Sly stood in front of his bedroom mirror. He carefully buttoned up his light blue vest, grateful that he did not have to wear an uncomfortable cummerbund. He then started to put on his black bow tie.
Sly had not slept a wink the night before. He tossed and turned in nervous anticipation. Sly chuckled to himself. Most guys did not sleep much before their weddings, especially if they had a bachelor party. Sly had opted to skip that tradition. This wedding was more sober than most.
After a couple of attempts, Sly managed to make the bow tie look presentable. He then picked up a small black box and smiled. It was a pre-wedding present from Jenny.
*-*-*-*-*-*
That morning
The Hornsby household was humming with organized chaos. Paul was on the phone giving directions to a guest. Jenny was flipping pancakes, her hair up in curlers. Susan was down on her hands and knees in the living room, searching underneath the furniture for her shoes. Junior was walking around the kitchen with a throw pillow, practicing his role as ring bearer. He had a very solemn look on his face as he took slow, deliberate steps. Sly sat at the kitchen table nursing a cup of coffee.
Jenny piled the pancakes on a plate and put them in the middle of the round kitchen table. "Breakfast!" she called.
Sly stared at the food and had absolutely no desire to eat. The rest of the family sat down at the table and began to eat quickly. Paul cut the food for his son as Susan drowned her pancakes in sticky imitation maple goo. They all ate in noisy silence.
Finally, Jenny saw that Sly had barely touched his food. "I could make you something else if you want," she said as she looked at his plate.
"No, I'm fine, just not hungry," Sly said as Junior gave him a grin that revealed his missing front tooth.
"What's the matter, Sly, nervous? I don't think that you'll be left at the altar," Susan teased.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Susan dear," Sly said, making a face at her.
"You know I believe in you, big brother-step cousin," she smiled.
Sly rolled his eyes at the familiar pseudo-sibling banter. He and Susan had gotten quite close since the formation of their patchwork family.
"Susan, you're not being helpful," Paul warned.
Jenny rose from the table. "Sly, why don't you come with me?"
Sly was about to protest, but decided against it. He followed Jenny into her bedroom.
Jenny picked up a small black box off her nightstand. "I've been waiting for the right moment to give you this, and now I can't think of a more appropriate time." She handed it to Sly.
Sly carefully opened the box. Inside was a pair of gold cuff links engraved with the initials "W.E." "They're Dad's," he breathed.
"I thought you might like something of your father's today," she said softly.
Sly looked at the cuff links and he remembered his father wearing them with his myriad business suits. There was a time when his father had one suit to his name, used only for weddings and funerals.
"Sly, I know that Bill isn't here today, but I know that he would be proud of you," Jenny said firmly.
Sly looked away. "For what- getting my girlfriend pregnant?"
She gently touched his arm. "Sly, look at me." He slowly brought his brown eyes up to her gaze. "I know that your father would be proud of you for the man that you've become. A lot of guys could have just walked away from this. You were responsible, and you owned up to your actions."
"You make it sound like it was some sacrifice. I love Emily," Sly said sincerely.
Jenny smiled broadly. "And that's just another reason why I love you so much." She kissed him on the cheek. "You don't even realize when you're doing it."
"Doing what?" Sly asked, amused.
"Being so completely… exceptional," Jenny laughed.
"I was never one to be normal," Sly smiled.
"Why don't you take those and relax for a little while," Jenny said.
Sly nodded, and he started to walk out the door. "Thanks again for this, Jenny."
She smiled and watched him walk away. "Oh, and Sly?"
Sly turned back. "Yeah?"
"Do me a favor and grab a muffin or something. We can't have you passing out at the altar from lack of food."
Sly grinned. "Sure."
*-*-*-*-*-*
To want what I have
To take what I'm given with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
Sly removed the cuff links, and slowly threaded them between the holes in the shirt cuffs.
"Make sure you don't lose those. They're made of real gold."
Sly turned around at the sound of his father's voice. "I won't, Dad," he said obediently.
Bill nodded. "Now, you've taken care of everything on your end, like the rings?"
"Yes, Dad, Scott has them." Sly smiled. His father looked exactly the same as the last time he saw him, not a day over 46.
"Why you ever became friends with Baldwin I'll never know," Bill muttered.
"He developed a conscience at the worst possible time."
Sly turned towards his mother, her long blonde hair hanging radiantly down her back. "And hello to you too, Mother."
"Do you really have to wear that vest? Blue is such a boring color."
Sly raised his eyebrows. "Oh really? What would you suggest, Mom?"
Nancy held out her hands dramatically. "Chartreuse."
Both Sly and Bill grimaced. "Your mother never did have good taste," Bill frowned.
