It had been a fun evening at the apartment of Sheila Downes, Miriam Dwyer's bestie, to make up for the party she and Lucas had missed a week earlier because of his head injury, the result of his encounter with a murderer. Everyone had listened to him recount the jaw-dropping tale of his violent encounter with the bloodthirsty criminal. Well, maybe not bloodthirsty, just desperate and stupid.

He was glad that the menu wasn't a repeat of last week's party faire: hotlinks, mac-n-cheese cupcakes, popcorn with melted snickers on top, and chocolate beer. Eww. Tonight they'd been served burgers, chips, waffle doughnuts, and beer to wash everything down.

The tall, gangly, Assistant ME was also very glad that he could now call Miriam his GF. His girlfriend. Wow! Seems like a long time since he'd been able to call anyone that. Almost a year! And she was pretty. And she was nice. And smart. And he loved the way her eyes sparkled and her face lit up whenever she looked at him. Her slender hand and slim fingers intertwined perfectly with his. Her skin was so soft. Her laughter filled him and made him grin silly. But best of all, she really seemed to like him, too. The way it felt so comfortable to share even little things with each other about themselves ... was ... awesome.

Careful, he cautioned himself. Don't slide down into that love tunnel alone again. Make sure her heart wants the same thing that your heart wants this time, dude. Til then ... one step at a time. One ... freakin' ... step at a time.

Before he knew it, they were standing outside Miriam's door. The disappointment on her face that signaled they were at the end of their first date, was mirrored on his own. It pleased him that she seemed as reluctant to say goodbye as he was. Their hands still intertwined, they now faced each other. Well, as best they could since he towered head and shoulders over her. But she eagerly met his gaze with her upturned face.

"Well, um, I guess this is goodnight," Miriam shyly said, biting her lower lip.

"Yeah," Lucas replied, sighing nervously.

"I don't kiss a guy on a first date," she suddenly announced.

"Oh, me neither," Lucas replied, shaking his head, then grimacing at what he knew was a dumb reply. " I mean, I totally get that. Yeah."

"Hope you don't think that's too old-fashioned." Was it just him, he wondered, or had she just stepped closer to him?

"Oh, oh, nooooo, not old-fashioned, you're just, just exercising your prerogative as an independent woman." He bobbed his head up and down and though disappointed (VERY disappointed) he managed to fix a thoughtful look on his face. "I, I totally ... respect that."

"I'm so glad you feel that way," she whispered and stepped even closer to him, placing them toe-to-toe. "About a woman exercising her prerogative, I mean." Her lips were somehow now inches away from his own. He felt her warm breath against his cheek.

"A-a-and, uh, yeah, yeah," he stammered and realized that she was on her tiptoes and he was bending down. No. She was pulling him down toward her by gripping his jacket.

"Lucas?" she asked with wide-eyed innocence.

"Yeah," he replied, swallowing.

"Kiss me," she said with brazen determination. Before he could reply, she crushed her lips against his and his feet left the earth, just ... left ... left the earth, skyrocketing him halfway to Heaven. After a few moments, they broke contact and, struggling to maintain their composure as they took in needed oxygen, moved slowly away from each other.

"Nite," she said and disappeared behind her closing door.

Lucas smiled, savoring the memory of the moment, then turned and walked down the street toward the subway entrance. His long legs threatened to buckle on him as his muscles twitched from nervousness. Giddy nervousness. A young couple of college age passed by him and the guy, noticing the broad smile still on Lucas' face, jokingly asked, "Nice night, huh, buddy?"

"Yeooowww!" was Lucas' unbridled response and he raised his fisted arms up in a Rocky Balboa victory pose, prompting the young couple to simultaneously gasp and walk more briskly away from him. What did he care if they thought he was crazy? Crazy in love. In love? So soon? Thass right! Crazy in love.

vvvv

From the end of the previous chapter, #14 ...

[Jo] came to a halt directly in front of Henry, her hands on her hips, her mouth set in a straight line. "We have to talk."

"Ah, yes, ah, let's go into my office."

Once inside, Jo stomped over to his desk and heaved a deep sigh, her shoulders rising and falling in conjunction.

"Jo, darling, whatever has upset you so?" He placed his hand on her waist and pulled her close and stroked her cheek with his other.

"The caterer's a crook! He's charging us $15,000 for just the dumb cake!"

vvvv

Eight days later (from the cake discussion) and three days (after Lucas' and Miriam's first date) at the home of Mike and Karen Hanson ...

