Chapter 80 - Rated PG13
Belle’s eyes opened wide at Shawn’s question. “Oh Shawn, no, no, no!” She said trying not to laugh. “No, I’m not saying no. You asked me if I wasn’t saying anything because it was no. I was replying to that one, not the last one.”
Shawn let out a sigh of relief. “Oh Belle, I was so sure that you were saying no to me.” He said touching her cheek lovingly. “What do you say Isabella, will you marry me?”
“Of course I will.” Belle said beaming at him. “All my life I’ve wanted to be Mrs. Shawn Brady. Nothing could ever make me change my mine on that Shawn. You are everything I have ever wanted to have, and I will always have you.”
“You have made me the happiest man in the world.” Shawn said pressing his lips down onto hers in a long passionate kiss. “Do you have any idea how much you mean to me? You’ve been my rock for as long as I can remember, I don’t know what I’d do with out you.”
“You’ll never have to find out.” Belle said as Shawn slipped a ring on her finger. “We’re in this for the long haul Mr. Brady. We’ve been able to get through everything that life has thrown at us, and we’ll be doing that forever.”
“I pray to God that you’re right.” Shawn said pulling Belle against his chest and kissing the side of her head. “Belle, I don’t want to wait to get married. Carrie and Jason tie the knot in two weeks, I think that we should do it in six weeks time. Is that enough time for you and our mothers to get things the way you want them?”
“I think so.” Belle said forming a list in her head of all the things they would need. “You and I will need to sit down and go over a guest list, and wedding party. Carrie will be my Maid of Honor, Mimi a bridesmaid, probably have the girls in it too. That makes 4 with Lacey. Can you keep up with guys?”
“I’m sure I can.” Shawn said smiling again. It was finally happening, he and Belle would be come husband and wife. “Why don’t we sit down and get mom in on it at dinner tonight? We’re due over there in a couple of hours. I’m sure the girls would love to help after they’re done helping Carrie.”
“You’re right, Aimee will want to help more than anything.” Belle said smiling up at him. “Shawn, do you think we’ve raised them right? I’m so scared that what happened with James will have ruined them for life.”
“They seem ok now.” Shawn said thinking back on how Aimee had suffered after the entire ordeal. “Aimee’s gotten over it completely since James was put in jail for life. They’ll never have to go through anything like that again, and if they ever need more counseling they can get it at any time. I don’t want you to think of any of it anymore Belle.”
“If you say they’ll be ok I’m sure they will be.” Belle said smiling at him again. “Now what do you say to a hot shower before we go over to your mothers place?”
Shawn chuckled at the question. “Now what do you think my answer would be?” He asked her playfully. “I think I’d say yes.”
***
“You’re fired you bastard!” Rex shouted throwing his glass at Carson. “How could this happen? She’s supposed to be my daughter. I made love to Belle to get that baby, what went wrong?”
“I’m not sure sir?” Carson said wiping the brandy from the glass off his face. “But there were enough men there those nights that you must have considered the possibility the baby was not yours.”
“Of course I didn’t!” Rex hollered wishing he had another glass to throw. “I had her every night to myself and we made love then. I figured that those nights would be the deciding factor of her getting pregnant. She must of gotten her hands on some form of birth control.”
“You had her under lock and key sir, I doubt that.” Carson said shaking his head. “It’s probably just rotten luck. You took Biology in university sir, you know that it’s a game to see whether a person can get pregnant or not. I was just fate that that night it happened to be Shawn’s stuff that did the job.”
“I don’t care if it is fate or not!” Rex boomed again flinging the entire decanter across the room. “I want Isabella and I to have a baby one way or another. I want you to arrange to have her kidnapped and brought here to me immediately. I’m rehiring you Carson, and I don’t want you to screw up this time. Your life depends on you succeeding.”
Chapter 81
Belle was silent as she sat watching Hope place Carrie’s veil in her perfectly done hair. It had already been a long day for all of them, but it was worth it in the long run. Carrie was now ready to walk down the aisle to meet Jason so they could begin the rest of their lives together.
Just like Shawn and I soon will. She smiled at her daughters who were all sitting nearby.
“How do I look?” Carrie asked Belle, trying to keep her voice from showing the nervousness that she was feeling. “Do I look ok?”
Belle nodded as she took in Carrie’s appearance. Her dark hair had been pulled up into a tight bun, creating a dramatic look, but the ringlets that had been pulled down at the base of the bun made it more playful looking. The soft fabric flowers of the veil wrapped around the front of the bun, allowing the curls to lay on top of the fabric. Her shoulders were bare except for the thin straps of her gown which held up the beaded silk organza sweetheart neckline. The A line skirt with chapel train was laid out behind her in layers of silk and beads making it look like she was floating on air.
Elegant jewelry was the only flashiness that Carrie had chosen. A white gold three diamond necklace draped around her neck sending rays of light bouncing around the room. Matching earrings glowed from under the veil making her face shimmer. Opting for a bracelet the trios of diamonds separated by bands of white gold glittered off her wrist. The precious gems had been a gift from John Black as a thank you for looking after his granddaughters when they needed her the most.
“Belle are you ok?” Hope asked watching her soon to be daughter’s eyes fill with tears. She knew that everything was finally calming down in her and Shawn’s life, but that she was still quite emotional over everything.
“Carrie just looks so beautiful.” Belle said wiping her eyes on a tissue. “You all look so beautiful.”
“You look like the rest of us!” Aimee called out tucking her ringlets behind her ears. She loved every detail of Carrie’s wedding except the two ringlets that hung down at each temple. Her hair was just too long for them, and even when curled they hung down to her collarbone. “No, you all look normal, I look like I have two deli pepperoni’s hanging off the side of my head!”
“If you’d have let the hairdresser cut your hair in layers the we wouldn’t of had this problem.” Autumn replied smiling at her sister. When the hairdresser had explained that their hair was too long in front to make the perfect curls that Carrie wanted, she and Abi had been more than happy to add layers to their hair; But not Aimee. “You’re as stubborn as Mom and Dad are.”
“Hey now.” Belle interrupted with a giggle.
“You can’t deny it Mom.” Abi said shaking her head. Her blonde hair looked elegant in Carrie’s chosen style of a tight bun and two ringlets. Tiny red roses and baby’s breath circled the bun creating a crown in her hair. Her mother had the same, while the other ladies had white roses. “You know as well as we all do that you and Dad are both stubborn. But it’s not your fault, you get it very honestly.”
“Hey now, when did this day turn into a bash the Black’s and Brady’s?” Hope asked as she helped Carrie step down off the small platform she had been standing on. “I think that you three need to be careful, you all have that stubbornness and it’ll come out in you sooner or later.”
“Even if I wasn’t raised here I’m still going to have it?” Autumn asked smiling at her grandmother. She loved how she and Aimee looked so much like their lovely Grandmother, it made her feel so special and lovely. If she could look like Hope did at the age of fifty-five then she would truly be blessed.
“It’s in your blood sweetie, you can’t escape it.” Hope replied arranging Carrie’s veil perfectly around her face. “Even poor old Carrie has gotten some of this stubbornness. If she hadn’t her hair would be easier to manage today.”
“Hey now, this is my wedding day.” Carrie said with a laugh. Trust hope and Aimee to keep her from bursting into tears. “If you pick at me I’m afraid that I’m going to burst into tears!”
“No tears Ciddy, you promised me to tears.” Abi said using her childhood nickname for the woman she had once called Mommy. She moved over and took Carrie’s hand. “If you cry, god so help me I’ll kick your butt right here and now!”
“Oh Abigail what would I do with out you?” Carrie asked pulling the girl into her arms and hugging her tightly. “Between you and your sisters I’ve laughed all day. I haven’t really had a chance to cry.”
“Pay up Nan.” Abi said turning around and holding her hand out to her grandmother. “You said if we succeeded you’d double our weekly allowance.”
