Chapters 69 & 70
Chapter 69: Love Is The Tie That Binds
The scene at Wyndemere is unusually busy. Servants bustle about as they prepare the living room for the wedding. The usual furniture has been removed to make room for the wedding ceremony. Chairs stand in short rows with an aisle down the middle. Garlands made of pink sweetheart roses and baby's breath line the staircase. Antique white lace tablecloths cover the tables along the wall, giving the room a unusually bright and festive look.
In an upstairs bedroom, Gina dresses with the assistance of Robin and Alexis. Gina wears a floorlength white silk sheath-style dress with long sleeves that accentuates her slim figure. Over it is a floral white lace overdress that is very soft and delicate, giving it a medieval look. Gina's shoulder length hair is swept up and piled high, a few wisps of hair hang loose in soft ringlets.
Robin and Alexis stand back and sigh. "You look absolutely beautiful, Gina!" Robin exclaims. Robin wears a floorlength pink dress with white floral overlace similar to Gina's. Her hair is also piled high on her head.
Alexis nods in an agreement as she surveys Gina. "You are a vision, Gina!" Alexis wears a simple lavender dress.
Gina blushes under their praise. "The antique earrings Laura lent me are perfect for it don't you think? I just hope Nikolas likes the dress. "
"Of course he'll love it. He'd be insane if he didn't!" Robin exclaims. She hands Gina a small flat box. "Something blue." Gina opens it with trembling hands while Robin gives an explanation. "My mother gave it to me when I was six. I've treasured it ever since."
Gina gasps with pleasure. "Oh, Robin, it's beautiful." She pulls out a blue embroidered linen handkerchief from the box. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome." Robin hugs her. "I'm so happy for you, Gina! I haven't seen you and Nikolas together much, but from what I've seen, you are both crazy about each other."
Laura peeks her head into the room. "Robin? Jason wants to see for a minute, if Gina doesn't need you?"
Gina smiles through her happy tears as she waves Robin away. "Go!"
"Okay, but only for a few minutes." Robin leaves Alexis and Gina alone.
Alexis takes Gina's hand and leads her to a couch to sit. She gives Gina one of her shy smiles. "Have I told you how happy I am that you are joining our family? Not only do I gain an ally when Stefan and Nikolas get full of themselves.. which by the way they do ALL the time... I'm gaining a good friend. Thank you for loving Nikolas, he is SO lucky to have you!" Alexis gives her a warm hug. "I want you to know if you ever need someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on, you can count on me."
"Thank you, Alexis!" Gina says as she fights back tears. "I will. I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to be welcomed liked this."
There is a soft knock at the door and Stefan sticks his head in. His eyes dance playfully. "May I come in? I have a special delivery for the bride."
Gina gives him a brilliant smile as she gets off the couch to greet him. "Come on in, Stefan."
Stefan's hands are full of flowers. "First, let's try on the headdress, shall we? The roses that make your bouquet and headdress were flown in from the family garden in Greece. Stand in front of the mirror." Gina obeys. Stefan puts down all but the headdress made of pink sweetheart roses and baby's breath. He places it on her head gently. It lays perfectly forming a 'V' on her forehead. He stands behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders and whispering. "You are stunning, Gina. If Nikolas weren't marrying you, I'd have to make an offer for you myself."
Alexis laughs. "Stefan spent a summer tramping through Ireland, in case you were wondering where his sudden burst of blarney came from."
Gina blushes a deep pink. "Thank you, Stefan. The headdress is beautiful."
Alexis lets in Laura and Lulu as she leaves. Lulu looks at Gina in wonder. "She's a beautiful princess, Mommy! I like her crown of flowers."
Laura smiles. "She sure is, punkin."
"I have small headdress for you too, Angel." Stefan says to Lulu. "I'll be with you in a moment."
Stefan pulls a small jewelry box out of his pocket as he turns back to Gina. "Welcome to the family, Gina. We are honored to have you join our family." He kisses her cheek, putting the box in her hand.
Gina looks at him with surprise. "What is this?"
"Consider it something 'new'. Open it." Stefan commands. He watches her open it, explaining the contents. "It is a Cassadine pendant. All members of the family wear one. I thought it fitting for you to wear it on the day you become part of the family. Turn around." Gina turns back towards the mirror, fingering the medallion as he fastens the gold chain around her neck.
