By StarbearerTM

Disclaimer: KISS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons are real persons, and this story is not meant to harm or demean them in any manner. It is a work of fiction. Trynia Merin and other characters are property of the author. Rated R for sexual content and language, so no readers under 18 please.

My thanks to Starchildschiq and Eisencookie for help and suggestions with this story!

Bright sunlight streamed in through the window, and Trynia threw her hand momentarily over her eyes to screen it out. From behind her eyelids she saw orange, and felt someone shaking her gently yet vigorously. "Wakey-wakey, bride to be!" Terri cheerfully chirped.

"Rise and shine, up and at 'em!" Carolyn's voice joined Terri's. Trynia mumbled and turned over, throwing her pillow at both women.

"How can you be so darn cheerful," she mumbled.

"This is IT, it's your WEDDING day, silly!" Carolyn teased. She pulled Trynia's hand from over her eyes, while Terri yanked the covers off of her.

"Ten more minutes!" Trynia moaned.

"Chop chop, young lady, get up now," Terri urged, grabbing her hands and pulling her up. "This is your big day, not to mention your soon to be husband will kick my ass if we don't deliver his blushing bride at the appointed time!"

Trynia responded with an incomprehensible string of mutterings at being awakened out of a sound sleep. Sure she knew this was the red-letter day, but the trouble it had taken her getting to sleep in the first place put a damper on the excitement. All she wanted at that moment was coffee, and a trip to the lavatory.

"Make way for the bride," she muttered, rushing past Carolyn to the bathroom.

"There we go... fresh coffee, and donuts," said Terri.

"Ugh," Trynia responded.

"She's never been a morning person," Carolyn threw up her hand. "But give her some coffee..."

"She's pregnant, I'm not giving her caffeine!" Terri protested.

"I'll let you tell her that it's decaf then," said Carolyn.

***

A cheerful knock at the door later and the living room was transformed into a makeshift beauty parlor. Hair was teased and makeup applied in a frenzy of whispers and rustling slips. Trynia patiently sat down as her sister, best friend and other fellow grad students all argued over the best colors to compliment a silver lame gown.

The makeup artist practically had her implements whisked out of her hands as Sharmane and Erica took over. She glanced helplessly at Terri who said, "Don't' worry, it's a family affair..."

"How about us?" Carolyn joked. "Can you save our faces?"

The makeup artist chuckled, and set to work with the other maids of honor. However, when the hairstylist set to work, it was hands off. Nobody could tease Trynia's hair into such a lovely twist of flowers and braids as she could, with a bit of added false hair for body. This even included a lovely tiara with a long veil, thrown back for the time being.

"Wow," Carolyn got out, when Rochelle held up the mirror and clapped her hands in appreciation.

"Excellent job Armand," she complimented her stylist, hired for the duty.

"You are a fairytale princess indeed," he clapped his hands.

"Aww man," Trynia began to blush. "It's just... so... so..."

"Perfect," Terri complimented. "Now... the gowns... and we'll make double sure that we not mess a hair on that sculpture up..."

In various stages of dress themselves, Terri brought out the hanging zip up bag and Carolyn extracted the shimmering vision in soft silver lame. Taking Trynia's hand, Sharmane helped her up while Terri and Carolyn lifted the dress over Trynia's head. Rochelle's hand over Trynia's tiara kept it in place while they maneuvered the dress down and over her. Soon the zipper was tugged with a definitive sound and she was inside the garment that had caught her eye several months before.

"A tea length," muttered Carolyn. "Nice... but it isn't so traditional..."

" You don't want me to trip and fall going down the aisle, do you?" Trynia joked.

"Silver slippers for Dorothy as she goes to oz," said Sharmane, pulling out the shoebox and helping Trynia to step into the two shoes dyed to match.

"Now, we need something old," said Terri.

"Grandma's cameo," said Carolyn pulling out a box.

"I can't wear that..."

"Yes you can," said Carolyn, slipping a hand into Trynia's bodice and pinning the antique cameo at her breast, just above one shoulder of the v shaped plunging neckline.

"Something borrowed," Terri said. "Wait a second..."

She darted upstairs and soon returned with a beautiful pearl choker. She clasped it around Trynia's neck, eliciting a gasp of protest from Trynia, "I can't wear this..."

"Gene gave me this. Pearls are for good luck..."

