While the ceremony had been a little bittersweet due to his own memories and affections, William could hardly be unhappy. Two of the people he cared about most in the world were truly happy and this place was something straight out of a fairy tale. The splendor and perfection of the old world cathedrals and castles put it truly into perspective just how tame their own excesses and vices were in America. It seemed that the old world had truly perfected the art, and a long time ago to boot. That such striking monuments of the past could be turned to so joyful a use was truly a blessing for all involved.

The dinner of venison had been something truly special, and to William's mind was a perfect tribute to the hunter who was even now sat at the forefront of this day. Hopefully, it would serve as a point of calm and familiarity in what was almost certainly a far cry from the environments he normally preferred. Of course company helped to make any environment a friendly one, as William himself certainly knew. Just as Gavin was almost certainly happy to be anywhere that Isabella might also be, so too did William find his own thoughts wandering to the woman seated next to him for the evening. Tara Byrne had long been a trusted friend and confidant in the Race Street Company and lately the potential was finally acknowledged by both that they might become something more. Her very presence had always put him at ease and he found it a challenge not to be smiling whenever he looked her way.

Even still, Don Bowden's thoughts had not yet settled on the matter. Eleonora Luciano had made quite the impression on the man and while she had spent the event thus far on the arm of Jason Lee Scott, a respected Godfather in Chicago, the image of the Angel of LA resplendent in her wings had played around the edges of his thoughts for some time. An ill-planned kiss in Seattle had come in the spur of the moment, but had not been so easily dismissed.

Of course there would be time for such concerns later. For now it would suffice to simply enjoy whatever the evening may bring and live in the moment as his closest friend had recently advised. At the very least he knew that he'd find his way to congratulating the newlyweds and to spend his fair share of time on the dance floor with whatever partners might find their way to him. Dancing for William was second only to boxing for sport and any opportunity was a good one. For now it seemed that the newlyweds were busy enough, so he turned instead to Tara with a gleam in his eyes.

"Miss Byrne, would you be interested in a dance? I'd hate to let such striking melodies go to waste."

He stood and reached out a hand to the lovely woman to lead her to the floor if she so chose.

Jason smiled at the blushing Ellie, and winced a little bit as he felt her touch is face not because it made him uncomfortable but because it was still quite sensitive and sore from the fight the other day, however he tried to play it off he knew she felt bad enough about it as is. He held and kissed her hand gently "Well I was definitely a little shy, mortal men normally don't ask out angels to weddings!!" he said with a wink before addressing Isabella and Gavin again. "So where are you guys going for the honeymoon after this? Any big plans or is it to busy in Philly for you guys to get some leave? I assume with the tournament ever it should be a little quieter and less running around all over at any rate especially for Ol Jack." 

Artie put his arm around Long_Island_Lolita’s waist, he had not gone dancing for such a long time.  Work had taken so much of his time and training had felt like it had taken the rest.  It was nice to spend time close to someone feeling no pressure to be anything other than a gentleman.  His mother had taught him as a child to listen twice as much as he talked and to that end he had always found himself paying more attention to his surroundings and the people than his more self-absorbed friends.

This was a well-deserved day off for both Artie and Lolita.  He led her back to a table beside the dance floor and pulled her chair out for her.  He commandeered another glass of champagne for them both and toasted the success of their Import and Export company.  He felt slightly overawed in the company they were keeping this evening.  He always had nagging doubts about how seriously his endeavours were taken in Seattle but the champagne was putting those doubts to bed with a cuddly toy and some warm milk. 

As he put his glass down, he realised he had not been the first to finish and that Lolita was sitting patiently looking around.

Shall we mingle Lolita?  

As she stood up, he took in the elegance of her dress again.

You really do like delightful this evening.  

As they walked past the dancefloor, Artie suddenly remembered he had a gift for Lolita.  He delved into his sporran and removed a small package containing a necklace.

When I ordered the gifts for the wedding, the jeweller owed me a favour and insisted I take this piece.

It was a small golden thistle with sapphire and lapis lazuli flowers attached to a fine golden chain.

He leaned around Lolita and attached it, adjusting it so it sat perfectly.  The blue jewels catching the light and glinting beneath her chin.

Tara glanced over to where Gavin and Isabella were speaking to JasonLeeScott and Elie; she grinned and was about to head over there when a familiar silhouette cast its shadow on her. Her smile brightened as she looked up at William_Bowden. 

"I'd love to. I never thought I'd live to see the day Gavin got married... I half expect the world to end at any moment."

She laughed musically as she took his hand and accompanied him to the dance floor. She almost gave Will the comment she almost always gave him: "How's business?", but she caught it before it slipped past her lips.