“Now why did I know that this was going to happen?” Carrie asked shaking her head and laughing at the three girls who all had huge grins on their faces. “And you all look lovely in your dresses. I can’t wait to see what Mimi looks like in hers.”
“I’m just glad that the dress shop was able to expand her dress.” Belle said smoothing her hand over the flat front of her bridesmaid dress. Carrie had chosen her bridesmaids to wear strapless gowns that fell to the floor in a layer of satin, clinging to all their curves. A beaded strip formed the bust area of the dress making it seem like glittering lights were set into the dress. But for Mimi, the dress wasn’t going to cut it. After putting on 10 lbs with no explanation she had discovered that she was pregnant with her second child. “There was no way she was going to fit into her dress this morning with out the adjustments.”
“Hey now, no picking on the pregnant chick.” Mimi said as she slipped inside the room. She had to admit that the dress was flattering to her expanding body. She had no body weight, only baby weight and only her stomach was getting larger. “It’s not my fault that Brady put a basket ball inside me.”
“Yes it is.” Abi said grinning. “That baby had to get in there somehow, and I’ll bet my allowance that you didn’t object to how it got there.”
Mimi’s jaw dropped and she was speechless at what 10 year old Abi had just said to her. “Abigail, how do you know about how my baby got in here?”
“That would be the birds and the bees that Shawn and I explained to her.” Belle said laughing hard at Mimi’s expression. She knew that Brady had always been uncomfortable talking about sex in front of other people, but she had no idea that Mimi had taken those traits. “God, tell me I didn’t tell Lacey about sex when we did the reproductive system.”
“I told her about it thank you very much.” Mimi said blushing profusely. “But my daughter was a little older than yours when I told her.”
“She was 10, I asked Lacey myself.” Aimee replied trying not to laugh. “See Meems, you just think that Lacey was older because she seems older like me. I’ve known about since I was 8. I think I slipped something to Abi and she asked Mom and Dad. Gee, your face is matching that dress of yours.”
“You are definitely related to your mother.” Mimi said trying to stop turning color. “Carrie, you should have thought about blushing when you picked out these dresses.”
“Hey, we all have the same color on.” Belle said straightening Aimee’s strap so it hung right off her shoulder. The girls dresses were the same bright apple color as hers and Mimi’s, but theirs had a softer look with draped chiffon at the neckline and a straight A line satin body. “But the girls are right Meems, you’re the only one who’s complexion matches.”
“What is this pick on the pregnant girl?” Mimi asked laughing good naturedly. “Seriously guys, it’s time to get going. Bo is standing out side this door waiting to walk Carrie down that isle to Jason, and I’m going to have to leave the ceremony and pee if we take too long. Grab your flowers ladies and let’s get this show on the road.”
Chapter 82
Bo’s eyes misted as Carrie slipped her arm into his. He’d been honored when she asked him to walk her down the isle in place of her late father, and there was no way he could have refused her. “You look lovely Carrie.” He said patting her shaking hand before carefully draping her veil across her hair and face.
“Thank you Bo.” Carrie said smiling up at him through her veil. She had been a little skeptical of the long veil in the beginning, but the moment that Hope had placed it in her hair she had fallen in love with the mystery of it. She could see through it, but no one could see her. Only the girls an Bo knew what she looked like, it would be a surprise for Jason. “Thank you very much.”
“You’re shaking like a leaf Carrie.” Bo said as she watched her bouquet of red and white roses quiver in her hands. “You can calm down honey. Jason is standing up there at the altar waiting for your. When you enter that room his eyes will be on you. I promise.”
“How is it you Brady mean know just what to say?” Carrie asked taking a deep breath to calm herself. In her heart she knew that Jason was there waiting for her, but she had seen one too many soap opera brides left at the altar.
“It’s a gift.” Bo said with a chuckle. He heard the music change tempo and the wedding march begin. “Are you ready Carrie?”
“Yes.” Carrie said as they headed towards the wide open doors of St. Luke’s church. She kept her eyes focused on the floor until they were in the heart of the church, then she raise them to look for Jason. He stood next to Shawn at the front of the church in his short jacket tux with a smile on his face. She thanked Bo as he lifted her veil off her face, handed her off to the man of her dreams and kissed his cheek lightly. She passed her bouquet off to Belle to hold along with the white roses she already clutched in one hand.
“You look beautiful.” Jason whispered as he took her hands into his. He smiled at her as they turned to the minister for the ceremony to begin.
“Jason and Carrie, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith.” Father Brown said as he clutched his bible firmly in both hands. He had been reluctant to marry the young couple as neither of them had been christened in the Catholic Church, but Hope Brady had done a good job of persuading him that they were all children of god. “This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. A lasting and growing love is not guaranteed by any ritual.
If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and dreams that you bring here today. Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the common nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Faults will surface where now you find comfort, and admiration can be shattered by the routine of daily life.
Dedication, love, and joy can grow only when you nourish them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, having faith in your shared destiny just as strongly as you have faith in yourselves and in one another today. Only with this spirit can you forge a union that will strengthen and endure all the days of your lives.”
“Jason, would you please recite your vows.”
Jason swallowed hard as he looked deep into Carrie’s eyes. He was terrified that he would forget the words that Shawn had spent hours helping him memorize. “I, Jason, take you, Carrie, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that life may find us. He turned to Shawn and took the tri diamond, white gold ring that he had chosen for his wife. He handed it to the minister so he could place a silent blessing over it before it went on Carrie’s hand. “Carrie, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.”
“Carrie, you may now recite your vows.”
Carrie fought tears as she began her vows, her eyes on the ring Jason had just placed on her ring finger. “I, Carrie, take you, Jason, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears,” she stopped when the words stopped rolling off her tongue. She looked up into his eyes near tears with embarrassment.
Jason smiled at his bride and slowly mouthed the next few words to her forming them carefully so she would see them.
Carrie continued, grateful for the wonderful man she was pledging herself to, “in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that life may find us.” She turned to Belle for the ring and smiled at her friend’s laughing eyes. She handed the ring to the minister and took her turn at waiting for it to be blessed. She loved the way the ring looked sitting on top of the open bible, it’s white gold and diamonds shimmering in the light. “Jason , I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.”
Father Brown smiled at the couple. It was easy to see that they were very much in love with each other, despite their poor taste in wedding bands. “With this statement made of love and trust, which we have just heard, I now wish you to greet Jason and Carrie as husband and wife.” He joined the couples hands and began to bless the rings in the place they would reside for the rest of eternity.
“May this day shine eternally in your lives.
May it add brilliance to every achievement and cast a divine light over any misfortune.
May you care for each other in all sadness.
May you give cheer to each other.
May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings.
May all that is virtuous, beautiful and honest, remain with you always.”
Carrie looked at Jason in confusion. At every wedding she had ever gone to the minister had closed the service with ‘you may now kiss the bride’. She glanced over at Shawn how just shrugged.
“It’s ok Carrie.” Father Brown said noticing her expression. “This set of vows doesn’t have the usual ending. You two are just supposed to kiss when I finish the blessing.”
“Oh.” Carrie said as Jason’s lips crashed down onto hers, sealing the pledge they had just made. She didn’t even hear the roar of the congregation or Mimi yelp that she had to pee, she only felt Jason’s lips on hers, and the love that surged through her body.
Chapter 83
Abi giggled as she gently plucked a strawberry off the side of the huge wedding cake. She didn’t care that it wasn’t time for Carrie and Jason to cut it, she just wanted one of the berries off the side. She had kept her eye on the giant white cake that was drizzled with chocolate covered in fresh strawberries all night, and it was finally unattended.
Oh, it’s a vanilla cake too. She quickly popped the berry in her mouth and licked the icing off her finger, enjoying the small piece of white cake that was attached.
