Dear reader, welcome back to The Bookacy Family Alphabet Adventures!

This is chapter 36, and the second part of a double update. Let's get right back to where we left off, shall we? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Do you think he'll come? Oh yeah. He will come. How can you be so sure? Well, honestly, I can't. But with the information we've given him, I'd be rather surprised if he didn't.

At that moment, Cyrus and Chris asked for the guests' attention again. Alright, friends! The sun has now set, meaning that the official part of the wedding will commence soon. In about a half an hour, we'll have the marriage ceremony, and after that the cake will be cut. Now Chris and I will go inside for some last minute preparations. Meanwhile, have fun!

Are you ready then? asked Chris as the crowd again disassembled to continue with their chatter. We're almost there. As ready as I'll ever be, said Cyrus, a slight tremble in his voice. Shall we go inside to get ready?

But before they could go anywhere, Sean walked up to them with a new guest in tow. Cyrus, I believe you know Count Pao Howe already? Chris, this is Count Pao. Count, the soon to be mr. and mrs. Jalowitz. Yes, myself and mr. Bookacy have indeed met before, the count nodded towards Cyrus with a friendly smile. And it is a pleasure to meet you, miss Jalowitz. Thank you for extending the invitation to me, it is truly a pleasure. And if I may so, you look absolutely stunning tonight. Nice to meet you too, and it's very nice to have you here tonight, Chris said smiling back. And thank you, she added, cheeks blushing with flattery.

After the young couple had excused themselves and disappeared inside to tidy up, Sean and Count Pao were left alone by the wedding arch. Anything new? No. He has all the information he asked for, and I believe he is convinced that this is his best chance. Sean nodded. Thank you for coming, he said after a moment of silence. Of course. You do realize that if he sees you here, he is going to know you had a part in this?

A few days earlier... You wished to see me, mr. Chamcha. Yes. Thank you for coming on such a short notice, count Howe. That was no inconvienience at all. What is it that you wish to speak about? I became curious about something you mentioned in passing last week. You did, mr. Chamcha?

You have said earlier that there will be a rather big wedding in the family soon. Yes. Or well, to be precise, it is one of several rather big weddings in the family as of late. Yes, yes. But this one is the biggest of all. The wedding of the spare and his popularity sim fiance. Yes, that is quite true. This wedding takes place in three days. But why would it be of interest to us?

Well, I have thought and thought about this. If I am to bring my Author back, it requires that I either force the family to break their own protection, or alternatively, bring the whole Legacy to a halt. For either of which purposes it seems that I will be required to kill an heir. Yes, so you have said. And according to what I already know, it seems that killing an heir at the Legacy mansion would be highly difficult, if not impossible, since the house is very well protected. There is, according to my knowledge, at least a state-of-the-art alarm system, as well as a security robot. Possibly there are other means of protection I am not aware of. An attempt at the life of the current heiress at the Legacy mansion would be foolish, and very unlikely to succeed. On the other hand, the residences of the extended family are much less protected.

... and thus you are contemplating on making an attempt at the heiress' life at the upcoming wedding? I am certainly considering it. Of course, it is still quite dangerous. With the number of sims present, there would be a very high risk that someone would notice before it is too late. On the other hand, perhaps the crowd would work in my favor, and it would be easier to blend in. I should also have the benefit of surprise in my favor. I doubt they even consider the possibility that I would appear in the midst of such an event. I suppose you are correct, mr. Chamcha. It is, of course, risky, but any attempt at a Legacy heiress' life would be risky. At least to me, it would sound a far better plan than attempting to gain access into the Legacy mansion. That is my idea as well, Count. Now, would you think it would be possible for you to gather some information for me about the wedding? Such as the guest list and the schedule, possibly a map of the surroundings of the wedding house?

Absolutely, mr. Chamcha. I have a number of reliable sources, and I am sure to be able to provide you with this information.

Excellent. Thank you, Count. Please report as soon as possible. I will.

