Episode 4.16

Caspian Vineyard

The morning sun washed over the dried out grape vines. The air was warm and dry. Perfect for this July morning wedding.

Elijah Bourbon stood on the balcony from his bedroom and look out at everything. He had promised Maggie Williams-Lane this would be a day she would never forget. He could only hope that when Siobhan saw him again, it would be a day she would never forget, a good day to never forget.

Maggie pulled her car up to the side parking area. She sat there for a moment, looking at her younger sister, “Today is the day Cass.”’

Cassie smiled, “Yeah that it is. Let’s go get you ready.”

Maggie took a deep breath before climbing out of the car and then getting her wedding dress from the back seat.

“Maggie, I’m glad you’re here.” Elijah stepped down from the front stoop, “Everything is all ready for your wedding. You have nothing to worry about. The housekeeper will direct your guests.”

“Thank you again Elijah.” Maggie hugged her dress to her body as Cassie pulled her dress from the back. “Oh Elijah, this is my sister Cassie.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Elijah took Cassie’s hand and kissed it.

“Wow, what a prince.” Cassie innocently remarked.

“I’ve been called worse.” Elijah could feel the blush against his cheeks. “Let me show you where you’ll get ready.”

Conner saw Maggie’s car parked off to the side, and he smiled. Lysa opened her sleepy eyes. “Dad, its too early. Why are we already out?”

Conner parked the car and looked at his daughter, “Because today is the day.”

“Stop the riddles.”

Conner rolled his eyes, “You’re dress is in the backseat, you’re my best girl today.”

Lysa opened her eyes wide, “Wait, what?”

“Maggie and I are getting married today.” He told her before opening the door, and then getting his suit from the back seat.

Lysa quickly got out and walked around to the same side as her father, “What? Why am I just finding out about this now?”

Conner smiled, “Because everyone is. It’s a surprise.”

“What am I suppose to wear?”

Conner pulled out a bag from the designer store in the mall, “This.”

Lysa unzipped the bag and looked at the dress, “Who picked this out?”

“Maggie did. She thought you’d like it.”

Lysa then started to look around, “Dad, isn’t this the abandoned Vineyard?”

“It’s not abandoned anymore. Maggie convinced the new owner to let us have the wedding here.”

“This is just amazing.”

Conner took in the scene around him, “It really is.”

“Cheryl, when Siobhan Lane arrives please send her to the study. I’d like to speak to her before the ceremony.” Elijah informed the housekeeper before walking down the hallway. His stomach was in sudden knots and he wasn’t sure this was really what he was ready for. But really, what better time was there, then the present?

“Dad!” Gary pulled his father up the path to the large house, “We don’t want to be late.”

“Gary, calm down. Why are we here?” Larry Williams finally stopped his son just a few steps away from the front door.

“Trust me on this Dad.” Gary sighed just as the front door opened and the housekeeper stepped out.

“Mr. Williams? You’re daughter is waiting for you upstairs.”

Larry looked at his son, puzzled before following the housekeeper.

“Oh God, Maggie you look beautiful.” Cassie took down the final hair curler and looked at her big sister, “Conner’s going to be breathless.”

Maggie took another nervous breath, “I just don’t know what to say. This day is really here, isn’t it?”

“It sure is sweetie.” Larry stood at the door and looked at his daughter. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“She only told me.” Cassie put the make-up brushes away while her father came in the room.

“I’m happy for you honey. You and Conner are going to be so happy together.” Larry kissed Maggie’s forehead. “Ariel is going to be so sad she and Hardy are missing this.”

“I understand though.”

“Good. So are we almost ready to get this show on the road?”

“Almost, just have to get the dress and veil on.” Cassie began to unzip the bag with the wedding dress and took out the long white gown that looked like a dream come true.

Siobhan stuck her head into the door of the main house, “Hello, anyone here?” She called out as she entered. Ever since the other day she was very uncomfortable coming here and things were just getting odder.

“Welcome.” Cheryl smiled as Siobhan turned around startled. “You would be?”

“Siobhan Lane.” She asked somewhat questioning herself.

“Right this way Miss. Lane.” Cheryl started down towards the study.

Siobhan studied the way she was going incase she had to make a quick escape. What the hell was Maggie planning?

“Sir, Miss. Lane is here.” Cheryl announced as they walked into the Study.

He waved his hand and Cheryl left.

“What’s going on?” Siobhan asked just as she heard a cork from a champagne bottle pop.

She watched the masterful hands pour the champagne into tall flutes, and then saw him stand. Though he was a shadow against the morning sun.

