CHAPTER NINE
*******************
Bailey stood there in the middle of McGinty's bar trying to figure out how she wanted decorations for the rehearsal and reception.

Lois and Emily had gone shopping after leaving the bridal shop. Chuck and Bernie had left out early that morning on some secret mission, Gary was out dealing with the paper and Marissa was busy in the office.

Bailey sighed and scribbled on her note pad.

"Whenever you are ready to go over things, Miss Vandercliff, just let me know. " Mary offered.

"Thank you, Mary. I will. I'm still trying to decide on things. I'll come and get you when and if I get this figured out."

Bailey turned as the front door swung open and a young woman about Bailey's age entered. She had short black hair and an olive complexion. She walked up to Bailey. "I need to see Hobson. Is he here?"

"No." Bailey began.

"What about Fishman?"

"No." Bailey began again.

Impatience showing on the woman's face. "Fishman's wife wouldn't happen to be here, would she? No. Right?"

Bailey was beginning to get irritated with this woman’s attitude. "May I ask why you want to see them?"

"Police business."

"Has something happened? I'm Gary's fiancee." Bailey asked, concerned.

"You're Hobson's fiancee?" The woman snapped as she looked Bailey up and down.

"Yes, Bailey Vandercliff. And you are?" Bailey offered as she extended her hand.

"Detective Toni Brigatti, Chicago P.D." Brigatti said as she shook Bailey's hand.

So this was Brigatti. Wow, she certainly was beautiful. Bailey had her hair twisted up into a clip. She absent mindedly tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Toni was dressed in black suite that fit her beautifully. Bailey felt self conscious in her presence.

She would have preferred to meet any of Gary's ex’s dressed in something smarter than faded jeans and Gary's Chicago Bears t-shirt.

"Well, I need to speak to Fishman when he get's back. Can you have him call me?" Brigatti asked, her tone softening some.

" He and Mr. Hobson left out this morning. I'm not sure where they went or when they will be back. But I will have him call you as soon as I see him. Is everything all right?" Bailey wondered.

"Do you know if Fishman's wife will be coming to the wedding?" Brigatti questioned.

"No. She won't be here. Her and Chuck are, well they're not together any longer." Bailey stated.

"Oh, well. Good. I'm glad. No, what I mean. I'm glad she won't be here. Well, I better be going. Just have Fishman give me a call anyway." Brigatti said as she turned to go.

"Toni?' Bailey called after her. "It was nice to meet you."

Brigatti stopped and looked at Bailey. "I hope you know what you're getting into. Hobson...... He has a lot of secrets."

"Not from me he doesn't." Bailey responded.

"Hmm. I hope you and Hobson are real happy." Brigatti said as she closed the door behind her.

~~~~
That evening, after having given Chuck the message from Brigatti, Bailey sat in Gary's chair in the office. "She seemed concerned about Chuck's wife. Ex-wife coming to the wedding. " She told Gary.

Gary paced back and forth. "Yeah, I can understand why Brigatti would be worried. I'd be worried. Did she say anything else?" Gary asked as he cocked his head to the side.

Bailey bit her bottom lip. "She said you had a lot of secrets and she hoped you and I were real happy." Bailey said as she slumped back in the chair.

"Secrets?

"I'm sure she was talking about the paper. She's beautiful."

"Yeah." Gary answered absent mindedly. Wondering if now was the time to tell her about Jeremiah. He dreaded having to tell it one more time. Bailey sat quietly. She had just said Brigatti was beautiful and he had answered yeah.

"I, I mean..."

"It's okay, Gary. I know what you mean. Why would you be concerned if Chuck's ex-wife showed up?"

Gary took one hand off of his hip and motioned with his two fore fingers. "I told you about when I met Jade. She was Amber then. She stole the Lermatov diamond. Then when she and Chuck got married there was the whole thing with the Harland diamond. When she shows up trouble follows." Gary explained.

"That was when you and Toni had to pretend you were married." Bailey stated.

"Mmm, hmm. When Amber, uh Jade stole the Lermatov." Gary furrowed his brow. Wondering where this conversation was leading.

Bailey looked up at him. She never imagined she could love a person so much. She quickly wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye.

Gary walked over to Bailey and put his hands on each side of the chair and leaned in close to her. "Bailey, what's wrong." He said softly.

Bailey shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just tired. I haven't had enough sleep. I'm going home early tonight to get some extra sleep. I'll be all right tomorrow." She said as another tear escaped her eye.

"You're not worried about me and Brigatti are you?" Gary asked.
"No." She said.

"Good."

"She's just so beautiful." Bailey sniffed. "And I looked like this. I just don't want her to think you settled for less."

Gary smiled. "Less than what? Her? She dumped me. A long time ago. I'm not concerned with what she thinks of you or me for that matter."

He put his hand under her chin and raised her face to look at him. He squinted his eyes as he looked at her intently.

"You're the one that I want. The one I chose. The one I was destined to be with. You are the most incredible woman I have ever met and I feel so fortunate that you chose me too." He explained.

"I'm sorry. I know you love me. I don't know why I felt so intimidated by her."

Gary laughed. "She has that way about her."

Bailey sighed. Gary lowered his head and kissed her. His hand moved from her chin to the back of her neck.

"Now you go home and get some sleep so you'll feel better." He said as he broke their kiss. "It's only four days till I can quit sending you home."

Bailey stood and hugged him. He held her close. Hoping to reassure her of his love.

"Come on. Let's go get Emily." He offered.

They walked out of the office into the bar where they spotted Emily and Chuck sitting together. Their heads close to each other.

Gary scratched his head and looked to Bailey. Who wasn't quite sure what she was witnessing either.

CHAPTER TEN
******************

"I will." Gary responded.

Bailey felt the tears forming as she heard Gary's voice crack.
"Will you Bailey, take this man whom you hold by the hand to be your wedded husband. Promising to adhere unchangeably to him in all life's changes, and to be his loving and true wife till death divide you?" The preacher asked.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Bailey sat in a tub of hot water. Inhaling deeply the scent of vanilla hoping it would help to calm her nerves.

She hadn't slept much again last night. She had got up early and sat on her balcony and watched the sun come up. She had taken a few snapshots. But nothing had stilled the butterflies in her stomach.

Pre-wedding jitters. That's all it was. But she just couldn't seem to shake them.

Everything was going according to schedule. The only hitches so far had been the mishap with the dresses, the early arrival of Gary's parents and the tension between Chuck and Emily. Fortunately the two of them seemed to be getting along better, which still worried Bailey some.

She missed Gary. She had only seen him briefly a couple of times this week. He had been busy with the paper. Maybe that was what had her worried. What if something came up that kept Gary from the wedding. She breathed deeply again.

Then there was Brigatti. She didn't know wh meeting Brigatti had left her so rattled. She knew that Gary and Brigatti had dated for a while and that Gary had cared deeply for her. But when he had told Brigatti about the paper she had thought he was insane and had told him she didn't want to see him any more.

Meeting her had brought up all the old insecurities in Bailey. She had never imagined she would find someone like Gary. Let alone that he would love her. There were times when she still found it hard to believe. All of her relationships had ended with her feeling like a piece of paper someone had wadded up and tossed in a can.

She stepped out of the tub and put on her terry cloth robe. She wiped the steam off the mirror and looked at her reflection. Bailey ran her hands across her face and caught the reflection of her ring. She looked at it and smiled. Brigatti may be a knock out, but Bailey had Gary's heart. And she wasn't going to let anyone take it from her.
~~~~~~~

