Kansas Story
by Grace
Chapter 111 - 118
***********************
Chapter 111 - Desperado
May 4, Ludlow, Kansas, Connie's house
Connie: Tim, what's wrong with you? You seem so angry.
Tim: Well, maybe because I am.
Connie: Why?
Tim: Will you believe that Meg and that jerk from California are getting married?
Connie: No kidding.
Tim: And do I look like I was kidding? Joan told me earlier today.
Connie: So, Ben and Meg are really getting married. I can't believe it.
Tim: Yeah, and they have already set a date.
Connie: Wow!
Tim (angry): Wow?! I don't think it's 'wow'! Meg was supposed to be my wife. And you know, it's not too late for that.
Connie: What the hell are you talking about?
Tim: I'm gonna go and talk to Hank and convince him that Ben is not the right person for Meg.
Connie: And you think he's gonna listen to you? After you cheated on his daughter?
Tim: He doesn't know about it. Meg told only her mother.
Connie: Why?
Tim: Oh, she didn't want to worry him. So, I'm gonna talk to him and convince him that he shouldn't trust Ben.
Connie: This is not going to work out, Tim.
Tim: Maybe not. But at least I will make Hank doubt in Ben.
Connie: God Tim, get a life. (Yes - even Connie admitted that. - G.)
Tim: Oh I will, I will. As soon as I'm finished with this.
He miles and leaves. When he reaches Cummings' farm, he sees Joan outside.
Tim (thinks): Great. (he walks closer) Hi Joan. I came here to talk to Hank.
Joan: Sure, he's inside.
Tim: Thanks. (Tim gets inside and sees hank in the kitchen) Hi, Mr. Cummings.
Hank: Tim? What brings you here?
Tim: I came here to talk about Meg.
Hank: About Meg? Why?
Tim: Well, I'm worried about her.
Hank: Worried?
Tim: Yeah. I mean, this whole Ben Evans is not good for her. He is a rich businessman and she is just a girl from Kansas.
Hank: And? (exactly - AND? - G.)
Tim: He is going to dump her.
Hank: Well, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Ben and Meg have already set a date for the wedding.
Tim: That doesn't mean anything. Meg and I had the date set too, but there was no wedding (Tim pauses) Ben is lying to her. Just like he lied to her the first time they met.
Hank: Tim, I understand that you're upset about Meg breaking up with you.
Tim: Breaking up? She left me at the altar!
Hank: But that doesn't give you a right to judge Ben.
Tim: And you are the one saying this? After everything he did to your daughter?
Joan (entering the room) After everything HE did? What about what YOU did?
Tim: And what did I do? (Gosh, does he always need an explanation? - G.)
Joan: How about sleeping with Meg's maid of honor?
Hank (shocked): What?
Tim: Mr. Cummings.
Hank: You slept with Connie?
Joan: Yes, he did. And he dares to talk about Ben this way.
Hank: You damn.
Tim: Mr. Cummings.
Hank: Tim, are you leaving or do you need me to throw you out?!
Tim: Please, just let me explain.
Joan: What? Why you slept with Connie?! I don't think there is anything to explain!
Hank: I agree. So why don't you do yourself a favor and leave?
Tim: All right, all right. (Tim heads towards the door) But you'll see - I'm right about Ben. He'll hurt Meg again more than anyone has ever hurt her.
Hank: YOU will be the one getting hurt if you don't get out of here right now!
Joan looks at him icily and Tim leaves.
Joan: God, I can't believe it. He really has guts.
Hank: Why didn't you tell me that Tim had slept with Connie? Why didn't Meg tell me?
Joan: She didn't want to worry you.
Hank: Worry me. God, and I actually felt sorry for Tim after Meg broke up with him. I thought that he was this good guy from Kansas.
Joan: Well, I guess he's not. I can't believe that he actually came here and preach how we should treat Ben.
Hank: Looks like he has absolutely no dignity.
Joan: Sometimes I wonder if he knows what it means. (He doesn't - G.)
Chapter 112 - The Visit
May 8, Sunset Beach, California, The prison
Maria enters the visiting room and sees Derek waiting for her.
