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Something to Believe in Epilogue
Sitting at the large pine dressing table, Rebecca took a deep breath before the sparkling silver and diamond tiara was lowered onto her head. Several grip clips later the tiara was firmly in place. Her normally straight brown hair had been curled into ringlets for the occasion, before being swept up in a casual way, allowing several ringlets to escape to frame her face and fall down her back. Looking at herself in the large mirror, Rebecca felt her eyes start to mist over with emotion. Her make up was simple but immaculate, emphasising her chocolate eyes, high cheekbones and soft, full lips. In her ears she wore sparkling teardrop diamond studs, a present from her grandparents. Around her neck she wore a silver chain with a matching large teardrop diamond, a present from her parents this time to go with her stunning engagement ring from Lucas. A soft gasp from behind her brought Rebecca out of her daze and back to living. Turning gently a quarter clockwise, a smile crossed her lips as she took in her mother watching her with awe. Liz Evans, not her true blood mother but the only mother Becky truly remembered. She stood only a foot away dressed in a short form fitted dress and matching jacket in a soft pastel lilac colour with mauve embroidery. Liz’s own hair, also normally straight, had too been curled and swept half up. And the look on her face, Rebecca noted, was one that radiated pride for the girl who sat in front of her on a stool. “Oh my.” Liz wondered silently, “where has my little girl gone?” For the woman who sat in front of her, ivory silk dress billowing around her, was anything but a child. No, Rebecca was 21 years old and about to marry the man of her dreams. And oh how she looked like a princess, Liz thought as Rebecca stood so Liz could affix in her hair a shoulder length veil that had a sprinkling of silver flecks over it. Her dress was exquisite; Diane had done a wonderful job. Thin straps held the dress up, a tight bodice displayed Rebecca’s ample bust, delicate sliver embroidered flowers decorated the bodice. Then the dress tapered in at her waist before splaying outwards in a full skirt dotted with more swirling silver embroidery. Her little girl looked simply breathtaking, Liz noted as she swallowed a lump of emotion wedged in her throat. “Mum, don’t cry.” Rebecca issued sternly, herself also struggling to keep a hold of her emotions. “You’re gonna make me cry and my mascara will run. Then Aunt Izzy will have to do it all over again.” “I’m sorry sweetie, you just look so beautiful.” Liz choked. “I’ll do my best not to cry, but I can’t vouch for your father. When he sees you he’s gonna be blown away ……. And goodness knows how Lucas will react.” “Thanks mum.” Rebecca sniffed, throwing her arms around Liz in a tight hug. They stayed that way for moments that seemed to stretch to eternity. Mother and Daughter standing together in an emotional embrace on the younger woman’s wedding day. Soft tears were shed and whispered words of encouragement and love were exchanged before Liz finally stepped back. Still holding on to her daughter’s hands, Liz took one more look over her. “Hey, crying is not permitted until after the photos remember.” Isabelle chimed, stepping into the room and taking sight of the two women. “I’m sorry Aunt Izzy, blame mum though, she started me!” Rebecca grinned, wiping a finger under her eye to blot any more tears. “Right then, Liz it’s time to leave I think. Max is waiting downstairs for you and Becky. Tell him we’ll be a couple more minutes while I do damage control on the tear streaked cheeks.” Isabelle announced, humour in her voice evident however. “You just wait Isabelle, one day it’ll be Amber or Rachael’s wedding, then you’ll know how I feel, and I bet you won’t be able to stop crying either.” Liz shot back with a smile. Oh yes, Isabelle would cry buckets when her daughters got married, Liz was sure. Heading downstairs, Liz paused at the foot to embrace her husband of nearly seventeen years. At 42, Max hardly looked any different from that of his wedding day. A few well-placed grey hairs mixed well with his chocolate brown hair that still fell in unruly bangs across his forehead. Laughter lines bracketed his mouth and slight lines around his eyes made him look even more distinguished. Despite his behind the desk office job, maintaining a fit and healthy body had come far too easily for him, in Liz’s opinion. And Max Evans in a tuxedo was entirely too much for his wife. Geez there should be a law against him looking that fine and handsome, she thought as she placed her palms against his cheeks before diving in for a much needed kiss. “How’s my princess?” He murmured against Liz’s lips, reluctant to end the embrace. “Stunning, simply stunning.” Liz replied. “She’s gonna knock your socks off.” “She done that every day from the moment we brought her home Liz.” Max divulged. “I doubt today will be any different. Although giving my baby away to someone else won’t come easily. Are you sure I can’t lock her up in her room for another fifty years or so?” “Sorry
Max, as much as I hate to admit it too, it’s time to let her fly away and
