Chapter 16 If You Wanna Be My Lover

"I don't know about you Annie," Eric said as the extended family (sans Matt, the boys and a eight-months-pregnant Sarah) sat down to dessert the day before New Year's Eve. "But I can't believe that not only is Simon getting married in a matter of days…"

"But Ruthie is eighteen already!" Annie finished for him tear droplets forming in her brown eyes. The people in question turned toward each other and exchanged embarrassed glances.

Simon bit his lip. "And on that note, I think I'd like to go to bed," Ruthie requested, taking one last bite of Annie's famous homemade chocolate mousse birthday cake.

"You is already sleepy Auntie Ruth?" Charlie eyebrows knitted in confusion. The numbers on the kitchen clock were still a mystery to the four-year-old but they had just now finished eating and Nana and Grandpa always ate early.

Ruthie nodded. "Yeah, buddy I am a tad sleepy."

"Your Auntie Ruthie has had a bit of a tough time the past couple of days sweetie," Mary tried to explain the situation to Charlie without going into too much of the conversation she had had with Simon the other day. "Lucy's in fine form, causing trouble again!" she had thought as she had hung up the phone.

"Is something wrong amor?" Mary didn't notice she had been glaring at Lucy until Carlos shook her shoulder.

"I'm fine," Mary replied casting her eyes down. "Carlos why don't you give my sister a lift upstairs and then we can head home."

"I'll carry her up, " Simon volunteered waving at Carlos to sit back down and gently bringing Ruthie into his arms. He smiled as imagining her in his arms as the crossed the threshold of their home in Connecticut. "Be right back," he whispered. She nodded. Carefully he nudged open the door to Ruthie's room and gently tucked the blanket around her.

"So did you have a good birthday, Ruthie?" Simon inquired sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Yeah." She smiled dreamily. It had been a decent birthday in almost all respects. As a little girl Ruthie had never understood what could be so special about a single day. The only bad thing about it was that due to the second injury her movement had been restricted even more severely. "No bearing weight!" had been the doctor's exact words, and her recovery prolonged for another week. Ruthie was to be wheeled or carried everywhere.

Being eighteen Ruthie wasn't too keen on being put to bed like her little nieces and nephews, but if she didn't have a choice on the matter she was glad it was Simon who was helping her. At least this way she could have lots of time with her big brother before he and Deena moved off to Connecticut. "Only a few more days," Ruthie said to herself shutting her eyes against the unpleasantness of the thought.

"Okay I get the point," Simon laughed misreading his sister's reaction. "I'll get out of your way before you get any more tired out than you already are." He dropped a kiss of her forehead before plunging the room into darkness and softly closing the door behind himself as Ruthie finally dropped into a deep sleep…

"Sam! Give it!" came the yell that startled Ruthie from her respite the following morning. The sun gleamed brightly through her window and was almost completely overhead which meant it had to be at least eleven.

She sighed. Since Matt, Mary, Lucy, Simon had moved out in their early childhood the twins had grown up in a relatively empty house where they ordinarily didn't have to worry about waking anyone who might actually want to spend their Christmas break sleeping in. Ruthie groaned into a pillow, trying to block out the unwelcome noise but her empty stomach refused to be ignored, decidedly crushing any hope of further sleep.

"Hello!" Ruthie called sitting up straighter in her bed. Hopefully someone—it was usually one of her parents—was insane enough to also get up early. No one answered. "Convalescent seeking assistance!" she tried again and could swear she heard someone chuckle as they ascended the stairs.

"That's a big word even for someone with your impressive vocabulary, Ruth," Martin laughed from where he stood in the doorway. "Whatever happened to 'I need a lift'?"

"Ha, ha." Ruthie responded flatly as her old friend lifted her into his arms. "What are you doing here?

"I'm supposed to be helping set up for the rehearsal dinner tonight," Martin explained as they approached the staircase.

"Where is everyone anyway?"

"Let's see," he said, beginning to tick off names "Lucy and Kevin are at home. Simon is in the garage apartment trying to calm Annie and Deena, which is difficult because he is on the verge of hysterics himself and this isn't even the actual ceremony. Your uncle Hank and Matt agreed that it would be too much stress on Sarah to attend the rehearsal and the wedding so Eric went down the street to explain Matt's role as groomsman because Sarah's never been to a Christian wedding before and…"

"Sarah's really coming to the wedding tomorrow?" Ruthie interrupted not quite able to keep the shocked note out of her voice.

Martin nodded "The girl may seem sweet but according to your brother she can really twist an arm. Matt finally agreed and asked Hank to bring one of those collapsible bed-on-wheels with him from the hospital but he drew the line on Sarah being a bridesmaid so it will just be you, Lucy, Mary, and Deena's friend from Virginia."

"Coming through!" David screeched just as a remote-controlled helicopter careened past, so close to Martin's face that he had to catch hold of the banister to avoid dropping his charge.