He is aware that I am an acquintance of the family and would not be surprised to see me at a gathering such as this. Also, if this succeeds, he is going to know I had a part in this whether I am here or not. And if this succeeds, I should not have to be concerned about it. Not for a long time at least. I'm sorry. Do not apologise, Sean. I have caused my own situation, and this is my best chance to change it. Well, at this point, we've done everything we can. We have. Now we cannot but wait.

Hi sis. Enjoying the party? Yeah, it's nice to get out of the house a bit. And this is the one wedding everyone's been waiting for. That's true. Clearly Chris has made a big effort with the decorations, too. Yeah, and I can't believe the flowers are looking that good at this time of the year! That's quite an achievement. I wonder what she's done with those, I mean...

... and so since we needed someone to look after Dirk anyway, George promised to babysit all the little ones. It's really nice of him, there are quite a few of them. Yes, yes, it's true. That must be a handful even for George, who's quite efficient and handy from what I understand. Oh yeah, he is. I don't know how we'd manage without him. Yeah. Anyway, I'm sure this solution is for the best. For everyone. I mean, they're all quite little, they couldn't possibly deal with such a long occasion. Absolutely. Oh, by the way, have you heard about...

... so overall, things are going quite nicely. That's very nice to hear, Margaret. Oh, I'm sorry, I think Bill is gesturing towards me there, he probably wants to talk to me. Oh, it's okay. It was nice talking to you, see you later then. You too, Margaret, you too. Send my regards to Clyde. I will.

You wanted to talk to me?, said Aadam, taking a position by Bill's side. Well, yeah. I just thought maybe two pairs of eyes would be better than one. Have you seen anything so far? Nothing. Same here. I wonder if Sean is right. If he'll come. I don't know. It's been a long while since I last understood him at all. Bill gave Aadam a sympaethic pat on the shoulder, and the two men continued watching the yard in silence.

Meanwhile, behind the decorative hedge, there was a tall, dark figure in a suit. He was carefully peeking over the hedge, while making sure no one on the other side would see him.

Brilliant. No one is looking in my direction. As long as I can climb the hedge without being noticed, I can easily blend in with the guests. No one expects me, and no one would likely even recognize me were they to see me.

In one swift movement, the man was on top of the hedge. They are all engaged in their discussions. No one is looking this way.

And just as quickly he was again on the ground, on the other side of the hedge, not having made a sound. Now, only to act natural and blend in. I will be gone before they even realize what happened.

Isn't it funny, that play of light in Carl's hair?, said Aadam idly, nodding to his left. It looks so much darker from this angle. Bill looked in the direction of Aadam's gaze and blinked. Aadam... Carl is over there, talking to Ira, he said slowly. That guy... isn't him. In the split second when Aadam was jus about going to utter: Then who... the moonlight showed a part of the man's face. It was extremely pale. The man was calmly walking forward, and when Aadam looked at the direction where he seemed to be heading, he saw Cho.

There was a carefully practised procedure for this exact situation, but when the realization hit Aadam, he couldn't remember any of it. For a fleeting moment he felt an odd feeling in his throat and thought... Maybe he wouldn't be able to act at all. No one else would notice, and his father would just keep walking until he reached Cho... IT'S HIM! Aadam shouted at the top of his lungs, and he heard Bill do the same. Then several things seemed to happen all at once.

Wedding guests all around the lawn turned around, looking for the source of the voice. What? It's who? Who shouted? 'Him?' Who 'him'?

The members of operation White Dove had heard their call. I'm sorry Weldon! cried Laura as she knocked over several chairs as well as her son-in-law, and rushed forward.

Beth, quick! I'm right behind you, just run!

Aadam felt everything happened in slow-motion. He ran, but he could never make it on time... He saw Sean bounce off his seat and leap across the table, count Pao throw himself forward... His father had stopped a small distance from Cho, and reached for his pocket...

The deafening yell came from several mouths at once. HE'S GOT A WAND!

Wand? What? Cho, run, IT'S HIM! shrieked Claire.

Salahuddin Chamcha pointed his wand at Cho, small, green sparkles emitting from it... They would not make it,they could never make it...

OH NO NO YOU DON'T! Following the yell from behind him, Aadam saw a bright light shoot by his right shoulder...

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH! Salahuddin screamed in agony, dropped his wand... and fell on the ground.

