Friday - 3/18
HORTON TOWN SQUARE
A few days later, much of Salem made their way to the Town Square. Several rows of chairs had been set up in front of the gazebo. It was the day of Philip and Melanie’s wedding, and Shawn-D, Abe and a few others were making final preparations.
SALEM INN
Abby and Carly were helping Melanie get ready. She had put on the dress, and Abby had just finished putting a corsage on her.
ABBY: There we go. Perfect.
CARLY: You look so amazing, darling.
MELANIE: Thanks, Mom. Thanks to both of you. You’ve both been so great with all of this.
ABBY: Of course. We’re happy to.
MELANIE: I just can’t believe the big day’s finally here! This time, Philip and I are gonna do it right.
CARLY: I’m sure you will. I’m so happy for you.
There was a knock at the door. Carly held up her hand and walked over to the door.
CARLY: Who is it?
DANIEL (from behind the door): Father of the bride.
Carly opened the door and Daniel walked in.
DANIEL: Melanie.
MELANIE: Hi, Dad.
DANIEL: You look beautiful, so, so beautiful!
MELANIE: Thanks.
DANIEL: How are you?
MELANIE: Honestly, I’m a little nervous. I mean, I’ll be fine, but I can’t help but be a little bit nervous.
Daniel took Melanie’s hands in his.
DANIEL: Well, you my dear, you don’t have anything to worry about. Today is going to be a great day. You and Philip, the two of you are gonna have an amazing life together.
Melanie and Daniel hugged.
MELANIE: Thank you so much, Dad!
CARLY: I’m gonna make sure everyone else is ready.
MELANIE: Can you check on Dani, too?
CARLY: Sweetheart, Dani is fine. Maggie is taking good care of her, as I will during the service. But, yes, I will check in with them, as well.
MELANIE: Okay, thanks.
CARLY: I’ll be back once we’re ready.
Melanie nodded, and she and Carly hugged.
KIRIAKIS MANSION
Philip checked his tie in the mirror again, and put his jacket on. He turned to Lucas.
PHILIP: How do I look?
LUCAS: You look great, man.
PHILIP: Just great?
LUCAS: Well, I’d say you’re beautiful, but a, I’m married, and b, you’re not really my type.
Lucas chuckled slightly and patted Philip’s shoulder.
LUCAS: Relax, bro. You look fantastic. Melanie’s gonna love it.
PHILIP: You think so?
LUCAS: Totally, man.
PHILIP: Thanks.
Philip sighed.
PHILIP: I don’t know why I’m so nervous. It’s not like this is my first time. It’s not even mine and Melanie’s first time.
LUCAS: Hey, I get it. I felt the same way the last time Sami and I got married. But, like you said, you’ve been here before. You and Melanie have both worked on yourselves, you’ve grown as people and as a couple. You’ve got this, dude.
PHILIP: Thanks man. I needed that.
They patted each other on the back.
LUCAS: So, you ready now?
PHILIP: As ready as I’ll ever be.
He took a deep breath, then clapped his hands together.
PHILIP: Okay, here we go!
Together, Philip and Lucas walked out.