"How are you, Will? Having fun tonight? We're not going to have a Byrne vs. Bowden rematch, are we?"

Tara grinned, teasing.

Bella was enjoying greeting guests as they came and went.  Seeing Artie_Bucco and the lovely Long_Island_Lolita was a treat.  She thanked them both for coming and sharing in her and Gavin's special night.  And then turned her attention back to the people at her table.

"Gavin and I are returning to a city that's very dear to us,"  She bounced Aurora on her knee gently ask she glanced to Gavin with a warm smile that touched her eyes, "Montreal.  The last time we were there I had to rush away and I'm pretty sure we didn't get to see all exciting corners of Gavin's old stomping grounds.  So... I've cooked up a little adventure of my own for us to take.  I'm sure we'll tear up the town properly though." 

She winked at Gavin and looked back to Jason.  "You know, if you're wanting to keep your edge but not commit to a grueling schedule, we could do some smaller local events.  Invite members of cities to come in and fight each other... occasionally have the hometown hero come in for a title fight where they fight a local champ to retain the rights to fight in the next seven cities boxing tournament.  I can't imagine that we'd do one again anytime soon - but never say never in these long days of peace.  It could be a great way to keep interest high and keep finding fresh talent - plus you'd get to get in the ring and put your skills to the test from time to time."

Being almost absurdly expressive herself, there wasn't a whole lot that Ellie missed.  She caught the wince, and wondered if it was still sore.  It made sense, it had only been a day or two since the match.  She winced a little herself but allowed her hand to be caught and a smile to lift her features as he gently kissed the back of it.  She felt her cheeks heat up a tad more.  "You might be surprised, some angels very much like mortal men to ask them to things..."  She said as if she had some knowledge on this subject.  Or perhaps she was simply playfully affirming his decision in asking her to join him for this.  She relaxed beside Jason quietly leaning in toward him a little. 

As talk turned to where Isabella and Gavin would be honeymooning, Ellie let herself tune out a tad and people watch.  She had already spoken briefly on the matter with Izzy and she found the plan positively wonderful.  Her gaze found a number of people about that she adored to pieces, but one pair in particular drew her attention.  A certain Mr. Bowden could be seen with a beautiful Tara Byrne upon his arm.  Ellie's eyes glittered with a playful mirth, but there was also something else there...  Something not easily deciphered in those brown eyes.  It wasn't easily deciphered because it was in essence, a confusion.  She wasn't sure what was with the conflicted feeling in her mind and heart.  If the rumors were true, and it looked like they might be, the two were certainly seeing eachother more often.  Ellie insisted that this was just fine by her and yet she couldn't shake...  Something.

Jerking her attention back to the conversation at hand she grinned with a mischievous glint in her eyes.  "It sounds so spectacular, I almost want to stow away in her suitcase!"  She beamed at those around the table, knowing she would never dare to intrude upon their time, but still it was fairly funny to think about.  She suddenly looked up at Jason, pulling his hand a little insistently.  "Dance with me?!"  A lively tune had just struck up.  But she froze in horror, looking to Isabella and Gavin.  "I mean ah- maybe I should stay here and take a turn with Aurora...  If you guys wanted to dance?"  Good going Ellie...  Good going.  But for now she would halt her skitterish squirrel brain and let the others catch up.

"Well you seem to have such knowledge in matters such as these so I'll take your word for it!!! Montreal is a beautiful city I was there the day before I became the godfather of south side with my loyal @Willie_Nelson to take in a hockey game. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time there it's a city with a nice culture as well plus as someone from New Orleans I'm a little partial to french." 

Jason noticed Ellie looking at the dance floor and her eyes fixing on the couple of William_Bowden and Tara, he had rumours that there might have been something there and the "kiss" in Seattle wasn't exactly hidden knowledge, Jason wondered if Ellie would've preferred being here with him. 

"Haha, how about we stay here, let the newly weds dance and watch Aurora for a bit at least until Marie_Lucania heads over to scold us for not dancing and then go up and dance plus I have no problem spending more time talking to an angel." 

"Thank you."  She said to Elie, putting a kiss on Aurora's head.  "I love you, sweet girl."  She said to the baby.

To Elie she said, "When Rory's had enough just call over her nanny.  She'll take her off your hands."  

The breeze was cool across her shoulder, a layer of gooseflesh rose up unbidden as she glanced at her new husband and she wasn't sure if it was because of the chill or her absolute joy at the moment.  Throughout the day she'd found herself overwhelmed from time to time, this sense that nothing here was real was constant.  This place was a world away from the realities of the harsh streets in the seven cities - men who might have killed one another on any other occasion where raising glasses together and daring to dream that the peace would continue to last against all the odds. 

