Chapter 4

Standing at the full-length mirror, Stephanie smoothed the pink lace creation over her hips and adjusted the hook and eye closure at the back of her neck.  Jess came up behind her and held out a headband to her.  They had finally managed to get everyone out of the room so she could have a few quiet minutes with her sister. 

She took the slim, rose gold and crystal band and slid it into her hair for just a touch of sparkle on her head.  It was a near perfect match to the sparkle of the strappy sandals on her feet.

Standing side-by-side you couldn’t mistake the fact that Stephanie and Jess were sisters.  Both were blessed with dark, curly hair, though today Jess’s had been straightened and swept up into a pretty up do for the wedding.   Their features were similar, small pert noses, full lips, Jess’s features were slightly sharper where Stephanie’s were softer, more rounded.  Their eyes were the same almond shape, though Jess’s were a true dark, chocolate brown and Stephanie’s were the brown and green hazel that Richie liked to call witch-y or mermaid-y.   They both were also blessed with their father’s Italian olive skin tone. 

Jess stepped back to adjust the short tail/train at the back of Stephanie’s dress.  “You look amazing.  Are you ready to go down there and become the new Mrs. Richie Sambora?”  Jess shook her head, still finding it hard to believe her sister was marrying a world famous rock star.

Reading Jess’s mind, Stephanie grinned “I know, it’s crazy, right?!”  And, thinking of Richie waiting downstairs for her, Steph gave her hair one last toss before turning and taking her simple, hand-tied bouquet of pink orchids and white lilies.  “Let’s do this.”

At the top of the stairs they could hear the faint strains of the music David was playing.  She hadn’t asked him to play for them, hadn’t intended for any of the guys to do anything except be there to support her and Rich.  She should have known better.  The moment David found out they were getting married, he insisted on playing for them.  It wasn’t Alcock and Travers’ Trumpet Voluntary or even Mendelssohn’s traditional Wedding March, but she hadn’t wanted the largesse of those songs anyway.  So he had reworked both songs into a softer, gentler, jazzier combination that serenaded them as they walked down the stairs. 

They stopped just inside the French doors leading from the kitchen to the patio where Lily was waiting.  “Mama pretty!” she exclaimed.

Stephanie smiled at her pretty little princess.  “Thank you baby doll.”  She crouched down and pressed a kiss to one chubby cheek.  “You look beautiful too.”  She handed Lily a white basket with trailing pink ribbons.  “Do you remember what to do?”

She nodded her head, “I ‘member mama.”

Stephanie straightened the wreath of flowers and ribbons on her daughter’s head.  “Good girl.  And stay with Ava when you get to her.”

“’Kay mama.”  Her white, patent leather mary janes tapped incessantly as she danced in her excitement to do her job.

Stephanie stood and motioned to Jess, “okay, open the doors.”

Jess did as she was asked and took Lily’s hand, “come on dolly, we’re up.”

“Kay ‘tee” she stepped through the door with her aunt and dropped a tiny handful of pink rose petals before looking back at her mother, “bye mama.”

The warm champagne of Jess’s dress glistened in the waning daylight as she and Lily made their way across the patio.  When Stephanie could see that they had made it to the makeshift altar, she stepped through the door.  Her stomach was full of fluttering butterflies and her eyes shimmered as she made her way to where Richie stood waiting.  She blinked to clear her vision and a gentle smile spread across her face when her eyes found, held his.  The butterflies quieted in her stomach the closer she got and when he reached out and touched her hand a shot of electricity skittered up her arm like it had the first time they had ever touched.  Why had she put him off for so long?  Why had she doubted herself earlier?  This was absolutely the right decision.

Richie tugged on the hand he held and drew her in, kissing her lightly.  “You look amazing, sweetheart.”

Her smile grew and she pressed back from him.  “Thank you, but you’re getting ahead of yourself, aren’t you?”

He shrugged and smiled as he turned them to face the altar and the Minister.  “I haven’t seen you all day, I couldn’t wait.”

Their friends and family chuckled at his admission. 

As the sun sank lower in the sky, the twinkle lights came on and the caterers, unobtrusively as possible, lit candles and torches all around the transformed back yard.  The minister led them through the traditional ceremony, pausing when it came time for the vows to address the small crowd.  “Richard and Stephanie have chosen to write their own vows today.”  He turned back to the couple, “take each other’s hands.”  Richie and Stephanie turned to face each other and Richie took her small, slender hands in his.