"David, watch where you're flying that thing!" Ruthie commanded sharply. "Not only could Martin have dropped me but he could've fallen too. "

"Sorry," David murmured perfunctorily before he maneuvered the craft back thorough the den's sliding doors.

"See even Ruthie agrees with me about hiding that thing's stupid remote!" Sam gloated triumphantly.

David shook his head. "She never said that did you Ruthie?"

"No I didn't."

"See?" David stuck his tongue at his younger twin. "And anyway if you had even touched my helicopter I would flush that model airplane set of yours down the toilet."

Martin set Ruthie down on the sofa and plopped down next to her their heads swiveling back and forth watching the exchange as if it were a volley in a tennis match.

"Don't you dare," said Sam so intent on winning the quarrel that he didn't notice his mother come in through the front door.

"Morning Mom," greeted Ruthie. Annie smiled at her daughter and at Martin as the twins continued to argue.

"Hello boys," Annie cut in her face etched in a frown. "Want to tell me what's going on here

"Mom," Sam tattled. "Dave said he would—"

Annie sighed. " Look I really don't have time to referee your bickering today. The rehearsal dinner for your brother's wedding is tonight, there are still a few hitches and your brother and Deena are a fine mess trying to get everything settled. So if you would kindly get along for just one day I would greatly appreciate it. Get it, got it, good!"

Ruthie looked at her mother taken aback. The last time she had seen Annie so manic was after Eric suffered his heart attack and she had to take care of the house, five kids, and two newborns all on her own. "Take a breath Mom," she instructed. "Where are Simon and Deena now?"

"In the apartment," Annie huffed, plopping her tired limbs into the easy chair.

Ruthie smiled at her companion, a smile that—try as he might—Martin still couldn't resist. "Fine," he grumbled, feigning inconvenience. "I go see what's going on.

"Thank you," Ruthie called sweetly.

"Yeah, yeah."

Deena had finally finished a long and argumentative conversation with Gladys Bink who was just calling now to discuss how many levels she and Simon wanted the wedding cake to be. Deena had gently pointed out that the ceremony was the next day and she had expected to have the cake done by now.

"Now listen here young lady," Gladys had sniped. "Bride or not you shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I've baked about as many cakes as there are fish in the sea and I am here to tell you that cakes are fresher if you bake them the day before the occasion."

After that all Deena wanted to do was plop in the den and not get up until the ceremony was about to start. She grabbed the remote and began to flip mindlessly through the channels until a local news station came on.

"Good afternoon Glen Oak, California it's twelve o'clock on the button and here is your noontime weather update. It looks like the stars will be out for all New Year's Eve celebration. Unfortunately I can't see the same for our friends on the East Coast. Let's take a look at the nationwide forecast you'll see a big snowstorm making itself comfortable over the Maryland-Virginia area with no intention on moving until at least this time tomorrow. Bad news for those of you travelers who would like to get back across the country to your families as the holidays are winding down. And as for the kids it seems like their white Christmas came a day late and a dollar short." The meteorologist cackled wildly at his own wit. "Back to you at the studio."

"No, no, no, no!" Deena couldn't believe what she was hearing. She and Simon were finally getting to say "I do" after everything that could go wrong in their engagement did and now none of her old friends from college could come because they were stuck in stupid Virginia! This couldn't be happening! She jabbed at the remote button forcing the screen to go blank and ran into the kitchen where Simon was making himself a sandwich.

"What is it sweetie?" He looked up at his fiancée slightly alarmed at her frantic expression not to mention the way she was furiously punching numbers in the phone's keypad. She waved him away and he retreated slightly hurt.

"Hello Glen Oak airport? Yes I'd like to check the status of a flight coming in this afternoon from Richmond Virginia. Yes I know there's a snowstorm but I'm getting married tomorrow so if there's any way you could get my friends' flight in. Some of them are actually in the wedding party, one's my maid of honor…it's just a little blizzard, you can fly in that right? ...Yes I understand Well how long will the planes be grounded…I'm sorry too. Thank you for your help bye."

Hanging up the phone Deena shuffled into the bedroom, and—feeling a sudden chill—crawled under several quilts. Simon sighed and followed her.

"What can I do?" he whispered his brow lined with trouble. "I want to do everything I possibly can to make tomorrow the best day of your life."

Deena turned a stricken face toward Simon. "No one is coming," she whispered as with a creek of bedsprings Simon brought her on to his lap.

"Oh sweetie," he coaxed placing a strand of blond hair behind her ear. "There won't be as many people as we planned, no. But as far as I'm concerned if you'll deign to take me as your husband then I am already the luckiest man alive.

"He's crazy!" Deena thought to herself. "To even think that he not good enough for me. He's only the gentlest, sweetest most perfect man there is."

"The storm isn't affecting the Chicago airport," Simon continued trying to be positive. "That means Jack can come in from Boston and give you away. Jack will be there, and your sister-in-law, and your little nephews, soon to be our little nephews. That's good right?"