Derek: What a surprise! Finally my beloved partner decided to visit me. Welcome darling.
Maria: Derek, don't.
Derek: Why don't you tell me what's going on in the big world... I mean outside the prison.
Maria (angry): Ben and that bitch Meg are getting married.
Derek: You're kidding?
Maria: No, I'm not. They have even set a date.
Derek (smiles): Wow, brother dear doesn't waste his time.
Maria (rebukes him): That is not funny!
Derek: I know.
Maria: You know, I can't believe that our plan crushed because of that little bitch.
Derek: Yeah, if she hadn't found Ben in that warehouse, we would have everything we deserve right now.
Maria: Damn it, I can't believe that we won't get Ben's money.
Derek: It's driving me crazy that I'm just sitting here and I can't do anything.
Maria: Well, maybe you can't but I sure can.
Derek: What do you mean?
Maria: Maybe you will spend some time here, but I will be damned if I let Ben and Meg have a shred of happiness.
***
May 11, Sunset Beach, California, Liberty Corporation - Ben Evans' office
Meg: Ben, I can't believe that there are only two weeks left.
Ben (sighs): Yeah, two long weeks before I can start calling you Mrs. Evans.
Meg: I can't wait to start our life together. And I can't wait to meet our baby. I know that we are gonna be very happy. All three of us.
Ben: Of course we will be happy (smiles) I promise.
Meg (hesitantly): There is just one thing.
Ben: What sweetheart?
Meg: About the honeymoon.
Ben: You mean Venice?
Meg: Yeah. Look, I know that we wanted to spend a few weeks there, but since I'm gonna be six months pregnant.
Ben (guessing perfectly): You don't think it's a good idea if we go there right after the wedding?
Meg: Ben, I know that you're very anxious to see Venice. And believe me I am too. But I don't think I will be much of a company. And I.
Ben: Hey, hey, I understand. And I agree. We have so many things to do in Venice - all the sightseeing, a gondola ride. I wouldn't let you overstrain yourself in your condition. (smiles) But that doesn't mean that I'm gonna give up on our honeymoon.
Meg: What are you suggesting?
Ben: I suggest going on our honeymoon some time after the baby's arrival.
Meg: But it's going to take a few months before we are able to leave the baby.
Ben: Then we will wait a few months.
Meg: Are you really willing to do that?
Ben: Of course I am. Look, it doesn't matter when we're going to see Venice. The only thing that matters is that we're going to do it together.
Meg (wiping a few tears from her cheeks): I love you.
Ben: I'm sorry. (Meg looks at him surprised) I made you cry, I didn't mean to.
Meg: Don't worry, it's OK.
Ben: Are you sure?
Meg: Yes of course. I'm just so excited about the wedding. And the pregnancy makes me more emotional. You should get used to it.
Ben: Don't worry, I will. I just wish I could have you with me all the time.
Meg: Ben, I told you.
Ben: I know, I know, you want to wait until the wedding before you move in with me.
Meg: Ben, it's just a few more weeks.
Ben: Still it's too long for me (Ben pauses and smiles) But it will be worth waiting, I know it.
Meg: I can't wait to spend my first night in your house. (pauses) I mean as husband and wife. I have waited so long. I can't believe that this is really happening. You know, all the things that I do for the wedding - the invitations, the dress.It all seems as if it was just a wonderful dream.
Ben: But it's not a dream. It's reality.
Meg: I've never thought that the reality could be so wonderful.
Ben: Me either. But that was before I met you. Now I know that our life together is a wonderful gift from heaven. And I thank God every day for it.
Meg (through tears again): Have I told you lately that I love you?
Ben (smiles): I think so. But you can tell me anytime.
Meg: Then I love you. I love you very, very much.
Ben: I love you too.
He smiles and places a gentle kiss on her lips.
Chapter 113 - The Invasion
May 18, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg (thinks): It's just one more week. One more week and I'm gonna be Mrs. Evans.
Meg hears a knock on the door.
Meg: Who is it?
Casey: It's me Casey.
Meg: Come on in.
Casey (opening the door): Actually it would be better if YOU came out.
Meg (surprised): Why?
Casey: Because I have a big surprise for you.
