Author's note
My contribution to the Rock the Easter AU prompt on Tumblr!
Bells are ringing
"Where are we headed, Tom?" "You'll see - it's a surprise." His mischievous grin let her know that she would like the surprise, whatever it was. Having arrived in Dublin only a few days before, Sybil was really enjoying getting to know the city. Doing so with Tom at her side was an extra thrill, as she was seeing his beloved hometown through his eyes.
They had just celebrated Easter Sunday Mass at the Pro-Cathedral with the Bransons, their first real family occasion. As they came out, Tom had told his mother they had a special errand to run, and had whisked Sybil down the steps and along O'Connell St towards the river.
Sybil was struck by the clamour as they approached the Ha'penny Bridge hand in hand. Crossing the Liffey, she could hear all the church bells of Dublin ringing out to celebrate the biggest day of the year in this extremely religious city. She stopped to look at Tom and the joy in his face was so intense, she couldn't help but lean in to kiss him.
Tom still couldn't quite believe they were there. After all those years of patient waiting, Sybil had finally agreed to come with him to Dublin and start their lives together. Today marked a milestone on the start of that journey, although Sybil didn't know it yet. He responded eagerly to her kiss, pulling her close into him and attracting a few catcalls from passing boys on bikes, but he didn't care. He wanted to show the world - "Look, she chose me!"
They broke apart, slightly breathless, and Sybil looked around as they approached the south side of the bridge. "Not far now, love," Tom encouraged her as they turned into the laneways behind Grafton St. She saw they were headed towards a beautiful old stone church - Tom headed confidently around the back and knocked on a wooden door.
"Father Flynn? It's me, Tom Branson. How are you?"
"Tommy Branson? It's wonderful to see you, my boy - it's been a long time. How are you?"
"Couldn't be better, Father - couldn't be better. Father, I would like to introduce my fiancée, Sybil Crawley - Sybil, this is Father Flynn, a good friend of our family."
Sybil shook hands with a charming, white haired old priest who smiled benevolently at her. "Tom, I hope you know what a lucky man you are, to have won the heart of such a beautiful young lady. What can I do for you today?"
"Well Father, I wanted to talk to you about calling the banns for Sybil and me - we want to get married at St Teresa's, if you'll have us."
"Come inside, come inside my boy - we'd love to have you! Let's fill in a form and get you started. When were you thinking of getting married?"
Tom looked at Sybil, suddenly a bit hesitant - "We thought in about a month's time, right?" She nodded - "A month's time - yes, that's right." Looking into Tom's eyes, the love she saw there brought tears welling up. He gently wiped them from her cheeks and smiled at her. Now, and always, he knew how lucky he was.