"Yeah I guess but what about the rest of my friends? Not only will Carissa not make the rehearsal tonight, which puts me a maid of honor short but the lady just told be that the planes will be stuck back East till this time tomorrow. All my friends are going to miss the wedding and I'm going to be married in an empty church." She put her head on Simon's chest and sobbed.

"You know babe we could always postpone the wedding."

Deena shook her head. "We barely have enough time for the honeymoon as it is before we have to move for your job in Connecticut."

We could still postpone it if we want. Lucy almost had to do the same thing when there was a storm on her wedding day. It was practically a hurricane out there."

"Really, tell me about it."

Flashback (7x18, We Do)

As the thunder continued to crash, Lucy shined the beam of her flashlight on the closed door of Kevin's bedroom, or more accurately, the room Kevin was sleeping in. In reality that room had had a rapid succession of owners over the years. Most recently it had belonged to Robbie before he moved to Florida to be closer to his mom and brothers. "Kevin?" she called. "It's me. Wake up Kevin we need to talk."

Back in the master bedroom a very awake Annie nudged her husband. Lucy— who was not as astute in the art of sneaking around as her baby sister—was making a considerable amount of noise. "Yes I hear her," Eric mumbled sleepily. Annie put a hushing finger to her lips as both sat up and began to listen intently.

Hearing no reply Lucy let herself in the room using the flashlight as an aid as she fumbled in the dark.

"Luce?" Her fiancé blinked rapidly against the bright intrusion.

"Hi," she replied moving to sit on the edge of the bed.

Kevin smiled. "Hi yourself," he chuckled. "Couldn't wait until tomorrow night?"

It took a few minutes for Lucy to respond. "I'm scared," she admitted finally.

"It's going to be fine. I love you."

"But what if no one makes it?"

Kevin gazed into the illuminated face of his love. "You're talking about the wedding right?" he confirmed.

"Of course I am. What did you think I was talking about?"

"The wedding night," said Kevin sheepishly.

"You think I'm scared of…of you," Lucy cried giggling with relief. "Well I'm not. I can't wait. Believe me."

Kevin grinned. It was good to hear that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

The intrigue was becoming too much to bear so Eric and Annie used the renewed darkness of a waning thunderclap to tiptoe into the hallway, and were not at all surprised to find two more flashlight-wielding figures huddled just outside the door.

"Did Lucy say anything to you?" Eric inquired of Ruthie who was normally the first in the know.

"No," she mouthed.

"You think they're going to call it off?" whispered Simon.

"I really don't think so," Annie replied. She exchanged a worried look with Eric as they heard Lucy squeal with laughter.

"What?" Kevin hissed from inside. "Did you think I went to bed in pajamas and a Smoky jacket? I didn't know you were going to wake me up in the middle of the night!"

"It's okay," Lucy replied, still giggling. "Why don't you put something on while I step out into the hall?" Kevin nodded reaching to pick a rumpled shirt off the floor.

Lucy let out a small shriek discovering her entire family outside the door. "What are you guys doing here," she hissed accusingly.

Eric raised his eyebrows. "We might ask you the same question."

Lucy sighed, "I needed to talk to Kevin about what to do with the wedding considering no one can get here and it's still storming!"

As if hearing his name mentioned her now fully dressed fiancé popped his head out, his face immediately becoming flushed in the gleam of the family's flashlights. He cleared his throat sheepishly. "Uh sorry I didn't realize everyone was waiting for me.

"They're not," replied Lucy before anyone else could get a word out. "They were just going back to bed!"

"Without hearing whether or not you're calling off the wedding?" Ruthie cried planting her feet. "I don't think so!"

Kevin turned to her his brows raised in confusion. "Ruthie, we're calling off the wedding.

"But even if the airport opens it's been closed for twenty-four hours," Lucy reminded him. "The flights are going to be backed up."

Kevin looked at her worried eyes and then back at her family. "Do you mind?" he asked pointedly. They reluctantly dispersed as Kevin pulled Lucy into his room and began to kiss her.

"You know," Kevin remarked as they broke away, "as much as I would want Ben, my mom, and Patty-Mary to be at my wedding if they aren't able to make it I'll be ok. We both will."

"You're right," Lucy agreed. "I know you're right but I still really, really want my grandparents and Matt and Mary to be there on my special day."

"Everything will be ok," Kevin promised beginning to kiss her again.

End Flashback

Deena sat and pondered the tale Simon had just finished. "And was it?" she asked after a while. "Was everything okay?"

Simon nodded, "The only person who had to stay in New York because the people at medical school wouldn't let both of them out. Hank and Julie almost didn't make it because Erica and Tommy were getting over the flu, which Hank then gave to Roxanne. Oh yeah Ben and Mrs. Kinkirk got in a honest-to-goodness fistfight with Chandler and Roxanne on their way back from Vegas."

Deena's eyes widened. "A fistfight. Who won?"

