A/N: Oh boy, hope everyone's ready for a long chapter! This is by far the longest so far, which was surprising. This chapter went through a lot of changes, I hope you all like where it ended up. Admittedly, it's got a lot of cliches, but I'm a sucker for sappy romance sometimes. We're nearing the end of our story, only one more chapter after this.
As always, enjoy, and please review!
Disclaimer: Rise of the Guardians and Frozen are owned by Dreamworks and Disney respectively.
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You are always tryin' to keep it real,
I'm in love with how you feel.
I don't see what anyone can see in anyone else but you.
-"Anyone Else But You" by The Moldy Peaches
Chapter 9: You Can See Me
The acrid smell of burning hairspray wafted through the room as Anna expertly styled her sister's long blond locks. The heat from the curling iron made Elsa squirm slightly, uncomfortable with the device so close to her ear. Giggling, the younger Arendelle carefully spiraled the electronic device away from Elsa's platinum tresses, leaving behind a perfect, bouncy curl.
"Ok, silly. All done with the torture stick."
Breathing a sigh of relief, the blonde visibly relaxed.
"But now it's time for these babies!"
Grinning madly, Anna held up an array of bobby pins and hair clips, clearly enjoying the way her sister's already pale face had gone even more transparent.
Elsa's eyes narrowed dangerously at the reflection of the strawberry blond in the mirror. "If I didn't know any better, little sister, I'd say you were having fun causing me pain."
Anna scoffed, placing a hand on her heart. "Elsa! How could you insinuate such a thing! I would never knowingly hurt by big sister on her special day." Winking, she set down the pins, only keeping a few tucked between her fingers as she got to work. "Now calm down. I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to make you look so pretty that Jack has a heart attack before he can say 'I do'!"
Rolling her eyes, Elsa eased back in her chair, trusting in the capable hands of her sibling. At least she knew Anna had good intentions.
"You nervous?"
Butterflies flew through Elsa's stomach briefly.
"About marrying Jack? No. About accidently tripping down the aisle and flopping over like a fish? Yes."
Anna snorted as she continued pinning curls into place.
"Don't worry, sis. Even if you do fall, at least you'll look gorgeous on the trip down."
"Gee, thanks Anna. You really know how to make a girl feel better." Sarcasm dripped from her voice as a small frown creased her brows.
Laughing heartily, Anna gave her sister's shoulder a quick squeeze. "Just trying to lighten the mood!"
Shaking her head, the blonde absently reached for a stray pin, fiddling with the instrument as her thoughts wandered elsewhere.
Working silently, Anna cast a quick look at her sister's reflection.
"Whatcha thinkin' about, Elsie?"
Startled, Elsa's blue eye's snapped up, meeting her sister's bright green ones in the mirror. The elder smiled slightly.
"Sorry. I was just…" Sighing, Elsa set the pin back down on the vanity. "I was just wishing that Mama and Papa could be here."
A flicker of sadness crossed Anna's face as her hands stilled momentarily. The absence of Annette and Frederick had been clearly felt by both sisters, but until now, both had avoided the subject.
"Me too." Taking a steadying breath, Anna continued pinning, offering her sister a kind smile. "But they wouldn't want us to be sad right now."
Elsa nodded, exhaling a shaky breath. "I know, you're right." She laughed quietly. "Can you imagine how they'd react knowing Jack was the man I'm marrying?"
Anna grinned, winking in the mirror. "They wouldn't be surprised at all. Mama always said you two would end up together."
Eyes widening, Elsa stared openly at her sister.
"What?! But...Jack and I always hated each other as kids! We fought constantly. How would she have known that?"
Anna shrugged. "I dunno. But she did. Every time you would complain about him or you'd bicker she always got this knowing look on her face. I asked her about it once, and she just told me that young love was a beautiful thing. Papa finally explained eventually." Anna flashed her sister a mischievous grin. "It was a big family secret after that. We were just waiting for you two to figure it out! Took you long enough…"
Elsa laughed in disbelief. "Well, I'm glad to hear you all had my life figured out before me."
"Yes, well, just be glad I didn't spill the beans. Do you know how hard it was not to tease you about this? Especially after Jack left for college and you became 'friends'. Yeah right. You totally had the hots for him, even then."
Sputtering, Elsa tried to turn around only to realize that Anna had just positioned a rather sharp hairpin against her head and the movement resulted in said pin jabbing painfully into her scalp.