Meg: A surprise? What surprise?
Casey: Come and see it.
Casey smiles mysteriously and Meg follows him. They go downstairs.
Meg (shocked): Oh my God!!! (screams happily) Mom! Dad! (she runs to them and gives them a hug) It's good to see you.
Joan: You too sweetheart.
Meg (turning to her friends): Hey guys.
She hugs Ashley, Jessica, Matt and Ryan.
Ashley: Hi Meg. We missed you so much.
Meg: I missed you too. But what are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me that you were coming?
Hank: We wanted to surprise you.
Meg: Well you did. But how. Who picked you up from the airport?
Joan: Your friend Casey.
Meg (surprised): Casey? (she turns to him) You knew?
Casey: Well.
Meg: And you didn't tell me?
Casey: Come on, Meg, this was supposed to be a surprise.
Meg: All right, all right. (she turns to Ashley, Jessica, Matt and Ryan) Listen guys, you 're gonna be staying here. Casey, can you please show them their rooms?
Casey: Sure.
Meg: Thanks. I'll walk mom and dad to Ben's place. We'll come back as soon as we can. (she turns to her friends): Will you guys be OK?
Ashley: Sure, we'll be fine.
Meg: OK, see you later then.
Ashley: Sure, bye.
Meg (turning to her parents): Come on, I'll show you where you will be staying.
Meg, Joan, Hank leave Surf - Central and start walking along the beach.
Joan (looking around): Wow, there is no wonder you fell in love with this place. It's beautiful.
Meg: It's really amazing, mom. You'll know it really soon.
Joan (smiles): I already know it.
They continue walking in silence and soon they reach Ben's house. Meg rings the doorbell. Ben opens the door and is surprised to see Joan and Hank.
Meg (seeing the expression on Ben's face): Ben, I'm so sorry. I didn't know myself. They wanted to surprise me...
Joan: If we cause any trouble, we can always stay at the motel.
Ben: No, no, you did not cause any trouble. I just wasn't expecting you, that's all. And there is no way you're gonna sleep in the motel, I wouldn't let you. Come in.
Ben lets three of them inside. He takes their luggage.
Ben: I'll take it to your room. Meg, why don't you give your parents something to drink?
Meg: OK. (turns to her parents) So, what do you want?
Joan: Juice would be fine.
Hank: Absolutely.
Meg: Please, sit down.
Joan and Hank sit on the coach and Meg goes to the kitchen. She is back a while later with two drinks.
Meg (placing the drinks on the table): Here you go.
Joan (looking around the room): Wow, this house is really beautiful.
Meg: Yes it is.
Hank: To think that soon you're gonna be living here.
Meg (with affection): Yeah, soon. I can't wait to marry Ben.
Ben (going down the stairs): Did I hear my name?
Meg: I was just telling my parents how I can't wait to become your wife.
Ben (smiles): Then welcome to the club. I can't wait for you to become Mrs.Evans either.
***
May 20, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg is sitting in the living room, counting hours left till her wedding when she hears the doorbell.
Meg (shouts): I'm coming! (she opens the door) Sara!!!
Sara (smiles): Hi sis.
Meg: Oh my God, Sara, it's so good to see you. (Meg gives her a hug) It's been five months.
Sara: Yeah. God, look at you. You are so.
Meg (laughing): Fat?
Sara: That's not what I meant.
Meg: Come on Sara. But I don't blame you. I mean, I'm six months pregnant. It would be weird if I wasn't going a little bit fat.
Sara (smiles): I guess.
They share another hug and Meg leads Sara inside.
Meg: But please don't tell me that you were in conspiracy with Casey.
Sara (surprised): Who is Casey?
Meg: You don't know. Then it was Mark, right?
Sara: Mark? No, Meg, I haven't spoken to any of your friends. Dad picked me up from the airport.
Meg: Dad, huh?
Sara: Yeah, we wanted to.
Meg (smiling): I know, I know - SURPRISE ME.
Sara laughs and they hear two voices coming from the kitchen.
Casey: Gosh, it's so good to be home.
Michael: Yeah, it's been a long day.
Meg: Did you have a hard day at the beach?