Lulu watches with curiosity. "That looks like the necklace you're wearing, Mommy."
Laura nods, touching the medallion on her own chest. "Yes, sweetheart. That's right."
"Why don't I have one?" Lulu pouts. In the background, Gina leaves, mentioning the need to pose for the photographer.
"Because you aren't a Cassadine." Laura tries to explain. "I used to be one, but I'm not anymore. I'm wearing the Cassadine medallion today for Nikolas."
Stefan approaches them carrying a miniature version of Gina's headdress. "Angel, are you ready? Once I put it on, it has to stay there until the ceremony is over."
Lulu immediately stands before the mirror like Gina did a few minutes before. "I'm ready!" Stefan kneels behind her and places the headdress on her head. Looking over her shoulder into the mirror, he marvels at how beautiful she is in the antique white lace dress she's wearing. Truly an angel on earth.
Lulu startles him out of his trance. "How do I look?" She touches the headdress gingerly.
He kisses the top of her head, whispering into her hair. "Like an angel. Beautiful."
A short while later, Nikolas enters the quiet of Stefan's study. He finds Stefan standing at his desk with a small jewelry box in his hand, looking like he's a million miles away. Nikolas approaches. "You asked to see me?"
Stefan looks up and smiles. "Yes, thank you." He puts the box down and faces Nikolas. "I wanted to look upon your face one more time, for this is the last time I will see the boy I raised. In an hour, you will be Gina's husband and in everyone's eyes, a man." Stefan pats Nikolas' cheek affectionately."You won't be my little boy anymore." A tear escapes and rolls down Stefan's face.
Nikolas' eyes glisten with unshed tears. "Thank you for raising me... for loving me... for your unswerving loyalty. Even when you've did things I hated... awful things, I've always known you loved me with everything you are. You are the one constant in my life."
Stefan's face is damp as he pulls Nikolas into a tight embrace. "I love you, Nikolas!" After a long moment, he pulls away. "Enough of this melancholy. You are embarking on what will be the happiest time of your life. Grab it with both hands and never let go!"
"I will, I promise." Nikolas' eyes drop to the jewelry box on the desk. "Is that Gina's medallion?"
Stefan shakes his head. "No, I was presumptuous. I could not wait until after the ceremony to give it to her as is the custom. She will be wearing it for the ceremony." He picks up the box off the shelf. "No... this is LesleyLu's pendant."
Nikolas is taken aback. "You had one made for LesleyLu? When? Why?"
Stefan opens the jewelry box to gaze at the Cassadine medallion. "At the same time as Gina's. I had it made as symbol of the oath we've taken to protect her. You swore yours when she was two. I did the day Luke died at the hands of Helena." He shakes his head. "The irony is LesleyLu was just complaining that she didn't have one... if only she knew."
"Laura wouldn't welcome it... not now anyway. You were wise not to give it to Lulu." Nikolas takes the box from him. "Laura would be less threatened if it came from me.... maybe she will be ready to accept it by Lulu's birthday."
"Maybe, but I fear Lucky will never accept it."
Lucky and Emily arrive with Hans and Lesley Webber VonVetten. Hans and Lesley go off on a mini-tour of Wyndemere while Emily and Lucky greet the guests as they arrive and direct them to their seats. Mike and Cassidy are the first to arrive.
Emily greets them cheerfully. "Hi Mike, Cassidy!" Lucky hangs back, his face devoid of emotion.
Mike kisses Emily's hand. "Hi, Emily. You look lovely this afternoon. Hey Lucky, where have you been all week?"
Lucky feigns indifference. "Around."
Cassidy greets them, giving Lucky an odd look when he barely acknowledges her. "Hi Lucky, Emily. If you will excuse me, Mrs Lansbury is expecting me just about now." She leaves.
"What's going on with you, pal?" Mike asks Lucky. "What's with the sudden cold shoulder?"
Lucky pointedly ignores him, facing Emily to kiss her cheek. "I better go check on Nikolas. He's probably a jumble of nerves about now."
Mike watches him leave then turns to Emily. "What's with him?"
Emily shrugs. "I have no idea. He's been pretty upset since he got back last night. I'm sure it's nothing for you to worry about. Hey, but I bet Gina's looking for you about now. The photographer has been putting her through the paces."