"Ow! Anna!"
"Oh! Elsa, crap are you ok?"
Elsa chuckled weakly, gently rubbing the affected area. "Yes, I'm ok. Wow, those things really hurt!"
"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!"
"Anna, it's fine. It was my fault, I turned too quickly. But just to be safe, would you mind grabbing me some aspirin? I was already feeling a little light headed from the hairspray and I can't imagine this will help."
"Of course, I'll be right back! You just stay put."
Without another word, Anna dashed out the door to find the requested painkillers, leaving Elsa alone in her room.
Leaning back in her chair, a soft sigh escaped her lips, eyes closing as she allowed herself a moment to relax.
It was nice, being in the comfort of her own home on her wedding day. Jack and Elsa had decided on a small, intimate ceremony, using their respective homes for the service and reception. The backyard of the Arendelle house was to be used for the ceremony while next door, the Frost's home had been rearranged to accommodate the party that would follow.
Anna had told her she was crazy to have an outdoor wedding in winter but Elsa held firm to her desire to be married in the snow. And Jack had agreed without hesitation. To them, it was perfect.
A soft buzz pulled Elsa from her thoughts. Looking about her vanity, she realized it was the vibration from her sister's phone. She could hear Anna's quick footsteps approaching from down the hall.
"Anna? Your phone buzzed." Reaching for the device, Elsa flicked her thumb across the touch screen. "It's a text from Kris! I'll read it to you. He says he confirmed with his friend in Stockholm about staying with him..."
Bursting through the door, Anna stumbled in, eyes wide in panic. "Wait! Els-"
"...before finding a place of your own."
Anna squeaked. "Oh shit!"
Silence fell as Elsa stared at the phone gripped tightly in her hand. Slowly, she brought her gaze up to her sister, brows furrowed in confusion.
"What...does this mean?"
Sighing, Anna timidly walked over and placed a glass of water and a bottle of aspirin before her sister. Nervously toying with the end of her pigtail, the red head took a seat on the edge of Elsa's bed, tapping her foot lightly.
"Ok, well, I wasn't going to tell you until you got back from your honeymoon. I didn't want to steal any focus from you big day…"
"Anna, what's going on?"
Biting her lip anxiously, Anna finally met her sister's gaze.
"A few months ago, I got offered the opportunity to work as an English teacher in Sweden after I complete my Master's. And, well, I talked it over with Kris and he and I decided to go for it. He said he can work as a vet in any country. So...in July we're...moving to Stockholm."
"What?!"
"Oh my god, I'm sorry Elsa. I didn't mean to keep this from you! It's just...you were so stressed with the wedding and getting your business going, I didn't want to add anything extra. I thought if I just waited until you got back we could talk about it then!"
Elsa could only stare at her sister, flabbergasted by the news. It was so...unexpected. She felt winded, as if she'd been punched in the gut.
"Crap, you're mad, aren't you? Oh man! I really didn't want you to find out like this…" Slumping forward, Anna buried her face in her hands, lightly smacking her forehead. "Stupid, stupid, stupid…"
For a moment, Elsa simply kept her gaze fixed on the 23-year-old silently berating herself on the bed. Then, ever so quietly, Elsa began to laugh.
Anna stilled, raising her head just slightly to peek at her clearly amused sister.
"Elsa?"
Laughing louder now, the blond doubled over, clutching her side. "I'm...sorry...it's just...you're so funny...when you're...upset...over nothing…" Elsa forced her body upright, calming herself as she placed a hand to her flushed cheek.
"You're...not mad?"
Elsa shook her head, bemused. Why did the people she loved the most always think she would be mad in these situations? First Jack, now her sister? She clearly needed to work on how she dealt with surprising news.
Beaming, the blonde moved to sit beside her sister, gripping the younger Arendelle's hands in reassurance.
"Anna, I could never be mad at you for doing something that makes you happy." Lifting a hand to her cheek, Elsa looked lovingly at her sister. "I wish you would have told me sooner. But this sounds like an amazing opportunity. You'd be silly not to take it."
Grinning, Anna dove forward, wrapping her arms tightly around her older sister's waist.
"Thank you thank you thank you!" Pulling back slightly, the freckle faced girl giggled, continuing to smile widely. "I'm so excited, you don't even know! I've been dying to tell you, I'm still not sure how I kept it a secret for this long."
