Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 28
 

" Ok, Kay. Let’s see about this batch.", Miguel says, as he pours the cold water over Kay’s pot.

They begin to pull out the eggs, one by one.

" Damn!", Kay mutters.

" Kay. Don’t give up. Look at it this way. Of the six this time, 3 were perfect. We’re halfway there."

" You’re right Miguel. I am getting better, and you’re the best tutor. I’ll get another six eggs, and we can start again."

Charity walks into the kitchen and smiles at Miguel and Kay.

" Miguel…you’re still working on it?"

" Yes, Charity. Kay and I are still working."

" It’s boiling eggs. How difficult can it be, Kay? I’m sure you don’t need Miguel’s help anymore."

If Kay didn’t know better, she would have sworn that she heard snarkiness in Charity’s voice, though her face belied a smile.

With her own smile to match, she said, " But, Charity. I can’t fail this class. Remember, Miguel and I are doing this to help Simone. I have to pass, and his help has been INVALUABLE."

" Charity, Kay’s right. I need to work with her. You understand, right?" Miguel doesn’t even wait for an answer before he turns back to the stove and Kay. Charity walks out of kitchen, and picks up a magazine to read. She opens the magazine and reads the title of the article, " Best Friends Become Lovers." , and drops the magazine on the floor. Why does she keep on getting a bad feeling when she sees Kay and Miguel these days? It doesn’t make sense to her. She had the same vision again last night in her sleep: Kay and Miguel kissing on a beach and Miguel telling Kay that he loved her.

" But, Miguel loves me……and, he always will.", Charity says, walking to the kitchen, cracking the door, and seeing Kay and Miguel laughing together.
 

Simone had told TC that she was going to see Kay, and that she might spend the night. That bought her time with Hakim.

She was in his apartment, and, she had worn the blouse that she was wearing when she first met Hakim. He had put on some music – the latest R. Kelly. The lights were down low, and she had sipped on the beer that he had given her.

Hakim took out a joint and lit it up. He took several drags on it and commented,

" Good shit." He handed it to Simone, who did the same. Hakim and Simone finish the joint, and he pulls Simone over to himself.

" You sure lookin’ good tonight, Baby.", he says as he kisses her. He had been sore from his fight with Chad, but, he was feeling like his old self, and the shirt accentuated all of Simone’s ripe curves. He kisses her on the mouth, slipping his tongue inside, all the while, unbuttoning her blouse. By the time they come up for air, Simone’s blouse is all undone. He kisses her on her neck,

" Baby, you smell so good tonight. And, you taste good too.", as he gets her blouse off of her.

" I got to have ya. Been thinkin’ about it all day long." Hakim pulls up from kissing Simone, to see that she was totally under his spell. Oh yeah, he thought. He got up off the couch, and pulled her up with him, and began kissing her again, as they walked towards his bedroom. He pushed open the door with his foot, and pulled Simone inside the bedroom. He sat on the bed, while she stood there, in front of him. He kissed her stomach, and moved his mouth down towards the top of her jeans. His hands, which had been teasing her breasts through the cloth of her bra, to the buttons on her jeans. He got them open and off of her in notime flat. He stood up to kiss her, and placed her on the bed first, getting his shirt and jeans off. He was already hard for her, so ripe, just waiting for him. He loved to hear them beg for it, and Simone was going to be no different.

He began kissing her breasts, and sucking on the nipples, eliciting a moan from her.

Simonedidn’t know what to do, so, she was going to let Hakim take the lead. He had to love her. She just knew he had to. He wanted to be with her for her. He didn’t look at Whitney, he only looked at her. And, the way he made her feel. He saw that she wasn’t a little girl. He knew  that she was a woman.

Simone didn’t have time to think about anything else, for she felt something slip in between her legs. She realized that it was Hakim’s fingers, and she didn’t know what he was doing, but, the sensations that she felt were amazing. Under his maneuvering, Simone was moaning his name.

" That feel good, Baby?"

" Oh, yes…..God, yes."