Nancy glared at him. "I guess not. After all, I married you!"
Sly sighed. "Can't you ever get along? This is my wedding day. Try to be civil."
His parents were both silent for a moment, then Bill spoke again. "Now Sly, I know that both your mother and I want you to be happy. We want your marriage to work out. But, if it doesn't, you can always get a divorce."
Sly shook his head. "Dad, I am not going to divorce Emily. I am only getting married once."
"You never know. Your father and I thought the same thing," Nancy muttered.
"God, even when you're figments of my imagination you're impossible!" Sly said, exasperated.
"You know, we can leave if you don't appreciate us being here, Sylvester," Bill threatened.
"No, look, I'm sorry. But you're both going to be there today, right?" Sly asked.
"Since when have I ever passed up the opportunity for a free drink?" Nancy laughed.
"You're our only son. Of course we're going to be there, Sly. We love you," Bill said.
Sly smiled at them when there was a knock at the door. He blinked, and his parents were gone. Sly opened the door, and Scott stood outside with a grin on his face. "Hey, Scott," Sly said as he stepped aside.
"Hello there, buddy," Scott said, and he looked around the room curiously. "So where are they?"
"Where are who?" Sly asked.
"I heard you talking to someone, Sly," Scott said as he tugged on his tuxedo jacket which was identical to Sly's.
Sly blushed a bit. "Oh, I was just talking to myself," he smiled sheepishly.
"You're that nervous?" Scott put an arm around Sly. "Come on, let's go over everything one more time."
*-*-*-*-*-*
For my wedding
I don't want violins
Or sentimental songs about thick and thin
I want a moment of silence
And a moment of prayer
For the love we'll need to make it in the world out there
Emily sighed as she took the last of the curlers out of her hair. Her long brown locks fell in loose waves around her shoulders.
She looked at herself in the mirror, satisfied with her make-up. Everything was really falling into place. Maybe that was what was scaring her.
The calm, peaceful feeling she had had the night before was gone. Now she felt restless and nervous. It seemed like something was off. Something was missing.
She looked down at the small bouquet of daises that had arrived earlier. She smiled at the small note. Sorry I couldn't be there. Good Luck, Jason. Emily had informed her brother of everything that had happened, and he was supportive. She picked up the flowers. She couldn't really see him at a huge Quartermaine wedding anyway. She picked up a pair of scissors and cut off most of the stems. She then got out her box of bobby pins, and another selection of small flowers. She placed the flowers in her hair, one at a time.
There was a soft knock at the door. "Come in," she called.
Monica carefully opened the door. She was dressed in an elegant pink sheath, and her blonde hair was pulled back a bit from her face, accentuating a very large pair of diamond earrings. A small beige envelope was in her hands. She smiled as she saw Emily put the flowers in her hair. "How are you doing, honey?"
Emily smiled as Monica closed the door. "Ok, I guess."
"Nervous?" Monica questioned.
Emily looked down. "Yes."
"Well, that's to be expected. Every bride is nervous before she gets married. But it will all melt away as soon as you start walking down that aisle," Monica smiled.
"I sure hope so," Emily sighed as she put the last of the flowers in place.
"Em, what's wrong?" Monica asked.
Emily turned to face her mother. "I don't know, Mom. In my heart, I know I love Sly, and that this is the right thing to do." Emily batted away a stray tear. "But I just never thought it would be like this. I haven't even finished high school yet, and I'm getting married. It's just…" she stuttered. "I know I'm not making any sense."
Monica gave Emily a hug and rubbed her back reassuringly. "I think it's perfectly fine that you would feel this way. This is putting a permanent end to your childhood, and that's scary." She looked Emily in the eyes. "But you're beginning a whole new exciting time in your life. Think of it as a great adventure."
Emily sniffled, comforted somewhat by Monica's hopeful words.
Monica handed her the small envelope. It was marked "Wedding Day." "I think this is the right time to give you this."
Emily looked down at Page's handwriting and smiled. "It's one of Mom's letters."
Monica smiled sadly. "I'm going to leave you alone for a while. Elizabeth should be over soon to help you with everything," she reminded. She kissed Emily on the top of the head before leaving the room.
Emily sat on her bed as she turned
the envelope over in her hands a few times. Her mother had written a series
of letters for the important times in her daughter's life.
Emily smiled. "I guess I'm not reading these in quite the order you'd hoped,
Mom," she said aloud. She carefully opened the letter and began to read.
Dearest Emily,
My little girl is getting married. It seems like just yesterday when I was holding you up as you walked. Now you're walking on your own.
I am so glad that you have found that special someone, that person who will love you completely, and you will love in return. I hope that he will make you as happy as your father made me. I don't know what kind of advice I can give you about married life. Maybe it's just to have faith, faith in each other, faith in the strength of your bond. You now have a partner who will be there for you always. That's an incredible gift.