Bailey sat patiently as Emily applied the finishing touches of her makeup.

"What were you and Chuck talking about the other night at McGinty's?" Bailey asked again. Not having got a straight answer the last few times she had asked Emily this question.

"Okay. Done." Emily proclaimed, ignoring the question.
"Perfection." Miguel stated as he walked into the room. "I'm all set up and ready when you are."

"We just need to get her dressed and we'll be right out." Emily told him.

Miguel left the room. Emily took the dress out of the bag as Bailey slipped out of her dressing gown. Emily helped her on with the dress and buttoned up the row of tiny buttons in the back.

"I would really like to know what is going on with you two." Bailey said as she stepped into white satin pumps.

"Sit down so I can put your veil on." Emily instructed.

It was a tiara with a cluster of netting in the back that fell to the middle of Bailey's back. Her hair was piled into curls on top of her head with curled tendrils loose on the side.

"We were just trying to get along. Isn't that what you wanted?" Emily asked

"Yes, but you being too nice worries me." Bailey responded.

"Why?" Emily wondered as she handed Bailey a silk bouquet , identical to the real one she would carry at the wedding, that was made for the photo's and to toss at the reception.

"I don't know. I guess I just need something else to worry about." Bailey said, standing up.

"You don't need to worry about us. We are just keeping it civil for the sake of your wedding. After that, the gloves are coming off. Oh, Bailey. You look beautiful."

Bailey turned to look at her reflection. The dress was gorgeous. Just as she had seen in her dream.

"Did you ever tell him?" Emily asked.

"Tell him what?"

"About the dream?"

Bailey raised an eyebrow. "No. He'd think I was silly." She laughed. "Come on let's go get this over with."

"Wow. How'd Hobson get so lucky?" Miguel asked.

Bailey blushed. "I think I am the one who is pretty lucky.

Bailey had met with the florists that morning at the church to set up the candelabra’s and the silk arrangements and bows.
Emily lit the candles while Miguel posed Bailey and arranged her dress and veil.

"Look down at the bouquet. Give me a far off day dreamy look. Perfect." He said as he snapped the shot.

He posed her with her back to the camera, looking over her shoulder with her bouquet held at her waist.

Then he had her turned sideways her face to the camera. Her dress swirled around her.

"Look right over my shoulder to the door. Pretend Hobson has just walked in that door and give him a 'honey I'm glad you're here' smile. Beautiful. Gorgeous." Miguel stated as he then started to change the lens and flash for more shots.

The door to the church opened and a woman walked in. She stood at the door and didn't say anything.

"Can we help you?" Emily asked.

The woman just stared at Bailey and didn't say anything.

Bailey felt the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

"Are you all right? Do you need some help? Bailey asked.

"I'm sorry. Excuse me. I'll come back." The woman said and went back out the door.

"Did you know her?"Emily asked. "She just kept staring at you."

"No, I've never seen her before."Bailey responded.

