We Are Gathered Here – Part 1

Saturday 10^th December

5 am

Park Avenue

As Maisha opened her eyes, she saw Ama sleeping on the spare bed in her room, oblivious to her sister stirring. The young woman lay still for a few minutes, and then got up, putting on a dressing gown over her pyjamas and quietly walking into the corridor.

She was surprised to see a light on in the kitchen, and walked cautiously down, a determined expression on her face. She did not know how someone had evaded or disabled the security system, but they had made a grievous error…

So when she opened the door, and saw Shirley sitting at the breakfast bar with a mug of coffee in her hands, she was relieved, saying “I saw the light – not able to sleep Mum?”

“What makes you say that Maisha?”

“I remember Carina and Aunt Juliette saying they were up early on that special day as well. Is the coffee fresh?”

“Yes,” Shirley said with a smile as her daughter poured herself a cup, then they both looked to the door as Ama came in. “Did we wake you, Ama?”

“No Aunt Shirley,” she said with a smile, “like you, I think I am too excited to sleep any more today. When are the others starting to arrive?”

“I am expecting Abigail at about eight thirty, and Kylie to come with Rose at about nine.”

“Ah,” Maisha said with a smile, “then I suspect we are not the only early risers.”

“Oh – who else?”

“A small group in West Central Park, for one thing…”

Shirley thought for a moment, then nodded as she said “indeed. Well, I may as well prepare some breakfast…”

5.30 am

West Central Park

Penny stood against the wall of the small studio, watching as Helen led her three charges in an early morning exercise routine. It still amazed her, the change in all three – especially Beverley as she matched Marina and Kylie move for move.

Shaking her head, she slipped noiselessly out and headed for the kitchen, where Cathy Lu was making a fresh pot of coffee.

“A little early for you, I suspect Penny,” she said quietly as she handed a mug over.

“Well, this is a major day for all of them, so I anticipated the early start. But waking at four to come here?”

“With their studio, it made sense, especially given the time of year – and Kylie has to be at Madame’s apartment for nine, so this was the only opportunity that allows them to do this today.”

“Indeed,” Penny said as she took a sip from the mug. “I saw your report on Bev, and I am astonished at her progress. I don’t think Tracy will recognise her later.”

“Oh I hear Tracy has developed as well,” Cathy said with a smile. “A most formidable team is being built there as well.”

“True – but this is a weekend to not discuss work and assignments, true?”

“Very true…”

“Hey,” Katy said as she walked into the kitchen, “have you actually been to bed, Mom?”

“Yes, I have had some sleep – Adam is still in there,” Janice Carter said with a smile. “I thought, given your aunt and Veronica will be here at seven, I’d get some breakfast done first.”

“Why did they go for a morning ceremony anyway?”

“Their choice – I imagine Caroline is up and about as well. Even with Sharon in tow, she has a lot to do this morning…”

6 am

The Village

Caroline looked out of the apartment window, the mug of coffee in her hand as she looked at the clear blue sky.

“Well, I’m glad she has a good day for the ceremony,” she said to herself before she went back to the kitchen, and took the muffin she had been toasting out of the toaster.

Her cell phone ringing caught her attention, as she picked it up and said “hello?”

“Morning Boss – sorry if I woke you up?”

“No, you’re good George,” Caroline said with a smile, “how are things progressing?”

“I’m at the hotel now, waiting to meet the duty manager. Sharon’s going to join me here after that, and we’ll do a double check round here.”

“You’ve reviewed the guest list?”

“I have – we know who to watch carefully. Guess we should just be glad we don’t have to do a Godfather scenario this afternoon.”

“Tell me about it.” Caroline took a sip from her mug, before saying “right – I’ll meet you at the church at ten. Think you’ve got time to get into the bib and tucker before then?”

“How long have you known me, Dom?”

“True – because your niece will want a dance.”

“Fair point…”

7.30 am

Park Avenue

“Well, I see people got an early start here,” Sandy said as she came in with Madeline.

“We did indeed Aunt Sandra,” Maisha said with a smile, “would you like some coffee?”

“Why not – where is the star of the day?”

“Mum? She is in her study,” Maisha said as she headed to the kitchen, Maddie knocking on the den door before she opened it and looked in. Shirley looked up from her seat, wearing an old jumper and leggings, as Maddie said “yeah – recognise that look.”

