Chapter 11
Author's Notes: Since I couldn't publish on Wednesday because of business commitments, here's both chapters at once. Thanks again to all the new fans that are commenting on my story for the first time, and others who continue the journey with me. I really do read and enjoy your comments. You all are phenomenal supporters. I will eventually answer your kind reviews and comments, and I am honored whenever my story and my authorship becomes your 'favorite'. :)
…Well past midnight. Polar Tundra District…
Someone ripped the blindfold and forepaw restraints from Joe. He squinted. fighting a bright light that shown in his face. and wrung his hooves to regain circulation. It was the only light in the room, which was otherwise dark shadows. In those shadows he could make out a dozen lookalike male polar bears, each in identical dark suits, and each with their paws crossed in front of them. It was icy cold and they had stripped Joe of his overcoat. He shivered and could see his nervous breaths. Camels were naturally cold weather tolerant, but Joe liked warmer climates. The great white bears were at best emotionless, but stared at Joe like the stares would completely bore through him.
He swallowed with difficulty.
"Comfortable?" asked one of the bears.
Joe weakly replied, "Uh, no."
The bear chuckled, "Good. That's the way we want it, Camel."
He started to say 'that's Mr. Camel' but held his tongue.
"What do you want of me?" Joe asked.
"We don't want nothin'. Mr. Big does, and you have to wait for him."
It was a very long, uncomfortable silence. Intentionally. Joe felt increasingly small and vulnerable in their presence despite being a large mammal himself. He'd never seen anyone more capable of being totally motionless then these polar bears.
A door creaked open, revealing a light from behind, but he didn't see anyone. He heard fast footsteps up a long staircase. He heard a chair scrape on a polished surface.
Suddenly a second lamp spotlighted an enormous ornate desk he hadn't noticed in front of him. A tiny arctic vole sat in a fancy, highly cushioned chair with a very severe expression. The vole held his paws steepled in front of him. The light spilled over to the floor. A large rug was between Joe and the small creature and the desk. He knew what as underneath that rug. He'd seen it used in a 'family discipline' meeting, and gulped.
The vole said in a deep, rasping voice, "Good evening, Joseph. I am glad I found the time from your busy schedule to grace us with your presence."
Joe answered, "It was… uh… my pleasure, Mr. Big. Thank you for the ride here."
He bowed, and kissed the crime boss' outstretched ring.
The vole looked down upon Joe with a mix of disappointment, anger, and grave concern as Joe made the motions. Mr. Big scolded, "Good! You remember who your superiors are and what you owe them. I was afraid that, given certain behaviors lately, you had forgotten that oath."
With his head bowed, "No sir. I would not do that. My loyalty has never wavered. Times… have been hard, and I know it has had a direct effect on the family."
Mr. Big nodded, "Yes Joseph, you are right. I have considered you family. You, Joseph Camel, I have treated like my own brother, rest his soul. Because of my deep affection for you, I have long afforded you certain favors. Certain… allowances. Special privileges now, unfortunately, that I am compelled to withdraw."
Joe was very worried, "Why sir? What have I done? I will make it up to you."
"Long ago I loaned you money to start your own broadcasting business. At the time I thought that a little competition for ZTV was a good thing for the city. Good for profits. Good for the family. Since then, you have always managed your money, made payments on time, and have paid back my early trust in you many times over."
"Thank you, sir."
Mr. Big waved off his compliments and continued, "But things have changed in you, Joseph. Two things actually are of great concern, Joseph, and you have hurt my heart with both actions. One: I run a respectable business, and associate with respectable businesses like yours. But like any good family, there are expectations. Being a loyal member of the family demands results. There is no profit in being sorry. Your business leadership has become questionable. You are off nearly 25% in your monthly contributions to income. That affects my bottom line, Joseph. And my happiness. Mr. Big is not happy. Why am I not happy? Other members of the family, which you and I are part of, are getting nervous about your part of the contributions to the family. If times were truly hard we would all be suffering the hurt together. That might be understandable or forgivable. It seems, Joseph, you alone are experiencing business difficulties, and not getting the results we expect."
Joe explained, "My investigative news and entertainment divisions are doing their utmost to generate interesting stories that the public will flock to and generate the viewership revenue we project."
"Joseph, my son, that leads me to the second concern. Mr. Big is not the swiftest polar bear in woods especially about things that my daughter watches on TV, and what the public wants and responds to, but I know enough."
The body guards chafed a little.
"Joseph. You show a program. I cannot remember the name…" Mr. Big struggled to remember and waved his paws around in the air, "it… shall we say… brings out the worst in famous mammals, and hurts them through ridicule and criticism. Sometimes to their absolute ruin."
Joe answered, "ZooTMZ, sir."
"That would be the program, Joseph. I never watch it. Normally, I would not object to such techniques to cause the mammals to suffer emotionally, especially my enemies, which you have done for me many times through your media business, and I am grateful, even though I prefer getting results I desire in more direct ways. But when a show such as that is used against family, it causes me great concern and makes my heart heavy, Joseph. Capisce?"
"Yes, sir," answered Joe as Mr. Big gestured to the rug between them. Joseph gulped.
Mr. Big explained, "My dear daughter has brought to my attention that recently, you have been smearing the reputations of interspecies couples. I am disappointed in that, Joseph. Interspecies couples are just another kind of couple. Whomever mammals choose to spend their lives with - and do together in the privacy of their own homes - is their business, not ours. It is our business to provide any mammal what they need to provide for their pleasure. We turn those desires into tidy profits, for whatever it is they desire, especially for those things that are often very hard to obtain other than doing business with us. We don't care whether it is a mixed species couple or same species couple wanting our services. We want everyone to enjoy the services we provide, so that the family is successful and happy."
"But sir…" Joe objected.
"But nothing, Joseph, especially when it comes to one interspecies couple. Your show has chosen to attack Judith Hopps and Nicholas Wilde, whom I consider to be a daughter and a son."
Joe almost collapsed hearing this and asked, "Sir? I don't understand why you would care about them. They are cops. You should be glad that I have chosen to do them harm."
"Mr. Big often does not often see eye-to-eye with the police. Their profession is an impediment to our family's growing wealth. What you have done to them does matter, and it greatly saddens my daughter. You have broken my daughter's heart – my only daughter whom I adore - to see Judith and Nicholas caused such anguish. Whenever my daughter's heart is broken, mine is likewise, Joseph."
Joe wondered what could possibly be Zootopia's biggest crime family's connection with the fox and the bunny cops, so he asked, "But sir, how?"
Mr. Big leaned up into his tiny chair, pointed at the camel, and emphasized, "Judith Hopps saved my daughter's life from a two bit thug in Rodentia, befriended her, and Judith and Nicholas have become my granddaughter's godmother and godfather. Because of these great kindnesses, and many more, Judith and Nicholas are family to me, Joseph. Which makes them your family. Your continued campaign of slander and untruths to cause hatred and even violence against them has caused these young people great personal duress and public derision. You have struck out against family. Family never strikes out against family."
The camel CEO declared, "With all due respect, I didn't know. If I did, I would have nev…"
"Joseph. If you had taken the time to be personally involved every day with our family, you would know these things. It is obvious to all of us."
The polar bears all nodded and muttered agreement.