Miguel took several more photo's. Then they went outside into the church gardens to take the final pictures.

Bailey spotted the woman from the church, watching her from across the street. She frowned. Who was this woman?
~~~~~~~

Emily and Bailey joined Lois and Marissa for dinner at McGinty's. Bailey was discussing plans for the next day with them all.

Bailey looked up and saw Chuck and Bernie enter the bar.

"There you two are. I was going to report you missing in action. What have you two been doing the last couple of days?" Bailey asked as they approached the table.

"Emily." Chuck said as he pulled up a chair across from her.

"Chuck." She acknowledged.

Bailey looked from one to the other.

"Mmm. I'm hungry. You didn't order my dinner for me?" Bernie asked.

"We've been busy, busy, busy. Busy as little beavers, we have. And I think we both have worked up a huge appetite." said Chuck.

"Busy doing what?" She asked again.

Chuck and Bernie looked at each other with questioning looks on their faces.

"They've been working on a gift for you and Gary. So don't ask them any more questions because they aren't talking." Lois intervened.

"Oh. Well, it must be some gift. I haven't seen you for days." Bailey said.

Chuck nodded his head. "Big gift. Very big gift. A huge surprise for you. Ow!"

Emily kicked Chuck under the table afraid he would give away the surprise. She waved the waiter over. "Aren't you ready to order?"

"Yeah, sure. " He said as he rubbed his leg.

Bailey looked at her watch.

"Is Gary not going to join us?" Emily inquired.

"I'm not sure." Bailey said.

"Where does he go all day?"

The table got extremely quiet. Bailey, Chuck, Marissa, Bernie and Lois all responded, "He has errands to run."

They all laughed nervously.

"I didn't know there were so many errands involved in running a bar."

Just then Gary walked in. He smiled when he saw her.
She smiled in relief. She got up and met him halfway across the room where she gave him a big hug.

This was just what he needed. Plus some food. He was starved. This is what had been missing these last few years. Someone waiting for him at home after a hard day.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
***********************
"I will." Bailey answered.

Gary turned to receive the ring from Chuck. He placed it over the end of Bailey's left ring finger, and held it there.

The pastor asked Gary to repeat after him. "I Gary, take thee Bailey, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse. For richer for poorer. In sickness and in health. To love and to cherish till death us do part. According to God's holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth. With this ring I thee wed. And with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost."

Bailey turned and received the ring from Emily. She placed it on Gary's left ring finger and held it there.
~~~~~~~

Bailey worked with the crew at McGinty's, moving tables around to clear space for a dance floor. Emily and Lois began putting table cloths on the tables.

"I'll be right back." Bailey announced. " I need to get some more decorations from the jeep."

She walked outside and opened the back of her jeep Cherokee. She leaned in to tug on the box with the decorations when she spotted the woman from the church standing across the street. Watching her.

Bailey decided she was going to find out what was going on. She stood up and shut the back of the jeep. She waited as a truck passed by to cross the street. The woman was gone. Bailey jogged across the street and looked around. No sign of the woman anywhere. She headed back across the street and reopened her jeep. Gary came walking up the sidewalk.

"Here, let me get that." He offered as he took the box from her hands. He gave her a quick kiss, then followed her into the bar.

"Can I see you in the office for a minute?" He
asked.
She followed him in. He shut the door, looked around to make sure the coast was clear, then pulled her into his embrace.

"I've missed you." He whispered in her ear.

She sighed. "I've missed you too."

She backed away. "How's it going with the paper?"

"Good. Thankfully it's a slow day. I only have one more save today and I'm done."

"Really? When?" she asked hopefully.

He pulled the paper out of his back pocket . "I have a convenience store robbery at 4 this afternoon ."

"So we don't have to worry about the rehearsal dinner? Wait." She said as she tried to look at the paper. "What happens at the convenience store? Do you need someone to go with you?" She became worried.

He smiled at her. "I'll be okay...Oh, boy"

"Gary? What is it?"

"This wasn't here before. 'Woman drowns in Lake Michigan'. 'Witnesses report that a woman intentionally jumped into Lake Michigan, yesterday at approximately 4 p.m. An attempt to save her proved futile. She was pronounced dead at the scene.' It's the same time as the robbery. "

"Is anyone seriously hurt at the robbery?" Bailey asked.

"The clerk is hit over the head from behind and dies from the blow. I can't be both places."

"Gary, I'll go to the lake." She offered.

He started to protest. "Gary I can do this. All I have to do is find the woman and keep her from jumping into the lake. I think I have experience with this type of thing. We're partners now. Let me help."

"Oh, all right. But be careful." He said as he tore out the article and handed it to her.