experience life.” “He will Max, Rebecca is a good judge of character.” Liz replied softly, placing a hand on his cheek before stealing one more kiss. Stepping down to survey the array of children in the hallway, Liz couldn’t suppress a smile. The girls, all dressed in long shimmering mauve evening style dresses, with thin straps and a scooped neck. The boys dressed in tuxedos and freshly polished black leather shoes. Sixteen-year-old Amber stood tallest towards the back of the pack, her long blond hair pulled into a French twist with wispy strands around her face. There was no doubt she was Isabelle’s daughter, although she had inherited her father’s dry sense of humour. Amber had the same air that always seemed to surround Isabelle. The quietly princess stance, stunning facial features, high cheekbones and perfect pout to boot. Next to Amber stood her sister, 12 year old Rachael. She too had inherited Isabelle’s good looks, although her hair was jet black and eyes clearly her father’s. Fourteen-year-old Kerstein stood giggling with Rachael. Slightly shorter than her 12 year old cousin, Kerstein had inherited much of her father’s rugged looks and fierce determination. Jim’s piercing blue eyes and honey blond hair were also very much apparent in the young girl. Her pixie style face and cute smile, however, was all her mother’s, and so was Kerstein’s wild, somewhat rebellious streak. On more than one occasion she had scared ten years off her parents lives with her carefree attitude and relaxed approach to authority. But she was a good child, and Liz had long since decided Kerstein’s antics were as much down to the fact Jim and Amy let her get away with murder more often than not! Standing at the front of the group, much smaller than the rest of the bridesmaids stood two small flower girls who could almost have been mistaken as twins rather than the cousins they were. Both girls had identical long brown hair, both pulled back into buns decorated with diamond edged clips. Rich chocolate eyes inherited from their mothers, along with little button noses and perfect smiles. Dressed in ivory dresses with soft-netted skirts and a sash of mauve, the two little girls held on to each other’s hands and giggled shyly. At five and two months, Jessica Evans was the apple of both her parents’ eyes. Although she had been somewhat unplanned, Max and Liz had been ecstatic when she came along. They’d always planned to extend their family beyond Rebecca and Kian, but somehow Mother Nature seemed to have been against them. Although they finally decided to settle with their two children, they subconsciously continued to try for another child over the following years, until eventually Jess had graced their lives. And how that little girl was spoilt rotten by her parents, big sister and older brother, not to mention her aunts and uncles! At five years and three days, Lucie Rameriez was the spitting image of her mother, aunt and indeed her slightly older cousin. The bubbly, bouncy little girl was always full of energy and barely stayed still. Just a look at Lucie and Liz was sure her sister Cali was in for a wild ride when the little bundle of energy grew up! As she headed outside, Liz surveyed the remaining children of the group. Mackenzie, at 17 and a half, towered over his mother and was fast approaching his father’s height of just over six feet. A mop of shaggy brown hair donned his head, and even Maria hadn’t been able to persuade him to cut it for his cousin’s wedding. Maria and Michael’s other son, eleven year old Jacob was much more mischievous like his mother, but it was clear he too would follow his brother and be tall. Her own fifteen-year-old son smiled happily at his mother as Liz stopped to give him a hug and survey how breathtaking he looked in a tuxedo. It still amazed Liz how so alike Kian was to his father. He had inherited Max’s piercing brown eyes and mop of chocolate brown hair, his nose, cheekbones and even smile was also the same as his father. Each day Kian seemed to take on more and more of Max’s appearance and manner. He’d also inherited Max’s temperament, being calm and cool, collected and always alert, something Liz was grateful for. Isabelle and Alex’s son Justin stood handing out the orders of service next to Kian. At 8 Justin was very much his father apart from Isabelle’s brown eyes. The joker of the pack, Justin always liked making people happy. Eleven-year-old Enrique stood opposite his cousin, mirroring Justin’s actions. Ricki was Cali’s oldest child and had a mix of both parents in him. His Latino heritage though shone through strong though with his tanned skin, dark eyes and jet-black hair. Walking down the isle to take her place on the front row, Liz was hit by a strong wave of nostalgia. She was back in the same garden, decorated not too dissimilar to her choices, to when she had married Max. When Lucas had proposed, Rebecca had only one place in mind where she wanted to marry. The same place her adoptive parents did, the spacious garden of the Valenti estate. And, as with Liz, Jim had been only too happy to accommodate the happiness and noise of another wedding in his grounds. Privately Rebecca had confided to Liz that if even a ounce of love that flowed between