Elsa chuckled, shaking her head ever so slightly. "Honestly, I'm impressed. I didn't think you had it in you to keep something like this from me."
Laughing, Anna gave her sister a gentle nudge. "Oh shush." The strawberry blond stood, pulling her sister to her feet. "Come on, sis! We need to get your hair finished. We can talk while I pin! Can't have you late to your own wedding."
Still smiling, the two girls made their way back to the vanity. After a few moments of comfortable silence, Anna's hands stilled briefly.
"Elsa?"
"Yes?"
"With Kris and I leaving...I've been thinking a lot about this, actually. I want you and Jack to have the house. Like, for good."
Elsa's brows rose in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"I mean, you two are about to get married. It's time for you to make a real home. Mama and Papa left this for us, and we've kept it pretty much the same all these years. But I don't think it should be like that anymore." Making her way around the chair, Anna kneeled down, facing her sister at eye level. She took her hands in a tight hold, locking green eyes with blue. "It's time for this place to have a new life. A new family. Your family. Do you understand?"
Elsa's eyes stung slightly as she willed herself not to cry. "Are you sure about this?" she whispered, "This house is as much yours as it is mine."
Anna shook her head. "No, I think this was always meant to be yours. Besides…" a playful smiled danced across her lips. "You know me. I can't stay put for long. This house would be wasted on me right now."
Leaning forward, Elsa wrapped her little sister in a fierce hug, conveying emotions she couldn't find words to express.
"Thank you, Anna."
Sniffling, Anna gripped her sister in return, unable to reply without crying.
"Thank you, little sister."
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With a last tug, Jack straightened his tie, tucking the end snugly into his vest.
"All right, how do I look?"
Spreading his arms out in display, Jack did a slow turn, allowing Jamie to take in the full ensemble. Dressed in crisp white slacks, vest and tie, his shirt was a deep sapphire that made his eyes pop more than usual. He looked every bit a groom, ready for his winter wedding.
"Not half bad, right? I clean up good, if I do say so myself."
Snickering in amusement, Jamie shook his head as he leaned casually against the wall, dressed in his own complimentary suit as the best man.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever smartass. I'm sure Elsa's gonna faint the moment she sees you."
Grinning broadly, Jack returned his gaze to the mirror, attempting to tame his rather unruly mess of silver-white locks.
Pushing himself upright, Jamie sauntered over to his best friend, clapping him jovially on the shoulders.
"So man, you ready to finally do this? I gotta say, two years is an impressively long engagement."
Elbowing the brunette in the chest, Jack snorted his response.
"Yeah, well we had a lot on our mind. Like, oh, I don't know, starting a business?"
Chuckling, Jamie ruffled Jack's hair, much to his dismay.
"Still, you must be the king of the slow play. Took you what...twenty years to finally say 'I love you'?"
Jack scoffed in response. "Excuse you, but it was eighteen years, thank you very much. And hey, it's not like I knew how I felt. Most of that time we were kids. I wasn't about to confess my undying love to her when I was five." Quirking his brow, he gave Jamie a sly grin. "And besides, it may have taken almost twenty years, but at least now I'm getting some regular action...unlike someone I know."
Sputtering, Jamie scowled in embarrassment, unable to stop the stupid blush that spread across his face.
"Whatever. You're such a dick sometimes."
Chuckling, Jack returned to his failing attempts at arranging his hair, finally giving up.
"Well, I guess I'm ready. How much longer 'til I get hitched?"
Jamie grinned when he looked at the time on his phone.
"Two hours."
"What?! God damnit, Elsa said we had to go get ready this early, like we were going to be late if we didn't give ourselves enough time. What the hell am I supposed to do for two hours?"
Jamie snickered. "I have no idea, man."
Grumbling, Jack made his way across his childhood room, flinging open the door.
"Pippa!" At the lack of response, he leaned out a bit farther, cupping a hand around his mouth. "Earth to Pipsqueak! Come in Pipsqueak!"
At the sound of the hurried, clearly irritated footsteps of his sister, Jack leaned nonchalantly against the doorframe.
Rounding the corner of the upstairs hall, Pippa Frost fixed her brother with an annoyed glare, mascara clutched tightly in her hand. One eye complete, she had clearly been in the process of finishing her makeup before the rude interruption of her brother.
