For Better Or For Worse

The walk back to her apartment was filled with laughter and teasing, as Mary Margaret tried to flirt her way to information on the details of her upcoming wedding. Upcoming, as in just a few short hours from now, and she had no idea what to expect. He would just smile and say, nice try but I'm not telling you anything.

When they reached her front steps he gave her a quick peck on her cheek and released her hand. "I'm afraid that I must leave you here for the time being, my darling."

She grabbed his tie and pulled her to him, nearly choking him, as she kissed him with more fire than any of her previous kisses. It took everything he had to resist her. There was no doubt his love for her was going to be his biggest weakness. How ironic he thought, since that love was also turning out to be his greatest strength.

She finally released his lips, but kept her hold on his tie. "You're really going to leave me here? Just walk away, without giving me any details at all?"

He found himself needing to clear his throat before he was able to answer. "What happened to no more kissing in public?"

"A girl has a right to change the rules when the circumstances call for it."

He couldn't help but laugh. "Good to know. I will be sure to be better prepared for any such circumstances in the future."

"You're already doing a bang up job of staving off my advances in the present," she pouted. "It's rather disheartening that my charms don't seem to be having their intended effect."

"I promise you darling, you have nothing to fear. I find you to be completely irresistible. It has taken tremendous effort to keep up the pretense that I am unaffected by your advances. I have thought of little else lately than us vowing to be partners forever and consummating that promise. If it weren't for the fact that I have been working on surprising you for days, I would have already waved the white flag of surrender."

"But Charming, I don't even know what to wear, or where to meet you."

As if on cue, Ruby pulled up to the curb and stepped out of her car. "So from the looks of it she said yes."

"She put me through the wringer, but I was finally able to convince her."

"Well then, the maid of honor is officially on duty. I'll take it from here. You better go David before you're late."

"Yes, I have to see a lady about a ring." He turned to Mary, "Ruby's going to take care of you." He hesistated a moment struggling to leave. "I will see you later right? No more second thoughts?

"You can count on it." She reassured him as she leaned forward to kiss him on the cheek taking the opportunity to teasingly whisper in his ear. "I'm sorry for putting you through the wringer, but I promise to make it up to you later. Trust me, you're not the only one looking forward to the part after the ceremony." She stepped back and winked at him. David could only swallow in response.

Ruby didn't have to hear what Mary Margaret had said to know what it must have pertained to, David's face showed it all. Ruby shook her head and laughed at him. Mary Margaret couldn't help but laugh herself, as the two of them entered her apartment building leaving David standing there on the front steps.

After entering the apartment she addressed Ruby for the first time. "Maid of honor, huh?"

Ruby looked at her sheepishly. "I just thought...I don't have to be. David just asked me to help and well..."

Mary interrupted her. "I was just kidding. You've always been there for me, Ruby. You're family. I would have asked you...I am asking you."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Ruby crushed her in a hug at that. "I'm so happy for you. He's a wonderful man, really. A regular Prince Charming." Ruby released her, "okay, no more tears, only happy smiles."

"I thought brides were supposed to cry on their wedding day?"

"Not unless they want to ruin their makeup and end up with black raccoon eyes. And I'm about to do my most fantastic make up job ever, just for you."

"Well, then from this moment on I promise no more tears."

Ruby actually had no confidence that Mary Margaret would be able to keep such a promise. She was way too tender hearted and every emotion she experienced seemed to come with tears.

The afternoon flew by as the two girls spent as much time laughing and reminiscing as they did getting ready. Still Ruby had managed to do the makeup for both herself and Mary Margaret, as well as their hair. Ruby got up excitedly. She had been waiting to show her the dress.

"Wait here," she instructed. "I'll be right back"

When she re-emerged, Mary was stunned to see the dress she was holding. As she took in the details she realized the dress looked familiar, and yet not.

"Is that my old dress?"

"Yes. David and I were talking one afternoon at the diner about what you could wear and David mentioned this white dress that he had seen you in when you were on stage, and how stunning it had looked on you. Granny and I made a few slight alterations.

"Slight alterations? You've completely reworked the dress." They had cut the dress off to a tea length and added lace tulle over the top of the existing skirt to create a fuller more romantic look. Across the waist they added a belt of hand stitched pearl and crystal beads. They had finished it off by draping a double strand of pearls across the open back. "Ruby this is absolutely amazing. I can't believe that you guys did all this. You must have worked night and day."

