Post by rsafan on Mar 29, 2007 7:32:45 GMT -5
Chapter 67
The priest was waiting for them as they entered, “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“I know Father, and I’m sorry we took so long but we’re ready now.”
“I’ll be inside.”
As soon as the priest walked away Lucien turned to Victoria, but before he could question her, she removed her cloak. He stared at her, speechless she was a vision in a white dress, a white dress with barely-there sleeves that graced her shoulders, and a v-neck that showed just a hint of cleavage, the dress clung to her torso and was pinned at her left hip with a silver clasp, he was sure he’d seen Hope wearing on occasion, the skirt simply flowed elegantly to the floor. He didn’t know what material the dress was made of, but he knew that the torso shimmered in the light when she spun around slowly so he could get a full view of the dress, “You like?” she asked but he could only nod. He’d seen the reason for the clasp, it held the dress together so her thigh wasn’t exposed, her little turn had given him a glimpse of it; how had he not seen that dress under the coat she’d been wearing? What was she doing wearing that dress to church, wasn’t it rather inappropriate?
“Umm… Victoria,” he stammered finally getting his voice back though it wasn’t as steady as he’d hoped, “I don’t think you should be wearing that,” he pointed to the dress, “especially in here. It’s a dangerous dress.”
She smiled at him, “You’re a bit slow on the uptake aren’t you? Is it the hour or dare I hope that you find me too much of a distraction?” when he didn’t answer, she took his arm and led him down the aisle towards the priest. “I’m thinking it’s a bit of both.” she said laughingly.
Entering the bigger room, he noticed her parents standing at the pew, they were both dressed casually but their demeanour spoke volumes. But he was finally getting the whole picture and midway down the aisle, he stopped dead in his tracks, she turned around and asked him, “What’s the matter?”
“Is he going to marry us?”
She smiled, both in answer as well as because he’d finally figured it all out. “Yes.” was all she said before turning and walking towards the priest. When he didn’t follow her she turned around again. She didn’t have long to wait for the “Why?”
She took his face between her hands and looked him in the eye, “Because I love you. Because I trust you and because it’s my grandmother’s fondest wish that her grandchildren get married at St. Luke’s. Now do you really want to disappoint my grandmother?”
“You love me?” was all he said.
“I believe she just told you that. Can we get this over with? I’d really like to get back to bed.” Bo said gruffly. “Now if you don’t mind, I need my daughter’s arm and you’re needed up there.”
Luc stared at Bo dumbfounded, was this all some really weird dream? Was Bo Brady really willingly giving his daughter away in marriage to a Dimera? He decided not to question anything and walked quietly with Hope to the priest and waited for his ‘bride’.
The ceremony went off without a hitch, when it was time for the vows, Victoria interrupted the priest, “I think we should say what’s in our hearts, not what’s scripted.” She looked at Luc for confirmation and he nodded.
“Well in that case,” Father Jansen said, “Victoria, would you like to go first?”
Victoria nodded and took Luc’s hands in her own, “We’ve come a long way in a really short time. The first time I stood before you and God, I couldn’t even imagine the events that would lead us here; all I knew was that I loved you and you loved me and for me, that was enough. I forgot that for a while, and now I stand before you again with the knowledge that no matter what happens, what hardships come our way,” she smiled, “because with our families you know they’re bound to; I, Victoria Dimera, promise to stand strong against those who wish us ill, I promise to stand by you even when everyone else has given up and I promise to love you always.”
“Victoria, I’m not going to make you any promises, I’m not sure how good I’d be at keeping them. But I will tell you this much, you are the essence of my soul. You taught me about family and trust and forgiveness. You already have my trust, you’ll never need my forgiveness and together I hope we can build a loving family, the kind you grew up in and the kind you belong to. Sweetheart, if I know anything about love, it’s because I learnt it from you and you’re a pretty great teacher.”
Victoria leaned in to kiss him, but Father Jansen cleared his throat. “We haven’t gotten to that part yet.
“Well, it is four in the morning, not many people opt to get married then and I am a member of the Brady family, people drop everything they’re doing for us.”