When their eyes met, when their hands touch, everything around them fell away.  “Sweetheart” he started,

When I first met you, I honestly had no idea you were going to be this important to me.  I didn’t set out looking for love, but it found me when I met you and you have absolutely been the best thing,”  he paused, his gaze leaving hers to light on Ava and Lily before landing back on Stephanie, “outside of my girls, that has ever happened to me.

I’m not perfect, I’ll annoy you, piss you off, say stupid things then take it all back, but you’ll never find anyone who cares or loves you more than me. 

I love you, sweetheart.  And nothing, nobody, not even time will change that.  I want to live the rest of my life making you happy and seeing your smile every day. 

Cupping her cheek he gently brushed away a tear with the pad of his thumb before continuing.

You are what I need in my life.  I want to wake up to this stunning face every day for the rest of forever.  I want to grow old with you and have a life full of love, laughter and naughty adventures.  

Stick with me darlin’, the best is yet to be.

Tugging a hand from his, she knuckled away a tear under her eye and smiled.  She took his hand once again and through a sheen of tears, her eyes found his. 

You’re cute, can I keep you? 

So focused on Richie, she didn’t hear, didn’t acknowledge the quiet laughter of their friends and family. 

The first time you hugged me, in the midst of a blackout, during a rain storm, all the broken pieces inside me started to fit back together. 

And I was scared.  Scared of you, of what you were making me feel.  But apparently my heart knew better, knew what it wanted.  So I listened.

Her lips trembled and her tears threatened to rain down her face.  She paused to compose herself and just held his gaze before giving his hands a gentle squeeze. 

Sometimes, you fall in love with the most unexpected person at the most unexpected time.  There are times that I look at you and wonder how I got so damn lucky twice in my life.

I just want to make you happy Rich, because you’re the

reason that I’m happy.  And I want to thank you.  Thank you for not giving up on me, on us, for loving me and thank you for being the reason I look forward to all of our tomorrows.

I promise to try and not be a neurotic pain in your ass, and I promise to still pinch your butt when we’re old and wrinkly.  But most of all, I promise to love you today, tomorrow and every day for the rest of forever.

Sniffing back tears she gave his hands one last squeeze before they turned, as one, back to face the minister.  They exchanged rings, and in short order they were pronounced husband and wife and the minister looked to Stephanie, “since he already kissed you, why don’t you go ahead and kiss your new husband?”

With a playful grin she gripped Richie’s lapels and pulled him close, “my turn” she chuckled before giving him a kiss full of love and laughter.

Chapter 3

Dressed in his black tuxedo and wedding shoes, Richie stepped outside and glanced up to the balcony off the master bedroom.  He hadn’t seen his bride-to-be since they rolled out of bed this morning.  He missed her face, missed her smile.  He hoped to maybe catch a glimpse of her in these last few quiet minutes before everyone showed up and the place was alive with activity again.

He wandered around.  His backyard had been beautifully transformed into an intimate wedding tableau for him and Stephanie and their closest family and friends.  Candles and torches were ready to be lit, the white fairy lights strung through the trees would come on at dusk and air was perfumed with Stephanie’s favored roses, orchids and lilies.  He stopped at the arbor where they would exchange their vows and become man and wife.  He was ready for this, ready for the next chapter in his, their life’s story. 

He turned at the sound of the doors opening behind him and found both of his daughters heading his way.  Ava was simply stunning in a long, flowing maxi dress the same shade of blue as her eyes.  She looked more and more like her mother every day.   And Lily, the little ray of sunshine their lives had been blessed with three years ago was holding her sister’s hand and chomping at the bit to race around the patio to get to him.

“Daddy!”  She beamed when she saw him.

He crossed the patio and scooped Lily up into his arms, “look at you baby girl, all dressed up and ready to party!”  Her dress was pink and white and made for a princess with all its ruffles and sparkle.

She laughed and pressed a smacking kiss on his cheek, “yes now!”

“Almost, but not just yet.”  He leaned down and pressed a kiss to Ava’s cheek.  “You look beautiful too, baby.”