"So glad we got that cake business straightened out with the caterer," Jo sighed in relief as she turned and pivoted in front of a full-length mirror.

She wanted everything to be perfect: her hair, her dress, the wedding, the entire day. In less than an hour, she would become Mrs. Henry Morgan. Henry had not seen her dress yet because she'd wanted to surprise him. There was little left, she'd imagined, that could surprise an Immortal, who'd had many more life experiences than the combined experiences of those gathered to witness their ceremony. And this was going to be a small but hopefully, memorable surprise for him. It had been difficult at times to keep her apparel choices hidden from him, but he'd also kept her in the dark about what he'd wear as the groom. So ... tit for tat.

Her mother, sister and she had chosen for her, a sleeveless, ivory-colored gown of silk and lace. A one-inch wide belt of pink, silk ribbon around the waistline, accentuated the fitted bodice. The asymmetrical, draped-edge skirt was ankle length in the back and flowed in three layers of graduated lengths up and around her legs to criss-cross just above the knee in the front. The gown's toga-style neckline worked well to hide a bullet scar just above her collar bone near her right shoulder. Pink champagne-colored, open-toed high heels complemented the ribbon belt. Instead of a full veil, she'd chosen an elegant cage bridal veil with pearls spaced two inches apart from each other. They lightly accented the veil's edge which was attached to a metal comb with decorative pearls along the comb's edge.

Her makeup was minimal but flawless. Younger sister, Jamila, was an expert makeup consultant and knew just how much was needed to bring out her beautiful, brown, almond-shaped eyes and perfectly sculpted cheekbones. And she'd chosen to wear her hair unparted, swept loosely to the side, and gathered on the left side of the nape of her neck, just below her ear. The remainder of her outwardly curled long tresses were loosely tucked up into the gathered portion, forming a bouffant, loosely-formed bun. Some of the long strands fell attractively across her bare shoulder. Three long-pronged hair pins, specially designed to match the antique pearl necklace and earring set she wore, secured the bun at its gathering point.

Henry did know about the necklace and earrings, for they had belonged to his mother long before his father had tainted their wealth and possessions with ill-gotten gains from the slave trade; and, although antiques, their beauty was timeless.

"As timeless as your own beauty, my dear," he told her with a smile and glistening eyes.

The ring he would place on her finger to seal their union had once belonged to his grandmother - his mother's mother - and was also untainted by any profit from the slave trade. That was important to him, for his lady deserved all that was clean and pure.

"You look lovely, Josefina," her mother, Racquel, happily remarked. "My daughter, Mi Hija, marrying a doctor today." She fished a handkerchief from her purse and dabbed at her eyes then blew her nose. Loudly. "And a handsome one, too." She smiled through her tears at her daughter.

"Yeah, first a handsome lawyer, now a handsome doctor," Jo's younger sister, Jamila, laughingly noted. She and her mother exchanged rueful looks when they saw Jo subtly lower her eyes at the reference to her deceased husband, Sean Moore.

"B-but, that's a good thing," Racquel nervously added, trying to cover for her younger daughter's carelessness. "These nice, young men know a good woman when they meet her." She frowned and swiped a hand at Jamila behind Jo's back, then schooled her features back into a forced smile when Jo raised her eyes again.

"Sorry, Jo, didn't mean to say anything to bring you down," Jamila said apologetically.

Jo turned to them both with a bright smile on her face and said, "Oh, don't worry, hermanita. Nothing can spoil my happiness today." She took both of Jamila's hands in hers and squeezed them. "And I'm sure that Sean is smiling down on us right now."

vvvv

Karen Hanson had gladly given Jo full use of their master bedroom in order to prepare for the ceremony. She had ached to be up there, also, helping with Jo's hair and wardrobe, but realized that her managerial skills were sorely needed downstairs with the guests and in the kitchen. Especially in the kitchen. Her Hanson boys (including the biggest one, her husband, Mike) had to be kept away from the hors d'oeuvres and that $15,000 cake at all cost! Henry had shared with her, the secret hidden within the cake for Jo. But it was time. She sent Mike up to notify Jo so he could walk her down the stairs and down the aisle. Or rather, the makeshift aisle in their living room. They'd cleared out all the furniture and borrowed folding chairs from their church's bingo hall to accommodate the 27 guests. That didn't include the minister and the three-member catering staff.

