Kevin watched Kira from the back of the room as she and Patricia led the room of dancers. Nick sat beside him, quietly talking to Tristan.
"As you all know, I'm going to be taking a maternity leave soon, so I'm going to announce who is going to take my place on Friday," Kira said, glancing at Kevin, "I don't want anyone to think that just because I name this person that you're not good. You're all terrific. With that said, hit the showers, we're leaving early today. I'll see you at 7:00 tomorrow morning."
Kevin stood and walked over to Kira, "So who's gonna replace you?"
"I can't tell you that Kevin."
"Come on! You can't even tell your fiancee?"
"Nope, it wouldn't be fair."
Kevin pretended to pout, "This sucks."
Kira kissed him softly on the mouth, "Doesn't it? Come on, let's go home."
Kevin drove Kira home and met Jacques, their wedding planner. Sitting at the kitchen table, they were discussing whether or not to have the wedding inside or out.
"Wouldn't it just be marvelous to have the vows said under the beautiful blue sky?" Jacques said, showing them pictures of other weddings that had been outside, "You could have white roses spread all over and-"
He was inerrupted by the doorbell. Kira jumped up to get it.
She opened the door and gasped, "Janine?"
"Hi there stranger," Janine said, "How's it goin'?"
"What are you doing here?"
Janine sighed, "I heard that you and Kevin are getting married. I stopped by to say congratulations. And that I'm sorry, for everything."
"Why don't you come in? It's kinda cold out there."
Kira stepped out of the way and let Janine in the house. She showed her into the living room.
"Look Kira, I have a lot to say, and even more to apologize for. First off, I'm sorry about the whole Shelley thing. I should have been there for you, like I always said I would be. I'm also sorry for not inviting you to my wedding. I was still so angry over everything that happened while we were in Sliversin, I didn't know how to cope. I've been in therapy for a while now, mostly because I couldn't deal with everything that was going on in my life, but also because I was depressed over how our friendship ended."
"I understand all that, I really do. I was in therapy for a while due to the stress of everything in my life. First the group, then Shelley attacking me."
"I wish I would have been able to deal with it all sooner, I would've liked you to be in my wedding."
"Yeah," Kira said, looking away.
"So how's everything going with yours?"
"We're arguing with the planner over whether or not to have it outside or in.
"I went through that with mine. Let me tell you this, my wedding wa outside and we had a blast."
"What if it rains?"
"They'll either have a tarp or a building nearby. Look, it's your decision. Whatever makes you happy."
"Thanks, I'm glad you said that."
"Kira, I've got to get going. I just had to come by and see you," Janine said, rummaging through her purse, "Here's my number. Give me a call sometime. I'd love to get together with you and talk."
Kira took the card from her and smiled, "I'd like that too."
Kira walked Janine to the door as Kevin came out of the kitchen, "Who was that?"
"Janine. She came by to apologize for everything and to give me her number."
"Are you going to call her?"
"I guess. I mean, I got over being mad at her a long time ago. I wished that there was a way to turn back the clock and make it all not happen, but as you know, there's not."
Kevin smiled sadly, "If there was, my dad would be here to attend my wedding."
Kira pulled him into a hug, "I know. I wish I could have met him."
"Me too. He'd like you."
"I think I'd like him too. She said, and let out a sigh, "Are you ready to face the devil?"
Kevin laughed, "Sure. Let's go."
They walked into the kitchen together and resumed their debate.
"Do you Kevin, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I do."
"And do you Kira, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"I do."
"Then by the power vested in me and by the state of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Kevin leaned down and kissed his new bride. The wind blew softly, ruffling her hair and making them smile.
At the reception, Janine was the first to congratulate Kevin and Kira on their marriage.
"I thought I should be the first, since I was an ass and didn't invite you tomy wedding."
Kira smiled, "Thank you Janine."
Kira walked over to her mother, who was holding their newborn son, Connor J. Scott Richardson. They danced all night, each taking turns holding the baby.
When they went home and put the baby to bed, Kevin and Kira sat down on the couch and propped their feet up.
"Hello Mrs. Richardson," Kevin said, smiling.
"Hello Mr. Richardson."
"I've got a question. Why did you invite Janine to the wedding if she didn't invite you to hers?"
"Because I knew that it was time to get over all that. If I've learned anything in the past year, it's not to look back on the past and be angry or sad. I should be happy that I experienced the success and the little period of happiness. After all, if I hadn't been in Sliversin, I'd never have met you."