Edward shifted uncomfortably in his pew, feeling like all eyes were upon him. He stood up and headed towards the aisle, but before he could move forward he caught sight of Veronica.
A dark thought crossed his mind. If Arthur was out of the picture, Veronica would be free.
Just as he was thinking that, Veronica looked up to see if anyone was going for help. Their eyes met and he felt like she could see right through him. With a guilty conscience, he shook the evil ideas out of his mind and stepped forward to offer his professional help.
Eileen followed Veronica and the paramedics to the ambulance. When she found out she wasn't allowed to ride to the hospital with her father, someone behind her spoke up, "Don't worry, I'll take you."
Eileen turned quickly and glared at Hector. "I'll drive myself."
"You're too upset to drive. You'll drive too fast and probably get yourself into an accident. Just let me give you a ride," he insisted.
"I'd rather get in an accident than take a ride from you." She walked past him and approached Lawrence and Audrey on the sidewalk. "If you're going to the hospital, can I ride along with you?"
"Of course," Lawrence nodded.
"Just let me say goodbye to Lucy and we'll go," she said, running back into the church.
Lawrence turned to Audrey, "I really should go. He's my boss. I can take you home first if you'd like."
"No, it's alright. You go ahead," Audrey replied. "I think I'll stay here for the rest of the wedding. I'll find a way home."
"Lucy!" Eileen called out as she saw her friend walking back to the bridal room. "I'm sorry, but I've got to go."
Lucy gave her friend a hug, "I know. I understand."
"But don't let this stop your wedding. Go, get married."
Lucy managed a quiet smile and nodded. "Let me know when there's news on your dad."
Lucy watched as Eileen hurried outside. Behind her she heard voices in the sanctuary murmuring. She could hear fragments of conversation. Everyone was wondering if the wedding was still on and where the bride had vanished to.
Unable to take anymore of the noise and the guests, Lucy retreated to the bridal room where she could be alone. She quietly closed the door and leaned back against it.
In all the chaos no one had time to think that the news had affected her at all. But why should they? She had done all she could to keep her father's mistakes a secret, but now it was all coming out and everything was falling apart.
Eileen paced in the waiting room, unable to stand still as Lawrence and Hector stood by helplessly. Finally, Hector felt that he had to do something. He reached out to her, gently touching her arm.
"Eileen . . ."
She pulled away from him. "Don't come near me!"
"I know you're upset about your dad, but I'm sure the doctors are doing everything they can. We'll hear something soon."
"Spare me your sympathy," Eileen snapped. "My dad wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."
"You can't blame me for this. I had no idea the news would hit him that hard."
"And why should I think you wouldn't try to kill my father too?"
Hector was speechless and couldn't hide the panicked and pained expression on his face. He quickly glanced over at Lawrence who seemed completely unfazed by Eileen's accusation. Looking from one to the other, he started to put the pieces together. "Fine," he said, his voice so cold that it was like ice. "If you don't want me here, I'll go. Call me if there's any news, will you?"
After Hector stormed out of the building, Eileen stood motionless in place, looking a little bit lost. When she realized that everyone else in the waiting room was staring at them following her outburst, she turned and looked at Lawrence who was staring uncomfortably at the floor. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause a scene. I've been so on edge with . . . everything . . . What am I going to do?" she asked collapsing into his arms.
Lawrence didn't have the answers, so he said nothing and just held her tight.
Craig rapped lightly on the door to the bridal room. "Lucy? Are you in there? Is everything alright?"
When he heard a quiet sob, he gently opened the door. He found Lucy sitting on the couch, leaning forward with her face buried in her hands. "Baby, what's wrong?" he asked. Taking a seat next to her, he leaned towards her and put one arm around her shoulders. "Come on, talk to me."
"Everything's such a mess," she cried. "And I don't know what to do."
"There's nothing you can do. Mr. Townsend is in good hands. I'm sure the doctors are giving him the best care possible."