A short while later, the guests are all assembled. Tony, Bobbie, Alan and Monica sit together. Emily sits with Jason. Kevin, Lucy, and Cassidy sit together. Alexis is up front with Laura and Stefan, while Hans and Lesley are in back with Mrs Lansbury. A string quartet sits off in a corner playing classical music. Nikolas and Lucky clad in black tuxedos stand in front of the fireplace with the Justice Of The Peace, anxiously waiting for the ceremony to begin.
Stefan signals the string quartet. Pacabel's Canon begins to play. A few moments later, Lulu descends the stairs carrying a basket of rose petals which she tosses with special flourish when she reaches the aisle. She comes to stand across from Nikolas and Lucky who both wink at her. Robins descends the steps followed by Gina and Mike. The guests rise at the sight of Gina, the picture of young delicate beauty.
Nikolas's heart does a somersault when sees Gina for the first time in her wedding dress, gracefully walking toward him. The love he feels for her wells up inside him, robbing him of breath. Everything else fades to the background. He sees only her, his future wife.
Laura cries quietly, holding Stefan's hand for support, clearly overcome by the enormity of her firstborn son getting married. Stefan strokes her hand gently, his own lips trembling with emotion. Alexis dabs the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief.
The Justice of the Peace begins the ceremony, making a traditional speech about marriage. Gina looks at Nikolas with eyes full of love and happy tears. They exchange vows and rings. The Justice of the Peace calls Alexis forward.
Alexis smiles at them, directing them to hold hands. She wraps a white satin tie around their hands. She recites a traditional Greek blessing, at the end saying in English, "And let love be the tie that binds you." She unwraps their hands and stands to the side.
Nikolas places his hands gently on her cheeks framing her face as he pulls her towards him. He kisses her with all the love he has for her. When he breaks it, his hugs her tightly, whispering in her ear. "I love you, Gina!"
Alexis turns to the guests and presents them with great ceremony. "I would like to present to you, Mr and Mrs Nikolas Cassadine!"
Chapter 70: Love Is Stronger Than Pride
The wedding reception at Wyndemere is in full swing. The classical quartet has been replaced by a small band that plays a wide variety of music. Lucky whispers into band leaders ear and after a few moments, a light jazz tune can be heard.
Lesley and Hans walk up to Nikolas and Gina to give their congratulations. Lesley kisses them both on the cheek, grinning from ear to ear. "Oh, Nikolas! I'm soooo pleased for you! I don't think I've ever seen you look happier. It must be this fine girl you're marrying."
Nikolas kisses Gina's temple before responding, his face radiating joy. "Yes, I couldn't be happier, Grandmother. I married the woman I love and I have my family under one roof and they're getting along. I couldn't ask for more."
"You are flying off to Europe after the reception, No?" Han pipes in, his voice thick with a German Accent.
"That's right." Gina replies, looking every bit as happy as Nikolas. "He's whisking me off to France. I still can't believe it. I've always dreamed of going... but I never thought it would be possible."
Lesley beams at Gina. "Aww, and now anything is possible! I'm sure Nikolas is looking forward to showing you the world. I say spend as much time as you can now exploring it, because once you get back to Port Charles, you'll probably be too busy getting on with your lives to have the opportunity to go again anytime soon."
Lucky and Emily walk up."Hi, Gram!" He kisses her on the cheek. "You remember Emily, don't you?"
Lesley studies Emily for a moment. "Ah, yes, you're Monica's adopted daughter, right?"
Emily smiles bashfully. "Yes, that's right. Nice to meet you again."
Nikolas notices Stefan motioning to them and says their farewell. "Please excuse us, Uncle is trying to get our attention."
Lesley grabs Lucky's hand and pulls him close enough to wrap her arm around his waist affectionately. "So, why haven't you come to visit me, huh? I've missed you."
Lucky hangs his head slightly in embarrassment. "I'm sorry Gram, I've just been so busy."
"I know, Laura told me that you've taken over your father's club," Lesley says. "You're forgiven, as long as you promise to come visit me soon. You can even bring your friend along." She smiles knowingly at Lucky and Emily, who both blush. "Think of me as one of those hip Grandma's."
