“Are you sure we can’t just elope or something?”

Charlie sat at the table overwhelmed by all the choices she was being asked to make.  Everything from invitations and reception menus to wedding cakes and music.  Weddings were large undertakings to begin with, but the sheer size of this one would make a royal wedding pale in contrast.  Also, the amount of money that would be spent on this event made her feel guilty for the many that was living out on the street in this blistering cold winter with nothing to eat.  She had already set in mind that she was going to make a very large donation to the local soup kitchen, and it would probably take several meals worth of helping to serve the line in order to atone for this gluttony.  She did understand why it was necessary, but that did not keep her from feeling guilty about it.

She got up and went into the kitchen to pour herself some more whiskey.  She wore a grey sweater and long khaki pants.  It was a warm outfit, but the liquor would help take the edge off as well.  Even in the most insulated buildings, that sharp Chicago wind somehow seemed to found its way inside.

Capazzo stood in front of the mirror doing his hair, it was his normal routing and it would live with him as long as he was breathing. He made sure that each strand of hair stood the way he wanted it too and was careful about making sure each part of his head had an even proportional amount of hair gel. Once he was satisfied he winked at himself in the mirror and picked up his coat off the bed. The weather was always up and down but lately it was getting really cold in Chicago and Capazzo had to frequently wear a coat, scarf and gloves. 

The boss then walked to the kitchen and saw Charlie. He gave her a light smack on the butt and then hugged her from behind while giving her a kiss on the cheek. He tugged at her sweater and smiled.

"Getting cold isn't it Bella?"

She laughed and replied. "Yes it is. I have heard that they think it might be the coldest winter Chicago has seen in years."

"Damn, Chicago can't catch a break it seems like huh? But it's okay, things are getting better and better slowly each day. Let me get a drink."

Capazzo then excused himself and walked into the other room to pour himself some cognac. The living room area table was completely overtaken by different wedding things. Plates and beautiful candles were now replaced with a bunch of color palettes, samples, invitations, lists and menus. It was like a wedding catalog took a vomit all over the table. Capazzo looked through some of the things, he didn't care what Charlie picked, he would fully support her decisions and ideas 100% for this wedding. He just wanted her to be happy, money wasn't going to be a issue and with their hired wedding planner, LuckyLucy, their wedding was sure to be one for the ages.

After Capazzo finished looking through the wedding items and poured himself some cognac he went back into the kitchen. Charlie was finishing up her drink of whisky.

"We're gonna have to get going soon."

Today was an important day for the couple. The wedding season was here and the bells were ringing. Today was the day they were going to go see each of their 6 friends whom would be in the bridal party, in addition to that they would be visiting Capazzo's chosen best man and Charlie's chosen maid of honor. It was a fun time and well needed as well with all the tragic events that brushed Chicago over the past few weeks.

A few moments later the two were headed into Capazzo's car and off to visit their first of eight total members and give them the good news that they were to be in the Capazzo/Costa Bridal Party.

Choosing who she was going to ask to stand with her at the wedding had been one of the toughest things Charlie had had to do thus far.  Not because she had difficulties narrowing it down, quite the contrary.  Making friends had always been difficult for Charlie, especially following the fall of Detroit.  She had opened herself up and made several friends.  Now, with the except of Wrench, all of those friends were dead.  The hurt caused by their passing had made it even more difficult for her to open herself up again.  Now faced with needing to ask 4 individuals to attend her at her wedding, Charlie wondered if some of them may turn her down.  She hoped not.  While several of her choices were not all that close to her, they were family to Charlie.

The couple had decided to start off by going to Road and Rum's place since they lived together.  Rum had been an obvious choice for Charlie.  Since day one the two had seemed to hit it off well.  Next to Wrench and Capazzo, Rum was who she felt the next closes to within the family. 

The drive was a short one and soon enough Capazzo was exiting his side of the car to come around and help Charlie out.  Charlie smiled at Capazzo as she took his offered hand and stepped out into the crisp winter air.  This was a very big moment for both of them.  She would let Capazzo take the lead with this one.