"But the company-"
"There's nothing you can do about that either. Just let it go, ok? Right now all you should be concerned about is yourself and that little baby of ours. And you don't need to worry about that much either, because you've got me to take care of you both."
Lucy looked up at Craig and mustered a smile. "You always have, haven't you?"
"And I always will," he promised.
She closed her eyes and brought her lips to his, letting him hold her close. "Let's get married."
Edward had followed the ambulance to the hospital, ready to offer any assistance as necessary. The doctors on charge were ready to handle the situation, but he changed his suit jacket for a lab coat, just in case. His conscience wouldn't let him do any less.
He found Veronica waiting just outside of Arthur's room. "How is he? Any word?"
Veronica narrowed her eyes when she looked at him and answered in a low voice. "He's had a stroke, a mild one, but he hasn't regained consciousness yet."
"I'm sorry," he replied.
"Are you really?" she asked sarcastically, carefully keeping her voice down. "You should be after you nearly left him to suffer."
"Veronica-"
"You'd better hope my husband makes a full recovery, Dr. Wilton. Otherwise I will report your conduct to the hospital and I will see that you lose your licence. In any case I will never forget this."
"Dr. Townsend," a nurse called out as she peeked her head into the hallway. "Your husband's waking up."
Veronica rushed into the room, with Edward following behind at a distance. She hurried to the bedside where Arthur was opening his eyes. As she knelt at the side of his bed and smoothed the stray hairs away from his forehead, Edward quietly backed out of the room.
"How are you feeling?" she asked gently.
He took a deep breath and swallowed.
"Do you need a drink?" she asked reaching for a pitcher of water at the beside table. He grabbed her by the hand and bid her to stay.
"About the company," he managed to say.
"Honey, don't worry about the company. Just rest."
"Tell Lawrence he's in charge," he said before leaning back and closing his eyes again.
"Ok, I'll do that," she said, kissing his forehead lightly. "Just rest now. I'll be right here with you."
In the waiting room Eileen and Lawrence were still standing together in each other's arms. Neither realizing that the embrace was lasting much longer than necessary. As she rested her body against his, he stroked her dark hair and breathed in her perfume.
She knew it sounded cliche, but she felt safe in his arms. Something about being with him, just felt so natural and right. Suddenly a familiar feeling washed over her, causing her to flinch and Lawrence to step back.
"Are you ok?" he asked.
She stared into his eyes, curiously, like she was studying him. "I love you," she whispered.
Lawrence was so taken aback, he was sure that he must have misheard her. "I-" he started. "I'm seeing someone else."
Eileen shrunk back, deflated. She had to turn away to hide the hot flush that had come over her face.
They were spared the awkward moment that would have followed when Veronica came running towards them. "I have good news," she announced. "Your father's awake," she said to Eileen. "And there's a very good chance that he'll make a full recovery."
"Thank God," Eileen exclaimed and gave Veronica a hug.
Veronica also breathed a sigh of relief. "We're very lucky."
"Can I see him?" Eileen asked.
Veronica nodded. "You can go in for a minute or two, but if he's sleeping, don't wake him. He needs his rest." As Eileen started down the hallway, Veronica turned to Lawrence. "I have some news for you too. Art wasn't awake for long, but when he was he mentioned you. He wants you to take over the company. As things are right now I'm not sure if that's good news or not."
Lawrence was struck speechless. With everything that had happened in the last few minutes, he was starting to wonder if he was dreaming. "Tell him - tell him I'll do everything I can."
"I will. Thank you. I'm sure that will put his mind at ease.
As Veronica excused herself to return to Arthur's room, Lawrence turned to leave the hospital. He exhaled deeply and hoped he was up to the challenge.
Back at the church Lucy and Craig stood in front of what remained of the congregation as the minister finished reading their vows.
"And do you, Lucy, take Craig to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for better or for worse, as long as you both shall live?"
Lucy looked at Craig and smiled. "I do," she said solemnly.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
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