Ava smoothed the blue silk over her hips, “thank you.”  She studied him, “you look pretty good in your new suit too, dad.”

He put his arm around her and directed them back toward the house, catching their reflection in the tall windows.  “We Sambora’s clean up pretty good I’d say.”  Ava smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

Lily wiggled to get down, “daddy, mama?”

Richie set her on her feet, “mama’s probably getting dressed.”  He glanced up toward the balcony again, but all he could see was the reflection of the setting sun on the glass.

“I go find her” Lily started toward the door ruffles swishing and curls bouncing as she went off in search of her mother.

YYYYYYYYY

The master bedroom had turned into one giant dressing room.  All the girls were with Stephanie, getting themselves and her ready.   Stephanie snuck off to the bathroom and closed and locked the door.  There were too damn many people in her room. She couldn’t breathe.  She dropped the lid on the commode and sat down.  She hadn’t seen Richie all day.  She wished she could, but the girls weren’t letting her out of their sight.  Closing her eyes she took a few deep, cleansing breaths.  When she opened her eyes they fell on the house phone and a smile kicked up the corners of her mouth. 

Lifting the receiver she pressed the button for the guest room Richie had been shuttled off to that morning and waited.

No answer.

Dammit.

She pressed the button for the kitchen, hoping maybe he was trying to sneak a snack or something. 

Again she got nothing.

She nearly gave up before trying one more number. 

He picked up.  “Yeah?’

Bingo, should have started with the office/music room.

“Hey you,” her greeting was soft, nearly a whisper.

“Hey yourself Sweetheart,” he settled into the chair he had used earlier to write his vows.  “Aren’t you supposed to be getting dressed and made up right now?”

She exhaled, “yea, but I can’t take all the estrogen in the other room.  I’m going crazy, there may be some new grays on my head after this.”

“Come on” he chuckled, “it can’t be that bad, can it?

“You try getting dressed with 10 other women in your bedroom and see how long you can stand it.”  She frowned, she shouldn’t be this cranky.  “Sorry Rich, I should be blissfully happy today, not a crabby bitch.”

He couldn’t help the laugh, “once upon a time that might have been a fantasy come true for me, but the women would be getting undressed.”

She couldn’t help but laugh, “perv.”

Happy he had gotten the laugh he had been looking for, he continued.  “Hey, can’t change the spots now darlin’.”

She laughed again and then they were both quiet for a long moment.  Richie spoke up first.  “I’ve missed you today.”

“Me too” she replied.  “We’ll see each other soon though and then it’s a whole week of just you and me.  You might get sick of seeing me after that.”

“Not a chance.”  He waited a beat, “are you all right now?”

She sighed, “yea.  I was just being stupid.  I guess I just needed to hear your voice.”  As usual, just the sound of his voice, a few words and a little laughter evened her right out.

“Glad to be of service.  Now, the faster you get your very fine ass dressed, the quicker we get to see each other.”

“I know.  Thanks.  Love you.”

“I love you too sweetheart, now go let the women pamper and fuss over you.”

“I’m going” she said and hung up the phone.

Feeling better for having at least heard his voice she took one more fortifying breath before opening the door and heading back into the madness. 

Jess came up to her when she slinked out of the bathroom and sat the vanity.  “Hiding in the bathroom, really?”

Stephanie examined her face in the mirror and picked up her foundation.  “I wasn’t hiding, mother nature called and we don’t ignore her.”

“No,” Jess shook her head, “we don’t but you were in there an awfully long time.  I was beginning to think you snuck out the other door and were trying to escape.” 

Stephanie’s eyes met her sister’s in the mirror and she stuck her tongue out at Jess, “I don’t need to escape.  I just needed to talk to him for a minute.”  She picked up an eye pencil before meeting her sister’s eyes in the mirror again, “okay?”

“Are you sure you’re okay?”  Jess was still worried from their conversation earlier.

Steph nodded, “I’m fine.  I just needed a little calm in the storm this room has become.” 

Jess looked around, and then back at her sister, “want me to get some of them out of here?”

Stephanie eyed the crowd from the mirror, her friends and family were talking, fussing over Lily and generally having a good time.  Champagne had been poured and snacks were being passed around.  “No, it’s fine.  Let’s just finish up so I can finally see my man today.”

