Episode 3.23

Hallow Hills—Living Room

The late morning sun broke through the window blinds as Chad poured himself a glass of vodka. He dropped in a few ice cubes before swirling the glass so the liquid and ice would blend. He shook his head as his mind wrapped around everything, including the conversation last night with Abby. She was determined to marry Ethan, even after she had told him she loved him.

The loneliness of nights alone
The search for strength to carry on
My ev’ry hope had seemed to die
My eyes had no more tears to cry
Then, like the sunshine from up above
You surrounded me with your endless love
And all the things I couldn’t see
Are now so clear to me

Chad opened the door, “Abby, what are you doing here?”

Abby took a moment before speaking, “Do you love me?”

Chad grew the biggest smile on his face, “Yes, I do.”

Abby threw her arms around him and kissed him.

Chad pulled her into the house as he kissed her back before pulling away, “So you know I love you, but aren’t we missing a piece of the puzzle.”

“I love you to Chad.” She blushed as he pulled her cap off her head.

You are my ev’rything
Nothing your love won’t bring
My life is yours alone
The only love I’ve ever known
Your spirit pulls me through
When nothing else will do
Ev’ry night, I pray on bended knee
That you will always be
My ev’rything

“Your welcome.” She smiled, and Chad thought he might die. He hadn’t felt this happy, this free in a very long time. “So I hear your redecorating the pool house and planning to move back in.”

Chad nodded, “Yeah, the whole main house thing is getting to much for me.”

He reached over and brushed the hair away from her eyes.

Abby held his hand close to her face, “And the pool house allows you more, freedom?”

“Yeah, exactly.” he nodded and shifted his body closer to hers.

“That would probably be very helpful, not having your aunt, uncle, parents around all the time.” Abby released his hand and found herself holding his head, fingers in his dark hair.

“Yeah.” Was all Chad said before he leaned over and kissed Abby, pressing her slim body into the snow.

Abby kissed him back, opening her mouth, accepting his tongue. Tasting. Enjoying. She wrapped one leg around his, keeping him on top of her.

Chad began kissing her neck, the cold snow didn’t seem to matter. He wanted to be closer to her. He needed to know her body.

Now, all my hopes and all my dreams
Are suddenly reality
You’ve opened up my heart to feel
A kind of love that’s truly real
A guiding light that will never fade
There’s not a thing in life that I would ever trade
For the love you give and won’t let go
I hope you’ll always know

Abby grabbed her coat from the closet and put it on as Chad opened the front door. “Merry Christmas Abby.” he smiled and a moment later they both looked up and saw the mistletoe hanging in the door way.

They moved closer to each other, removing any empty space that had stood between them as Abby reached for his face and he reached for her waist. Their lips met, and the kissed, pulling the other even closer then they thought possible.

Chad was afraid to stop, to let go, afraid it would prove to be a dream.

Abby held onto him for dear life, almost shaking as the kiss deepened and as she pressed Chad against the front door.

Finally they pulled apart, both gasping for air, “Merry Christmas Chad.” Abby said before walking away.

Chad stood at the door, leaning against the frame with one hand as he tried to catch his breath. He watched her walk away into the snowy night.

You are my ev’rything
Nothing your love won’t bring
My life is yours alone
The only love I’ve ever known
Your spirit pulls me through
When nothing else will do
Ev’ry night, I pray on bended knee
That you will always be
My ev’rything
Abby left the twins asleep in their nursery and took a bundle of towels to the bathroom. The door was open just a few inches, which was normal as she opened the door, Chad was stepping out of the shower having just picked up a towel.
“Mr. Davis, I am so sorry.” Abby said before turning around and looking at the ceiling, “I had no idea you were in here. I didn’t hear the shower and the door was open, I’m just very sorry.”
“Miss Adams, it was a simple mistake, it’s alright.” He said tying the towel around him. “If you just put them over there I can put them away. Besides, you should be getting home it’s late and I’m sure your family misses you.”

Abby turned around half way and looked at him, “Its fine, I just have to get a few bottles ready and then I’ll be on my way and I’ll see you tomorrow of course.”