"Everyone in the family knows how you feel about this couple. You took advantage of them being in the public eye. An attack on them is an attack on me – an offense that I cannot abide."
"I am truly sorry," Joe apologized on a bent knee and bowed head," If I had known, sir, I would have never intentionally offended the family. Never."
"You know what fate befalls those who attack our family, especially members of the family. Betrayal is the worst offense of all offenses, Joseph."
The trapdoor opened and the icy waters below appeared.
Joe tried to keep his hysteria in check and asked, "I hope that we can come to another arrangement. I won't fit."
"Sorry is not good enough, Joseph. Fit? After the boys are done, you will fit."
Concealed meat cleavers and wicked looking saws and knives appeared in the bears' hands. One grinned as he wielded a chain saw and he revved the engine. Joe's blood ran cold, and he fell on the frozen floor prostrate.
He begged, "Please, Mr. Big. Forgive my transgressions against the family, and I swear on my mother's grave I will make up to you, to the family, and your dear daughter. And to Nick and Judy."
Mr. Big was ready to give the signal, but his trusted Consigliere rushed over and tapped him on his shoulder. The vole turned to the shrew, and the two conferred a few moments animatedly. They nodded and the shrew bowed and withdrew into the shadows.
Mr. Big commanded in a truly impressive voice, "Stop, my friends!"
The bears put away the weapons and returned to their stoic, yet still intimidating posture.
Mr. Big cleared his throat, "Upon guidance my ever-vigilant Consigliere, it appears I may have been hasty in my judgment about you, Joseph. Get up; begging is unseemly, even for you."
Composing himself, Joe could barely whisper, "I am eternally grateful for your mercy, Mr. Big."
"I am sparing you only because you have been loyal in the past, and what you must now do for me."
Joe knew that he had given Mr. Big millions in revenue skimmed right off the top on top of his normal payments and contributions. Even those records weren't in the book he had to get back even more desperately than before.
"Joseph, I will give you one more chance. Never let it be said that Mr. Big is not generous or forgiving. Mr. Big has decided, with the advice of Consigliere, that this watery fate before us does not await you today. But it more from necessity than magnanimity. He has informed me that you do not have a suitable replacement at CBS to return to a profitable enterprise quickly. So I have decided you will remain in that role. Tell me why your Executive Vice President Miss Adeline has left CBS."
Joe could barely contain his anger for her, "Corporate greed, sir. She resigned to accept a better offer from a rival network. She left the network without a goodbye."
"Did she leave you too, Joseph?"
With his eyes sadly cast to the ground, he answered, "Yes."
Mr. Big was disappointed, "On numerous occasions I have advised you to marry this girl, give her a future to look forward to, and raise a family together. Did I not?"
"You did sir."
The vole leaned back in his chair, and concluded, "That is why she left Joseph, not for a better offer of employment, but because she saw she no future with the Chairman of Camel Broadcasting, Mark my words."
Knowing the truth of it Joe replied, "Yes sir, that is true."
"I do truly understand the nature of an offer that one cannot forget. But I also know that is only part of the reason. I understand that she left you for the Mayor, a rival from many years ago. I imagine that for you, Joseph, a mammal with a fragile psyche and low feeling of self worth, it is hard to accept that this tigress left you to go back to his bed. You are free to settle your own score with Miss Adeline. I will not interfere, but not at the expense or distraction of turning a profit by the end of next quarter, Joseph."
Joe answered, "Yes sir. I will do that. There is plenty of time to deal with her."
But inside, he seethed, thinking, "How the hell did he know that?"
The camel's mind raced with the possibilities. The basset hound in the park was the only other mammal there besides Adeline and Leodore. Was he moonlighting for Mr. Big, or was there someone unseen there as well?
Mr. Big could be bitingly cruel and accurate in his insults. That tiny mouth full of needle sharp teeth were half as sharp as his tongue.
Mr. Big got up from his chair and dismissed his underling, "We are done here, Joseph, for this night. But let me make it perfectly clear for you: do not fail me again. I would be devastatingly disappointed if we find ourselves here again. You have to the end of the quarter to produce the results I expect."
A couple of huge black and white shapes circled under the floor and were very disappointed. They knew there would be no meal tonight. Mr. Big's 'arrangement' with underworld Orcas – who still liked meat – was to dispose of any evidence after an icing.
Joe was blindfolded and bound again for the ride home. On the way home, he had much to think about. His world was closing in around him. His best girl left, and her business talents left along with her sexual talents. He was now forbidden to continue his vendetta against interspecies couples in general and Nick and Judy in particular. At best he had another 60 days to create a programming miracle to get back to profitability.
Joe still felt he could turn things would turn for the better soon. Summer sports would start soon and mammals always enjoyed watching his televised games. The city's team had several hot draft prospects. But he was about to take an even more important first step to completely turning things around. Simon and Duke were about to return 'the book' to him sometime this weekend. He was quite sure Adeline still had it or the cops would have paid him a visit already, even faster than Mr. Big's visit.
In retrieving the book, Simon might even solve the problem of Adeline at the same time.
But one thing he vowed to himself. He had to be rid of Mr. Big forever, and then, taking care of the fox and rabbit would be simple.
…Park Savanna Central. Early evening the next night…
When Leodore and Adeline saw each other in the abandoned park, they literally ran toward each other, embraced, and kissed.
The Mayor asked Adeline anxiously, not letting her out of his embrace, "What's the rush to see me, Adeline? Trouble?"
Not letting go of their gazes for each other, Adeline confessed, "No, Leodore. I know we'll see each other next week at the station, but I… I only needed to see you. Just because. There's no trouble and no business reason."
Hearing the true affection in her voice for him, he smiled, "I was glad I got your call."
They were both out of breath, but not from running. They held paws in each like teenage lovers again.
The Mayor kidded, "You know that we're acting like infatuated 'high school sweethearts'."
She smiled back and looked him straight in the eye, "Ask me if I care. We're making up for lost time, Leodore."
"I guess we are," he chuckled and was very pleased to hear those words from her with such conviction.
Adeline cooed, "I have dinner waiting for us at my apartment. I made it, not my cook. We'll be alone. Before you say it and ruin the moment, darling, It's not a trap and there are no cameras. I just want you to be with me."
"I accept, and actually, Adeline dear, I trust that you would never set me up again. Not after the other night."
They kissed tenderly, and she whispered, "I was thinking about some personal entertainment later."
"Party for two? Like we used to?" he suggested.
She answered and asked boldly, "Yes, dear. Only better. Now we don't have to sneak around our parents. Can you…. uh… stay… the weekend?"
"I have nothing on my schedule until noon Monday, and then I testify about this year's budget to the City Council."
She got close to him and noticed his overnight bag, "That means we have two days - plenty of time to get reacquainted, I think. What do you have in your bag?"
"I… Uh… kind of hoped you might ask me to do this. I packed some casual things, my suit, and a toothbrush. I hope you don't think that was being too presumptive?"
She teased through a blush, "You, Leodore, are such a romantic lion, so adventurous, rushing things like this."
"Am I?" he fretted.
She admitted and soothed his forepaw, "No dear. Not any faster than I am. After dinner you won't need a thing to wear until Monday morning."
"Sounds nice Adeline," he tried to remain calm, but was already excited with the prospects. He hoped she didn't notice.