"What do you want, you impatient dork?"
"Woah there, Pipsta. It's your brother's wedding day, at least try to be nice."
"Fine," she sighed in exasperation. "What can I do for you, your holiness?"
"That's better." He winked at her mischievously. "So, the good news is that I'm ready. The bad news, is that I'm ready and there's still two hours until the wedding. Please tell me there's something I can do until then."
"Ugh, are you serious? You made me stop getting ready for this? I don't know, Jack! Go play on your xbox or something! Isn't Jamie here?"
Popping his head out the door at the mention of his name, said best man gave Pippa a quick wave.
"You called?"
Eyes brightening, a huge smile spread across Pippa's face.
"Jamie! Oh my gosh, it's been forever!"
Hurrying forward, the younger Frost flung her arms around a very flustered Jamie Bennett as he somehow struggled to remember how hugs were supposed to work, finally placing his arms tentatively around her waist. Jack's eyebrows rose slowly, not entirely sure how to digest the strange flush on his friend's face at being in such close contact with his kid sister.
Pulling away, Pippa allowed a hand to linger just a bit longer than necessary on Jamie's arm. She flashed him another dazzling smile.
"It's so good to see you! You look so handsome and grown up!"
Coughing, Jamie fumbled a hand to the back of his neck.
"I...yeah, thanks! You too! I mean, you look pretty- wait not pretty! I mean, yeah pretty but like...um...yeah…"
Jack stared at his friend in utter disbelief, whistling at how idiotic he suddenly sounded.
Giggling, Pippa bowed her head slightly, her own face turning an alarming shade of pink.
"Ok…" Jack said suspiciously. "I think it's time Jamie and I had a little guy time. Go finish getting ready, Pipsqueak. You're a mess right now."
Growling in annoyance, Pippa slapped her brother's shoulder, giving Jamie a last smile and a goodbye before quickly making her way back down the hall to her own room.
Shoving his friend back inside, Jack slammed the door, rounding on the brunette as soon as they were alone.
"What the hell was that, Bennett?"
"What?" Jamie responded innocently, voice a little too high to be natural. "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Jack's eyes narrowed as he took a few slow, intimidating steps towards him.
"I think you know exactly what I'm talking about. You better not be getting any ideas about my kid sister."
Choking on a cough, Jamie looked anywhere but at Jack.
"Holy shit. You have the hots for my sister."
Eyes wide, Jamie could only sputter incoherently in response.
"Dude! So not cool! Also, ew! How can you like Pippa? She's a kid!"
"No she's not! She's 23, Jack, that's an adult." Jamie shrugged his shoulders as casually as possible. "And so what if I do? You have to admit she's sweet, not to mention nice to look at…"
"Woah. Please stop immediately. You are not allowed to think about my little sister like that." Jack pressed his fingers to his temples, still trying to comprehend the conversation he was currently having. "Besides, you are way too old for her, you perv."
Jamie balked, giving his best friend an incredulous look. "What the hell are you talking about? Five years is not too old!"
"It is when my sister's the topic!"
Jamie shook his head, laughing slightly. "Geez, you are so overprotective sometimes! Calm down, I'm not gonna try anything. You know me, man, I'm not some creep."
Jack gave him a wary look, eyes still narrowed and arms crossed firmly over his chest.
"Ok...fine. But if I hear you made a move-"
His words were cut off by hesitant knock on the door.
Sighing, Jack reverted to his old habit of running a hand through his hair and down his neck.
"Come in!"
The hinges groaned as the door was slowly pushed open, revealing the last man Jack wanted to see.
"Hey, Jack."
"...Daniel." His crystal blue eyes had gone cold as he stared at the uncertain face of his father.
Clearing his throat awkwardly, Daniel Overland directed his gaze across the room.
"Jamie, hi. It's nice to see you."
The brunette shuffled his feet nervously. "Yeah, uh...same, Mr. Overland."
Something akin hurt flashed through Daniel's eyes at the strained formality.
"Right. Listen, do you mind if I steal Jack for a minute?"
Glancing to his friend, Jack offered an almost imperceptible nod, assuring him it was fine.
"Uh, sure, Mr. Overland. I'll just...go see if Kristoff needs help setting up. See you guys down there?"
Both men returned strained smiles in confirmation.
"Ok, well...see soon then." With that, Jamie made his way out, shutting the door quietly behind him with a soft click.