Slipping her hand around Cappazo's elbow, she allowed him to escort her to the door.

Capazzo drove with the windows and top up in his convertible. The damn cold left no choice but to really make it that way. He drove with his fiancee as they held hands all the way to the home of Roadrunner815 & Rumrunner.

These two were very special to Capazzo himself. Rumrunner was one of his Street Bosses alongside Charlie and the amount of effort she'd put into the family and the countless hours she'd put in for the family was more then Capazzo could repay her for but this was more then that. He genuinely considered her a friend. As for Roadrunner, Capazzo remembered when he joined the family he was this new kid who didn't really know much however he told Capazzo he had the ambition and will to learn. Talk is cheap in this life, it's all about action and that's exactly what Roadrunner had been doing, less talk and all action. More then that the two spoke about everyday life things, things away from this underground life. In the short time Capazzo had knew him he's looked at him as a true friend. 

The engaged couple pulled up in front of the home of Road and Rum, Capazzo quickly exited the car and came around to help Charlie out. She smiled at him and he gave her a smile back as he grabbed her hand. Charlie wrapped her arm around Capazzo's elbow as they made their way to the front door.

"Oh! Almost forgot."

Capazzo quickly remembered. He walked back to the car and reached into the back seat. It was a bottle of wine with a bow and a note on it. 

Once the wine was secured they walked back toward the door. Capazzo lead the way on this one but Charlie would surely get her turn to lead before this day was over. Capazzo knocked the door and Roadrunner was the one to answer. Capazzo smiled.

"Road, how are you?"

"I am good boss, how are you?" Road replied. Capazzo looked around and then spoke, Rumrunner also came to the door to join in on the conversation.

"Hey Rum, how's it going? We aren't too bad. It's freezing today, Charlie and I just wanted to stop by really quick."

"Sure come on in we got coffee." Road nodded and replied.

Capazzo shook his head.

"I am really sorry, we actually can't. We have so many more stops to make. We..."

Capazzo paused.

"Well firstly, we'd like to really thank you both. Not for the things you do for our organization only but more us specifically. We would like to invite you both for our wedding which will be coming up soon. It would mean the world to us if you both are there. But more then that..."

Capazzo handed them the wine bottle with the bow and note. The note said 'PLEASE SAY I DO' on it. Capazzo smiled as he continued on.

"So not only do we want you two both to be there for our special day but we would also be honored if you two would be a groomsman and bridesmaid in our bridal party. There was no way we couldn't include you two. It would be our absolute pleasure to have you do this."

Hearing a knock on the door Roadrunner headed down to open it. He was a little cautious since few ever came to the home he shared with his wife and in this life it was safer that way. Reaching the door he looked through the small window beside it and saw none other than his boss Don Capazzo and one of the street bosses Charlie, who was also the boss' fiance. Roadrunner had never had them there but of course they knew where he lived, however it made him a little nervous that they would stop by in person.

Road opened the door and waited. After exchanging small talk the boss said the real reason they had come. The words took Road by surprise and truly made him feel great; he was not a man who made friends easily yet he considered both of these two to be friends and family on so many levels. As the Don extended the bottle and asked both him and his wife, Rumrunner, to be groomsman and bridesmaid Road felt a moment of true pride and gratitude. He took the bottle and examined it then handed it to Rum. He then turned and doing something completely out of character he stepped up and hugged the boss, only briefly, before stepping back. Looking the boss in the eye he said It would be an honor and a privilege to stand with you on your wedding day. Road then stepped back to allow Rum to have her say, knowing she would anyway.

Hearing a knock at the door, Road went to answer it as Rum put their empty cups of coffee on the counter in the kitchen. She followed shortly after him to see who the visitor was, curious to see who would take the time out of their day to stop in on the couple. Walking up beside Road, Rum was a little surprised to see Don Capazzo and his lovely fiancee Charlie. Though she wasn't sure who she was expecting to be behind the door, rarely did anyone find themselves on the doorstep of the Runners, she was a little puzzled. Of course, she had known the boss for years and had grown close to his darling wife-to-be, so the surprise was certainly a pleasant one. When Road had offered them a cup of coffee, she was hoping they would accept. It was cold out this time of year, and there was more than enough hot coffee to take the icy edge off. It was the least they could do for the two, considering how much Capazzo and Charlie had done for them. Though a little disappointed when they declined, she patiently waited. They didn't stop by just to say hi. They could have phoned for that, if they felt the need. And she understood how busy the two can get; it wasn't an easy life. It was hard to find free time for social visits. 