"Something new," Trynia nodded, and reached for the diamond solitaire pendant, handing it to Terri. She held both ends of the chain and clasped them at Trynia's neck.

"Something blue," said Carolyn, twirling the garter around her finger. "The most necessary part..."

"We can't forget that. Just think how much fun Paul will have taking THAT off of you," Sharmane joked.

"Terrific," Trynia giggled nervously, slipping the garter up her stockinged leg. The band of blue ribbon amidst the lace stood out against silver and white. She lowered the sea of lame around it and stood before the mirror.

"Now, we can get you to the church on time," Terri breathed. "Isn't she ready gals?"

"Oh god Aunt Tryn, you look GORGIOUS!" Erica squealed in delight, pressing her hands together.

"This is your day, sis," Carolyn smiled, handing her the small drawstring purse made of the same material. For a moment, she beheld her reflection, drinking in all the details of this moment to freeze it forever in her memory like so many others this day. All the hurt of the previous night she forced into a secret corner of her mind, determined not to let it mar the best time of her life.

"Ready?" Terri asked her. Everyone else in the meantime finished dressing herself; their matching violet gowns all hissing with the whisper of silk when they gathered around. Glancing around at her bridesmaids, Trynia marveled how diverse they were, and yet how the same color purple accentuated each women in her unique manner. From Sharmane's toffee complexion to Carolyn's freckled fair skin, the full spectrum of experience and race seemed to be represented.

"Tryn, you're styling," said Sharmane, giving her a brief kiss to her brow. "My own COUSIN didn't look this incredible..."

"Shar... knock it off, I'm starting to tear up..." Trynia sniffed.

"Can't do that," Sharmane whispered. "My roomie can't mess up her lovely makeup for her man."

"C'mon ladies, lets get a picture," said Rochelle. She handed her camera to Armand, and gestured the others to congregate around Trynia. They put on their best smiles as they clustered in various poses till they heard Gina cough discreetly.

"Ladies, the limo's here..."

"Sis, you ready?" Carolyn asked Trynia.

"Tryn?" Terri asked.

"Let's go," she breathed.

"Hope the guys shake a leg," Sharmane laughed.

"I'll bet you my uncle Paul's going to be helping all the ushers straighten out their ties," Erica giggled to Rochelle.

"That's Paul, the perfectionist," Rochelle laughed back. "You should have seen him on our first date..."

"Art's like that," said Melanie, following her friends out after Trynia, Terri and Carolyn lead the way. Erica stuck close to Melanie and Sharmane, two girls who were close to her in age. Rochelle, the oldest of the bridesmaids enjoyed the down to earth friends Trynia had flown out to participate in the wedding. Carolyn stayed not far from Terri, both women exchanging small stories about their respective baby experiences when they climbed into the limo. Gina climbed in front next to her husband Chris, and they were underway, pulling out of the driveway before Paul's house toward the direction of the highway.

"Stay STILL Gene," Paul urged him, straightening the tie into a perfect Windsor knot.

"Shit, why I let you TALK me into wearing this stuff is beyond me. Besides I'm the best man, it's MY job to make sure YOU'RE slicked down... not the other way around!" Gene protested.

Congregated in his living room, the ushers all slipped into their jackets and cummerbunds. Paul motioned for them to each take a boutonniere, a small sprig of white and purple rosebuds intermixed with baby's breath. Dwight fumbled with one while Michael helped pin it on. Chase moved over to Art, and adjusted the silk handkerchief in his breast pocket.

"Now it's straight," Chase said.

"Whatever you say," Art laughed. "But it's not ME who's getting married..."

"At least we don't need to worry about finding a bobby pin in this crew," said Kevin with a knowing nod to Art.

"Did we just here Mr. Silverberg crack a joke?" Art laughed.

"It's a miracle!" Paul laughed. "The future son in law's actually got a sense of humor!"

"Wonders never cease," Gene said, slugging Kevin on the back. He coughed and straightened his tie with a nervous smile.

"C'mon man, relax," Art urged him.

"Marianne, is the limo here yet?" Gene barked to his maid. She moved into view, with a clothes brush in hand, and began to hastily brush any debris from everyone's sleeves.

"It'll be here soon, Mr. Simmons," she said.

"Good. Have you told Andre about plan b?" Gene asked her. Marianne smiled and nodded.

"Plan b?" Paul asked.