Max and Liz could rub off on her and Lucas then this was the place to marry. Sitting behind her were her parents, Jeff and Nancy, along with Calistia and her husband of 12 years, Jesse. The bump in her stomach giving evidence she was three months shy of having her third child. With Diane and Philip the next row back, along side Jim and Amy completing the group. Maria and Michael were behind her mother and stepfather, with Alex and Isabelle’s empty seat along side. Turning to face the front after greeting her friends and family, Liz took in the sight of Lucas Ryder, the young man soon to be her son-in-law. He was a tall lad, hitting a tad over six-foot, easily towering over Rebecca’s five foot three. A mop of cropped sandy coloured hair and cobalt blue eyes along with healthy tanned skin from working outdoors in the Californian sunshine. Despite all reservations about letting her first baby leave home, Liz was sure Lucas was the man for Becky. Just to look at them together and you could see the love and caring between them. Although right now, as he hoped slowly from foot to foot, he looked far more anxious than calming. “Now Max, remember to tell Becky she looks a million dollars.” Isabelle prepped, as she breezed past him on the stairs. Without even waiting for witty come back from her brother, Isabelle disappeared outside and missed the scouring look on his face. Since when did he need prepping when it came to complementing the ladies in his life, Max scoffed. He told them all on a regular basis how wonderful they looked, or how pretty they were. Why would Isabelle think this day would be any different? The same sour look was quickly wiped away as Rebecca slowly descended down the large marble stairs. Fistfuls of dress in her hand to lift the hem so she could walk, Rebecca kept her head downwards until she reached the bottom. Then she finally lifted her face to see the awe in her father’s eyes. And there wasn’t just awe there. Liz had been right, she couldn’t guarantee Max wouldn’t cry. For already, right then, there were tears welling in his expressive coffee coloured eyes. “Oh Becky, you look …….. amazing.” He breathed softly, enveloping the young woman in a warm embrace. “Thank you daddy.” She whispered, trying with all her might not to cry again. “Hey, no tears, this is a happy day.” Max scolded gently with a smile. “I know, and I am so very happy.” Rebecca assured. “But that goes for you too ok, no tears right?” Blinking once, Max swallowed hard in an attempt to dislodge the ball of emotions currently clogging his throat. The father of the bride, not crying, was that even possible? At that moment, taking in the stunning sight of Rebecca in layers of creamy silk, looking every inch his baby princess, Max wasn’t so sure. “Ahh well I can’t promise that sweetheart.” He started. “You see this is a happy day, and I’m so very happy you love Lucas like you do. But I can’t help feeling a little sad Becky. I’m giving away my first daughter, that’s not something a father can do without shedding a tear or two.” Lifting her chin, Rebecca looked up into Max’s eyes, her own brown pools sparkling with unshed emotions. Never since being adopted by Max and Liz had they ever made her feel anything less than their daughter. Even with Kian and then later Jessie coming along, she’d never been treated as any less than them. In their eyes, she was their blood child and so treated as such. The magnitude of such love and compassion washed over Rebecca at that moment, hitting her like a tidal wave of emotions. “Thank you.” She whispered quietly, her lips pursed together to control her slipping emotions. “What
for?” “Oh sweetheart!” Max cried softly, pulling her into an embrace. “It’s us who should be thanking you. And if Liz was here right now she’d say the same. You are our daughter Becky, as much as Jessie is, and Kian our son. You are a part of our lives, and a huge part of our family. I don’t care about the blood running through your veins, I’m the father giving you away today and I’m so proud. Believe me, we have as much to thank you about brightening our lives all those years ago than you do for us.” “I’m so happy you’re giving me away.” “Me too sweetheart, me to.” For the next few minutes father and daughter stood in an embrace. Words that had been unspoken for years finally voiced between them on the most special of days. And then, when Max finally released Rebecca he knew it was time to let her go. She was no longer a shy, reserved child, instead a strong minded and determined young lady, swiftly following Liz’s footsteps in the corridors of the Amber Inn Group. And as he watched Rebecca do damage limitation control on her tear streaked cheeks he thanked god for blessing their lives with such wonderful children. Eventually turning away from the mirror after rescuing her make up, Rebecca turned to face Max again. Taking hold of her hand and slipping it under his arm, Max tenderly kissed the top of Rebecca’s forehead and glanced at his little girl one more time. “Ok, I think it’s time now sweetheart.” He said in a voice only slightly faltering. “Ok.” She whispered in reply, blinking away more tears spiking her lashes and throwing Max a watery smile. Geez, was she ever gonna