“So do I,” Sandy said, “I saw it in the summer in LA, and I’m seeing it now in the winter in NY. So, come on – how are you feeling?”

“Giddy, excited, petrified,” Shirley said with a smile.

“Yeah, that sounds about right,” Maddie said as she sat down, “you know I can recommend a remedy a friend gave to me?”

“There are impressionable young woman here, you know,” Shirley laughed as Ama opened the door, and Maisha carried in the coffee on a tray.

“Really? Where?”

“Your aunts are trying to get me to drink champagne already, Maisha – what do you say?”

“I say you have a bottle chilling in the icebox already, Mum,” Masha said with a smile, "but that is for when you are ready, and Uncle John has arrived.”

“Damn – just have to cope with coffee then,” Shirley said with a smile.

The de Ros Mansion

“Good morning, your Honor,” Edith said as she saw Brooke coming to the table, “may I say you look better this morning?”

“Well, I feel better than I have in a long time,” Brooke said with a smile, “and perhaps I am turning a corner.”

“Perhaps,” Diana said with a smile as Abigail came in. “So you are happy to come to the wedding with us?”

“Of course, but temptation…”

“Which is why you have been placed on a table with us, the Boyds – and Kylie and Rose,” Abby said, “none of us are going to be drinking anything stronger than tea today.”

“Although I understand Miss Rose does like her tea strong,” Edith said as she brought some pancakes in.

“So you will join us at the church, Cherie?”

“Indeed Mama,” Abby said as she wiped her chin, “Rose, Kylie and I will take a car there once we are done.”

“So how do you truly feel, Brooke?”

“Truly – terrified I may give in…”

“Which is why Karen is coming early to take you to a meeting – Ken will join you both with John at the church…”

The Astoria Waldorf

John walked to the door of the suite as he heard the knock, opening in and allowing the waiter to bring in the breakfast trolley.

“thank you, Sir,” he said with a smile as John signed the chitty and he left the room – only to admit Luke Heller and Jack Linklater, both casually dressed but also carrying two suit bags.

“The man of the moment – how are you feeling,” Jack asked as Luke closed the door.

“Petrified – I wasn’t this bad the first time…”

“You were a soldier then,” Luke said as he poured coffee into three cups.”

“Soldiers are allowed to be afraid, you know,” John said with a smile as he accepted the cup.

“I know – but this was meant to be,” Luke said quietly, “you, Shirley and Maisha are three very different people, but you complement each other and make an amazing family.

“So, drink your coffee, and have some breakfast,” Luke said, “and then we start to get ready…”

“You made it,” Agnes said as she saw Sue and Colin Gresham-Fox came in, Colin wearing a grey suit with a blue shirt, and Sue a grey jacket over a blue dress, her bump showing slightly.

“Later yesterday,” Sue said as she sat slowly down, Colin waiting before he did so, “and we went straight to bed. So, the wedding day?”

“For Shirley and John, yes.”

“Shelagh sent some documents for you and Donald,” Sue said as she handed a manila envelope over, “and that is the end of my official duties for today. Looks like a good turnout for today.”

“Indeed – when do you go down to Washington?”

“Tomorrow by train,” Colin said, “we meet them for Sunday lunch.”

“And I am sure Bobbie will fuss over you,” Agnes said with a smile as Donald came in with Laura and Miley. “Well now – you two get a good sleep.”

“Yes Mum, but I’m hungry now,” Miley said with a smile as they sat down.

“Well, I suggest a good breakfast before we get ready…”

“How are you feeling this morning, Lizzie,” Kits asked as Elizabeth joined her and Eve at the table.

“Not too bad – Mum’s gone to join the others at Aunt Shirley’s place. Have you spoken to Olga?”

“She just sent a message to say she was up and having breakfast, and she’d see us there.”

“Well, the girls at least appear to be happy,” Paula said as she looked across from the table she, Tamsin and Tom were seated at.

“True – and they can feel the stare of Mrs Gresham-Fox on them as well.” Looking round, Tamsin said “or they would if she was here. Wonder where she has gone to?”

Yuri Markov checked his tie was correctly knotted before he knocked on the suite door.

“Enter.”

As it was opened, he nodded to the guard and walked in, saying “good morning, Mr Byushin – you wished to see me.”