"Stop, before you make me cry. Now go try it on."

The dress fit perfectly of course, and Mary Margaret looked perfect in it.

"I have one more thing for you. But you have to remember before I give it to you that you promised not to cry," she said as she handed her the velvet box.

She released an audible gasp as she opened the box. "My mother's pearls." She gently ran her fingers along the pearls. They were smooth and cool to the touch. She felt the tears, but refused to blink and let them fall. "How did you get these?"

"Regina brought them."

Mary looked up in shock at that. "Regina gave these to you?" She was so filled with emotion she could barely speak as hope soared in her heart. "Why would she do that?"

"She heard about the plans for the wedding. She knew that you would want to wear them. She wanted you to wear them."

"She knows about the wedding?"

Ruby could hear the concern in Mary Margaret's voice. She knew she was questioning how she could allow herself such happiness. Wondering whether she even deserved it in light of all that Regina had lost. Ruby gently took Mary Margaret's hand.

"She knows about the wedding and she brought you your mother's pearls. It's her way of giving her approval. I know what you're thinking, but don't. Don't dishonor her and the steps she's taken towards forgiveness with some misplaced sacrifice of your own chance at love."

Mary sat there for a moment, contemplating Ruby's words and what Regina had done, before finally looking up and managing a smile. She handed the necklace to Ruby. "Would you help me put it on?"

"Good girl," she said as she placed the necklace around her neck and fastened the clasp. She turned her around towards the mirror and then stood behind her watching as she reached up her had to touch the pendant. So many emotions were swirling through Mary Margaret as she stood there, her hand gently caressing the pearls. Closing her eyes, she remembered the only other time she had worn those pearls.

She had been 7 years old watching her mother get ready for a party. The pearls were sitting on the vanity. Mary Margaret had been looking at them longingly, wanting to take them out of their box, but afraid to touch them. Her mother had noticed the little girl eyeing them.

"Do you like them?"

"They're so pretty Mama. Where did you get them?"

"They were a gift from my mother. She got them from hers before that and one day they will be yours. Would you like to wear them while I finish getting ready?"

Mary Margaret shook her head excitedly. She was rarely allowed to touch her mother's jewelry. Her mother gently placed the pearls around her neck, and together they looked in the mirror.

"You're so beautiful, just like a princess." Eva hugged her daughter from behind, smiling into the mirror. "I love you, sweetheart."

Ruby heard the whispered voice, "I love you too mama."

Mary Margaret opened her eyes, letting go of the memory. Ruby gave her a moment before stepping forward. "One last touch," she said as she began placing flowers loosely in her hair. There, you look gorgeous. Now, let's get you to your prince before he starts to worry and comes looking for us."

Mary was pleasantly surprised when Ruby drove her to the Storybrooke Bird Sanctuary. She had been here only a handful of times since her father's death, and none in recent years. She thought it was a wonderful choice for an outdoor wedding, and the weather was cooperating nicely. As they approached the clearing, Mary was awed by the how amazing everything looked. They had covered the gazebo in a variety of roses in shades of pink, red, and white. It was beautiful and romantic. Lit torches surrounded the lake, their dancing flames reflecting on the water. Luminaries were strung from the tree branches. A small wooden deck had been placed under the tree to serve as a stage and dance floor. Several of her friends from The Pawnshop's orchestra were in place, ready to provide music. Centerpieces of the same roses that covered the gazebo were placed on the picnic tables. About thirty guests, more than she had expected, were seated in chairs surrounding the gazebo. Most of them were friends and acquaintances of hers from her childhood, along with a few she had worked with at Gold's club. Ruby had obviously been involved with the guest list.

David's back was to them so he had not noticed their arrival. He was at the gazebo speaking with Robin and Judge Archie Hopper. Ruby left Mary Margaret standing in the back with Granny while she went to let everyone know they were ready for the ceremony to start. David stood in the center of the platform, while Robin and Ruby took their spots as the best man and maid of honor. Just a few moments later the musicians began playing and Mary Margaret felt her heart rate pick up. She was really doing this. She was getting married. Granny picked up on the panic in her eyes and took her hands.

"Take a deep breath Sweetheart. You are going to be fine. You couldn't look more beautiful, and this man truly loves you." She gave her hands a tight squeeze before she stepped aside, nudging her forward.