As the members of the operation stumbled into a halt and tried to avoid falling themselves, there was a voice from behind Aadam: Thought I was just an old, harmless green gay guy, Chamcha? Think again, said Bill in an icy voice and stuffed a still sparkling magic wand into his pocket.

Seeing that Salahuddin had fallen, the members of the operation started to approach him carefully, as if he could jump up any moment and start throwing spells at them.

Only then the full extent of what had nearly happened started to sink in to the spectators. He's... he's... That's...

Cho, are you alright? Did something hit you?

There were running steps, as Cyrus and Chris had heard noice and were rushing from inside to see what happened, and as Carl ran to check on his ladies. I... don't..., mumbled Cho and swayed. Cho?

CHO!

Veronica! Audrey! Are you alright? Oh honey, you're trembling. He was... right... there... In his worry over Audrey and Veronica, Carl hadn't even noticed that his cousin had fallen on the ground.

But someone else had. For those who happened to look in the right direction, there was only a flash of red hair as a young man spurted towards the fallen heiress. Cho! Oh my plumbbob, CHO!

Within seconds Claire, Nicholas and Baudolino were all kneeled by Cho. Cho? tried Claire, shaking her cousin slightly. Is she alright? What happened? Nicholas tried to contain his panic. Bailey? Bailey, please come over here! called Baudolino. Bailey was already on his way. Is she alright? asked Baudolino as Bailey knelt beside Cho and examined her. Yes, she's merely fainted, he announced after a while. But it's not good for her to lay here on the ground in the middle of the winter. Let's take her inside. I trust a young, healthy fellow such as you, he pointed at Nicholas, can carry her?

A few moments later, Cho came around on her brother's couch, leaning on a knee that felt somewhat familiar and surrounded by concerned family. Carefully, Cho, she heard Bailey say, don't try to get up too quickly or you might just faint again. Sweetie, are you alright? asked Baudolino, and Chris, Cyrus, Nicholas and Claire let out an audible sigh of relief when she nodded. I think so.

Nicholas couldn't help but smile a little. Glad you came to visit, he said playfully. Nicholas...? Cho said, still disoriented. I didn't know you were here. Nicholas was going to reply, but at this time Chris seemed to realize something and she took over. Bailey, could you please see to Cho, make sure she's alright. Baudolino, go see if Marylena needs any help. She's looking after Weldon who got his head bumped. Nicholas, a word with you, please come over here.

So... what's up? asked Nicholas once he and Chris were alone in what appeared to be her and Cyrus' bedroom. Chris laughed drily. I haven't seen on heard from you for... plumbbob knows how long, I didn't even know if you were coming to my wedding or not, and now that you're here all of the sudden, the first thing I hear from you is 'what's up'? I'm sorry, said Nicholas and he looked like he was. I... I haven't... well, you know it, I haven't really felt up to talking to anyone or anything, it's been... bad. I know. I've been trying to reach you for ages, I was wondering if you were dead or something. I thought Ryker would tell you... He did. That's why I didn't call the cops.

Look, said Nicholas, I'm sorry I've been out of touch. It's been pretty bad for me lately, but now I can... now I can at least pretend I'm on my feet again. Okay. Just don't do that again. Next time, I will call the cops, regardless of what Ryker says. I won't. Good. Chris' tone of voice changed. Now you did feel up to coming here tonight. What changed your mind? Nicholas looked slightly embarassed. Well... I wasn't going to, at first, but Ryker's been telling me that you'd be very upset if I didn't come. So today I figured I should at least come by, see the ceremony and congratulate you and Cyrus afterwards. Then I was going to leave before hopefully too many sims saw me. Chris knew exactly what Nicholas meant by too many sims.

You didn't seem too unhappy about seeing her just a couple of minutes ago, Chris pointed out. I know. It was great to see her, it's not that, just... Dammit, I'm still in love with her, and I can't even hide it, Nicholas said, anguished. I know the situation's just impossible, she's married now and if that professor of hers ever realizes... Chris interrupted him. That was the other reason I wanted to talk to you. Besides scolding you for shutting your friends outside like an idiot, I mean. Nicholas didn't say anything, knowing he deserved the sting. Had you not done that, you'd already know. Know what?