"Never you mind pal," Gene waved a dismissive hand. "Let's get you to the villa!"

"I hope to hell we don't have any uninvited guests," Paul muttered.

"Leave that to me," Gene said, taking Paul's shoulder and turning him toward the doors. "It's all taken care of..."

"Thanks man," Paul breathed a sigh of relief.

"Leave it to us, Mr. Stanley, we'll get you through the day," said Kevin. "Won't we?"

"Kevin, lighten up," Paul said. "I do have a first name, and you can use it... just don't call me uncle... yet..."

"Yes sir," Kevin nodded. Art laughed.

"Man we REALLY need to work on him,' Gene joked to Paul.

"Nah, I like him just the way he is," Paul grinned back. Moving over to Kevin he gave him a comradely pat on the back and rubbed his shoulders.

They arrived at the remote villa, perched on the cliffs by a beach tossed by crashing surf. Only a windy road gave access to the wedding site, and the guests already had arrived by rental car, ushered in by the patient security guards.

Trynia's eyes widened at the expanse of green surrounding the villa. Marble pillars greeted her as the other bridesmaids urged her inside, well before the groom's party pulled up. She walked up the old steps, grateful for the seclusion she entered. Hopefully no reporters would spoil the secret mood she cultivated inside.

"Here's the bridesroom," said Terri, opening the door to the left. They made their way past the banquet hall, the first floor of the villa where multiple tables and a small stage had been set up. Silver and purple linens decked the tables, complete with centerpieces that matched their bouquets. Even small silver star confetti had been rained on the tables.

"Ohhhh it's incredible," Trynia breathed. "I mean I saw this place yesterday, but it looks like something from my grandparents stories..."

"Later, later," Terri teased, maneuvering her into the small room, followed by her bridal party. It would be a tense half-hour before she geared up to enter the garden behind the villa.

Paul gulped a swallow of hot tea in the limo as it pulled up around the grassy circle. Gene sipped his coffee, and slugged him on the back, almost sending the contents of the cup over Paul's tuxedo.

"What are you trying to do, give me an excuse not to show up?" Paul joked.

"Lighten up. You've been through this before..."

"That's exactly the point," Paul muttered. "I don't want this to screw up... not this time..."

"It won't," Michael said. "Because you love my sister, right?"

"Right," Paul nodded. "Absolutely..."

"Then you've got NOTHIGN to worry about," Art interjected. "Remember she was my lab mate. And she absolutely ADORES you... who else is pinned to her desk and fume hood?"

"Uh I think that's a compliment, Stanley," Gene whispered into his ear. "Now let's get you hitched!"

Paul had to be helped out of his limo seat by Gene. Kevin whisked away his tea, and then put it to one side. Art and Chase were the first out of the limo, followed by Kevin, then Michael. Paul swung his long shapely legs out of the door, and let Gene hauled him out with a firm tug.

"Man," Art got out. "I saw this place yesterday but it looks like something out of a movie... damn..."

"You said it," Chase nodded.

"Gentlemen, this way please," Gene indicated with his hands. Other plain suited men milled about, casually walking with cups of coffee in hand.

"Security?" Mike asked Gene.

"Of course. We don't want any uninvited guests, remember?" Gene winked.

"Good," Paul nodded. "Let's do it, men."

Squaring his shoulders, Paul marched into the villa. He did not look back. Gene tossed his head in the villa's general direction, and the rest of the ushers fell in behind him.

***

Out in the garden, Paul scanned the vista of the Mediterranean landscaping. He straightened the tie that seemed too tight all of a sudden. A floral arch had been set up, facing the sea, opposite ranks of chairs filling with guests. Andre and Joe carefully checked the invitations presented by each individual or couple, then pointed to an empty rank of chairs where they would file in an orderly fashion.

Security was a careful blend of prudence and respect. Paul smiled, letting Gene fix his flower this time, for it had slipped out of the careful diagonal pose he had placed it. For a moment he regarded his best friend, his chin trembling a bit.

"Relax... " Gene urged. "I know how LONG you've waited for this man... and we're gonna get THROUGH it, like any other performance."

"You're my best friend, right?" Paul asked.

"Of course. Look, now you know WHY I couldn't go through this. Too much damn nervousness and people telling me WHAT to do..." Gene joked.

"Gene that DOESN'T help..." Paul muttered through clenched teeth.