“I just wanted to say hello.” Elijah’s voice floated against the air, gracing her ears with warmth.

Siobhan’s eyes were wide when they finally focused on him standing in front of her. “Elijah? What are you doing here?”

He smiled, “I live here. I bought the vineyard.”

“From the Prince who just bought it?”

He handed her one of the flutes, “No, I am the Prince that bought it.”

Shock swept her body and the glass slipped from her fingers and shattered once it hit the hardwood floor.

“Its alright.” He told her before she could apologize, “I wasn’t fully honest when we met on the island. I couldn’t expect you to take this that well at all.”

“You’re a Prince?”

“Well technically yes, but I don’t have any real power. It’s just a title held over from ages ago.”

Siobhan looked at him again, “Does Maggie know about us?”

Elijah shook his head and led her away from the broken glass, “No, she is just a very persuasive woman who was searching for her dream wedding.” He took Siobhan’s hand in his, “When I saw your name on the guest list, I knew I had to talk to you. To really see you besides a glance from my upstairs window.”

“I knew I was being watched.”

“Guilty as charged.” Elijah looked out at the garden, “I hope this little surprise didn’t spoil the day for you.”

Siobhan looked around the room, “I should check on Maggie and on Conner.” She stood by the door, “I need time for all of this to sink in.”

Colorado State Prison Van

“Brighton, are you sure about this?” Sean McKay asked his new best friend and cellmate Brighton Preston as they tossed the limp drugged up body of a guard into the back of the van.

“Of course I am. All is going as its planned. We’ll put an end to your brother and then we’ll work on my problem. But first we need to get out of this place.” Brighton looked around at the abandoned road before tossing the van keys in his hand and motioning for Sean to get in the passenger seat.

“We’ve got a plane waiting for us in the next county. From there, we’ll go to the island. After that we won’t have to worry about any of the people that destroyed us again.” Brighton put the key in the ignition and the boys started on their journey.

Caspian Vineyard—Garden

Seats were set up, with an aisle down the middle. Everyone was there, Conner’s parents, Maggie’s father. The Adams family was gathered on the grooms side, while Trista, Kyle, and even Carsyn were seated on the brides. No one knew what was really going on until Ethan stood under the garden arch of flowers.

Music began to play from the string quartet off to the brides side. Conner stepped towards the front with Lysa close by, a moment later the music picked up and Maggie appeared at the entrance. Her long white dress, cut perfectly for her body. Cassie was halfway down the aisle with her bouquet of flowers as Larry took Maggie’s arm and began to walk her down the aisle.

Conner’s eyes were glued to Maggie, I can’t believe this is real. A dream come true. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.

Maggie’s smiled was the biggest she’d ever had, This is real. This is what this should feel like. I’ll never be happier then this moment.

Ethan looked at the couple; “We are gathered here today to join Conner and Maggie in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and soberly. If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.” He looked to both of them and smiled, “I require and charge you both that if either of you know any impediment why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you confess it now.”

Maggie and Conner were both silent before Ethan looked to Conner, “Conner, do you take Maggie for your lawful wedded wife? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as you both shall live?”

Conner’s smile grew as he looked into Maggie’s eyes before answer, “I do.”

Ethan looked to Maggie, “Maggie, do you take Conner for your lawful wedded husband? Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Spilled from Maggie’s lips without thinking, she had no need to as she pledged herself to the man she loved.

Ethan looked out to the group of family and friends, “Conner and Maggie have written their own vows to share with you and each other today.” He looked directly to Conner, “Go ahead Conner.”

Conner took Maggie’s hand, “You’ve been my best friend, a girlfriend, someone I was too afraid to speak to. You were my hero, the woman I dreamed of at night. You mean everything to me and I wouldn’t be here if not for you. I love you more then I thought I could ever love anyone. I can’t wait to spend the rest of our lives together.”

Maggie gave his hand a quick squeeze, “We’ve been through so much Conner. We’ve watched each other fool ourselves with other people. We’ve saved each other when we needed the other the most. I had life without you but I didn’t live in it. I just existed. When you came back into my life again, you brought me back. I will cherish every single moment we have together for the rest of our lives.”

Lysa handed her father the ring. “With this ring I thee wed.”

Cassie placed the ring in the palm of her sisters free hand, “With this ring I thee wed.” Maggie was beaming with joy in the summer sun.

Ethan smiled at the couple obviously in love with each other, “May you always share with each other the gifts of love, be one in heart, and always beautiful of mind. May you always create a home together that puts in your hearts love, generosity, and kindness.” He placed Maggie and Conner’s right hands together, “Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder. In so much as Conner and Maggie have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same in the presence of this company, having given and pledged their troth, each to the other, and having declared same by the giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.” He looked directly at Maggie and Conner, “I ask you now to seal the promises you had made with each other this day with a kiss.”

