By Wendy

Disclaimer: Not mine, not mine at all. *Sniffle*

***

"Breathe," she whispered. Every single one of Maria's nerves stood on end. "Just breathe."

She looked down at the exquisite gown. There was no way she was going to chance spilling her oil on this puppy. She felt like an imposter. She wasn't playing dress up. Today was as real as it gets - her wedding day!

"Honey, you are beautiful!" Amy slipped into the room. "My baby girl is getting married!"

"Mom," she stopped to blow out a long breath. "I don't know if I can do this."

Amy laughed. "Maria, it's normal to be nervous."

Normal? Nothing about her life had been normal. "What if he's not out there? Worse, what if he is?"

"He's there," her mother answered.

"Oh."

"What is it, sweetie?" she touched Maria's bare shoulders.

"I love him so much."

"Yes and he loves you too."

"How do I know that for sure? I mean, what if he's doing this just to make me happy?"

"Isn't that the point?"

"No, Mom," Maria's eyes got big. "What if he gets the chance to go home someday? I would never want to stand in the way of something that important."

"Maria, I'm not sure I understand," Amy was still oblivious to her future son-in-law's origin. "Michael would want you with him. His feelings for you are genuine. Tell me you see that."

She had never considered that possibility. Would she be able to 'phone home' with him? How could she leave her mother and friends behind? Her head swirled with this new train of thought. The door opened and two familiar faces peeked in.

"Oh my gosh, Maria!" Liz teared up. The satin bodice was plain. Diaphanous clouds of sparkling white made up her skirt. A single orchid adorned her hair. "You look like an angel."

"Oh stop it, Liz. You're going to get her started. I have her makeup done to perfection," Isabel gave Maria a gentle hug. She giggled at the girl's shell shocked expression. "I need a camera. Michael has the same face."

"He does?" came the strangled sound.

"He is so nervous," Liz nodded. When Maria began to sway she squeezed her hand. "In a good way, Maria! Michael loves you. He's ready."

***

"I'm not ready, Maxwell," the groom's face was pale. He tugged at the constricting bowtie.

"Cold feet?" Alex asked from the side.

"No!" he looked confused.

"He means nerves. Are you having second thoughts?" Max asked with practiced patience. His best friend was still green when it came to handling emotions.

"There's no one else for me," Michael was convincing. He did not waiver on his love for Maria. "This ceremony scares the hell out of me."

"Which is when we don't casually mention that this was your idea," Alex smiled anyway.

Maria had been stunned when he asked her. Of all their group, she never thought they would be the first to commit. She never believed he would commit period. She talked about a trip to the courthouse, simple and lowkey with family and friends. Then he found a bridal magazine of Isabel's. One glance and he knew she deserved more. He wanted them to have that fairytale beginning. A once upon a time.

"There should be one thing I've done that is perfect for her."

"You know that is not why she loves you," Max understood his need for a great start.

"She does," he admitted with a smile. Michael looked up at his friends. "I'm getting married."

***

"Something borrowed," Amy fastened a diamond bracelet on her daughter's trembling wrist.

"Something blue," Isabel tied a silk ribbon around the base of the bouquet.

"I've got something old," Liz provided on of Grandma Claudia's delicate white lace hankies. The girls had always been enamored of her charming refusal to part with this custom. It was so lady like and grand.

"Thank you," Maria was touched.

"Oh, wait!" Liz rummaged through her tiny purse. "Something new. A shiny penny for your shoe."

"That makes no sense whatsoever," Isabel puzzled. The other women laughed.

***

The soft sounds of a guitar solo was their cue to begin. Alex wrote the music as a tribute to his good friends. Isabel winked at Maria before walking down the aisle. She and Liz were elegant in their flowing turquoise dresses.

"I love you, Maria."

"Me too, Lizzie. You're the best."

Liz walked next, eyes riveted on the handsome best man. She warmed to his grin.

"Ready, baby girl?" Amy kissed her cheek.

Maria was fascinated by the sexy creature at the end of the gray carpet. He stared at the tops of his glossy shoes. Then he straightened his shoulders and glanced up. She gave a mute nod. Then a beautiful smile lit her face. "Let's go, Mom."

His fear melted at the sight of her. Michael was struck by the vision his bride created. This was going to work. He knew now that they would overcome all obstacles as long as they were together. He saw a mischievous gleam in her eye. He would do anything to keep it there. His heart swelled with pride as he reached for her hand.