"Well yeah, but look at it this way. Anything you do will be PERFECT for her, so lighten up. She isn't Linda you know."

"I know, Gene," Paul nodded.

"I'm right beside you, you goon," Gene shook his shoulder. "Now, just think of it like our last concert..."

"I hate to ask, but what would I do without you?" Paul asked.

"Probably spend twice the time preening yourself," Gene teased. "Now... are we going to do this? Or is Terri going to kick my ass for making the guests wait?"

"God forbid," Paul chuckled.

A small string quartet played Ave Maria, and Gene raised an eyebrow. Paul grinned and shook his head with a laugh, "It's for Tryn. She always wanted that song at her wedding as a introit..."

"JOP's there," Gene nodded toward the floral arch. "Are we on?"

"We're on," Paul agreed.

Paul crossed the small white wooden bridge and walked along the side to stand by the justice of the peace. They exchanged a knowing smile, and the justice whispered, "Relax..."

"Thanks," Paul mouthed back, shifting from his tiptoes to the heels in nervous anticipation.

Up the center aisle processed Gene, arm in arm with Terri. Her dress was a soft shade of scarlet, unlike the other bridesmaids. The roses woven into her French twist seamlessly merged with the locks of hair, and Gene's shoulder length hair was slicked back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. Such a strange couple they made, Gene towering head and shoulders over her. As far as Paul knew this was the closest Gene would come to the marriage ceremony.

After them walked Erica and Kevin, hands clasped genteelly. Paul felt a tear forming seeing the woman who was practically his daughter for all intents and purposes. Then came Carolyn and Chase, brother and sister who had faced adversity together. Sharmane and Dwight, two grad students came next, followed by Melanie and Art, all of whom were trusted friends and companions through her trials at Villanova.

Finally Rochelle strode in, guiding Aaron with a small silk pillow. Rings were fastened in a festive bow to its surface. Carolyn's daughter, only five, walked by tossing purple rose petals to the left and right to make a pathway for the rest to come.

Everyone gasped and stood when the vision in silver lame emerged from the rear of the villa, veil obscuring her face. She stepped lightly over the footbridge and then strode up to the last rank of chairs, where Michael awaited. Extending his hand, he winked to her. She hesitated, extending a silver-gloved hand to him. He took it within his, and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

"Ready, Tryn?" he asked her.

"As I'll ever be," she whispered. "I've got butterflies...'

"Not just that, but starbabies," he joked.

"Yes, I think they're dancing," she moaned, rubbing her belly.

"You'll be fine. This is your day," he kissed her cheek, obscured by the veil. "Now... let me give you away..."

Arm in arm they processed up the aisle, Trynia's heart in her throat with each step. That journey up the ranks of chairs seemed as far as the distance between Los Angeles and New York. Nothing seemed real in the blur of flowers, wedding guests and people gasping in appreciation. Her focus narrowed to Paul, standing expectantly at Gene's side. Her friends flanked Terri to one side, and Gene on the other, each waiting for her arrival.

At long last, she stood only two feet from Paul, Michael presenting her. Paul stopped before her, and slowly reached for the corner of her veil. Trynia looked down for a moment, at her silver clad toes before gazing directly into Paul's eyes. They shimmered, deep and expectant as she saw a better view of him once the gauze was lifted.

"You're so perfect," Paul mouthed.

"So are you," she whispered back. Taking her hand Paul stood before the black robed presider, Trynia's hand sweating under her glove.

"We are gathered here today, to witness the joining of this man to this woman," he said in a clear voice, tinged with a hint of Spanish accent. "Marriage is a commitment between two individuals who seek to become one, and share one life. It is not to be entered into lightly. Before I continue, I would ask the traditional question... Is there anyone here who would object to the marriage of these two? If so, speak now... or else let us continue..."

For a tense moment Trynia half expected her father to enter. She saw the empty chairs and suppressed a sigh. Suddenly she noticed someone walking out from the font, and her heart leapt as they rounded the fountain. Mrs. Merin spoke quietly to Andre, and he escorted her quickly to her place. Trynia's throat tensed when she saw her mother, unsure if her father was close behind.

Paul glanced at her, and held a finger to his lips. Mrs. Merin sat quietly down, and folded her hands in her lap. A long pause finally finished when the justice of the peace said, "Good. Now we will continue..."