"Me? You're the one who better be careful. I don't want you getting hurt." She said and kissed him quickly.
~~~~~

Bailey read over the article to make certain nothing had changed. She was headed to the location the paper indicated. She read the description of the woman again. She would be wearing a bright red t-shirt. Her name had been withheld pending notification of family. She looked at the description again. It couldn't be. That would be too strange. Bailey chuckled.

"No stranger than her life had been since she had met Gary." She thought to herself.

Bailey came up over the top of the hill and headed to the lakes shore.

It was her! The woman turned and saw Bailey coming towards her. She narrowed her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" The woman snapped.

"Who are you? Why do I keep seeing you?" Bailey demanded.

The woman crossed her arms. "Where's Gary? He's supposed to be here not you!'

"Gary? Why would he ....Who are you?"

The woman half smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you should ask Gary." She said and turned to walk away.

Bailey stood there stunned. "Hey! Wait a minute." She called after the woman.

The woman hailed a cab and got in. Bailey ran up to the cab. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The cab pulled away.
~~~~~~~

Bailey finished taping to gauze over a cut on Gary's forearm that he received earlier in a scuffle with the would be robber at the convenience store. After scolding him for being so daring she told him about the strange woman she kept seeing.

"Well, evidently she knew about the paper." Bailey informed him.

"What makes you think this woman knows about the paper?"

"She wanted to know why I was there instead of you. She must have staged the whole thing because the story changed after she left. She is the same woman from the church yesterday and I saw her outside earlier." Bailey explained.

Gary had an idea of who the woman was and he hoped he was wrong. "I don't want you to worry about this, Bailey. I'll find out what's going on and I'll take care of it, okay? In a little over 24 hours we'll be married and all this craziness will be over. Come on. Everyone's waiting. Let's get to the church and get this rehearsal on it's way."

CHAPTER TWELVE
"I Bailey take thee Gary, to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold. From this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish till death us do part. According to God's holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth. With this ring I thee wed and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost."
~~~~~~~

"Then I pronounce you man and wife and you may kiss the bride." The pastor stated.

Gary grabbed Bailey and bent her backwards and kissed her. Everyone laughed.

When their lips finally parted, Bailey said breathlessly, "Gary!"

He smiled. "You're blushing." He teased.

She playfully slapped at his arm. "Let me up."

He did so reluctantly. Bailey brushed the material of her black sheath dress and smoothed her hair.

Chuck hopped down the steps of the altar. "It's been a long time since I've seen him like this." He said to Bernie and Lois.

Lois wrapped her arms around Bernie's and hugged it. "I know. I am so happy for him."

She placed her hand softly on Chuck's arm. "You'll find your happiness too, Chuck. Just be patient."

Chuck looked across the room at Emily who was talking with Marissa and Emmitt.

"Maybe."

Just then the door to the church swung open.

"Oh, boy." Gary said when he realized who had walked in the door. Bailey looked at Gary, whose face was frozen in agitation.

"Erica." Gary said through gritted teeth.

Bailey turned to observe the visitor. "Gary, that's her."

"Huh?"

"She's the woman from the lake today."
Erica strolled up the aisle, smiling. "Hello, Lois. Bernie." She acknowledged. "Marissa! I've missed you." She said as she hugged her.

"Erica! What are you doing here?" Marissa asked.

"Well, I saw the announcement for Gary's wedding and I wanted to wish him well." She explained.

"You could have done that over the phone or in a letter. You write those so well." Gary stated.

Erica recoiled as if slapped at the reference Gary made to the letter she had written him when she left Chicago almost three years ago.

"I could have. But I missed everyone and I thought I could kill two birds with one stone. Where's Patrick. Is he coming?" She asked looking around.

"Patrick lives in Oregon now. We don't know if he will be at the wedding. You didn't keep in touch with him?" Gary asked.

"No, I kind of lost track of everyone and I have just been so homesick. Chuck, isn't it?" She said finally acknowledging his presence.

Chuck nodded.

"You've been in town at least two days. Why did you wait so long to see everyone?" Bailey asked.

Erica raised an eyebrow and looked Bailey up and down. "And you would be Gary's intended?"

Gary possessively put his arm around Bailey. "Yes, this is Bailey. Bailey this is Erica ."

Erica turned her back to Bailey.

"Erica, honey. It's very good to see you, but I don't think showing up here was the smartest thing to do. This is my son's wedding rehearsal." Lois said.

Erica started to speak and Gary cut her off. "Erica, I appreciate you feeling the need to extend your congratulations. But, I, I, ah.."

"Oh, Gary. Haven't you been able to control that stutter by now? It's cute and all, but really?" Erica laughed.

Bailey's blood began to boil but she would keep her cool. She would not have Gary thinking she was going to feel jealous or insecure every time a woman from his past showed up.
"I happen to think his stutter is adorable." Bailey stated. Bailey placed her hand on top of his where it rested at her waist. He squeezed it. "If you wanted to talk to Gary why did you keep showing up where I was?"

"You weren't supposed to be at the la........... I was trying to get a moment alone with Gary. I just had trouble locating him and I thought he might be where you were. " She narrowed her eyes as she spoke. "Is it all right if I have that minute with him now?" She spat.

"Why all the nerve." Emily said as she moved forward.

"Sure, I'll just wait outside for you honey." Bailey said and kissed Gary.

Bailey wanted to choke Erica right then and there. But she was in a church. There would be a better time and a better place for a confrontation if needed. If there was something she wanted to say to Gary, better she do it now than tomorrow during the ceremony.

She smiled at Erica as she passed her.

She stepped outside of the church. "I was just trying to get a minute alone with Gary." Bailey mimicked in a sing song voice.

"Are you okay?" Chuck asked, startling her.

"Yes, thank you. I am okay."

The rest of the wedding party walked out of the church and joined them.

"It was in such bad taste to show up like this. What was she thinking?" Lois asked.

"I don't know how you kept your cool with her, Bailey." Emily stated.

"Well, I'm really not the violent type now am I?' Bailey responded. The whole while knowing she could have easily decked Erica.

She felt a hand rest on the small of her back. "Bailey are you okay?" Gary asked softly.

"That was quick. Is everything okay? What did she want?"

"She didn't want anything. She won't be a bother anymore. I think I set her straight. Come on. Let's go back to McGinty's and eat."

Bailey still had an uneasy feeling. But she was not going to let Erica ruin her night.

Erica stood at the door of the church and watched everyone get into their cars. She pursed her lips and squared her jaw. This wasn't over by a long shot.
~~~~~~~