“I did,” Oleg Byushin said as he sat at the table, and indicated the seat next to him, “sit, eat.”

“Thank you,” Yuri said as he slowly sat down. “Is there a particular task you wish me to undertake?”

“There is – I understand your wife and daughter are in the city?”

“I believe they are the guests of Their Serene Highnesses, Klaus and Juliette von Furstenheim,” Yuri said as he poured himself a copy. “They are attending a wedding this weekend.”

“Ah yes – and you are aware of who the bride is?”

“Miss Shirley Xavier? I know of her, but I have never had the pleasure. Is she also involved in the NorStar bid?”

“Tangentially – but that is not relevant to why I called you here this morning.” Oleg wiped his mouth and put his napkin down, before he nodded.

“Then why am I here?”

“Because I need to ask a question on behalf of my contacts,” Oleg said as he stood up. “Are you loyal to them?”

“I would not be allowed to travel if I did not do their bidding – why do you ask?”

Nodding, Oleg said “so if I told you I was not interested in buying NorStar at all, that I was also following orders?”

Yuri stared at the mobster, before he said “I do not understand…”

“You will, Yuri, you will…” Oleg turned and looked out of the window as the other man handed Yuri a folder, which he opened and looked at the papers inside, before he looked at Byushin.

“No…”

“Yes – you have a ten o’clock appointment with him. That is all.”

The von Furstenheim Apartment

“Good morning,” Olga said as she came into the kitchen, “how is everyone?”

“Vewy excited,” Judith said as she looked over from her seat, while Cari and Annie were feeding the twins their breakfast.

“Did you sleep well,” Juliette said as she looked over.

“I did, thank you – so when is the service?”

“Eleven,” Ingrid said as she handed the teenager a mug of coffee, “plenty of time to get ready…”

8.30 am

Park Avenue

“Thank you,” Ama said into the telephone, “I will receive them when they come up.”

“Have they arrived,” Maisha said as Ama walked to the hallway.

“They have indeed,” Ama said with a smile as she went to the front door. “Hello Aunt Cat, all of you – Aunt Shirley is currently having a bath, but the others are in the den.”

“I’ll go and join them,” Catriona said as Maisha took her coat and hung it in the closet, “We are planning to use the spare room for getting ready.”

“Well, I’ll go and get ready,” Abby said as she carried her makeup case into the room.

“And as for us darling?”

“My room,” Maisha said, “the rack was safely delivered yesterday.”

“Excellent,” Kylie said as she removed her fox fur. “Shall we Rose?”

“Indeed,” the older woman said. “Any chance of a pot of tea?”

“I will take care of it,” Maisha said as she headed for the kitchen.

“By the way, where are Marina and Beverley?”

“Quick meeting before they head to the hotel, Ama darling – so, allow us a few moments, and then you may head to cleanse before Abby begins…”

The Waldorf Astoria

“I’ll be up in a minute,” Kay Cornwall said as her husband headed to the lift, before she made her way towards the banqueting hall. Looking inside, she smiled as she saw George Simpson standing with a tall dark haired young woman, wearing a tailored trouser suit with a silk roll neck jumper under the jacket.

“That’s the final list of guests, Sharon my dear,” George said as he handed her a file, “don’t think we’re going to have any problems, but… Mrs Cornwall – curiosity got the better of you?”

“Perhaps,” Kay said as she looked round, “but Caroline seems to have done her usual excellent job. Will you introduce me?”

“Of course – Sharon Kennedy, Kay Cornwall. Sharon interned for us last summer, and her family are amongst the guests. Sharon, Kay works in the Civil Service in London.”

“Pleasure,” Sharon said as she shook her hand, and looked over. “I see Emma Cromwell and the others have arrived. I’ll go and talk to them, make sure they are happy.”

“Sounds good,” George said as he looked at his watch, and then to the doorway. “Excuse me Commander – other duties,” he said as she watched him walk over to the two women. She recognised Marina Sowkowski, but the blonde was new to her – elegant as Marina, and yet she carried herself in the same way, always watching…

“Oh sorry.”

“No problem,” Kay said as the tall woman passed her, and then she looked at the slip of paper she had placed in her hand.

“Shakespeare’s family secure – will watch later.”

