Breaking Away   **~*~** Epilogue **~*~**     The Lighthouse. "I can't believe I let you talk me into this." She muttered with less than an enthusiastic tone. "Hey! Don't look at me! It wasn't my idea either. I thought my exact words were. 'Hey baby, let's go to Vegas!'. It's your cousin that talked us into a wedding." Luke grumbled through the door to the guest room. "I'm sorry, but it was the sniffling that did it." Renee sighed. "What was I supposed to do, make a pregnant woman cry?" "Yes!" Luke rubbed a hand over his freshly shaved head. He never would have imagined getting married again. Never imagined that he could have found a real partner in his life. Someone that wasn't afraid to tell him to go to Hell, or to come to him with her problems. Renee was his fresh start in a new period of his life. "I picked something up for you Scoop." He passed the box through the crack in the door. Opening it, Renee's eyes welled with tears. Damn. Lucy's sentimentality must be rubbing off on her. Inside the jewler's box was a charm bracelet with five charms. One was a small silver record with "Bruce" engraved on it. The second was a caddy like Luke's. The third was an old fashioned typewriter. The fourth a plate of cheesefries. But the fifth was the one that made her chuckle. Only Luke Spencer would consider a sterling silver jail with a small inmate an appropriate wedding gift. It would be her constant reminder that Moreno was rotting in prison for a 75 year stretch. She knew enough to never ask Luke, Sonny or Jason where they came up with the evidence that was planted on Moreno. In her heart of hearts, she didn't want to know. "I love it." "Luke Spencer, get away from this door this second!" Lucy huffed. "I mean it! Begone with you! Shoo! Shoo!" She slipped into the room, and firmly shut the door behind her. "Some grooms!" "Some cousins!" Renee countered. "Is the place packed?" "You wouldn't believe it." Lucy smiled. "You look incredible." And she did, if Lucy said so herself. Despite Renee's insistance that she didn't need or want anything fancy, the dress they'd finally agreed on was a light yellow that softly draped both front and back. It was stunning. "Any cold feet?" "Um. . . .gee, I'm marrying a man I've only known for a few months. Am I crazy?" "Yes. You are." Lucy answered picking up a brush, and pushing Renee into a seat. "But it's a good kind of crazy." "Is that a technical term you picked up from hanging out with Kevin?" *~**~*~**~* "You nervous man? Cause I can have Johnny carry you down the aisle if you want." Sonny offered helpfully. "Or you can just sneak out." Jason added. "Tho' Renee is a reporter. I bet she could find you anywhere." "You're a real pain in the butt since that niece of mine handed you a sense of humor Morgan." Luke moved to light his cigar. "Not in my house Luke. Not now. Not ever in my house." Kevin admonished walking into the den carrying Abby. "And you'd better not leave Renee at the alter. Lucy would have to track you down. . . . ." "I got ya Doc-Shrink-Cousin-In-law." Luke shoved his cigar back into the breast pocket of his tux and wriggled his fingers at Abby. "Hey there baby. Don't you worry. I won't let papa bear turn you into a square. Driving lessons, my caddy." When Kevin cleared his throat, Luke looked up. "Just giving the kid something to live for." Lucky came into the room shaking his head. His father was marrying the cousin of the woman who was carrying his baby. And his mother was 'dating' Stefan Cassadine. Oh yeah, he'd be in therapy for a million years. Maybe it was a good thing that Kevin would be a part of the new extended Spencer clan. He could reccomend someone. "You ready Dad?" *~*~*~*~* The Duck Pond. Guests are seated left and right of the petal strewn aisle. The day was sunny and perfect. Luke and Lucky stood next to the minister as the music began to play. Lucy was the first down the aisle, her size making her progress that much slower. Once she'd made it safely to where the minister stood, she turned and winked at Kevin. Then Renee, she walked calmly and surely down the aisle, her face serene and beautiful. One at Luke's side, she passed Lucy her bouquet, and linked her fingers with Luke's. As the minister began to simple vows, she waited for a surge of panic. But none came. Instead she felt the warmth of the breeze, and the rough feel of Luke's hand clasping hers. It wasn't such a bad trade. She'd come to to Port Charles for a story, and what she'd found was a life. At the minister's prompting, she smiled. "I do." *~*All I ever wanted Was a love to be true More than just enough to get me by I want a love to see me through*~* "Do you Lucas Lorenzo Spencer . . . . ." The minister's voice went on, as Luke faced Renee. Feeling confident, he winked at her. They were going to have a great, weird, confusing life together. She'd probably leave him a few times before it was all said and done. But unlike anyone else, Renee would always come back. She was that kind of woman. And for once nothing from his past would be hovering over them. She was without a doubt the last love of his life.   *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*   *~* I don't need another well spent night Another clever, sideways glance I wanna look my baby in the eye And know there's nothin' left to chance*~* Carly sat next to Bobbie and Jerry with Michael on her lap. Oh sure, she'd rather be at the penthouse with Michael, or working on her next party planning job with A.J. But Bobbie had cried the battle cry of 'Luke's family and you're going.' So here she was, and she had to admit that it was a fairly nice wedding so far. There were a few things that she might even borrow for her and Jason's wedding around Christmas. It still amazed her that she and Jason were finally together. But instead of the overwhelming panic she felt before, or how was she going to keep him, and make him happy. Instead they were just complete with each other. No force. No threats. And a strong friendship. His proposal was so romantic. She'd been blown away he'd closed Jake's for a private party, and the place was decorated to the gills. He'd even bought her a gorgeous gown to boot. When he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him, she'd cried. Of course that was before she learned that Lilah had coached him every step of the way from picking out the flowers, to the lighting, and her dress. So what if Jason didn't have the soul of a poet? She didn't need flowery speeches. She had everything she needed. A man who loved her. *~*~*~*~*~*~*   The Cassadine Jet. *~*So if you're tired of bein' lonely, Beat up and confused, Darlin' there is only One thing you can do, Come to me, I'll be the one who's waiting, Come to me I got what you need, Come to me, Won't be no hesitating, I know what you mean to me*~* On bended knee, Laura Webber touched Stefan's stunned face with gentle fingertips. "Stefan Cassadine, would you do me the great joy and honor of becoming my husband?" Completely shocked, Stefan's jaw dropped, only to close again. Too stunned to form coherent words. She'd just told him that she loved him. And now Laura was proposing to him. His beautiful, unpredictable, remarkable Laura wanted him as her husband. "I know it seems sudden, but it's not. I love you Stefan. I don't want to live my life without you." Laura was amazed at the thruth in her words. She could live her life without him. She was strong enough to survive, and even be happy in her own home, career, family and friends.. But she didn't want to. She wanted a lifetime of passionate knockdown, drag out fights, and even more passionate knock down drag out loving with this alternately stoic, and warm, gentle man with a keen mind who never bored her. A lifetime with Stefan. The very notion was delicious with possibility. "Ye-Yes." Stefan caught Laura, lifting her into his lap, and cupping her face with his hands, Stefan allowed his lips to communicate his joy without a single word being spoken. "I can think of nothing that would give me greater joy." He gazed into her soft eyes before he burst into laughter. "What? What's so funny?" Stefan leaned forward, and reached into the pocket of his discarded suit jacket. "I have been carrying this about for just such an occassion." Opening the small box he reveals a diamond and sapphire ring. "I was hoping to work up the nerve to propose. But as usual, you beat me to it." Her blonde hair whipped back and forth as Laura shook her head vehemently. "No, no, no! I want to hear your proposal!" She winked at him and held out her hand. "And you will be judged on style, form, and content." "If I must." Stefan answered with a serious expression. Once he was on bended knee he cleared his throat. "Laura. You are everything I ever wanted, long before I met you. And I will consider myself the most fortunate of men to call you my wife." Laura paused to think for a moment. "Hmm. . . .not bad. I think it's acceptable." She pondered some more. "Yes, quite satisfactory." "I always strive to satisfy you my love." Stefan's lips twitched in a small smile. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*   General Hospital. *~*I ain't lookin' for the kind of man, baby, Can't stand a little shaky ground He'll give me fire and tenderness, And got the guts to stick around*~* As the gurney rolled through the hallway, it was followed by a large processional of people in formal wear. "You know Lucille, this is no way to teach your kid about manners!' Renee huffed with the train of her gown in one hand as she held Lucy's hand. "Geesh! What a lousy hostess. Throw me a wedding, and then go and steal the show by going into labor!" Her eyes twinkled merrily. "That's okay cause unless you're in labor for 17 hours I won the pool and Luke and I are going to Jamaica!" Through clenched teeth, Lucy grinds out. "How lovely." Then turns her face to look at Kevin on her other side. "She's a sadist. Seventeen hours? I'm not letting her near my baby!" "Okay Lucy, we've got a delivery room all set." Alan announced. "Dr. Newman is on her way down." He holds up his hands. "Only the birth coach allowed in the delivery room. The rest of you can have a seat in the waiting room. Slowly the procession dwindles down to Kevin, Luke, and Renee. Who all eyes each other. "No way Spencer." Kevin bit off. "Lucy and I made this baby together, she needs me to harmonize with her." Luke replied not budging. "There is no way that you are going into that delivery room. You'll have to do it over my dead body." "You know, I've got friends who can arrange that." Luke snarled. When a particularly strong contraction hits, Lucy digs her nails into Renee's hand. "OW! Look you two big jerks! Neither of you are her coach. I am." She looks up at Alan. "Let's go before she ruins my manicure." Just