And maybe that was part of it, the peace that seemed endless compared to the times she'd read about in the journals of the other Tower Dons.  How had she become so fortunate?  How had she dodged the hell they'd endured?  Losing their friends, their crews... and their love?  She'd given it all up for this - this dream - and looking at Gavin so handsome in his suit with that smile on his face she couldn't help but feel like she'd stole it all.  This life, her joy, and most of all the future she would have with her beloved Wolf; the selfish horrible person she was didn't deserve him ... didn't deserve any of this, and some small part of her was waiting for the other shoe to drop. 

But it wasn't dropping.   

Alexander Knight spared her a smile as he sang sweetly. On the veranda, couples holding each other close swayed beneath a sky filled with stars and the occasional bloom of fireworks.  All around the grounds roses decorated every bare corner so the scent was inescapable and tiny candles flickered all about so it was hard to tell where the sky ended and the earth began.  

Standing up, Bella offered her hand to Gavin, her brown eyes locked on his deep oceans of blue.  There were moments with Gavin, unexplainable, that seemed to transcend the need for words and this was one of them.  Her heart heard the words as loudly as if he'd shouted them to the whole world.  'I love you.'  The twinkle in his eyes seemed to whisper and she hoped her smile back told him the same.

He rose and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor.  As he pulled her close, Bella put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, listening to his breath.  If God had created a moment more perfect than this, she'd never read it in a story, seen in on a stage, or played through it in her dizziest daydreams.  Nothing, absolutely nothing, could ruin tonight and even if it all ended tomorrow she thanked God the had today.

Artie kissed Isabella-Luciano on the cheeks and shook Gavin’s hand.

Thank you so much for the invite, it has been a lovely day.  Congratulations to the both of you.

He grabbed another champagne for himself and Long_Island_Lolita and sat at a table beside the window with a view over the grounds that had been manicured and maintained the same ways for centuries.  The imagination and vision required to conceive the design on the scale required was awe inspiring.  Sitting amidst this, Artie wished every day could be spent in even a level of luxury that was maybe a quarter of that on offer here.  He wondered what it would take to just up sticks and retire to Europe.  Would Lolita be interested in joining him or was she for staying at home?

Artie sat thinking about the period of peace and calm.  There remained a knot in his stomach, a historical throwback to a perpetual distrust of anything stable.  Sitting in the country where an entire ruling class was literally decapitated two hundred years before there was a twitchiness about whether there could be an uprising of their own disgruntled employees and associates.  He leaned across to Lolita

Do you think we do enough to retain the trust of our guys?

Lolita smiled at him, she knew the occasional bouts of paranoia that would pop into Artie’s mind and she was equally adept at putting his mind to rest.  She squeezed his hand gently.  

Yes.  You worry too much.

Artie smiled back, he did worry too much.  A quick glance around the room showed that everyone was comfortable in the company of every other family head.  There was perhaps enough cake to go around all seven cities and that bread wasn’t really required by the guys just yet.

Artie took Lolita’s hand and lead her to the balcony, he was definitely seduced by the beauty and anonymity.  

Would you fancy coming back here?  Take a tour around Europe like the upper classes did during the Renaissance? We could visit Paris, Switzerland, Germany.  It doesn’t really matter.  Just get away from the hustle and bustle.  Just be tourists?

Again, she smiled as if to humour him.

One day Artie.  One day but not just yet.

William couldn't help but chuckle at Tara's words. It wasn't so long ago he would have felt the same about Gavin. Even less time had passed since he would have considered another go at the man. He slid an arm around Tara as Alexander Knight's rich voice flowed across the floor, beginning to let instinct kick in and guide the dance much like he would in the boxing ring that she'd teased him with.

"More fun than I expected to be honest. I'm happy for the two of them, and glad to have seen something like this place at least once in my life. God knows I never would have believed I'd be standing in some house built for a king if you'd asked me a few years ago."

He wasn't sure which part of that statement surprised him more. Both would have seemed equally impossible, and yet now were undeniable truth. It was truly amazing how the world changed for a person under the right circumstances. Or with the help of the right people.

"If there's one thing I learned from fighting your brother it's that he's about the least predictable person I've ever met. Any more fights with him and we probably would have done each other in so I'm glad we laid everything on the table last time around. There shouldn't be any more chance of Bowden and Byrne laying hands on each other."