Park Avenue

“I will answer the summons, darlings – none of you are in a position to do so,” Kylie said as she walked slowly to the front door, opening it to see a tall, grey haired man standing there, wearing a morning suit with a grey cravat. With him was a small woman, her hair grey and her eyes a startling shade of periwinkle blue, wearing a grey coat dress with a pink hat.

“Well now, unless I am very much mistaken, you are Kylie Mitchell,” she said with a smile.

“You have the advantage of me,” Kylie said as Maisha looked round.

“Uncle John – welcome, Kylie this is John Jacobs and Colette Aldington.”

“Call me Coco,” the smaller woman said as Kylie smiled.

“My apologies – please, come in,” Kylie said as she stood to the side. “If you would care to come through to the drawing room, I will bring some coffee in.”

“It’s all right Kylie, I will do it – you see to Maisha and Ama,” Shirley said as she came out, her auburn hair carefully arranged on her head as she fastened her dressing gown round her.

“You look positively radiant,” John said with a smile, “come, let us talk…”

“Who was it, Kylie,” Maddie asked as she walked back into the bedroom.

“The Father of the Bride, I believe darling. Now – Ama, it is time…”

“I can see the excitement in your eyes,” John said as he sipped from the mug, “what do you think your husband to be is doing?”

“Right now,” Shirley said with a smile, “panicking…”

St Martha’s Church

As Alex walked out of the vestry, he smiled as he heard the organist practice.

“Judy – I did not realise you were back?”

“Shirley asked specifically if I would play,” Judy McNally said as she stopped playing and turned round, “but I need to get the feel of this organ again.”

Alex smiled as she saw David Fitzstuart shake his head, before he said “well, I will let you return to your practice.”

“Thank you,” Judy said as she turned round, Alex walking down the central aisle as he saw Caroline coming in, wearing a blue dress with a white jacket.

9.30 am

Off 5^th Avenue

Karen smiled as she saw Diana and Brooke walking towards her, Diana elegant in a silver fur coat over a blue coat dress, Brooke wearing a black greatcoat over a grey trouser suit, a black roll neck sweater under the jacket.

“Hey,” she said as they came over to her, “how are you feeling?”

“Scared,” Brooke said quietly, “but from what you and Selina have said, this is an important part of the program.”

“It is – Diana, you do not have to come in if you do not want to.”

“No – it is important I do this as well,” Diana said as Karen nodded.

“Okay then – come with me,” Karen said as they walked down the sidewalk, and then into a community hall. As Brooke looked round, she saw the circle of chairs, and the coffee machine to one side, a group of people standing round in groups of two and three and talking quietly.

“Let’s get a cup,” Karen said as they made their way to the side tables, Brooke holding herself before she took a cup from Karen.

“So what happens now,” she said as she looked round.

“We drink, and then we come together,” Karen said, “don’t worry, just say whatever you want to say.”

“Can we come together please?”

Brooke looked at the grey haired woman who was standing in front of one of the chairs, the others coming over as Diana stood to the side, watching Brooke and Karen as they sat down.

“Welcome, everyone,” the woman said, “as you know, this is a safe place, nobody here is judging, nothing said here leaves these four walls. Let us recite the Serenity Prayer.”

They all closed their eyes, Brooke included, as some of them spoke.

“God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”

“Amen,” Brooke whispered as she looked round the ring. They were people, just like her, men women…

“So, I see some new faces,” the women said, “and some old friends, as well as the regulars. If you are here for the first time, can you raise your hand please?”

Brooke was surprised to see her hand go up, as the woman said “welcome – o not feel you have to say anything, just listen. Does anyone want to share?”

“I will.”

Brooke looked to her side as Karen said “hello, my name is Karen, and I am an alcoholic.”

“Hello Karen?”

“Today – today I am attending the wedding of a friend, with other friends, and there are others like me who will be there. I have taken strength from being with those people, and their love and support – and I will do so again today.”

Others nodded as a second voice said “may I speak?”

“Of course.”

“Hello,” she said in a faltering voice, “my name is Brooke, and… I’m an alcoholic.”

“Hello Brooke.”

“This is so scary – it’s the first time I’ve said that in public,” Brooke said quietly, “I’ve been – well, drying out for the last couple of weeks, because I was helped to face up to the fact I was using alcohol as a fuel, more than a crutch.

“And I realised I could not do that anymore. I don’t know if that resonates with anyone here?”