Jess took the eye pencil out of Steph’s hand and swiveled her around, “okay, then let me do this and we’ll get you into that fabulous dress and get you downstairs.”

Q Note:  the link above (fabulous dress) that will take you directly to a pic of Stephanie's dress.  Thanks and enjoy!

Chapter 2

Richie paced back and forth across the kitchen, pausing every so often to gaze out at the transformation taking place on the other side of the glass.  She had finally said yes and he had pushed for the quickest possible date so she couldn’t change her mind.   

Now it was all coming together and the day was finally here and he was nervous.  Not about getting married, he was more than ready to legalize their relationship.  Maybe worried was a better fit for how he was feeling.  He was worried that she may freak out and bolt before they got to the “I do’s.”

He made another pass across the kitchen.  She wouldn’t do that to him, would she?  He shook his head.  No, she wouldn’t leave him hanging at the altar.  He couldn’t believe that of her, but she had been acting a little distant in the last few days.  He couldn’t figure it out.  But then again, he’d had more on this mind this week than their pending nuptials too. 

He paused again in front of the French doors that would take him out to the patio and stared out, unseeingly, into the decorating madness.  Ava, his oldest, would be graduating and going off to the college all too soon.  Lily, his baby and the happy ray of sunshine in their lives was three and pre-school was just a hop, skip and jump away.  His babies were growing up and he was missing it.  His job kept pulling him away from his family. 

He loved his job, but there were times, oh were there times that he hated it too.  He never took for granted that he got to do what he loved every day and made a hell of a living doing it, but sometimes, sometimes he just wanted to say “fuck it all” and stuff the guitar in its case and leave it in the closet collecting dust while letting the dad in him take over fulltime for once.

Maybe it was time.  He continued to pace, letting the thoughts circle around his brain until he could figure out the best way to present this idea to one man in particular. 

“Hey.”

Speak of the devil.

He turned to find Jon behind him, sort of dressed for the day.  He was barefoot and had his suit pants and his dress shirt on, but the tails of the shirt were hanging out of the pants and just a couple of buttons were done up.  “You going to stand there mooning out the window all day or you going to get dressed?”

Richie glanced at the clock on the wall then back at his friend.  “I’ve got time yet.”  He hitched his chin toward Jon’s open shirt, “you forget how to button your shirt and coming to me for help?”

Jon chuckled “no, asshole.”  He looked over his shoulder behind him before returning his gaze to Richie, “too damn many females running around here, I was trying to put on a show for anyone.”  Jon had met Steph’s sister and sister-in-law and her girlfriends that had come for the wedding.  They were all fans and Jon, while he was mostly certain they wouldn’t attack him and leave him naked where he stood, he wasn’t taking any chances.

Richie smiled, “your safe here man, no one is going to jump you or rip your clothes off today.”  He paused, “unless Dot is like that, and if she is, I don’t really want to know.” 

Jon laughed.  “Fuck you.” 

“Nah, man, you are so not my type.”  Richie’s smile faded. 

Jon shook his head amusedly.  “You okay man, you’ve seemed distracted lately.”  He and Dorothea had only been there a couple days but, after living in each other’s pockets for more than three decades, he knew when something was on Rich’s mind.

Richie considered Jon for a moment.  He needed more time to think about the decision he was considering.  He didn’t want to hurt his friend before he absolutely had to.  And it would hurt, after 30 years of playing and writing side by side, this was going to rock both their worlds.  But he wasn’t quite ready to start that ball rolling.  So he did the only thing he could do at the moment.  He flat out lied to his friend. 

 “I’m good, just anxious to get this wedding business over with.”  He wagged his eyebrows at his friend, to ease the sting of the lie, “I want to get started on the honeymoon.”

Jon snickered, “of course you do.”  He sobered, “but seriously man, if you got something you want to talk about you know where I am.” 

“Thanks.”   Richie moved across the room, if he stood here talking to Jon much longer, beans would be spilled, the cat would fly out of the bag, pick your metaphor, the words would come out of his mouth before he was absolutely certain it was what he wanted.  “I’ve got some vows to write, but, really, thanks.”

Jon watched his friend walk out of the room.  Yeah, he thought as he headed back toward the room he was sharing with Dorothea, something was definitely off with his friend.