"I want it as nice as the first time, Leodore, and then we can make things even better between us."
Wondering how she could make things better than simply being back in his arms again, the Mayor took her hand and walked on together, talking about their day. There were ten years of catching up to do. The love that was rekindled between Adeline and Leodore was never brighter. Both let their paws caress the carving with their initials in the old park bench and smiled as they walked on to her apartment.
From the bushes, the basset hound spied on them, and didn't have binoculars. This time he possessed a zoom digital camera, and he got a perfect shot of their juicy French poodle kiss.
…The next morning (Sunday)…
Sleep between Nick and Judy was beginning to resemble what married life soon would be for them, now that the healing process was nearly complete. Much like before, they were snuggled together naturally, but no longer with any bandages and no longer rigidly side-by-side in a loose embrace facing each other with pillows propped up against their backs to prevent them from rolling over on their backs.
This morning their sleeping embrace was much different, and much more intimate.
They'd inadvertently kicked off their comfy set of bedsheets and blankets drawn up to their necks when they said goodnight only hours before. Nick was asleep, sprawled out on his back with his mouth open like he normally was, but there was a new wrinkle. Judy was draped against his side and chest, with one leg against his side, and the other leg nestled between his legs. One of her arms stretched across to the other side of his ribs. Her head rested on his chest, not the pillow. She knew he was much more comfortable than any pillow. They were a wonderfully tangled set of gray, white, red, black, and tan arms and legs. Even asleep they had contented expressions.
He awakened, quietly feeling her soft sleeping form against him, admired her gorgeous body for a moment, mused at her embrace, kissed her gently on the muzzle, and smiled at her as she awakened.
"Good morning, bride-to-be," he whispered.
"Hi, almost-husband, "she cooed back at him.
They discovered they were very comfortable in the position they found themselves upon waking.
Judy gave a very satisfied exhale, "This… this is just so lovely, Nickie. I'm never going to wear pajamas again."
"Is that a promise? Wanna toss out the ones we have?" he teased.
"You!" she blushed and scolded, but then she thought seriously of his suggestion.
Judy squeezed him, "Tomorrow morning we'll wake up in bed husband and wife: Judith Elaine Wilde and Nicholas P. Wilde"
They knew this was finally the day. They'd spent the past few days furiously getting ready, texting and calling friends, and making calls to the Point lodge and several other places.
He thought a moment, "So… you'll change your name for me?"
Her eyes twinkled at him and explained, "Of course. That's what girl rabbits do for their husbands."
He observed, "You'll need a new name badge."
He knew he had to call Mammal Resources today so a new badge would waiting for her on Wednesday at muster when they returned. He needed to call MR with a change in their 'status' to 'married' anyway.
"I should give the Chief a heads up on this whole thing," Nick further noted.
"Aren't you afraid we'll get a lecture or a denial?" Judy worried.
"Since when can our boss tell us whether or not we can get married?" Nick questioned.
She reminded him of the controversy, "Since we're at the center of all this interspecies mess and the politics in ZPD. You know there is still a small undercurrent out there about us. Today's events could just make it all boil over again."
"You're overthinking it, Carrots. I think that's all been 'put to bed' so to speak…"
"Very funny Mr. Wilde," Judy grinned at his bedroom humor pun, but it prompted her to snuggle even closer to him.
He sighed happily with the sensation.
"Sorry we can only enjoy our wedding day and not much else, dear," he said with concern.
"It's all right, Nick. I just want to be married. Did you know that two months from now, our vacation will be our honeymoon?"
"Wow, yeah!" he realized.
Judy sighed again, "I wish we could stay like this all day."
Nick advised, "Me too. But we'll have all night just like this. It is getting late, Judy, and we have to get there. It's further than you think."
"Oh darn, we have to get dressed," she pouted and she led him by the paw to the bathroom.
"What are you doing?" he asked with interest. This was something special.
"Unless we share, we won't be ready on time," she suggested.
"Oh! Yes. Of course," he agreed profusely.
They showered separately to be clean, but both shared the bathroom to brush their teeth, groom, and trim some wild tufts of fur. They wanted to save the experience of showering together until being married, because they knew what they wanted to do once in the shower together. It was the first thing on their 'list' for the morning after their very first time together tonight.
As they exited the bathroom, they got dressed in their travel outfits to Lookout Point.
Judy admitted, "I peeked, you handsome fox."
"Me too, beautiful," Nick unabashedly confessed, "plus I think you were showing off."
"Guilty, dear. Only one more day…" she sighed happily and pecked his fuzzy cheek.
They picked up their pre-packed luggage and were ready to go to Lookout Point.
"Do you think we have everything?" he worried.
"Yes, I do," she said softly, "I checked all our stuff three times."
Nick knew the outfits they'd be married in were safely packed.
She asked, "Got the license?"
"Yep. It's ready for him to sign."
It turned out that Melvin was a certified Zootopia Justice of the Peace because of all the weddings and other legal matters that the high mountain citizens needed to have done so far from the main part of the city.
"Got the rings?" she asked.
He held the box up with both wedding bands, and put it back in his button down shirt pocket for security, "Check!"
"Well then, Nickie, dear, I'd say that we are all set."
Nick checked his latest cell text. It was from Sandra, the more 'technology literate' of the elderly fox-rabbit pair. Everything was would be ready for them, and he smiled at the next message below hers. It would be a beautiful surprise for his bride.
"My bride…" he thought.
The thought compelled him to kiss her, and she blushed, "What was that for?"
He stated, "Payback."
Judy was really confused, "Payback? For what? I haven't 'pranked' you since we got up, or even late night - that I can remember."
He said simply, "Nothing like that. That was payback for simply being my bride today, Carrots."
She just melted in an embrace with him. She positively glowed in anticipation, "That's sweet, Nickie."
He asked her, "Are we all locked up? We won't be back for a day or so."
"Yes sir, I have the key in my hands," she replied and liked hearing his tender words.
They stood at the bus stop where for weeks they'd been shunned. Since it was a Sunday, many fewer people were there, but this time all the mammals were friendly, praised them for their heroism, and engaged them in conversation. Even more interesting was that Rachel was there holding hands with her new boyfriend, another fox, though he was a gray fox subspecies.
Rachel shyly asked for their attention, "Nick? Judy? A word, please?"
"Uh oh…" Judy worried.
Rachel offered them each a sincere apology, "Nick. I'm sorry to have been mean to you. In your heart, you are a nice fox, and congratulations on being a hero. I guess I was still mad about breaking up. But I can see your heart is clearly for another. Sorry Judy, no harm meant. I am happy for you and Nick. I see you are engaged."
Judy was pleased with this, and replied kindly, "Thanks Rachel. I appreciate that. Apology accepted."
"Are you going somewhere together?" Rachel asked with genuine interest.
Judy smiled, "Yes we are. We're getting married today."
Rachel and the others at the bus stop all offered their best wishes, without any judgment.
The bus came up and everyone got on but them. Nick held back, which caused a very curious look from his fiancé.
Judy asked, "Isn't that our bus to the mountains?"
Nick grinned, pointed, and answered, "Normally it would be, but this isn't a normal day, so that bus is."
"Nick?" Judy startled and looked down the street.
