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Twist on the Truth Chapter 40 They were welcomed home by a white leather sofa sporting a big red bow. “He didn’t,” Alexis breathed dumbstruck as she took her first steps into their living room. “Apparently he did.” Ric concluded equally flabbergasted, throwing his keys on the credenza just inside the door. “How could he know?” “Clairvoyance?” Ric shrugged. “Ric!” “Alexis, I don’t know. He’s your ex husband.” “True, but he’s a man and men think differently about these things.” “Really? How so?” “Never mind.” “Now you’re being deliberately enigmatic.” “No, I’m being tactful.” “What happened to the Mrs. Lansing I saw on the plane?” “Our child is present.” “Our child is sleeping,” he pointed out looking down at Kristina’s peaceful face on her mother’s shoulder, “Just like she was on the plane.” “True. I’m going to take her upstairs and then we’ll resume this conversation.” “Good! I’m looking forward to it.” Alexis climbed the stairs with Kristina and Ric set the suitcases in the corner and wandered into the kitchen in search of a glass of wine. His eyes scanned the rack for a decent bottle of Merlot and he grabbed one along with two bowl goblets from the cupboard then went to work on the cork. Just as he popped it, Ric heard a blood-curdling scream from upstairs and dropped the corkscrew dashing up them two at a time. He ran down the hall into their bedroom to find Alexis standing in the doorway of the master bath with her hand over her mouth snickering at the sight. “Alexis! What in the--” he began, slightly out of breath. “You…you scared me to death!” She motioned for him to come over and look. Reaching the doorway, Ric’s face immediately morphed from fearful into a delightfully naughty grin and he glanced at her sideways. “Just how sound asleep is our daughter?” “Out like a light.” “I’ll get the wine.” “What about your arm?” “The hell with it!” He turned then seductively sized her up and down. “And don’t get undressed.” She watched puzzled as he danced down the stairs humming La Vie en Rose the whole way. Sensing that the occasion called for an atmosphere adjustment, Alexis closed the white wooden shutters in the bathroom and drew the bedroom shades to shield the daylight. Then she scurried over and recklessly rummaged through her top left dresser drawer. “Come on, come on!” she begged perusing through jewelry boxes, scarves and a few stray envelopes. “A ha!” She exclaimed locating a faded book of matches from The Port Charles Hotel. Alexis opened the cover and after three stubborn strikes managed to get one lit, followed by several more as she illuminated a sea of candles around the room. “Ric, what’s taking so long to grab a bottle of wine?” she wondered impatiently as she ran her hands through her hair in the bureau mirror. Finally she heard the soft clinking of the glasses dangling upside down in his hand and the “click” of the bedroom door as he closed it behind him. “It’s about time!” she teased and turned around to find her husband standing before her wearing his thick blue-gray velour robe. “I though you said not to get undressed,” she mused raising her eyebrows. He sauntered over and placed the wine and goblets on the dresser and slid his arms around her waist from behind softly nuzzling her neck. “I said for you not to get undressed.” It didn’t take much for Alexis to feel that the robe was all Ric had on and her throat grew dry in anticipation. “That puts you at a distinct disadvantage,” she pointed out hoarsely. “No,” he murmured slowly turning her to face him. “It allows me the pleasure of undressing you.” He deftly lifted her light sweater over her head and placed an adoring kiss at he base of her neck near her collarbone. “One…” his hand edged up to the straps of her beige silk camisole and slid them off her shoulders “…piece…” he kissed her shoulder, “at a time.” Ric continued to ease her lingerie down bestowing bolder kisses along the way much to Alexis’s carnal delight and, like unwrapping precious treasure, each item of clothing shed revealed a sensual surprise more breathtaking than the last. He’d seen his wife many times before but there was something particularly enchanting in the way Ric gratefully peeled away what separated her skin from his. It was as if he’d never seen anything so beautiful or felt something so nectarous before. His eyes and heart were invigorated, free to roam as he basked in her splendor. This was more about loving Alexis than making love to her and Ric wanted this baptism to linger forever. Her unwavering faith in him awakened his dormant heart and now he was determined for Alexis to realize the fruits of her labor. Together, he wanted them not to fly but to soar, reaching a pinnacle born of their love that no entity could put asunder. When the last strand of clothing mercifully floated to the floor, Ric stood in awe as the soft candlelight reflected every angle, every curve of Alexis’s body