Capazzo started off by thanking them, but of course that wasn't the reason they were there either. Capazzo was always one for suspense, making people wait before finally giving them what they wanted to hear. Then he caved and gave in, a little sooner than she expected, and gave them the good news. The Runners were invited to their wedding! Rum grinned. Of course they would be there! She wouldn't miss it for the world. Ooh, but what should she wear? She was never a girly kind of lady, so didn't have many dresses. You can't go to a wedding without a dress! She would have to look in the closet and find something. There had to be something in there.

It was then that the boss handed a bottle of wine with a note attached to Road and asked them to be a part of the wedding. They weren't going to be guests, Road was going to be a groomsman, and Rum a bridesmaid! She couldn't hold back her glee as Road handed her the bottle and, to her amusement, hugged the boss. When the two parted, she handed the bottle back to him and, taking her turn for hugs now, wrapped her arms around Charlie's shoulders. "Of course we will! Oh, thank you so much!" That was a relief. Now she didn't have to worry about finding a dress, as bridesmaids often wore matching dresses. 

Charlie hugged Rum tightly and spoke warmly to the woman.  "I can't tell you how much I value our friendship that has developed between us over the last few months.  When Capazzo asked me who I thought I might ask to stand with me, your name was one of the first ones to come to mind." She released the woman and laughed happily, "You probably did not know that as I am lousy at opening up to people, but I do consider you one of my closes friends."

Charlie laughed harder at a thought, "The fact that you are willing to say yes knowing you will have to wear a dress means so much to me.  Neither one of us are the dress wearing sorts so I understand the huge sacrifice you are willing to undertake on our behalf."  Looking at Capazzo with love she joked, "If I thought I could get away with it I would come wearing an all-white pant suit."

The two couples then said their final thank you’s and goodbye’s and soon the engaged couple was back on the road heading towards their next destination.  They held each other’s hand and talked about different aspects of the wedding and honeymoon as Capazzo drove.  At one point when the conversation reached a lull Charlie hesitated a moment and then asked Capazzo a question that had been weighing on her mind for some time.

“Cap can I ask you a question? Why is it that you never discuss with me the current events that occurs within the mafioso circles here in Chicago and other places? Is it because I am a woman and you don't think I would understand what it is you would talk about?"

It was obvious the answer had caught Capazzo off guard by the question.  It was a fair question, but one he hoped was never asked.

“Well Bella, the truth is the less you know the better. There are tons of things that get brought to my attention all day every day. I fear that you knowing certain things would put you in jeopardy.  Just know I never take you for granted, I know you're more than capable to kick ass, it's just that I don't want to put you in a situation like that, at least right this moment. Eventually things will change but with everything that's happened over the last few weeks I would rather you lay low for a little bit, just until whatever the hell is going on finishes. I know it's not much of an explanation but please know I love you and it's for the best."

He brought her hand up to his lips to kiss it lovingly.

She smiled a bit and thought over what he had just spoken.  She did not like him not telling her things.  Especially things that were obviously dangerous regardless if he spoke them to her or not.  After all.  It was he who had said they were partners in everything.  This did not seem like an equitable partnership.

Looking out of the car window she knew she had a choice to make in this moment.  Did she trust her future husband and her Don.  Or did she not.  She did not have to agree with him on the matter, but she did need to trust him.  She gave his hand a squeeze and turned to look at him.

“I don’t agree with your decision in this matter, but I will honor you by accepting it and trusting you.  I know you want only the best for us.”

It wasn’t long before they arrived at their next location and once again Capazzo escorted Charlie to the door.  This time it was Charlie who carried the gift bottle with the note attached and it was she who knocked on the door.

