A few months later, Cassandra, Darren, Joshua, Michelle, Matthew, and Nicholas went out to the little house Alexander had chosen to spend his life with Mary Simpson. It was a modest two-story, with a nice-sized backyard. Everything was all set up for the big day. Mortimer had come before them, and was giving some last-minute advice to the future groom.

"Hi, Daddy," Cassandra said, as they approached.

"So these are my niece and nephews," Alexander said, smiling upon Joshua, Michelle, Matthew, and Nicholas.

By that time, another member made herself known. "Hey, beautiful," was the inquiry, with arms put around his waist from behind, "when are we going to get married?"

"Any time now," Alexander laughed, as he turned around to give his bride-to-be a romantic hug and a peck on the lips. "Mary, you remember my sister Cassandra and her husband Darren from my graduation party?"

"Of course," Mary said, as they exchanged handshakes. "It's so good to see you again."

"And who are these little ones?" she added, turning to the children.

"This," Alexander said, "is my niece, Michelle, and these are my nephews Joshua, Matthew, and Nicholas. Kids, this is your future Aunt Mary."

Almost everyone greeted her warmly—everyone, that is, except Nicholas, who bolted from the little gathering.

Of course, that attracted everyone's attention. "Nicholas?" Cassandra called, but there was no answer.

"Let me talk to him," Alexander offered.

After some searching, Alexander found him in a remote corner of the backyard. "Hey, buddy," he said, crouching where Nicholas was trying to conceal himself. "What's wrong?"

After a few minutes of no answer, Alexander reached over and brought Nicholas close to him. He could just see tracks of tears on his nephew's face. "Are—are you upset because you think Mary's taking me away from you?"

At this, Nicholas raised his head and nodded wearily.

"Aw, buddy," Alexander said, taking Nicholas in his arms for a hug, "nothing—not even a brand-new wife—could ever make me stop loving you kids."

"Does—does she love us?"

"Of course she does," Alexander reassured him. "When I sat down with her and confessed she was getting three nephews and a niece out of the deal, she just cried—she was so happy. And I could see it in her eyes when she looked at the four of you for the first time—she just wants to love you—and be loved in return. You—you do love her, don't you?"

"Of—of course I do," Nicholas admitted.

"And when we start having kids—which I think she wants—there'll be new cousins for the four of you to play with. Wouldn't you like that?"

"Yes," Nicholas replied, wiping the tears away.

"Then come on," Alexander said, getting up and helping Nicholas to a standing position, "let's head on back so we can get this wedding on the road!"

"I love you, Uncle Alexander," Nicholas said, throwing his arms around Alexander for a big hug.

"I love you, too, buddy," Alexander said, holding him close—and kissing him on the top of his head.

The two walked back to where the others stood, waiting. "Is—is everything all right?" Darren asked, as he gave Nicholas a big hug.

"I think so," Alexander replied. "I think he's just a little nervous coming into this new relationship with Mary."

"You are such a sweetheart," Mary said, getting a hug for herself. "Yes, we're getting married because your Uncle Alexander loves me, but that doesn't mean there's no room in his heart for you, too. When he told me I was becoming an aunt, I just wanted to get to know you kids even better—and I still do."

"Yes," she admitted, "I'll be taking your Uncle Alexander away from you when we go on our honeymoon, but we'll be back—hopefully with news of new cousins on the way."

"Can you survive without me for one week?" Alexander laughed.

"I—I think so," Nicholas admitted. Turning to Mary, he threw his arms around her and said, "I love you, Aunt Mary."

"Oh!" Mary was flattered by the gesture—especially since the relationship wasn't official yet. "I—I love you, too, Nicholas."

Cassandra took Nicholas back into their fold as Alexander and Mary went to the arch. When the ceremony started, there wasn't a dry eye in the place—even from Nicholas, whose tears that time were due to the love he'd received from the couple getting married.

Applause broke him from his thoughts, and he looked up to see Alexander taking Mary into his arms for a big smooch. It was official now—he had an Aunt Mary Goth.