Trynia released the breath she'd been holding, as did Paul. They turned back to the black robed figure, and let him continue, "Because these two individuals here are from such diverse worlds, they have found it necessary to dispense with the traditional vows, and write their own. So we will hear first from the groom, then the bride as they let us know why they are here today..."

Paul cleared his throat, and turned to Trynia. He half faced the assembly, his dark eyes avoiding the tears that threatened to form. His throat knotted, and for a moment when he opened his mouth he could not speak. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the cheat sheet and looked at it, before continuing.

Gene nudged him, and rolled his eyes. Paul shot him a glare and then turned back to Trynia. Taking her hand he said, "Well... I have it all written down here... but somehow it doesn't' seem quite right. But I'm going to do my best on what is possibly the best day of my life. People, I want to tell you about this woman I'm going to marry. She's a very special lady, and I think I need to take the time to let you know why."

"That's not on the paper," Gene muttered.

"Shuddup," Paul whispered to him. "Trynia... well when we first met, I had no idea that I'd be standing here today, looking at myself here, with her at my side. Hell, I never thought I'd even BE here with anyone else. Shows what a difference a few years can make, doesn't it?"

Silence met him as everyone listened expectantly. Paul glanced down at his sheet again, and cleared his throat once more. He breathed and said, "What I want to say is, that all my life I'd said that marriage is only right, with the right person. Well, I have to tell you what I'm feeling inside. When I look into her eyes, I am out of my head for her. I lived a long time, thinking love was blind, and this time I know... I know... with no doubt in my mind... forever... until my life is through, I'll be loving her forever. When a person is strong, they can stand on their own, but those words, they just grow distant... when I look in her face, and I know I don't wanna go it alone. I see my future when I look in her eyes, and it takes her love to make my heart come alive. And I will lay my heart on the line..."

"So, Trynia, I promise I won't go it alone. Love isn't blind. And I will look into your eyes every day, knowing you're making my heart alive again. In ways that you can't even imagine. Because I love you... and I promise to love you with everything I can offer... and I do take you as my wife, and my love forever."

The justice motioned Paul to take the ring from Gene and hold it up to Trynia's finger. Gene placed it firmly into Paul's hand, his own fingers clammy with sweat. Paul chuckled, realizing Gene was just as nervous as he was. Swallowing hard he said, "With this ring, I am sealing my promise to you, to be with you forever..."

Trynia felt tears in her eyes, moistening her view of him. She cleared her throat and looked down at the note pinned into her bouquet. Shaking she said, "I've never been in love, at least not in the romantic sense. I had been what I thought was in love, but until I met you Paul, I never knew how rich life could be. You took the best things and made them come alive in me. I didn't realize how to truly live and enjoy what fine things love could offer... till you introduced me to a wide wonderful world just waiting for me to enter it. And I promise that I will love, honor and be with you forever. I can't imagine anyone else but you that I want to share my life with, and start a family with. You are true to the end, the kindest and most wonderful man I can ever hope to know. You're my dream come alive, and I'm honored to become your wife... from this moment on..."

From Terri she took the ring, and held it before Paul's finger, with a nervous gulp. Finding her courage she continued, "And this ring holds my heart and future." She placed it on Paul's pointer finger, then slowly moved it along till she placed it on his ring finger with a firm push.

Just then Paul heard a familiar song spring up, as the quintet started to play "From this Moment on." Totally surprised, he raised an eyebrow in question to Trynia. Slowly she smiled through her tears, and squeezed his hand. Both turned to the justice once more, and he joined their hands together.

"So, do you take each other to be husband and wife, forever?" he asked.

Paul glanced to Trynia and nodded, and she did the same. Together they said, "We do."

"Then by the power invested in me by the state of California, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride..."

Paul's hand gripped Trynia's firmly, and his other arm snaked around her waist. Pulling her close he fingered her face. She peered deeply into his eyes and he to hers, each losing themselves in the other for a moment before their lips met.

"Oh yeah," Gene laughed, not able to resist. Terri gave a loud cheer, and threw something over them both.

"Ladies and Gentlemen I present Mr. Paul Stanley and Mrs. Trynia Eisen!" the justice announced.

"YES!" Paul shouted, leaping up despite himself. Trynia gave a loud cry of "YEAAAAAH!" and threw herself into Paul's arms. They shared another long kiss before war whoops and loud cheers.