" It’s only gonna get better." Hakim saw that Simone was wet and ready, and he was ready too, so, he was about to take off his briefs.

" Sorry, Baby, but, I ain’t got no rubbers. You got us covered, right?"

" Huh?"

" The Pill. You on the Pill, right?", Hakim asked as he was kissing Simone’s stomach.

" Um…oh..no."

Hakim stopped what he was doing. " What did you say?"

" No…oh, Hakim, don’t stop.", Simone pleaded.

" Girl, you tryin’ to tell me that you ain’t on the Pill? What kind of shit is this? I ain’t about makin’ no babies." Hakim pulled up his briefs and got out of the bed.

" Hakim, what’s wrong?"

" What’s wrong is that you ain’t got no protection. I ain’t makin’ no babies. What kind of child are you?"

" I’m not a child!"

" Well, a woman protects herself. Get your clothes on. You got me horny, and now I can’t get none. Get the fuck out. "

Simone suddenly felt naked and vulnerable. Though she made no sound, the tears fell anyway, as she hurriedly got her clothes on. She tried to talk to Hakim, but, he made it clear he had nothing to say to her, and so, she left.

Simone cried nearly all the way home. She berated herself for not having protection. Hakim was right, how was she supposed to be having sex if she wasn’t on birth control, and, they had always taught in sex education class, that the girl should have her own condoms. Why wouldn’t he think that she was a girl?

" Well, I’ll correct that by the next time I see Hakim. I’ll prove to him how much I love him.", she said, as she took off her shoes, and snuck in the back way to the Russell House.
 
 

Whitney hadn’t been able to sleep. She had won today’s tournament, and TC had been so proud of her. He told her that they were closer to their goal of her being a top champion. Whitney knew that her game had been on the money today. And, she was proud of what she had done.

Tennis and Daddy were the only things that she could depend on, she knew that much.

She had gone to Simone’s room, only to find it empty. She was going to ask Simone if she had wanted to go get a pizza and some movies, but, Simone had her own life. Whitney couldn’t remember the last time that the three of them had sat down to a family dinner together. She and TC usually had dinner alone, strategizing about her tennis, and Simone had her own life, it seems.

Whitney turned on the tv and began flipping the channels. She wound up stopping at American Movie Classics, and was watching Elizabeth Taylor, and Spencer Tracey in ‘Father of the Bride’. Whitney didn’t even realize it – when the tears began to drop. It took a few minutes before she realized that her cheeks were moist.

She had played so hard, because she knew what today was. She knew what today would have been, and she couldn’t have escaped it if she tried: it would have been her six month anniversary.

How could it have gone so wrong?

[FLASHBACK]
 

" Mom! When is the hairdresser getting here?", Whitney yelled out of her bedroom door into the hallway.

" Whitney, I told you that he was running a few minutes late, but, that he would be here.", Eve responded, walking through the door.

" It’s just.."

" I know. We planned this to the last detail, Whitney, allowing for things like this. Remember?", Eve smiles.

" I know.  I can’t believe today is my wedding day, can you?"

" No, Honey. I can’t."

" Mom, I know that you weren’t happy with the idea of me marrying Chad."

" Whitney.."

" No, let me finish. I love Chad, Mom. With all my heart. I know that I’m young, but, ever since I was a little girl, you and Daddy have always said that I had a good head on my shoulders. There comes a time where you have to have faith, Mom. Faith in what you and Daddy have tried to teach me, all these years. I know that you were perfect, Mom. I know that you did everything in its right order- waiting for a guy until you had almost finished your medical studies. But, I met Chad, now. I fell in love with him, now. And, I know that he loves me, don’t you?"

Eve nodded her head in agreement. " I don’t doubt anymore that Chad loves you. He risked his life several times for yours without a second thought. It’s just….Whitney, I wouldn’t be a good mother if I wasn’t concerned about your life, and your future. When I envisioned you getting married, it was to someone…with means."