as the doors are about to close, Luke sighed. "Aww hell Doc Shrink. Get in there and send my wife out. Lucy needs you." A few minutes later Renee emerged with a smile. "Don't look at me like that." "Like what?" "Like I'm a nice guy. I just don't want you getting down and dirty on our wedding day with anyone but me." Luke shrugged. "Besides. I've got the kids' first car all picked out." Standing on tiptoe, Renee slipped her arms around Luke's neck and pressed her forehead to his. "Uh huh." "There's this pink caddy at the junkyard." He says keeping her pinned to his side as they walk towards the waiting room. "It's in bad shape now but give me and Lucky say 16 years. . . . ." *~*~*~*~*   The Penthouse. *~* I'm gonna hold out for the one I want, Ain't gonna settle for less, Cause the kind of love I'm lookin' for, baby, You can't fake, you can't finesse*~* Carly slung her high heels over her shoulder as she and Jason made their way down the hall. "Nice wedding. Though I'm not sure how to work in a woman going into labor in the middle of the reception for most clients." Opening the door, Jason smiled to find Laeticia and Michael on their way upstairs. "Mamma! Mamma!" Michael reached out his arms quieting when Carly took him. "Hey Mister Man. Any messages Laeticia?" "One from Mr. Quartermaine," She nodded. "He wished to arrange a breakfast meeting at the Port Charles Grill." "I'll have to call him." She mused kissing Michael's face. "I've got previous comittments for breakfast." She shot Jason a mock glare. "Hey! It's not my fault you upped the ante in that pool game." Running his hands over Michael's red head, Jason winked. "And I gave you the compliments anyway." "We'll be up in a few minutes baby." Carly handed him over to his nanny and shook a finger at Jason. "Yeah, you gave the compliments, while I fed you fresh squeezed orange juice and blueberry waffles in bed wearing a French Maid's outfit!" "Yeah, but I let you stop wearing the uniform didn't I?" Jason's laughter rumbles in his chest. "Only after Bobbie walked IN on it!" Carly exclaimed. "You know Morgan, you're really . . . . ." Looking into his blue eyes that sparkle with love, and something deeper, absolute friendship, Carly sighs. "You're really. . . ." Tugging her forward, Jason's hands rest on her hips. "Really what?" "Really the love of my life." She admitted. People on the outside might not understand what held them together. And sometimes even she couldn't put a finger on it. But she'd learned to trust it. Trust him. And more than anything else, trust herself. Like she said before. She didn't NEED Jason to make her happy. She could live without him. She wanted him, and he was hers. And she didn't have to live without him. "I love you too." Jason flicked off the lights, and stood behind Carly, his arms crossed over her stomach, studying their reflection in the windows over looking the water. "Let's go up." Carly tugged on his arm. "I'd follow you anywhere." Jason replied taking her hand and following her up the stairs. *~*~*~*~*   General Hospital Lucy looked down into the eyes of her son. He was perfect. Lavery Spencer Coe- Soon to be Collins had a soft wisp of pure blonde hair. He weighed in at 6 pounds after a fairly easy labor. Fairly being the operative word. Tho' it was funny because as much pain as she'd been in, now her only thought was on the tiny life in her arms. And his sister who napped lightly in the next bassinet. Kevin's arms closed around Lucy's shoulders as they both marveled at the tiny miracles. "Thank you." He whispered into her ear. "For what?" Lucy asked nuzzling his cheek. "This, this is how I pictured it would be with our son." He said quietly. "I know Lavery isn't Simon. And this isn't exactly what we had planned. But now, now there's this beautiful new life to replace the sadness." Placing a tender kiss on his lips, while her eyes filled with tears, Lucy smiled waterily. "Second chances are glorious things aren't they?" "You, are the most glorious thing in my life." Kevin replied returning her kiss. "Hey Spencer. Down in front." Scott groused, nudging Luke over an inch or so at the nursery window. He held onto Serena with one hand and Lu in the other. And behind them was Lucky. "There's a long line of people here to see these babies." Serena pointed to Victoria. "That's my sister. Sort of." She said importantly. Lu pointed to Lavery. "He's my brother. Sort of." The two girls studied the twins silently, then each other and grinned. Lucky peered at his new sister. Victoria Scott had the her brother's same towhead, except that she'd inherited her mother's silvery colored eyes. She snuggled deeply into the bassinet. "She's gorgeous." He said quietly. "Yeah she looks just like. . . " "Lucy." Scott cut in unrepentently. "So Luce when ya' naming me God-pop to these two?" "Two days past never." Luke answered. "I don't think . . . " Kevin began before Lucy passed Lavery to Renee and kissed him soundly, ignoring the ensuing chaos. "Doc, I love you." "But Lucy. . . . ." Kevin protested. Linking her arm through Kevin's she led him away from the nursery. "Have you ever considered taking up meditation?" She asked conversationally. Kevin tried not to groan as he silently kissed all hopes for peace and quiet goodbye. But he didn't care. Peace and quiet was vastly overrated. Living with, loving and growing with the woman of his dreams was not.