in all its feminine glory. He stood admiring her beauty symphonized by the echo of his escalating heartbeat resonating in his ears. Like Sarah’s rose, Alexis was an exquisite creation of nature and he was humbled to know that she, in some sense, belonged to him. She felt his eyes consuming her and their unwavering focus made Alexis uncharacteristically shy. Ric was staring, eyes wide with wonder and she couldn’t help but notice his profound transformation. Although it was never visually apparent, she’d always sensed the slightest measure of restraint when he made love to her, as if he were struggling to maintain safe distance; leaving a tiny window open to escape should his feelings become too intense or his insecurities rise up against him. The man standing in front of her had no inhibitions and Alexis trembled at seeing Ric this raw in his passion for the very first time. He moved closer drinking in her beauty as it overpowered him and Ric willingly surrendered closing his eyes, his mouth meeting hers, drowning in a deep, soulful kiss. Melting into one another, their tongues engaged in a furious dance as Ric drew feverishly on what he desired and bestowed Alexis with the gift she had patiently waited for and so richly deserved. Alexis had given freely of herself; now Ric was finally capable of requiting her offering with no reservations enabling her to revel in the full force of his love as it vigorously permeated her body. Eager to celebrate Ric’s homecoming of the heart and mind, Alexis eased his robe from his shoulders and pulled him onto the bed as he lithely descended upon her seeking sanctuary in her soft skin. She gasped at the powerful weight of his hard body on hers and shifted underneath him allowing them to fit effortlessly together as he buried his face in the haven of her neck, tongue fluttering lightly between kisses hungrily feasting on her honeyed sweetness. “Ric…” she uttered his name breathlessly as he hungrily partook in the feast of her essence, becoming rapidly untamed. “Mmm,” he moaned sharply inhaling then becoming aroused by the intoxicating pheromonal scent of her skin. His fury mounted. Alexis’s senses were swiftly saturating, sending her reeling out of control then Ric captured her again calming her down only to increase the intensity of his seduction. Relaxed at first, his body responded excitedly drawing her closer, skin searing skin as his impassioned quest expanded exploring a delectable myriad of erogenous places and taking with it her ability to hold out much longer. “Ric,” she begged between gasps. “Please!” “Hold on baby,” he placated her panting heavily, lowering his head once more. Thrashing from side to side, Alexis wantonly ran her fingers through his dampening curls and drew his face to hers as she rose to meet him, her back arched gracefully displaying rippling velvet ribs. Ric growled clenching her to him satisfying her desperate craving to consummate. Then there was no more anticipation, only his promise fulfilled as Alexis twisted fitfully through sweet torrents of passion. Much to Ric’s pleasure, he watched her sail in the warm winds of his heart and body as they navigated through the waves of ecstasy together. Beginning to crest, Alexis cried out grabbing a firm hold on the posters at the head of their bed anchoring herself for the peak of their private storm. Fierce and fabulous, it had no perceptible eye except for those of her husband gazing glassy-eyed down at her whispering “I love you” and tenderly caressing her face as Alexis succumbed and shivered, then fell into the circle of his waiting arms exhausted and in tears. “My God Ric!” she breathed closing her eyes trying to catch up with her drifting body. “Now I know how you felt…when we were first together after we were married?” “Shhh,” he hushed her softly brushing his lips to hers as Alexis nestled closer, fearful of being untangled from him. “I thought I knew you. After all the times we’ve shared a bed I thought that it was only you who was holding back. Now I realize that until we were both completely free to give of and to one another that it was impossible to reach this point…for it to be this perfect; to be so pure,” Alexis picked up his right hand intensely kissing it then pressed it to her chest. “This is it,” she whispered earnestly echoing his sentiment from the past. “This is making love, but it’s so much more. It’s finding our home in each other and never doubting that this is where we belong. It’s making our love and family the focal point of who we are. It’s protecting and honoring one another at all costs.” “You sound like Sarah,” he observed guiding her hand to his lips. “You could pay me no greater compliment.” She smiled blinking away astonished tears. “Nor can you me, by being my wife.” Stricken by her natural beauty, Ric gently traced the round of her cheek as it angled down to the delicate tip of her chin. She was a work of art, glistening in the dew of their lovemaking, so angelic with her saturated brown curls elegantly framing her wonderous face. Never in his life had Ric even dared to imagine a moment like this and the reality overwhelmed him. He kissed her lips once more and started to get up but Alexis held onto his arm.” “Don’t leave.” “I’m not going far,” he promised gently disengaging from their embrace. She watched him slip out of their warm nest grabbing the bottle of wine and glasses disappearing around the corner. Soon Alexis heard the soothing sound of water rushing and the serenade of a saxophone and she sat up hugging her knees. It was the same music she and Ric had romantically swayed back and forth to in Paris. Smiling, she shook her head in disbelief. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time.” Ric reappeared and approached her gently scooping her into his arms and she loosely draped hers around his neck. “Your arm -” she began to protest, noticing that he’d removed the bandages and was using it to help the other support her. “My arm is touching the woman who will heal me once and for all.” Ric carried her into the bath as Alexis caressed the fuzzy stubble beginning to sprout on his cheeks. Looking up she laughed. Surrounded by candlelight and wine accompanied by soft jazz was Jax’s - now their- white claw-footed bathtub; the second part of the special delivery from Paris. As it mounded with bubbles Ric grinned as he slowly immersed Alexis in the tranquilizing water, stepping in behind her and easing down as her head came to rest on the pillow of his chest. They leaned back together closing their eyes and Alexis let out a contented sigh. “I can’t believe he sent this,” she chuckled lazily waving her hand through the warm fragrant water. “I can,” Ric spoke softly into her hair. “If I’ve learned anything about Jax it’s that he is an indisputable romantic and I am so grateful that yours was only a marriage of convenience!” Alexis raised her head and glanced up at him. “Are you insinuating that you’re jealous?” “Not now,” he ran a confident hand down her arm, interlocking their fingers. “But if we were in a different place, I could be unnerved by your ‘oh, so charming’ ex.” “He is charming, isn’t he?” Ric tightened his hold on her until she conceded with a tiny shrug. “But he’s no Ric Lansing.” “Damned straight!” Ric joked kissing the back of her neck. “Can he do this for you?” “Oooh, now that feels good,” she purred. “I can’t believe that you have enough strength to even think about going there again.” He laughed and picked up a round sea sponge saturating it with warm bubbles and began rubbing her shoulders in firm soothing circles, gradually working his way down her back. “You know,” she rolled her neck from side to side, becoming putty in his hands. “If you ever decide to drop law you can always become a masseur.” “But I’d only cater to one client,” he argued and handed her a goblet of red wine. “Not much profit in that.” “That depends,” she smirked and took a sip, “on how you’re paid.” “Okay,” he kissed her shoulder and picked up his own glass of wine. “Now you’ve got my attention.” “I thought I already had it.” “Sexually speaking, absolutely,” he teased. She scooped up a handful of bubbles and reached up plopping them playfully on top of his head.” “Hey!” he shook them away, barely sparing his glass of Merlot. “You deserved that.” “Oh yeah? And do you know what you deserve?” he started to reach under the water searching for a particularly vulnerable spot and Alexis firmly clamped her hand on his pulling it back up. “Uh uh uh! The wine, remember?” “Funny thing, the vineyards produce more than one bottle.” He suspended his glass at a precarious angle over her head “You wouldn’t dare!” “It seems to me, counselor, that you’ve proposed that challenge before – and lost.” “You…you wouldn’t…Ric? No!” He took one last drink of wine and dumped the rest on her head. Alexis shrieked as it dripped down her face onto her neck and Ric anxiously licked his lips diving down to taste the vintage on her skin. “Mmmm. A very good year!” “I can’t believe you did that!” She laughed partially from the shock of the vino “shower” and the delightful tickling sensation as he playfully sucked on her neck determined to savor every last drop. At first it was funny but as Ric persisted Alexis gave into the erotic pressure of his lips and set her glass aside rolling over and aggressively capturing his mouth. He raised his eyebrows in surprise and coiled his arms around her quickly losing himself in wine, woman and bubbles. “Is the floor dirty?” she teased between kisses. “I mean, we haven’t been home in ages…” “Very dirty!” he agreed gutturally not separating their lips, feeling the mounting shortness of breath. “But with a little soap…and a little water…” Ric slid down pulling Alexis on top of him splashing water over the side and just as they were about to unite, the phone screamed interrupting them. “Is that the phone?” he mumbled, his