get a grip on her emotions today, she thought silently. Then again, with her family shedding tears of happiness around her, Rebecca wasn’t so sure! As the sound of the quartet striking up to start the wedding march song, the congregation rose in anticipation to greet the bride. Clutching her silk hanky, Liz turned to watch Max guide their daughter down the isle and past the adorning looks and gentle sighs. A glance at her husband denoted he was calm, pensive and just a little reluctant to loose his first daughter. Immense happiness but mixed with a tinge of sadness all at the same time. By the time Max had given Rebecca’s hand to Lucas and returned to his wife’s side, Liz breathed a sigh of relief. She was a strong woman, and as powerful in business as she ever was now that she had the helm of the Amber Inn Group. But this was one time, one day she needed to lean on Max just a little, and he needed to lean on her too. Giving away their daughter, no matter Rebecca had been adopted, was a tough task for any parents to undertake. And, as she slipped her hand through his arm Liz took comfort in Max’s strength. But even as she glanced casually up at her husband of so many years, Liz saw the telltale sheen of tears forming in his sparkling brown eyes. After drinks and canapés under the warm, afternoon Californian sunshine, the wedding party had adjourned to the marquee for a five-course gourmet meal. And then, as the sun slowly started to set in the clear blue sky a little after seven that evening, the band started the evening’s entertainment. As with custom, the bride and groom’s first dance started the proceedings. The sound of Linda Egan’s Something to Believe in filled the marquee. Everybody’s searching for answers Everybody tries to find some meaning in their life Where do we belong? Who will be our shelter? Looking for salvation, a haven from the storm With one arm wrapped around his new wife’s waist, the other clasping her hand close over his heart, Luc stared down into Rebecca’s dark brown eyes. The day had been perfect so far, but flying past oh so quickly. In barely the blink of an eye they were already at the first dance. And this was the first moments ‘alone’ to catch their breath as the music swirled around them. We all need something to believe in We all need a light see us through We all need something to believe in I’ve found something to believe in, in you Glancing around at the many faces watching with awe, Rebecca caught sight of her parents. Standing with Jessie in front of them, the love filling their eyes practically glowing in the dimmed light. If she had ever doubted Max and Liz’s pure, unadulterated love for her, this day, this moment confirmed it. And the look of pride on Max’s face was one sight Rebecca wasn’t sure she’d ever forget without smiling with happiness. Not for the first time, she fleetingly wondered how she’d got so lucky as to be blessed with such wonderful adoptive parents. I was like a wayward ship, drifting out to nowhere Tossing in the raging waters, trying to find my way home You must be an angel, watching over me Your loving arms my harbour, now I know I’m not alone Blinking rapidly, Liz tried to stem the well of tears gathering in her yes. Becky looked so grown up as her husband swept her confidently around the dance floor. Husband? Would she ever get used to Becky being married? Geez it seemed like only yesterday she was a little girl who needed their love and care. Heaven forbid if she had children too soon …… being a grandmother was definitely not something Liz was ready for just yet! We all need something to believe in We all need a light see us through We all need something to believe in I’ve found something to believe in, in you Now that I’ve found you, I’ll never let you go, Now my search is finally over, you’re the only truth I’ll ever know. Fleeting a glance at his wife, Max smiled at her emotion filled eyes. He was having just as much of a hard time swallowing the golf ball sized lump of emotion in his throat. His little girl was suddenly someone’s wife! Wrapping an arm around Liz, Max pulled her close and dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head. The feel of her hands circling his waist, her head dropping to his chest and the contented sigh indicating it was just what she had needed on such an emotion charged day. Stretching out his free arm, Max reached for his youngest daughter, nestling her into his side. He matched Liz’s contented expression with thoughts of Jessica. He may be ‘loosing’ one daughter this day, but Jessie was still his little baby, and he wouldn’t have to give her up for a good few years! We all need something to believe in We all need a light see us through We all need something to believe in I’ve found something to believe in, in you I’ve found something to believe in, in you And as the second song of the night filled the air, the parents, ushers and bridesmaids joined the newlyweds on the dance floor. Watching Kian dance closely with Kerstein raised more than one eyebrow around Kian’s parents. Although the two were good friends, Kian had often teased the slightly younger girl. But the way he gently swished her around the dance floor showed a softer side to their son. “They