There was low mumbling and head nodding as she looked round,

“Well – Karen has been one of those who helped me, as well as my friend Diana. They have shown me people do care about me – problems and all – and I guess…

“I guess I need to face up to who I am, and find a different way of doing things. I can’t do this alone though – I do need help.”

“And that is what we are here for – welcome, Brooke,” the woman said as the room clapped, Diana smiling as she joined in…

10 am

The Astoria Waldorf

“Are you girls nearly ready,” Agnes said as she looked into the second bedroom of the suite.

“Almost – just sorting some tights out,” Laura called back as Mandy shook her head.

“It has been quite a year, darling – for all of you,” she said as she sipped her tea.

“I know – maybe I am starting to believe this is not a dream,” the redhead replied as she sat down and pulled on her black boots. “Is Will with Donald?”

“He is – so Christmas, have you settled on where you are going yet?”

“We have – it will be in the flat,” Agnes said, “we want our first Christmas as a family to be something special for all of us. Hogmanay, on the other hand – Up to Ardray, and it gives us a chance to sit in Oban for one of the readings of the banns.”

“And find out exactly what Shelagh may have planned?”

“Well, more like nipping in the bud any plans my sister may have.”

“Aggie, seriously?”

“While I have you here,” Tamsin said as she sat with Paula, Eve and Kit, “we have a matter of import to discuss, wedding related?”

“MUM! John and I are not even…”

“I was referring,” Tamsin said with a sigh and a side glance, “to my sister. We need to make sure she has an appropriate send off.”

“And what exactly do you have in mind – and does it need to involve others?”

“Oh yes – but let me outline the basics…”

The von Furstenheim Apartment

“Are you nearly ready Olga,” Tatiana asked as she put on her cream leather gloves. The model was wearing a cream jersey dress with matching heels.

“I am Mama,” Olga said as she looked over, standing up and letting the blue pleated skirt fall down to cover her knees. The skirt was matched by the fitted jacket and heels, with a white camisole underneath.

“Fine – then let us join the others,” Tatiana said as they left the bedroom and walked down to the main room. Judith smiled as she saw them coming down, and then both of them looked at Klaus.

“Military uniform?”

“Indeed – John wore dress uniform at our wedding, so I return the favour,” Klaus said as he adjusted the sash over his Furstenheim Jaegers uniform.

“And is Juliette doing the same,” Tatiana asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, this time I am not – but you were at our wedding anyway,” Juliette said as she came in, Ingrid holding Judith’s hand. All three were wearing light blue coat dresses.

“Rudi and Mags are just getting ready, Grappy,” Judith said with a smile as Cari and Annie came in with the twins in their seats. While Mags was in a yellow dress, Rudi was wearing a blue shirt and pants with a waistcoat, a little bow tie at his neck.

The Waldorf Astoria

“I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to show up,” Lily said as she watched Tracy and Louise walk into the lobby.

“Well, it was a rather late arrival last night darling,” Louise drawled as she adjusted the sleeves of her jacket. All three had decided, in deference to the weather, to wear trouser suits with jumpers.

“So who are we meeting here,” Tracy said as she looked round.

“Well, Kylie is otherwise occupied, so she sent us to make sure you all got to the church on time – Tracy, my darling, it is so good to see you again.”

“Beverley? Darling you look amazing!”

“I feel amazing, thank you Louise,” Beverley said as she joined them with Marina. “And I am especially glad to see all of you.”

Tracy shook her head and smiled as she said “what the heck happened to you?”

“The same as Marina and Kylie,” Beverley said with a smile. “So, shall we all head to the church together?”

“I don’t think I’ve seen you this nervous since the christening,” Luke said as he watched his lover pacing the floor.

“Hmm? Oh this isn’t nerves about the ceremony,” Jack said quietly, “this is nerves about what he is going to say after I have given my speech. As for the man of the moment…”

“I’m ready,” John said as he came out, adjusting the top button on his mess dress. “Shall we?”

10.30 am

Park Avenue

Coco and John smiled as the door opened, allowing Maisha and Ama to come in. The two teenagers were now wearing long royal blue dresses that came to their knees, with capped sleeves and matching opera gloves, their hair up and with a band of small flowers in it.

