Chapter 630
SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Shawn-D sighed.
SHAWN-D: Yeah, it is. I get that. It is...incredibly hard.
CIARA: Well, at least you didn’t get shot.
SHAWN-D: No, but it’s still hard to see a woman who looks exactly, and I mean exactly like Mom holding a gun on you.
CIARA: Well, yeah.
SHAWN-D: I remember how that felt.
CIARA: What exactly happened?
SHAWN-D: It was the night of Dad’s wedding to Gina, who we all thought was Mom. Well, almost all of us. I figured out it wasn’t her. Only, I got a little too close to the truth for Gina’s liking, though. We were up on the roof and she was either gonna shoot me or force me to jump. Luckily, Dad burst in, and got the gun away from her, which resulted in Gina, the real Gina at least, dying.
CIARA: Wow.
SHAWN-D: Yeah.
CIARA: How did you get over that?
SHAWN-D: It took a while. Even after Mom came back, none of us could be sure it was the real her. I had to keep reminding myself that the real Mom was back, and that Gina was gone for good. It took a long time. And, unfortunately, it’s going to take a long time here, too.
CIARA: Makes sense. I mean, I get that it wasn’t really Mom, but...I just can’t help thinking about it.
SHAWN-D: I know. I felt the same way back then. Like I said, it’s gonna take time. And hey, if you ever need anything, I’m here.
CIARA: Thanks.
Shawn-D put an arm around Ciara, who laid her head on her brother’s shoulder.
NICOLE & DANIEL’S APARTMENT
Daniel was on the phone. He walked over and sat down next to Nicole on the couch.
DANIEL: All right, I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks. Bye.
NICOLE: Everything okay?
DANIEL: Yeah, that was just Chloe letting me know that she and Parker got into town late last night. They’re staying with Craig.
NICOLE: Makes sense.
DANIEL: So, let’s go over this one last time. I’ve got Eric as my Best Man, Brady and J.J. as groomsmen.
NICOLE: And I’ve got Chloe as my Maid of Honor, and Sally and Sydney as bridesmaids. Brandon’s walking me down the aisle.
DANIEL: Parker’s going to be the ring bearer, and Will and Sonny have agreed to having Ari as the flower girl.
NICOLE: And Abe’s going to officiate. Anything else?
DANIEL: Nope, looks like are all set.
Nicole and Daniel kissed.
NICOLE: I can’t wait.
DANIEL: Me either.
ALAMAIN MANSION
Cassie had just finished getting dressed. There was a knock on the door and Vivian walked in.
CASSIE: Vivian-
VIVIAN: Ah, Cassandra, there you are. I was wondering if you were going to sleep all day. Now, we can’t have that. We’ve got a wedding to plan.
CASSIE: A wedding?
VIVIAN: Of course! We discussed it weeks ago when you first moved into the Mansion. We must have a wedding before the child comes. Now, I know that the child won’t be coming until the summer, but we can never plan things too early. Besides, you and Nicky should have at least a few months together as husband and wife before the child comes and throws everything into chaos.
CASSIE: Do we really have to, though?
VIVIAN: We most certainly do. My dear, you are producing an Alamain heir. Now, naturally, Beatrix will be the first in line should something happen to Nicky, but either way, this child is special. The two of you must be married before the child arrives. You’re not having second thoughts now, are you?
CASSIE: What?
VIVIAN: I just thought this was what you wanted. Why else would you tell Nicky about the child if it wasn’t your intention to raise him or her together? I’m only being helpful.
CASSIE: Well…
There was another knock on the door.
VIVIAN: Come in!
Nicholas walked in.
NICHOLAS: Oh, good, you’re both here.
VIVIAN: Well, of course we are, darling. The mother of your upcoming child and I were just discussing wedding plans.
NICHOLAS: Excellent. What have you come up with so far?
VIVIAN: Well, I figured it could be a small affair. We’ll have a much larger event once the child is born, but for the time being, a family event would be best. We could have it right here at the Mansion! I’ve even found the perfect person to officiate!
NICHOLAS: That all sounds wonderful. So, when did you two think we should have this wedding?
CASSIE (under her breath): I’m still not sure that we really have to.
VIVIAN: Your bride to be is a bit nervous. It’s perfectly natural, nothing to be concerned about. Now, I was thinking that we could have it at the end of February, the 28th, perhaps. Were this a leap year, I would suggest the 29th, but the child will be born long before that, so the 28th was the closest I could think of.
NICHOLAS: The 28th would be a decent date. However, I don’t think it’s quite the right date.
Cassie sighed with relief.
CASSIE (thinking): Thank god.
VIVIAN: All right, well I’m all ears. What date would you suggest?
NICHOLAS: Honestly, I don’t think I can wait until the 28th. And I want it to be on a day to remember. How about Valentine’s Day?
CASSIE: What?
Vivian clapped and kissed Nicholas on the cheek.
VIVIAN: Oh, NIcky, that is a fabulous idea! It’s just so romantic! Valentine’s Day will be the perfect day for your wedding! Now, we have a lot to prepare for, and not much time to do it. But, no need to worry, Auntie Vivian will take care of everything.
NICHOLAS: Thank you, Aunt Viv.
VIVIAN: Of course, darling. Anything for you.
Nicholas and Vivian hugged.
CASSIE: Uh, Nicholas, can we talk for a moment?
NICHOLAS: Sure we can. Please excuse us, Aunt Viv.
VIVIAN: Certainly. I will let the cook know to start making plans for the cake and the wedding meal. You two carry on. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.
Vivian headed towards the door, but turned back.
VIVIAN: Your wedding is going to be a day to remember.
Nicholas put an arm around Cassie.
NICHOLAS: It certainly will. Thank you again, Aunt Viv.
Vivian smiled, then walked out of the room.