look cute together.” Liz commented with a smile. “Yeah, but you wouldn’t be saying they looked cute if you’d heard what Kian asked me last week.” Max cautioned gently. Until then he’d kept his son’s confidence and not mentioned their father/son chat, but it was time to spill just a little information to his wife. “What do you mean? What did he ask you?” “Let’s just say our son wanted to be prepared.” “Prepared for what?” Liz queried before Max’s eyebrows shot up as if to suggest ‘you know’. “What? Oh no way Max, he’s only fifteen for goodness sake, just a child. He can’t be thinking of girlfriends and sleeping with them yet surely.” Liz replied, rolling her eyes incredulously. “I don’t know for sure, and I doubt it. But yeah he asked me some surprising questions I guess. Kind of knocked me back slightly at first. But he’s not a child anymore Liz. Kian’s nearly sixteen and curious about stuff … and yes girls are one of them. Just be prepared, in case he asks you anything.” “Well ….” Liz paused, processing Max’s words. “I guess we can say he’s definitely your son Max, always wanting to be prepared and never caught of guard. Can’t fault him for that!” She reasoned. “But just as long as he isn’t getting ‘curious’ with Kerstein!” The smile on Max’s face was unmistakeable, with just an edge of seriousness. Hell yes Kerstein was far to young! Making a mental note to haul Kian to one side and have another chat when he got a spare moment, Max glanced around at a couple dancing extremely closely. When the identity of the couple was revealed, Max’s eyebrows were hiked high once more in amazement. “Liz, if you think we’ve got problems with Kian, you should take pity on our friends. Just look at Mackenzie and Amber! Could they get much closer to each other?!” With his hands fixed low on the small of her back, fingers splayed provocatively over her bottom, Mac looked down. Amber’s arms were wrapped warmly around his neck, her sparkling eyes glancing up at his with a glint of mischief. Rising up on her tiptoes, Amber planted a soft kiss on his lips before puling away slightly. The look in her eyes showed the hesitancy he could feel charging through her body. This was unknown territory for them; no one else knew they’d been getting closer and closer over the previous few months. And clearly Amber was banking on everyone important being too engrossed in dancing or the newlyweds to notice them on the edge of the dance floor. Taking his queue from her, Mac covered the distance between them with ease before covering her lips in a softly passionate kiss. Ok so he was risking the wrath of his honouree Aunt Izzy, not to mention his own mother’s high-pitched lectures on curbing his hormones. This moment was all about the two of them, him and Amber, no one else. They’d face the heat the next morning, when they came clean to their families. But no one would cause a scene here, at the wedding. Or at least that was what he was hopping as he finally relinquished Amber’s sweet lips and pulled her body close to his once more. “Hmmm, I have a feeling Isabelle will be having a few choice words with Amber. As for Mac, he sure has Michael’s ‘wandering’ hands!” Liz smiled, secretly grateful it wasn’t one of her children in such a steamy clinch. The song finally drifted to an end, the bridge and groom drifted apart to mingle with their guests. The party continued, dancing and much drink flowed throughout the night. And as the happy couple said goodbye before climbing into the stretched limo to take them to the airport, Liz glanced up into the midnight sky. Many stars twinkled brightly, the moon shining a yellow hue over the night. Thoughts of long ago, when she had often stared out into the dead of the night, unable to sleep, demons chasing her dreams away. The nights spent watching the moon shine, or counting stars, or listening to the comforting sound of the summer rain drumming against the concrete pavement. Back then she was still haunted by the memory of her first love and the tragic way he had been taken from her. Back then she’d never thought she would ever find love again, or the courage to seek it out. But she had, and Max, with all the patience needed, and taught Liz to love again in full, brilliant Technicolor, never holding back. The joy and wonder of such love was all too evident on such a wonderful occasion as her first daughter’s wedding. After hugging Becky one last time, Liz watched her hug Kian before turning to Max. In his strong, protective arms, Jessie lay with her head resting on his shoulder. His eyes held a misty sheen of emotion, and slipping an arm around his waist Liz said a silent pray of gratitude for sending such a perfect husband to her. As the black limo slowly drove down the long gravel driveway, friends and families alike waved the happy couple away as they started out on their new life together. Finally turning away, Max gathered his family up and ushered them inside. He’d given one daughter away, but gained a son in law to go along with the family he’d been so graciously graced with. The two amazing daughters and son. And a beautiful wife to love and hold forever ……..
'THE END'
Author: Kazza – 28th October 2002
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