That 'that professor of hers' is not a professor of hers. He didn't marry her, said Chris. What? But I saw them! said Nicholas, utterly confused. I saw them get married! Ah yeah, Ryker did mention that he thought he saw a glimpse of you at the ceremony. Let me guess: you couldn't bear to watch, so you left in the middle of it? Yeah, but... Nicholas froze off in the middle of the sentence. The truth started to dawn to him. That's what I've been trying to tell you: Eric left Cho at the altar.

So... you're telling me... Nicholas said slowly, you're telling me Cho's not married? Yes, that's what I'm telling you. Now, I want you to do... No, I want you to not do two things. First, don't run off anywhere or hide in a corner and panic about this new information. And second, don't do anything stupid such as confess your undying love to Cho and send her running to the hills. I want you to stay here, for my wedding, chew on that information and not scare my guests away. Can you do that for me? I... I think so. Good boy, said Chris and patted Nicholas on the shoulder. Now, do as I said, and try not to cause a mess. I think I need to see if I can find Sean. With that, she dashed out the room and left Nicholas with a head full of thoughts.

A short while earlier, at the yard. Is he... Marsha asked quietly, unable to finish, as Sean kneeled over the unmoving Salahuddin and gently poked his side.

No, he's not, said a voice behind them, and the members of the operation turned around. It was Bill, who'd now come to follow the situation closer.

If he was dead, I would have felt it, Bill said simply, that's what I've been told. And besides, I'm a good wizard, I wouldn't even be able to cast such a powerful dark spell. What is it that you did do, then? asked Aadam, who was the first to get his mouth open. Oh, that was just an ordinary, if a bit exaggerated, stunning spell. I, uh, might have been a bit high on adrenalin, so there was a little bit more force to it than I meant. But he's merely knocked out. I didn't even know you were a wizard, commented Laura. Not many do, Bill replied. I have been for a while; Salahuddin Chamcha may think so, but he's not the only one with connections in this town. I'm best friends with Lydia Knight the Infallibly Good Witch, and some time ago, before my elder birthday, I asked her to turn me. When no one said anything, he continued, somewhat apologetically: I didn't mean to keep it from you guys. It's just... Since I've never been in Law Enforcement or Criminal or anything such, like most of you, I haven't been part of these operation type of things. I guess I felt that even if I'm just an artist, or maybe because, I should have something special up my sleeve. Before anyone could say anything, Sean noted: At the ready, he's coming around.

And so he was. They saw a dazed Salahuddin Chamcha, who was trying to push himself into a sitting position and clearly trying to remember what had happened. Sean spoke up. Count Pao, would you please take care that any remaining sims on the yard stand back, or even go inside if possible. We're not taking any more risks. Certainly. Perfect.

Sean looked up, and out of the corner of is eye, he saw Carl, who was slowly escorting his pregnant ladies across the lawn. He was apparently the last non-member of the operation in sight. Then his gaze fixated on Marsha, who looked him straight in the eye, determined. Marsha, would you like to do the honors?

Marsha nodded slowly, and Sean saw her clench her fists. With pleasure, Sean.

Marsha lifted Salahuddin off the ground, took his wand and pocketed it, and then cuffed his hands behind his back. Salahuddin Chamcha, you are under arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law...

Marsha and Sean were beginning to walk the handcuffed Salahuddin away, but after a few steps he stopped and turned to look to his right, as much as the cuffs would allow him. Recognition flashed in his eyes. ... Aadam?

Tears were glistening in Aadam's eyes, but steadily he returned Salahuddin's gaze, without uttering a word. Joy's demeanor was equally silent. Move along, Chamcha, said Marsha's stern voice, and another realization seemed to hit Salahuddin. Sean pushed him lightly, and he had no choice but to obey.