Simon shrugged. "There was a big debate about that. All in all it was an interesting day"

"I should think so." She laughed snuggling into him then she asked the question he had been hoping to avoid. "And who was Lucy's maid of honor?"

He sighed. "Mary did it. In her full flight attendant uniform I might add because she just barely made it,"

Deena was quick to catch the note in her boyfriend's voice. "Look," she said, "I know you think I'm being ridiculous about this maid of honor thing and on some level you're right because a maid of honor is technically just another bridesmaid. But it's also a very special role the bride to share with a very important person in her life—usually her best friend. "

Simon nodded. "I know but there will be plenty of other important roles in the future that I'm sure Carissa will fill, like maybe I'll fight off my sister s and let her be our first child's godmother."

Deena leaned over and kissed him but by the look in her eyes Simon could tell she was still thinking about the next day, Suddenly his eyes lit up. "And I think I know someone who would be more than happy to fill in as your maid of honor, in fact I think we already promised her."

"Oh yeah who was that?" Deena wanted to know.

"Well do you remember the all-day evaluation?

Flashback (3x06 The Home Of The Brave)

"Ruthie why don't you take a ride with me and go pick up a parishioner's prescription?" Eric suggested in an effort to break the thick silence that had hung in the kitchen since the seven-year-old had informed Big Lips that Lucy considered him her boyfriend.

"Do I have to?" Ruthie whined.

"Yeah, it'll be…fun" Eric was clearly searching for the right word.

"But I didn't eat," Ruthie pointed out, a situation that was immediately rectified when Lucy shoved a steaming hot dog in her hands.

"See you later," Lucy called as Ruthie started to follow Eric who was already in the backyard.

"Wait a minute Ruthie," said Big Lips and ignoring the look he got from Lucy he produced another hot dog. "Huey's starving."

Ruthie smiled at him. "Boy it's going to hurt when we lose you," she remarked making a face at her sister as she ran toward the car.

Lucy raised her eyebrows at Big Lips. "You do know she stop believing in Huey when she was five, right?"

Big Lips shrugged. "He flew in for the wedding!"

"What have we here?" asked Eric walking through the yard and stopping in front of Simon who was jotting down notes while talking to a blonde girl wearing a black beret. Simon had said earlier that morning that he would be interviewing a potential girlfriend but no one had actually taken him seriously.

Simon looked up from what he had been writing and waved them over. "Oh, good. Dad, Ruthie this is Deena…uh Deena…" He scrunched up his eyes at the paper. "I'm sorry," he admitted sheepishly. "I can't read my own handwriting."

"Stewart," she supplied with a smile as she reached to shake Eric and Ruthie's hands. "Deena Margaret Stewart, but I'm only called that when I'm in trouble. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise." Eric replied. "We have a few names for Simon when he's in trouble too."

"Let's not jump the gun here Dad," Simon interjected.

"Of course not," Eric smirked. "Well please make yourselves at home. Let's go Ruthie."

"I like her," Ruthie whispered in Simon's ear.

"Don't get attached," Simon hissed back as Eric opened the gate but Ruthie put her hand on top of his.

"Huey and I would really like to eat our hot dogs over there," Ruthie told him pointing to where Simon and Deena were sitting. "Is that okay?"

"Well you know what a mess Huey usually makes eating in the car. Go ahead," Eric winked handing her the food and making his way to the drugstore.

"What are we doing?" Ruthie asked as she skipped back plopping herself between Deena and Simon. She chewed her hot dog loudly to Simon's chagrin.

"We were just discussing whether I believe in marriage before college or waiting until after graduation," Deena answered patiently before turning back to Simon, "I kind of like the idea of going to college as a married couple. I know it's not traditional but I like to be different and creative when I do something."

End Flashback

"I probably would of married you earlier if you hadn't moved away", Simon confessed kissing Deena's cheek.

"I would've liked that." Deena smiled. "But in a way I'm kind of glad you didn't. I mean think about it, would it really have lasted if we married in high school or even during college."

Simon shrugged. "We had the whole thing planned out since we were twelve but back then Ruthie would have been maid of honor."

"Maiden of honor," Deena reminded him giggling, a light-bulb going off in her head. "And you think Ruthie wouldn't mind?"

"I don't think she would but we'd better ask Martin!"

"Busted," his nineteen-year-old roommate murmured pushing open the apartment door. "But in my defense Ruthie sweet-talked me into it."

"Well since you heard the news I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling Ruthie for us while we go pick my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews from the airport." Deena batted her mascara-lengthened lashes at Martin. "Or at least go get her for us."

Martin paled, what made it so damn easy for the Camden women to charm people into doing what they wanted. He was surprised Simon didn't mind Deena using flirty tricks to get her way but he must have been pretty secure that she would still be his tomorrow night. Finally Martin folded and went into the main house returning with a shivering Ruthie.

"Whatever this is did I have to leave the warm, comfy couch to hear about it?"