Luc snorted in disbelief, “That’s not enough to get you a wedding at St. Luke’s at such short notice, the place is booked months in advance.”
“There was the matter that we are already married and…”
“And?”
“And the sizable donation I, or rather you made to the church.”
Luc shook his head, “I cannot believe you, bribing a man of the cloth?”
“It wasn’t a bribe and how could you even think a priest can be bought Luc. That’d send you straight to hell you know.”
“I’m already headed there. So where’d you get the dress?”
“What this old thing?”
“Sweetheart, I can count the evening gowns you own on one hand, that doesn’t look familiar.”
“I called up John Black and convinced him to let me browse the Basic Black collection for a suitable dress.”
“And I suppose he just handed you the keys?”
“Actually he did, after I explained that it was an emergency.”
“What no bribes?”
“You don’t bribe family and friends Luc.”
“Whatever you say English.”
“I’m hungry.” she complained.
“What?”
“I’m hungry; do you think we could stop off at the pub before heading home?”
“I don’t think the pub is open at” he glanced at the car’s clock for the time, “five, thirteen in the morning and I doubt very much your grandparents will welcome you at this hour. But I will let you loose in the kitchen at home, just as long as we can enjoy breakfast in bed.”
“Then I’ll have to whip something up real quick won’t I?”
Later, as they were sitting on the terrace, watching the sun come up together, Victoria turned to Luc, “Luc, about that guy who came to see me the other night…”
“Forget about it Tory, it’s being taken care of.”
“But…”
“No buts, I told you its being taken care of. Trust me.” He said before leaning in for a kiss. It had been too long since he’d been able to simply kiss her whenever he felt like it, it was something he would never get used to, the fact that once again she was his, only his.
“I do,” she whispered against his lips, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Forever?”
“Forever.”
“Promise?”
“What is this, did we not just get married in a church? Did I not just promise to love honour and cherish you for the rest of my life?”
“Just humour me okay?”
“Victoria, my English lady, I promise to love you forever and promise to live that long just so I can keep loving you.”
“It is, of a sort,” Shawn said from the other end, “I’ve found it.”
“Found what?”
“The address of the place we’ve been searching for.”
“Shawn…”
“The people involved too. I’m leaving in an hour, if you want to join me.”
“I don’t.” she replied as Luc stepped out of the bathroom, as naked as the day he was born.
“You don’t what?” he asked, as he walked to the bed, a suggestive grin across his face.
“Is that Luc?” Shawn asked her, outraged, “You’re back with him? Are you out of your mind, the man’s a criminal.”
“Who’s on the phone?”
“I-” she cleared her throat, “Ummm… I’m going to have to call you back.”
“Victoria don’t you dare hang up, this is important.”
Luc took the phone from her, “She’s going to have to call you back.” He told Shawn and dropped the phone before turning to her, “now, where were we?”
“Actually, I was just about to take a shower.” she replied, sliding off the other end of the bed.
He grabbed for her and pulled her to him, “I think that’s an excellent idea…after.”
“After what?” she asked as his hand trailed down her side, coming to rest on her bottom.
“After this.” he said as he brought her mouth to his.
“We could just ignore it.” She suggested as she pulled him back to her.
“And have them call back till you answer?” he shook his head, looking around for the offending phone, “No. Where is the d**n thing?”
“You dropped it somewhere there.” she said pointing in the direction he’d dropped it earlier.
Picking it up, he glanced at the screen, “It’s your brother, better answer it.”
“Hello Shawn, I’m not interested in finding out.” She said, knowing why he was calling again. She indicated to Luc that she needed some privacy and he dutifully left the room in search of breakfast, or as the case would be, lunch.
“You trust him all of a sudden? Did you forget about the little visit his ‘friend’ paid you the other night?” he demanded of her.
“Yes I trust him. Can you believe that, a wife actually trusting her husband? Call the papers.”
“So I take it you’re not going?”
“How astute of you. I have no desire to know what you’ve found, I want this stopped now.”
“Got you brainwashed already hey?”
“Dammit Shawn!”
“Aren’t you even the least bit interested?”
“No, he promised me everything was okay and I’m choosing to trust him.”
“I’m not saying don’t trust him, I’m simply saying see for yourself.”