“You both look amazing,” John said with a smile, “but it is cold out…”

“Which is why they will have these,” Rose said as she came in and fastened a long hooded cape over the shoulders of each of them, the hood down their backs, so that their arms were covered. “April has the posies and bouquet at the church.”

“And the matrons of honour?”

“Here,” Maddie said as she, Sandra and Cat came in. They were also wearing royal blue dresses, but their skirts came to the floor and they had long sleeves, hooked over the middle finger of each hand. Rose then fastened a cape over each of them as well, as Maddie said “well, this is something I never thought I would do again.”

“John, Kylie wishes you to join her and Shirley in the bedroom, while I check if the cars are here.”

“Of course – Coco?”

“I’ll be going with the girls,” the diminutive woman said as she stood up, “I will see you there.”

John smiled as he left the room and knocked on the door.

“May I come in?”

“Of course, darling,” Kylie said as she opened the door, John looking at Shirley and saying “Oh my…”

“I think we’re done,” Abby said as she closed the box. “Kylie, are the cars here?”

“They are,” Rose said as she looked in.

“Then we go,” she said as she stood up, and smiled. “Good luck, Madame.”

“Thank you,” Shirley said as she looked at John.

St Martha’s Church

“Why are we early,” Mike Gresham-Fox asked as he and his wife walked down the street with Grace, Sarah and Harriet. While he was in a tailored suit with a crimson tie and white shirt, Angela Gresham-Fox was wearing a white jersey dress with a dark jacket and heels.

“It’s not as cold as I thought it would be,” she said as she looked round and then at Grace. Her sister-in-law was wearing a grey trouser suit with a blue camisole, while Hannah wore a grey jersey dress, and Sarah a green dress.

“I know – it’s sunny and dry. Probably for the last time for a while,” Grace said as they approached the church, then smiled as she saw Juliette and the others coming from the other direction.

“Well, I’m glad to see you made it safely,” Angela said as she saw Olga, “I presume the others are coming with their parents and family?”

“So I believe, Mrs Gresham-Fox,” Olga said as a car pulled up outside the church, Luke getting out first and opening the door to allow Jack and John to leave the vehicle.

“Well, you certainly look the part,” George said as he greeted them. He was now wearing a tailored three piece suit with a silk tie and shirt, and smiled as he said “let me take you through.”

“Looks like people are starting to arrive, boss,” Sharon said as she stood with Caroline. “I recognise most of them – including this lot.”

She smiled as Piet and Charlotte walked to the steps of the church, Francesca carrying Frances as she looked round. The young baby was wearing a white dress and coat, while Francesca and Charlotte were in pale blue dress coats. Piet was in the suit as well, as he said “so was that the groom going in?”

“It was,” Juliette said with a smile, “shall we go in?”

As they walked up the steps of the church, the Morse and McNally families came along the road as well, while Doc and her family got out of the car.

“Well met by church stairs,” Doc said as she saw Becca, “the others are on their way as well.”

“I’m here already,” Pepsi said as she came down the stairs, “Mom’s gone to the hotel to check out the table tops, so I got to bring the flowers here.”

“Ama is probably a nervous wreck by now.”

“I think I know a bigger one,” Doc said as she saw Kylie. Abby and Rose get out of the car.

“Nicola, darling,” Kylie said as she walked over, “the bouquets?”

“I’ll fetch them down in a few minutes, with my escort.”

“Your escort? I thought Jack was… Ah, I see.”

“Good morning,” Nick said as he came alongside them, “given Ama is busy elsewhere, I agreed to act as Pepsi’s escort until later.”

“Hey.”

Doc slowly turned round to see Chet standing there with Blair, as their parents talked to Gus and Paulie.

“Hey – it’s good to see you,” Doc said before they kissed, Kylie smiling as she shook her head. “I’ve missed you.”

“And I’ve missed you as well – it’s good to see you as well Kylie.”

“And you, Chet darling, but you must excuse me, I am required,” she said as she walked off with Pepsi and Nick.

“You look amazing,” Paulie said as she saw Nessa arriving with David McIlroy, Nessa wearing a brown two-piece outfit with a black camisole underneath.

“Well, I had to look my best for him,” Nessa said before she kissed David.

“The Wedding Breakfast?”

“Is ready and prepared,” Nessa said as she saw Emma arrive with Tracey and JD.

“I guess JD got an invite as someone prominent who works for her,” Rick said as he escorted Cassandra to the church doors.

