Luke and Laura's Hearts Become One as They Take Their Vows and Begin A Life of Love Together Pledging...

"I'LL LOVE YOU TILL THE END OF TIME!"
by Anne Marie McKenna

Luke and Laura casually strolled into the lobby of the hospital and were greeted with cheers. Amy rushed to hug her favorite sister. "I love you," admitted Amy, with tears of joy in her eyes. "I'm so glad you've returned safe and sound to Port Charles."

Everyone joined the happy couple. Bobbi [sic] and Aunt Ruby came running down the hall to see their beloved Luke. Then the three walked away arm in arm to the cafeteria where they pumped Luke for details of his island adventure.

That night, Luke and Laura celebrated at Kelly's Diner. Slick Jones, the faithful taxi driver, was waiting patiently for their arrival.

The three friends were seated at a table when Emma Lutz pranced in with open arms shouting, "My man, my man is back." Laura just stared as Emma embraced Luke. But she wasn't bothered in the least. She knew Luke was devoted to her. "Her man, she laughed silently to herself.

Later that night, Luke and Laura discussed their future. "Now all you have to do is divorce Scott," he said. "Then we can be together as man and wife."

The next day, Amy began spreading news through the hospital grapevine. The governor, who was indebted to Luke for saving Port Charles from the deep freeze, was awarding Luke Spencer 5 million dollars. To back her story, Leslie and Rick were holding a reception for Luke and their daughter. And the governor asked if he could attend.

At the Webber home, the guests mingled and chatted about the escapades of the young lovers. They also speculated about the reward.

Finally the moment of truth arrived. The governor congratulated Luke on his efforts. He thanked him for all he'd done for the state of New York. Then, with all the guests on the edge of their seats, he began, "For your great service to the people of Port Charles, the state of New York thanks you with this token of our appreciation--the deed to the Cassadine yacht!" Luke looked at Laura in total disbelief. "A yacht," he moaned. "What am I going to do with a huge boat?"

But the yacht soon faded from Luke's mind when Laura mentioned her trip to Mexico. "I want to go with you," he asked. "I won't be there when you see Scott, but I'll travel with you."

Laura refused. "I'll be safe. It's something I have to do by myself. Scotty asked to see me alone and it's the least I can do."

While Laura was in Mexico, Luke was busy getting his life in order. Maybe he and Scorpio could go into business together. A few days later, while Luke and Scorpio were talking the telephone rang. It was Laura, calling from the airport. Luke screamed, "I'll be right there!" But Laura stopped him saying she'd be with him in a flash.

Luke opened the door, took Laura in his arms, and gave her a loving kiss. "I've missed you so much."

After they settled down, he asked, "where's the decree?" Laura answered quietly, "I don't have it." Luke flew off the handle. But he let Laura speak.

"Scotty looked lost, just like a little boy. He was in a crummy room, with cockroaches all over the place. It wasn't easy for me. He said he loved me still. I told him he was clinging to something that wasn't there anymore."

Luke remained calm, but inside he must have been thinking of the day they returned to Port Charles two summers ago. Laura betrayed him once, would she do it again?

Laura must have read his thoughts. She told him that Scotty had agreed to a divorce. They went to a lawyer in Mexico, and when the papers were final, he would forward them to Joe Kelly.

"I let you down once, and I'll never let you down again, Luke," she promised. "Remember that night in Beecher's Corners. We really were married that night when you gave me the cigar band."

Excitedly Luke and Laura began planning their wedding. They both counted the days to this joyous occasion. Nothing would spoil this day.

Laura picked her bridesmaids, and her maid of honor. She chose her best friend Claudia, Luke's sister Bobbi, and Tiffany Hill, the glamorous movie star. Amy, her sister, was thrilled when Laura asked her to be maid of honor.

Luke's ushers were Bryan, Claudia's beau, Joe Kelly, and Slick Jones, both long-time friends, Robert Scorpio would stand up for Luke as best man.

The happy day finally arrived. The weather was beautiful. It was the perfect day for a wedding.

The bridal party arrived in antique cars. The first car, with Luke and Scorpio, was smoking, but nothing would ruin this special time.

Rick walked Laura down the aisle while Lesley dabbed at the tears in her eyes. Her little girl was truly grown up now.

But someone lurked in the shadows. It was Helena Cassadine, the widow of Mikkos. She was there to avenge the death of her husband. Helena had a way to end the marriage quickly. She put a hex on the newlyweds. "Now let them try and be happy," she thought.

The wedding went off without a hitch. The guests toasted the bride and groom with champagne. Lee Baldwin came up to Luke and sincerely wished him the best of luck.

Then came the throwing of the bridal bouquet and garter. Luke and Laura stood on the balcony and overlooked the guests standing in the gazebo. First Luke threw the garter and Rick was the lucky recipient.

All the single girls gathered. Each one wanted to catch it. There was plenty of yelling as Laura, with her back to the crowd, tossed the flowers over her head.

Suddenly there was complete silence. Everyone stared. The person who caught the bouquet was Scotty Baldwin, Laura's former husband.

He uttered, "There is no wedding!" Luke shouted, "I'll kill you!"

He jumped off the balcony and attacked Scotty. Both threw punches, then Luke hit Scotty squarely and decked him. Lee, Gail and Bryan stood over him. Both men were bleeding as Laura pleaded, "Daddy, please break it up." But it was over.

Scotty got up and vowed, "I'm going to contest the divorce!" But it was too late. Luke replied emphatically, "We're married!" Then he led Laura to the antique car and drove away.

Will Scotty be able to nullify their marriage? Will the spell that Helena Cassadine put on Laura and Luke destroy their happiness? After waiting so long, will everything go up in smoke for the newlyweds? Only time will tell.