Written Feb. 9th - Mar. 26th '08 Part Six

Lilys' Birthday or is it Baby Shower!!

It was only two and half weeks until there wedding. Time was flying in most instants but dragging in others. Lily had been so busy. There was her graduation from university (thank goodness school was finally over and she now had a degree to show for it). And her continuing modeling work for the 'Fresh Faces Campaign', she was going to resign after she had found out that she was pregnant but Jill had insisted she continue - afterall she had said 'you can't get much fresher than the glow and natural health of a pregnant woman.' And then there was the wedding plans. Lily either met with or spoke with daily Colleen, Katherine, Jill and Cane about what they were going to do and who she wanted to hire for catering, music, etc. It was enough to make her head spin but despite all that Lily couldn't be happier it was all slowly but surely coming together in a most lovely way...

Now here it was, Lilys twenty-first birthday. She would have loved nothing more than to share a quiet day with Cane and maybe see her Dad and Devon but Lily didn't even have a moment to put her tired feet up because one doorbell ring after another presents were arriving in twos...

Lily looked all around her... There was a double stroller from Colleen and Adrian (very handy), piles of beautiful and dainty clothes from so many friends and family, there were even two bassinets from Grandma Kay. They were all such lovely things and they would all come in handy...but... Well maybe it was her hormones and that had her feeling a little blue but last time she checked it was her birthday - her last one before the girls arrived and maybe she just wanted to be made to feel a little bit special before everything became about the babies. Lily checked her thoughts afterall she couldn't wait for their arrival it was just that maybe she wanted one last little hurrah before they did. She placed her hands on her growing tummy and said, "how would you two like a little ice cream? Maybe I'll even put a candle in it to blow out," she said with a chuckle. The girls kicked her hands in agreement.

After chowing down on some 'Chunky Monkey' Lily had dozed off on the couch. The door opened and in walked Cane.

"Lily," he said but then he cringed as he spied her sleeping soundly on the couch. He tip-toed over to where she lay and he couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face because there she lay a half eaten container of ice cream on the table a smear of chocolate on her bottom lip.

Kneeling down beside her he whispered, "well it looks like someone decided to start celebrating without me." Then Cane leaned in and gently kissed and licked the chocolate from her lips awakening Lily...

"Hmmm," Lily mumbled and softly returned his kiss before leaning back and saying, "am I dreaming? Or are you really here?"

"I'm really here, baby and I was just wondering why you started celebrating without me?"

At Canes' raised brow, Lily chuckled. "Blame the girls, I was feeling blue and they suggested the 'Chunky Monkey' to cheer me up."

Cane tucked a stray hair behind her ear and said, "oh, baby why are you feeling down?"

"Well, don't laugh but incase you didn't notice the pile of gifts over there."

"Yeah, they were kind of hard to miss there are some beautiful things we will have to thank everyone for."

"Um...yes of course but did you also happen to notice that it's my birthday and none of those lovely gifts are for me? It seems like everyone has forgotten that it's supposed to be my day, the last one before the girls arrive." Lily sighed and continued, "this is silly right? I am being really silly about this. It must be my hormones or something."

"You are not being silly, Lily. You have the right to feel however you want. Now some people may have forgotten but I haven't." And with that he placed a card in her hand. "Open it," he said.

Lily did and her eyes filled with tears as she read:

Dear Lily,
You are my heart, You are my soul
Soon you will be my Wife, the Mother of my Children
I could not Love You more
I remember a time once when you took me to Paris
Please allow me the honour now of returning the favour...
Love,
Cane

Cane then placed a second envelope in Lilys' hand. In it were two first class tickets to Paris - good anytime. Cane looked at her with love in his eyes and said, "if the doctor says it's ok for you to travel we um... could make this our honeymoon or if you prefer to wait until some point after the girls are born well that is fine by me too." Then he kissed her...

Pulling back Lily said, "either way is fine with me. Thank you so much Cane. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for making this day so special after all." ...

The Wedding Part One!!

June 28th dawned like any other day - except it wasn't just any other day. Today Lily was marrying Cane. Lily sat straight up in bed - not her own bed though. She had spent last night in one of the opulent rooms in the Chancellor mansion. While Cane had stayed at there apartment with his entertaining and charming Uncle Lang who had flown in the other day in time for there celebration. It had been a treat to watch everyone as they had met Cane's uncle and if Lily was seeing things correctly - and she thought she was there had been some serious sparks between Jill and the charming man. Infact Lily wouldn't be surprised if he decided to stick around for a while after the wedding and really get a 'feel' for the city that Cane now called home. There was a knock on the door...

Esther entered carrying a tray and said, "oh Miss Winters, I hope that I didn't wake you. I was just going to leave this on the table so it would be there when you were ready."