“Abi keep your fingers off the cake!” Belle exclaimed snatching her daughters hand away from the huge iced confection. She groaned when she noticed the already missing strawberry. “Oh Abi.”
“I couldn’t help it Mom.” Abi said smiling up at her mother. It was true, she had always had a weakness for sweets and strawberries. “You know me Mom, I love sweets!”
“Yes I know that, but you have to wait until Carrie and Jason cut it.” Belle said ushering Abi towards the head table. “And now it’s time to eat real food. Go and sit next to Autumn, by Grandpa Bo.”
“Ok.” Abi said skipping over to her seat and flopping down. The only part about weddings that she hated was the behaving all the time part. “When does the dancing part start?”
“After we eat and the speeches are given we’ll start dancing.” Bo replied pushing his granddaughters chair in so she was seated properly. “Now you can sit here and be good. And if you are very good I’ll take you to the city tomorrow for ice cream.”<br />
“Ok.” Abi said smiling again. She loved how her grandparents spoiled all their grandchildren, especially her since she was the youngest.
“I want to thank you all for coming tonight, I know it means a lot to Carrie and Jason that you are all here to show your love and support for them.” Shawn said as he took the mic and began his speech. “To tell you the truth when I first met Carrie I didn’t like her much. She was loud and totally crazy, not the type of person I wanted around Belle and little Aimee. But it didn’t take her long to get into my heart and I was soon driving Aimee into the city every weekend so she could spend time with her. But it was Carrie who was my savior when my girls needed someone other than their mother. And it was Carrie who helped the girls with my reappearance, and kept Belle from making huge mistakes. We all knew from the moment that we met Jason that he was the perfect guy for her. Sure we all thought he worked for the mob,” he paused as everyone in the room laughed, “and we were even more surprised to know that he did. But that’s ok, because he’s an amazing man and I hope that he will make Carrie very happy in the years to come.” He raised his wine glass and laughed. “Now since we know that I suck at making speeches, I say we drink to their happiness so you don’t have to listen to me anymore. To Mr. and Mrs. Jason and Carrie Morgan, may your lives be full of happiness and love.”
“To Jason and Carrie!” The crowd echoed drinking to the new couple. Smiling at the steamy kiss they were rewarded with they turned their attention to the wonderful food, and began to eat.
***
“Ladies and gentlemen, can we get you to clear the centre of the dance floor?” Shawn called out as the band began to take their places on the small stage. “It’s time for Jason and Carrie to share their first dance as man and wife. The band was prepared to play the chosen song, but I was informed a little while ago that plans have changed. As a gift to the happy couple, the remaining four members of Innocence, plus Zac, would like to play this song for them. Jason and Carrie this is for you.”
Aimee closed her eyes as the song began. Her piano part didn’t come right at the beginning, rather Abi and Autumn would come in on the drums and guitar. Lacey’s tambourine joined the mix and Zac began to sing, and her fingers moved over the keys, wishing it was real piano not a keyboard.
If every word I said
Could make you laugh
I'd talk forever (together my love)
Carrie closed her eyes and remember the first time she had met Jason. He had literally run into her on the street, causing her to fall butt first into a puddle and soak herself. He had been so embarrassed with himself that he’d taken her into the nearest store and bought her an new outfit to wear home. Of course he’d offered to drive her there and ended up staying for coffee. They had talked for hours and started dating the following week. Sighing she laid her head down on his shoulder and listened to Zac’s wonderful voice.
I ask the sky just what we had
it showed forever
(together my love my)
Jason smiled as he remembered the first time Carrie had taken him to look after the girls. Aimee had been the biggest brat that he had ever seen, but it had been an eye opener for him. Unknowingly that day Aimee had showed him what it was going to be like when he had children of his own, and he had spent a lot of time around them after that. She glanced over at the two little girls that he saw as nieces and smiled at how proud they made him. Kissing Carrie’s hair he laid his head down on hers and allowed his mind to wander with the song.
If the song I sing to you
Could fill your heart with joy
I'd sing forever (together my love)
Aimee sighed as they all joined in the song. It had taken a lot of work to get the song ready with out anyone finding out about them doing it. She had insisted that Zac help them, and ended up blackmailing him into keeping it a secret. She had been forced to sit and do out the music herself because she couldn’t get the sheets off the internet, but to her that made it all the more special.
Carrie deserves more than this.
Forever
Forever
I've been so happy loving you
Abi nodded her head along with the beat of her drum kit. She had never played them in public before, but since Autumn could only play the guitar they’d had to made do. She watched Carrie and Jason dance with each other. She had always loved Carrie, had called her mommy when she was a little girl, and basically loved spending time with her. She had been scared when Jason had come into the picture because it might have meant that Carrie wouldn’t have been around as much. But that hadn’t been the case, in fact Jason had allowed Carrie to be around as much as she wanted to, and had came with her much of it.
You two are the best friends that a little girl can have.
Together my love
Let the love I have for you
Live in your heart
And beat forever (together my love)
Forever
Forever
I've been so happy loving you
Autumn took in a shaky breath as her only solo in the entire song came up. She had only been playing the guitar for a few years and didn’t really think that she was ready to play in front of a large crowd like this. The solo was just a series of riffs, but she was still scared because they had to be structured. She closed her eyes as she played, hoping that if she messed up they would take that as an excuse. She let out her breath as Lacey began to accompany her on a set of bongo drums, feeling much better that she was no longer in the spot light.
If every word I said
Could make you laugh
I'd talk forever
Belle watched Shawn as Carrie and Jason danced around the room. Snuggling into his chest she glanced up at him and noticed a dreamy look in his eyes. “What are you thinking about sweetie?”
“Our wedding.” Shawn replied wrapping his arms around her slender frame. “I can’t wait to finally make you my wife. You will look amazing in a white gown and flowers in your hair.”
“I think you’ll look pretty good in that tux too, just like you do now.” Belle replied running her finger down the front of Shawn’s Tuxedo jacket. “I can’t believe we’re getting closer to finally tying the knot. Not I guess we’ve been tying bows in our rope for a while, a solid knot will be nice.”
“You’re right it will.” Shawn said as he started to sway gently to the music. “And it will be the most amazing night of our lives. I promise.”
Forever
Forever
I've been so happy loving you
Carrie looked up at Jason and smiled again. This was the best night of her life, this was what she was destined for. “I love you Jason.”
Jason bent down and kissed Carrie on the top of her nose. “I love you too,” he replied with a twinkle in his eye, “Mrs. Morgan.”
Chapter 84
Belle sighed as she stared out the window of her parents penthouse. Since Shawn had been back in their lives she had only spent a few hours away from him, and it had been an entire 24 hours since she had last seen him. She had no idea why he had insisted they honor the age old traditions of a wedding, it wasn’t like they hadn’t been together for years. But Shawn had insisted on not seeing her until she walked down the aisle to become his wife.
“Belle, I don’t want anything to ruin this day for us.” Shawn said as he dried her teary eyes. “We’ve tried so hard to get to this day, I don’t want to take any more chances.”
“I just don’t want to be away from you anymore Shawn.” Belle sobbed as she clung to his tall frame. “I’m so scared that if you walk out that door tonight I may never see you again.”
“Brady has promised to be with me every second of the day for you.” Shawn said holding her as close as he could. “I promise to not even go into a public washroom if I have to close the door to the outside. I’ll only go into stall so Brady can be nearby. Will that make you feel better?”
“Yes.” Belle said with a giggle. “I’m sorry Shawn, I just don’t want to lose you. I feel like a little baby right now, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry Isabella.” Shawn said kissing the tip of her nose gently. “I will be there tomorrow when you walk down that aisle, whether I have to fight a wild tiger to get there. Now, you go to your parents and enjoy the day at the spa.”
Belle shook her head as she remembered how stupid she had sounded when she’d cried. “Well Belle Black you’ve always been a little whiny brat anyway so it’s only logical that you whine to him when you’re nervous.” She rested her chin in her hand and sighed again. A flash of light from beside her caused her to jump.