Gary took the napkin off his lap. Folded it and placed it on the table. "Tony out did himself tonight." He stated.

They all agreed.

Emily, who was a little tipsy off the wine, stood up.

"I would like to make a toast. To Bailey, who has been my best friend for most of my adult life. She has always been there for me. Through all of my ups and downs and all my idiosyncracies. I wish I could say I had been as understanding of her crazy moments. Who would have thought that your dream would actually come true. That they guy you dreamt about was a real guy." Emily rambled on.

Bailey sat up straight. "Emily!'

Emily put her hand over her mouth and giggled. "Oops."

"You're such a cheap drunk." Bailey said under her breath. Amazed that her friend could loosen up so, on just two glasses of wine.

Gary put his hand on her arm. "You dreamt about me?"

Everyone was looking at her. She just wished she could slide right under the table. "Yes, I've been having the same dream for the last 5 years. And after I met you, I realized you were the one. I know it sounds crazy. That's why I never said anything." She looked pleadingly at Gary. Not knowing what his reaction would be.

"Well, it's not any crazier that getting tomorrow's new... Ouch!" Chuck cried out as he stood up from the table after Marissa kicked his shin. "When did it become so popular to kick me under the table?" He strode off into the kitchen area.

Gary took Bailey's hand. "If you'll excuse us for a few minutes." He said then led her through the office to the stairs leading to his loft.

"Bailey, I understand why you didn't tell me about the dream. But I want you to know you can tell me anything. Nothing will change how I feel about you. Nothing." He said his hands on her upper arms.

It felt good to be so comfortable with her that he could express himself. There were very few people in his life that he could do this with.

She smiled, relieved. "Okay. I should have known you'd understand."
Gary thought about things he wanted to tell her. About Jeremiah, about Earl and about the occasions he had gone back in time. But not tonight."We don't know everything there is to know about each other yet. But we have the rest of our lives to find out. We know we love each other and that's the most important thing." Gary said softly and kissed her.

They spent several moments by the stairs enjoying the privacy. When all of a sudden they heard the squeal of feedback from a microphone.

"Test, Test. thump, thump, Okay! We're ready to go." Chuck was heard to say.

"What's going on?" Bailey asked.

"With Chuck, who knows." Gary grumbled.

"Oh no he's not!"Gary exclaimed as they heard music begin playing.

Bailey began to laugh. "Come on." She took Gary by the hand and they walked back into the bar area. There stood Chuck, microphone in hand. Gary looked from Chuck to Bailey then back to Chuck and shook his head.

Guests for the bachelor's party had started to arrive. Gary tried to introduce them to Bailey over the wail of Chuck's voice.

"If ya want my body, and ya think I'm sexy. Come on sugah let me know." He sang.

Bailey couldn't help but laugh. Chuck was enjoying himself way too much.

When the song was over, Chuck announced. "Your turn, Gar."

"Ah, no, no, no. You're not getting me to sing. This is the entertainment for tonight?" Gary asked.
"Hey, you won't let me get a stripper so it's Karaoke. We have to have some kind of fun tonight." Chuck explained.

"Oh, I love Karaoke. " Bailey said as her eyes lit up.

"Really, now?" Chuck grinned.

Gary looked at Bailey in surprise.

"One of those little things you don't know about me." She smiled.

He frowned and scratched his head.

"Maybe I should have thrown the bachelorette party for you instead of this one for Gary. You'd be more fun." He teased as he put his arm around her shoulders.

"Can we stay?" Bailey asked hopefully.

Chuck considered it a moment. "Oh, it's very tempting, but it goes against tradition. You can't have women at a bachelor party."

"Yeah. No dames ya shee." Gary teased imitating James Cagney.

"Oh, all right. Can we at least stay for a couple of songs?" She pleaded.

"Okay, but you have to sing." Chuck relented.

Bailey began to scour through all the selections. Chuck put her choice in and the music began to play.

She took the microphone that Chuck handed to her and began to sing.

"If I could grant. You one wish. I wish you could see the way you kiss. Ooh, I love watching you, baby. When you're driving me, crazy."

She walked up to Gary and put her arm around him as she continued to sing.

"Ooh, I love the way you, love the way you love me. There's no where else I'd rather be. Ooh to feel the way I feel with your arms around me. I only wish that you could see. The way you love me."

Gary turned beet red. The guys began to tease him and whistle. Making his blush creep down his neck.

"Aw, isn't that sweet." Chuck said ruffling Gary's hair."

Gary swatted his hand away.