Maybe Shawn was right. It wouldn’t be checking up on him, just making sure he was safe. She trusted that Luc would handle the situation, she trusted her husband. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t try and protect him too, “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.” She said, rushing to put her clothes on, thankful she hadn’t taken all her wardrobe when she’d left.
Luc came in with a tray laden with the most delicious things, he stopped in the doorway when he saw her dressing, “Where are you going? We were in the middle of something.”
“Can I take a rain check?” She asked, kissing him on the cheek, “Shawn needs…”
He cursed her brother silently, “Shawn. Your brother really has the worst timing in the world.”
“Thanks for understanding; I’ll make it up to you later.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” he said, but she’d already left. He decided then and there that they would take a little trip he didn’t care where just as long as there were no Brady’s in the vicinity, and they’d leave the phones off the hook.
As Victoria rushed down the stairs, she dialled Tek’s number. He’d been helping them find this mystery location and Victoria was confident he’d want the credit for any arrests which may need to take place. “Tek hi, it’s Victoria here. Look, Shawn found the place and we’re headed there now. I’ll send you the location once we’ve arrived. Could you give us ten maybe fifteen minutes before storming in with the cavalry?”
“No, its okay. Victoria’s out.”
“I know;” Patrick said sombrely, “that’s why I’m calling.”
“I’m not following.”
“Your wife and her brother just pulled up outside the rendezvous point. And before you ask, no I don’t know how they found it.”
“nuts! This could ruin everything.” He thought of the threats levelled against her a few nights ago, “Tell the men to be on guard. I’m on my way but if anything happens before I arrive, keep Victoria safe.” When Patrick didn’t answer he barked, “Do you here me Patrick; I don’t want a hair on her head harmed.”
“This could compromise-”
He cut Patrick off, “I don’t give a- just make sure my wife is safe.”
“Yes sir.”
The priest was waiting for them as they entered, “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“I know Father, and I’m sorry we took so long but we’re ready now.”
“I’ll be inside.”
As soon as the priest walked away Lucien turned to Victoria, but before he could question her, she removed her cloak. He stared at her, speechless she was a vision in a white dress, a white dress with barely-there sleeves that graced her shoulders, and a v-neck that showed just a hint of cleavage, the dress clung to her torso and was pinned at her left hip with a silver clasp, he was sure he’d seen Hope wearing on occasion, the skirt simply flowed elegantly to the floor. He didn’t know what material the dress was made of, but he knew that the torso shimmered in the light when she spun around slowly so he could get a full view of the dress, “You like?” she asked but he could only nod. He’d seen the reason for the clasp, it held the dress together so her thigh wasn’t exposed, her little turn had given him a glimpse of it; how had he not seen that dress under the coat she’d been wearing? What was she doing wearing that dress to church, wasn’t it rather inappropriate?
“Umm… Victoria,” he stammered finally getting his voice back though it wasn’t as steady as he’d hoped, “I don’t think you should be wearing that,” he pointed to the dress, “especially in here. It’s a dangerous dress.”
She smiled at him, “You’re a bit slow on the uptake aren’t you? Is it the hour or dare I hope that you find me too much of a distraction?” when he didn’t answer, she took his arm and led him down the aisle towards the priest. “I’m thinking it’s a bit of both.” she said laughingly.
Entering the bigger room, he noticed her parents standing at the pew, they were both dressed casually but their demeanour spoke volumes. But he was finally getting the whole picture and midway down the aisle, he stopped dead in his tracks, she turned around and asked him, “What’s the matter?”
“Is he going to marry us?”
She smiled, both in answer as well as because he’d finally figured it all out. “Yes.” was all she said before turning and walking towards the priest. When he didn’t follow her she turned around again. She didn’t have long to wait for the “Why?”
She took his face between her hands and looked him in the eye, “Because I love you. Because I trust you and because it’s my grandmother’s fondest wish that her grandchildren get married at St. Luke’s. Now do you really want to disappoint my grandmother?”
“You love me?” was all he said.
“I believe she just told you that. Can we get this over with? I’d really like to get back to bed.” Bo said gruffly. “Now if you don’t mind, I need my daughter’s arm and you’re needed up there.”