William pulled Tara close as the music slowed and a mischievous smirk spread over his face. He leaned in and whispered softly to her so his voice wouldn't be overheard by the other dancers.

"Unless you've got any ideas to the contrary."

Alphonse Varietta stood as he watched many important figures, even though, it was Charlie that had been invited, his boss was currently inside and that would not allow him to come to this spectacular event. Something that Al understood would hurt his friend, no doubt wanting to be here, celebrating and congratulating Isabella Luciano, now Byrne. 

With a drink in hand and his eyes sweeping the dance floor, he found himself watching the various important figures, for only a second as his eyes went back to his drink. He knew that he was out of place here, but he did have to deliver the praise and such that his Boss would want to deliver. 

He would wait for the best time, knowing that the new Mrs. Byrne, was going to be a rather busy woman. He sipped his drink with gusto, knowing that he would be waiting for some time.

"Like the boss says, Let the good times roll indeed."

It felt like only yesterday. I knew ths day would come, eventually, although, not sure of who it would be. I wore a purple cocktail dress that was not going to prevent me from having a good time. The place was filled with party people, some of whom of course I did not know,and some I did. Somewhat like the engagement party. Oh but, it is in a place I am ever so familiar with. The most beautiful city in the most beautiful country..what would you expect, I came from here.

I feel so honored to be invited to such a celebration and wedding..maybe the wedding of the year. Looking at isabella, she looking like she was beaming from ear to ear, as a new bride should be sparkling outside and inside. 1932 will be a great year for those two, I am sure. Isabella's mother is smiling down I am sure. 

Walking up to the new bride and groom, I gave the traditional kisses on both cheeks twice, congratulating them on their nuptials. I told her I missed seeing her everyday, but I was glad she was happy, which is all that matters. I told Gavin to take good care of her, or well, he would know what would happen, I am sure.

Tara grinned wickedly back at William_Bowden.

"Maybe one more match could be arranged. How do you think I'd do against you in the ring? I'm not the hardest hitter, but I am creative. Flexible."

She raised an eyebrow.

"I think I could give you a run for your money, in the right context."

A slow trickle of water spatted from the center of the fountain. Stood by it, Jack Mezzo drew deeply on a smoke, blowing a column up into the darkened sky. His eyes twinkled like the stars above and the man felt the years that had passed by suddenly caught up with him. It was probably about time they did, considering everything they had been through. 

He looked back at the manor and remembered first meeting the Byrne twins on the docks. The young, spirited pair had been the best investment Mezzo ever made. This was probably a big day for the both of them, really. 

He tossed the cigarette and at a slow gait paced back toward the grand house. A slow clap followed his heels. 

As the evening wound down, the music slowed and people drifted about less and less as the alcohol took more of an effect.  Artie had seen JackMezzo standing by the fountains as he walked past the windows on the way to the bar.  There were only so many glasses of bubbles he could handle so it was time to move onto something a bit more cultured.  Lolita was mingling with friends so Artie had a little while to himself.

It had taken a bit of schmoozing and persuasion but the man behind the bar had finally conceded that there was at least one classy bottle of whisky spirited away somewhere in the chateau.  The barman had returned with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Black, apparently there might be more.  Artie saw Jack coming back towards the chateau so got a couple of glasses lined up and the barman filled them up.  As Jack came in, Artie offered him a glass.

You’re moving a little slowly there Jack, here’s a little something to ease things off a little.

William suppressed his smirk long enough to playfully put on a thoughtful expression.

"I think you might be able to teach me a few new tricks. You're clever enough you might even wear me out and leave me flat on my back. Just be warned that I'm an awful quick learner. A rematch might go the other way round."

The smirk found its way back in place as Will gave up on the act. The ease he'd always felt with Tara hadn't changed since they both admitted their interest in one another and he was thankful for that. The only thing that changed was that Tara seemed a touch more free-spirited. She'd suppressed it for business, but truth be told the moments he'd been seeing suggested that what she had caged up inside was every bit as wild as the wolf she called her brother. It was an exciting prospect.

"I'd be interested to know what context we're working in though. Maybe we can explore that thought once we wrap up here. I was hoping to wish the new couple well at some point."

Will nodded at Gavin and Isabella who'd taken to the dance floor as well after conversing with a group of well-wishers.

"But I suspect they'll be distracted for the rest of the party at the rate they're going."

