Eugenia was released from the hospital almost two weeks later. She was back to her old self, and she was very pleased with the welcome home party that she received. Edmund, the kids, Dimitri, Brooke, Hayley, Mateo, Trevor, Janet, Mrytle and of course, Ryan and Gillian had gathered for the occassion. Everyone talked and relaxed, enjoying the comfortable atmosphere. The party started to break up around nine. Soon, only Wildwind’s residents and Ryan remained.
“Eugenia. why don’t you let me have the honor of escorting you to your room?” Dimitri offered. He didn’t want his aunt to over excert herself on her first night back from the hospital.
“Good idea.” Eugenia rose from her seat on the couch and smiled at her remaining guests. “Thank you all,” she said.
“Me too, my darling.” Eugenia lowered her voice so only Gillian could hear her. “Soon you will be home where you belong.”
Gillian smiled. “I hope so,” she said wistfully.
Eugenia patted Gillian’s cheek. “I know so.”
Dimitri came over to help Eugenia to the stairs. “Good night, everyone,” he said.
Edmund watched them go. “Would you excuse me? I need to check on Sam and Maddie.”
Ryan came over to join Gillian. He had been standing with Hayley and Mateo and he had noticed the whispered conversation between Gillian and Eugenia.
“What were you and your grandmother talking about?” he asked. A stray piece of hair had fallen in her face, and he gently pushed it back.
Gillian smiled at her husband. “Going home,” she replied.
A look of confusion crossed Ryan’s face.
“I don’t understand.”
“You will my darling.” Gillian reached for his hand and placed it on her cheek. “Thank you for coming tonight,” she said.
“There isn’t anywhere else I would rather be,” Ryan replied. He stared into her beautiful brown eyes and saw her love for him reflected there. He bit his lip, wondering if he should ask the question that he had on his mind tonight, or wait a little longer.
Gillian gently traced Ryan’s lips with her fingertips. She could see there was something on his mind. They had gotten to know each other so well over the past few months. She could practically read his mind, and she knew that he could read hers.
“What is it, Ryan?” she asked.
Ryan smiled, pleased by the fact that she knew him so well. He decided it was time to ask her.
“Gillian,” he started.
“Hey guys, we’re still here,” Mateo reminded them.
Ryan and Gillian turned. Mateo and Hayley were leaning against the wall watching them. They laughed at the started expressions on their faces. Ryan and Gillian had clearly fallen into their own world. Mateo and Hayley had exchanged knowing smiles as the couple had talked. Their love for each other grew more and more obvious every time they were together. It was a beautiful sight to witness.
“If we’re in your way, we can go into the other room,” Ryan offered. He was embarrassed that he had completely forgotten they were there.
“Don’t be silly,” Hayley said. She loved seeing Ryan and Gillian together. They were finally getting the happiness they richly deserved.
“Tonight was fun. I think Eugenia got a kick out of all the people that were here,” Mateo said.
Ryan laughed. “She did seem pretty surprised when she walked in the door.”
“I didn’t get a welcome home party when I got out of the hospital,” Gillian joked.
“No one liked you then,” Hayley teased. “Come to think of it, I didn’t get a party either.”
“At least they didn’t cart you off to jail after you were released,” Ryan said. Even though his tone was light, painful memories stirred within him.
Gillian sensed her husband’s pain and put her arm around his waist. Ryan smiled gratefully.
“Okay, we’ve all been in the hospital, and for the record I didn’t get a party either,” Mateo said. “But let’s talk about something more pleasant.” He turned to Hayley. “Should we tell them?”
Hayley smiled. “I suppose we can tell them.”
“Tell us what?” Gillian asked. She could tell by the looks on their faces that they were very excited about something.
Mateo and Hayley exchanged another smile. Hayley spoke.
“We were going to wake you guys up bright and early tomorrow morning, but we didn’t want to scare you,” she said.
“Come on, don’t keep us in suspense,” Ryan said. He had no idea what they were going to say, but their excitement was contagious.
“Okay. Hayley and I are leaving for New York City tomorrow morning,” Mateo said.
Gillian frowned. “That’s your news?” She wasn’t able to hide her disappointment.
Ryan was more tactful than his wife. “What does that have to do with waking us up early?” he asked.
Hayley couldn’t wait any longer. “We’re going to New York so that we can get married again,” she said.
“That’s wonderful!” Gillian cried.
“Yeah, congratulations guys,” Ryan chimed in.