Simon nodded apologetically. "But on the bright side it's about thirty degrees colder in Virginia right now than it is here," Simon pointed out. This little bit of information did nothing but confuse his sister.

"What Simon means to say," Deena stepped in. "Is that it seems there's a blizzard in Virginia and none of my friends will be able to get flights in time to make it for the wedding so only our families will be there."

Ruthie's face fell and she immediately began to regret her earlier complaint. "Oh Deena I'm so sorry."

Deena shrugged in a there's-nothing-you-or-I-can-do-about-it way and Simon was quick to realize that she seemed less emotional about this situation than she had been before. Perhaps she had cried herself out. "Now that I think about it all the family I want at my wedding is waiting for Simon and I at the airport, and all of my wedding party in Glen Oak—that is if you fill in for Carissa as, in your wheelchair of course.

"Of course," Ruthie repeated. "I'd love to, Deena. Thanks so much."

"We should be the ones that are thanking you little sis," corrected Simon. "But for right now we'll let Martin help you back to the couch while we get Deena's family from the airport. "

Quarters were more than a little cramped the night before Simon and Deena's wedding. The groom had yielded the garage apartment to Deena and her family, which meant all of the Camden clan who would be attending, was crammed into the main house. Mary and Lucy were in their old attic room, while Matt and Simon bunked with the twins. Because of their current condition Ruthie and Sarah were delegated to sleep on the main level with their nephews and nieces. Both were instructed not to leave their places without calling for assistance.

In the morning, Annie and Lucy rustled about the parsonage trying to get everyone up and fed in the most efficient manner before Eric and the men were banished to Martin's house to get ready.

"I still don't see why we have to wear stupid tuxes," David murmured in ten-year-old fashion. "They're stiff!"

"Because this is your brother's wedding," Annie explained with an exasperated huff. "You wore tuxedos to Lucy's wedding and you looked like adorable little dolls."

Sam cringed at the memory. When they were three he and David had made their wedding debut as Lucy and Kevin's co-ring-bearers Annie had dressed them like little butlers. "Not that again Mom," he pleaded. "We're almost eleven now."

Eric gave them a stern look. "And until you are legal adults, living out on your own, you will do what your mother or I tell you without talking back. Understood?"

"Yes," the twins muttered dragging their feet upstairs.

"Here let me zip you up," Lucy offered putting her bouquet of white poinsettias on the side table and coming behind Deena who was critiquing her dress (an almost perfect replica of an Ely Saab design) in the attic mirror. Satisfied she twirled around so that all in the room could get the full effect. "Verdict?"

"It's stunning!" remarked Ruthie. She sat on the bed with the makeup bag in her lap watching enviously as Lucy and Mary ran back and forth trying to make themselves and Deena beautiful.

"Gorgeous," Lucy commented smoothing the skirt of her own bridesmaid dress (the same red one Deena had loved since seeing the third season finale of One Tree Hill)

"Oh shoot," Mary smacked herself on the head.

"What's wrong?" Deena's eyes became wide with panic but as she searched the room nothing seemed even a millimeter out of place.

Mary opened her mouth to answer just as someone knocked on the door. "Nice try little brother," Mary cried. "But you know it's bad luck for the dress before the wedding!"

"It's me," answered Savannah and Lucy hurried to open the door. "Aunt Deena's a princess," Savannah gaped at the blonde woman's flowing gown.

"Let's see how pretty you look little flower girl," Ruthie prompted and the child spun proudly. Her dress was a smaller version of the ones her mother and aunts were wearing but with puffy sleeves.

"Oh I wish Mommy had her camera!" Lucy gushed, her eyes glistening.

"Don't worry Mommy, I got one," Savannah handed Kevin's digital camera to Lucy who turned it over in her hands. "Vannah honey where did you get this?"

"Daddy gave it to me for pictures."

"They sent her up here to get a look at Deena's dress," Ruthie gasped.

Lucy knelt down in front of her daughter. "Savannah will you do Mommy a big favor?"

The little girl nodded.

"Go downstairs and get the brush so we can do Aunt Deena's hair, and tell Daddy and Uncle Simon that it's not very nice to be sneaky."

Savannah returned with the requested brush and Mary, Lucy, and Ruthie went to work meticulous curling and clipping the bride's hair until they had reached perfection.

"There!" Mary secured the last mini barrette and swiped her palms together as she stood back appraising their work. "What do you think?"

"I love it but I don't think I've ever worn this many jaw-clips in my life," Deena laughed. "I'm starting to get a headache.

"The things we do for beauty," Lucy agreed. "Now let's get you in that limo and to the church before Simon sees you." Carlos had appeared and now stepped in the room. Ruthie let out a sigh she was getting awfully tired of being carried about like a limp rag doll.

"Como se dice 'This is a pain in my ass'," she inquired in a whisper so that only Carlos could hear.

"Un dolor en mi asno," he supplied with twinkling eyes.

"Si," Ruthie nodded enthusiastically. "Un dolor grande!"