Casey: Yeah, this place is going more and more crazy.
Meg (pointing Sara): Casey, Michael, this is my sister Sara Cummings. (she turns to Sara) Sara, these are my friends and roommates Casey and Michel.
She points them.
Casey: It's nice to meet you Sara.
Michael: Welcome to Sunset Beach. And to Surf - Central
Sara: Thank you. It's nice to meet you too.
Meg (turns to Casey and Michael): Guys, the dinner is in the fridge. Oh, and Rae called to say that she would be a little late today.
Casey: All right, thanks.
Casey and Michael disappear back in the kitchen. Meg turns to Sara.
Meg: Rae is our roommate, I told you about her.
Sara: She's a doctor, right?
Meg: Yeah, you'll meet her later. Oh, and Ashley, Jessica and the boys are at the Deep. I was supposed to join them. unless you want me to stay with you. Cause I'm assuming that you're tired.
Sara: I am a little tired, but I could use a night out.
Meg: OK, then let's go.
***
May 20, Sunset Beach, California, The Deep
Ashley (noticing Meg and Sara): Look who's here.
Jessica: Sara, it's so good to see you.
Sara: Hey guys.
Sara shares hugs with everyone.
Matt: This place is great.
Ryan: It's so different from Buckaroo.
Meg (smiling): No kidding. But seriously, I love it here. That's where I used to work before I got that job at the Liberty Corporation.
Ashley: And to think that Ben is the owner of this.
Ryan: Yeah, and that Internet Café. We went there today, it's great.
Jessica: Maybe because it was the first Internet Café you'd been to.
Ryan: No, I have been in one in Kansas City.
Jessica: Sorry, I forgot that you are a man of the world.
Jessica sends Ryan a funny look and all of them burst into laughter.
Chapter 114 - Girls
May 21, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Ashley: So Meg, what was the emergency you were talking about?
Meg waits until Sara, Ashley and Jessica sit on the bed in her room and smiles mysteriously.
Jessica: Some on, Meg, don't keep us in suspense.
Meg: All right, all right.
Sara: So?
Meg: Your dresses arrived yesterday.
Jessica: That's wonderful!
Ashley: Yeah, where are they?
Meg: Here, here (she takes the dresses from her wardrobe and gives them to her sister and friends) You need to try them on and if anything is wrong, we'll get them fixed by tomorrow or the day after tomorrow the latest.
Ashley: That is no problem (Ashley looks at Jessica and Sara) Come on, let's do it.
Sara: Sure.
Jessica: And what about your dress, Meg?
Meg: Mine is arriving tomorrow. I've already tried it on before you came, so it should be ready now.
Sara: That's great!
Sara smiles and the bridesmaids put their dresses on.
Meg: Wow! You look absolutely gorgeous!
Ashley: Yeah, I can't believe that the dresses are so perfectly sewed. Mine needs a little changes with the décolletage, but it's fine.
Sara: Mine is a little bit too long, but I guess that's not a big problem.
Meg: No, of course not. The dresses should be fixed by tomorrow evening.
Sara: Gosh, Meg you really are getting married.
Meg: Yes, I am.
Ashley: You know, I just wonder if I'm ever gonna get married or if I'm gonna be a bridesmaid for the rest of my life.
Sara: Come on, it's not that bad.
Ashley: I don't know. Maybe it's my destiny.
Sara: Maybe.
Ashley: Thank you very much.
Sara (smiling): You're welcome.
They burst into laughter.
Sara: You know Meg, you can be sure about one thing.
Meg: What?
Sara: Well, this time your fiancé is not going to have an affair with your maid of honor.
Meg: Oh very, very funny.
Sara: I know. But more seriously, I can't believe that Tim and Connie.
Meg: Yeah. I couldn't believe it either. But I guess Tim always liked skirts and I was just stupid and naive to believe that he's changed.
Jessica: But he really seemed to have changed.
Ashley: But I guess guys like him never change.
Meg: You know, I can't believe that if I hadn't walked in on them, I would still consider Tim as a poor boy I broke up with and Connie as my best friend. Gosh, how could I be so blind?
Ashley: Come on, Meg, they were damn good in pretending to be your friends.