Luc stared at Bo dumbfounded, was this all some really weird dream? Was Bo Brady really willingly giving his daughter away in marriage to a Dimera? He decided not to question anything and walked quietly with Hope to the priest and waited for his ‘bride’.
The ceremony went off without a hitch, when it was time for the vows, Victoria interrupted the priest, “I think we should say what’s in our hearts, not what’s scripted.” She looked at Luc for confirmation and he nodded.
“Well in that case,” Father Jansen said, “Victoria, would you like to go first?”
Victoria nodded and took Luc’s hands in her own, “We’ve come a long way in a really short time. The first time I stood before you and God, I couldn’t even imagine the events that would lead us here; all I knew was that I loved you and you loved me and for me, that was enough. I forgot that for a while, and now I stand before you again with the knowledge that no matter what happens, what hardships come our way,” she smiled, “because with our families you know they’re bound to; I, Victoria Dimera, promise to stand strong against those who wish us ill, I promise to stand by you even when everyone else has given up and I promise to love you always.”
“Victoria, I’m not going to make you any promises, I’m not sure how good I’d be at keeping them. But I will tell you this much, you are the essence of my soul. You taught me about family and trust and forgiveness. You already have my trust, you’ll never need my forgiveness and together I hope we can build a loving family, the kind you grew up in and the kind you belong to. Sweetheart, if I know anything about love, it’s because I learnt it from you and you’re a pretty great teacher.”
Victoria leaned in to kiss him, but Father Jansen cleared his throat. “We haven’t gotten to that part yet.
*****
“Okay, so how did you arrange all that?” Luc asked as they climbed into his car, they’d parted ways with her parents a few minutes earlier.“Well, it is four in the morning, not many people opt to get married then and I am a member of the Brady family, people drop everything they’re doing for us.”
Luc snorted in disbelief, “That’s not enough to get you a wedding at St. Luke’s at such short notice, the place is booked months in advance.”
“There was the matter that we are already married and…”
“And?”
“And the sizable donation I, or rather you made to the church.”
Luc shook his head, “I cannot believe you, bribing a man of the cloth?”
“It wasn’t a bribe and how could you even think a priest can be bought Luc. That’d send you straight to hell you know.”
“I’m already headed there. So where’d you get the dress?”
“What this old thing?”
“Sweetheart, I can count the evening gowns you own on one hand, that doesn’t look familiar.”
“I called up John Black and convinced him to let me browse the Basic Black collection for a suitable dress.”
“And I suppose he just handed you the keys?”
“Actually he did, after I explained that it was an emergency.”
“What no bribes?”
“You don’t bribe family and friends Luc.”
“Whatever you say English.”
“I’m hungry.” she complained.
“What?”
“I’m hungry; do you think we could stop off at the pub before heading home?”
“I don’t think the pub is open at” he glanced at the car’s clock for the time, “five, thirteen in the morning and I doubt very much your grandparents will welcome you at this hour. But I will let you loose in the kitchen at home, just as long as we can enjoy breakfast in bed.”
“Then I’ll have to whip something up real quick won’t I?”
Later, as they were sitting on the terrace, watching the sun come up together, Victoria turned to Luc, “Luc, about that guy who came to see me the other night…”
“Forget about it Tory, it’s being taken care of.”
“But…”
“No buts, I told you its being taken care of. Trust me.” He said before leaning in for a kiss. It had been too long since he’d been able to simply kiss her whenever he felt like it, it was something he would never get used to, the fact that once again she was his, only his.
“I do,” she whispered against his lips, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“Forever?”
“Forever.”
“Promise?”
“What is this, did we not just get married in a church? Did I not just promise to love honour and cherish you for the rest of my life?”
“Just humour me okay?”
“Victoria, my English lady, I promise to love you forever and promise to live that long just so I can keep loving you.”
*****
Luc was in the shower when her cell phone started ringing, she debated whether to answer it or join her husband when she heard the water stop running. The decision made for her, she reached over and answered. “This had better be an emergency.”“It is, of a sort,” Shawn said from the other end, “I’ve found it.”
“Found what?”