A tense silence hung in the air, palpable and wholly uncomfortable. Despite opening communication with his father nearly five years ago, their relationship still remained strained. Jack couldn't find it in him to break down those walls he had spent years building up in resentment. Opting to abandon the familial comfort of the term "dad" or "father", Jack maintained a level of forced formality by referring to him only as "Daniel". This was not lost on the older man.
Clearing his throat once again, Daniel took a small step closer to his son.
"So I...your mother tells me you found a publisher, for your book."
"I did."
"That's great, Jack. I'm...really happy for you."
"Thanks."
Sighing, Daniel ran a hand through his hair, rubbing the back of his neck gently. Jack cringed at the familiarity of the action and his own hands firmly clenched at his side.
"Look I...I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now, but I just want to say a few things and then I'll be out of your hair, ok?"
"Fine," came his clipped response.
"Good, that's good." Releasing a shaky breath, he made his way over the window, absently observing the street outside his former home. When he spoke, his voice was still and deliberate, splashed with a hint of regret that Jack had come to recognize over these last five years.
"I know I haven't been the best role model for you and Pippa. Your mother and I...we were so young when she got pregnant. She was just shy of nineteen when you were born, and it forced us to grow up a lot sooner than we had wanted. Somehow, she managed beautifully. Your mom was always more mature than me, and she took to motherhood immediately. But for me...it was difficult to cope with that responsibility. Being a father at nineteen wasn't something I had prepared for."
Jack couldn't help the harsh snort that escaped him. "Sorry I ruined your plans so much."
Snapping his eyes up, Daniel locked his gaze with his son. "Please don't think that. That isn't what I'm trying to say, and it isn't how I feel." Sighing, the older man's shoulders slumped in exhaustion, the stresses of his age clearly showing in the lines of his face. "It's true that I was too young and immature to fully handle the responsibilities of being a dad or a husband. And I won't lie about that. But that doesn't change the fact that you and Pippa...you're the best thing that ever happened to me. When you were born, I smiled for weeks. I couldn't stop marveling at how perfect you were. And I'm proud that despite my poor example, you have both become strong, loving individuals with bright futures. I'm proud to call you my children." His features softened as he looked upon his first born. "I have no doubt that you'll be a wonderful husband, and one day, an even better father."
Jack stared at the man before him, face outwardly an unreadable mask. Inside, his mind reeled, trying to process his emotions at hearing these genuine words as the seconds ticked by in silence.
Uncertain at his lack of response, Daniel took a small step towards the door.
"Well, that's all I wanted to say. I'll be on my way." Pausing as his fingers brushed the brass knob, he turned his head slightly towards Jack. "Thanks, by the way, for the invite. I'm really glad to be here."
The corner of Jack's lip tugged up just slightly. "Yeah, well, Elsa pretty much told me I had to or she refused to walk down the aisle."
Daniel laughed then; a real laugh, an honest laugh. "She's really something, that girl. I'll be sure to thank her." With a final smile, he gave his son a quick nod. "Take care, Jack. I'll see you after the ceremony."
"Yeah, see ya…"
The door clicked shut quietly, leaving him alone in the silence of his room.
"Bye...Dad."
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Guests chatted amicably amongst themselves as four o'clock drew nearer. Jack made his way quietly out to the yard, greeting a few friends as he went.
The Arendelle family's yard had been beautifully transformed for the event. A smile aisle lead from the back door across the frosted grass to a canopy where he and Elsa were to stand. The canopy was made from a sheer white fabric, decorated with garlands of small white and blue flowers that twisted along the wood poles that kept it in place. Strands of twinkling lights had been extended along the top, as well as around the fence that surrounded the yard.
Simple white folding chairs had been set up for the guests. It was a small group in attendance, only around 30 of their closest friends and family. Jack was glad to see all the familiar faces. There was Pabbie and Bulda, seated in the second row conversing happily with his mother, along with Jamie's parents and sister Sophie. On the other side he saw Elsa's high school friend Belle and her long time boyfriend Adam. His former mentors, Nicholas North and Sandy Goldman, had come with their families. At present, North was laughing boisterously at something the much quieter art teacher had said, belly jiggling with every chuckle. Even Felix Fixit, Jr., Elsa's old manager, had arrived with his wife Jane.