Conner lifted Maggie’s veil and pressed his lips gently against hers for a soft respectable kiss.

Ethan looked at the crowd, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. McKay.”

Everyone applauded as Conner and Maggie ran up the aisle.

Everyone except for the person in the shadows who took out a cellphone and began to type a text message.

People gathered a few feet away from where the ceremony took place. Tables were set up all around. Cassie stood by the buffet and picked a grape from the fruit plate. Just as she popped it in her mouth Dan Adams came up and took a piece of cheese from another tray, “Excuse me.” He said.

“What?” Cassie asked confused.

Dan pointed to the fruit plate, “Could I get to it or are you going to hog it all day.”

Cassie shot him a dirty look and took the bunch of grapes and walked away.

“Bitch.” Dan muttered under his breath just as Abby came up.

“What did you just say?”

Dan blushed, “Nothing, just something I probably shouldn’t have said. Who is she?”

Abby rolled her eyes, “Cassie Williams, Maggie’s little sister.”

“Good thing she lives in Durango, I don’t know if I could handle her attitude.”

“Sure you could, you’ve got your own.” Abby took a piece of cheese from his plate and walked off.

The DJ began to play a slow song, “Ladies and Gentlemen the first dance for Mr. and Mrs. McKay!”

Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn’t stop the pain

Maggie wrapped her arms around her husband as they danced to the song that seemed to be the theme to their relationship. Never again would they have to wait for each other.

If I see you next to never
How can we say forever

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

Conner felt happier then he had in ages as he looked into the eyes of his wife. They had really done it, he and Maggie were really married.

I took for granted, all the times
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can’t get near you now

Oh, can’t you see it baby
You’ve got me goin’ crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

“They’re very much in love, are they not?” Elijah asked Siobhan as he handed her a glass of white wine.

She turned around and smiled, “Very much so. They deserve this.”

“What do you deserve Siobhan?”

“That’s not something I can really answer Elijah.” She looked up at her one time lover, “At least not yet.”

I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I’m with you
I’ll take the chance

Oh, can’t you see it baby
You’ve got me goin’ crazy

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you

As the song faded away Conner and Maggie left the dance area, Chad came up to them. “I wish you all the best.” He told them.

“Thank you Chad.” Conner gave his friend a hug.

“So where are you going on your honeymoon?”

Maggie beamed, “The Bahamas. Siobhan told me of an amazing resort which we were very lucky to get reservations at. We leave tonight.”

“Have fun, and tell me about it when you get back.” He leaned forward and gave Maggie a kiss on the cheek before walking past his cousin and Abby.

Carsyn stood at the bar as Kyle came up, “You and Trista look happy.”

“We are.” Kyle replied.

“Don’t let her push you away. She loves you. I was a stupid mistake.” Carsyn looked around, “Just like I was for Maggie.”

Kyle picked up his drink from the bartender, “You’ll find the right girl. Just stop going after ones who already gave there hearts away.”

“I’ll try to remember that.” Carsyn looked around, “Its just going to take time I guess.”

“Anything that’s worth it, should.” Kyle looked over at Maggie and Conner, “Look at them, so much in love with the other but it took them a while to get here.”

“They’ll be happy for the rest of their lives together.” Carsyn shrugged for a moment and then walked away.

“Hey stranger.” Eric Savoren pulled Cassie into a tight hug.

“Eric! I’ve missed you.” She hugged him back as he pulled her up into the air.

He put her down, “Right back at you. Ready to move into your dorm?”

“I sure am. All my stuff is at Maggie’s house until tomorrow.” She popped the last of the grapes in her mouth. “Though its going to be interesting doing the pageants this year with college and all.”

“I bet, I heard you won that one a few weeks ago.”

She blushed, “Yeah, I don’t like talking about it though.”

“So my Frat’s having this party tomorrow, you should come. Bring the roommate.”

Cassie laughed, “Eric, I haven’t even met her yet.”

Eric smiled, “So what, you’ll know her tomorrow.”

“I’ll be there for sure. I promise.”

“Good.” He kissed her cheek and walked away, as he went towards his table he bumped into Dan Adams and both boys gave each other dirty looks.

Private Plane

Brighton undid his seatbelt and stood up to stretch, “Just a few more hours and we’ll be in the Bahamas. Just think of how good it’ll be to take care of your brother.”

Sean smiled, “Conner will never see this coming.”