I want you to know how proud you have made your father and I. I think, in our own way, we'll be with you today, standing always at your side. I love you, Emily.
Love, Mom
Emily wiped the tears from her cheeks. It was the strangest sensation, reading these new words from her mother. It was an odd feeling, but comforting at the same time. Emily smiled. "Thanks, Mom," she said aloud. At that moment, she could feel her mother's presence in the room, and her heart was full.
To want what I have
To take what I'm given with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
*-*-*-*-*-*
Lucky climbed out of Laura's car, and adjusted his jacket. His new black suit fit him nicely. He took a quick look at his short brown hair in the rearview mirror, and he pushed it back with his right hand.
Laura smiled at seeing her son do something so normal. It was evident he was making great progress in his therapy. He seemed happier, and his blue eyes held a spark that Laura hadn't seen in a long time. She quickly averted her eyes. She didn't want Lucky to think she was staring at him.
She then saw her other son walking towards them across the church parking lot. Nikolas was accompanied by his girlfriend, Livvie. They made a striking couple with their dark features. Nikolas was dressed in a full tuxedo, looking every bit the prince he was. Livvie was wearing a long, deep burgundy dress and a black jacket to protect against the early spring chill. "Well, don't all my children look beautiful," Laura smiled as Nikolas and Livvie joined the group.
Nikolas smiled. "Hello, Mother, Lucky." Nikolas stooped a little lower to speak to Lesley Lu. "You look so grown up, Lesley." He kissed her on the cheek and whispered something in Russian to her, which made her giggle.
"It's nice to see you again, Mrs. Spencer," Livvie said politely.
"And you too, Livvie. That is a beautiful dress."
Livvie blushed. "Thank you. Lucy helped me pick it out."
Lucky raised his eyebrows. "Are you sure? I didn't think her taste was that subdued."
Livvie laughed. "Well, it wasn't all her doing. Kevin helped too."
Lucky smiled at the mention of his therapist's name. Kevin had helped him out so much over the past few months. They had made real progress in his deprogramming, and Lucky's other issues. He was a kind man, and Lucky was grateful for the help.
Lucky noticed Nikolas shift a bit nervously as he stood next to Livvie. "Well, why don't we go into the church? I'm sure Sly and Emily will be here shortly."
"That's a good idea," Laura said, taking Lesley Lu's hand.
As they got closer to the church, Livvie spotted someone. "Oh, there's Alison. I'm going to go say hello," she said to Nikolas.
Lucky was glad that Livvie left his brother alone for a moment. He walked beside him. "So tell me, Nikolas, what's got you so nervous?"
Nikolas squinted a bit at the question. "What do you mean?"
"Come on, you've got that 'Cassadine with a plan' look in your eyes. What's up?" Lucky questioned.
"I assure you, I do not know what you are talking about," Nikolas said, hoping his brother would not see through his false bravado.
"Sure. You know I'm just going to end up finding out anyway," Lucky teased.
Nikolas smiled. It was good to have a conversation like this with Lucky again. It felt almost normal. "Maybe I just can't believe that Emily is getting married."
Lucky exhaled. "To my cousin, no less, with a baby on the way. Life is strange sometimes. But I really think they love each other, and that's what counts."
Nikolas nodded. "Agreed."
Livvie walked back to the two brothers. "Ready to go in?" she asked.
Nikolas and Lucky smiled. "Absolutely," Nikolas said. He linked his arm with hers, and the three of them entered the church.
*-*-*-*-*-*
I dream and my dreams are all
glory and light
That's what I've wanted for my life
And if it hasn't always been that way
Well I can dream
And I can pray
On my wedding day
Sly nervously tapped on the seat of the limousine. It was just he and Scott in the big car, since Sly had no other men in the wedding party.
Scott reclined back in the seat and laughed. "Relax, Sly. It's all going to be over soon."
Sly laughed. "I guess that's a bad pun."
"Come on, you know I didn't mean it that way." Scott looked at Sly sincerely. "Now, I've done this a few times, so I can't claim I'm an expert at marriage, but one time, I got it right." Scott's eyes grew a little misty with memories of Dominique.
"Dominique was a great lady," Sly said fondly. She had always treated him with kindness.
Scott nodded. "And that's the kind of happiness that I wish for you, Sly. I just hope you have more time than we did."
Sly smiled at Scott. "Are you going to get all mushy on me, Scott?" he kidded. "But seriously, thanks. I think it's my time for a little happiness for once."