“Oh no Belle don’t move, that’s the perfect pose.” Eric Brady said with disappointment in his voice. He’s literally snuck into the room when he’d noticed the forlorn look on her face, just so he could get the perfect shot. “Oh Belle you’re going to love that picture when it’s in print.”
“You couldn’t have warned me so I wouldn’t have had a mini heart attack?” Belle asked relieved that the light hadn’t been lightening. The forecast that day had called for rain and possible thunder showers, but she’d been holding out for sunny weather. “And I’m sitting here in my underwear Eric.”
“It’s a profile shot Belle, no one will see your lacy under things.” Eric replied kissing her cheek lightly. She’d been asked to come downstairs for one pm, and now that it was almost two Marlena had sent him up to retrieve her. “Mom’s looking for you, we were afraid that you’d been kidnapped or something.”
“Don’t even joke about that.” Belle said frowning at her brother. “You know that Shawn and I are both worried about something coming between us today. Please don’t take that very lightly.”
“I’m sorry little sis, I wasn’t even thinking.” Eric said reaching for a silk robe that lay near her on the bed. “Here, put this on and I’ll escort you down to the living room just to make sure that you get there safely.”
“Thank you.” Belle said slipping into the robe and tying it securely around her slim waist. “I know you’re probably thinking I’m silly, but I’m so scared of losing him again.”
“You won’t.” Eric said slipping his arm around her shoulders and leading the way down the stairs. “Brady hasn’t left Shawn side since he left here yesterday, so he’s safe. Mom hasn’t left you since that time either. The girls are with Carrie and your entire bridal party is accounted for. Everyone is fine. Don’t stress yourself out too much.”
“Are you ready for your make up sweet girl?” Marlena asked as Belle and Eric came down from the bedroom. “I just spoke to Shawn and he said to tell you he loves you and that he’s ok.”
“Thanks Mom.” Belle said sitting down in a comfortable armchair. She’d decided that going to a salon would be too risky, so the hair and make up people were coming to her. “Is my dress all ready for me to wear?”
“I pressed it myself.” Marlena said offering Belle a warm cup of tea. It concerned her how obsessed Belle had seemed the past two days, making sure everything was in perfect order. “You don’t have to worry about anything today, it’s all taken care of.”
“I’m sorry, I know I’m stressing out.” Belle said casting her eyes down at the floor. Shawn had warned her about getting all worked up about the wedding being perfect. He didn’t want her to end up being hysterical if something didn’t work out the way she had planned it. “And I won’t even bother explaining myself because you all know how I feel about this wedding.”
“That’s right sis, we’ve all heard it a couple of times.” Eric said patting her hand as he walked towards the balcony. “And I’ll say it one more time, you and Shawn will get married today and you will live happily ever after. Would you feel better if I carried some heat with me all day?”
“Would you think bad of me for saying yes?” Belle asked as the hair stylist began to work on her hair. Shawn had agreed to carry a small gun that belonged to his father, at Hopes insistence, and Brady would carry one as well.
“Bo has already gotten half of the men to wear them.” Marlena replied in a soft voice. She had thought the idea to be completely unnecessary, but Bo and Hope had insisted on it. “You will be perfectly safe. Now, sit back and let this lovely lady here work her magic, so we can get you to that church and give you away.”
***
“With the security around that church you’ll never even get close.”
“I don’t care if there are a million guards standing around waiting, I have to stop this wedding. Shawn Brady doesn’t deserve Belle and I’m going to make sure that they are stopped before they do something foolish.”
“Are you sure this is what you want to do boss? I mean, Bo Brady will shoot anyone who tries to get in with out an invitation, and I’m sure you don’t have one.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I do have an invitation. I obtained it quite easily a few weeks back from Isabella herself, we will have no problems getting through that useless security.”
“Then why plant a bomb in the church before hand? I don’t see the point of it.”
“They won’t let us just leave the church with her you moron. They’re going to try and stop us, but all we have to do is tell them about the bomb and we’ll be home free. Isabella and I will jet off to Europe where we will start our lives together and things will be perfect.”
“I still think that you’re nuts. Shawn Brady will kill you before he lets you leave that church with his lady. They do have three children together remember?”
“That’s of no matter, they’re almost old enough to take care of themselves. The girls will do just fine in the absence of their mother. I may decide in a few years to take them along with us, but for now it will just be the two of us.”
“If you say so boss.”
“I do, and that’s the end of this discussion. Let’s get ourselves inside that church and ready for the service. Once we’re seated I’ll claim that I don’t feel well and would like to go out the side door and get some air. From there I’ll get into the brides room and take Isabella before she even gets to the church. Wait twenty minutes and come looking for me, and we’ll make our get away.”
“Yes boss.”
“Good. Don’t mess this up for me. Your life is on the line in this, because if I don’t get my prize, then it’ll be you that ends up dead.”
Chapter 85
“Oh Belle you look amazing.” Hope said as she slipped inside the brides room to check on the progress of the bride. “That dress looks amazing on you!”
“Thank you.” Belle said checking her reflection in the mirror for the hundredth time. She had to admit, the dress was amazing. After pouring over unique drawings from her fathers business she’d finally settled on a dress. The princess cut, matte satin gown with square neckline showed her creamy skin and just enough cleavage to be elegant. Scalloped schiffli lace created the shoulders and sleeves, with graceful bell sleeves, and dusted the hem in the front and along the chapel train. The ivory color allowed her pale skin to gleam, and showed off the sapphire jewelry that Shawn had bought for her. “I do love this dress, the designer did an amazing job.”
“As did the seamstress.” Mimi said carefully placing Belle’s tiara in her hair and fastening the veil to it. “That lace must have taken days to sew on. Not to mention the tiny stitches that they did, you did say that this is hand made right?”
“Yup, it took them 200 hours to make it all.” Belle replied trying not to fidget while everyone primped her. “The lace is hand made too. Autumn loves it so much that she asked if we could keep it so she could wear it on her wedding day. I actually thought Shawn was going to cry.”
“I can see all your girls wearing it.” Hope said making the final adjustments to the jewelry. “And with their dark hair, Aimee and Autumn will look stunning. Abi will look like an angel, just like you do right now. Shawn is going to be a puddle on the chapel floor when he sees you today.”
“Thanks everyone, Shawn and I couldn’t have made it to this day without you.” Belle said as everyone helped lift her dress so she could sit down on a stool. “I know we were both a little crazy in the past few weeks, but that all ends today. Today we finally get to become man and wife.” She paused and laughed heartily. “Do you think we’re moving too fast?”
Hope shook her head as the rest of the room laughed. “Yes Belle, we all think you’re moving too fast.” She said winking at her soon to be daughter in law. “After all you don’t get married for another hour, I think we’ve all moved too fast this morning.”
“Oh Hope don’t scare me like that.” Belle said chuckling again. The light atmosphere made her nerves settle a little and she relaxed into causal conversation. “I hope the girls aren’t angry that I didn’t include them in the wedding party. I wanted my closest friends to stand up for me and give the girls a chance to stand up for each other some day. After all, three times a brides maid never a bride.”
“That’s an old wives tale.” Marlena said as she looked up from the book she had been reading. “But the girls are fine with it. Hope and I had a long talk to them about it after you did and they said that it was ok with them. Plus Aimee was thrilled to get to play the wedding march, being in the party wasn’t high on her list.”
“The girls are just glad that you’re getting married.” Mimi said easing herself down onto the chair next to her best friend. “Aimee has waited all her life to see you two get together, this day probably means as much to her as it does to you two.”
“You’re right, she’s been quite excited about it.” Belle said resting her hands in her lap. She had been amazed at how involved Aimee had been with all the wedding plans, going as far as writing a song for them to dance to at the reception. “She’s already requested a little brother as soon as the wedding is over.”