This wedding was a thing of beauty. I was honored to be invited with all of these fine people. It might even be one for the storybooks, isabella cinderella, wait, no ..that isn't it....she was a sorta princess already. Okay scratch that...well a wedding of Isabella's dreams I am sure. You know we need to get together more.. I need to know some of these guys, these little green people. I wanted to find marie too, I don't see her often enough either. (well plus that baby is tooo cute)

Why is it a wedding or funeral is when people get together....well this is one big party though, a great one.. whoever planned this I will be hiring, if I ever have one myself. I spread myself out to everyone introducing to those I hadnt had much contact or didn't know at all. There had been alot of things with the gym in Philly, and now there was one in DET too.. very close , and something I will have to do again, during a fight.. and see just what it is that has people excited.

I was a little drunk, sorta, but I hoped you couldn't tell..first impressions and all that. I spoke with a lot of people from isabella's new philly people..they seemed like nice people. Now I still wanted to dance...is this party still going? Te engagement party seemed like it was for a while.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

The serenade slowly slipped away into the nothingness as he smiled in Isabella's direction and his pianist played the outro. Clutching the microphone delicately he glanced around the room, offering a mischievous grin to some of the young starlets seemingly enamoured by his mellifluous voice before gesturing to Gavin and Isabella. "A round of applause for the happy couple ladies and gentlemen." He said and nodded respectfully before retreating towards his musicians. 

A glass of water was promptly offered to him which he gulped down while reclaiming his cigarettes from the violinist. Whispering a few kind words to his employees who had been performing brilliantly so far, he called forward one of the newer singers he had signed, a beautiful young Irish woman who went by the moniker 'Fiery Fiona Walsh'. Whether it was her flaming red locks that earned her the nickname or the burning passion that seeped through her voice, he couldn't tell. But with the income, she had been generating him, she could have called herself Fatass Fiona and he wouldn't have batted an eyelid.

As she took to the stage, he meandered off towards a nearby exit for a breath of fresh air. Nudging his way past the staff with a few apologies muttered in his broken French, he opened his bowtie and unbuttoned his collar with a sigh. Resting against one of the pillars in a relatively isolated spot, he sat down and took in the majestic natural beauty in front of him. A chuckle escaped his throat as he realized no matter how often he wore them, he would never come to enjoy being dressed in suits.

Pulling the camel out of its box he placed it between his parched lips as he reached into his pocket till his fingers brushed across the cold metallic surface of his silver lighter. As he brought it out and ignited the cigarette with practised ease, a part of him just felt overwhelmed by how surreal the situation was. The Chateau had hosted many troubadours in centuries past, poets and musicians had travelled from afar to entertain the Parisian nobility. It had a rich cultural history, one that he had now left his own, albeit minuscule, impression on. 

As the first breath of smoke entered his throat he felt the familiar burn and closed his eyes while tilting his head back before letting the smoke cascade ever upwards out of his nose. Resting his head back against the pillar, he brought the cigarette out of his mouth and flicked it with his thumb. As the disturbed ash, fell past the floor to the soil, he reflected on the day's events. The private flight, the lavish treatment, his eager employees, the noble guests, the grand ceremony, there was so much to focus on. Yet, his mind chose to avoid pleasant possibilities and grasped onto a depressing epiphany. 

He should have been enjoying the lavish celebration or conversing with the social elite or making plans for his upcoming performance in the Opera at Venice or ranting about his troubles with NOMA or hell even laughing at so far he had come since the days in the orphanage in Arizona. But the sight of the lovely couple and all the budding relationships in the crowds brought a bittersweet smile on his face as his happiness for those he knew was matched by the sadness plucking at his own solitude like the strings of a guitar serenading a starlet. 

Taking another drag, he sighed as he wondered if troubadours past had mused something similar as they sat in this very spot. He wondered aloud if the path he had chosen to fulfil his dreams was fated to be a solitary one. Gazing at the splendour ahead he awaited a response as if stuck in a Shakespearean story only to be met with silence, his oldest friend. Shaking his head, he stood up and redid his bowtie. With cigarette delicately clasped between his fingers leaving a telltale trail of his path and a sombre smile on his face, he returned to the stage and resumed his duties.

With a smile etched into his face, Mezzo approached Artie_Bucco and the pair embraced. Jack gripped his shoulders and shook firmly while taking the drink. 

"You're a good man, Mr. Bucco."

He took the drink and stood for a moment, watching the evening unfold within the walls of the manor. Artie had become a close friend to South Philly, in both his participation in the boxing events and through the connection they both shared with Jack's late daughter, Wednesday.

"At my age Artie, you want everything to slow down a little bit."

He smiled again, rough and unscripted, before taking a sip.

Tara grinned at William_Bowden and, for once, let her eyes do the talking.

"Good luck with that... I don't think anyone is breaking through to those two tonight. Perhaps we could take a walk? To talk about... context?"