Carlos laughed. "Don't worry, cunada," he replied. "Soon you'll be good as new."

"Coast is clear," Lucy hissed, beckoning Deena through her gate and into to the limo. Carlos helped Ruthie onto the space next to Deena and ran across the street to Martin's while the men's limo was waiting.

Deena smiled as the trees that lined the familiar route to Glen Oak Community Church swirled past the limo window. "Only this time," thought Deena, "I'm heading toward my future.

The guys' limo arrived at the church about fifteen minutes later because superstitious Lucy had told her husband not to let the driver leave until she and the bridesmaids had had enough time to go into Eric's office where Deena would be away from the prying eyes of her husband-to-be which of course didn't stop Simon from trying.

"Hey I think my tie is crooked can one of you fix it," he asked tugging it lopsided.

"Get Mom to fix it," hollered Ruthie before being shushed by her giggling sisters." Simon heard Deena's distinctive laugh.

"I know she's in there I have some things to tell say to her alone"

"Simon Peter Camden you know as well we do that the groom cannot see the wedding dress until his bride is walking down the aisle. Do you want to be jinxed?"

"Oh come on Luce!" Simon groaned. "You guys don't really believe in the whole Wedding Dress Curse do you? Let me in."

"No," his three sisters snapped in unison. Deena stayed silent enjoying the game.

Simon finally gave up on getting a glimpse of Deena and went to his place at the side door.

"It's time, son," Eric whispered putting his arm on Simon's shoulder. Simon followed in nervous anticipation.

"So much for Deena worrying about having a small turnout without her friends," he thought. It felt like the whole town—or a very large portion of it—was there. His eyes fell on Sarah whose hospital bed dominated the back of the church. Her tired faced lit up as she caught his eye.

Sam and David were in the pew next to her each holding one of his nephews. Twins always seemed to run in the family. Annie, Sarah, and Mary had all had twins. Simon had told Deena once wasn't against having multiples, although hopefully they could start with just one. When he really thought about it however the odds were astronomical that there would be more multiples in his family and there were none in Deena's.

"Son?" Eric whispered snapping him back to attention just as the processional started down the aisle led by Lucy and Kevin. Then came Mary and Carlos, Deena's sister-in-law Ali escorted by Matt, Charlie who was trying extra hard to keep the rings from falling, and Savannah who was scattering petals with such gusto as to make it difficult for Martin to maneuver Ruthie's chair without slipping.

Everyone rose as the organist began to play the opening bars of "Here Comes The Bride" (Thankfully Deena had given up her dream of walking down the aisle to the sounds of Spice Girls) Simon couldn't take his eyes off her as she glided light and graceful on her brother's arm. Ruthie accepted Deena's bouquet placing it on her lap as Jack lifted his sister's veil and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Reverend Camden cleared his throat to begin.

"Friends, Simon and Deena have entered the church today as two separate people, but they will leave one person tied to each other by the bond that is marriage. Who gives this bride to be married?"

"I do," Jack replied, stepping forward importantly. "On behalf of our entire family." The reverend nodded and continued.

"As I stand her today I'm reminded of a passage from the Epistle of James which states: 'Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from The Father of Lights with whom there is no variation or shifting of shadow. As children many of us were taught that there is one person who truly is our other half. Simon and Deena have found that person in each other. And so I ask, Simon do you take Deena to be your wife?"

"I do."

"To love, cherish and honor her, choosing her above any other?"

"I do."

"Do you Deena take Simon to be you husband?"

"I do."

"To love, cherish, and honor him, choosing him above any other?"

"I do."

"Rings," said Eric taking the pillow from Charlie, "are the symbol of the endless, unspoken love that lies between this man and woman in marriage." He placed the ring in his son's palm. "Repeat after me: I, Simon take thee Deena to be my wife."

"I, Simon take thee Deena to be my wife," Simon echoed.

"To have and to hold."

"To have and to hold."

"In sadness and in joy."

"In sadness and in joy."

"For richer or poorer."

"For richer or poorer."

"This is my vow to you for all eternity."

"This is my vow to you for all eternity." Simon said slipping the band on her finger.

When Deena had repeated her part of the vows Eric spoke again.

"Simon, Deena, insomuch as you have agreed to live in holy matrimony and promised yourselves to each other by these vows I now declare you to be husband and wife. Congratulations Simon you may kiss your bride."

"Finally!" he whispered. Eric smiled along with the others as Simon twirled Deena around smothering her neck with kisses.

"Ladies and gentlemen it is my honor to present to you from the first time Mr. and Mrs. Simon Camden."

The congregation stood up and shook the church with applause as the newlyweds led their bridal party back up the aisle and into the courtyard where the reception was to be held. As he pushed Ruthie's chair out to the reception tent, Martin noticed that Simon was gripping Deena's hand and if letting go would signal the end of the world. Ruthie's eyes twinkled up at Martin as if she were thinking the same thing. It was nice to see her closest sibling so happy…

"Congratulations you guys," cried Nigel Hamilton as Deena and Simon stopped by his and Lynn's table on their rounds later that day.