Mary slowly started her walk down the aisle. She briefly thought with sadness of how she wished her father was here to escort her. Then her eyes met David's and nothing else mattered. The way he looked at her, with such assurance, such confidence, all her own doubts and fears disappeared in the strength of his gaze.

From the moment Ruby had informed him that they were here and ready, he had been trying to get a glimpse of her, but Granny had been blocking his view. Then there she was and the whole world starting moving in slow motion. It was truly like watching a princess, as she made her way to him. She was regal, graceful, and strikingly beautiful. And she was about to become his. Robin stepped down to help her up the steps, while Ruby straightened her veil and took her flowers. Judge Hopper instructed them to face each other and join hands.

David had chosen to go with the traditional vows. He knew there were more flowery words about love that they could use, but for David, this ceremony was about more than that. For many couples embarking on the start of their lives together, the words 'for better or for worse' were spoken without serious thought. It wasn't that couples weren't honestly committing to stay together if the worse came, but marriages usually started from a place where the future looked bright and full of promise. For Mary Margaret and David, 'for worse', was not some abstract possibility that was hard to imagine, it was a possibility so real they could feel it bearing down on them. David needed her to know that whatever was to come, his love for her was unfailing, and his commitment was unbreakable. He wanted her to know his love would be there to see her through the darkest of days. He selfishly needed that same commitment from her. He needed her to promise that no matter what may come, she would never try to let him go, or ask him to leave her and move on. He needed the promise of her love to keep his own hope alive.

Those were the thoughts scrolling through David's mind as he said "I do." Tears filled his eyes as she began her vows. When she looked at him it was as if she could sense exactly what he needed. With eyes full of assurance, unclouded by doubt, she squeezed his hand, and said her vows loud and clear, with unwavering strength. Both of them had tears in their eyes as David placed the ring on her finger and Judge Hopper declared his belief that the love between them would always be strong, true, and eternal.

Their tears dried up and smiles adorned their faces as they were officially announced as husband and wife, and David was told he could kiss his bride. His bride. Nothing else mattered. It was a perfect moment as they kissed with the backdrop of the sun setting over the lake, filling the sky with hues of pink, purple, and blue. She smiled into the kiss, her heart filled with inexplicable joy, and when they broke apart she couldn't stop the quiet giggle.

He leaned his forehead against hers, "Are you Happy?"

"Deliriously. Are you?"

"I've never been happier." For a brief moment they stood there like that taking in the moment, the sunset, and each other.

The ceremony ended as Judge Hopper thanked the guests for being there and told them to help themselves to food and drink while he and the new couple signed the official license, promising they would be available shortly to greet their guests.

Mary Margaret and David were standing off to the side while the judge had Robin and Ruby sign as the witnesses. David had his arm around her waist observing her as she admired the ring on her finger.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it."

"I know it's not a diamond..."

"David stop, I love it."

David smiled and kissed her on the cheek. "Good, she'll be glad to hear it."

"She?" All at once she remembered David telling her about his mother's ring and true love. "Oh...this is your mother's ring. Well, I'm very honored to wear it. Maybe someday I can thank her for sharing it with me."

"You can today. She arrived on the afternoon train. She can't wait to meet you."

"What!" Mary voiced squeaked in panic. "She's here? How much does she know about me? David I can't, I can't meet her. She's going to hate me."

David turned her so he could look directly at her. "She's going to love you, I promise."

"David, there's no way I'm the wife she hoped for you. I'm a nightclub singer, who works for a suspected gangster. I've been disowned by my own family. I've been in jail. I'm facing murder charges." She looked down, shame making her unable to keep eye contact.

He reached out and gently lifted her chin. "You, my love, are everything she has ever hoped for in a wife for me. You are brave and strong and kind, but most importantly you love me and I love you. You make me happier than I've ever been in my life. Even with all we are facing, you fill me with joy, and love, and life. All she's ever wanted is for me to be happy, and she will love you no matter what, because you are what makes me happy."

She kissed him then, as she wondered how this man always knew the right words to say to infuse her with strength and hope.

Archie cleared his throat to interrupt them. "Alright lovebirds, come sign this and make your union official."

After signing, David and Mary Margaret returned to their guests where they were greeted with applause and congratulations from their friends. David waited for her to personally hug each one, thanking them for their support and attendance before he took her by the hand and led her to an empty spot near the lake.