“The address of the place we’ve been searching for.”
“Shawn…”
“The people involved too. I’m leaving in an hour, if you want to join me.”
“I don’t.” she replied as Luc stepped out of the bathroom, as naked as the day he was born.
“You don’t what?” he asked, as he walked to the bed, a suggestive grin across his face.
“Is that Luc?” Shawn asked her, outraged, “You’re back with him? Are you out of your mind, the man’s a criminal.”
“Who’s on the phone?”
“I-” she cleared her throat, “Ummm… I’m going to have to call you back.”
“Victoria don’t you dare hang up, this is important.”
Luc took the phone from her, “She’s going to have to call you back.” He told Shawn and dropped the phone before turning to her, “now, where were we?”
“Actually, I was just about to take a shower.” she replied, sliding off the other end of the bed.
He grabbed for her and pulled her to him, “I think that’s an excellent idea…after.”
“After what?” she asked as his hand trailed down her side, coming to rest on her bottom.
“After this.” he said as he brought her mouth to his.
*****
“nuts-” he said as her cellphone started ringing once again. “Seems like you’re in high demand today.”“We could just ignore it.” She suggested as she pulled him back to her.
“And have them call back till you answer?” he shook his head, looking around for the offending phone, “No. Where is the d**n thing?”
“You dropped it somewhere there.” she said pointing in the direction he’d dropped it earlier.
Picking it up, he glanced at the screen, “It’s your brother, better answer it.”
“Hello Shawn, I’m not interested in finding out.” She said, knowing why he was calling again. She indicated to Luc that she needed some privacy and he dutifully left the room in search of breakfast, or as the case would be, lunch.
“You trust him all of a sudden? Did you forget about the little visit his ‘friend’ paid you the other night?” he demanded of her.
“Yes I trust him. Can you believe that, a wife actually trusting her husband? Call the papers.”
“So I take it you’re not going?”
“How astute of you. I have no desire to know what you’ve found, I want this stopped now.”
“Got you brainwashed already hey?”
“Dammit Shawn!”
“Aren’t you even the least bit interested?”
“No, he promised me everything was okay and I’m choosing to trust him.”
“I’m not saying don’t trust him, I’m simply saying see for yourself.”
Maybe Shawn was right. It wouldn’t be checking up on him, just making sure he was safe. She trusted that Luc would handle the situation, she trusted her husband. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t try and protect him too, “I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“I’ll be waiting.” She said, rushing to put her clothes on, thankful she hadn’t taken all her wardrobe when she’d left.
Luc came in with a tray laden with the most delicious things, he stopped in the doorway when he saw her dressing, “Where are you going? We were in the middle of something.”
“Can I take a rain check?” She asked, kissing him on the cheek, “Shawn needs…”
He cursed her brother silently, “Shawn. Your brother really has the worst timing in the world.”
“Thanks for understanding; I’ll make it up to you later.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” he said, but she’d already left. He decided then and there that they would take a little trip he didn’t care where just as long as there were no Brady’s in the vicinity, and they’d leave the phones off the hook.
As Victoria rushed down the stairs, she dialled Tek’s number. He’d been helping them find this mystery location and Victoria was confident he’d want the credit for any arrests which may need to take place. “Tek hi, it’s Victoria here. Look, Shawn found the place and we’re headed there now. I’ll send you the location once we’ve arrived. Could you give us ten maybe fifteen minutes before storming in with the cavalry?”
***
“I know you said no disturbances-” Patrick’s voice came over the line as soon as Luc answered.“No, its okay. Victoria’s out.”
“I know;” Patrick said sombrely, “that’s why I’m calling.”
“I’m not following.”
“Your wife and her brother just pulled up outside the rendezvous point. And before you ask, no I don’t know how they found it.”
“nuts! This could ruin everything.” He thought of the threats levelled against her a few nights ago, “Tell the men to be on guard. I’m on my way but if anything happens before I arrive, keep Victoria safe.” When Patrick didn’t answer he barked, “Do you here me Patrick; I don’t want a hair on her head harmed.”
“This could compromise-”
He cut Patrick off, “I don’t give a- just make sure my wife is safe.”
“Yes sir.”
