Episode 38

Before the wedding::

Ingrid and Marcus Grimes took Valerie Talbot into their home after she walked out on her husband Drennen. Valerie, Kane Garrett, and Paul Harper were finally reunited as a family, along with Zoe and Amaya Talbot, who also left their father after disovering his plot to destroy their half-brother.

Tess Sherwood enjoyed a night out with mom Loretta, sister Dorothy, and friend Deanna Thorpe.

Lance Grimes went to Eliza Braxton's house to warn her again to stop interfering in his relationship with Rosamond Tucker. Devastated, Eliza went to the Plumtree Inn to forget her troubles, and ran into an equally devastated Drennen Talbot. The two went back to Eliza's house, where Drennen spent the night----platonically.

Cordelia, Everett, and Jadyn Burnham spent the rest of the evening getting their house ready for the wedding.

The men of the Grimes family, along with Larry Sherwood, spent the evening drinking and playing cards.

And now.....Special Episode #2 of come nightfall....The Wedding

Paul Harper is a downstairs bedroom of Everett and Cordelia Burnham's house, straightening his black silk tie. His mother Valerie Talbot is with him.

Paul: Well Mom, in less then ten minutes, I'm marrying the woman of my dreams. I just wish it was under happier circumstances.

Valerie: I don't understand why Drennen is acting like this.

Paul: Irrational people do irrational things. I should know----my adoptive mother was, still is.

Valerie: It's terrible, what Joanna tried to do to you and Tess. And now my own husband----

Paul: Don't think about him Mom. Or Joanna. Today is a day of love and celebration.

Valerie: You're so right Paul. (Hugs him) Finding you was a miracle.

Paul: No, the real miracle is finding both you and Dad. Speaking of Dad, where is he----(Just then, Kane Garrett opens the door, dressed in a suit simliar to Paul's).

Kane: What a beautiful sight. My handsome son and his gorgeous mother together. It's still sinking in. (He goes to them and they share a group hug).

Meanwhile, Tess Sherwood is upstairs in the Burnhams' room, being attended to by her mom, sister, Deanna, Cordelia, and the Talbot sisters. Tess is wearing a simple, but elegant white satin long dress with rhinestones all over it. Dorothy is putting her short veil on her head.

Dorothy: There. You look stunning Tess.

Loretta: Absolutely divine. I can't believe it! My baby's finally getting married!

Tess: I'm so happy you guys. It's really happening. Pretty soon, I'm going to be Mrs. Paul Harper.

Cordelia: I'm so happy to be hosting the wedding.

Deanna: Everything looks so pretty Cordelia. Much more romantic and intimate than a church or courthouse wedding.

Loretta: It was a wonderful idea to have the wedding here. (Cordelia's daughter Jadyn runs in the room).

Cordelia: There's my pudding pie! Look how cute you are!

Jadyn: When do we start! (Eveyone laughs)

Tess: Pretty soon, honey.

Cordelia: Come stand by Mommy. I'll tell you when it's time to walk down the stairs.

Tess (to Zoe and Amaya): You girls look very pretty. How is your mom holding up? How are you holding up?

Amaya: She's okay. It's just so weird, knowing your own dad was going to try to do something so crazy like hurting Paul to keep his family together.

Zoe: Mom's really sorry for the way Dad's been behaving. We're really embarrased.

Loretta: It's not your fault or your mom's fault girls. You three were the ones who wanted to see Paul. I'm sure your dad will come around.

Deanna: He has to. Paul is his stepson, after all. (Ingrid Grimes walks into the room. wearing a a navy blue long dress and pearl choker)

Ingrid: Ladies, we're all ready, if you are. The guests are here!

Tess: Okay, this is it! Let's line up. Cordelia, get Jadyn out in the hall with Scott.

Cordelia: You got it. (She and her daughter leave).

Tess: Here we go.....

After the parents and Cordelia are settled in the living room, Here Comes The Bride begins to play. First Dorothy comes down the stairs, then Deanna. Both are wearing dark tan satin dresses, carrying a bouquet of pink roses and wearing baby's breath in their hair. Next comes Jadyn and Scott. Jadyn is carrying a basket of pink rose petals, and is throwing them while walking down the steps. Finally, Tess and Kane appear at the top of the stairs. The guests stand and ooh and ahh. They slowly make their way down. Tess spots Paul and smiles, he smiles back. Tess finally makes her way next to Paul, and they face the judge. Standing next to Paul is best man Larry Sherwood, and next to Larry is Russell Gault). Judge: We are gathered together this evening to celebrate the union of this couple, Paul William Harper and Tess Caroline Sherwood. Marriage is a special event......(the judge continues his speech. Then Paul and Tess exchange their own vows).

Paul: It's been a long, not always smooth road, but here we are, finally standing before our family and friends, preparing to be united forever. I can't wait. I love you Tess, now and always. I will always be here for you, no matter what. I know any obstacles that come our way we can overcome, as long as we overcome them together. You are my life.

Tess: I always dreamed of finding the perfect man, marrying him, and facing the rest of my life with him. I just never thought my dream would come true so quick. You are the most wonderful man in my life. You're kind, caring, sweet, gentle, loving, intelligent, thoughtful. You're everything to me. I cannot imagine my life without you in it, and I promise to be the best wife, mother, lover, and friend you will ever have. I love you Paul.

(The judge goes through the exchanging of rings, and the common vows. Then finally, Paul and Tess are pronounced husband and wife. Paul and Tess share a long kiss, then face their guests. Everyone claps and cheers. The Wedding March plays, and Tess and Paul make their way through the living room, through the kitchen, and out to the backyard deck).

Paul: We're married. We're finally married! I love you Tess Sherwood Harper!

Tess: And I love you too. Always and forever. (They kiss again, under the Maryland sunset).

End of Episode 38

Next on come nightfall....

Tess and Paul's wedding reception kicks into high gear.

Kane shocks Paul with an announcement.