"Trying to get me alone already, Charming?" She teased him, until she noticed a woman approaching. She recognized her immediately. She shared many facial features with David, including her smile. He could feel the slight tremor of nervousness in her hand. He squeezed it as a sign of support before stepping back. Mary Margaret was immediately engulfed in the warmest hug she had ever felt outside of her own mother. Ruth stepped back, but did not fully release her, instead keeping her hands on Mary's shoulders.

"I am so pleased to finally meet you, my dear. Welcome to the family."

"Thank you, ma'am." Mary stammered. "I am pleased to meet you as well."

"Please, call me Ruth, or mother if you'd like."

"Oh...uhm...," Mary had no idea how to respond.

"Fret not, dear. I won't be offended if it makes you uncomfortable."

"No, it's just that..." Mary paused, not sure what to say. Finally she decided to just say it. She knew his mother must be thinking it, so better to put it out there and deal with it. "I must be an awful disappointment to you."

"On the contrary, dear. I don't concern myself with gossip and rumor, or false accusations. I have only one concern. Do you love my son?"

"With all my heart."

Ruth smiled at her, a genuine smile, full of warmth. "Then that's all I need to know."

"But you should understand these accusations may not be false."

"My son loves you. You make him happy. You've given him something to believe in. He tells me that you are the kindest soul he's ever met, and that you could never do what you've been accused of, and that's good enough for me."

"Thank you...mother."

It had been so long since she had been able to call another woman mother, and mean it. In just a short conversation Ruth had made her feel the unconditional love and acceptance that a mother should. It was more than Cora had ever managed in the 10 years she had spent in her role as Mary Margaret's mother.

Ruth engaged her in another hug before stepping back to smile as she and David quickly found their way back into each other's arms. "Now, don't stand here talking to an old lady. Go mingle with your guests and have a good time. We will have plenty of time to get better acquainted later."

David once more took her hand in his, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "I told you so," as they walked back to center of the room.

David and Mary Margaret rejoined the festivities, but soon found themselves separated as they circulated among the crowd. Mary Margaret excused herself from a conversation with some former classmates to go find her husband. She spotted him deep in discussion with Robin and she decided not to interrupt. She wandered over to the cake table and admired the white frosted creation, encircled along the bottom and top with pink roses. She could tell Granny had made it and found herself tempted by what she knew was her famous Italian buttercream frosting. Thinking no one was watching she allowed her finger to dip into the frosting along the bottom of the cake. As she brought it up to her mouth she felt someone come up behind her and grab her wrist spinning her around.

"Caught you!"

"David, you scared me." She smiled at him, "Would you like to try some?"

"Don't mind if I do." He brought the wrist he was still holding up to his mouth and licked the frosting from her fingers. "Absolutely delicious," he said with a wink.

"I guess it's time to cut the cake," Ruby said interrupting the scene in front of her. The smile on her face told them they didn't have to wonder how much she had seen or heard.

Mary blushed with embarrassment as she pulled her hand from his.

After the cake had been served, the band began playing and people started dancing. Mary was seated at a table talking with Granny and Ruth, but she didn't miss David going over to talk with the band leader. He headed from there over to where she was. He opened his hand out to her, "Dance with me, Mrs. Nolan."

She placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her out onto the floor. The band leader smiled and nodded at them before raising his arms to lead the band in what she assumed must have been a request from David. Other couples quietly left the floor and he took her into his arms as the first strains of the music began. She smiled at him when she recognized the melody. He had picked the perfect song. He pulled her closer and began quietly singing the lyrics to her. She laid her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and allowed herself to melt in his arms.

How much do I love you I'll tell you no lie

How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky

How many times in a day do I think of you

As much as the roses are covered in dew

How far would I travel to be where you are

How far is the journey from here to a star

And if I ever lost you how much would I cry

How deep is the ocean, how high is the sky

As the song ended they stopped dancing, but neither moved from their embrace. The band started a new song, and dancing couples moved around them. Finally, he leaned back from her enough to look at her. He brought his hand to her face and gently stroked her cheek.

"Let's go home, Mrs. Nolan."

"Home sounds wonderful, Mr. Nolan."

A/N: The song they dance to is called "How Deep is the Ocean" by Irving Berlin, as sung by Frank Sinatra, so all rights to the lyrics belong to them. I had never heard it before, but I wanted David to sing to her during their first dance, and of course it had to be a song from that time period. Thanks to youtube I discovered this song.