“How does Shawn feel about that request?” Hope asked flopping down into the chair next to Marlena. She’d been on her feet for five hours, and things hadn’t even gotten started.
“He’s ok with it, but he told me it was up to me when be began to think about having more kids.” Belle said blushing slightly. She had been scared initially when she and Shawn had spoken about being intimate after the wedding, but was now anticipating the honeymoon. “And I’m thrilled, I’d love to give him a son.”
“Hello?”
Belle’s head whipped around and she jumped up in excitement. “Chloe!” She rushed towards the door, toppling the stool, and threw her arms around her friend. “You made it!”
“Of course I made it, how could I not?” Chloe Kiriakis said as she held her old friend close to her. “I’m so glad to see you. I was so happy when you replied to my invitation to be a bridesmaid. Shawn was excited to see Phil again.”
“You should have seen him when we dropped the boy off.” Carrie said as she closed the door behind her. “He had tears in his eyes Belle!”
“It was too cute!” Chloe said giving Mimi a hug and patting her rounded belly. “Think you’ll hold out long enough to get through this ceremony Meems? God you look like you’re carrying triplets!”
“No, it’s only one.” Mimi said brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear. “And look at you, as thin as you always were. Are you sure you’ve had a few kids?”
“Six total as of Christmas time.” Chloe said patting her stomach from under her periwinkle blue dress. She’s been pleased when Belle had sent the dress to her in Rome, knowing that she could wear it somewhere other than the wedding. The fitted bust with loose waist and skirt laid flat against her body, while Mimi’s could expand over the growing baby, all held up by beaded straps. A band of embroidered fabric lined the top of the dress, creating the only embellishment on the gown. “But you’d never know it would you?”
“Never.” Mimi said wishing that she could get back to that size after this baby was born. She’d labored hard after having Lacey to get rid of the baby weight, but that had been in her early twenties. “How about you spend tomorrow telling me how to make myself look like that in 6 weeks?”
“You’ll be beautiful no matter how big you are Mimi.” Hope said remembering how she’d obsessed over losing the baby weight after Zac. “But you get the info from Chloe and you can come work out with Jen and I at the gym.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Mimi said smiling at Belle. “Oh, we’re supposed to meet the guys in the church before the service aren’t we? Oh no, I told Shawn we’d be there at 2:30 and it’s quarter to three now. Belle honey will you be ok by yourself for a bit so we can go in and see what Shawn wants?”
“Of course I will.” Belle said shooing them away from her. “Go before barges in here to get you. I do not want him to see me in this dress at all. I swear I’d die right here on the floor before he’d get to see this dress.”
“Ok sweet girl.” Marlena said standing and giving her daughter a kiss. “There’s a guard outside the room. If you need anything get him to help you. Ok?”
“Yes Mom, I’ll be fine in here.” Belle said waving to her ladies as they each left the room. She sat down on the stool with a sigh. No, she didn’t want to be alone, but she assumed that Shawn was planning something special and she didn’t want to ruin it. “Grow up Belle, you’ll be fine. You’re going on 40 years old, you can spend 15 minutes by yourself with out getting into danger. Everything will be fine.”
“Are you sure of that Isabella?”
Chapter 86 - PG13
The open window in the brides room was the perfect spot for him to make his move. He knew that as soon as the girls left Belle alone he would have to make his move. His window of opportunity was less than 15 minutes providing her father didn’t make an early appearance to see his daughter before he gave her away. Grinning he moved out of sight while the ladies left the room and chuckled as the door clicked.
Oh Isabella, I can’t wait for you to finally be mine. I’ve had my eye on you from the first day you walked into my office.
“Grow up Belle, you’ll be fine. You’re going on 40 years old, you can spend 15 minutes by yourself with out getting into danger. Everything will be fine.” Belle said staring at the door he’d watched her family exit only moments ago.
He never moved his eyes away from her as he pulled himself into the room through the window. Silently as a cat he lowered himself to the floor and stepped towards the lovely bride. “Are you sure of that Isabella?” He asked in a husky voice.
Belle jumped at the sound of a male voice in the room. Whirling around she smiled at the person in front of her. “I’d hoped you’d make it!” She exclaimed rushing over and giving him a hug. “If it wasn’t for you I’d never have made it today with Shawn. You made me a new person.”
“You made yourself a new person.” He replied touching her cheek with his soft fingers. His hands were his pride and joy, and he went through great lengths to keep them in amazing condition. Manicures, lotions, massages, all went into preserving his fingers. He could take or save a life with just the flick of a wrist, and that was nothing to take lightly. “I might add that you look beautiful today.”
“Thank you.” Belle said blushing and dipping her head so her veil covered one side of her face. Despite the amazing results of her surgery, age was catching up to her and some of the scars were returning. “I have another surgery set up for next year to repair the age damage to the site.”
“I know, and I’m positive that you will be back to a hundred percent when you’re recuperated.” He replied trying not to lick his lips in anticipation. He couldn’t wait to get her on the plane to Europe, hoping that he could persuade her to join the mile high club with him. “You’re always going to be beautiful Isabella, no matter if your scars come back or not.”
“I’ll do everything I can to make sure that the scars never come back.” Belle said moving to sit down on her stool again. She’d been up for hours and her nervousness was taking it’s toll on her. “I was never a believer in plastic surgery, but I do not want them to come back. I won’t go as far as getting a face lift every few years to make sure that the skin is perfect, but as long as the noticeable scars can be flattened, I’ll be one happy girl. Plus two of my girls have never even seen me with them, and I hope they never will.”
“I’m sure they won’t.” He said smiling at her.
That’s because they won’t get to see you again unless I decide that you deserve it. . He touched her veil lightly and wondered if she would want to wear the same dress for their wedding. “Are you sure about marrying Shawn? He hasn’t always been there for you has he?”
“But it wasn’t his fault that he wasn’t there.” Belle said nodding her head. She’d received that question many times over the past few weeks, and each time she had the same answer. “My parents sent me away the first time, then there was the plane wreck, then James. Each time an outside force caused us to be separated. I don’t blame Shawn at all. I blame my father for the first one, the bastard who caused the plane crash for the second, and myself for the last.”
“Never blame yourself Isabella.” He said moving to sit in the chair next to her. He’d applied a paste to her veil when he’d touched it, and he figured it would be about three minutes before she would start to feel woozy. “It was never your fault that he wasn’t there for you. In fact, I believe that it’s partially my fault.”
“How was it your fault?” Belle asked raising one eyebrow at him. “You never hurt me.”
“But I did Isabella I did hurt you.” He replied shaking his head at himself. Sure this was mostly an act to get her to relax and take deep breaths, but he also wanted to make a confession to her. “And you’re going to be happy that I did. In a few minutes you’ll be so sleepy I’ll be able to carry you out of this room and off to a plane to Europe. You will not marry Shawn Douglas Brady, not today, not ever. You will be my wife. You can try to resist me, but you’ll find that already you’re arms feel like lead weights and your back hurts.”
“What?” Belle asked staring at the person she had considered to be a friend. “No, no, you won’t do that. I have to marry Shawn, I have to.” She tried to get up off the chair, but found that things were exactly as he had said. “No, No!””
“Shut up!” He replied reaching over to cover her mouth with his hand. If she screamed the guards outside the door would know that there was something going on and come in the room. He couldn’t risk that happening, he didn’t want to kill anyone today. “You will do exactly as I say Isabella. Once we’re on the plane you will write a letter to Shawn saying you don’t love him and that you’ve run off with your true love. Do you understand me?”
“No, no, no.” Belle cried as she tried to make her body listen to her. She knew that she hadn’t eaten or drank anything to allow a drug to enter her system, so it must be something in the room. “No, I will not let you do this to me! I love Shawn and he and I will be married and our children will be with us. I will not let you do this!”