They both had been proud and elated that Jo asked Mike to give her away. That is, after they'd gotten over the shock of finding out that she and Henry had been secretly engaged for months and their wedding was only a few days away.

"Jo, you sure? I mean, yeah, I'd be more than happy to, but I don't wanna step on anybody's toes here."

"Well, since you're always acting like my big brother, trying to protect me, giving me advice - "

"Which you usually ignore," he pointed out, wagging a finger at her.

She put her hands on her hips and tilted her head to the side. "Look, you want the job or not?"

"Yeah!" They then laughed and bear-hugged each other.

As the organist, Jo's Aunt Valentina, played the first chords of "Here Comes the Bride", Mike felt Jo's hand grip his arm tighter. He glanced down at her as they approached the small staircase and asked if she was all right. She clutched her bouquet and assured him with a quick nod and a nervous, but happy smile, that she was. He patted her hand with his other hand and they descended the stairs.

All eyes were on her as they made their way up the aisle. She couldn't believe it. She was actually getting married to Henry Morgan, who, a few years ago, she'd described as the weirdest, creepiest guy she'd ever met. A few family members and friends from the NYPD and OCME were in attendance - even Lt. Reece. She had decided to come, despite previously declining because of departmental rules that discouraged her to fraternize with her subordinates. As they passed by her, Jo could swear that she saw Reece dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, her shoulders shaking.

On the same row was Lucas and his new girlfriend, Miriam, both with ear-to-ear smiles. Next to Lucas was Paul Fields and his girlfriend, Sylvia Manning. She'd met them only once when Henry had invited them over for dinner. Henry had taken the opportunity to share his secret with Paul, who'd laughed heartily at having had his suspicions confirmed about him. The four of them looked forward to cultivating their friendship.

A few rows up, she saw Fawn Mahoney, Abe's childhood sweetheart, who smiled and winked at her. Next to her were his friend, Morty, and his two Vietnam vet friends, Marcus and Jerry.

Drawing closer to the front where Henry stood, she focused solely on him. Astonishingly handsome, as usual, she'd left it up to him to keep his scruff or go with the clean shaven look. He'd chosen clean shaven, which made him look even younger than his actual 35 years. His dark brown curls with chestnut highlights were expertly, suavely tamed. Dressed in a meticulously well-tailored black tuxedo, an ivory-colored dress shirt, pink champagne-colored cummerbund - how did he know? - and a pink carnation in his lapel, he looked just fabulous. But how did he know to have his tailor coordinate his outfit with the colors in hers? She couldn't be angry, though; not while he looked at her with those incredible eyes of his, filled with such complete love.

vvvv

From the moment she'd appeared on the stairs, his eyes had not left her. Perhaps he had even barely breathed, taking in her unbelievable beauty. It was as if an angel had descended from Heaven in the form of Josefina Martinez and ... saved him. He realized that he was a lucky man to have been saved by the love of a good woman even once in his long life. But twice? That was pushing the limits of what the universe allowed for true happiness to be bestowed on one person, wasn't it?

His lips refused to work themselves into a smile and he hoped that he didn't look too serious, too solemn. But a smile was too small a gesture for this moment. Instead, he was rooted to the spot; in awe of the woman approaching him. The fact that she had accepted him not only as a friend first but now as a life companion still left him awestruck. Grateful. He felt totally undeserving to even be in her presence. Her gaze eventually locked with his and the fluttering in his heart increased as she grew closer. The dawning realization that spread over her face as she took in their color-coordinated apparel finally helped his smile emerge. She said nothing, though, as they now stood only a foot apart from each.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" the minister asked with great ceremonial aplomb.

Mike squared his shoulders and responded in kind. "I do."

He allowed Jo to release her grip on his arm and step forward to stand by Henry's side. They really did make a good-looking couple, he thought, and temporarily forgot that his part in the ceremony was over. Quickly gathering his wits about him, he cleared his throat and scooted away, sliding into the empty seat next to his wife which generated a few titters and raised eyebrows from all in attendance.

The minister, Paul Romero, had known Jo's family since she was a child. He had not had the privilege of officiating at her first wedding but was proud and happy that she'd chosen him this time.

Right before the ceremony, Jamila had given Minister Romero a decorative box that held 13 gold coins that she had been safekeeping. He had turned them over to Abe, the best man, to hold until they were required. The "Dearly beloved" portion over, the coins were now introduced into the ceremony and their significance explained.