The bus approaching wasn't public transportation. It was a charter bus, and it looked positively festive even on the outside. The sign on the masthead said: 'The Nick and Judy Love Bus'.
"Wait? What?" asked, totally perplexed, but soon smiled broadly, "You sly fox."
Offhandedly, Nick commented, "I've heard that before somewhere."
She beeped his nose with a finger. He tried to nip her finger and winked. She pulled it back instantly, protecting her paw, and swatted at him.
"Jerk…" she teased, but then kissed his cheek. Like he was prone to do, he rubbed the kiss in.
When the bus got to the stop, and the door opened, Nick and Judy were nearly bowled over by the rock music. There in the driver's seat was a familiar vulpine face, grinning almost as broadly as Nick, and that face quipped, "'S'up, Nick? Hi Judy. Surprise!"
Judy's eyes were wide with pleasant surprise, "Charlie? Charlie!"
The fox got that mischievous ear-to-ear grin that Nick had. It had to be species-specific.
She didn't know who to look at first, so she turned and said, "Nick! You did this! You wonderful fox. I don't know what to say."
"Just enjoy, Carrots," he winked.
She was so excited that she turned back to Charlie with a million questions, "So… you got your job back?"
"Nope, Judy. I resigned from ZMTA. I talked to one of my old friends who started a new tourism and charter transport. They needed a driver. The pay is better, and part of the job is explicitly taking care of the passengers."
"A perfect job for you, my friend," Judy said. Charlie did think of Judy as a new friend.
The logo on the side of the bus said: 'Basset Hound Charter Lines'. It didn't seem awe inspiring, despite their logo of a running basset with his ears flying back behind him, giving the impression of speeding along. It was actually kind of comical.
"Basset Hound Charter?" she mused.
Nick teased, "Everyone loves basset hounds. You should too. You've got some beautiful ears yourself, Miss Hopps."
She grinned back at him "All the better to hear all those fine compliments, dear fiancé!"
A voice came from further back in the bus, and it yelled, "Are you guys gonna talk all day or are we going to a wedding?' The mountains aren't getting any closer with us just sitting here."
Charlie turned around and scolded, "Quiet back there."
Judy was very curious now who was on the bus.
Charlie prolonged them boarding the bus to see what was going on, "So here I am. Here to pick up the bride and groom."
"Nick?"
"Only the best for you, dear. Think of it this way: we didn't have the cost of a traditional fox rehearsal dinner."
"But you could have saved the money."
Charlie interrupted, "This is wedding present on me. To celebrate two old friends both getting legit jobs now. And gaining a new friend."
They laughed, and then they walked carefully up the steps with the luggage, which Charlie took from her, and Judy peered into the bus.
Her jaw dropped as she saw the crowded and fully decorated bus that had a sign on the back window: 'Happy wedding, Judy and Nick!'
Everyone yelled, "Surprise!"
Bells, horns, whistles, clackers, confetti, poppers all went off at once.
"Oh Nick. This is amazing. I don't know what to say..."
"Just enjoy, Carrots."
The bus was filled with their friends old and new: the Med Techs Ted and Alan and his fiancé Stephanie. Lieutenant Henry and Elizabeth. Dr. Rocky and his wife. Fru Fru, who giggled and waved at Judy.
She rushed to hug the tiny vole, nearly in tears,"Fru Fru, dear, I'm so glad you're here."
"I wouldn't miss this for a minute. Daddy insisted. And you know how he gets. My husband is babysitting today," smiled the cute little mammal.
Next to her was Myrtle. Sweet little old Myrtle. She was rocking out with the music.
"How have you been, Myrtle?" Judy exclaimed as she hugged the old mammal.
"I still have it, honey. You should have seen me and Franklin 'cut a rug' in our day, dear. We actually had to trim our claws in one place. 'Too much damage to the carpet' they told us. I have one request, Judy dear: can I get a dance with Nick?"
They laughed, and Judy responded, "Of course. It's so wonderful to have you with us."
Myrtle described her presence, "It seems that your dear Nicholas and Charles thought seeing your wedding in person was better for me than getting a picture of the wedding. I haven't been to the mountains in years since Franklin passed. It all sounds like so much fun! Besides, the girls at the retirement home are all a bunch of fuddie duddies compared to you young kids."
Outside, their conversation was interrupted by a blaring horn, and a squeaky voice yelling, "Move the damn bus! Can't you see that you're holding up traffic?"
Nick got a very serious look, pulled out his badge, and ordered, "Come on, Officer Hopps, we have some heads to bust!"
Judy got very upset, "Nick, no! We'll ruin our wedding day. We're off duty. We're on medical leave. We're not supposed to fight bad guys for two weeks."
She rushed out to stop Nick from making a big mistake, but saw who was yelling out his car window. It was Ed, and in the passenger seat was Cynthia. Her beautiful creamy tan fur and cute long tail were even more beautiful than the photo in the cab.
Ed teased Judy, "You didn't think we'd miss this wedding, did you? You guys are responsible for us getting engaged. Your ratings are through the roof."
Judy quizzed the cabbie, "Tell me the truth, Ed, when word gets out on our wedding, how much is your bet?"
He grinned and asked, "Off the record, detectives?"
"Off the record," Nick declared, and put his badge away.
Ed smiled, "Enough for Cynthia and me to get married and take a honeymoon."
Judy laughed, "Now that kind of betting I like!"
"Can I quote you?" Ed asked with amusement.
"Absolutely not!" Judy grinned.
Ed flipped the sign over on the cab to 'Out of Service'.
Judy looked at Nick, "I hate you Nicholas P. Wilde. This is the ultimate set up. I had absolutely no idea you were doing all this."
"You deserve this and more, Carrots."
Anticipating more surprises, she asked with a raised eyebrow, "Oh? What else do you have set up?"
He teased, "I'm not telling. Remember I'm a scoundrel…"
She blushed and squeezed his paw.
She turned back to the taxi driver, "You'll miss a whole day's fares, Ed. This is a big sacrifice, even without your bet."
He shrugged, "Sundays are always my day off. This is my only time with Cynthia."
"So nice to meet you, Cynthia," Judy gushed.
Cynthia said, "Me too, Judy, I hear it's beautiful in the mountains. We've never been there. What a day to experience it all with you. You should hear my Ed go on about you two."
"You're welcome."
They got on and sat in the seats of honor in front behind Charlie and as they drove away, she asked, "How did you do all this without me knowing, Nickie?"
"I have a phone too, dear. You have no idea how long you and Sandra talked the other day. And you did put me in charge of guests."
She threw her arms around him and exclaimed, "You've made our day so special already!"
He thought, "I haven't even started yet."
They were all chattering over the music that had been toned down for the party conversation. They all had a few drinks and snacks on the way.
Nick warned, "Careful with that, Carrots. Remember the last time."
"I'll be fine. But I am surprised to hear you say that. You don't want to have your way with your drunken bride?"
He laughed, "Hmm. That would be fine until my drunken bride throws up on me in the middle of me having my way."
They had a really good chuckle over that.
Alan shouted, "Whoo hoo! Our bride and groom already getting 'too hot to handle'! Open a window!"
Judy warned, "Shut up Alan."
Stephanie snickered, "I just can't take you anywhere, honey."