"You're the million reason's why there's love reflecting in my eyes."

He blushed again.

When she finally finished singing, she looked apologetically at Gary. "I hope I didn't embarrass you too much." She laughed softly. "We're gonna get out of here now and leave you guys alone."

She kissed him quickly. Which sent the guys into another session of ribbing.

He watched her walk out of the bar along with his mother, Marissa and Emily. He didn't even care what the guys were saying. He was just darn lucky to have her and he knew it.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
**************************
"I am really sorry that I let it slip about your dream tonight." Emily apologized.

Emily and Bailey were straightening up the kitchen as Marissa and Lois visited.

"It's all right. It's better that it is out in the open. I shouldn't keep things from Gary." Bailey acknowledged. "Besides, how can I be angry at you when it got us a few minutes alone in the stairwell." Bailey said, grinning.

Emily laughed out loud. "He is a pretty great guy. He just never seems to sit still for too long."

"Hmm, I'll take him any way I can get him." Bailey stated as she led the way back into her living room.

The four of them had spent the last couple of hours visiting after Bailey had opened the gifts she had received. Lois and Marissa had taken turns telling Bailey stories about Gary. Lois had told her how sweet a boy Gary had been. How he was always helping people out. During the summer he mowed lawns for extra money, but he would mow the elderly neighbors lawns free of charge. Marissa had told her about the time Chuck had pantsed Gary. Bailey felt horrible for him but couldn't help but laugh.

"I'll have to be sure and check for that lollipop." She declared. Then realizing she had said that in front of Gary's mother, blushed a bright red. Lois laughed at her embarrassment and assured her it was okay.

Bailey yawned. Lois looked at the clock. "I think it's time we called an end to this party. We don't want Bailey walking down the aisle with blood shot eyes." Lois stated.

Bailey smiled in gratitude. "I'll give you and Marissa a ride home." She offered.

They both protested. But Bailey insisted. She dropped Marissa off first then took Lois to McGinty's. They entered through the back door. They could hear the crowd of men singing loudly to 'You don't even call me by my name.'

"Sounds like they are having a good time in there." Lois commented. "Good night sweetheart." She said as she hugged her future daughter-in-law. "Be careful going home."

"I will. I just want to say good night to Gary."

"That's bad luck." Lois warned.
"I'll take my chances. I just really need to see him."

Lois patted Bailey's arm and smiled. She turned and started up the stairs.

Bailey waited till she got to the top. She heard someone come into the office.

When she heard Gary's voice, she paused in the hallway.

"Erica, I thought I made myself clear earlier. You shouldn't have come here." Bailey heard Gary say.

"I'm just supposed to give up. Just like that?" Erica pouted.

"Give up just like that? That is exactly what
you did two years ago. It didn't bother you then. Why should it now?" Gary demanded.

"I made a terrible mistake leaving you. I was so unfair to you, Gary. I blamed the paper and you. But it was all me. I see that now. I've grown up so much the last few years. I miss you. Henry misses you. Please give me a chance to prove to you that I can be good for you." She pleaded as she placed her hand on his face.

"Erica." He stated as he removed her hand. "Leaving me was the best thing you could have done for both of us. I'm getting married tomorrow night. Come Hell or high water, to the woman I love. Bailey."

Bailey smiled in the dim light of the corridor.

" I miss Henry too and tell him hello for me. It's late and you should really be going." He informed her.

Erica raised up on her tip toes and tried to kiss Gary. He grabbed her by the arms and stopped her.

"Just what do you think you are doing?!" Bailey demanded as she entered the office.

"What! Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?" Erica accused.

Bailey's patience with this woman was gone. "How dare you show up and try to get Gary back. Did it ever occur to you at anytime during the last two years to try to make it work with Gary? Why did you wait till he's engaged and days before his wedding to show up and try to change his mind." Bailey said trying very hard to keep from yelling.

Erica looked her up and down. "I was sizing up the competition and then I realized you are no real competition. You couldn't hold his attention for too long. It's just a matter of time and he will tire of you." Erica sneered.
That was it. The final straw. Bailey pulled back and landed a right hook across Erica's mouth.

Gary was shocked. His mouth forming an O.

"Why you little witch!' Erica said and lunged for Bailey.

Gary grabbed her. "Hold on just a minute. Stop it both of you. Bailey there is no need for you to hit Erica. And Erica, you need to go. What we were, what we had, if there ever was anything, is in the past. My future is with Bailey. I'm sorry, I really am. You, you just have no place here." He explained.

Erica rubbed her slightly swelling mouth. She looked at Gary then at Bailey. She narrowed her eyes. "I could press charges for assault, you know." She threatened.

"Let it go Erica, let it go." Gary said, fatigue evident in his voice.

Sadness and regret filled Erica's eyes. She sniffed slightly. She turned to leave, but not before she gave Bailey a parting glance of disgust.

Erica left through the kitchen. When she was gone, "Oh my God! I am actually certifiable." Bailey cried, as she shook her hand.

"Here let's get some ice for that." Gary offered.
Bailey sat on a stool in the kitchen as Gary wrapped some ice in a towel for her hand.

The kitchen door swung open. "What happened?" Chuck asked as he walked in, still looking back into the bar. "Oh!" He laughed when he saw Gary tending to Bailey's hand.

