Chapter Ten

The next few months flew by. Not only were there wedding plans to be made, but Wendy was packing up eighteen years of her life and moving to a new home. Peter and the fairies agreed to move her things to Neverland during the night.

When the big day finally arrived, Wendy was disappointed to see raindrops falling on the window panes. Mrs. Darling reassured her that rain on your wedding day was a sign of good luck. After getting her hair and makeup done and putting on her gown, Wendy took one last look around her bedroom. Nothing but the furniture remained. The walls were sun-faded from where pictures had hung.

"Are you alright, Wendy?" Mrs. Darling asked.

"I am going to miss it here," she replied.

"You can always come back to visit. Anytime."

"Yes, I know."

"Come along, dear. It's time to go."

They went downstairs and got into a carriage. When they arrived at the church, Wendy was ushered into a small room in the back of the church designated for brides. Her bridesmaids were there already, doing last minute touch-ups on themselves.

"I'm going to go check on the boys," Mrs. Darling said.

"Alright, mother," Wendy replied.

Mrs. Darling left the bride room and walked through the church. The guests offered congratulations as she walked to the front. After genuflecting at the altar, she went into the sacristy where the boys were gathered around Peter.

"Well," she said. "You all clean up nicely, don't you?"

The boys laughed. Peter came over to his soon-to-be mother-in-law.

"Mary, you look beautiful," he said and he kissed her cheek.

"May I have a word?" she asked.

Peter nodded. They walked away from the boys to a quieter spot.

"Peter," Mrs. Darling said. "I have a friend whose husband is a detective. Now, I don't know much about you or your past. However, from the information that I have been able to gather, I was able to find a last known address for James and Rebecca Pan."

Peter gasped. "You found my parents?"

"Not quite. Your parents have…have passed."

"They're dead?"

"Oh, Peter. I'm so sorry."

"Mrs. Darling, do I have any living relatives?"

"We're not sure."

Peter shrugged. "I don't suppose it matters either way. Family is people who love you and care for you. I have that. Wendy, you and George, John and Michael, the Lost Boys, and everyone in Neverland."

"I do wish that they had come to the wedding."

"Oh, not to worry. There will be much celebration when we return to Neverland."

"You know, pretty soon you and Wendy will be starting your own family."

Peter's cheeks flushed. "Well, I don't know how soon that will be."

Mrs. Darling patted his shoulder. Then the priest came to tell them that it was time to start the ceremony. Mrs. Darling went to take her seat and the boys took their places at the altar. The organ started and the bridesmaids came down the aisle.

Then Peter saw his bride. He had never seen Wendy look any lovelier than she did at that moment. His breath caught in his chest as he watched Mr. Darling escort her down the aisle. Then Peter and Wendy joined hands as the priest started to recite the sacred words. They never took their eyes off each other.

Wendy and Peter recited their vows, promising to love, honor and obey one another. Then they exchanged rings. Finally, the priest said the words that they had been longing to hear.

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. Peter, you may kiss your bride."

The guests clapped and cheered as Peter and Wendy shared their first kiss as husband and wife.