"I'll visit soon, I promise." Lucky says, quickly changing the subject. "How long are you going to be in town?"
"Well, Hans is speaking at a conference in New York City this next week, so I'll be staying in Port Charles until he's done. I'm hoping one night to have a night on the town with you're mom... could you find room in your club for two wild women looking for a good time?"
Lucky laughs. "Sure, Grandma. You got it. You just tell me the day, and I'll set you right up!"
Hans looks suspicious. "A good time? What do you mean... having a good time?"
Lesley laughs as she drags him away. "You'll just have to trust me, Hans."
Mike walks up to Emily and Lucky as Lesley and Hans retreat. "Great wedding," says Mike. "A little high brow, but what else can you expect from a party hosted by the Cassadines?"
Lucky glowers at Mike, barely keeping his temper in check. "Yes, what else can you expect from CASSADINES?"
Mike gives him a confused look, putting his hand on Lucky's shoulder. "What's going on, pal? Every time I try to talk to you, you look like you're ready to take my head off."
"I am not your pal!" Lucky says through clenched teeth, wrenching his shoulder out of Mike's grasp as soon as his hand makes contact. "Don't touch me."
Emily is alarmed by the hatred she sees in Lucky's eyes. Never has she seen Lucky this angry before. She puts her hand gently on his arm and feels his body shaking with rage. "C'mon Lucky, Mike, this is Nikolas' wedding. Can't we just put this aside at least until the party's over?"
"Fine." Lucky says as he gives an exaggerated shrug. "I hear some dance music, let's dance." Before Mike can say a word, Lucky drags Emily to the small dance floor in the newly created gameroom.
The slow song, "Only You" plays in the background. Several couples--Jason and Robin, Nikolas and Gina, Monica and Alan, and Kevin and Lucy are also on the floor. Lucy has her head on Kevin's shoulder. She sighs. "I have to admit, Alexis and Stefan did a nice job putting this wedding together on such short notice."
Kevin's eyes widen with surprise. "Could this be a compliment for the Cassadines coming from my beloved wife's mouth?"
"Stop mocking me!" She says without any heat. "Only You" ends and a faster paced song, "Wake Up Little Suzie" begins. "Oh there's Lucky. Mind if I dance with him for a sec? I want to find out about that cryptic message he left on our answering machine."
"Your wish is my command." Kevin dances her over to the other couple, tapping Lucky on the shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?"
Lucky flashes them a smile. "Well I guess I can give Emily up for one dance."
Lucy and Lucky begins to dance. "Out with it, bub," Lucy demands. "What's the big secret? I've been dying to find out."
"Not here." Lucky replies before he swings her out, then quickly twirls her back. "Too public.. and too many Cassadines."
Lucy's eyes sparkle with whetted curiosity. "So you found out something? It's big, isn't it?"
"Bigger than either of us ever imagined." Lucky says, shooting a glare in the direction of Mike who stands at the edge of the dance floor nursing a glass of champagne. "Meet me at the club later. I'll tell you everything I know then."
As the day turns into night, candles are lit throughout Wyndemere, giving is a dark romantic glow. The dancing continues and everyone is laughing and having fun. Lucky and Mike keep their distance, but Mike's eyes follow Lucky wherever he goes.
Hans is dancing with Laura while Stefan is dancing with Lesley as Sade's song, "Love Is Stronger Than Pride" plays in the background. Other couples dance around them.
I won't pretend that I intend to stop living
I won't pretend I'm good at forgiving
But I can't hate you
Although I have tried
I still really really love you
Love is stronger than pride
I still really really love you
Hans bumps into Stefan on purpose. "Excuse me, may I dance with my wife?"
Stefan sees the conspiratorial gleam between Hans and Lesley and hides a smile. He bows graciously. "I release her to you reluctantly." Laura moves smoothly into his arms, within moments they are dancing in synch.
Sitting here wasting my time
Would be like
Waiting for the sun to rise
It's all too clear things come and go
Sitting here waiting for you
Would be like waiting for winter
It's gonna be cold
There may even
Be snow
To fight the intoxicating spell of the music, Laura starts to talk, motioning over to Nikolas and Gina who are also dancing. "They look so happy, Stefan. I hope everything works out for them. "
"There is no reason why their marriage shouldn't last." Stefan replies. "They love each other deeply. Anyone who looks at them can see it."