For a moment, Judy leaned affectionately against Nick's shoulder and sighed. Nick puzzled, "What?"
"Thank you. For all this. And for whatever else you have cooked up."
"Well I hope it's not too much. I know you wanted to just stand before a JP and a few friends as witnesses. But when Charlie volunteered to donate the bus for a day, and you wanted something low key up at the lodge, one thing just led to another. And everyone dropped everything they were doing to stand for us. We have great friends."
"Yes we do, but no one has a best friend like I do," she said tenderly and kissed Nick.
"PDA!" everyone shouted and noisemakers and poppers went off loudly.
Judy turned to their friends, laughed and asked, "Is that going to happen every time we kiss?"
Ted shouted, "You bet, Judy! It's a big city wedding reception tradition."
Judy gave Nick a positively seductive smile, "Well, Nick, let's give them something to really shout about."
She leaned over, wrapped arms around his neck, and laid a huge smooch on his lips that lasted forever. He wasn't ready for it at all.
"Judy! I…hmpph!"
That started whoops and shouts and applause and a whole round of noisemakers.
His paws were sweaty after that, his head spun, and he joked, "We're not married yet, dear."
They rubbed noses, and she really teased him, "I know. You ain't seen nothin' yet!"
The whole bus full of friends were laughing and cheering. The bus windows were open, so some balloons and confetti and streamers drifted out of the bus into traffic.
Drivers behind them thought the mammals on the bus we out of their minds crazy. Or crazy drunk.
Charlie almost needed noise-deadening earphones for the celebration of that fun exchange between the lovers.
The craziness and jokes continued all the way there. They waved and shouted at cars along the way, and the fun was infectious with all the families traveling on their Sunday, honking and beeping their horns and flashing their lights to join in on the celebration.
Far out on the mountain highway, the traffic was much lighter and the bus was jostled by a roar that was earsplitting as it blew by.
A giant curled clawed hand was held above the skyroof to wave at them as they zoomed past.
Judy peered out, "No! Wait. That was…"
Nick grinned, "Flash? Yes ma'am."
"They're attending? He looked pretty dressed up."
Nick explained without batting an eyelash, "The best man is always supposed to dress up at a fox wedding."
"Nickie, no way! Flash is your best man?"
Nick's smile was all it took to confirm it.
But she thought with reluctance, "The best man has the toast. It could take hours. Well, I'll be patient. We're in no hurry."
She wondered who among her friends could be the Maid of Honor. That part of the surprise she wished Nick would have told her about.
But she was still overwhelmingly happy, so she asked whimsically, "Will the surprises never end, dear?"
Nick winked, "'Not telling. Then it wouldn't be a surprise."
She kissed him, forgetting what their friends would do instantly in response. She just snuggled under his arm and savored everything.
"Our wedding day…" is all she could think.
The view up the winding mountain road was amazing, and there was plenty of snow on the steep mountain cliffs and the pine forests were staggeringly tall and breathtaking.
They pulled up into the parking lot of Lookout Point Lodge.
Flash had been there about an hour ahead of them, but was still slowly moving from the parking lot into the lodge entrance with Priscilla, helping his pregnant wife. Nick and Judy suppressed a snicker.
The elderly, simply dressed rabbit co-owner of the lodge was waiting in the lobby for them.
She reached out her hand with a friendly greeting, "So you must be Judy. Welcome to Lookout Point Lodge. 'Pleased to meet you both and all your friends."
"We're so pleased to meet you too, Sandra, it's beautiful here."
"We love it up here. It's like our own little world. This is my husband, Melvin."
"And my future husband Nick."
Nick had a pleasant smile, "Hey… uh… cousins."
Sandra was amused, "Something like that. We're kin no matter what."
Melvin greeted them too, "'Pleasure meetin' ya, kids. You sure make a handsome couple."
Both blushed and simultaneously said, "Thank you."
Sandra ushered them all in and explained, "Come in! We'll show you the room where you'll get married, the party room, and we can take your things to your suite."
Nick was the one to be surprised this time, "Our suite?"
Sandra beamed, "Yes, Nick. I know Judy wanted to keep it secret until you got here. It's not often we get a family weddin' up here, and especially one like yours. When Judy booked the day, we threw in two nights, if you want to stay that long."
"Surprise right back!" Judy noted smugly to her fiancé.
"Way to go, Carrots. You are pretty good with hiding things, too."
"I learned from the best," she kidded Nick and commented to her hosts, "You are too kind, Sandra and Melvin."
Everyone filed in and they were very complimentary about the lodge. They sat while Nick and Judy got settled. There were snacks and drinks for everyone while the bride and groom got things ready to proceed with Sandra.
Judy was just overwhelmed by who perfect a venue this was, "Sandra it's all so beautiful. It's just what we talked about. Nice, but not over the top."
Judy was relieved to see reception area only had enough tables and a small cake to handle the bus load. Nick had tried to keep the guest list small.
Judy was ready to change into her outfit, as the hour was upon them, "Where should I change, Sandra?"
A voice from behind her suggested, "Sweetie, I can help you with your dress."
Her parents were standing right there, and she looked at Nick and she looked at them and she cried, "Momma? Daddy? Oh Momma. You're here. How? Nick never told me."
Bonnie smiled, "He wasn't supposed to. This was a surprise."
"'Glad that boy can follow directions," Stu winked.
Judy just looked at Nick, teared up even more, and they hugged a moment.
"But why? It's so far."
Stu said, "My oldest girl only gets married once in her life. How could we not be here?"
Judy continued to sniffle, "But we've been quarreling."
Bonnie was very clear, "Not any more honey. Nicholas loves you and wants the best for you. He was willing to die for you. We saw it all on the news. Who are we to deny him a happy life with you? Or keep you from him? Why should we expect for you to wait for some rabbit farmer who wouldn't be a 1/100th the kind of husband Nicholas will be to you. It won't be perfect and it will probably be hard, but you'll love each other forever. I think that anyone other than sweet Nicholas would be only second best for you, Judy, dear."
"You are so right about that Momma."
For the first time, Bonnie hugged Nicholas, "Hello dear. I am so glad you asked us to come."
Stu offered, "Congratulations, son."
He shook Nick's paw and firmly looked him directly in the eye. He meant it.
Judy asked, "Where's the rest of the family?"
We didn't want to overwhelm this quaint old place and take advantage of Sandra's sweet hospitality. We'll have a 'hoe down' in the barn when you can visit back home, and then we'll celebrate with the whole family."
"A 'hoe what'?" Nick wondered.
"A big dance with lots of food. For being a smart fox, dear, you know nothing of country life," Judy kidded.
Nick responded, "I can't wait to go. Especially the dancing part."
Judy was pleased that Nick had no issues coming to Bunnyburrow.
Bonnie addressed her daughter, "Judy, honey, Nicholas told us you wanted a rabbit wedding with a few fox traditions. I hope we haven't overdone it for you."
"It's OK, Momma. I love everything you and Nickie and Charlie and Sandra have done to make everything wonderful. It's a perfect mix of traditions."
Bonnie added, "Nicholas told us that one of the foxes traditions is that the bride wears 'something old'. Save that pretty white outfit to go home in after the wedding, honey. I brought something else you might like better."
Judy was very puzzled to be given a big white box. She opened it and inside was full length wedding outfit. It was a little old.