"You didn't disturb me at all Esther, I was already awake and please call me Lily. It smells delicious," Lily said eyeing the tray hungrily.

"Well I will let you enjoy your breakfast then Miss - I mean Lily."

"Thank you Esther and could you please send Colleen up here as soon as she arrives."

"Certainly, enjoy." And with that Esther closed the door leaving Lily alone once again.

An hour later there was another knock on her door and in barged an out of breath Colleen, struggling with make-up cases and other bags. "Sorry - I would have been here sooner - Adrian and I - lost track of time." Setting everything down Colleen grabbed a few deep breaths while a blush lined her cheeks making Lily laugh all the more.

"Colleen, it's ok the ceramony isn't until 4pm - we have plenty of time. You could even go on back and lose track of a little more time if you like," Lily said chuckling.

"Don't tempt me," Colleen said chuckling herself. "Besides once we get our hair and make-up done, get dressed, take a few photos and have Jill and Katherine in here ohhing and awwing over you it will be 4 o'clock before you know it."

"I suppose you're right." And with that the two women got started...

Three hours later...

Lily stood before the mirror gazing at her reflection as Colleen put the finishing touches of two cream coloured lillies in her hair. "There," Colleen said. "All done, you look so beautiful Lily."

Lily looked herself over from head to toe. Her hair softly twisted up at the back where the two lillies were placed, several other strands flowed free and curled softly around framing her face. Her make-up was simple but elegant. In her ears she wore long sparkling earings that grazed her bare shoulders, at her neck the locket Cane gave her she touched it now with a soft smile. Lilys dress was a strapless creation of ivory silk and satin with an empire waist and a design that showed off her fuller breasts in a tasteful way. The rest of the gown flowed like a curtain softly over her rounded belly. Lily didn't think she had ever been more beautiful.

Colleen headed for the door and said, "I'll go and get Jill, Katherine and your father."

"Ok and thanks Colleen, for everything," Lily said with a soft smile.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," Colleen said as she closed the door leaving Lily alone.

A moment later there was a knock at the door thinking that that was quick, Lily went to answer it but before she did she saw a note slide under the door. Lily opened it and read: Place your ear to the door. Cane

Lily did just that, a smile on her face.

"Can you hear me," came Canes muffled voice.

"Yes."

"I just wanted to tell you that I can't wait to see you walk down the isle. I know you will just take my breath away. I love you Lily and I will see you very soon."

Lily put her hand, palm down on the door unaware but Cane did the same thing. "I love you too, so very much." Lily listened for a moment until she heard Canes' footsteps fade away...

Soon Jill and Katherine arrived to make sure that Lily was all set and to exclaim at how beautiful she was. They left shortly after to take there seats when Neil arrived to give them a few minutes alone.

When they were alone Neil grasped Lily by the shoulders and kissed her softly on the cheek and said, "you are so lovely honey. I only wish your mother could have been here to see this day. I can only guess at how proud she would be of you."

"I know Daddy. That is my only regret that she is missing these moments in my life." Lily placed her hand on her stomach and continued, "that she will be missing out on so many wonderful things to come. But I know that she is up there somewhere watching over me right now, I can feel it."

"Me too, baby." Neil took a deep breath and said, "well are you ready?"

Lily linked her arm through his and simply said, "yes." And they both headed downstairs - the ceramony about to begin...

The Wedding Part Two!!

At Lilys request, Karen was seated off to the side of the arch covered in pale pink roses softly crooning 'All I Need'. Her beautiful throaty voice could be heard at the patio doors where Neil and Lily with Colleen waited for her to finish and the violinist to start the wedding march. They all smiled at one another as Karen finished to rounding applause and she took her seat. The violinist began... Colleen took a breath and started her steady march up the isle...

Neil leaned over and whispered to Lily, "this is it sweetheart. I love you."

"I love you too, Daddy." And they too stepped out into the garden and started up the isle...

As they turned the corner and came into view of all the guests, everyone stood. Canes' breath caught and held, he didn't think there had ever been anyone more beautiful than his Lily on this day...

Lily didn't see anyone elses face. There was just Cane waiting for her, looking more handsome in his tux then Lily could ever have imagined.

They reached the front. Cane stepping down to meet them. Neil turned to Lily, kissed her on the cheek once more then placed her hand in Canes. "Love her and cherish her alway Cane and I welcome you into the family with open armes."

"You have my word Neil," Cane said. And with that Neil took his seat beside Karen, everyone else sat as well. Cane gently helped Lily up the step to stand under the arch with him as the Minister looked on.

"Ladies and Gentlemen let us begin. Who here gives this woman to this man in holy matrimony?"

Neil stood. "Her father." And sat down again.