Closing himself in his office Richie set aside all thoughts of the changes that were on the horizon and focused his attention on his bride-to-be.  He dug a pad of paper and a pencil out of the desk and sat in the dark brown leather, wingback chair, propping his feet up on the ottoman.  

Staring out the window he thought of Stephanie, of how and when they met and all that they had been through that brought them to where they were now.  He tapped the pencil on the paper, picturing the two of them standing under the arbor that had been erected on the patio in front of their friends and family.  He could see himself taking her hands in his, see her witchy, mermaid eyes gazing up into his and he started to write.

YYYYYYYYYY

Stepping back into her room, Stephanie shut the door at the fading sound of her daughter’s laughter.  Her baby girl was clean, sweet smelling and ready for her pretty party dress.  Her sister had everything under control with the toddler again and Stephanie had managed to escape bath time with only a few water spots on her robe.  A minor miracle considering her daughter fancied herself to be a mermaid and liked to splash water everywhere.   That bathroom had to be the cleanest room in the house. 

She sighed and crossed the room the chair in the corner.  She needed to write her vows and, glancing at the clock, she was running out of time.  She was no songwriter or poet, or even a storyteller, but she would give it her best shot.   Nothing about this day was falling in line with what she considered traditional.  But, she picked up the notebook and pen and tried to put her feelings into words that were not too stilted and standard.

She gazed out the window, looking to the trees and sky for some sort of inspiration or direction, but in the end, it was Richie’s face she pictured as she put pen to paper and started to write.

Chapter 1

Staring at her reflection in the mirror, Stephanie dipped her fingers into the pot of curl cream and ran her fingers through her hair, tousling her curls so they floated over her shoulders and down her back.  Just the way he liked it.  Turning from the mirror her gaze landed on the dress hanging on the open closet door.

When she had married Mark, she had done the whole big, white, poufy dress complete with an enormous bow just above her butt under which the train bustled. 

But not this time.

No, this dress was the same color as the short, silky robe she was wearing.  The pale, shimmery pink sheath with its floral lace, high neck, no back and frothy chiffon tail/train was the perfect choice for a second wedding and the perfect color to drive her husband-to-be slightly crazy.

Husband.

She never thought she’d go down this road again.  She had been so sure marriage wasn’t in her future that every time Richie had asked she had said no.  Even though she couldn’t imagine being with anyone else at this point in her life, she still held him at bay on the whole getting married idea.  And, bless him, Richie never let her forget the fact that she always said she didn’t want to be with anyone else.  He brought it up every time they quietly and no-so-quietly debated the subject of marriage. 

If you want to be with me and no one else, marry me Sweetheart. 

Or

You keep saying you want to be with me, so why not get married and make it legal?

Pertinent arguments, yes.  But still she had hesitated to go down that road.  Until this last time.  He snuck the baby in there and she was pretty much helpless to say anything but yes. 

You don’t want Lily to be teased or bullied because her mommy and daddy aren’t married do you?

Sneaky bastard.  He had a point, but still.  Lily was only three, not thirteen and had no understanding of what that kind of teasing would even mean. 

Crossing the room, she picked up the picture from the shelf in the corner.  Lily’s cherubic face smiled out at her, her daddy’s dimples charming her from behind the glass.  She had come wailing into the world three years ago and was as perfect as a baby could be.  Her eyes were a rich coffee brown like her father’s and her mouth a perfect pink cupid bow that smiled more than it frowned.  She was her father through and through.  Stephanie traced the baby’s face with her finger.  So sweet was her little angel.

Setting the picture back on the shelf, she ran her hand over her stomach, there hadn’t been any more since Lily and they really hadn’t talked about having any more.  She’d be fine with that.  She had gotten a second chance at being a mom and that was more than she could have ever asked for. 

So, here she was getting ready to marry the only other man she had ever loved and was still second-guessing her decision.  She didn’t understand why.  What is wrong with me?  She picked up the picture of Ben from the shelf.  A wave of melancholy ran through her and she set the picture back down.  Today wasn’t a day for sadness.  Turning she headed for the doors that would take her outside into the warm, California air.

Stepping out onto the balcony, she lifted her face to the gentle breeze.  Her lips moved in a silent conversation.  I’m getting married again.  Never thought it would happen after you Mark, but I love him.  I love him so much I couldn’t keep saying no.  I’m not even really sure why I kept telling him no, but even through all his asking and my saying no, this feels right. 

