| Chapter 47 Maurice walked over and gently pulled Brian's hand away from his mouth. Brian blushed, biting his lip, "Sorry, nervous habit." Maire's father nodded, smiling at him, "It's alright. I remember when Cathy and I got married. I was a nervous wreck. I distinctly remember getting sick several times, and then during the ceremony, I passed out." Brian laughed, "No, really?" He nodded, "It wouldn't have been so bad, except we were in the middle of the ceremony. They had just tied our hands, and I took Cathy down with me." Brian put his hand over his mouth, laughing, "Oh my!" Maurice chuckled, "Makes for a memorable ceremony. The bride and groom in a heap on the floor." "I bet," Brian said, feeling much less nervous. "I swear, I look like a fucking clown," A.J. whined. Brian looked over at his friend, stifling a laugh. A.J. was clad in the traditional wedding attire for a groomsman, complete with tight pants, long silken shirt and sash. But the hat is what topped it off, straight out of some three musketeers movie, wide brimmed with a fluffy feather. "Come on J, it's not that bad," Brian said. A.J. stared at him like he'd lost his mind, "Not that bad? Look at me!" Brian stared at him for a moment, not able to keep his laughter in any longer, he cracked up, "OK, maybe it is that bad. But you only have to wear it for a little while." "A little while is to long," he said, putting his hat on. Howie and Kevin walked into the room, dressed like A.J. Kevin sat down, "Well this is something I thought I'd never see." "What's that?" Brian asked. He gestured to himself, A.J. and Howie, "The three musketeers. All I need is a sword." Brian and Maurice glanced at one another and laughed. "Oh no," Howie said. Brian nodded, pointing to the corner. "Aw hell," Kevin said, seeing the swords. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Baby, you look beautiful," Cathy said, looking at her daughter. Marie smiled, looking at herself in the mirror. Her dress was made of silk, crystal blue in color, matching her eyes. It had spaghetti straps, and went down to the floor, the back tapering down into a long train. The necklace she had borrowed from the queen matched the dress perfectly. The jewels sparkled, reflecting the light into her eyes, making them glow. The crystal blue lace veil topped it off. She had left her hair down, just pulling the sides back. The veil was encrusted with the same jewels as the necklace, especially around the hem. Marie ran her hands down the front of the dress, letting them rest on her stomach. Never in her life had she felt like a princess, until now. Ana walked over and gave her bouquet to her. Maire took it, admiring the flowers. It was filled with Tsars Might, and another favorite flower, White Ghanda. Brian had said it reminded him of a flower they had on earth called lily's. She took a deep breath and looked at her mom, "I guess I'm ready." Cathy smiled, taking her hand and leading her out of the room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nick stood in the garden looking toward the mountains. The clouds were gathering, and the feint sound of thunder could be heard in the distance. "Man, I hope it doesn't rain," he said, looking over at his friend. Brian looked in the direction Nick was, and smiled, "That would be our luck. It rained when I proposed, it's only fitting that it rains when we get married." Nick laughed, patting him on the back, "Only you can see the good in that." Brian shrugged, as the rest of the guys made it out. "Hey, how come Nicky's not dressed like us?" A.J. asked. Nick grinned, "Cause I'm the King, that's why." "Yeah, yeah, rub it in," A.J. muttered, "King gets all the nice clothes." Nick laughed, walking over to talk to the priest. LaDonna made her way to her seat, as Brian walked over to her. "Thank you so much for this," he said. She smiled, "Don't mention it." "If we can all take our places," the priest asked. Brian walked back to stand beside the priest, Nick as his side. The guys sat down in the chairs that had been set up. Devon sat behind the queen, next to Cathy. Brian looked down the path, waiting for Maire and her father to step around the corner. He noticed a few of the cameras flying around and leaned over to Nick, "I thought this wasn't going to be on the vid." "It's not. They are taping for you and Maire, like a home video kinda thing," Nick answered. Brian smiled, looking back down the path as the music started. His breath caught in this throat as Ana came around the corner and walked up the path. Brian glanced at Nick, seeing he couldn't take his eyes off Ana. He nudged Nick with his elbow and smiled at him when he looked over. Nick grinned, blushing slightly as Ana took her place. Then the music changed and Marie and her father stepped out. Brian had to consciously keep his mouth shut. He'd never seen Marie look so beautiful. He smiled at her as she neared him. Marie smiled back, never taking her eyes off Brian. Once they were in place, Maurice kissed his daughter on the cheek and went to sit next to his wife. Marie and Brian turned to face one another, holding hands. They stared into each others eyes as the priest started the ceremony. Neither thought they could ever feel this happy, this whole before. They both listened as the priest described what marriage should be. Then came the vows. They both repeated after the priest, promising to love, honor and cherish each other until their dying day. They exchanged rings, Marie having a little trouble getting Brian's on his finger. It seems he was so nervous that his fingers were swelling. They both chuckled as she forced the ring onto his finger. The priest moved back, allowing Nick and Ana to come forward. They each took one end of a long golden ribbon. "Please hold your marks together," the priest said. Brian and Marie placed their wrists together as Nick and Ana wrapped the ribbon around them. As they stepped back a loud burst of thunder roared through the garden and it started to sprinkle. The priest stepped up, "As the ribbon binds you, let your love for one another carry you through life. Together, never apart. Lord Littrell, you may kiss your bride." Brian stepped closer to Marie, cupping her cheek with his free hand. They stared at one another for a second, then both leaned in. The rain stared to fall as they kissed, but they made no move to leave the garden. The thunder clapped once more, as A.J. stood up, "Good God man, you can do that inside. I'm getting soaked!" Brian and Marie parted, laughing. As everyone ran for the palace, they lagged behind. Holding hands, Brian looked up, the rain hitting him in the face, "I love the rain." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone milled around the banquet hall, waiting for the guests of honor. After the wedding, they had to go and dry off before the reception. Devon made his way over to Mason, feigning interest in the food that he was standing by. "You're sure about this?" he asked. Mason glanced at him for a moment and sighed, "Yes. You aren't backing out are you?" Devon shook his head, "No, I can't." "Neither can I," Mason said, leaving the table and finding his place as Nick and the guys came in. Nick walked over to his mother and hugged her, "Everything looks wonderful." LaDonna smiled, walking with her son to their table, "To bad it rained." Nick laughed, "I think Bri and Marie like the rain." His mother laughed, as they took their seats. A moment later Brian and Marie made their entrance. They were seated at the head of the table, the place normally taken by Nick and his mother. Marie's family was seated to their side, as Nick and the guys were seated on the other side. Everyone had a great time, eating and laughing. The cooks had outdone themselves with the meal. Then they brought in the cake. There were no words to describe how enormous the thing was. Brian and Marie did the traditional cutting of the cake, and feeding it to each other. The cake was absolutely delicious, almost melting in your mouth. As soon as they were done, the band struck up, and couples filled the dance floor. Brian led Marie out, and they shared their first dance as husband and wife. Marie smiled as they waltzed across the floor, "Everyone is staring at us." Brian grinned, "They're staring at you. You look amazing." She blushed, glancing down for a moment. Brian gently brought her head up and kissed her lips, "I love you Mrs. Littrell." Marie smiled, as Nick approached them. He tapped Brian on the shoulder, "Can I cut in? It's tradition ya know, the king gets to dance with the bride." Brian laughed, stepping back, "I thought you were the tradition breaker." "Not today," Nick giggled, taking Marie and dancing away from his best friend. Ana watched as Nick cut in and he and Marie danced across the floor. She sighed, trying to keep her emotions in check. "My lady, would you do me the honor?" Tunk asked, holding his hand out to Ana. Ana bit her lip, then took his hand. He led her out to the floor, "It is a wonderful reception," he said. Ana nodded, "Y-yes it is." "I don't think we've been properly introduced. I'm Tunk James, Ambassador to Kholath," he said. Ana nodded, "Ana Coland. I'm the kings teacher." Tunk smiled, "His highness is very lucky to have such a beautiful instructor." Ana blushed, looking across the floor, seeing Nick doing the same. Their eyes locked for a moment, and Ana's heart fluttered. Tunk glanced in the direction she was looking, nodding as he met Nick's gaze. "The king is taken with you," he stated. Ana looked up into his brown eyes, "I don't think so." He laughed, smiling at her, "Come now, he looks at you with love in his eyes." Ana shook her head, "I don't know what you're talking about. We are friends, and he is my student. Nothing more." Tunk looked into her eyes, "If you say so my lady. Shall we?" he asked, gesturing towards the dance floor. Ana nodded, and he took her hand, sweeping her into his arms and waltzing into step with everyone else. Brian and Kevin walked up to the band. Kevin took a seat behind the piano, and Brian took the mic in his hand, "Excuse me everyone, can I have your attention please." Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked up. Howie grabbed a chair and placed it in front of the stage. A.J. walked over and took Marie's hand, "Your throne awaits," he said, as he led her to the chair. Brian smiled at her as she sat down, "I um, I wanted to do something special for Marie. Something to show her how much I love her. In all the time I've been here, I've not sang to her .... so Marie, this is for you." Marie watched as Kevin started playing the piano. She already had tears in her eyes, as Brian started to sing. She's got a way about her, I don't know what it is But I know that I can't live without her. She's got a way of pleasin' I don't know what it is But there doesn't have to be a reason Anyway She's got a smile that heals me I don't know why it is But I have to laugh when she reveals me She's got a way of talkin' I don't know what it is But it lifts me up when we are walkin' Anywhere Nick looked over at Ana. She was standing in the middle of the dance floor, tears in her eyes. She looked over at him, wanting nothing more than to run into his arms and stay there forever. Nick sighed, wanting the same thing. �Soon', he told himself. He'd find a way for them to be together, he had to. She comes to me when I'm feelin' down Inspires me without a sound She touches me and I get turned around She's got a way of showin' How I make her feel And I find the strength to keep on goin' Mason walked over to LaDonna. He smiled at her when she looked up. LaDonna nodded, as he stepped closer. "Lovely song," he commented. "Yes, it is. Brian has a wonderful voice," she said. Mason glanced at her, taking a chance and reaching out, touching her hand. LaDonna looked down at their hands, then up to his face. She noticed he was nervous, but his eyes were filled with something she hadn't seen in them in years..... love. She swallowed hard, and cleared her throat, "Mason, this isn't ..." He removed his hand from hers, stepping back a little, "I'm sorry," he stammered. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the man she knew so long ago in his actions, and demeanor. "It's alright," she said, glancing at him one last time before turning her attention back to Brian. She's got a light around her And everywhere she goes A million dreams of love surround her Everywhere She comes to me when I'm feeling down Inspires me without a sound She touches me and I get turned around She's got a smile that heals me I don't know why it is But I have to laugh when she reveals me Devon stood next to his father, watching Brian serenade his wife. He bit his lip, knowing what he had to do was going to be hard. He glanced over, seeing Mason standing next to the queen, then to the dance floor where Kelah and Tunk stood. He sighed. There was no backing out of this, no matter how much it hurt his sister, or his new brother-in-law. She's got a way about her I don't know what it is But I know that I can't live without her Anyway Brian sat his mic down on the stage and walked over to Marie. She was hastily wiping away tears as he pulled her up, "I love you." She smiled, grabbing him by the face and pulling him into a fierce kiss. The room exploded with cheers as they parted, both blushing. Brian took her hand, "Come on, lets dance." Marie laughed as he pulled her to the middle of the floor, the band striking up again. "I hope the baby inherits your voice," she said, "You sounded wonderful." Brian smiled, "Well, I hope she inherits your looks." "She?" Maire asked. He nodded, "I think it's gonna be a girl." She chuckled, "Why do you think that?" He shrugged, "I dunno. I always wanted a little girl." Marie hugged him, "Well in that case, I hope it's a girl too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Anthony sat in his room, looking over the mine claim. He had left the reception early, knowing he needed to work on this. He sat at his desk, puzzled. The minerals in the mine were not that uncommon. Both worlds could easily stake a hundred claims that contained the same minerals. So why were they fighting over this one? He ran his hand through his light brown hair, a trait he had picked up from Nick. "Ok, if they can get these anywhere, why here?" he asked himself. He picked the hologram machine up again, and turned it on. It led him through a mini tour of the mines and the surrounding area. As he watched, he looked for something besides the obvious. A reason that that site was so special. Something caught his eye, and he stopped the hologram. He backed it up and played it again in slow motion, his eyes widening, "Oh my God!" he said, then looked up, "Sorry, I've been hanging around Nick to long." He grabbed his papers and the hologram and headed off to find Nick. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nick leaned against the wall, watching the party. Everyone was having such a great time. People where dancing and laughing. He couldn't remember a time when he'd had this much fun. But still, a dark cloud loomed over him. He had managed to stay away from Ana, not wanting to spark any rumors. But when he saw her dancing with Tunk, his temperature rose a bit. He knew it was silly to be jealous, but he couldn't help it. He wanted to be the one she was dancing with, not Tunk. He glanced around, noticing his uncle talking with his mother. He watched them for a moment, curious. Their friendly smiles sparked his curiosity. He had always thought there was a rift between them, but it no longer seemed to be there. His question to his uncle came back to mind, and he wondered just what had happened so long ago. He made a mental note to ask his mother when he got the chance. Something inside him, told him he needed to know. Needed to find out the truth, whatever that may be. Plus, Tom's call that morning had just filled him with new questions. He wondered why his father didn't ask about him until a few years after he was taken, why it was his mother that started the search, and who the woman was that traveled with him. Nick sighed, taking a drink. He decided he was to young to have all this burden and mystery around him, but yet, there it was. Isn't life grand? Anthony came in, making his way over to Nick. Mason watched his son as he spoke to Nick, pointing to the papers and then holding up the hologram machine. The look on Nick's face was one of shock and surprise. Mason glanced at Kelah, the ambassador returning his gaze. They both watched as Nick quietly left the party with Anthony. Kelah made his way over to Mason, looking around to make sure no one was paying attention to them. "What do you think that was about?" he asked. Mason shook his head, "I'm not sure, but from the looks of it, it's not good." "We must act fast then," Kelah said. Mason sighed, nodding, "It is planned already." Kelah glared at the taller man, "Move it up. We can't risk something happening before the talks resume." Mason looked over the dance floor, finding the newly married couple. For a moment he felt a twinge of guilt, but pushed it aside. To much was at stake for him to back out now. "Alright, I'll take care of it," he said. AN: Song used She's Got A Way, Billy Joel, Cold Sring Harbor. You can listen to this song in the Files section of my group Here. Chapter 48 |