" Mom, money doesn’t…"

" Whitney, you have to let me finish. There are so many problems that can arise in a marriage, and studies have shown that most married people who fight, money is at the top of the list. "

" Chad is poor, Mom. But, he’s not without prospects. He’s going to build something of himself, and I’m going to be there, every step of the way encouraging him. Just like you and Daddy. I’ve had the perfect role models for what I wanted in a relationship. I wanted a man who would treat me the way that Daddy treats you. How could you not want that for me?"

Eve reached out and stroked Whitney’s hair. " Oh, Whitney. I DO want that for you. Your father is the most honorable man that I know. And, I cherish his love."

" And, I cherish Chad’s, Mom. It’s a gift, and now that I recognize it, I won’t take it for granted. And, Chad won’t take me for granted either. I know it."

" You’re sure, aren’t you?"

" Yes."

Eve kisses Whitney on the cheek, just as there’s a knock on the door. " Well, sorry, I’m late.", the hairdresser says as he walks through the door with his assistant. " But, I’m here, and I have a bride to prepare. Mother, you’re just going to have to leave."

Eve smiled at Whitney, as she sat down to her vanity, and the hairdresser and his assistant began their work.

Eve walked into the bedroom, and saw TC putting on the pants to his tuxedo.

" How’s Whitney?", TC asks.

" More sure of today than I am. TC, aren’t you concerned?"

TC gets up off the bed, and goes to get Eve to sit her back down on the bed next to him.

" Sweetheart, we have to trust Whitney and Chad. Whitney may only be 18, but, she’s a smart girl. She has a good head on her shoulders. And, Chad? He’s older than she is, and he’s seen way more of life than I think Whitney ever will. He’ll protect her, Eve. He’ll honor and protect her. I know he will. He loves her with all his heart. Be honest, Eve…the only thing Chad Harris doesn’t have that you’d like, is an education and money."

" Yes. That’s true. He doesn’t have any of that, TC. And, we’re letting our little girl marry a man with no prospects."

" First of all, we’re not ‘letting’ Whitney do anything. She’s a grown woman, with a mind of her own, and even if we had disapproved, she would have married him. I would think that you would be honored, Eve. Whitney is only doing what WE taught her to do. We taught her that sex outside of marriage was WRONG. WE taught her that she should value herself enough to know that cheap thrills from sex cannot replace a true and loving relationship. We taught her all of that, Eve, so HOW can we be angry if she actually took it to heart. I know that you are worried about it all, but, I have to tell you, if I didn’t believe that Chad loved her. And respected her. And honored her. And would be as devoted to her as I am to you…..I’d be climbing the walls and fighting it every step of the way.

The very thing that you hold against Chad, is what I believe has made him into the man that he is. BECAUSE, he never had a family. Never belonged to one, and didn’t know love, he holds onto it when he finds it. He treats it with a deep reverence. All Chad has ever wanted was to find a place where he belonged. Where he would have a place of his own, and could contribute.

We’re giving him that chance, Eve. He wants it so bad…..can’t you see it?"

" But, what about Whitney’s tennis?"

" I’ve talked to both of them. Whitney is going to give tennis her all, the next 3 years. I believe she will hit it big, which will settle their financial worries. And, in the meantime, I tutored Chad, and he passed the GED with flying colors. He begins his first classes at Harmony University when they return from their honeymoon. Investing in Chad NOW, will pay off later for us, Eve. If our daughter has a long and successful marriage, the investment in Chad will be invaluable. "

Eve looks at TC. " He DOES love her, right?"

" With all his heart and soul. Of THAT, I’m sure."

Eve begins to cry. " Oh, TC, am I really old enough to be the mother of the bride?"

TC laughs. " Baby, not really. You’re still the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever known. We have to trust, Whitney, Eve. We have to trust ourselves. We did our best. We loved Whitney with everything we have, and we tried to be the role models that she needed. We taught her what to honor and respect, and what we wanted for her. And, look what she’s done- she found a man, with character, integrity, a good heart and soul, who also loves her to death.

We got them a place to live."

" Our old house."