"You popped the blond chick?"

Gary shook his head in an attempt to warn Chuck not to say anything.

Chuck ignored him. "Was it a left or right hook?" Chuck questioned.

"A right hook." Bailey mumbled.

"Hah! " Chuck slapped Gary on the back. "You better stay in line buddy." He whistled. "I bet Erica won't need a collagen injection in her bottom lip any time soon."

With that Bailey stifled a laugh.

Gary and Chuck turned to look at her.

"It's not funny. I just assaulted a woman." She tried to say seriously.
The corner of Gary's mouth twitched. Chuck ducked his head and turned away.

"It's not funny!' She emphasized again.

"Aww, but honey. You're so cute when you're jealous." Gary teased.

"I wasn't jealous!"

Gary raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, all right. I was jealous. Why? I don't know. The girl needs her hair done. Her roots were showing." Bailey complained.

"Rowr!" Chuck said making clawing motions with his hand. "I wished I could have seen it." Chuck stated.

"Oh Chuck she was great! Didn't even see it coming. One second Bailey's standing there, cool as a cucumber, the next second she is Lennox Lewis." Gary gushed.

"Why is it that two women fighting, gets men going?" Bailey asked.

"Ah, well, you wanna explain, Gar?" Chuck asked.

"Ah, no, no,no. I'm going to take Bailey home. No explaining." He said blushing.

Bailey raised an eyebrow and smiled. He was so cute when he was embarrassed.

"I've got my car Gary. I'll drive myself home."

"What about your hand?"

She flexed it and winced a little. "It's all right. I can make it okay. But you can walk me to the car."

She kissed Chuck on the cheek. "Sweet dreams there, Chuck." She teased.

Gary held open the door for her. He looked back at Chuck who was giving him the thumbs up. Gary smiled and shook his head.

Bailey reached to open her car door. Gary reached around her and put his hand on the door stopping her. "Bailey pulled back to look at him. "Gary, I am really sorry about the way I have acted this week. First with Detective Brigatti and tonight with Erica. I shouldn't be causing you any more concern. You have so much to worry about with the paper."
Gary laughed softly. "You're only human. You can't do everything on your own. You've been under a lot of stress this week. Don't feel like you can't unload on me just because of the paper. I'm here for you just as you are for me. You need to let others help you every so often." Gary repeated advice Marissa had given him countless times before.

She leaned up against the Jeep. "You're so sweet." She said softly.

He put his other hand on the Jeep so he had her blocked in. He leaned in slowly. "Less than 24 hours." He whispered.

She got goose bumps up her arms. She loved to hear him whisper.

"Mm, hmm." She said as she cocked her head.

"Have I told you lately, how happy you've made me?" He whispered again.

She smiled and ducked her head, leaning her forehead on his chest. She wrapped her arms around his waist.

She raised her head and buried it in the warm spot of skin between his neck and shoulder. She inhaled deeply.

He moved his hand up to her hair and ran his fingers over it.

"You've made me the happiest woman in the world, Gary."

She tilted her head up and he kissed her, ever so softly.

"If only my parents weren't upstairs." He whispered against her lips.

"Gary!" She giggled as she pushed him away. "I need to get home. Now!" She stated.

He trapped her with his arms again. "But you want to stay, don't you?" He asked as he nuzzled her neck.

"Gooood, night, Gar, Gary." She murmured. Snapping out of it. "I'll see you tomorrow night." She said and kissed him again.

It was a while before she got in her Jeep and drove home.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
***************************

"Has he made it yet?" Bailey asked as Lois entered the room.
Lois rubbed her hands together. "No, but Gary will be here."

Bailey took a deep breath. She took Lois off to the side. "Did he say where he was going? What did he have to take care of?"

"There were just a few small incidents earlier today. Then he had to stop a child from drowning around 5:00 this evening. We knew it would be cutting it close..... You don't think something has happened?" Lois asked worriedly.

"No, I just need to get him a cell phone so I know where he is from now on." She laughed nervously.

There was a knock on the door. Emily opened it. "Chuck?"

"Oh, Wow!" He said. Emily blushed.

Bailey rushed over. "Gary?"

"Gary just called. He's not coming." He stated.

"What? NO!" Bailey screamed.

"Good morning Chicago. Looks like we have a beautiful day ahead of us."

Bailey sat up in bed. She hit the alarm clock. Her breathing labored. She ran her hands across her face. She was going to be sick. She got up and ran to the bathroom.

Bailey splashed cold water on her face. Her mind muddled in confusion. Had it all been a dream. What was real and what wasn't? She looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was as pale as a ghost. She shook her head trying to clear it. Was Gary real or had it all been a dream. Tears ran down her cheeks. She brushed them away and saw her ring. Relief flooded her. Reality was finally dawning on her. Gary was real. They were getting married. She had just had a doozy of a nightmare.

She heard a soft knock on the door. "Bailey are you okay in there?" She heard Emily ask.