When Carmeli opened the door, she seemed happy to see them.  When she invited them for a drink, Charlie politely declined.

“I am sorry, but we have several more stops this evening.  However, I did want to ask you a question in person.”  She offered Carmeli the bottle of wine with a note tied to it that read, “Please Say I Do.”

“Carmeli, would you do us the honor of being a brides maid at our up coming wedding?”

Having just returned from a lovely dinner out with her fiance, Carmeli slowly sat down on the sofa next to Carmine_Maldonado.  Finally alone for the evening after a hectic day out earning and whatever mischief they could get into it seemed.  He stretched his arm out across the back,so she could come snuggle up to him.  One of her favorite things to do.  Just as she leaned her head back, there was a knock on the door. 

The string of mumbled Italian as she stood up received a chuckle from her darling fiance.  The moment she opened the door, Carmeli felt the irritation disappear.  She was staring back at two of her favorite people.  Don Capazzo and his lovely fiance, MasqCharlie.  Knowing it was indeed a surprise to have the Bossman stop by unannounced, and since they just arrived home they hadn't yet had a drink, so Carmeli inquired if the pair would join them for a drink.

With a polite decline to the offer, Miss Charlie instead offered a bottle of wine to Carmeli.  Taking hold of the very nice bottle of wine, she noticed the note attached.  Her first thoughts was she wasn't quite ready to say "I do" being they only just begun their wedding planning at dinner, but Carmeli chuckled to herself as began speaking.  A very flattered Carmeli smiled before replying.

"It would be an honor and a pleasure to be a part of your wedding.  Thank you for the wine as well.  Such a lovely gift.  Hopefully soon we can have lunch and catch up on both of our wedding plannings."

Capazzo and Charlie thanked Carmeli for accepting their request for her to be a bridesmaid at their wedding. Although Charlie made the decision Capazzo was very much accepting of this, Carmeli was one of his closest female family members so it was fitting when Charlie added her name to the list. After some short wedding talk both about Charlie and Capazzo and about Carmeli and Carmine's the couple said there goodbyes to Carmeli and got back in the car to surprise yet another member of their bridal party.

Capazzo opened the door for his fiancee to get in then walked to the driver side. Once he got in he blew some air into his hand and started the engine.

"Damn it's freezing."

The Chicago weather refused to let up. It was getting colder and colder. Weather reports were even predicting a high chance of a blizzard coming this way this winter season. No matter, that wasn't going to stop Charlie and Capazzo. They had their hearts and minds on a December wedding and that was going to be that. Capazzo turned up the heat on in the car as they continued to drive down the streets of South Side. After a few moments they pulled in front of a house. Capazzo's eyes were wide open as was Charlie's.

"Is this the right place" Charlie asked.

Capazzo nodded.

"I think so babe."

Capazzo and Charlie got out of the car slowly. Capazzo got the bottle of wine from the car and walked hand in hand with Charlie toward the door. The front lawn was filled with beer bottles, liquor bottles, women underwear and other sex and drug paraphernalia. Suddenly the door whipped open, Capazzo on instinct grabbed for his gun...

...But it was just a woman leaving, she was wearing a tight short red dress and her hair had seen better days. Capazzo looked at Charlie and Charlie looked back at Capazzo. The girl passed the couple and continued on her way. Capazzo shrugged and suddenly yet another girl exited the door. This time a redhead. She was wearing a skirt and just her bra. Capazzo shook his head as Charlie sighed.

A second later a blonde exited the home. It was uncertain what she was wearing as she was wearing a robe. Capazzo and Charlie watched as she too disappeared down the street. Yet another woman came out, a brown haired woman. She had her underwear and bra on only. Charlie and Capazzo watched as she slowly walked down to the end of the driveway, her bottom had been covered with small amounts of cocaine, she continued to walk and then turned the corner to head up the block. Capazzo leaned into Charlie and laughed.

"At least he's not discriminatory when it comes to hair color."