TC smiles. " Yes. That two bedroom Cape Cod that we had first starting out. Look at the history of it, Eve. My parents bought the house when they were first starting out. They kept it in the family, renting it out, until we got married, and we started out, and now, we have the chance to give it to Whitney and Chad. Sure, it’s small, but, they don’t need anymore than this.

Chad still works to pay the utilities and such, but, they have a roof over their head. Their own space. "

Eve kisses TC. " Have you been telling me these things all along?"

" Yes. You just didn’t want to hear them, until now. I can see it in your face, your worries have lifted, haven’t they?"

Eve nods. " Yes. I’ve been so worried about it all, that I never got into the planning of it. I just organized it, but, didn’t appreciate it. Our Baby is getting married today.", Eve says, tears in her eyes. " Oh, TC. Where did the years go? It seems like only yesterday, she was born. It went by so fast."

" I know. I was thinking that this morning. She’s not going to come home with us, tonight. She’s going to be going to her OWN home. "

" Well, you have to go. I have to stop this crying, or, I’ll look like a raccoon for the wedding. I have to get dressed."

" Baby, you’ll be the most beautiful raccoon there."

Eve punches TC’s arm lightly. " Stop making me laugh. I know I won’t make it through the ceremony. Now that my fears have been squelched, the only thing left is pride and joy. You know how emotional I get when it comes to the girls."

" Yeah…I do. You wear your heart on your sleeve when it comes to our daughters. It’s evident in all that you do how important they are to you, which is what made you a fantastic mother."

Eve kisses TC. " How is it that you know just the right thing to say?"

" Because, I love you, Dr. Russell. I have from the first moment I saw you."

" I love you too, TC. I am the luckiest woman, because I found you."

Eve goes into the bathroom, and fixes her hair, and applies her makeup.

She goes over to the garment bag, holding her dress and unzips it. Eve had liked it instantly when she saw it at Bloomingdale’s, when she and Whitney had come for their appointment at Vera Wang’s shop in Manhattan. It was stylish, yet elegant, and the way it looked on the mannequin, she knew it would look good on her.

A canary yellow strapless Carolina Herrera, down to the ground, with a billowing skirt, complete with a sharp bolero jacket, lightly decorated with crystals. It even came with matching long satin gloves. The pricetag was a steep $ 5,000, but, Eve rationalized that she could afford it, and she could wear the dress to other formal occasions. She had saved money well all these years, a little indulgence, here and there, wouldn’t kill her.

Eve went back to the vanity, and opened up the velvet blue jewelry box. In it, was the 15th Anniversary present from TC: a beautiful diamond necklace, with earrings. Eve had been stunned, because TC had never gone for anything like this; it wasn’t in his nature to buy such an extravagant gift. But, he had told her that he had seen it in the window, on a trip to Boston for a Conference, and he couldn’t forget it. He had saved for 2 years to get it without her knowledge. She had only worn it once- the night they went out to celebrate their Anniversary. But, she thought today was a perfect occasion.

Eve finished getting dressed, and looked at the finished product in the mirror. She couldn’t believe it. Head to toe, she was the epitome of the refined Doctor Russell. She looked a woman of means, in a designer dress, with diamonds around her neck. Was she really the little girl who used check her bed for roaches? Today, her daughter, a beautiful, smart young woman, was marrying a man who loved her. And, though, Eve would have preferred that she wait, she had to say that Whitney had more than Eve could have dreamed of at her age. Eve wishes that she could have been the young woman that Whitney was. But,  Whitney was the way she is, because she had love and devotion of a family, something Eve never had, but, always wanted. She had the possibility of a family for a little while, but, as with so much else in Eve’s life, it disappeared rapidly. Eve took a deep breath, and knew that she had to leave, before the memories of the past came flooding back to her, and she would break down in tears that she couldn’t possibly explain.

She walked out of the bedroom, into the hall, where she found Simone.

Eve smiled when she saw Simone.

" Mom. You have that look on your face."

" What look?"

" That goofy look that you get sometimes, with Whitney and me. Like, when we fix you breakfast for your birthday, and other stuff."