“Alright then, thank you again Miss Adams.”

“Good night Mr. Davis, the twins are sound asleep for a little while at least.” Abby left the bathroom and an embarrassing shade of red took over her face as she went into the kitchen to prepare a few bottles.

Oh, oh, you’re the breath of life in me
The only one that sets me free
And you have made my soul complete
For all time
For all time
Abby tried to juggle the bags from the different clothing boutiques in her arms. She hated having to buy new clothes but the sales they had this weekend nothing could be better. Especially with it being Valentines Day and all, who needs a boyfriend when you have a credit card and no debt!
She was just outside the Java Jet when she saw a glove on the ground. She picked it up, feeling the creamy smooth leather resting in her hands. She looked around, knowing it had just been dropped, when Chad Davis walked out of the shop holding the mate to her glove. “This must be yours.” Her voice came out nervous and it surprised her.
“Yeah, thanks I was wondering what happened to it.”
Abby handed him the glove, “Have a good day.”
“You to, thanks again.” He called out, watching her walk away before moving on to the candy shop.
You are my ev’rything
Nothing your love won’t bring
My life is yours alone
The only love I’ve ever known
Your spirit pulls me through
When nothing else will do
Ev’ry night, I pray on bended knee
That you will always be
My ev’rything

Abby turned off the kitchen light as she was on her way to bed now that Jeff had left. Someone began knocking on the door. “Jeff, go away.” Abby called out as she answered the door and saw Chad standing there. “Chad, what are you doing here.”

Chad didn’t say anything, he just pulled Abby into his arms and kissed her. For a moment she was drawn into his kiss, keeping her body as close to him as possible with clothes on. “Wait, no. This isn’t right.” Abby pulled away.

“Don’t marry Ethan. I know you love me Abby.” Chad held her hands in his, “Run away with me tonight. We can get married in the morning.”

Abby pulled her hands away and shook her head, closing her eyes to hold back tears, “I can’t Chad. I . . . I love Ethan.”

“You don’t Abby, I know you don’t. You love me, you told me so.”

Abby took an unsteady breath, “I lied. Good bye Chad.” She closed the door after pushing him into the hallway.

Dan leaned against Siobhan’s door down the hall as he watched Chad walk away defeated. Shaking his head he accidentally banged it against the door.

You are my ev’rything
Nothing your love won’t bring
My life is yours alone
The only love I’ve ever known
Your spirit pulls me through
When nothing else will do
Ev’ry night, I pray down on bended knee
That you will always be
My ev’rything
Oh, my everything

Chad finished off his drink as his mother came in, “Chad its not even noon yet? Do you really want to go to this wedding drunk?”

He laughed, “At least then I wouldn’t remember listening to Abby declare her love to Ethan.”

Adel rubbed her forehead, “Chad, she made her choice. I’m sorry your hurt, but if she was the one for you she wouldn’t put you through this.”

“She’d do what cheat on me instead like Dad does with you?”

“It’s not that simple Chad, you don’t know what your talking about.”

“Yeah maybe I don’t and right now I don’t give a damn.” He stood up and walked to the foyer, “I’ll be back in time to leave for this farce, I need to go for a walk.”

Adel watched as her son walked away and her husband came in, “What’s wrong with Chad? He looks like he’s in such a bad mood. It’s a wedding day, a day to be happy.”

“How happy can our son be when he’s in love with the bride and he’s not the groom.”

Doug’s faced showed genuine surprise as he looked at his wife, “Chad’s in love with the Nanny?”

“Yeah,” Adel picked up Chad’s empty glass and put it in the bar’s sink, “I think more then he loved Bethany.”’

“No wonder he’s been moping around the past week.”

“Exactly, today our oldest child’s heart is fully broken. I don’t know if he’ll be able to love someone again. We’re lucky he could love after losing Bethany.”

Dan and Abby’s Apartment

Abby looked around, Dan and her father had left a little while before. Her mother would be back in a little while so they could go to the church. Today was the day. She looked at the envelope she held in her hand as she opened the door and went across the hall to Siobhan’s Apartment.