"It was such a beautiful ceremony. We're so happy for you, both," Lynn added getting up to hug them.

Simon smiled. "A bit smaller than we expected because there was a snowstorm in Deena's hometown."

"Oh I'm sorry," Lynn gasped. "All though I can't really say I know what you're going through because we never really get snowstorms in California but it's too bad your friends couldn't make it."

"Thanks."

"Hey Deena those look familiar." Nigel pointed to two of the clips supporting her hairdo.

"Oh these, these are my 'something old.' Simon gave them to me for our three-month anniversary when we were thirteen."

He nodded. "I helped him pick them out, and I remember it taking it forever."

"I needed the perfect gift for my perfect girl," Simon defended brushing his lips lightly against his wife's and painting her cheeks a blush color.

"Simon," she raised her eyebrows, pleasantly embarrassed at the compliment

"Ahem," the DJ cleared his throat effectively quieting the chatter of the crowd. "I would like to welcome you all to the wedding reception of Simon and Deena Camden. Although it is slightly unusual the bride and groom have chosen two songs to dance to. If Deena and Simon could join me on the floor now the first song is about to begin."

"The first song," Simon furrowed his brow as they took the floor to some applause. "I didn't know we were dancing to more than one song."

"You'll see," Deena laughed. Simon tried to decipher the teasing sparkle in her eyes as they revolved to the lyrics of Lucky.

Lucky I'm in love with my best friend

Lucky to have been I have been

Lucky to be coming home again

Ooh!

They don't know how long it takes

(Long it takes)

Waiting for a love like this

Every time we say goodbye

(Say goodbye)

I wish we had one more kiss

I'll wait for you, I promise you I will

"I never knew either of them could dance the foxtrot," observed Mary with a whistle.

"And s—she looks beau—beautiful," sobbed Lucy. Mary and Ruthie exchanged looks. Neither of them was surprised at the sudden emotion. Lucy had been crying at the drop of a hat for as long as they could remember.

"You okay Momma," Savannah inquired handing her a napkin from one of the tables.

"Thank you baby," Lucy sniffled. "Momma's fine."

"If you in love with your best friend, Deena and Simon asked that you join them on the floor now," announced the DJ

"And Momma will feel even better once we drag our husbands' butts onto that dance floor," remarked Mary. "You want to?"

Lucy nodded. "Heck yes.

"Kevin!" Lucy hollered.

"Carlos!" Mary followed suit.

"Yes Luce?"

"Amor?"

"You two going to ask us to dance with you," said Mary bluntly.

"We are?" asked Kevin. "Okay let's dance then." He started toward the platform but Lucy and Mary glared at him, unmoving. "What?" he snapped at Carlos who was laughing.

"You have to ask them properly Kevin," Carlos explained turning to Mary. "¿Puedo tener este baile señorita?"

"I'd love to," Mary replied taking his hand.

"Oh right," Kevin drawled realizing his social gaffe. "May I have this dance, Luce?"

Lucy smiled. "Sure. Charlie, Savannah stay here with your aunt Ruthie okay."

They nodded.

"Can Vannah and I go play in the back?" Charlie pleaded.

"Not right now Charlie," Lucy shook her head. "You don't want to get your nice clothes dirty."

"Please Mommy," Vannah pouted. "We is bored."

"You daddy and I will be dancing honey," Lucy whispered. "We won't be there to watch you and your cousin."

"Oh come on Lucy," sighed Kevin. "They won't get dirty I promise."

"They'll only be in the back if anything happens," Ruthie reminded her. "And they were good as gold through the whole ceremony."

"Just let them get that energy out," added Kevin.

"All right, all right," his wife snapped. "If you two are going to gang up on me." Then as if to reestablish control she added, "Come and dance Kevin."

"Can we go play now?" Savannah requested after her parent had taken the floor.

Ruthie nodded, laughing. "Yes as long as you're careful." She shifted uncomfortably in the hot vinyl seat of her wheelchair wishing she could join her laughing niece and nephew.

"You look bored," observed Martin popping into her line of vision just as the second song came on.

"And you're going to cure me of that little predicament," Ruthie prophesied just as the second song, an old Spice Girls tune blared.

"Oh no!" Martin groaned in distaste. "Wannabe?"

Ruthie smiled. "I can't believe she remembered. This was the song Deena was going to walk down the aisle to when she and Simon first planned the wedding."

"Which was when?" Martin snorted. "The Stone Age!"

"Or the nineties," Ruthie agreed pulling on his hand. "The two are sort of interchangeable."

Meanwhile Savannah continued to look around the courtyard in indecision. "Whatcha wanna play Charlie? Tag?"

"Nah I gots a better idea, turn around."

"Why?"

"We gonna play pirates. I'll be the pirate who hides his treasure for you to find before I make you walk the plank."