" Well, I can’t help it. I have two absolutely beautiful daughters. Why can’t I be proud?"

" Whitney’s beautiful. I’m ‘ the other one.’ I know that."

" Simone Russell, I don’t ever want to hear you say that again. You are breathtaking, Simone. " Eve takes Simone over to the mirror. Whitney chose purple for her color scheme, and Simone is standing there, in a beautiful violet satin dress, with the spaghetti straps, and low back. " How could you doubt your beauty, Simone. You’re devastating."

Simone looks at Eve. " You really mean that, don’t you? Not just because you’re my mother?"

Eve smiles at her. " No, Simone. It’s not really up for debate. You are beautiful. You’re going to attract a million guys. That’s the Mother part that doesn’t like it….at all. I’d feel better if you were less attractive, but, that’s not the way it is."

Eve brings Simone into her bedroom, and they sit down on the bed.

" Are you feeling bad about today?"

" You mean about Chad marrying Whitney?"

Eve nods.

" No, Mom. I was hurt when they came out with their relationship, and I was pissed at Whitney. I didn’t understand what I had done wrong, but, I looked at Chad, and realized that his feelings are true for Whitney. And, if she could treat him as badly as she did, and he still love her, either he was stupid, or it was for real. I’ve never considered Chad stupid. Plus, I thought about it, and I didn’t want to be one of those girls who would do anything for love, even after the guy has said that he loves someone else." Simone said, thinking of Kay.

" Chad is a good guy, Mom. I hope you realize that. Whitney got a really good guy. You should cut him a break. There are so many losers out there. Whitney got a winner."

" I know."

" What did you say?"

" I said, you and your father have convinced me. Chad IS a good guy, and I should be happy that he’s joining our family."

Simone kisses Eve on the cheek. " You know, that would be the only wedding present Chad would ever want from you. If you told him what you just told me."

" I’ll think about it."

Simone gets up, " I have to go and see how the flowers are doing. Whitney looks fantastic. They’re about to put her dress on her. "

Simone leaves, and Eve thinks for a few moments before she goes out into the hall, where she runs into TC.

" Well, well, you do look handsome, Mr. Russell. But, I have to say, Chad’s choice of formal wear……."

TC was wearing a Tommy Hilfiger tuxedo, outfitted with a black checkered vest and bowtie. Eve didn’t like it, but, she had to say that it did fit Chad’s personality perfectly.

" I thought I’d check on the bride. Want to join me?"

Eve nodded, and TC knocked on Whitney’s door.

" Come in."

Eve and TC opened the door, and standing in front of the triple full-length mirror that they had rented for the occasion, was Whitney.

She took both her parents’ breath away, standing in her full-length Vera Wang gown. It was a strapless gown, with a deep V-neck back, and the rest of her upper body was covered in Wang’s ‘Illusion’ fabric. Her train was 10 feet long, and she looked like a princess. Her hair was up, and the veil fell just right, ending right below her back.

" So, how do I look?", Whitney asks.

" Your mother seems at a loss for words, but, you look stunning, Princess. Stunning."

TC takes something out of his pocket and walks over to Whitney. " I know that you have something new, borrowed and blue. This is something old. " TC opened the box to reveal a strand of pearls.  " Your great-grandfather, on my mother’s side of the family, was a sailor. On one of his trips, he found himself in a little town in Japan, where they harvest pearls like we do lobsters. He picked every one of these pearls himself, and had it strung. My grandmother gave this to me on my wedding day, and I want to give it to you. "

" Daddy, don’t make me cry."

" I’m trying not to, because my own tears won’t stop. Let me put them on you."

Whitney turned around,  and TC put the pearls on her.

" Well, I’m going to check on the car." He kisses Whitney and leaves.

" Mom…how do I look?"

" Beautiful. Stunning.My heart is about to burst. I love you, Whitney. I have from the moment the doctor told me that I was pregnant with you. You can’t possibly know what you mean to me. What you did for me. The love you showed me. It has been a joy, and an honor to be your mother. And, if I can take credit somewhat, for the woman that you’ve become, I’m glad to do so. "

" You’re not disappointed in me?"

