Chapter 634
ALAMAIN MANSION
Nicholas was tying his tie. He had just finished when he heard the door open. He turned around.
NICHOLAS: How do I look?
CARLY: You look nice. You always do.
NICHOLAS: Wonderful.
CARLY: Nicky, we need to talk.
NICHOLAS: Can it wait? The wedding’s about to start in a few minutes.
CARLY: No, it really can’t. And the wedding is what we need to talk about.
NICHOLAS: All right. What’s going on?
CARLY: Are you serious about going through with this?
NICHOLAS: Of course I am. I’m not dressed like this just to go to the office.
CARLY: Nicholas, I’m being serious. You don’t even like Cassie. I don’t blame you, after what she’s done to you. Why would you want to marry her?
NICHOLAS: It’s all part of the plan Aunt Viv and I came up with together.
CARLY: Of course. I should have known Vivian was involved in this.
NICHOLAS: Mother, I know you and Aunt Viv don’t exactly get along-
CARLY: That’s the understatement of the century.
NICHOLAS: But at least you’ve tolerated living together. Surely you can tolerate this, as well.
CARLY: I can’t. I’m sorry, Nicky, but I just can’t. I tolerate living in the same house as Vivian because I want to remain close to you and Trix, and I know that she’s important to you. However, this, I cannot tolerate. I know that Cassie hurt you, Nicky, I know that. But don’t you see what you’re doing? You’re turning into-
NICHOLAS: Do not finish that sentence. I am so tired of hearing you compare me to my father! I’m sorry that your relationship with him was terrible, but I am not him! And I would appreciate it if you’d stop insinuating that I was!
CARLY: How can I? Trapping somebody into a loveless marriage all for the sake of revenge, that sure sounds like something Lawrence would do.
NICHOLAS: Look, I don’t have time for this. I’m about to get married.
CARLY: Well, if you do insist on going through with this, then I can’t be part of it.
NICHOLAS: What?
CARLY: I told you, I cannot tolerate this, and I won’t. I’m sorry for what Cassie has done to you, Nicholas, but there are other ways, better ways of getting back at her. You don’t have to do this. And I will not be party to it.
Carly walked towards the door.
NICHOLAS: So, you’re just going to leave?
Carly stopped.
CARLY: I can’t be part of this. Yes, I’m leaving. I’m not leaving town, but I am leaving this mansion. I cannot watch you do this.
NICHOLAS: Why do you care so much about Cassie DiMera?
CARLY: I don’t. I care about you. But I can’t just stand by and watch you become your father. I’ll still be in town, come and find me when you’re ready to be the man I tried to raise you to be.
Nicholas looked away.
CARLY: I love you, Nicholas. Please, don’t ever forget that.
Carly turned and walked away. After a moment, Nicholas sighed. He straightened his tie and walked downstairs. Vivian, Ivan, Trix and Cassie were waiting.
VIVIAN: Ah, there you are, Nicky.
NICHOLAS: Yep. Sorry to keep everyone waiting.
VIVIAN: Is everything all right? I thought I heard raised voices.
NICHOLAS: We’ll discuss it later.
TRIX: Where’s Nan?
NICHOLAS: Your grandmother isn’t coming down for this. Let’s just get started, shall we? Where’s the celebrant?
VIVIAN: Oh, I was leaving that for this moment. I’m the celebrant! Surprise!
Cassie’s mouth dropped open.
NICHOLAS: Aunt Viv, I didn’t even know you were ordained.
VIVIAN: I am. I had it done specifically for this moment. It’s so easy, you can get it done online these days.
CASSIE: I-is that even legal?
VIVIAN: Well, of course it is, Cassandra. They won’t just let anyone become a celebrant, you know. There’s a very specific test to go through. And wouldn’t you know it, I passed with flying colors! Now, places, everyone! The show is about to begin!
HORTON TOWN SQUARE
Chloe, Sally and Sydney were helping Nicole into her dress.
SALLY: There we go. Just need to put on the veil and you’ll be all set.
NICOLE: Thanks. I still can’t believe Miles let both of us off today.
SALLY: Well, I may have some pictures from Titan TV’s Christmas party, and may have told Miles that if he didn’t let both of us off for your wedding, he’d be the top story on the Six o’Clock News.
NICOLE: Hey, you know I have no problem with a little blackmail now and then.
Chloe put the veil on Nicole’s head.
CHLOE: Okay, all we need to do is put this down when Brandon comes for you.
SYDNEY: You look gorgeous, Mommy Nicole!
NICOLE: Thank you, sweetheart. You look so pretty in your dress, too.
Nicole and Sydney hugged.
NICOLE: You all do. Thank you for everything these last few weeks.
CHLOE: Of course!
SALLY: We wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else.
Daniel turned around.
DANIEL: So, what do you think?
J.J.: Looking pretty sharp, there.
BRADY: You look great, man.
ERIC: Like a man who’s about to marry the woman of his dreams.
DANIEL: Thank you. I have been waiting, waiting so long for this moment.
J.J.: And now it’s finally here, you and Nicole are gonna be amazing together. You already are.
DANIEL: Thanks, dude.
Daniel and J.J. hugged.
DANIEL: You guys are the best, you know that. You’re all my brothers.
BRADY: We feel the same.
There was a knock on the door of the men’s dressing room.
ERIC: Come on in!
The door opened and Melanie and Melissa walked in.
DANIEL: Mel! Both of you!
Daniel hugged his daughter and sister.
MELANIE: Hey, Dad.
DANIEL: How’re you feeling, kid?
MELANIE: Getting there. Marlena says I’m making good progress. I’m just glad I was able to see your big day.
DANIEL: Me too.
MELISSA: Good to see you.
DANIEL: You too, sis. Thanks for coming.
MELISSA: Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss it! I just wish Sarah could have come.
DANIEL: Yeah. How is she?
MELISSA: She’s...getting there. But, we’ll talk about it later. You ready to be a married man?
DANIEL: Definitely!
MELANIE: I’ll see you guys out there.
Melanie walked out of the room.
MELISSA: Well, here we go.
Daniel took a deep breath, took Melissa’s arm in his, and together they walked out the door.