The wedding party itself had also been kept small. Jamie and Kristoff would stand with Jack as his groomsmen and Anna and Pippa were only too excited to be Elsa's bridesmaids. Bunny and Tooth, he had recently discovered, were rather accomplished musicians and had agreed to play during the ceremony.
The silver haired groom flashed Bunny a quick grin from his position under the canopy as the gruff Australian began to strum his guitar, his colorful wife accompanying on the harp beside him.
"Well son, you ready to tie the knot?"
Jack turned and gave Herman Moon a lopsided grin.
"You bet, Mr. Moon. Thanks again for agreeing to officiate."
Herman waved him off, smiling kindly. "Herman, please. Mr. Moon is my father. And like I said, I got licensed before my nephew's wedding and haven't put it to use since. I'm just glad to be of help."
"Well, Els and I really appreciate it."
Placing a hand on Jack's shoulder, Herman's eyes twinkled. "Speaking of your bride-to-be, I'm being given the signal by her younger counterpart." Pointing towards the house, Jack caught sight of Anna giving them two enthusiastic thumbs up. "Looks like it's time."
Nodding, Jack made sure Jamie and Kristoff were in place before the three men stilled, eyes directed down the aisle. The crowd quieted as Herman took his place and the music gently swelled in volume.
The glass door slid open, revealing the adorable figures of three-year-old Tessa Guarding and her five-year-old brother, Heath. Bunny and Tooth's kids had all too happily agreed to act as flower girl and ring bearer, the younger particularly excited about the prospect of dressing up in a pretty new dress. Upon meeting the youngsters, Jack had immediately dubbed the elder "Lil' Biter" and the younger "Baby Tooth".
Tessa carefully made her way down the aisle, scattering white rose petals and small forget-me-nots as she went. She seemed to be in her own little world, happily humming as she skipped along through the guests. Her brother followed, almost solemn in his task. He took careful, measured steps, the perfect foil to his absently excited sister. Jack grinned as he saw Heath's brown furrow in concentration, his tongue peeking out between his lips. He took his job very seriously.
The next to appear was Pippa, carrying a small bouquet of blue and white flowers. The bridesmaid was dressed in a crushed blue velvet gown that ended at her knees, her normally stick straight hair curled tastefully over her shoulder. She beamed as she went, winking at her older brother as she took her place by the canopy. Jack slid his gaze sideways, eyes narrowing at the dazed expression plastered on Jamie's face. Remembering their earlier conversation, he made a mental note to give them both a firm talking to later.
Anna came next. The bubbly red head bounced her way down the aisle, barely able to contain her joy at the occasion. Her satin blue dress hugged her upper body before flaring out in a wide, knee length skirt. Abandoning her everyday pigtails for an elegant french twist, the youngest Arendelle grinned knowingly at Jack before blowing a kiss to her own boyfriend. Kristoff could only smile dumbly in return as he admired her form.
And then came Elsa.
Jack's breath stopped and he felt his heart literally skip a beat. She was perfect; a vision. Something swelled within his chest as he watched her slowly make her way down the aisle, one step closer to being his wife.
Her dress was reminiscent of his first high school drawing of the Snow Queen. Sheer, white frosted material stretched down the length of her arms and just barely covered her pale shoulders. The corset bodice clung tightly to her shapely curves, the sweetheart neckline doing wonders for her bust. Soft, silky white material pooled out from her hips, extending in cascades, the hem of her skirt kissing the ground softly. Sparkling crystals and sapphires dusted the dress like stars in a beautiful swirling pattern. Anna had styled her platinum blond tresses in curls that tumbled along her shoulders, pinned up just enough to frame her face. At the crown of her head, a simple white veil was set in place, the shimmering material falling elegantly down her back.
Elsa had only taken a few steps on the frosted grass when she felt a familiar, cold sensation feather across her cheeks. Casting her gaze upward, a radiant smile spread across her face at the sight of the perfect, pillowy flakes that had begun to fall from the sky. As she continued her solitary walk, Elsa's eyes found Jack. Her breath stilled at the look of complete and utter devotion she saw on his face. As their eyes locked, his face subtly morphed into his trademark lopsided grin and she felt her cheeks flush with excitement.
Taking her position in front of Jack, Elsa handed Anna her bouquet of white roses, lilies and forget-me-nots. Taking her hand in his, Jack offered a gentle squeeze, mouthing you look beautiful so that only she could see. Muffling a giggle, Elsa smiled shyly in return, the pink in her cheeks deepening.