face intoxicatingly buried in her breasts. “Yeah,” she grimaced as he nestled a particularly sensitive spot. “Let it ring,” he nipped playfully sending shivers down her spine. “I can’t.” “Al-ex-is!” he groaned, his mouth still engaged in its own unbridled game of seek and find. “You know me and phones,” she pleaded. “It could be important.” We just got home!” he protested, planting a grateful kiss and sliding his tongue upward as he seductively raised his eyes whispering. “Let it ring.” “It’ll wake up Kristina,” Alexis warned and Ric sighed as Alexis rested her body on his chest and he reached over and grabbed the receiver muttering. “ Lansings,” he answered curtly. “You’re home!” an all too familiar Australian accent quipped. “Jax,” he rolled his eyes at Alexis who winced and sunk back down into the water. “I just wanted to see if you and Alexis arrived safely and if you received my, um… gift.” “Yes…yes we did. Thanks.” Ric answered becoming preoccupied with Alexis’s naked form rubbing impatiently against his causing more splashing. “Is that water I hear?” Ric could visualize the rosy cheeked Aussie grinning from ear to ear. “Remind me to talk to you about your timing,” he grumbled under his breath. “Sorry mate,” Jax chuckled. “Did I catch you two ‘at it’ again?” Ric held the phone from his ears slightly so Alexis could hear and she grabbed the receiver. “Hello Jax,” she raised the phone to their lips and kissed Ric hard so that it was audible and then put the phone back to her ear and said in a singsong voice. “Bye Jax!” and threw the receiver on the floor On the other end Jax heard laughter, splashing and more kissing and he shook his head and looked at the phone. “Yep, they got it all right!” *** Ric stood in the entryway looking into the long oval mirror trying for the third time to secure his bow tie and pulled it loose again in frustration. “Need some help?” Alexis chuckled walking up behind him. He turned throwing his hands up in defeat. “Please.” She stepped up to him and smoothed the starched white collar of his shirt and methodically crossed one the flap over the other and proceeded to make a perfect bow. Pulling the ends tight and straightening it, she backed up and smiled in approval. “There!” Ric glanced at his reflection in the mirror and turned his eyes back to his wife. She was radiant wearing a royal blue evening dress which fell mid calf and rested ever so slightly off the shoulders. Form fitting through her slender waist and hips, it had a lengthy slit up the back of the skirt revealing just enough of her long shapely legs to entice yet remain tasteful. Her feet were adorned with matching royal blue sling-back stilettos accented with rhinestones on the small circular buckles at the side of each ankle. Her hair was swept up with a few stray ringlets and Adella’s silver earrings dangled daintily from each ear dancing in the light. “Alexis,” Ric bit his trembling lower lip, “You are stunning.” “Thank you,” she smiled, pleased that the dress had the desired effect and handed him her necklace. “Will you?” “My pleasure,” he took it and grinned; anything that would bring him closer to that alluring neckline was a welcome thought indeed. He stepped up behind her adorning Alexis with her mother’s brilliant sapphire and diamond necklace then let his nose happily linger in the nape of her swan-like neck. “You smell wonderful.” “I should,” she turned her head over her shoulder to kiss him. “You bought me this cologne in Paris, remember?” “Yes,” he said, eyes shining. “I remember everything about Paris.” “Speaking of,” Alexis hated changing the subject but knew it was a wise thing to do given where this could lead and their pending schedule, “Have you talked to Trevor recently?” “I spoke with him earlier this morning. The judge has suspended his sentence and he’ll be on probation for the next three years.” “That’s lenient, especially with the obstruction charge added on,” Alexis noted suspiciously. “You wouldn’t have had anything to do with that, would you?” Ric sighed. “Trevor’s not a young man and prison time would not serve justice in this case. I implored the judge to consider other options and I guess he agreed.” “Does Sarah know?” “I called her before I called the judge.” “She must have been proud of you.” “Yes. She thought it was best for everybody. You should know Alexis, that when it comes to you, Sarah’s pride can’t be contained nor can mine. You’ve changed my life; given it purpose and meaning. For that I am forever grateful.” Alexis caressed his cheek as they heard footsteps at the top of the landing. Looking up they saw Sarah with Kristina hand in hand slowly descending the stairs one at a time. Kristina looked like a princess in her red velvet flower girl’s dress, floor length and full with a crinoline and white lace petticoat that peeked out from the bottom. She wore white tights and underneath black paten leather shoes. Her brown curls were swirled into a bun accented