Sly spied the limo's sunroof, and he opened it. He stood up in the opening. He felt the wind rushing past his face, and he saw the late afternoon blush. He let out a cry of excitement. "Do you hear that, world?" he yelled. "Sly Eckert is happy! I am getting married today! I'm getting married!"
Scott just shook his head and smiled. "Kids," he chuckled.
*-*-*-*-*-*
So what makes us any different
from all the others
Who have tried and failed before us
Maybe nothing, maybe nothing at all
But I pray we're the lucky ones
I pray we'll never fall
The church buzzed with excitement as the news spread that the bride had arrived. "You ready?" Scott asked Sly as they stood at the side of the church.
Sly grinned. "Yes," he said, and he could not hide his happiness.
"Then let's go to the front," Scott said, and he and Sly took their place just below the steps to the altar.
Sly could feel hundreds of eyes on him as he stood there. He tried to smile and remain calm, but he was full of nervous energy. He looked through the crowd and saw many friendly faces, which made him feel better.
Just then, "Cannon in D" started. Since there were no ushers, the procession was a little different. Paul and Jenny walked in together, and AJ escorted Monica up the aisle. Monica could feel the tears start to form already, and she dabbed at her eyes with a small handkerchief.
In the vestibule, the nervous excitement was palpable. When she saw Monica and AJ sit down, Elizabeth spoke to Junior, the ring bearer, and Brook Lyn, the flower girl. "Ok, you guys, go ahead."
The two children walked up the aisle slowly. The crowd ooohed and aahhed at the two cherubs. Junior looked adorable in his little tux, and Brook Lyn was very pretty in her blue dress. "That's my baby," Ned whispered to Alexis as Brook Lyn passed by, scattering flower petals from a basket.
Jenny and Paul smiled at the sight of their son, so serious as held the pillow with the rings. "You know, pretty soon we'll be planning his wedding," Paul whispered to Jenny.
"Oh, I think Susan will come first," Jenny smiled.
Elizabeth smiled at Emily and Alan in the vestibule. "See you up there," she whispered.
Lucky looked down the aisle, and his eyes beheld a breathtaking beauty. Elizabeth walked slowly down the aisle in a pale blue gown. It had a sweetheart neckline and a cinched waist. The dress had a cotton base, and the lower portion had a layer of sheer organza on top of it. Her head was covered in short brown ringlets, and she carried a bouquet of white carnations and blue bonnets mixed with baby's breath. Lucky was awestruck. Elizabeth was so beautiful, so strong. Seeing her again was a revelation. Why was he wasting so much time staying apart from her? Lucky felt a renewed strength rise within him. No more. Starting today, he would make a new beginning. He followed Elizabeth with his eyes all the way up to the altar.
Emily took a deep breath and looked at her father. She was sure that she saw a tear or two in his eyes.
Alan beamed with pride as he looked at his beautiful daughter. Could it have been only six short years since she had been in his life? Now the shy little girl had blossomed into a stunning, confident woman. He silently thanked the Higher Power for the chance to help raise this beautiful soul. "Are we ready?" he whispered and extended his arm.
Emily looked at her father and smiled. She rubbed her stomach for a moment. "We're ready," she said and linked her arm with her father's.
"The Wedding March" started and everyone rose. Sly looked down the long aisle to get his first glimpse of Emily in her dress, which she had forbidden him to see. It was worth the wait.
The congregation gasped in appreciation as Emily and Alan slowly walked up the long aisle. Emily was dressed in a gown that was composed of a few different layers of fabric. Layers of ice blue and white alternated, with white as the final layer. The dress had long bell style sleeves that hung down from the arm. The neckline featured modest cleavage, and the layers of fabric seemingly floated down. Emily's pregnancy was noticeable, but not accentuated. There was a small train behind her, also with layers of blue and white fabric. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, and small white flowers were arranged in it instead of a veil. Sly looked down at her bouquet and smiled. She held an arrangement of multi-colored roses, just like the ones he had given her on her birthday- white, pink, lavender, yellow, and red. She looked just like an angel, and Sly could scarcely believe that this beautiful creature was going to marry him.
Emily met Sly's gaze as she got closer. Her eyes drank him in. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo, and his blonde hair was neatly arranged. He held the most beautiful smile, so full of love and devotion. She looked at his laughing brown eyes and smiled back at him.
Then she and Alan reached the area around the altar, and she looked at her father. He gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then he placed her right hand in Sly's before he sat down next to Monica.
Sly and Emily smiled at each other, and they both knew they had found the love they had always been searching for. They walked up the steps to the altar, ready to profess that love before their family, their friends, and God Himself.
To want what we have
To take what we're given with grace
For this I pray
On my wedding day
Song credit: "For My Wedding" by Larry John McNally, sung by Don Henley on his album, "Inside Job."