Knocking on the door she felt her heart racing before her friend opened the door, “Abby, what are you doing here?”

“Siobhan, I have a huge favor to ask of you.” Abby tapped the paper against the palm of her hand.

“What’s going on?” Siobhan leaned against the doorframe.

Abby took a slow unsteady breath, “Could you give this to Chad Davis?”

“Are you resigning as his nanny?”

“You could say that. Please, I can’t face him.”

“Yeah, no problem.” Siobhan took the envelope, “I was on my way out so I’ll just bring it by Hallow Hills before going to the church.”

“Thank you. I better go and make sure I have everything.”

“Yeah, its your day you shouldn’t have to worry about this.” Siobhan smiled and watched as her friend left.

Hallow Hills—Outside grounds

“Chad!” Siobhan called out as she saw him walking towards the wooded area of the property.

He stopped and turned around when he heard his name, and started towards Siobhan and she walked towards him, “Detective Lane, what are you doing here?”

“I have something for you.” Siobhan told him as she handed him the envelope, “Abby asked me to give this to you. I’ll see you at the church.”

“Yeah, I’ll see you later.” Chad held the envelope in his hand, “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Siobhan turned and walked away, the valley wind sweeping her hair across her face.

Chad looked over at where the pool house had stood just a few days before; he had it bulldozed after Brighton has used it to put Abby in danger. He looked down at the bright white paper, his name written in her familiar scrawl.

Chad, I’m sorry about last night, I’m sorry about everything. I owe you a real explanation. I do love you, more then I could even fathom putting into words. You Chad Davis are my heart, my soul, you are the man I dream of at night, the man I always dreamed of being with. I love your children as if they were my own. But, after the kidnapping, I realized we’re from very different worlds. I’m not the sort of girl you should marry. Find someone you can be with who’s also apart of your world Chad, I beg you to forget about me and move on. If you love me, you’ll sit in the church and watch me marry Ethan. I’ll cherish the moments we had together, and I hope you do the same. Abby.

Chad folded the paper back up and put it in the inside pocket of his blazer. He looked out at the trees, and the patches of snow that still existed.

United Methodist Church of Pinõn Hallow

Ethan stood in the grooms room adjusting his bow tie as Jeff came into the room, “Look at you.”

“Hey Dad.” Ethan turned to look at his father.

“Are you ready for this?”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be?”

Jeff sat down on the small couch in the near by corner, “No reason at all.”

“Good.” Ethan ran his hands nervously through his hair, “Is the minister here?”

Jeff nodded, “He’s already. We’re just waiting for Abby to be ready.”

“Great, I can’t wait to get this started.”

“I’m happy for you son. You’re very lucky to find someone you can love and be with.” Jeff stood up and put a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, “I’m proud of you.”

Ethan smiled, “Thank you Dad, you have no idea how much that means to me.”

Lydia pulled down Abby’s veil and fluffed out her skirt, “Are you ready for this honey?”

Abby nodded, “Yeah Mom, I am. Where’s Daddy?”

“I’m right here princess.” John Adams slowly walked into the bridal chamber and looked at his daughter, “Your beautiful sweetheart.”

Abby blushed, “Thank you Daddy.”

“Lydia, you look lovely as well.” John smiled, “So are you ready to go get married?”

“Yes, Daddy I am. Is Dan here?”

“Yeah sweetie, he’s just waiting for the signal for the wedding to start.”

“Wonderful.” Abby looked around and saw the bouquet of white roses, “Then lets get started.”

Chad sat between his mother and father, “You guys I don’t have to be between you.” he insisted.

“Three glasses of vodka before we left the house, yes you do.” Doug put a hand on Chad’s arm, “You’re staying still.”

Chad shook his head like a defiant child, “I’m not going to do anything stupid. I promise.”

“Good.” Adel crossed her arms over her chest as the music began.

Ethan and Dan entered from the side and got into place.

The back doors opened and several brides’ maids slowly began to walk down the aisle. The music picked up and John and Abby appeared in the door way.