" No. I could never be disappointed in you, Whitney. I love you. When you become a parent, you’ll understand what this day means to me. Why the only thing in my heart that I want, is YOUR happiness. Nothing else matters."

" Chad makes me happy, Mom."

" I know that. "

Eve hugs Whitney. " I don’t want to mess up your dress. I’m going to go check too, on the cars." Eve starts towards the door, when Whitney calls.

" Mom?"

Eve turns around. " Yes?"

" I want you to know that you have been the best role model I could have ever had. Sometimes I did resent the expectations that were placed on me. But, I always knew it was because you knew what I was capable of, and because you wanted me to be the best person I could be. I grew up in a house full of love. Love that I saw between my parents everyday. And, I was taught that THAT was the kind of love I should strive for in my own life. And, I have. I couldn’t have had better parents. You and Daddy aren’t just my role models. You were my personal heroes."

Eve couldn’t say anything in response to that. She nodded towards Whitney, blew her a kiss, and left the room.

Eve went down the stairs, and saw Theresa talking with Simone. TC came back into the house.

" Well, the limos are here. You ladies want to go first, and I’ll go upstairs and get Whitney."

The photographer spoke up.

" Coach Russell, if you wouldn’t mind, I need to do my job. I need pictures of you and Dr. Russell. "

Eve and TC posed for some pictures, and they posed with Simone, and then Theresa.

The photographer went outside, and took pictures of Simone, Theresa and Eve, as they entered the limo. He rushed back into the house, to get the picture of Whitney descending the stairs at the Russell House. He took a few more shots of her and TC, and then of them getting in the limo. He got into the limo with them, and took a few more shots, before they  got to the church.
 
 

Chad was standing in front of the mirror in his room at the church , when he heard a knock on the door.

" Come in!"

" You don’t have to sound so excited, Chad. She’s coming." , Ethan joked as he walked into the room.

" Ethan. Man, I didn’t know that I would be this nervous.", Chad said.

" It will be fine. It’s routine. All grooms are nervous."

" Were you?"

" Yes." There was an uncomfortable silence between the two men. Ethan had been surprised when Chad had asked him to be his Best Man, after all they had had such a deep falling out over the ‘Theresa’ issue. But, Chad explained it, " Nobody was as strong in my corner and argued with me over my feelings for Whitney as you. It’s in the spirit of that, that I asked you. "

So, Ethan had accepted. He had missed Chad’s friendship. Though it had been brief, he didn’t realize how much Chad’s honesty had meant to him. Few people in his life were as simple as Chad. He knew where he stood with him always, and that was a welcome relief from the subtrefuge that had become his life.

" You think I’ll be happy, Ethan?"

" You’re marrying for love, Chad. To a woman who loves you. That’s the best building block for happiness. But, you’ll have to work at it."

" I know that."

" Then, it will all work out. How is Dr. Russell these days?"

" Well, she’s not staring daggers at me anymore, but, it’s obvious that she doesn’t want this marriage. She’s putting up a good front, though. Unless you really knew her, you’d never know that she hates me."

" I doubt she hates you."

" Why?"

" You don’t have anything inside of you that’s hateable, Chad."

Chad looks at Ethan. He can’t believe that Ethan is by his side. He had to admit that he had missed Ethan. But, he knows that today is just today. There are too many differences for them to remain friends. His treatment of Theresa highlighted that.

Chad was about to say something when he heard another knock on the door. " Come in.", Chad called, and who entered, but, Eve Russell.

" Dr. Russell."

" Chad. Ethan. Chad, I would like to talk to you."

" Chad, I’ll go and check with the Pastor.", Ethan said, exiting the room.

" Well, Dr. Russell. You look beautiful."