“Thanks. Trevor gave me the papers yesterday that made my divorce from Raquel official. We don’t want to waste any time,” Mateo said.
“Don’t you want to remarry with all your friends and family around?” Ryan asked.
“We thought about it. But big weddings really aren’t our thing. Besides, the town still hasn’t recovered from Tad and Dixie’s wedding,” Hayley said.
Mateo nodded. “Edmund is going to keep an eye on Max, and we’re leaving for the city bright and early,” he said.
“I’m really happy for you guys,” Ryan said. He knew how important it was for Hayley and Mateo to get remarried.
“There’s one more thing,” Hayley said. “We want you guys to come with us.”
“Really?” Gillian said in surprise.
Ryan was surprised too. “I thought you guys wanted to get away from everyone and do a private thing.”
“We do. But we also need some witnesses. We figured you two could use a mini vacation more than anyone,” Hayley said.
Ryan and Gillian exchanged a glance. They both knew they had been though their share of hardships and heartaches in the past year.
“When do we leave?” Gillian asked.
“Six o’clock. Do you think you can manage that?” Hayley asked.
Gillian nodded. “Sure,” she said.
“Well I had better get going if I’m going to get back here early,” Ryan said.
“Why don’t you just stay?” Mateo suggested. “It’s late. Besides, most of your stuff is still in your room.”
“Not a bad idea,” Hayley agreed. She put her arm around Mateo’s waist. “Come on honey,” she said.
“Good night, guys,” Mateo said.
“Good night,” Ryan and Gillian replied.
Gillian watched them walk up the stairs. “I’m very happy for them. They were both good to us when we needed them,” she said.
“They’re the best friends anyone could ask for,” Ryan agreed.
Gillian turned to her husband. “What were you going to say before?” she asked.
Ryan didn’t answer. He decided it wasn’t quite the right time to ask the question. But it would be very soon.
“It’s nothing that can’t wait. We should get some sleep too,” Ryan said.
“Does that mean you’re going to stay here?” Gillian asked.
Ryan nodded. “Yeah,” he said.
Gillian was pleased. She knew they wouldn’t be staying in the same room, but she was happy knowing that Ryan would be just down the hall. She thought about the words her grandmother had whispered to her before she had gone upstairs. Gillian hoped that she would be home with Ryan soon.
“Gillian. Where did you go?” Ryan asked.
“I’m sorry. Did you say something?”
Ryan smiled at his wife. “I asked you if you were ready to go upstairs,” he said.
Gillian nodded. “I haven’t been getting much sleep lately,” she admitted.
“That’s what I figured,” Ryan said. He reached for her hand. “Come on.”
The next morning, the two couples headed for New York. Dimitri loaned them his private jet so they wouldn’t have to deal with the commercial airlines. The four friends sipped champagne and talked about cheerful things as the flight cruised toward New York. Negativity was not going to be a part of this trip.
Once they arrived in New York, Hayley found a justice of the peace. Her father had made a few phone calls to make sure that they had a license and all the other necessary paperwork ahead of time.
Ryan and Gillian stood behind Hayley and Mateo as they exchanged their vows. Ryan and Gillian smiled at each other as the judge spoke the familar words. They were both lost in thoughts of their own wedding.
When they were declared man and wife, Mateo didn’t waste any time pulling Hayley into a passionate kiss. Ryan pulled Gillian closer to him.
“Maybe we should leave the room,” he joked.
Gillian smiled. “They don’t remember that we’re here,” she said.
Mateo and Hayley broke apart and smiled at their friends.
“Congratulations,” Ryan said.
“Thanks.” Hayley was beaming. “We really appreciate you guys coming with us,” she said.
“You’re very welcome. Are you planning on taking a second honeymoon?” Gillian asked.
Mateo nodded. “Definitely. We’re leaving for the Carribean tonight. We’re taking a regular flight, so you two can take the jet back to Pine Valley,” he said.
“Thanks man,” Ryan said.
The two couples said their good-byes and Hayley and Mateo took a cab to the airport. Ryan and Gillian lingered outside the office.
“Should we get a cab too?” Gillian asked.
Ryan shook his head. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t we stay in the city for a couple of days?” he suggested.
Gillian’s eyes lit up. “Really?” she asked.
“Yeah. We’ll see the sights and have some fun. How does that sound?”
“Wonderful!” Gillian threw her arms around Ryan’s neck. “I love you, Ryan,” she said.
Ryan returned the hug. “I love you too. Now, let’s have some fun.”