Meg: You know what makes me mad? That Ben told me about Tim and Connie and I didn't believe him. I didn't believe Ben. my Ben.
Jessica: Meg, you were angry with him for lying to you about Maria. There's no wonder you didn't believe him about Tim and Connie either.
Meg: But I should have known that Ben would never lie to me. Not that way. I mean, he wouldn't traduce anyone just to get what he wants. Ben is not that kind of man.
Sara: Meg, don't think about it. You and Ben are getting married and there's no need to think about Tim and Connie.
Ashley: Sara's right. You should start thinking about your wedding. Just imagine - in four days you're gonna be calling yourself Mrs. Evans.
Meg (sighs): Yeah, Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Megan Evans. God, it sounds so wonderful!
Sara (laughing): It sure does.
Chapter 115 - The Night Before
May 24, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Ben and Meg are sitting on the coach kissing.
Meg (looking deep into his eyes): God, Ben, I can't believe that it's tomorrow.
Ben: Yeah, tomorrow at this time you're gonna be my wife. My absolutely beautiful wife.
Meg (laughing): You mean your absolutely fat wife?
Ben: Meg, you're even more beautiful right now.
Meg: Yeah right.
Ben: Yes. You are beautiful. I've never seen the most amazing view than the woman I love carrying my child.
Meg (feeling that her eyes fill with tears): You see, here it's coming again. (she smiles) I love when you make my cry that way.
Ben: And I love making you cry that way. And I love seeing the smile on your face.
Meg: Well, you make me so happy that I can hardly stop smiling.
Ben: Then don't stop.
Meg: OK, I won't. (Meg looks at the clock): Oh my God, it's this late!
Ben (surprised): What?
Meg: My bridal shower is going to start in a minute. Sara, Jessica, Ashley and Rae are upstairs and I'm sure they are gonna be here soon.
Ben (looking at the stairs): Even sooner than you think.
Meg (noticing her friends): Hey guys.
Rae: Hi. I hope that he is not staying here.
Ben: Of course I am.
Meg: Of course he's not.
Ben: What do you mean?
Meg: I mean that I'm afraid but you will have to leave right now.
Ben: Leave?
Meg: Yes. (she smiles) Leaving means going through the door and closing the door behind you.
Ben: Very funny.
The girls burst into laughter.
Sara: Ben, be a good fiancé and.
Ben: OK, OK, I'm going. But I'll be back tomorrow.
Meg (smiles): Well, you'd better be.
Ben: Don't worry. (he kisses her) I love you.
Meg: I love you too.
Ben leaves.
Ashley: So who else are we waiting for, Meg? You said something about Vanessa.
Meg: Yes, she will be joining us tonight too. Rae and I have grown pretty close with her since she is kind of involved with Michael and she is around all the time. But she had an interview in New York and that's why you haven't met her yet.
Jessica: An interview?
Meg: Yes, she's a reporter.
The doorbell rings.
Rae: I'll get it.
Rae opens the door and lets Vanessa inside. Vanessa shares a quick hug with Meg.
Meg (turns to Sara, Ashley and Jessica): Guys, this is Vanessa Hart (turns to Vanessa) This is my sister Sara (she points her) And these are my friends from Ludlow, Ashley and Jessica.
Vanessa: Nice to meet you guys.
Ashley: Nice to meet you too.
Jessica: Meg told us you were a reporter.
Rae: The best one.
Vanessa: Oh, come on guys.
Meg: You know, you'd better ask her for an autograph cause when she is famous and wins a Pulitzer, you won't manage.
Vanessa (blushes and screams): Meg!
Meg (laughing): What? You have no right to talk to me like this. I am getting married tomorrow and I can do whatever I like today.
Vanessa: And what would you like to do? Besides predicting the future of course.
Meg: Oh, I would love to open that champagne we have in the fridge.
Rae: That was supposed to be a surprise.
Meg: Then you should have remembered that in my condition I am more and more hungry every day. You're a doctor, you should know that.
Rae: Maybe it's hard for you to imagine, but I do. As for the champagne, your wish is my command.
Rae goes to the kitchen and comes back with a champagne and six glasses and. She pours the champagne, giving Meg very little.