He recognized you. Yes. Are you worried? For myself? No. I will be long dead by the time he gets out of jail, as will anyone else involved in tonight's operation, except perhaps count Pao. For the future generations who will have to encounter him again? Yes, very. I know him, Joy. And thinking of what a long period locked up by himself might do to him... I'm not sure if we did the right thing today. I know him too. But clearly, had we not done what we did, Baudolino and Marylena would have lost another child soon. We had no choice. After a moment of silence, Joy asked: All the others are inside. Should we...? Aadam replied in a barely audible voice: This might be the last time I ever see my father. And so they stood there and watched, long after Marsha, Sean and Salahuddin had disappeared from sight.

Some time later, Sean found Chris awaiting him on the front porch. Me and Marsha have handed him over to the Alphabetia police. They'll probably want to talk to some of us, but not tonight, he reported sounding tired. Marsha and Laura have taken some of the guests with themselves to the Custers next door, with especially the pregnant ladies in mind, as they have a big house with several bathrooms. Laura also mentioned some quick snacks. Chris nodded. Good. Sean sighed. Chris, I owe you an apology. I'm so sorry for having to turn your wedding into a police operation. Chris let out a small, dry laugh. I can't say I'm not the slightest bit upsetby this, Salahuddin Chamcha becoming the main character in what was supposed to be my and Cyrus' day, but from what I've already heard, something like this would have happened sooner or later whether you did any operations at my wedding or not. Besides...

... I don't think I'm even the one you most should apologize to, she said, nodding towards Baudolino who had just silently entered the porch through the main door. You put my daughter's life at risk. There was more sheer horror than accusation in his voice. I know, and I'm sorry, said Sean, giving Baudolino a pained look. I can't pretend everything was as much in control as I believed it would be. Chamcha got much, much closer to Cho than we had expected, and I don't dare to think of what may have happened if it wasn't for Bill. Really, what saved us, what saved her was a stroke of luck, and I'm ashamed to tell you this.

My only defense is that as we can see from the result, your daughter was already at risk. But I know this whole operation could have easily turned into something very ugly, and I'm the one responsible for that. I'm so sorry, Baudolino. Baudolino wasn't able to speak, so he just nodded. How is she? Sean then asked Chris. She'll be fine. Marylena and Bailey say that she needs to rest for a bit longer, but she should be on her feet soon. Bailey's now also checked on Weldon, whom Laura knocked over. He got a bump in his head, but otherwise he seems to be fine. That's good.

How much longer do you think it'll take for the rest of the guests get back from the Custers? Chris asked Sean. I can call Laura and ask, but I'd think probably not more than a half an hour. Good. I think Cho and Weldon should be on their feet then too. Chris, started Baudolino, seeing where her train of thought was going, It's perfectly okay if you don't feel like going through with this right now. I'm sure everyone will understand. Chris shook her head. No. The only thing I'm worried about is whether the guests can still do it after such a long and eventful day, especially since so many of them are pregnant or have fallen on their backs or have performed other stunts today. I'm sure we can manage, if you can, assured both Baudolino and Sean. But only if you're sure.

Chris smiled. Good. Because personally, the only thing I currently see wrong with this wedding, is that I'm not married yet.

Meanwhile, inside. Hey, said Cho. Hey, replied Nicholas. So I see you're sitting up. I hope you're feeling better? Oh I'm just fine. Mom and Bailey just won't let me get up yet they'd rather have me laying down, but since I refused that, they insisted that I at least sit for a while yet. Okay. So probably it's the best to do as they say. Cho let out a laugh. To prevent the argument, if nothing else. Yeah.

So it really is you, said Cho after a while. Huh? It's really you. You know, it's been a while since I've heard from you. I didn't believe it at first. Oh, that, said Nicholas, rubbing his neck. Yeah, umm... Sorry about that. Chris just gave me a welldeserved lecture on the topic and I hope I've learned my lesson. I've... I've kind of a had a rough time recently and I may have neglected my friends. I'll try not to do that again. Oh, said Cho, concerned. I hope it's nothing too bad? Err... Well it was kind of tough yeah but... I think I can manage now. It's... It's a long story, I'll tell you some other time, okay? Okay, said Cho. I may not have been the best friend myself recently, but you know you can talk to me if you want.

Cho got up and looked at Nicholas for a long time. He wondered whether he should say I thought you were supposed to sit down but he couldn't get it out of his mouth. As the silence continued, all he could get said was: What is it?