"Momma? This is… "
Stu explained, "Hers, dear. Your mother got married to me in that. It caused a real stir all over town. No one wore real wedding dresses."
Bonnie added, "It was something I did special for Stu. Remember, your grandfather owned the Bunnyburrow department store and it had a bridal department. Sales were slow even with the other species and their traditions. He thought everyone in the neighborhood seeing me in a real wedding dress would help sales."
"It did. A bunch. There were dozens of wedding dresses sold to rabbit brides for the next couple of years," Stu mused.
They all laughed.
"But Momma. Now that I have a real wedding dress, and Nick has a best man, what can I do?"
"Well dear, Nicholas tells me that fox weddings sometimes have a 'matron of honor'."
Nick winked at his bride.
"You two are the best. OK, mom, I would love for you to do that. Nick, now you really can't see me for awhile. Fox and rabbit traditions are the same for that!"
She kissed him and rushed off with her mother and Sandra to a changing room.
Stu engaged Nick in conversation, "So, Nicholas, you have quite a girl there. 'Gets her head up about something and bang, it's done."
Nick reflected, "I'm very lucky. She must get it from her mother."
"Thank you Nicholas, that's kind, and true."
"Now Mr. Hopps, I better go look my best."
Nick picked up his garment bag, thinking he'd probably be underdressed now.
About a half hour passed, and Bonnie announced, "Nicholas, Stu, Sandra, Melvin. I think she's ready."
Sandra shouted over the noise, "Let's go over here, everyone. The chairs are all set up."
They all filed in and sat down. Flash was already standing at the altar, and Priscilla was seated comfortably a few rows back.
Nick took his place next to Flash, and said, "Thank for being here in front with me, my friend."
"My… pleasure…"
Sandra urged her husband, "Melvin, I think we can get started."
"Well folks, this is pretty darn special day. We're all here to marry these fine mammals. It's a little different wedding than most, but then again so was ours. It's even more special because we're family."
Judy was around the corner of the room, out of sight from Nick, but she could hear every word, and was with both of her parents. She held her bouquet that she'd purchased downtown at the local florist nervously.
She teared up a little, "Mom and Dad. I'm so happy you are here with me and with Nick on our special day."
"We are too honey. He's such a nice young man, and you have such true friends. What a wonderful life you've created here with him."
Stu noted, "We don't want to keep the groom waiting any longer, dear."
"O… OK," she stuttered.
Bonnie assured her, "Don't be nervous dear. He's waiting up there just for you. See you up there. Your father will escort you. That's how the foxes do it."
Judy turned the corner, and caught his eye with the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen, and Nick's knees nearly buckled. She was truly elegant in the long white lace wedding gown, her flowered veil that matched her bouquet. She glowed for him as she glided up the aisle. As far as they were concerned, they only saw each other. The dress accentuated her amazing shape in all the right ways.
Fru Fru, Stephanie, Elizabeth, and Cynthia were so happy for Judy. Myrtle pulled out a whole wad of tissues.
Stu, Bonnie, Nick, and Judy stood together for a moment and exchanged joyous glances. Stu took Judy's paws from his, and placed them in to the nervous but anxiously waiting paws of Nick.
He smiled, "She's yours now, Nicholas. Take good care of our daughter. Remember that we loved her first. Now, you get to love her forever."
"I will, Mr. Hopps. Thank you for letting me marry Judy."
Stu just smiled. The couple turned and faced Melvin, while Bonnie rearranged her dress and train, as Melvin presided over the ceremony, "Thank you all for coming to celebrate Nick and Judy's wedding day. I'd normally say a few words and declare them husband and wife, but, this fine couple, Judy and Nick, well… they wrote some vows for each other."
They stood before each other, smiled affectionately, and began.
Judy promised, "I love you, Nick. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is difficult. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest respect. These things I give to you today, and so much more all the days of our lives together.
Nick replied, "With all my love, Judy, I pledge today and for all days to be your husband. I will love you through the good and the bad, through the joy and the sorrow. I will be understanding, and will trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals. I promise I will always be your equal partner in a loving, honest, and trusting relationship, for as long as we both shall live."
They just stood and took all the words in in compete adoration of one another.
There was hardly a dry eye after that, but they went through all the other ceremonial aspects.
Melvin noted, "To seal that pledge to each other, Nick and Judy have chosen to present rings to each other to symbolize their love and commitment for each other for all the world to see. The rings, please, Flash."
"I… have… them… right… here…"
Flash reached interminably slowly for the rings.
Charlie teased from the witnesses, "Flash… dude, move it, they're gonna be on their 10th anniversary, mammal."
It was all well meant.
Flash turned, eyes opened widely, and he laughed "ha… ha… ha…"
Priscilla and everyone else joined in. They weren't really in all that much hurry. It was so much fun celebrating together with this small group of friends. Ted was taking pictures and doing videos.
Now they all knew why sloth weddings took days.
They exchanged their rings each giving the other the declarations, "With this ring, I become yours and yours alone in marriage".
Melvin then kidded, "Nick, you may now kiss your wife, Judy."
They approached this moment as tenderly as they could, held paws for a moment, and then he lifted her veil. She smiled shyly, got on her tip toes, and they enjoyed their first gentle wedded kiss. The females finally couldn't hold back their tears, seeing the way these two looked lovingly at each other.
Melvin smiled at both, and directed them to face the audience, "With the authority given to me by the city of Zootopia, I would like to present to you Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas and Judy Wilde - husband and wife."
Their friends all stood up cheered, whistled, hooted, and applauded.
Nick exclaimed, "Thank you, thank you all for being here and celebrating our incredible day with us. So who's ready to party?"
Everyone shouted their assent.
It was finished, and the party started quickly in the next room. Charlie had moved his sound system from the bus into the reception area and the music was rocking once again.
Sandra insisted on serving a meal rather than snacks.
"Sandra…" Judy half scolded her when she saw the plates full of delicious-looking food.
Sandra shrugged, "I get to show off this way, Judy. I only get to cook for Melvin up here in the off season. And tell me: where are your guests going to get a decent meal on the way home, hmmm, dear? It's getting late."
Melvin added, "Her cooking is always the best!"
Bonnie was having a great time with Stu and mentioned, "Sandra, you are a delightful host for our children."
The two older female rabbits sat together for a few minutes watching the young people celebrate. Fru Fru was beside herself getting that special dance with Nick. Myrtle was next in line.
"Thanks Bonnie. You have a delightful daughter. She is so easy to work with. She's no bridezllla and believe me, I get a bunch of those up here. Nick is such an engaging young fox, even over the phone. We couldn't wait to meet them. We are so proud to be kin to them. And now, to you."
"We feel the same, Sandra. You know, Stu and I had a lot of misgivings about them being a couple at first. You both are so nice. It makes us feel a lot better about the commitment Nicholas and Judy have made to each other because you did too. If you can be married 31 years, I know our children can be. You are an inspiration to them. They thought they were alone as a fox and bunny couple. There was so much pressure on them and we're sure it's not over yet. Yet, I see the difference in their whole attitude about this because you've done it too."
Sandra just smiled, "Well we mostly make do, Bonnie, like any married couple, but you should have seen my parents. It was nearly a decade before we reconciled."