Rae (laughing): Remember that I'm a doctor and I know that this may do a big harm to you.
Meg: Very funny.
Rae: No, but seriously, you shouldn't be drinking much.
Meg; I know, I know. But I will make up for it after the baby's arrival.
Chapter 116 - Waiting For The Dream To Come True
May 24, Sunset Beach, California, The Deep
Mark: So Ben, how are you feeling knowing that you're gonna be married again tomorrow?
Ben: I can't wait. I feel like I was going crazy that it's not right now that I'm marrying Meg.
Casey (laughing): Well, you definitely ARE going crazy. But there's no wonder since you're marrying the woman you love.
Ben: Yeah. Look Casey, I know that you and Maria were friends. And I know that when I married her, I really thought that this was going to be for the rest of my life.
Casey: Ben, you don't have to explain.
Mark: Yeah, we all know what's going on between you and Meg and it's so obvious that THIS is going to be for the rest of your life.
Michael: Besides it's not that you made Maria sign the divorce papers. She agreed and you didn't even have to ask her many times.
Casey: That's right. You shouldn't be thinking about Maria tonight.
Ben: I'm not. I just wanted.
Mark: Ben, don't!
Ben (laughs): OK, OK. God, I'm. so excited. I can't wait to see Meg walkingdown the aisle in a long, white dress with those beautiful smile of hers (Ben starts to sweep away) With those beautiful eyes shining so bright.
Casey: Gosh, he really is crazy about her.
Michael: Definitely.
They burst into laughter.
***
May 24, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Ashley: OK, Jess, what do you choose - action or question?
Jessica: Question.
Ashley: All right Sara, your turn to ask.
Sara (smiling skittishly): All right then - relive your first time - where, with who and how good? (Author's note: OK, so I know this is a line from "Malibu Shores", but I just loved it and I had to put it somewhere. I hope I'm forgiven)
The girls start laughing.
Jessica (blushing): Gosh Sara, couldn't you come up with something less.
Sara: Less what?
Jessica: Never mind.
Meg: So, Jess, we're listening.
Jessica: Oh no, you're not!
Ashley: Come on Jess, just a few words.
Jessica: Guys, you already know everything about it.
Ashley: Maybe we do, but I'm sure that Rae and Vanessa would love to hear it.
Rae: That's right, we would.
Jessica (screams): You are unbelievable! (she looks at her friends) You're not gonna leave me alone, are you?
Meg: No way!
Jessica: All right then, I'll tell you. (she stops for a while and observes the girls' faces) It was with Matt. In his house, in his parents' bedroom (she pauses for a moment again) But the third part I'd rather keep to myself.
Sara: Jess.
Jessica: No way!
Meg: All right, all right, let's just leave her alone.
Jessica: Meg, you just wait until I start asking questions about your first time as Mrs. Evans.
Meg (blushing): God, I already feel that I would never share it with anyone.
Jessica: You see.
Meg: OK, OK, we'll leave you alone.
Jessica: THANK YOU.
Vanessa: You know, I'm tired of that game. Why don't we do something else?
Jessica: But what? Boys are at the Deep.
Ashley (laughing): And she says that WE are unbelievable!
The girls burst into laughter.
***
May 25, Sunset Beach, California, Surf - Central
Meg has just finished showering and is now getting ready to sleep. Suddenly she hears the phone ringing.
Meg (thinks): Who could that be? (she picks up the earphone) Hello.
Ben: Hello Mrs. Evans to be.
Meg (smiles): Hi Ben.
Ben: I hope I didn't wake anyone, but I just thought that since you were having the bridal shower.
Meg (cuts him short): No, you didn't wake anybody. The girls are still in the living room, but they told me to go to sleep earlier so that I won't be tired tomorrow.
Ben: That's funny. That's exactly what I heard from Casey today. Casey, Michael and Mark are still at the Deep.
Meg: You're at home?
Ben: Yes. Your parents are already asleep.
Meg: Well, it's after midnight.
Ben: Yes, it's the day of our wedding.
Meg: You right, it's already May 25th.
Ben: I can't wait for our wedding. And I just wanted to hear your voice.