Ethan’s eyes were glued to Abby, as were Chad’s as both men watched the woman they love walk down the aisle.

Chad felt Adel’s hand on his other arm, “Stay put.” she scolded. Suddenly he felt like a five year old who didn’t want to be in church.

Once Abby was up at the front, John put her hand in Ethan’s and the minister began, “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, an in the presence of these witnesses, to join together Abigail and Ethan in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence in Cana of Galilee. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.”

The minister took another breath as he looked out at the congregation and then down at Abby and Ethan, “I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept inviolate, as God’s Word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.”

He then looked at Ethan, “Ethan, wilt thou have this woman to be thy wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?”

Ethan took a deep breath, “I will.”

The minister then turned to Abby, “ Abigail, wilt thou have this man to be thy wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?”

Abby licked her lips, her eyes glanced towards Chad for just a moment before locking her eyes on Ethan, “I will.”

The minister then looked to John, “Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?”

John smiled at Ethan and Abby taking a slow unsteady breath, “Her mother and I.”

The minister nodded with a smile and then looked to Ethan once again, “Ethan, repeat after me. I Ethan take thee Abigail, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”

Ethan smiled at Abby, “I Ethan take thee Abigail, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”

The minister then turned to Abby, “Abigail, repeat after me. I Abigail take thee Ethan, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”

Abby squeezed Ethan’s hand and spoke, “I Abigail take thee Ethan, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”

The minister looked to Dan, signaling the rings, “The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in holy matrimony, through the Church of Jesus Christ our Lord.”

He then looked out to the congregation. “Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Everyone repeated Amen, and Dan handed the rings to Ethan and Abby.

Ethan took a nervous breath as he held Abby’s hand in his and began placing the ring on her finger, “In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. Amen.”

Abby smiled as she took Ethan’s hand in hers and began to place the ring on his finger, “In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Sprit. Amen.”

The minister then began with a reading from Corinthians, and then to the unity candle ritual, before speaking, “Forasmuch as Ethan & Abigail have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings; I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder. Amen.”

He then led everyone in several prayers, including the Lord’s Prayer before blessing Abby and Ethan, “May God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord graciously with his favor upon you, and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and love that you may so live together in this life that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.”

Ethan smiled at Abby as the minister spoke once more, “Ethan, you may kiss your bride.”

Ethan cupped Abby’s face in his hands and kissed her slowly and softly on her lips for a few moments.

The minister raised his hands and looked out at the sea of people, “It is with great honor and pleasure, that at this moment I introduce to you, Mr. & Mrs. Ethan Jacobs.”

Pinõn Hallow Airport

Lysa looked at Claudia, “I’m not sure about this.”

“Be sure, Alex would never lead us the wrong way.” She told her friend as they made there way for the private jet, “We’re going to Mexico, this is going to be amazing.”

Lysa sighed as she looked out at the mountains once again, “I hope so Claudia, I really hoe so.”

Home Cookin’

Abby and Ethan walked into the restaurant filled with their guests. Sitting by the bar was Chad, downing another vodka. Abby decided to ignore him, she was now Ethan’s wife and that’s what mattered.

“Congrats!” Conner kissed Abby’s cheek before shaking Ethan’s hand.

“Abby you are a beautiful bride. This is a stunning gown, where ever did you find it on such short notice?” Maggie asked as she admired the dress.

Abby smiled, “Velma’s, I got very lucky. I was afraid I’d have to go to Denver to find a dress.”

Dan came up to Chad and sat down next to him, “You’re a stronger man then I am Chad. I would’ve stopped the wedding.”

Chad looked at Dan, “Its not my place to stop it. She choose Ethan.”

Dan nodded and waved for the bartender, “Rum and Coke please.” he then looked back at Chad, “I’m sorry I had to question you about Kathryn Layden. I hope you understand.”

Chad just nodded and Dan took that as a cue to leave him alone.

Dan walked into the men’s room and took out his cell phone, “Hey, when do you expect the grand jury to come back?” He nodded as he listened to the other person, “Okay great. Thanks.”