by a white ring of lily of the valley. “Kristina!” Alexis exclaimed proudly, raising her hands and clasping them together under her chin. “Sweetheart you look very, very pretty!” Ric beamed and looked up at Sarah. “So do you.” “Awe thank ya darlin’! I was gonna wear my Sunday dress but ‘tis a special occasion so I went out and bought somethin’ proper.” It was a pretty floral dress with a chiffon overlay, very festive for the season in deep reds and greens. Like the other ladies, Sarah’s hair was up and secured by a beautiful pearl comb. “Will ya do me a favor?” she asked Ric as she looked at her watch. “Could ya go up n’ check on Joshua? He’s runnin’ late and we need to get to Saint Timothy’s so that I can have a few words with Father Donahue. It’s not his home church and I want to make sure that he’s settled in.” “Sure,” Ric said leaning over to kiss her cheek. He started up the stairs just as Josh came skidding around the corner fumbling with his cufflinks. “I’m comin’ Ma!” he assured her, sounding twelve years old again. He ran down the stairs and held his wrists out to Ric. “Do you understand these things?” “Little nervous, are we?” Ric smirked as he began fastening the cufflinks. “No,” Josh shot back defensively. “I’m OK. I’m fine.” “Nope,” Alexis laughed recognizing her own voice in him. “You’re nervous all right! Don’t worry. Everything will go smoothly.” “At least it’s not a High Mass,” Ric offered weakly as he fastened the last link and straightened Josh’s cummerbund. “Aye! It should have been!” Sarah scolded. “Thanks a lot,” Josh muttered to Ric. “Is it too late to do this at the court house?” Ric handed him his tuxedo jacket and began putting his own on. “Yeah, it’s a little late for that. Besides, even though I’m the DA, I think that Judge Griffin would frown upon any more of our family weddings in his chambers.” “That bad?” he asked flashing an amused grin. Ric clapped his hand on his best friend’s shoulder and mumbled “Let’s just say that Alexis didn’t subscribe to the traditional “I do’s”. “Smart woman!” Josh declared then cleared his throat announcing, “Are we all ready?” A chorus of “yes’s” and nods gave him the green light and Josh threw back his head and laughed. “OK then, let’s go get married!”
In the ready room, Gillian was statuesque in her lavish wedding gown as her mother and sister fluffed and primped her for her ensuing coronation. Alexis and Sarah stood off to the side, watching as a hair stylist sprayed Kristina’s hair. Giggling, the little girl scrunched her face as the aerosol spray hit her head, then wrinkled her nose at the funny smell afterwards. “She’s not going to be a wee one much longer,” Sarah observed. “No,” Alexis agreed feeling a tinge of melancholy. “Sometimes I wish she could be a baby forever.” Sarah looked at the warm glow in Alexis’s eyes and on her cheeks and felt an incredible sense of satisfaction. For the first time since she learned of Patrick’s death, her heart was full with no room for sorrow. The future was now and she wanted to relish every second of it. Reaching over she took Alexis’s hand and gave it a quick, knowing squeeze. “Why dontcha go and see how Ric’s doin’ with the guests. I’ll stay with Kristina ‘till it’s time fer her to make her grand entrance.” Alexis hugged Sarah and looked over at her daughter, then slipped out of the room. The majority of the guests were already there. It was a small, private ceremony so only the first few rows on either side were taken. Ric suggested to Josh that they wed in Port Charles instead of Martha’s Vineyard so that they were closer to their honeymoon destination in the Poconos. Additionally, Ric had to make good on a very important promise. “Are the caterers at the house?” Ric asked Alexis upon seeing her slip out of the bride’s room. “Viola’s there and supervising everything,” she assured him. “Has everyone arrived?” “Mostly. There are a few stragglers.” Just then the church door opened and Ric and Alexis turned to greet one of the late arrivals, they were stunned to find Sonny walking in, looking equally surprised to see them. “Sonny?” Ric asked confused. “What are you doing here?” His brother looked around and saw the people seated in the sanctuary and took note of Ric and Alexis’s attire suddenly feeling very out of place. “I um…” he mumbled looking away. “I saw the cars. I thought that maybe it was some meeting or somethin’. I’ll come back later to do what I gotta do.” He started to go and Alexis reached out and touched his arm. “What is it that you have to do?” “It’s personal,” he answered defensively. “I’m sorry. I guess I shouldn’t have asked.” “You were coming to light a candle and to pray, weren’t you?” Ric answered for him, straddling between the hypocrisy of it all and the ironic fact that he owed his life to the man in front of him. “Maybe,” he said staring straight at Ric, recognizing the conflict within him. “My brother - Josh - is getting married.” Ric explained