Meg: I can't wait either. And I'm glad you called. I miss you.
Ben: I miss you too. But hopefully tomorrow at this time you will be right where you belong.
Meg: I love you.
Ben: I love you too. Goodnight sweetheart.
Meg: Goodnight. Meg smiles and slowly puts the earphone down. Meg (looking at her engagement ring): It's today. Today is my wedding day. She smiles and lays her head on the pillow.
Chapter 117 - The Big Day
May 25, Sunset Beach, California, The mission
Meg: Gosh, I can't believe that it's in two hours.
Ashley: Yep, in two hours and something you will be Mrs. Evans.
Meg: Gosh, I've waited for that day for so long and when it's finally here, I feel like I was dreaming.
Ashley: Well, you're not. Your wedding day has finally come and personally I think that you should start preparing.
Meg (nervously): I know, I know. My hair is a mess and I need to put on the dress. And the bouquet, where is it?
Jessica (Pointing the bouquet): It's right here.
Meg: Thank God. Gosh, I'm so nervous.
Ashley (laughing): We've noticed.
Jessica: Look, why don't you let us take care of your hair and your make-up and you worry only about your fettle.
Meg (smiles): Well, that's something I don't have to worry about, because I 'm absolutely perfect.
Ashley: Good, then let us take care of you (Ashley takes the hairbrush) Ready?
Meg: I guess.
Meg smiles and leaves everything to them. She knows she is in good hands.
Jessica: Meg, where are your mom and Sara?
Meg: They are checking up if everything is prepared in the chapel. They should be here any minute.
At the same second the door open and Sara and Joan enter the room.
Joan (smiles): I can see that Ashley and Jessica have taken care of you.
Meg: Yeah, they have taken a wonderful care of me.
Ashley: But we could use another pair of hands here. (she sighs) We need help with this HAIR!!!
Meg (laughing): You have problem with my hair?
Ashley: A big problem. Sara, could you.
Sara: Sure, what do you want me to do?
Ashley (handing Sara a pair of hairclips): Could you hold them for a moment. (she points a spot on Meg's hand) And make sure that her hair doesn't leave this place.
Sara: OK.
Sara does what Ashley asked her two, and after about half an hour struggle, Meg's hair-do is ready. Meg looks in the mirror and is really delighted about what she sees. So is Joan.
Joan: Honey, you look absolutely amazing.
Meg: Thank you, mom. What about the dress? Is it fine?
Joan: Yes, all the dresses are fine.
Meg (sighs with relief): Good.
Jessica: Now to your make up. You need to look absolutely amazing today.
Sara: She will, she will, as soon as we're finished.
Sara says with a smile and all three of them start taking care of the make up. When they are finished, either of them can hide her delight.
Ashley: Meg, you look absolutely breathtaking!
Jessica: Now, there is only one thing missing.
Meg: What?
Jessica: The dress silly.
Meg: Right. Gosh, I am so nervous, I wish that this was over and I was Mrs.Evans.
Sara (smiles): A little patience my dear.
Meg: Patience? Sara, this is the day I've been waiting for my entire life!
Sara: I know, I know. Now put on that dress.
Sara takes the dress from Joan and hands it to Meg. It takes all of them about half an hour to get Meg dresses, but the result is magnificent.
Ashley: Gosh, Meg, you look so beautiful.
Jessica: Yeah, you will have Ben on his knees.
Ashley: He's gonna love it.
Meg: Well, I'm sure he's gonna be pretty handsome himself. He always is.
Joan: There's only the veil left. (turns to Sara, Jessica and Ashley) Look, why don't I help Meg with it and you put on your dresses?
Meg: Yeah, I need to have my bridesmaids with me.
Sara: Don't you worry about that.
Sara smiles and the three of them start preparing themselves for the wedding, while Joan and Meg struggle with the veil.
***
May 25, Sunset Beach, California, The mission
Mark: All right, just put that flower a little bit on the right. no, no, no. left.OK, now it's perfect.
Ben: Are you sure?
Mark: Yes Ben, it's great.
Casey: Mark is right, stop messing up with it all the time.
Ben: OK, OK, I'm just so nervous.
