Nikolas: Hear, hear.

Lucky: I'll drink to that.

Nikolas: Uncle, thank you so much. I love you.

Stefan: I love you.

Nikolas: Taggert.

Stefan: May I hug the beautiful bride?

Nikolas: Come here, buddy.

Lucky: Congratulations.

~*~

Stefan: After all we've been through, sharing tonight with you is certainly a high point.

Laura: And it's fitting, too, don't you think? I mean, after all, for all intents and purposes, we are the parents of the groom. You were a real father to him, and you did a great job. Thank you. {Walks over to Gia} Gia?

Gia: Hi.

Laura: Hey. Oh, my gosh. You look beautiful.

Gia: Thank you.

Laura: Just beautiful.

Gia: Thank you.

Laura: Thank you for making my son so happy. {Hugs Gia} I love you.

Gia: Love you, too. Thank you. It feels so wonderful.

Laura: I'm glad. {Looks at Lucky} I'd like to say the same thing to Elizabeth, you know?

Lucky: Yeah, she -- she couldn't make it. She wanted to be here, you know, but there's something, you know, wrong with her mother. She's not feeling well.

Laura: I hope it's nothing serious.

Lucky: No, she'll be fine, I think.

Laura: Good. Nikolas. {Hugs Nikolas} Will you excuse us for a moment?

Lucky: Sure thing.

Nikolas: Yes?

Laura: I'm so proud of you. {Hugs him}

Nikolas: Thank you.

Laura: I'm just so proud of you.

Nikolas: Thank you.

Laura: And I have never, ever seen you look this happy before.

Nikolas: Yes, I am, very. How can I not be? I mean, look at this.

Laura: Yes. I know. Nikolas, this is a little bit hard for me. I mean, we were just starting to get close and get to know one another and, you know, this really is a time for a mother to let go and step back. But I just want you to know that if you need anything, I am there for you.

Nikolas: {Hugs her} I will always need you, mom.

Laura: Thank you.

Nikolas: I will always need you.

Laura: I love you.

Nikolas: I love you, too. I am just so pleased that Luke and I could get past our differences and -- and that he helped me so much.

Laura: Really?

~*~

Nikolas: Luke and I covered the hole where my father fell. You know, it was kind of like burying the past.

Laura: I'm sure it was.

Nikolas: It just seemed so strange that Luke, of all people, was helping me. But it felt right somehow.

~*~

Stefan: Excuse me. {Walks over to Kristina} Well, there you are. Where have you been? I thought maybe you had second thoughts after I announced you as a full-fledged Cassadine.

Ned: I -- I certainly understand the Cassadine inclination to claim ownership, but isn't that a little premature?

Gia: Don't pay any attention to him, Kristina. I honestly can't wait to call myself a Cassadine.

Kristina: Look, I don't need to be warned about this. I've seen this family for who it is. Less than an hour ago, i -- I went to see helena.

Stefan: Well, that was unwise.

 

Kristina: Well, it wasn't exactly out of my childhood dreams, but what i realized is that helena is just a part of this family. I've seen a tremendous amount of strength and love and support. Stefan, I felt a connection with this family even before you said anything to me about it. It's not like I'm being dragged in here. This is my family, with all the good and all the bad.

Ned: Kristina, just take a little time and think about this. That's all i'm trying to say.

Kristina: I've spent most of my life away from them. Look, I intend to change my name legally to kristina cassadine as soon as i can.

Stefan: That is -- {He hugs Kristina}

kristina: Oh.

Stefan: Beautiful.

~*~

Taggert: Well -- ahem -- I guess it's my turn. I'm not very good at this, but I'll admit I had my doubts from the beginning. But after watching my sister tonight, I find it hard to argue with the happiness I see in her eyes, the joy I see on her face, and the hope I see for the future. So, to you, Nikolas. I welcome you to the family.

Nikolas: Thank you, Taggert.

Taggert: And -- Gia, I know I haven't always been the brother that I should. But I promise you I will work on that. You are my family, and I will always be there for you. I wish you all the happiness in the world. And I love you more than you will ever know.

~*~

Elton: Ah. They're they are, the happy couple.

Nikolas: Elton.

Elton: Gently, gently, please. It's cashmere.

Valet: Ok, ok.

Elton: Ah.

Nikolas: You never change, huh? How you doing, Elton?

Elton: Well, I hope not. My pleasure, I assure you. Listen, I hope I'm not being too forward, but when the time comes to plan your wedding, I hope you'll give me a ring-a-ling. You two are so fabulous. Really, I think you deserve something a little more au courant that this. And I'd be more than happy to come out of retirement for two of my favorite people.

Gia: Oh, you are one of our favorite people, too.

~*~

Nikolas and Gia are dancing closely

Nikolas: {Pulls back} What?

Gia: Your mom is right. There is a light in your eyes.