Laura smiles, letting her doubts float away. "You're right."
I still really really love you
Love is stronger than pride
I still really really love you
Love is stronger
I still really love you
Love is stronger than pride
At the sidelines of the dance floor, Cassidy flags down Mike. "Hi, Dad!"
Mike kisses her cheek. "Hi, sweetheart. You up for a dance with your old man?"
"Maybe just one dance before I take off." Cassidy answers, allowing Mike to escort her to the dance floor. "I want to bring Jerry some of the wedding goodies. Listening to all this romantic music makes me miss him. Did you find out what's bugging Lucky?"
Mike shakes his head. "No, and it's starting to worry me."
Spoon Island after the wedding reception. Gina and Nikolas say goodbye to their family and friends. Nikolas turns to Laura after embracing Stefan. "Goodbye, Mother."
Laura, with tears of happiness in her eyes, pulls him into her arms for a warm hug. "Nikolas, I am SO happy for you. It seems like just it was yesterday that I held you in my arms when you were first born. Now you're all grown up! Love her with all your heart, Nikolas. Don't be afraid to trust Gina because I wasn't strong enough to fight for you. You deserve to be happy." She pulls away long enough to kiss him on the cheek.
Nikolas presses his face into her blonde hair, overwhelmed by melancholy mixed with joy. Sadness for the lost time with his mother, and happiness for the bright future ahead of him. "I know. I'll try, Mother."
Laura breaks the embrace, smiling up at him. "Enough of this heavy topic. Go have a fabulous honeymoon with your wife."
Gina and Nikolas run to the waiting helicopter, waving to their well wishers before boarding it. Gina drops into her seat, flushed with excitement. "I can't believe we're married, and now we're off on our honeymoon. It all seems so unreal! Like it's happening to someone else."
Nikolas takes the seat beside her, helping her with her buckle before buckling himself in. "It's real, Gina," he says as he cups her cheek with his hand, giving her a lingering kiss before releasing her. "Next stop is the airport, then on to France. I can honestly promise you the time of your life!"
Gina beams at him. "I'm sure you're right."
Cassidy lets herself into Jerry's penthouse suite at the Port Charles Hotel. She calls out to him when she doesn't see him in the living room. "Jerry, I'm back!"
Jerry strolls out into the living room, clad in a thick dark blue terry cloth robe. "Hey, Love. How was the wedding?" He vigorously rubs his damp tousled blonde hair with a towel. "Any luck finding anything on the Cassadines while you were there?"
Cassidy puts a plate of goodies on the table before crossing the room to wrap her arms around his neck. She kisses him soundly on the mouth. "Not a lot I'm afraid..." She runs her hands up and down the lapels of his robe, lifting her head up to receive a passionate kiss from him. "They have a marvelous cook, Mrs Lansbury, but unless she's an illegal immigrant, we still have zip on the Cassadines. Interestingly, the matriarch, Helena Cassadine wasn't there. Either she was too sick, or they didn't want have anything to do with her." Cassidy releases the lapels of his robe to caress the bared part of his chest. In response, Jerry's kisses become more demanding.
"Hmmm..." Jerry replies through the kisses, burying his hands in her long brown hair. "Maybe both. There is no love lost between Stefan and his mother... God, you smell good!"
"I'll have to remember you like this perfume..." Cassidy's grabs the lapel of his robe and her eyes close as her knees go weak under the spell of Jerry's lovemaking. "Tell me you don't have anything on under that robe," She says raggedly.
Jerry chuckles. "Darlin', I don't. Not that it would stop me anyway." With a quick flick of Cassidy's hands, Jerry's robe falls to the floor in a heap. He lifts her into his arms and carries her to bed.
Later that night outside Luke's club, Lucky strolls up for his late night rendezvous with Lucy. He hears the sound of male footfalls behind him. He turns around to find Mike right behind him.
"Lucky! We need to talk!" Before Mike can say anything further, Lucky decks him, sending him sprawling onto the pavement with a bloody lip.
"That's for betraying my dad, you bastard!" Lucky yells. "You're fired! Don't EVER come into my dad's club again!" He quickly turns his heel and enters the club, leaving Mike lying on the pavement rubbing his bruised jaw.