Oh, nothing, nothing. Just some memories of the old times. I just remembered something someone said to me recently and was wondering...

... nevermind, I'm not making any sense. But... I'm so glad to see you again, Nicholas. I'm glad to see you again too.

And so, after all was said and done, it seemed that indeed the wedding of the day would involve a marriage ceremony. The Bookacies may have been tired, they may have experienced a shock, they may have been bumped their head or fallen to the ground, but each and every one of the guests wanted to be there for the ceremony. So they put on a smile, and somehow miraculously, the situation slowly started feeling like the happy family reunion it was supposed to be.

When she was ready, Chris stepped under the arch and watched the chattering family.

She smiled. In a few moments, it would officially be her family too.

And suddenly, Cyrus was there too. Are you ready? I've always been ready. Then let's roll.

They took a moment just to stand there under the arch, looking each other deep in the eye, in full confidence and trust. Slowly every eye started to draw towards the couple, slowly the last bit of chatter died out.

Cyrus Bookacy. I've been in love with you for a long time. Definitely longer than you've known, possibly longer than I've known. What that means to me, is I enjoy being with you, more than anything else, and I want to spend my life with you.

I want to throw parties with you, I want to invite our friends over for dinner with you. I want to travel the world with you, and work on our careers with you.

I want to be with you when I burn my pancakes. I want to be with you when you get a bad chance card. Eventually, I want to grow old with you, enjoy my twilight years with you, and in the very end, leave together with you.

That's what I mean by love, and now if I get at least some of those things, I'll be happy. For better and for worse, you're my best friend and I love you.

Cyrus Jalowitz. I'm not the most romantic guy in the world, and I might be blind to some things that would have been obvious to others. There's been a time when I've worried that maybe I'm not able to live up to the expectation, to give you the love you deserve. But life with you have made me realize something.

It's made me realize that what you hope to have is only what I am already giving you. My friendship, my trust, my loyalty, my time and my effort. My wanting to be with you, and never giving up on you. In other words, my love.

That love I want to give to you, every day, for the rest of my life. And we will try our hardest to do as many of those things we want to do together as we possibly can.

Because, as you know, as you've always known... You're my best friend, and I love you.

Now, mrs. Jalowitz, said Cyrus quietly to Chris, how about we have some cake? Chris grinned. That, mr. Jalowitz, is an excellent idea.

And no one objected to the delicious chocolate cake Chris had specifically ordered for the wedding.

Even if Cyrus could have done with less cake than he got in his first mouthfull...

 it was still the most delicious cake he'd had for decades, perhaps ever.

The young couple started the cake and posed for the camera...

 and after them, the whole extended family warmly welcomed the midnight snack.

The stress of the day and evening started to fade, and although tired, the Bookacies were in a great mood.

When some guests had already left, after giving the newlyweds their best wishes, and while the others were lingering at the tables, contemplating whether they should have yet one more slice of cake, Cyrus opened a bottle of champagne he'd been saving for this occasion. So, this is it, then, he said, handing Chris a glass. We're officially married. Yep, that's it, said Chris. And it was everything I hoped for, she added, beaming at him. When Cyrus looked amused, she added: Well, not exactly the part where some lunatic tried to attack one of our guests, or where the whole wedding turned into a huge police operation, no. But... Cyrus laughed. Yeah. But at least we can say afterwards that the wedding was 'memorable'. Chris chuckled, too. That it definitely was. And well, I know it sounds kind of weird, but otherwise everything went just beautifully. She gave Cho a sideways glance. Maybe better than anyone expected. Cyrus raised a questioning eyebrow, but she just smiled. We'll see.

Yeah, said Cyrus, in the end, things went well. I'm glad you're happy with your big party, too. I suppose it's worth a toast. Definitely. A toast to... us. May the years bring happiness and joy. To us, said Cyrus, raising his glass. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ And this, dear reader, marks the end of chapter 36 in The Bookacy Family Alphabet Adventures. I hope you've enjoyed the ride, and I wish you welcome on board again for chapter 37. Until then, happy simming!