"Alright, I have been told by Cane and Lily that they have some personal vows to say to each other. Lily?"

Lily gave Colleen her bouquet to hold. She turned and faced Cane. He took both her hands in his and she began...

"Cane, once upon a time I had thought I knew what love was but I have never really known. That is until I was loved so truly, fully and completely by you. I will never again doubt my knowledge. I love you." Tears filled Lilys' eyes but she held them in check for now it was Canes turn...

"Cane," the Minister said.

Cane took a breath and tried to control his own tears but the emotions poured through his voice as he said, "Lily. I think I searched my whole life to find you. To find my equal, my partner." He placed his hand loving on her tummy and continued, "the mother of my children. You are the love of my life Lily, I will cherish you forever."

Soft tears went unchecked by both now as the Minister continued the ceramony.

"Lily. Do you take Cane Ashby-Chancellor to be your loving husband? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health from this day forward until death do you part?"

Without a doubt Lily said, "I do."

"And Cane. Do you take Lily Winters to be your loving wife? To have and to hold, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health from this day forward until death do you part?"

Without a doubt Cane said, "I do."

"May we have the rings please," said the Minister.

J.T. handed Lily's to Cane. Colleen handed Cane's to Lily.

"Lily repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed."

Lily slid Canes' ring into place and repeated, "with this ring I thee wed."

"Cane repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed."

Cane placed the ring on Lilys' finger and repeated, "with this ring I thee wed."

"By the power vested in me on this glorious day. I now pronounce you husband and wife." The Minister peered at them then he said, "you may now kiss the bride."

Cane cupped Lily's face and gazed into her eyes. "My wife," he said.

Lily's hand was on his arm her fingers stroked his wrist. "My husband," she whispered. There lips met in a searingly tender kiss.

The Minister raised his hands to all there guests and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen may I present to you for the very first time Mr. and Mrs. Cane Ashby-Chancellor."

Lily and Cane smiled and turned to face all there guests as they stood and applauded for the newly united couple...

The Wedding Part Three!!

Everyone was enjoying the evening garden party. Tables had been set up around the waterfall and throughout the garden. Soft outdoor lights were strung up everywhere and floating candles glittered in the pool. Waiters circulated with food and drinks making sure all were happy.
Cane and Lily sat at a table in the middle with Neil, Karen, Devon, Roxanne, Jill, Katherine, J.T., Victoria, Colleen, Adrian and Cane's Uncle Lang there with them. Neil stood to give a toast...

He tapped his glass to get everyones attention and said, "thank you all for coming. For sharing in this joyous day." He turned to Cane and Lily and continued, "I'll be honest. It took me a while to warm up to you Cane, to think that you were good enough for my daughter. I will not doubt that ever again. The love that is between the two of you no one can deny. From the simplest of glances to the protective hand you keep at my daughters back, the love is all around the two of you. I love you Lily." And extending his hand to Cane, Cane stood and took it. Neil said one final thing, "welcome to the family - son."

Cane swallowed hard on his emotion. "Thank you," he said ruffly. Sitting back down and once again placing that protective arm around Lilys shoulders.

Neil turned back to everyone and finished, "to Cane and Lily." Everyone raised there glasses in return, "to Cane and Lily." They all cheered.

The night wore on...

An area had been cleared for dancing and a pianist sat in the corner of the garden. Karen once again took the microphone to sing for Lily and Canes first dance. She began belting out a slow bluesy version of 'The Look of Love' as Cane took Lilys' hand and gently escorted her to the dance floor. He wrapped her in his arms and cheek to cheek they began to sway...

Karen finished and the pianist took over and other couples joined them on the dance floor...

It was getting late and Lily swore she hadn't sat down since dinner. She leaned over to Cane and excused herself to go upstairs to the room she had used to get ready in earlier and freshen up.

Cane said he would go with her but Lily declined telling him to stay and enjoy the festivities and that she would be back down in a few minutes.

Lily headed into the house and up the stairs. She reached the room and shut the door with a sigh behind her. Lily sat down at the vanity and placed her feet up on the footrest to give them a little relief. She started to fluff up the curls around her face and touch up her make-up when suddenly she looked up and saw a reflection that shouldn't have been there, she turned pale a scream running up her throat only to be stifled by a gloved hand that covered her mouth...

Moments later there was a knock and the door opened...

"Lily? Cane had said that you had come up here to -" The rest of what Neil was going to say died in his throat, the glass of soda that he was carrying slipped from his grasp and shattered unnoticed on the floor...

He looked from Lilys pale and shocked reflection to the person who couldn't possibly be standing before him. "Dru?!," gasped Neil in shock and absolute disbelief.

"Hello Neil," replied Drucilla. "Did you really think that I would miss my own daughters wedding?"...