Her voice cracked as she spoke. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be out in a minute."

~~~~~~~~
"Good Morning Chicago. Looks like we have a beautiful day ahead of us." Gary slapped at the alarm clock. "Meow! thump." Gary stretched then threw the covers back. He padded to the door and opened it. The cat sat staring up at him.

"You are going to take it easy on me today, aren't you? Well, let's have a look." Gary said as he shooed the cat off the paper and picked it up.

Lois had got up and put her robe on. "Morning Gary."

"Morning, Mom."

"Well, how does it look for today. Are there any conflicts with the wedding?" She asked.

Gary scanned through the paper. He heaved a sigh of relief. "No. The last thing I have is at
5 this evening."

"Gary, the wedding is at 6. Will you have enough time?" Lois asked concerned.

"Yeah, It's not too far from the church and I'll just have you take my tux with you and I will change there. It should be all right." He stated.

As he walked to the bathroom, he muttered to himself. "I hope it will be all right."
~~~~~~

"Bailey you have to eat something." Emily chastised. "You'll faint dead away if you don't."

"I don't feel like eating okay." Bailey rubbed her neck.

"Okay, fine." Emily retorted as she headed towards the bathroom.

Bailey walked over to the phone and picked it up. It was working. She put the phone back on the receiver. It immediately rang.

"Hello! Gary?" She asked hopefully.

"Bailey, it's Marissa. Is everything okay? You sound anxious."

"I'm fine. Have you talked to Gary today?" She asked.

"No, He had left by the time I got to McGinty's." Marissa answered.

"Oh, I was just wondering." Bailey said softly. "Lois said he left out pretty early this morning. He wanted to make sure he took care of everything in time for the wedding. I'm sure if he gets a minute he will call you." Marissa said encouragingly.

She knew how nervous a bride could get on her wedding day. Remembering back to how she had felt.

"I'm sure he will. Is everything okay at McGinty's? Do you need me to come by?"
"No everything is going like clockwork. All the employees are very fond of you and Gary and they are working extra hard to make this special for you."

Bailey smiled for the first time that day. "Tell them I said thank you very much. "

"I certainly will. Are we still meeting at the church at 4:00?" Marissa wondered.

"Yes, Miguel wanted to take pictures of us before the ceremony starts."

"Okay, I will be there. Take it easy today alright?"

Bailey said she would and they hung up.

"Ouuuuch!' Bailey heard Emily cry.

She ran to the bathroom. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, just waxing my legs. You want me to do yours?" Emily asked.

Bailey looked at her friend whose eyes were brimmed with tears. "I don't think so." She said as she shook her head and laughed in spite of herself.
~~~~~

Gary looked at his watch. 3:30. In less than three hours he would be a married man, again. He had some time before his next save and for some reason wanted to take time to visit someone.

He stood at the grave site of Lucius Snow. He didn't know why he felt the need to come here today. The last time he had been here was the day after Bailey had found out the true story surrounding her grandfather.

Gary pulled a note out of his pocket. He had thought of it this morning before he left the loft. He was in a hurry so had tucked it away in his pocket. Now he pulled it out of the envelope and read the words again.

Dear Gary,
I imagine by the time you get this letter, you've got a whole lot more questions than I have answers. I can tell you that I wasn't the first to get the paper, and I doubt that you'll be the last. But I am certain that by now, whatever debt you think you owe me has been paid in full a thousand times over. In this you've found your gift. And I know you serve it with honor.

I can tell you that we are the messengers between time and it's keeper. You of all people know how fragile life is. So somewhere between the pages of our newspaper, Gary Hobson, find time to live it."

Gary still seemed to have more questions about the paper than he thought he would ever receive answers to. Maybe it was best not to know. At least any farther than what was going to happen tomorrow. He smiled wryly.

Gary knew that Snow was involved in sending Bailey to him. That was one thing he didn't want to question.

"But I am certain that by now, whatever debt you think you owe me has been paid in full a thousand times over." Gary reread. Snow had saved his life all those years ago and he had saved it again through Bailey. And that was a debt Gary knew he would never be able to repay.

He folded the note and returned it to the envelope. There were still times he wondered if he could do this. Balance a marriage and the paper. Was it going to be fair to Bailey. Would she resent the time he had to spend taking care of the paper? It had been a harsh blow when Marcia left him. But he had recovered. Deep down he had known they were headed in separate directions but it had still hurt. He knew if Bailey ever left him he would never recover. She was his reason for living. He stood there staring at the headstone. Wishing he had all the answers. He looked at his watch. He turned to go. Then paused and took one last look at the stone.
~~~~

"Has he made it yet? Bailey asked as Lois entered the room.

Lois rubbed her hands together. "No. But Gary will be here."

Bailey took a deep breath. She took Lois off to the side. "Did he say where he was going? What did he have to take care of?" Suddenly Bailey was very cold.

"There were just a few small incidents earlier today. Then he had to stop a child from drowning around 5:00 this evening. We knew it would be cutting it close. You don't think something has happened?" Lois asked worriedly.

Bailey swallowed hard. "No, I just need to get him a cell phone, so I know where he is from now on." She laughed nervously.

This couldn't be happening. She put her hand on the wall to steady herself. The room pitched suddenly.

There was a knock on the door. Emily opened it. "Chuck?"

"Oh. Wow!' He said. Emily blushed.

Bailey rushed over. "Gary?"

"Gary just called..."

"What? NO!" Bailey screamed as the room went black and she collapsed into Chuck's arms.