"We were worried about staying angry and ruining everything for them. Life is too short. Seeing you and Melvin so much in love… well we know this will work for Nick and Judy."
There was a slow clinking of glasses to interrupt their conversation. Flash smiled slowly and rose up from his seat. Everyone wanted to help him get up faster.
Flash stood and smiled with his glass in hand.
"This could be hours," Judy thought. She could see Nick second guess his decision about this too.
Judy adored Flash and Priscilla and she were friends, but he was a sloth. The champagne would be flat and warm before he was done.
"I'd… like… to… propose… a… toast…"
With the glass held high, he also held up a eight inch piece of what seemed to be a segment cut from some kind of succulent thick-stemmed plant that sloths ate in their natural habitat in the Rainforest District.
But then a smile of realization came over Judy. Flash pushed a button on the fake plant stem.
Flash's voice came over loud and clear and in normal mammal-speed speech from the recording device. Flash had a stem-shaped voice recorder - just like Judy's carrot recorder - and he had it on 'Speech Compression' mode. It took out all the pauses and sped up his talking without sounding squeaky like a mouse.
His toast came over eloquently, "Hi guys, It's Flash. I know everyone thinks I'm a little slow, but it is my honor to be best man for two of the best mammals I've ever known. Nick has been my friend for some time, and Judy for about a year. They are good friends to both Priscilla and me when most mammals don't have the time or patience for us. Even when Judy got so frustrated with our first meeting on her big case, I thought these two belonged together. And so now, I'd like to offer Nick and Judy all the best, and wish them a long wonderful life together, to be blessed by family and friends. To Nick and Judy!"
The pair clinked glasses with Flash, sipped, and kissed. "To Nick and Judy!" came the response from everyone.
People roared their approval of Flash's clever way of delivering his toast speech.
Judy went to Flash and kissed his cheek. Priscilla laughed over his slow-rising blush. Judy was truly appreciative, "Oh Flash, dear, that was so clever, and so thoughtful. Your kind words mean so much to us. Can we have a copy of the recording?"
"Sure… just… come… to… the… ZMV… next… week... I'll… have… it… transferred… to… a… flash… drive…"
Judy gave Flash a wry grin over his pun, and he laughed slowly but enthusiastically, "haa…haa…haa…"
She kidded, "I sure walked right into that one!"
"Good one Flash," Nick told his best man.
They went through all the normal rituals of fox and most other mammal weddings - the cake cutting, the garter, and the throwing of the bouquet. For the first two events, Nick and Judy didn't do anything crazy with each other, and didn't smash the cake in each other's faces.
For the bouquet toss, the unexpected happened. Cynthia, Elizabeth, and Stephanie were the only single girls, though they were promised to their guys. Elizabeth, a caribou, towered over the others, but when Judy threw the bouquet, Cynthia launched herself all the way to the ceiling on her powerful hind legs, grabbed the bouquet on its way up – which was as big as she was – and landed deftly on her feet. Everyone was shocked and laughed. Cynthia had the look of a female possessed in her desire to get Judy's wedding bouquet.
Ed leaned into Melvin, and kidded, "Melvin, how would you like to do a two-fer marriage today?"
Melvin answered, "If you want to. I can process a marriage license for you and Cynthia in less than a half hour."
Cynthia interrupted her anxious fiancé, "We'll talk about the next free weekend on your schedule, OK? This is Nick and Judy's day. We want to come back here."
Suddenly there was a shriek. Everyone looked around. There was a look of horror on Priscilla's face, and a puddle of amniotic fluid flowed under her chair.
Priscilla had a horrified look, "My… water… broke."
In slow motion, Flash responded, "Oh… no…"
Nick worried, "Flash, the nearest hospital is miles away, even using your sports car."
Ted got on his EMT radio he had in a fanny pack he'd brought with him. He had really hoped not to use it today. He stated firmly, "Unit 17 report. Medical emergency at Lookout Point Lodge. Medevac requested. No time to send ambulance. Sloth female in labor. Officers assisting."
He didn't want to call Nick and Judy by name to protect them from anyone listening and wonder why they were there on a Sunday at a lodge that specialized in marriages.
Alan and Ted helped Priscilla into the lodge's wheelchair to take her outside for a medevac helo. Flash was doing everything he could to help.
The radio crackled, "Emergency Services to Unit 17. Roger. Dispatching medevac now."
...
In the air over Zootopia in his helicopter, Chief Bogo turned to his pilot, "Lookout Point? I know what's going on up there. Respond to that medevac call. We're going. We are fully equipped for emergencies. We're halfway there already."
"Yes sir. Switching frequencies now."
Bogo was airborne because he was helping resolve a huge traffic back up on the inter-District highway system due to thousands of tourists leaving town from the end of the Blossom Fest. It was absolute gridlock on the roads for miles. The radio was always on in the background in Bogo's helicopter.
The pilot communicated, "ZPD One to Zootopia Ambulance Service. We're taking that call to Lookout Point lodge. Proceeding. ETA ten minutes."
The Ambulance service dispatcher breathed a sigh of relief, "Roger, ZPD One. We owe you big time. We had nothing ready to go, and our ambulances aren't going anywhere in this traffic."
Bogo knew exactly who was at the Lookout Point, from the detailed text he'd gotten earlier from Nick. Fortunately, he still had the new nametags in his pocket, having just gotten them from the Equipment and Uniforms Department while he was in the office earlier in the day. All the traffic 'copter crews were on 'crew rest' from the normal weekday traffic monitoring, or their helos were in repair and the Ambulance Service said their fleet wasn't ready to go. Bogo had the only helicopter that was airworthy.
...
Alan and Ted heard the transmission, but were very busy getting Priscilla relaxed and ready for the flight. They couldn't take the time to tell the wedding reception guests or bride and groom that the medevac helo on its way was someone special.
Charlie gasped, "There's a helo coming. It's not Ambulance Service colors."
Thinking it was ZooTMZ or some other media helo, Sandra panicked and said, "Everyone hide! Now!"
Melvin growled, picking up a pitchfork, "No one's landing on my 'propity' and messing with my kinfolk without a fight."
As it got closer, Nick could see the ZPD badge on the doors, and said, "Melvin, it's all right. It's our boss."
The helicopter landing sprayed up a thick cloud of snow and dust. Immediately upon landing, Alan and Ted rushed past the wedding party to get the portable stretcher to secure Priscilla for flight and get her wired for telemedicine data to her doctor.
Bogo stepped down from the cockpit passenger side, "Hello everyone, pardon my grand entrance. We were the only thing airborne and I knew you here with Alan and Ted from your text, Nick. Getting married to Judy is an interesting way to spend your last few days of recuperation."
Nick fretted, "Sorry sir. It was all explained in the text."
"Don't worry, Officer Wilde. Doctor Rocky told me when he extended your sick leave. He kinda thought your marriage might be good therapy. Congratulations."
Judy glanced happily at Rocky who smiled and shrugged at Bogo's mention of matchmaking, but was curious, "But why sir, did you decide to come all the way up here instead of letting a regular medevac copter come?"
"ZPD One was the only helicopter airworthy in the whole city today, but I mainly came to deliver two important messages. First, you really need to come in Wednesday. Doctors orders or not, I can't give you any more time off right now until your vacation… uh… honeymoon."
