PART 17
IKE
(after sitting)
Does it matter?
MAGGIE
I think so... When I was walking down
the aisle? I was walking toward
somebody who didnt have any idea who I
really was. And it was only half the
other persons fault, because I had
done everything to convince him that I
was exactly what he wanted. So it was
good that I didnt go through with it
because it would have been a lie, but
you -- you knew the real me.
IKE
Yes, I did.
MAGGIE
I didnt. And you being the one at the
end of the aisle didnt just fix that.
Ike takes this in. Shes reaching him -- but then the defenses
go back up. He turns to her.
IKE
No, I couldnt fix anything...
(as he gets up)
But I still ended up chasing a truck.
Ike moves out to the balcony. After a moment, Maggie follows him.
EXT. BALCONY/IKESAPARTMENT - NIGHT
The balcony overlooks Central Park. The twinkling lights of the
city stretch out across the beautiful night. Ike looks out at
the view with his back to Maggie as she speaks.
MAGGIE
I understand why you bring up the truck.
Let me explain something. The fact is,
youve seen me at my worst, most
embarrassing, deviously plotting,
potentially but not certifiably,
psychotic state. And if you liked me
then, I mean, now... I cant imagine...
(crosses to him)
Benedict.
Ike has no response.
MAGGIE (contd)
I love eggs Benedict. I hate all the
other kinds.
She hesitates.
MAGGIE (contd)
... I hate big weddings with everybody
staring. I would like to get married
on a weekday while everybody is at work.
If I ride off into the sunset, I want
my own horse.
IKE
Should I be writing this down?
She returns to the balcony and hands him the box.
IKE (contd)
Whats this?
MAGGIE
These are for you.
He opens it. Its her running shoes.
IKE
Used?
MAGGIE
Theyre mine. Im turning in my
running shoes to you.
IKE
This is getting serious.
Now she is glowing at him, shining with the full force of her.
MAGGIE
And one more thing. I know its hard
to believe there could be more. Um...
Maggie glances around and spots a DECK CHAIR, which she turns so
it is facing the city lights. Then she softly says:
MAGGIE (contd)
If you could have a seat, please.
Ike sits. Maggie takes the box from him and puts it aide. And
then she gets down on one knee.
IKE
(laughing)
Oh my God. No.
Maggie smiles up at him. Ike tips his head back and covers his
eyes with his hand.
MAGGIE
No, no -- dont hide your face, this
only happens once in a lifetime. Its
definitely a first to me, and youre
not going to want to miss it.
He smiles as he looks at Maggie.
MAGGIE (contd)
I love you, Homer Eisenhower Graham.
Will you marry me?
Ike swallows, overwhelmed, overjoyed, and scared shitless.
IKE
Maggie, I gotta think about this a
little bit.
Maggie hops cheerfully back to her feet.
MAGGIE
(cheerful)
Good.
She gets off her knees and stands.
MAGGIE (contd)
I was hoping youd say that.
IKE
(laughing)
You were not.
MAGGIE
I was, because if you said "yes" right
away, I wouldnt get to say this next
part. And Ive been practicing it.
(pulling up a chair
and sitting)
Ready?
IKE
Im listening.
MAGGIE
(tenderly)
"I guarantee that well have tough
times. I guarantee that at some point
one or both oof us will want to get out.
But I also guarantee that if I dont
ask you to be mine, Ill regret it for
the rest of my life. Because I know in
my heart -- youre the only one for me".
Ike takes her hands affectionately.
IKE
Pretty good speech, Maggie.
MAGGIE
I borrowed it from this guy I know.
So?
Ike looks into Maggies shining face and pauses. He gets up and
motions with his hand for her to stay seated. He goes inside and
turns on some music. The cat is sitting by the radio. He
returns to the balcony and takes Maggies hand.
IKE
Dance with me.
They start to dance a slow dance.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. LARGE GREEN FIELD - DAY
We see a hill and on top of it is a Pastor marrying Maggie and
Ike, in beautiful wedding attire. We see Maggie walk down a
leaf-lined aisle to a waiting Ike. They kiss as we hear the vows
and hear them each say "I do". They kiss a twirling, whirling
kiss, a circular kiss. We hear the applause of about twenty
people. Slowly, we see the twenty people come over the crest of
the hill. They are all Maggies family and friends, plus the
old grooms. They are all paired in twos, like a love Noahs ark.
We see others get the news.
INT. CHURCH - DAY
Priest Brian hears about Maggies wedding.
INT. BAKERY - DAY
Mrs. Trout hears about Maggies wedding.
INT. NEW YORK BAR - DAY
George, Groom #3, hears about Maggies wedding.
INT. ELLIES OFFICE OR APARTMENT - DAY
Ellie and Fisher hear about Maggies wedding.
EXT. FIELD - DAY
ANOTHER ANGLE:
Maggie and Ike finally break the kiss. Ike takes her hand and
walks her to two horses. Ike and Maggie, on the two horses, ride
off happily in their wedding clothes. As the group cheers,
Maggie throws bouquet. We see it float in the air.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END