“Miss Black is everything ok in there?”
“Tell him yes.” He snapped taking a gun out of his pocket and aiming it at her. “Tell him that everything is fine. Do it now.”
“Yes Derek, everything is ok.” Belle said trying to remember the code that they had developed in case something happened. “I’m just yelling at my demons. I’ll be fine, no need to worry.”
“Good girl.” He said reaching for a tissue and wiping the chemical off the veil. “I know that you’ll be the perfect wife for me. You’ll do exactly as I tell you, and we’ll be so happy. Do you have a choice for country? Better yet I’ll surprise you. Our chateau will be my wedding gift to you. Do you like brick houses?” He moved around the room wiping his finger prints off everything he had touched so no one could trace the abduction to him.
Hurry Shawn. Belle pleaded silently. She’d watched him wipe the chemical off her veil and knew that it had been an inhalant that had drugged her, but that also meant that it wore off fast. “No one will believe me if I write a letter to Shawn.” She said trying to buy herself some time so she could stand. “Everyone knows how much I’m looking forward to becoming Mrs. Shawn Brady, people would have to be crazy to think I’d leave him after all this time.”
“But you will convince them my dear.” He replied tossing a few of her belongings into a shopping bag he’d pulled from inside his jacket. “You are one of the most convincing people I have ever met. Plus, after you’ve been gone for a few weeks even you yourself will believe that this is the right thing.”
“I’ll never believe it’s the right thing.” Belle said feeling relieved that her feet were able to move under the dress again. “Shawn is the only man I could ever see spending the rest of my life with. I’ve waited over 20 years to become his wife, and we have three girls together. Nothing you could ever do would make me want to leave that. Nothing.”
“What about making your face look like it did before you got the reconstructive surgery on it?” He asked giving her a sinister smile. “Would you want to go back to Shawn if your pretty little face wasn’t so pretty and smooth? Or would you hide and cry like you did before it was all fixed for you? You’re on vain bitch you know that Belle.”
“I am not vain.” Belle said moving her fingers to see if they worked, glad that her sleeves came down to cover them. “You don’t know what it’s like to live in this world when you’re disfigured. No child would let me treat them if my face was scarred, they would recoil and cry for their parents. My children would be ridiculed for having a disfigured mother, and they may not be as close as they are to me now. You have no idea what it was like with the scars!”
“Oh but I do Isabella.” He cried out unbuttoning his jacket and shirt. “I was four when the fire happened. Eighty six percent of my body was covered in burns. My hands, feet and private areas were the only clean spots. See theses scars? I’ve had them for fifty years! It took fifty thousand dollars to fix my face, eight surgeries later I looked like I do today. My yearly vacation consists of surgery in Switzerland to keep myself looking normal! You think I don’t know what it’s like, well you don’t know what it’s like!”
“I’m so sorry, I had no idea.” Belle said wondering if the guard had understood what she had said in the code. Shawn should have arrived by now to keep her safe. “But to say that I don’t know what it’s like is wrong, I do know, just not to the extent.”
“Enough talk, we’re leaving.” He said moving to pick her up. He was prepared for her to fight him, and he quickly over powered her and started towards the window. “We’ll be so happy Isabella.”
“Put her down Dimera!” Shawn yelled as he burst through the doors, gun in hand. He advanced towards his obviously scared bride, ready to shoot if necessary. He knew that there were police officers around to do the dirty work for him if need be, but he wanted to be the one to save Belle. “Place her on the floor and turn around slowly Rex.”
He turned slowly, keeping Belle in his arms, the gun pressing against her ribcage. “Hello Mr. Brady.” He said smiling at the man. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again. I trust you enjoyed your little stay on that island in the middle of nowhere?”<br />
Shawn lowered the gun, his eyes fixed on the man holding his wife. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, not for one second. “What the hell is going on here?”
Chapter 87 - PG13
Shawn lowered the gun, his eyes fixed on the man holding his wife. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing, not for one second. “What the hell is going on here?”
“What’s going on is simple Shawn, I’m taking Isabella away for good.” Ian Watson replied shaking his head with joy. “I’ve had my eye on this little girl since she first walked into my office almost 20 years ago. And now I’ve decided that I can’t wait any longer to have her.”
“Put her down Dr. Watson.” Shawn said lowering his weapon to his side. What did Belle have with choosing doctors that fell in love with her? “Belle isn’t going to go anywhere with you. She’s going to become my wife today and we’ll be together for the rest of our lives.”
“See Shawn, that’s where you’re wrong.” Ian replied moving Belle’s dress aside so the gun was visible. “You are going to call off the hounds and let me pass. I’ll make it very clear to you right now that I will kill her before I let you have her again.”
“No.” Belle sobbed pleading with Shawn silently. She didn’t want to die, but she wasn’t strong enough to fight with Ian, the drug he had used wasn’t wearing off like she’d hoped. “No please don’t, just let me go.”
“You don’t deserve her Shawn.” Ian said feeling panic well up in his throat. It wasn’t supposed to have taken this long, he was supposed to have made it out of there by now. “You were never there for her when she needed her. You weren’t there when Rex was beating her, you weren’t there when she was pregnant with Abigail, and you weren’t there when James raped her. You weren’t there Shawn!”
“I couldn’t be there!” Shawn screamed hoping Belle would struggle and make him lose the grip on the gun. “John Black took her away from me and Aimee. I wanted here there, I needed her there. She was a new mother, and she never got to see her baby after she was born. I cried for Belle night after night, wanting her to be there with me as I raised our little girl! My father threatened to throw me in jail every time I talked about going to look for her, in my heart I knew I couldn’t leave Aimee, not for longer than a day. And I was there for her every day when she came back to us! Not once did I ever try to leave her side, not when she pushed me away, not when she sent me in for stitches! I was always there for her, to me she was my life, she was already my life partner at that point!
As for when Abi was born, I’d love to find the son of a bitch that killed those two pilots. I spent six year son that god forsaken island, praying to die like I thought Belle had. Six years alone, with not one living soul within communication distance. I lived in a cave using baby sleepers to keep my feet warm at night, thinking that my baby and my love had been killed when that plane went down. I had no way to know that Belle had survived and made it back to Salem, thank god that there was someone watching over her that night. I wanted to be with her then, like I always had. All I ever wanted was to be with her, whether in life or in death!
And if James hadn’t drugged her and dragged her out of the concert that night I would have been there. We were waiting for Belle to come back stage to see the girls before she went home, just as she always did. It was there that I was going to get her back from the bastard who hurt her so badly, but I never got that chance. Aimee was so scared that night when Belle didn’t come back and my mother didn’t know where she was. She was frantic and not making too much sense. But it was her that knew where to find Belle and what James was doing, and I thank God everyday for giving me such a smart daughter!”
“Boo Hoo Hoo.” Ian said rolling his eyes at Shawn confessions. “You’re nothing but a no good asshole Shawn Brady. You think of yourself more than your girlfriend. Don’t think I didn’t hear how you convinced Belle to bring that little girl in with her when she had her bandages changed. You knew that each time she changed them she got depressed over the lack of progress she saw, yet you pushed her to take a small child with her! Don’t you dare say you love her, because you don’t even know the meaning of the word.”
Shawn looked around frantically wondering where Jason was. He had come to the door with him after the guard had come into the church and said that there was something wrong in the brides room, but he hadn’t come into the room with him. “I do love Belle.” He said taking a caution step into the room, hoping that he could attack with out hurting Belle too badly. “I was only a few years old when I fell in love with this pretty little girl with big blue eyes and pouty lips what quivered when she cried. Sure it was me that made her cry, I dumped a bucket of sand all over her head, but I did kiss her to make it all better. It was that day when I knew that Belle was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I intend to do that.”