uninvited. “Oh,” Sonny nodded unexpectedly rattled by Ric referring to Josh as ‘his brother’. “Is…is Kristina here?” Alexis tried to subdue herself but felt her body immediately tense up and made a fist rather than speak what was racing through her mind.” “Yes.” Ric replied honestly but firmly. “She’s getting ready. She’s in the wedding party.” “I see,” he responded tight lipped. So that was the way Ric and Alexis saw it. Kristina was a part of their family, not his. Sonny suddenly felt an uncomfortable distance, as if he was deliberately being barred from his daughter’s life. This was not the arrangement Ric previously proposed to him. Ric said that he wanted Kristina to have some sort of relationship with her biological father and that he would discuss it with Alexis, but she obviously left the issue hanging. Leaving it unresolved was only allowing it to fester. Sonny knew that this was not the place or time to address the issue. Instead, he turned to leave parting with, “Say hello to Sarah for me,” and was gone. Ric looked at Alexis whose warm glow was now more from clash than contentment. He took her hands and held them firmly. “Don’t worry about him. Today is special for our family and I won’t let Sonny ruin it for us.” “You’re right,” she agreed as Josh rushed into the entryway. “Father Donahue says it’s time.” Alexis let go of Ric’s hands and smoothed his jacket, then stepped over and did the same for Josh kissing him on the cheek. “For luck,” she said softly. “Not that you’re going to need it.” She hurried to her seat next to Sarah in the front pew and Ric trailed Josh up the side isle where they took their places in the front of the church to the right of the altar. “Are you ready?” Ric whispered. “I’ve been ready for her all my life!” he whispered back and Ric looked over to Alexis knowing exactly how he felt. “Got the ring?” Josh asked. Ric patted his breast pocket and suddenly his expression went blank. “Lansing!” Josh threatened. His face lightened up and he grinned. “Got it!” Father Donahue walked into the sanctuary vested in a flowing white chasuble with a cream-colored tapestry overlay. A large gold crucifix hung from his neck resting conspicuously on his chest. He smiled proudly at Josh, remembering the boy’s first communion, amazed at the time gone by. Now the boy was a man and taking a wife. He then looked at Ric, recognizing him as ‘the Lansing boy’ from the Vineyard and nodded just as the soft organ music stopped and the congregation grew quite. As Pachelbel’s Cannon in D began playing softly, Kristina appeared at the back of the church looking adorable. With an encouraging look from Alexis, she smiled flirtatiously at the congregation and slowly walked down the isle scattering white rose petals here and there. Halfway down she began to realize that there was an unusual number of strangers watching her and faltered. “Uh Oh,” Alexis whispered to Sarah who then leaned over and peeked around the pew so that Kristina could see her. Her calming blue eyes urged her to continue and as soon as the little girl saw her “grandma” she broke into a huge dimpled grin and continued walking dropping more rose petals than before. When she reached the front of the church Kristina saw Ric and her face lit up. She ran over to him as Alexis shook her head “no” but Kristina was determined to be by her daddy and Ric indicated to Alexis that it was all right and moved over to let her stand between him and Josh. Outside of the church, Sonny Corinthos watched smiling proudly as his adorable daughter walked down the isle. When she stopped he put his face closer to the glass and whispered, “Go on honey, you can do it,” and she started walking again. His eyes moist, Sonny’s smile remained cemented on his face until she reached the front of the church and ran to Ric. Then it was gone in an instant. “I can’t little brother,” he confessed under his breath, leaving a cloud on the vision through the glass. “I just can’t let you have her.” Then, with a thunderous introduction, strains of the traditional Wedding March filled the sanctuary and the guests rose to face the back of the church as Gillian and her father began their graceful walk down the isle. She was a raven-haired vision in white, seemingly floating in her full gown and chapel length veil and Josh was the picture of the perfect groom, misty eyed and standing in awe of his wife-to-be. Ric looked at him and chuckled inside. Rosewood was crying. It must be love! Ric then looked back to the bride and caught his breath. It was Alexis walking toward him in a flowing white gown smiling confidently over a huge bouquet of white roses. Tilting his head slightly he blinked a few times and suddenly Gillian was there again approaching the altar, gazing lovingly at Josh. Kristina, who had been effectively hiding behind Ric’s legs, peeked from behind startling the bride much to Alexis’s chagrin. She was relieved to see Gillian laugh and wink at Kristina before