Minister Romero: "The symbolism of the 13 gold coins in this ceremony is that the groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for his wife. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence." He paused, gripping his bible to his chest, a sheepish look on his face, and continued.

"Of course, in today's day and age, either or both spouses can 'bring home the bacon' (mild laughter) but it is an old, tradition that has its roots in Spain. Today, it is more symbolic of the trust and confidence pledged between two betrotheds." He breathed in deeply and jokingly added, "Not whose paycheck is bigger." (more laughter).

"As I count out the 13 coins and place them in the groom's (Henry's) hands, they also represent different values that the couple desire to share between themselves: love, harmony, cooperation, commitment, peace, happiness, trust, respect, caring, wisdom, joy, wholeness and nurturing. May these coins be a symbol of this couple's mutual love, fidelity and trust.

"Henry, please repeat after me."

"I, Henry, give you, Josefina, these 13 coins as a symbol of my unquestionable trust and confidence I place in you as my beloved wife. As we unite our lives today I share all material responsibility with you." He dropped the coins one by one into her cupped, open hands, then placed the closed, decorative box into her hands on top of the coins.

"Josefina, please repeat after me."

"I, Josefina, accept these coins and assure you of my dedication in sharing our possessions and my total and unconditional love."

"In exchanging these coins, Henry and Josefina are essentially saying, 'What's mine is yours and what's yours is mine'."

"I bless these coins knowing that they are also symbolic of the unlimited good the universe has in store for this loving couple. I accept this for Henry and Josefina. And so it is, in Yeshua's name, Amen."

The coins were placed back into the box and passed back to Abe. It was now time for the exchange of vows.

"Do you, Henry William Morgan, take this woman ... " (I do).

"Do you, Josefina Patricia Martinez, take this man ... (I do).

"The rings, please."

"With this ring, I, thee wed ... " (Henry).

"With this ring, I, thee wed ... " (Jo).

"By the power vested in me by the City, County, and State of New York, I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

The newlyweds, at first, appeared nervous as they hesitated just a second, their faces inches apart, unspoken words of love shared in their gazes. But at each other's touch, they quickly closed the gap between themselves.

As their lips met, their eyes closed and in that moment, the world had a population of only two. They moved their heads gently from side to side, he, with arms wrapped around her waist, clutching her to him; she, caressing the back of his head and pulling him ever closer with her other arm draped around his shoulders. They deepened the kiss and took it to a serious level, prompting the others to drop their eyes or roll them slowly away from them in order to give them some privacy.

Just when Abe was about to clear his throat or nudge his father with an elbow, the couple pulled themselves apart, blushing from the sudden re-awareness of the others around them.

Minister Romero calmed his slight grin into a more sedate smile and announced, "Let us pray."

Everyone bowed their heads as he prayed out loud.

"Father in Heaven, You ordained marriage for Your children, and You gave us love. We present to You, Henry and Josefina, who came this day to be married. May the covenant of love they made be blessed with true devotion and spiritual commitment."

"We thank You for giving them the ability to keep the covenant they have made:

"When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give moral strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness. If suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. And so it is, in Yeshua's name, Amen."

The minister instructed the newlyweds to turn and face the congregation, which they did, still blushing a bit and tightly holding each other's hand.

"I present to the world, Mr. Henry Morgan and Mrs. Josefina Martinez-Morgan. God bless you all."

The wedding march was played and everyone jumped to their feet, applauding enthusiastically as the couple walked back down the aisle and out the side door into the backyard that had been set up for the reception. The crowd followed them outside while Abe executed another of his best man duties and monetized the minister.

He then walked over to join Fawn, kissed her on the cheek, and wearily confessed, "Thought I'd never live to see the day." Fawn rolled her eyes playfully at him and tugged him by the arm to join the others outside.

vvvv

So, that's the end of this long tale. As the sun sets in the East (screee-eech!) Oh, you guys wanna know what the secret was inside the cake? Adam's official death certificate! LOL jk. No. Two, one-way, first-class tickets to Paris, France. I'm not sure how much that actually costs, but the caterer was so jazzed by Henry's idea to surprise Jo in that manner, that he didn't charge them for the cake, at all. He figured that he could use Henry's idea as a marketing tool to entice future customers.

END (for real)