Capazzo laughed and Charlie rolled her eyes as she elbowed him in the arm. He kissed her on the side of her head to show he was only playing. Then suddenly another girl came out, she was wearing a t-shirt and shorts. She looked like she had been possessed OR up really really late last night doing a lot of coke and boozing and...god knows what else. She went next to the engaged couple and growled, she quickly grabbed the wine bottle from Capazzo.

"Hey, that's fo-"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" the girl yelled out, Capazzo tried to reason with her once more.

"Yeah bu-"

"GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR" the girl grunted this time. Capazzo took a step back and nodded.

"Okay okay it's yours."

The girl look at both of them and took off the wine cork. She began to drink the wine, right there in front of the Don and his fiancee. She took two big gulps and then laughed, it was that of a maniacal laugh. She continued to drink the bottle of wine as she walked toward the streets. Capazzo reached for his gun and took it out of the holster. Charlie quickly spoke.

"Cap!"

Capazzo laughed.

"I was just kidding, but damn that was.....I don't know, however you know me, I am fearless BUT...I don't do dogs and I don't do demented people..." 

Capazzo leaned over to see if she was gone.

"And damn she was fuckin crazy."

Capazzo saw she was gone and before he could enter the home, FrankieFerrantino came out wearing a robe himself. Capazzo couldn't get upset at the man. FRANKIE FLASH as Capazzo loved to call him was THIS type of guy. There was no changing him. He liked fast cars, fast woman, fast drugs and the fast life. It was Frankie Flash, although this was something you wouldn't ordinarily see, for Frankie this was just a Friday morning. 

"Frankie Flash! I see that you're quite busy here. Charlie and I can't stay long anyway but I wanted to come by and ask you. It would be a pleasure if you could be one of my groomsmen for Charlie and I's upcoming wedding. We've spent a lot of time together at CCS Headquarters and you've grown into like a little brother to me. It would be great if you could go ahead and join our bridal party."

Capazzo smiled then snapped his fingers.

"Oh one more thing, I had a bottle of wine with a message but that crazy one took it...so yeahhhhh. There's that."

Capazzo and Charlie smiled and awaited Frankie's answer. 

Frankie wipes his eyes making sure that this was actually happening. Not some coke filled hallucination from the night of partying. He took a pause and then answered. "Of course I would be honored to be part of your fiasco!" Frankie comes up and gives them both a hug. Still stinking from booze, women and cocaine. He had a huge smile on his face. Oh man Cap is getting hitched man Charlie would be pissed to see him in his prime, crazy times. 

"Oh and let me get some wine. Was it red or white?" He goes into his cupboard and looks through all of his alcoholic beverages. He goes through his whiskey. beer, whatever that is. He smells it and almost hurls. But then he gives a small shrug and drinks from it. Frankie did not give a flying fuck if it smelt like a whale he does not waste drinks. That's just poor sport and rude to the manufacturer. He finds what he is looking for and gives it to them. "Here you go!" But I can't get that letter back though my bad! Yeah some of these chicks can be crazy sometimes she was off a high for sure. So when is this all going to happen? I need to make sure to get a fancy suit and all of that jazz." 

"Uhm... soon.   We will let you know, but it will be very soon.  We have our heart set on having it in December."  Charlie smiled slightly.  To say she was off kilter in this surrounding would be an understatement.  This was a whole other side of Frankie she had never seen.  She had to hand it to the boy, he knew how to party with the best of them.

Charlie and Capazzo thanked Frankie for accepting their request for him to be a groomsman at their wedding.  They also thanked him for the drink and after a bit more discussion of wedding plans, the couple said their goodbyes and went back to their car.

Charlie looked to Capazzo when they were both back inside the car and stated, "I feel like I need a shower."  She laughed and reached out to take hold of his hand.  He took her hand and said, "It's ok Bella, I am sure they were sterilized....maybe? No, probably not....it's Frankie Flash hon, he has his ways. Don't worry we'll shower when we get home....together."

Charlie grinned, "Promise?"  

Capazzo leaned over and kissed her forehead, "I promise."