“You two are so stupid.” Ian said noticing the police standing outside each of the windows. “I am going to leave with Belle, and you’re not going to stop me from doing it. Inside the main church is a bomb. It is activated by touch and by trigger, this trigger I hold in my hand. If you try and stop me I will blow this place to pieces, along with all your family and friends who are sitting inside that building.”
Shawn stopped in his movement and looked into Belle’s terrified eyes.
I love you Isabella. I will not let this man hurt you or any of our family. He took a small step backwards hoping that everyone outside the door had heard about the bomb and were on their way to call the bomb squad. “Why are you doing this to us?” He asked leaning back against the door and sliding to the floor. “What have we ever done to you to deserve this kind of torture?”
“Nothing.” Ian said getting a better grip on Belle’s body so he could make a run for it. “But that doesn’t mean anything at all. I want Belle to be my wife, and I have gone through a lot of trouble to get her. My first attempt was a failure at getting rid of you, and I almost killed her in the meantime. This time I will not fail. So move out of my way Shawn Brady or I’ll shoot you first.”
“What do you mean you tried to get rid of me?” Shawn asked looking up at Ian with pain in his eyes. He was going to lose Belle yet again, and there was nothing he could do about it. “You’ve never done anything to us.”
“Oh yes I did, and I almost succeeded.” Ian said dropping Belle’s feet to the floor so she could walk out on her own. “Those poor pilots suffered a great deal before you found them Shawn. The gas that killed them slowly ate away at their lungs, quite painful if you ask me. Chemical warfare is an amazing thing, and so easy to use. A timed bomb caused minor damage to the cockpit door, keeping it from opening from the inside. The oxygen masks dropped down, spilling the gas inside. Cockpits are sound proof you know, they probably yelled and screamed for help, but you couldn’t help them could you Shawn. You found them after they were dead for about 10 minutes, and the gas was released as soon as they put the plane on autopilot.”
“You caused the plane crash?” Belle asked looking over her shoulder in horror. “Why would you try to kill me if you wanted to be with me? I don’t understand!”
“You were supposed to be too sick to make the flight.” Ian said gently placing the gun against her head. “I poisoned the food you ate that day and you were supposed to be so sick that you sent Shawn home alone to your daughter. It was so easy to hurt her too, some kids will do anything for money. All I had to do was pay off some 5 year old kid to make sure she got hurt at play time. But you didn’t get as sick as I’d hoped, your baby got most of the poison, and it can’t hurt babies. So you got on the plane as well, and I couldn’t stop the explosion. But at least it got you separated from Shawn. Then James had to go and get to you first. Damn that man!”
“Why would you do that?” Belle asked beginning to cry. “You nearly killed me and my baby, and you too Shawn from me for six years! I will never forgive you for that! Never.” She started to twist and turn in his arms trying to get away. “Let go of me you bastard, let me go!”
Ian pressed the gun against Belle’s head and held up the trigger for the bomb. “Say good bye to everyone Isabella.” He kissed her cheek and stared at Shawn. Belle closed her eyes and in less than two seconds, it was all over.
Chapter 88
Shawn closed his eyes, not able to comprehend what had happened on his wedding day. Despite all their precautions, a psycho had gotten his hands on Belle, and someone had lost their life in the brides room. Blood had pooled all over Belle’s wedding dress as it seeped down her shoulder and across her breast. It was ruined. He opened his eyes and gave the Minster a small smile, letting him know it was ok to begin. He clasped Belle’s cold hand into his and took a deep breath.
We are gathered here today to take part in the most time-honored celebration of the human family, uniting a man and a woman in marriage. Shawn Douglas Brady and Isabella Black have come to witness before us, telling of their love for each other. We remember, theirs is a love whose source is the affection of those who loved them into being.
If it hadn’t been for Jason’s cat like movement and quick thinking, Belle and theirs families would surely have been killed. After the police commander had handed down the shoot to kill order, it had only been a few seconds before Ian had a bullet in his skull and his blood was pouring down over Belle. Jason must have taken a course in mortal wounding, because by the time his father had gotten to the body ten seconds later, Ian was dead.
We remind them that they are performing an act of complete faith, each in the other; that the heart of their marriage will be the relationship they create. In a world where faith often falls short of expectation, it is a tribute to these two who now join hands and hearts in perfect faith.
Belle had pried herself away from Ian’s dead arms, and ran to his arms. Neither one cared about the blood ruining their wedding clothes, they were too relieved at being back in each others arms. She had clung to him and cried for thirty minutes before she’s noticed her dress, and cried over that as well. So much effort had gone into planning their perfect wedding, and one person had ruined it very quickly.
Shawn, will you receive Isabella as your wife? Will you pledge to her your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing her with a husband's loyalty and devotion?”
But it had only taken a week and there they were again. Belle’s dress had been repaired by the same woman who had made it. Not a single trace of blood remained to be seen, the dress had been restored to perfection. Despite the events of the week before, not a single thing had changed. Belle’s hair and make up was styled the same, Mimi was as pregnant as ever, Carrie glowed with pride, and Chloe looked gorgeous as they stood along side his bride.
“I will.”
It bad been a rough week on them all, but finally they would be married. Her heart skipped a beat as his husky voice pledged to love her forever. Ian may have scared her, but Shawn had kept her calm enough to make it through. It had been his heart felt confessions that had helped her gather the strength she needed to make it though the nightmare that had been their intended wedding day.
“Isabella, will you receive Shawn as your husband? Will you pledge to him your love, faith and tenderness, cherishing him with a wife’s loyalty and devotion?”
But she hadn’t been prepared for the aftermath of the ordeal. Her wedding dress was stained with another man’s blood, and her veil had been torn in three places. The statements and court hearings had been emotionally draining, the girls had been scared. But the worst part of it had been the loss of the only doctor who could redo her surgery. The scars would keep coming back now, until she looked just as she had before. But it didn’t matter to Shawn if they came back, he’d love her anyway.
“I will.”
But now everything was back to normal. She and Shawn stood at the altar at St. Luke’s, exchanging their vows. Nothing could stop them now, they were home free. Smiling she looked up into his eyes, basking in the love and warmth that came from them. Never again would she ever have to doubt her future, they were sealing it forever.
“Shawn and Isabella, receive each other from your fathers and mothers, who give you into each other's keeping, by saying now, each to the other, words which will tell of your love.”
Shawn cleared his throat and began to speak softly. “I, Isabella, take you, Shawn.” He stopped and blushed a deep crimson at his mistake. He turned to the Minister and shook his head. “I’m sorry.” He turned back to Belle and began again. “I, Shawn, take you, Isabella to be no other than yourself, in all the ways life may find us, tending you in sickness and rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both shall live to love.”
Belle dabbed at here eyes with a tissue, and took a deep breath before beginning her own vows. “I, Isabella, take you, Shawn to be no other than yourself, in all the ways life may find us, tending you in sickness and rejoicing with you in health, as long as we both shall live to love.
“Will you now give and receive a ring?”
“We will.” They said together as their witnesses handed the rings to the Minister to be blessed, placing each one on the pages of an open bible.
This circlet of precious metal is justly regarded as a fitting emblem of the purity and perpetuity of the Marriage State. The ancients were reminded by the circle of eternity, as it is so fashioned as to have neither beginning nor end; while gold is so incorruptible that it cannot be tarnished by use or time. So may the union, at this time solemnized, be incorruptible in its purity and more lasting that time itself.”
Shawn took the offered ring and slid it onto Belle’s bear ring finger. “Wear this ring forever, Isabella, as a symbol of love and peace and of all that is unending.”
Belle swallowed hard, choking on her own emotion as she took the ring and began to slide it onto Shawn finger. “Wear this ring forever, Shawn, as a symbol of love and peace and of all that is unending.”