" Thank you, Chad. I came here, because I wanted to tell you something. I admit that I’ve had my reservations about you, and about this marriage. But, it all comes from love. My love and protection  that I feel towards my daughters. Of course, I wanted her to wait. But, I also wanted her to find love. A love that gives her confidence, and security, and happiness. I believe that she has found that with YOU, Chad. If you honor, love and cherish, Whitney, it’s all I can ask of you. I wanted to welcome you to our family."

Eve extends her hand to Chad, who is stunned. He had never thought he’d hear those words from Eve’s mouth. Instead of shaking her hand, he pulls her into a hug.

" You have no idea how that makes me feel, Doc. Thank you."

Eve smiles at Chad. " I’ll see you at the Altar."

Chad is beaming and lost in recollecting the conversation with Eve that he doesn’t even hear when TC comes into the room.

" Chad?", TC calls a third time.

" Oh, Coach. Sorry."

" You ready, Son? You look like you were in your own world."

" I was. A world where your wife just gave me her blessing and welcomed me to the family."

" Eve did that? She said that?"

Chad is grinning, ear to ear. " Yep. "

" I’m glad. Now….are you ready?"

" Totally, Sir. I want you to know that I will love Whitney forever."

" I know, Son. "

" You’ve been the best, Coach. Thanks."

" You’re welcome, Chad. I think it’s time that you stopped calling me Coach."

" Really?"

" Yes. I think ‘Dad’ would sound a lot better. I never had a son, so, I always hoped that the men my daughters would marry would be good enough that I would want to call them ‘Son’. You are, Chad. You are exactly what I would want in a son. "

TC grabs Chad into a hug.

Chad could barely talk. " Thank you….Dad."

The men hug for a few moments, and then TC separates himself. " Well, I think I have to go find the bride. I’ll see you at the end of the aisle."

" Bye."
 

Whitney was standing in front of the mirror, and Theresa was making sure that everything was ok.

" Whit…you ready?"

" Theresa, I’m so ready. Theresa…"

" Yeah, Whit?"

" I wanted to thank you."

" Thank me?"

" For not giving up on me. And, on love. You were right, Theresa. Being in love is the most wonderful thing in the world. There’s nothing like it. I can’t imagine my life without Chad. It’s so beautiful."

Theresa smiled. " I told you so. I’m so happy for you, Whitney. You and Chad are going to have a wonderful life. I’m glad that it worked out for one of us."

" Theresa.."

" No, Whitney. No down talk today. No talk of Ethan Crane. This is YOUR day. Yours and Chad’s. My best friend, marrying another one of my best friends. This day is going to be PERFECT. You’ll see. Absolutely perfect."

" Did I tell you that my Mom gave us her blessing?"

" Only ten times already. See? Nothing can hurt you now. You’re going to live happily ever after, Whitney."

" I’m scared to be this happy, Theresa. Is it really possible?"

" Not only is it possible, it’s happening. You and Chad will have a long and happy life, filled with love and passion and romance. Just like a fairy tale."

" That’s what I feel like in this dress. A Princess, going to her Prince."

" You are the best friend I could have ever wanted, Theresa. Thank you for being in my corner."

" Always, Whitney. We’ll be friends forever."

Theresa and Whitney hug, and Simone enters the room. " Whitney, Daddy said that he’ll be in here in a few minutes. You ready?"

Whitney nods, and Theresa slips out of the room, leaving Whitney and Simone alone.

" You look beautiful, Whitney. But, then, you always do. I’m so happy for you, Whitney."

" You are?"

Simone nods. " I am. We’re sisters, Whitney. We will always be sisters. Nothing will ever come between that. I want the best for you, and Chad is the best. I want you to have a lifetime of happiness. I have a gift for you."

Simone hands Whitney a box, and she opens it. It’s a little photo album, hand painted on the cover, and it says ‘ Sisters’. It’s pictures of Whitney and Simone throughout their lives. The two of them together. All the pages are filled but the last one.

" That picture is going to be of us today: Simone and her sister, Mrs. Chad Harris."

Whitney was beginning to tear up, when Simone admonished, " Don’t you dare, Whitney. You’ll ruin both our makeups."