“Not just that,” Cassandra said with a smile, “most of her executive team are here, and JD is filming in the area, so she was a last minute addition.”

“There you are Mama,” Abby said as she saw Diana walk along to the bottom of the stairs. “I have not seen Brooke or Karen yet.”

“We are here,” Karen said as she and Brooke crossed to join them, Karen taking John from her husband’s arms and kissing the young boy. “Brooke wanted to make arrangements to meet some people.”

“I’m glad to hear it how are you Brooke?”

“Better every day, thanks Heather,” the judge said as she turned to greet her friend. She and Sandy were wearing long blue dresses, while Sands was in a slightly altered version of the same dress. George smiled as he saw Katy approaching as well.

“Well, at lease we’re not late,” Eleanor said as she and Veronica walked alongside Katherine, Janice and Adam.

“No, in plenty of time…”

“A small restorative is in order, I think,” Alex said as he poured some brandy into three glasses, handing one each to Jack and John. “Allow me to propose a toast – to love and marriage.”

“Love and marriage,” the other two men said as they all raised their glasses, and took a drink. “It’s a pity you cannot marry me and Luke,” Jack said with a smile.

“If it were my choice, I would, but… Where did he go anyway?”

“Outside – to take some photographs…”

“Now, this is truly a meeting of the minds, Mum.”

“What is,” Rose said as she held her hand on her hat, and smiled at John Bowden as he, Barbara and Jeannie made their way up to the church entrance.

“I think Susan is talking about us, Rose,” Marina said as she arrived with the others.

“Rose, my dear – how long has it been,” Beverley said as she extended her hand.

“Bev? Bev Martello? What…”

“Some time following in my footsteps,” Marina said as Penny and Helen came over, both wearing trouser suits while Cathy Lo was wearing a traditional Chinese dress. “As you can see, the results are outstanding – ah, I believe the bridesmaids are here.”

“Got to got to work,” Rose said as April waved “bye, Granny…”

“Come on,” Susan said, “we had better get in…”

Park Avenue

As the elevator car doors opened, the concierge looked up, and then walked to the front door, opening it and saluting as Clint opened the door to the limousine.

“Thank you,” Shirley said as she carefully sat inside, arranging her outfit before Clint closed the door and walked round to let John sit beside her.

St Martha’s Church

“Oh wow,” Mylie said as she and the others arrived, “look at them.”

“Kylie has done a wonderful job,” Agnes said as Maisha and Ama stood on the sidewalk, waiting as Sandy, Cat and Maddie got out, and then each of them accepting a bouquet from Pepsi and Nick.

“Their dresses are not like ours,” Laura said, “but even so…”

Kay glanced to the side as she saw two familiar faces talking to the two African women, and then saw some men watching the ceremony. She frowned for a moment.

“Everything all right?”

“Everything’s fine,” she said as she looked at Richard, “let’s go in with the others…”

“The car’s on the way,” Caroline said quietly, Sharon nodding as she walked in with her father, brother and sister. Showing them to their aisle, she said “I’ll be back in a minute” and walked quickly to the vestry, knocking on the door.

“Ah,” Alex said as she looked in, “showtime?”

“Showtime,” she said with a smile as John stood up and shook himself.

“Let’s get you married,” Jack said as he clapped his old friend on the back, and they walked into the main chapel.

“You want to see the dress as well, don’t you,” Juliette whispered to Cathy.

“Indeed – Kylie ordered silk from us, but…”

They both stopped talking as the limousine drew up, and Clint walked smartly round, John joining him as the door was opened, and Shirley stepped out. As she did so, they saw the full length cream silk cape she was wearing fall down, covering the flowing skirt of her gown as it fell from the gathered waist. The front was studded with pearl, and it had a high collar and long sleeves. A white veil covered her head and fell over her face, as Kylie adjusted the hood of the cape and then stood back.

“Exquisite” she whispered, “I am glad you asked me to do this for you Madame.”

“I am glad you were able to do it,” Shirley said with a smile as Kylie lifted the hood of the cape over her head, and April handed her a large bouquet of roses and lilies.

“Well, you look beautiful,” Alex said as he walked down in his robes. “Kylie, Rose, any last minute arrangements?”

“Only to wish you all good luck, and ask you to line up darlings - we will see you inside.”

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