If truth be told, Elsa barely remembered the ceremony. Instead, she found herself lost in her own world, distracted by the way Jack seemed to smile only for her; the way his hands felt in her own; the way the snow clung to the tips of his silver white hair, making him look like a frosted prince. Time went by in a blur until she found herself at the most crucial part of the wedding.
"The bride and groom have elected to write their own vows, which they will share now. Jack, you may begin."
Nodding at Herman Moon, Jack's thumbs began tracing circles along Elsa's hands. He took a steadying breath before he began.
"Elsa. For most of my life, people have perceived me in a certain way. I have always been the prankster, the boy who likes to have fun; I was someone people rarely took seriously. And I was fine being that person, guarding a part of me that I kept all to myself. But with you...I never felt like I had to hide who I was. You can see me. The real me. And you always have. Every day I thank the powers that be for bringing you into my life. Because you are everything to me. Your are my inspiration, my muse, my raison d'être. I love you, my Snow Queen, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my days by your side."
Tears stung Elsa's eyes as she willed them not fall. Shaking her head, she whispered just loud enough to be heard, "How am I supposed to follow that?"
A quiet chuckle mixed with a few sniffles spread around the crowd, Anna hiccuping loudly behind her as she waved her hands about frantically to dispel her tears.
Grinning, Elsa fixed her gaze on Jack before she began.
"More than twenty years ago, I met a boy who turned my world upside down. For years, I pushed him away, shutting out the silly boy with the goofy grin who just wanted to make me laugh. And for years, that boy relentlessly chipped away at my defenses until finally, one day, I took a chance. I opened my heart and found that all the things that had been missing in my life had been right in front of me all along. Jack, you were the missing piece of the puzzle. I was broken and you put me back together. You showed me how to love again and for that, I am eternally grateful. I love you, my winter spirit, because with you, I am whole. And I will continue to love you, from now until forever."
Anna made a strange, strangled noise behind Elsa and all eyes immediately locked on the less than composed maid of honor.
"I'm...sorry...it's just...so beautiful!" she wailed, burying her face in the bouquet before her. "They're so in love!"
Snickering, Herman leaned over and gave Anna an awkward pat on the shoulder.
"Well, I think it's time we move on to the exchanging of the rings. Best man?"
Jamie stepped forward, having collected the precious wedding bands from Heath Guarding. He presented the delicate items to the bride and groom respectively.
"Jack, please take your bride's hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I, Jackson Christopher Frost..."
"With this ring, I, Jackson Christopher Frost..."
"...vow to love and support you, for better or worse, in good times and bad."
"...vow to love and support you, for better or worse, in good times and bad."
"I offer this ring as a symbol of that love…"
"I offer this ring as a symbol of that love…"
"...and a promise of our bright future."
"...and a promise of our bright future."
Jack slid the simple white gold band up Elsa's finger until it met her engagement ring in a perfect match.
"Now Elsa, please take your groom's hand and repeat after me. With this ring, I, Elsa Sofia Arendelle..."
"With this ring, I, Elsa Sofia Arendelle…"
"...vow to stand by your side, through sickness or health, from now until the end of my days."
"...vow to stand by your side, through sickness or health, from now until the end of my days."
"I give this ring as a symbol of my love…"
"I give this ring as a symbol of my love…"
"...and a promise of many more days to come."
"...and a promise of many more days to come."
Elsa's fingers trembled slightly in happiness as she pushed the ring to its final resting place on Jack's finger, marveling at the sight.
"Jack, do you take Elsa to be your wife?"
"I do."
"And Elsa, do you take Jack to be your husband?"
"I do."
Beaming, Herman Moon raised his arms to the guests. "By the power vested in me by the state of Pennsylvania, I now pronounce you man and wife!" Winking, he clapped his hands together joyously. "Now enough talk, go kiss your bride already!"
As the crowd whooped and snow flurried about them, Jack pulled Elsa into his arms, kissing her deeply as she snaked her fingers through his hair. In that moment, it didn't matter who was watching, and it didn't matter who was there. To them, all that mattered was that they had each other and the world around them disappeared.
It was just Jack and Elsa. The Winter Spirit and his Snow Queen.
And for a split second, life was truly perfect.
