For the Marathon Competition (4 of 7 Weasley fics)
"How are you feeling, dear?" his mother asks him.
Ron cuts his eggs again and again. For once, he isn't hungry. His stomach simultaneously feels like it's been twisted into a thousand knots and like butterflies are fluttering inside.
"Eat, dear. You'll need your strength. Can't have you fainting at the altar."
"George would never let me live it down," Ron agrees. "Mum?"
"Yes?"
He swallows dryly. He's never been good at expressing his feelings, a fact that Hermione has reminded him of at least five dozen times. Hands trembling, he sets down his fork. "Were you scared when you married Dad?"
With a smile, his mother moves her chair closer. "Terrified. I'd be more worried if you weren't," she answers. "Marriage is a big commitment. But if you look beneath the nerves, what do you find?"
"I love Hermione," he answers, his cheeks burning. "More than I can say. She's brilliant. She's my best friend and so much more."
"And you're ready to spend the rest of your life by her side?" she asks.
Ron nods. He's never been more sure of anything in his life. "So, why am I scared?"
"It's a normal reaction to change, Ron," she assures him. "But listen to your heart, and you'll know that it's the right thing."
Ron picks up his fork again, shuffling his food around. He feels a little more steady, but his stomach still flutters.
He's going to marry Hermione in less than three hours. He's going to have a wife. He's going to have a future with the woman he's loved for so long.
He takes a bite of his eggs. "Which would be worse? Fainting or throwing up on my bride?" he muses.
His mother climbs to her feet and kisses the top of his head. "Don't worry, Ron. You'll do brilliantly."
…
"I do," Hermione says.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Ron freezes. He's done it. He's really done it. He wants to laugh and cry all at once.
"Ronald!" Hermione hisses softly. "Kiss me!"
"Oh, right."
He pulls her closer, pressing his lips to hers. Their friends and family cheer, and Ron feels his ears burning. He wonders if he's kissed her too long or not long enough. He hasn't been to many weddings, and he doesn't have much to go by.
Hermione breaks the kiss, a smile on her lips and hints of tears in her eyes. She laughs, leaning in and kissing him again.
"Get a room!" George calls.
"That sounds like a good idea," Ron murmurs.
Hermione grins. "After the reception, dear," she says as she links her arm with his and walks him down the aisle.
"Were you scared?" he asks.
"Absolutely."
"Well, marriage is a big commitment, and fear is a normal response to change," he says sagely.
Hermione raises her brows. "That sounds a little too wise. Who told you that?"
"Can't I have wise thoughts?" he asks.
"Not like that."
"Fine. Mum and I talked at breakfast," he says. "Those are her words."
Hermione rests her head against his shoulder as they make their way to the reception area, hands still held tightly together. "The good part about change, though, is that it's often for the best."