"Why can't you walk the plank?" his cousin shot back indignantly.

"Don't be such a baby Vannah!" Charlie teased. "Everybody knows pirates don't walk their own planks. Turn around and let me hide the treasure."

"Fine!" Vannah pouted turning around.

"I'm ready," Charlie, signaled, "I bet you can't find Grandma's garden shears."

"Can so!" she replied pacing forward toward the far south wall of the church.

"Cold!" Charlie singsonged "Cold! Colder! Frozen!" He huffed, annoyed at her lack of progress. "Vannah that means you're farther away."

"I know what it means," Savannah responded turned around walking left toward the old maple. However she quickly forgot about locating Annie's clippers when curiosity urged her to investigate something peeking out from behind the tree.

"Ay Dios mio!" Charlie called throwing up his hands. "Girls don't make good treasure-finders."

"Do too!" Savannah stuck out her tongue. "Look it." Charlie couldn't resist following her and was surprised to find an old-fashioned wicker basket balanced on the tree's root.

"Cool a picnic," Charlie hissed, grabbing the handle but Savannah stopped him.

"It's mine," she proclaimed pointing triumphantly at a scrawled piece of paper. "See S is for Savannah."

"So? You still have to share."

"Uh-uh."

"Uh-huh or I'll tell Auntie Lucy on you!"

And I'll tell Auntie Mary on you!" Savannah countered sprinting toward the reception tent with Charlie at her heels.

Lucy and Mary were back on sidelines conversing with Kevin, Carlos, Ruthie, and Eric when each heard her child holler "Mommy!"

"What is it you two?" asked Mary.

"Mamá, Papi! Tell Vannah she needs to share her treasure with me."

"Mom, Daddy! Charlie has to find the treasure on his own right?"

The four parents looked at each other trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation. Martin gazed over at the scene of distress and whispered something to the DJ who nodded and took the platform. "All youngsters who would like to participate in a dance contest, come to the center of the floor now."

"We goes Daddy?" the twins could be heard asking Matt from across the yard. Matt nodded laughing as the three-year-olds practically pulled his arm out of the socket in their excitement

"I think you should all go," Ruthie suggested to the other little kids sharing a thankful wink with Martin.

"Good idea," seconded Eric who took the handles of Ruthie's chair and led them on to the floor allowing the other adults to slip away without detection.

"Where exactly is this 'treasure'?" Lucy wondered aloud.

"Right here," said Kevin squatting behind the tree. "Looks like a regular picnic basket to me."

The others gathered around, except for Carlos who hung back. Who is Nick?" he asked with a look of confusion.

"You've had a picnic before," Mary informed him. "It's a packed meal you usually eat outside. But who would pack a picnic when there's a whole reception-full of food and then just leave it here. "

"No se," Carlos shrugged.

Lucy crossed her arms over her bridesmaid dress. "I really have to speak to those church ladies about picking up after themselves when they have luncheons."

"I don't think it's been there that long," said Kevin.

He was interrupted by a siren-like scream courtesy of Mary who had turned ashen and was now leaning on her husband. "¿Qué pasa?" Carlos whispered.

"I think I just saw it move," Mary stammered pointing toward the cloth covering the basket.

"Mare," replied Lucy softly. "The only way that could happen is if there was an animal—ah!" the two sisters screamed together. There was no question that the white handkerchief had moved, this time adding its own discomfort to the din—a tiny, yet shrill scream. Kevin stepped forward at stooped removing the cover.

"Aye Dios mio!" shouted Carlos repeatedly crossing himself.

"Oh my God!" Lucy, Mary and Kevin echoed as the four of them stared into the red face of a bawling infant. Finally Kevin found his voice. "She looks to be a few days old at most."

"Who would do such a horrible thing?" Mary inquired as Lucy bent to soothe the child.

"Y mas importante who is she?"

"Our adoptive niece," Lucy informed them handing the girl to Kevin who didn't accept the bundle without a quizzical look.

"I'm sorry what?"

"That's what the note says," explained Lucy producing a crumpled piece of paper and reading it aloud.

Simon,

In the basket is the newborn baby that I can't or even want to keep. Perhaps you and your fiancée (or I suppose she is your wife—y now, huh?) can raise her as your own and be better parents than I will ever be. I know I'm too selfish to take on such a big responsibility and Lucy swore that I could give her a birthday, and then give her up. Don't try to find me and make me take her back. I don't want her, never have, and never will. In fact it would be best if she didn't even know I existed. She has no name and you will need to go down to children services and fill out the adoption paperwork, I told them to expect you. Bert and I are moving to a new town where I can hopefully shed this disgusting baby weight and start over. So take her with you to wherever you're going and raise her as your own daughter.

Rose

PS DON'T FIND ME I know I've said it once but just in case you cant follow directions let me save the trouble by saying our new number is unlisted

AN And the longest chapter to date ends with a bang! I hope it was worth our taking FOREVER to update Feedback appreciated as always.