“We speak to Shawn and Isabella of love, in which the trust and freedom of the other person becomes as significant as the trust and freedom of one's self. We speak to them of generosity, which gathers the beauty of earth for riches, and the kindness which turns away the wrath of foolish men and women. We speak of each of our hopes for their continued growth through patience, one for the other. We speak of our confidence that new levels of understanding, discovered by them in experiences of sorrow and tribulation, shall bring ever new surprises of strength and fortitude they do not now know.
In the years which shall bring Shawn and Isabella into greater age and wisdom, we pray that their love shall be ever young; that they shall be able always to recover from moments of despair, the lithesome ways of buoyant youth. In this hope may they keep the vows made on this day, in freedom, teaching each other who they are, what they yet shall be, enabling them to know that in the fullness of being, they are more than themselves and more than each other; that they are all of us, and that together we share joyously the fruits of life.
In as much as Shawn and Isabella have declared their love and devotion to each other before family and friends, I now greet them with you as husband and wife.
Shawn reached out and took Belle’s hands into his own, rubbing his thumb along the new white gold band he’s just placed there. “Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be sanctuary to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no isolation for you. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two, but there is only one life in front of you.”
“Go now and enter into the days of your togetherness.”
Jason tapped Shawn on the back and leaned over his shoulder to whisper something to them. “Just so you know, that means you may now kiss the bride.”
Chapter 89
Aimee stood quietly to the side of the banquet hall, fiddling with her fingers. She knew that this was a special day for her parents, yet she somehow felt left out. “That’ll change when it’s time for them to share their first song.” She said to herself as she slid down into the seat next to her. She had to admit that her parents looked amazing as they moved around the room talking to friends and family. “It’s about time we’re all Brady’s, even Autumn was a Brady before mom.”
“Aimee, come over here sweetie!” Belle called as her eyes finally found her oldest daughter as she sat by herself. It was amazing how old Aimee looked now. She’s graduated high school the year before, and had finished two years of university in six months. And at 16, she looked about twenty-five. She extended her arm and wrapped it around Aimee’s shoulder. “Aimee I’d like you to meet someone very special to your father and I. This is Phillip and Chloe Kiriakis. Phillip is your fathers Uncle, Victor’s son. We all went to high school together.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” Aimee said shaking each of their hands. There was something important about them, but she wasn’t sure what it was. “I’m glad you were able to make it for the wedding.”
“So were we.” Chloe said smiling softly at the lovely girl. “Your mother tells me you’re quite the musician. That definitely comes from your father. He used to love to play the piano in the Brady Pub for us.”
“I only did it so you would sing.” Shawn said taking a sip of his champagne and resting his hand against Aimee’s neck. “Chloe is an opera singer in Rome. That’s why we never see her anymore. I don’t think she’s been home since right after you were born. She only gets a few weeks vacation a year, and she takes her little ones to exotic places.”
“You must have a lovely voice.” Aimee said wondering if she could sing opera. “I’ve never tried to sing opera, I don’t think my voice is high enough.”
“It’s hard work, sometimes I wish I had just gone into popular music.” Chloe said resting her head on Phillips shoulder. “But the pay off is nice. If you ever want to give opera a try have your parents ship you over to us for a vacation and I’ll show you the ropes.”
“Thank you.” Aimee said wondering if her parents would let her go to Europe with out them. “I have to go make sure the instruments are working properly. You two have to share your first dance in ten minutes.”
“Ok sweetie.” Belle said kissing her daughters head and watching her walk away. “You’d never know that you two went through chemo. She’s as healthy as a horse if you look past her weight. But sometimes I wonder if it’s all broken her soul? She doesn’t seem to be the same girl she was before the transplant.”
“I went through that for a while after my transplant Belle, you just have to give her time.” Chloe said pushing her hair back off her shoulder. “She’ll come around after about a year, and then it’ll be back to the way things were all along. It’s tough adjusting to the medications she’s taking everyday, and they could be affecting her mood too. But no more talk of this, we’re at your wedding. Smile and get ready to share your first dance together!”
“Ok Chloe, you’re the expert on this.” Belle said moving to give her friend a hug. “Did you and Carrie have a good week? I tried to call you both a few times but Jason always said the two of you were out shopping or having coffee.”
“Yes we did.” Chloe said nodding her head. She’d kidnapped Carrie for the week and pressed her for details on what had happened since she’d left Salem years ago. It had taken Carrie the entire week to get it all explained in detail. “I found a few lovely evening gowns that I’ll be able to put to good use in Rome, and picked up some gifts for the kids.”
“Can I get everyone to clear the dance floor?” Zac asked as he grabbed the mic off the stage and walked towards his brother and sister. “It’s time for Shawn and Belle to share their first dance as man and wife. If I could get you to all form a circle around the floor we’d really appreciate it.” He handed the mic to Shawn and dashed towards the stage.
“Shawn, why did Zac give you the mic?” Belle asked as she watched Zac, the three girls and Lacey grab their respective instruments. “Shawn?”
“I’d like to thank you all for coming tonight to share in our special day.” Shawn said pulling Belle close to him, in a waltz position. “For the past few weeks Aimee has been working on a special song for her mother and I, which I thought was a really great idea. What I didn’t know was I was going to be forced to learn to sing it myself in less than 24 hours. So if I mess up bare with me, I have a recorded version you can all have later.” He turned and looked at Belle, lacing her fingers around the mic with his. “And now my lovely Isabella, I give you an Brady original,
Awake in a Dream.”
Shawn began to slowly waltz with Belle as Aimee played the opening strains of the song. He held her hand tightly in his, the mic close to his lips.
I never thought,
That one day you'd be come a part of my life
Still you were always with me
When I lay my head down at night
Could you really be here with me
Has my wish come true tonight
Shawn thought back to the nights on the island when he’d thought Belle to bed dead. In that damp dark cave he’d cried for his wife and child, while all the time wondering what their lives could have been like if things had been different. Back then he had been sure that things were over for them, and many nights Belle had come to him in his dreams.
Aimee sure nailed thing song.
Cause now, now it seems
I’m wide awake in this dream
And I do, I do anything
to stay here forever
And if this is a dream
I’m not going to wake up
But if I’m awake I won’t close my eyes again
Locking her eyes with his Belle marveled at how the song was so right. After waiting for nearly twenty years to become Mrs. Shawn Brady, she didn’t want to know if it was a dream. She would be perfectly content with staying in a dream world if that was where she could be with Shawn forever. Smiling she slid her fingers into his hair and leaned her head to touch their joined hands.
Though I feel like I’m flying
I’m sure my feet are still on the ground
Open my eyes, and its amazing
How my world has changed when I look around
And its like I found a road straight to heaven
The road has lead me right here to you
Shawn wrapped his arm tightly around Belle and lifted her slightly off the ground. He spun around a few times, her dress billowing out behind her like a cloud before setting her back down. He looked around him, smiling at the things that had changed since the first time he’d asked her to marry him. Aimee was born, Abi and Autumn had graced their lives, and there were so many more years in between than he had planned. But finally he’d managed to get to the same spot he’d dreamed about for years.
Cause now, now it seems
I’m wide awake in this dream
And I do, I do anything
To stay here forever
And if this is a dream
I’m not going to wake up
But if I’m awake I won’t close my eyes again
Belle opened her eyes and blinked away the tears in them. Never had she expected her wedding to be like this. It was so much more than planned, more than she could have dreamed. Her girls were there sharing in the joy with them, most of their families were there standing by them just as they had so many years ago. There was nothing she could say other than perfect.
Everything I’ll ever need,
Is standing right here in front of me
You've given more than I’d ever ask of you
Now all I can do
Is give forever to you
Shawn pushed Belle away a few feet keeping a grip on her hand. He pulled her back, and twirled her around a few times as he kept singing. He pulled her back against his chest and continued dancing.
Cause now, now it seems
I’m wide awake in this dream
Cause now, now it seems
I’m wide awake in this dream
And I do, I do anything
To stay here forever
And if this is a dream
I’m not going to wake up
But if I’m awake I won’t close my eyes again