The sun shifted and lit on her face, bathing it in its warmth.

She sighed, you’ll always be one of the best men I ever knew.  Love you still Mark.  Miss you always.

She turned her attention to the hustle and bustle going on below her.  The patio was a beehive of activity, the drones working tirelessly to set the scene for the early evening nuptials.  Lights were being strung through the trees and all around the patio.  Flowers were in pots, baskets and boxes all around the pool and some even floated in the pool.  Tables were scattered, covered with white cloths and candles; chairs were lined up in neat rows waiting for guests to be seated.

Her baby girl’s shout of “Mama!” had her turning her attention back into the bedroom and wincing as the door nearly bounced off its hinges and the girl came racing into the room as fast as her three-year old legs could carry her.

She rushed across the room and scooped up her nearly naked little ball of energy.  “Baby doll, what are you doing in here in just your princess undies?”  Jess had offered to give the girl a bath and get her dressed for the wedding.  She nosed her way into the girl’s neck and blew a raspberry, earning a shrieking laugh.  “And where’s your Auntie Jess?”

“I’m here,” Jess came hustling into the room.  “The little wiggly worm got away from me.  And for someone so short she’s damn fast.  Sorry.”

Stephanie chuckled and set the squirming toddler on her feet. 

“You bath.”  Lily demanded, pointing her chubby little finger at her mother.

She looked down at the girl, “ah, you want mama to give you a bath?”

Lily nodded her head vigorously, sending her dark curls bouncing.  “Yes!”

“Okay baby girl, go with Auntie Jess and I’ll be right there.”

“’Kay” she turned to start out of the room and looked back, “come on ‘tee.”  Lily’s three-year old mouth couldn’t quite handle the full “Auntie” so all of her Aunties were called simply ‘tee.

Jess smiled at the little girl, “I’m coming.”  She looked back at her sister, “you okay?  Not having second thoughts are you?”  She couldn’t quite read it, but something was a little off with Steph today. 

Steph nodded, “I’m” she started and stopped and, looking at her sister, started again.  “I’m second-guessing myself, wondering why I said yes this time.”

Jess wrapped an arm around Steph’s shoulders and nudged her toward the door, “this time?  You mean he asked you more than once?”

Steph nodded her head, “yep.”

They followed the sound of Lily’s laughter down the hall.  Jess paused outside the bathroom door.  “Just how many times did the man ask you to marry him?”

“I’m not sure I can count that high” Steph answered sheepishly.  They had talked about it with increasing frequency as the days, months, years passed them by.

Jess turned to face her sister.  “Do you love him?”  She wasn’t going to let Steph marry someone, no matter who he was, if she didn’t love the man.  Even if they had made a beautiful child together.

“I do, I really do.”

“So, let me see if I’ve got this right,” Jess ticked off her points on her fingers.  “You live with the man, you love the man and you had a baby with the man.”  She looked Steph right in the eye, “how am I doing so far?”

“Batting a thousand, smart ass.”  She rolled her eyes.

Jess snickered.  “You’ve got all the important stuff covered.  Why does the legalization of your living arrangements scare you so much?”

Steph frowned.  Her sister was right dammit.  For all intents and purposes, they were married.  So, what exactly was the big deal?  She glanced down and her gaze landed on her hands, the pink sapphire engagement ring sparkled on her left hand and on her right were Mark’s and Ben’s rings.  And it finally dawned on her. 

By taking Richie’s name, she was going to lose her last connection to Mark and Ben.  She’d lose the name she had carried around for the last twenty-plus years. 

“I already had to say goodbye much too soon.  I don’t want to forget them too” she said softly before Jess could open the bathroom door.

Jess turned and pulled Steph in for a hug.  “You won’t forget them.  They will always be a part of your past.  But you can’t keep living there or using it as an excuse.  Yes, you said goodbye and it sucked.  I know.  I was there.  But you also forged ahead and lived your life like Mark would have wanted.  Don’t stop now.  If you love Richie as much as you say and I can see that you do, marry the man for god sakes and stop over-thinking everything.”  She released Steph and opened the bathroom door.

“All right dolly, are you ready for splish, splash and taking a bath?”