After giving Capazzo the address that she had gotten from Lucy, Charlie began to think about how she would approve this next invite.  Jessica was new to Chicago, and in all reality she did not know the woman very much.  They had shared a holding cell together in the FBN lockup, and fought several female Durden crew members.  Somehow through it all, a bond seemed to form between Lucy, Jessica, and herself.  Such bonds among their kind were rare so Charlie cherished this one.

When they arrived, Charlie and Capazzo walked up to their door and knocked.

Jessica opens the door and it is obvious that she is a bit nervous.  Although she had asked Lucy to call ahead to let Jessica know they were coming, this was the first time she had met Don Capazzo.  She did smile at Charlie and after they had greeted each other and Charlie had made introductions, Jessica invited them to come inside.  Charlie declined the offer, and told her that they still had other people they needed to see this evening.

Jessica asked, "What can I do for the two of you this evening?"

Charlie handed her a bottle of wine with a note attached that said, 'Please say I do.'

"I know we have known each other for only a short amount of time, but in that time I feel like we have formed a connection.  Don Capazzo and I would like to ask you to be one of my bridesmaids in our up coming wedding?"

Jes was pleased to find Charlie standing on her welcome mat. It had been a little while since they were in lockdown together, but Jes' fondness for her hadn't faded in the least. Her wide smile, however, did fade a little as her gaze shifted to Capazzo; a look of sudden realization flashing over her features. There was a Don... and not her Don... on her doorstep. The wheels in Jes' head screeched to a halt. She had NO IDEA what the protocol for this was. Jes croaked a little as Charlie introduced her, but smiled nonetheless. Should she offer her hand? Would that be insulting? Did she invite them inside? Would that be dangerous? She felt like she was floundering. 

The only thing she was absolutely SURE of was that she DIDN'T want to insult him... both as a Don and as her friend's fiancé. Sheepishly she extended her hand. "Please forgive me. I've... uh... got to admit I have no idea what the proper reaction is here," she smiled at him with a sheepish shrug.  "It's a pleasure and an honour to make your acquaintance. May I interest you in some wine or a Canoli?" Jes stepped aside, making room for them to enter the house as she invited them in. But Charlie politely declined. 

"In that case, what can I do for the two of you this evening," she asked with a quizzical expression as Charlie handed her a bottle of wine. Jes blinked down at it for a minute, not quite getting it, before she remembered Charlie had mentioned Cap was her FIANCÉ. Her face lit up, thinking it was an invite. When Charlie explained her true intentions, Jes' jaw hit the ground. She jumped a little on the spot, her copper curls bouncing wildly about her face. It took everything she had to control the squeal that she held in. She knew so few people in this new city. This clearly meant the world to her. 

"I would be positively honoured to stand by you... both of you," she assured them, steeling herself with a polite nod of acceptance. "I've always kind of wished Roger and I could have had a real wedding,"  she admitted with a soft blush. "Thank you so much for considering me. Um... do you have a shower in the works? Or maybe a housewarming? I'd love to get you something nice for your special day." 

Charlie smiled warmly at Jessica’s acceptance.  “No there will not be a shower or anything beforehand and we are going to wait until after the wedding to pick out a house.  We of course will have a reception after the ceremony and I imagine many will choose to bring gifts then.  Please do not feel obligated, however.  I truly consider your standing with me to be gift enough.”

After spending a few more minutes talking about wedding details and other pleasantries, the couple bids Jessica a fond farewell before heading off to their next stop. 

On their way to Alderly Estates, Charlie spoke with Capazzo about the concerns she had with their upcoming encounter with Lucy.  On one hand, Charlie dreaded even asking LuckyLucy to be her maid of honor so soon after she had lost Frank.  Yet, she knew the woman would be hurt if she did not ask her.  Also, the couple had asked Lucy to be their wedding planner before Frank was killed.  In her darkest of moments, she would be planning Charlie and Capazzo’s happiest day of their lives.  The world seemed so cruel at times.

Upon arriving, the couple goes through the front gates and is brought into the foyer area until Lucy could be told of their arrival.  She held the gift box she had brought for Lucy with the note asking her to say I do.  Everyone else got bottles of wine as their gift, but Charlie had gone and bought her the best teas from around the world and included some chocolate sweets as well.  Now that she was standing here she wished that she had spent more time with her friend since Frank’s passing.  They were both busy – her with her new crew and she with her own leadership demands.  Still Lucy was deserving of more of her attention and Charlie vowed to herself to be there more for her going forward.