taking Josh’s arm and kneeling before Father Donahue. Alexis looked on as the priest blessed the couple and then they stood side by side listening to him extol the virtues of the covenant of marriage. She tried her best to stay focused on the ceremony but soon Alexis’s eyes wandered to Ric who stood solemnly listening to Father Donahue, his hand caressing the top of Kristina’s head as she leaned against his leg watching the ceremony, mystified. He was so handsome in his tuxedo that Alexis selfishly wished the wedding and the reception were over so that she could have him all to herself. “Back to the ceremony Alexis!” she chastised watching Gillian hand her flowers to her sister as she and Josh joined hands. “I Gillian, take you Joshua, for my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward…” Alexis continued to watch as Gillian finished her vows and it was Josh’s turn. Glancing down at her wedding ring she felt a warmth wash over her and smiled, then looked up and froze. Suddenly she was standing in front of the priest; her hands joined with Ric’s as he gazed down at her with love and recited: “I, Richard, take you Alexis, for my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Startled, Alexis glanced over at Sarah who was dabbing her eyes with a white lace handkerchief. Her head snapped back to the altar and saw Josh slipping a ring on Gillian’s finger. Josh kissed his bride after being pronounced ‘husband and wife’ to the sound of their guests serenading them with a reverberating applause. Wound up as ever, Kristina clapped while jumping up and down gleefully. Since she refused to leave Ric’s side, when it came time for the recessional he picked her up and carried her up the isle. “It seems as though my daughter has broken protocol, “ Alexis laughed as she and Sarah stood to make their exit. “She upstaged the bride!” “Don’t ya worry dear,” Sarah chuckled. “T’aint anyone who can upstage this day for my Joshua. He’s o’er the moon in love with Gillian and Kristina bein’ part of it was the icing on the cake.” *** The Lansing home was transformed into a paradise with fresh flowers perfuming the air and candles flickering everywhere. A fire roared in the fireplace warding off the evening’s chill as Ric and Alexis stood with glasses raised proudly playing hosts to one of their dearest friends. “A toast,” Ric declared. “As many of you know, I grew up with Josh and I can honestly say that I’ve waited all my life for this moment – to totally humiliate him in front of a captive audience!” Josh roared with laughter, then looked at Ric warily. After a dramatic pause, Ric relaxed into an affectionate smile. “Seriously. Gillian, you married one of the finest human beings I’ve ever known, with the exception of his mother.” “Sarah,” he looked at her sincerely, “you raised Josh well and for that, you should be proud.” “I raised ya both well!” she grinned beaming with pride. Ric’s smile broadened as he turned back to Josh, his best friend - his brother - and his new bride, “The
test of Gold is Fire. The test of Truth is Time. Josh and Gillian, in your life I hope you do four things; lie, steal, cheat, and drink.” Everyone laughed and paused to hear Ric’s explanation for such an unusual sentiment. Eyes sincere and twinkling, he continued. “When you lie, do it to save a friend. When you steal, steal someone's heart. When you cheat, cheat death. And when you drink, drink with me! Only a few in the room would understand the subtle nuances of his toast, but Alexis and Sarah grabbed each other’s hands. They understood. “Dear Lord,” Sarah leaned over to Alexis exclaiming enthusiastically. “Our Ricky’s truly found his way!” Throughout the room glasses clinked and all drank to the new couple. Sarah looked at Alexis, who took one small sip of champagne and set her glass down. Noticing the flushness in her cheeks, Sarah glanced at her, then Ric and finally down at Alexis’s stomach then clasped her hands together, as if in prayer, beaming. “Darlin’ why don’t the two of you take a little walk? I’ll get the dancin’ started.” Alexis was speechless. If she’d ever doubted the power of the divine, Sarah had just made her a believer. “Go on now!” She urged. “Those rosy cheeks say that ya have quite a tale to tell!” Setting her water glass down, Alexis got up and went to the other side of the table whispering an invitation into Ric’s ear. “Now?” he cried baffled. She nodded resolutely and took his hand looking apologetically over at Josh and Gillian. “Excuse me, but I need to borrow the best man. He’ll be back.” Alexis pulled him across the room and out the door onto the deck as Josh looked after them with a knowing grin. “Something’s up and I think it’s gonna be good!” “How do you know that?” Gillian asked puzzled. “I know Alexis, “ he replied. “Soon, you will too. She wouldn’t be dragging Ric away from the reception unless it was something important. Judging by the smile on her face, it has to be monumental!”