Whitney laughed. " Ok. I won’t. "

They hugged, and  TC came in on the hug.

" Never a more beautiful sight than my two daughters together. " TC yells for the photographer, and asks that he take a picture of the three of them, and then, Simone and Whitney. TC turns to Whitney..

" Are you ready?"

" Absolutely, Daddy." TC lowers her veil, and they start out for the church entrance.
 

" Oh Sam, everything looks so beautiful.", Grace gushes.

" I know. You and Eve did a terrific job."

" Eve did most of the work, I helped when I could."

" Whitney’s going to be a beautiful bride. I know TC was worried…Eve hasn’t exactly been on board where this marriage is concerned."

" You and TC need to have a little faith. Eve will come through. She loves Whitney and Simone and only wants them happy. She’ll realize that Chad is what Whitney needs. I know she will."

Sam kisses Grace. " You know, your optimism is one of the things I love most about you."

" Thanks. Hey, there’s the Cranes.", Grace says, pointing over to where Julian, Ivy, Sheridan and Gwen are coming in.

" I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.", mutters Julian. " Why did we have to come to a Russell wedding."

" Because, Ethan is Best Man.", Ivy replies, though the real reason is for her to see Sam again.

" Yes, I know. Will someone tell me how our son came around consorting with the ‘Street Element’."

" Julian, will you shut up! Chad is a very nice young man. And, Whitney Russell is also sweet. I think it’s wonderful that they’ve found love and want to commit to one another.", Sheridan says.

" Chad is nice, Julian. And, it’s important to Ethan, so I’m here. He misses having Chad as a friend.", Gwen volunteers.

" A Crane is NOT to have friends amongst such ‘low’ types."

" Of course, you’d use that excuse, Julian. You’ve never had ANY friends.", Ivy volleys back.

" Will you all, hush. The wedding is about to start.", Sheridan harshly whispers.

The chamber quartet begins to play, and Miguel accompanies Eve down the aisle. Julian had to admit that she was stunning, and Ivy rolled her eyes, watching Julian watch Eve.

As they continued playing Pachelbel’s Canon, Whitney’s young cousin from Washington, came down the aisle, dropping the violet and rose petals.

Next came Simone, escorted by Miguel.

Then, Theresa came down the aisle. Gwen snarled as she walked by, and Ethan was stunned by how beautiful she looked. Once the piece had finished, then they began playing ‘Here Comes The Bride.’

The entire church stood. At the end of the aisle, Whitney, and proud TC stood.

" You ready, Princess?"

" Absolutely, Daddy."

Whitney floated down the aisle. She didn’t know when she had been as happy, if ever. TC, too, was full or pride. His baby girl was marrying a terrific guy. The walk down the aisle seemed like it was over in seconds, and there he was, standing behind Whitney and Chad, listening to Father Lonigan.

" Dearly beloved. We are gathered here to join this man, Chad Harris, and this woman, Whitney Elizabeth Russell, in marriage. Who gives this woman away?"

" I do.", TC says, placing Whitney’s hand in Chad’s after lifting away her veil, and kissing her on the cheek. TC takes his place next to Eve, and squeezes her hand.

" Marriage is not something that should be entered into lightly. It is a sacrament, one that you take, in the house of the Lord, Promising that you take this oath freely and sincerely.

Chad, do you take this woman, Whitney Elizabeth Russell, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold. To love and to cherish. In sickness and in health. For better or for worse, for all the days of your life, as long as you both shall live?"

" I do."

" Whitney, do you take this man, Chad Harris, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold. To love and to cherish. In sickness and in health. For better or for worse, for all the days of your life, as long as you both shall live?"

" I do."

" These two young people have declared their intentions for one another, in front of God and this audience. If there is anyone who knows a reason  why these two should not be joined, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

There is a period of silence, and then Father Lonigan begins again.

" Seeing as there are no.."

" WAIT! STOP!! STOP THE WEDDING!!" , a voice says from the back of the church.

Everyone turns to look, only to see Orville running down the aisle.