Mark: I know, the big day has finally come.
Ben: You know, I just have this bad feeling that something is gonna happen.
Casey: I know that you're worried, but what could possibly happen?
Ben: I don't know, I don't know.
Casey: Trust me, everything is going to be fine.
Mark: He's right, nothing is going to stand on your way.
Ben: I can't wait to see Meg in her wedding dress. I bet she looks beautiful. Well, she always does, but today, when I know that in an hour she's gonna be my wife. Gosh, I'm so excited.
Mark: You have a right to be. But don't worry, everything will be perfect and soon you and Meg will be married.
Chapter 118 - Desperado Strikes Again
May 25, Sunset Beach, California, The mission
Hank (entering the room): Looks like everyone is ready.
Ashley: Yeah, we are on our way to the chapel.
Jessica: The wedding starts any minute, I guess we should be there.
Meg (looking meaningfully at Jessica): You guess?
Jessica (laughs): We're coming, we're coming.
Ashley, Jessica, Sara and Joan leave the room.
Hank (looking at Meg): Sweetheart, you look absolutely amazing! I can't believe that I'm actually giving you away. It was so newly when I was carrying you in my arms and changing your diapers.
Meg (blushes): Dad, that was over twenty years ago.
Hank: I know, but still I remember all this as if it was yesterday. I can't believe that you're getting married. You're gonna start a new life.
Meg: Dad, when I was to marry Tim, you weren't saying all this.
Hank: With Tim it was different. He was from Ludlow and I knew that I was gonna have you close all the time. And now, you're gonna stay in California and you're gonna start a completely new life, far away from home.
Meg: But that's the life I want daddy. The life I always wanted. The life with Ben.
Hank: I know sweetheart, but still it's gonna be hard for me to give you away. My little girl.
Meg (with tears in her eyes): Dad, I told you that.
Hank: No, Meggie, you will ALWAYS be my little girl, no matter what. Even if you have your own family and children, you'll always be my daughter. I want you to remember that.
Meg: I love you daddy.
Meg looks at Hank with her tearful eyes and they share a big hug.
Hank (smiling and wiping the tears from her cheeks): Honey, why don't you save some of these for later. I mean after you're married.
Meg: Yeah, and after I don't have to care about my make up.
Meg takes another glimpse in the mirror.
Hank: You look absolutely perfect.
Meg: Oh Gosh, I'm so nervous.
Hank: Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Meg: I hope so.
Hank (smiles): So, are you ready?
Meg: Absolutely.
She smiles and they leave the room and head towards the chapel.
Meg (thinks): All right, here I come Ben.
Hank opens the door to the chapel and as the music plays she starts slowly leading Meg to the altar. Ben can't keep his eyes of Meg. She looks so beautiful in her wedding gown. Even though she is in advanced pregnancy, she is the most beautiful bride he has ever seen. Her face is covered with the veil, but he can see her eyes shining bright and her smiling face.
Meg looks at Ben in his tux and can't believe that this absolutely perfect, handsome man is gonna be her husband. She can't believe how lucky she is.
When Hank and Meg finally make their way to the altar and Hank takes of the veil and gives Meg's hand to Ben, Ben's whole body is in thrills. He never knew that a single touch can do something like that, but he knows that with Meg everything is possible.
Hank (turns to Ben): Now she's yours. I hope you will make her happy.
Ben: I'll do my best.
Ben and Hank shake their hands and Hank walks away to Joan.
Ben (kissing Meg's hand): You look absolutely breathtaking.
Meg: You look wonderful yourself.
Ben and Meg join hands and the priest begins the ceremony. After reading a few excerpts from the bible, he looks at the bride and groom smiling. He knows that this is the moment they have been waiting for.
The priest: Before we go on, if there is anyone who thinks these two shouldn't get married, let him speak now or forever remain silent. Ben and Meg start looking around nervously, but no one says anything.
The priest (smiles): Good.
Suddenly they hear the voice from behind them.
The voice: Meg, you can't marry this jerk! You can't! You and I belong together and I will not let you marry him!!!
Everyone looks around to see who's that, but Meg doesn't have to.
Meg (thinks with fright): Tim, no.
***