“To the gazebo.” From a distance Ric could see a warm halo of light rising above the hedge line and when they rounded the corner he melted. The gazebo was illuminated by thousands of shimmering white lights, just as it had been on their wedding night. “Awe! Were you feeling sentimental? I was thinking about our wedding today as well.” Alexis absently rubbed her arms suddenly aware of how chilly it was. As if it were second nature, Ric removed his tuxedo jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have a church wedding?” Alexis smirked. “I tried that once and hyperventilated all the way back up the isle, out the door and into a semi. But I have to admit, watching Josh and Gillian today, I thought about it. I saw you and I at that altar, vows, white dress and all.” “I saw the white dress too! You were wearing it as you walked down the isle…to me.” “We shared the same daydream?” she asked surprised. “This is weird.” Ric chuckled. “Not really,” Alexis said as she opened her purse and pulled out a blue velvet box. She opened it to reveal a white gold band with four small channel set diamonds on top. “What’s this?” he looked at her confused. “They had to cut your wedding ring off at the hospital after the accident. I still have it but it’s severed beyond repair so I’m giving you a new one. It’s not as plain or simple as the one you bought for yourself but neither is our life together. It’s complicated and a constant adventure but so very rich! This ring was designed especially for you.” She pulled it from the box and placed it in his hands. “There’s an inscription on the inside.” Ric took the ring and held it close to the light. “Forever worthy, forever loved.” Alexis took the ring back then picked up his left hand, no longer swollen, no longer in pain. She slipped the cool band on his finger and gazed up at him quietly reciting, “With this ring I thee wed, and pledge thee forever my troth.” Mesmerized, Ric looked down at the ring turning it around several times on his finger. His hand had felt so foreign without it and now it was comfortable again. “It’s beautiful Alexis,” he choked. “But diamonds? They’re usually ‘a girl’s best friend’, right?” “So they say,” she laughed softly. “But these gems hold special significance. There’s one stone for each member of our family.” He looked back down at the ring bewildered then froze suddenly unable to breathe. “There are four diamonds,” Ric trembled warily. “I know,” she smiled. “One for you, one for me, one for Kristina and one for…” she lovingly took his hand and placed it firmly on her stomach. “Alexis...” his eyes traveled down and back up to hers, stuttering anxiously. “Are…are you telling me that…?” “Eight weeks,” she confirmed. “That was one powerful homecoming Mr. Lansing!” Unable to remove his hand from her stomach, Ric slowly knelt and kissed her pregnant womb then rose, pulling Alexis to him and holding on tight to steady his body, weak and overcome by emotion. She ran her hand through his hair down his back of his head and kissed his cheek soothing him as the reality that he was going to be a father washed over him and began to sink in. “It wasn’t supposed to happen,” he whispered in disbelief. “After Elizabeth and I lost our child, I took it as a sign that I wasn’t meant to be a father and I resigned myself to that fact.” He pulled away with unrestrained astonishment, to cup her face within his hands. “But you made me believe Alexis. You made me believe that anything is possible and now we’ve created this incredible miracle together.” “I love you,” she mouthed to him. “God knows, I love you!” he echoed out loud and bent his head tenderly kissing her as the strains of Can I Have This Dance seeped from the house into the garden. Lips still together, Ric and Alexis fell into perfect rhythm, turning around and around under the heavenly lights of the gazebo. “I guess I should have asked,” he murmured after they reluctantly parted. “May I have this dance?” “Yes,” Alexis breathed, her eyes shining just like the diamonds in his ring. “You may have this dance and every one hereafter as long as we both shall live.” I'll
always remember, As
we swayed to the music, Could
I have this dance I'll
always remember, As
we move together, Could
I have this dance The End
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