithfully for thirty years, after everybody else she knew stopped believing that he was even alive anymore-..."

"Until one day - rainy and stormy and dark and windy - she thought her eyes had begun playing tricks on her, as she believed that she saw a light smoldering where she would spend her hours waiting for him. When she finally came ashore, she saw a man with his own candle. Older. His hair no longer so thick as it once was. His middle not as thin as it once was either. At first, she didn't quite recognize him."

Rebecca began to sniffle openly, causing both Stacy and the bride to roll their eyes and shake their heads with toothy grins. It wouldn't be long before the two of them lost it as well. "Until she heard his voice call out to her. Met the smile that still filled her dreams. Found herself drawn to the serenity of his eyes and their loving embrace. She knew that it was her love, and that, just as he had never left her thoughts, she had never left his."

"And he clenched in his now rough hand one of the first notes that she had ever sent him in the bottle. It was one where she described their future life when he returned. Their children, holidays, growing old together, and even went as far as to take the initiative to ask him to marry her as soon as they found one another once again," the blonde narrated with a blush, "He had found it floating alongside his boat only days after it had been sent, and he had slept with it underneath his pillow at night, secretly holding her to that very promise. It was in that same moment, that he bent down on one knee and pledged the love that he had done when he was only a boy." She winked at John's father. "Meaning it more in growing age than youth could have ever fathomed."

Nan sparked up when the blonde's male counterpart unexpectedly handed her the intricately-wrapped package that had been hidden securely underneath Stacy's chair the night before. With only a quick peek over her shoulder at her groom, she started to tear the paper from the heavy object inside. It was a folded picture frame. On one side was a brown and white photo of she and Hunter the day of Stacy's birthday party in West Newbury a few months before. They were situated along one side of the picnic table, and the guest of honor had assisted Jack in taking the snapshot before the tender moment passed. It had always been one of Stacy's favorites, because she felt that it captured the dynamic between her two friends perfectly. They were so comfortable in each other's arms, and the love that cast back at the young photographer amidst his task was apparent to everybody in attendance. On the other side of the figure lay the words that the maid-of-honor was prepared to read to all of them that day.

"The natives built that lighthouse to commemorate the kind of love that could lead the forgotten and lost to the one that dwelt within them eternally. On the rock where they say that she sat for decades, there's a poem transcribed. And as I have been known to be a pretty huge fan of poetry nowadays, I thought of the appropriateness of these words on a day like this. Because some feelings are universal, and I figured you two would know their meaning as well as any couple that I know-..." 

Now, we will feel no rain,
For each of us will be shelter to one another.
Now, we will feel no cold,
For each of us will be warmth to one another.
Now, we will feel no darkness,
For each of us will be light to one another.
Now there is no loneliness and despair,
For each of us will be guide and guard to one another.
Now, there are no secrets,
No fear,
No pain,
No loss,
For each of us will be truth to one another.

We are two bodies,
But there is one life before us.
One home.
One heart.
One soul.
One love.

When evening falls, and quiet sets in around me,
I'll look to my side, and there you'll be,
As you have always been,
My constant friend, partner, and protector,
And I'll take your hand, and you'll take mine,
And we'll turn to the road that we traveled to reach this…
The hour of our happiness,
Our past stretches far behind us,
And our future lies ahead.

A long and winding road,
Where every turning means discovery.
Old hopes
New laughter
Shared tears.
Days of brave adventure.

If you shall ever stumble, I will lift you up.
If I shall ever fall, you will carry me home.
Your victory shall be my pride.
Your shame my deepest wound.
When you are not strong, my faith will awaken you.
When I think myself lost, your courage will seek me out.
We shall find refreshing in the sanctuary and serenity of each other.

Today, we are vowed to one another,
Through word and deed.
To the world by the symbol we wear about our hand.
And we are connected eternally for all of time before God,
Where there is no beginning and no end.
We only stand here together.
We are one, and our promise is true,
Now and forever
Until forgiveness and patience leads us to that place where only love exists. 

Stacy swiped lightly at the moisture upon her eyelashes. "Over the past few years, I have learned from Hunter and Nan what it means to be truly committed to another person. In both your heart and in your tangible actions. To find that compromise and middle ground needed to share your life with him or her, even in the face of obstacle and misunderstanding. I've learned the importance of seizing the moment when it presents itself. Because you can't go back. You can never go back. We have to live for today. Not for what was, or what could have been. And what will be, none can ever say."

"But sometimes, you just have to step out blindly in faith and believe that what you have built together is worth preserving. And that what is ahead of you is not only worth preserving, but also anxiously looked forward to. Because when you're made for each other as much as these two so clearly are, it's definitely - definitely - worth preserving and sharing with others. It makes believers out of everybody around you, no matter how skeptical they can be, and encourages them to remember their own blessings." Around the microphone, she blew the bride and groom a double-handed kiss. "I love you both so much, and wish you a lifetime of joy, love, and laughter. May the days of your past be the darkest that you will ever know, as you rest together in what is to come."

"So, with no further silly adieu, if you will all be so kind as to join me," Stacy replied, while sniffling back the tears that threatened to mess up her carefully-applied makeup. Glancing around in confusion for the champagne flute that she had mistakenly forsaken in her earlier frustrated haste, she tossed John a grateful look, when he reached for it, stood smoothly to his feet, and carried it, along with his own, out to where she was waiting beside the end of the long table. Silently, he kissed her temple tenderly, placing his hand upon her hip. "In raising our glasses, and offering our best wishes, to…"

Tossing her flaxen hair off her right shoulder, she affectionately winked back at the handsome man pressed against the back of her, in order to allow him to finish the rest of her toast, as he had been rather eager to do all evening. "And lemme just say, it's about damn freakin' time too, ...Please y'all, g'head and raise your glasses to the absolutely brand-spanking-new Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Hearst Helmsley!" he cheered aloud, while the couple, with the rest of wedding party and invited guests, extended their arms out together towards where the newlyweds were seated in the center. "Evviva gli sposi!"

"Per cent'anni!!" his parents, cousin, and Ava hollered out exuberantly.

Smiling widely Red stood and lifted the microphone one last time, settling the crowd.  "Again, we'd like to thank you all for coming.  The party will be going on for some time this afternoon.  So please, we invite you to stay, enjoy the fine food and music.  And let's do this again sometime."  He fixed a pointed dark stare - that all in attendance could see - on his oldest granddaughter and her escort.  "Say when some