Lucy was informed of Charlie and Capazzo's impending arrival and so she gathered up the book of mail order catalog and magazine clippings and brought them down into the den with her.  Lucy, her normal diminutive self was starting to look softer and had a far healthier glow than when both Capazzo and Charlie had seen her last.  Her eyes were bright and healthy, her skin was resplendent, and her curves were beginning to grow causing her to look more the bombshell than thin string bean of a woman she normally was.  Lucy tried to enjoy it now as she knew in time those gentle swells and soft spaces would be engorged and difficult to get around with.

She set the scrapbook down before either of the could do more than greet her.  She accepted the gifts of chocolate and tea with a bright smile and immediately set about opening the box to snag a sweet to quiet her sugar craving.  "I've done some price comparison shopping on most of the decor already - I've put together some initial quotes, but I fear they're not quite what I was hoping for.  This storm has made florists impossible to deal with and I absolutely refuse to settle when it comes to your wedding so... my gift to you is that I'm paying for a private jet to fly the flowers in from Florida on the day of the wedding.  A team of the best decorators will put it together so fast that you're going you be left with your head spinning."

Lucy noted both the surprised and pleased looks on Charlie's face when she began flipping through the photos of the decorations.  "I hope you didn't think I wasn't working on this since the moment you asked... of course I was!"  Lucy laughed and hugged Charlie.  "This has been the one happy thing in my life lately - why Katy and I have been having a blast with this.  It has kept some joy in this home when there has been so many reasons not to smile."

She shook her head with a wide grin, "Besides,"  She said looking to Capazzo and with deep emotion said, "You're my family.  We've missed so much of our lives together - and I know that we have a lot to talk about when the time is right to do so ... but ... that you have asked me to be a part of your most special day means the absolute world to me.  I hope you know how much I love you,"  She then looked to Charlie and said, "Both of you."

The photographs in the scrapbook were absolutely gorgeous.   She hugged Lucy and smiled brightly at Capazzo.  It was perfect.  More than perfect actually.  Never in her wildest dreams had she thought her wedding would be like this.  More than anything those pictures had brought the realization to Charlie that this was actually happening.  She was actually getting married and to the love of her life.

Suddenly she wanted nothing more than to drag Capazzo off into some private space, but for the sake of her friend she restrained herself.  The desire was quickly replace when Lucy next spoke -- first with confusion and then contemplation.

 "You're my family.  We've missed so much of our lives together - and I know that we have a lot to talk about when the time is right to do so ... but ... that you have asked me to be a part of your most special day means the absolute world to me.  I hope you know how much I love you,"  She then looked to Charlie and said, "Both of you."

Charlie managed a smile and then looked back at the scrapbook.  She desperately needed to process what Lucy had said and what it meant... AND WHY HAD CAPPAZO NOT TOLD HER!  

"Wait," She mentally chastised herself.  "She said that they had a lot of things to talk about.  They had not, yet had time to talk.  So this knowledge is new?  Still he had known before they arrived here this night."  The mental back and forth continued, "It has to be from his biological father's side and that is why he has not spoken of it.  Still they were getting married, how could they enter into this covenant with each other if they were not honest with each other.  I have never kept anything from hi...."

Charlie very softly sighed and closed her eyes for a moment.  There was something she had not told Capazzo.  Something she would never be able to tell him; and it was unfair to hold him to a standard she, herself, could not meet.  Looking up from the book she went back to Capazzo's side and took his hand in hers, smiling at him.  They would face everything together, even the things they held close to the vest.

A man puts up a sign that reads:

'WEDDING IS OFF, BOTH DEAD.'

Everyone shrugs and moves on about their business. Today is Wed. a good day for some drug peddling! Also doing some other small crimes and other sorts of stuff. No wedding to see here, just dead bodies. The man finishes putting up the sign and cartwheels all the way home while whistling his favorite song.