"Why sir?"
"I can't say right now. After muster, come up to my office. 10 am sharp. This could be your most important case yet. Don't let it ruin your wedding. It will wait. And reason two, to deliver this message: Congrats. I'm proud of you. You two are tough cops who really deserve each other. We have several married teams. I expect you to do your best work yet, now that you're married and not distracted by dating."
Nick and Judy were most appreciative, but grinned at Bogo's suppressed friendly gesture, "Yes sir. Thank you sir. You know that you could have texted all that, sir."
Bogo tried not to look emotional, but was failing miserably, "Well, you know… I'm not that good with all that tech stuff. And uh… because I had these."
He presented them with matching new ZPD name tags: 'J. Wilde' and 'N. Wilde'. Under their names their titles were engraved: 'Detective'. That was new.
"That's really nice, sir. Thank you," stated Nick.
Bogo noted, "This is strictly off the record, you two, but I am going to have some fun with this - to see if anyone is paying attention during roll call. Play with me on this."
"Of course, Chief," they both grinned.
Bogo knew it was nearly time to go, "Err… uh… Congratulations again."
He started to shake hands, but Judy hugged his huge leg.
He kneeled down and hugged her properly.
Bogo said to her quietly, "You do make a beautiful bride as well as a great cop, Judy,and Nick better darn well appreciate that. Just don't tell anyone I just did that."
"Too late," she teased and kissed her boss' cheek.
All the guests chuckled and commented.
Ed grinned, "We'll never tell."
Rocky, a long time friend of Bogo, promised, "Yeah. Mum's the word, Adrian. Patient-doctor privilege."
Charlie added, "No one wants an affectionate Police Chief."
Bogo showed a rare smile and noted, "Thanks everyone. I appreciate it. Carry on…"
Alan and Ted wheeled the most important helo passenger passed Nick and Judy and she made them stop for a minute.
Priscilla was crying, "I'm… sorry… to… ruin… your…wedding."
Judy squeezed her claw, and kissed her on the cheek, "Priscilla, dear, don't worry about leaving us. You just made our wedding even more memorable. Without Flash and you, it wouldn't have been right."
Nick assured his best man, "Flash, I promise, we'll visit you in the maternity ward, or at home when we get back."
Judy added, "Send us a picture of you guys with your new cub, or we will be mad."
Between labor pains and groans, Priscilla managed to say, "O…K…You… and... Nick… concentrate… on being… newlyweds…"
Ted and Alan carefully strapped Priscilla into the helicopter, and everyone waved and gave Priscilla the thumbs.
Next, they wheeled Flash to the helicopter in a wheel chair. He would have moved too slowly. For once, it was OK with him. He stopped by Nick, and gave him the keys to borrow his sports car, "Our… present… to… you… Drive… it… home… Our… treat…"
Nick's eyes about bugged out of his head, but he took the keys. Judy grasped his arm affectionately.
Alan and Ted looked from the helicopter hatchway, "Sorry guys, duty calls."
Judy noted, "It's a miracle you could be here to help. I have no idea what Nick and I would have done. It's about over anyway."
Alan mused, "Every cop sooner or later delivers a cub in their squad car until the EMTs get there. You'd have done just fine."
"We'll wrap up some cake for you and give it to Stephanie to take home."
Alan kissed his fiancé Stephanie, "Sorry, babe."
"It's your job, honey, and I know this all comes with being your fiancé. I get it. I bet Nick and Judy get called out for a crime bust during our wedding."
They all laughed. Nick and Judy considered with Stephanie's supportive attitude toward being the future wife of a public servant, that their marriage would last forever.
With everyone secure, Alan and Ted gave the high sign to the pilot and the helicopter full of their friends and their boss flew off.
Nick held the keys enviously, "Wow…"
Judy kidded, "No, Nick, you can't keep it. Not on a policeman's salary. You can't even afford the gas it'll take to drive it back to Flash's home."
They laughed.
Nick noted, "Usually, the best man drives the fancy car to parade the bride and groom around to celebrate."
Judy joked, "I guess we get to do that ourselves!"
Sandra was outside and she had a formal camera, "As long as we're outside, let's get a few wedding photos of you two in front of Lookout Point itself."
After the shoot, Nick and Judy headed for back to the lodge with the others, and she reflected, "This portrait shot will sit on our mantle until we're old and gray, Nickie."
"True, Carrots. Hasn't this been an amazing day?"
She hugged his arm and quipped, "It can't get any more 'amazing-er'."
But it did. Just as the dust from the helicopter takeoff had barely centered, a huge limo pulled into the parking lot."
"I know that limo," Nick noted, and suppressed a shudder. Manchas was driving.
Manchas got out cheerily and said, "Hey guys. Sorry for the surprise, but the boss needed to see you."
The door opened, and Mr. Big was sitting in his special luxury seat. Ed could identify with special provisions for small mammals in full size cars.
Mr. Big smiled and motioned the newlyweds to his car magnanimously, "Nicholas, Judith. Come. Come here. I must have a word with you please, my dear children."
Judy asked Mr. Big's daughter for some clarification, "Fru fru?"
"This is between you and Daddy," she said but smiled to assure them that everything was all right.
They came over and sat in the passenger area with him, "Yes sir. How can we help you?"
Mr. Big waved off the offer, "It's how I can help you, my children, on this, your blessed wedding day. Once I granted a favor to you Nicholas, of being spared a long, cold trip on the occasion of my daughter's wedding day. Mr. Big never realized what a good decision that was. Since then you have graciously shown Fru Fru every kindness that any mammal could ever hope to receive, including saving her life: holiday cards, birthdays, notes 'just because' as she tells me, packages of cookies that I have to admit I taste tested for her. You were present at the christening of my grandchild, and are the godmother and godfather. That makes you my family."
Judy spoke, "You are so gracious and you honor us with your presence on our day of days, sir."
"That is exactly why I am here. Now, on the celebration of your wedding day, I come to bestow my blessings on your marriage."
They kneeled and bowed close enough for him to touch them both. He raised his hand and said a special blessing in an ancient language only an arctic vole would know.
"You shall always be family to Mr. Big."
Bonnie whispered to Stu, "Is this a good thing? Isn't he…?"
Stu shushed his wife, "Yes, he is. And… I… I think so."
Judy rose and with an open gesture and politely said, "Please sir, join us in our special day. Join your daughter. She is so sweet. Our new in-law relatives are an arctic fox and hare. You will be among those of your own culture."
Mr. Big had to decline, "Your kindness, Judy Wilde, as always is heartfelt and it is much appreciated. I know that the ZPD and I do not always see eye-to-eye on how commerce should be conducted in this great city, but on questions of family honor and integrity, we are of one mind and heart. But I must be on my way. As does Fru Fru."
Fru Fru stamped her feet a little and pouted, "Aww, Daddy, I was having so much fun. Judy has such great friends. I don't want to leave."
Judy assured her, "It's OK, Fru Fru. We understand. You have your own family's business to conduct. We'll party again another time."
Fru Fru sniffed and wiped her tears of disappointment, "OK, Judy."
Mr. Big apologized, "Please forgive my insistence and her behavior not to leave you. You do not know how much it means to my beloved daughter to be he included in this wonderful celebration."
Nick said, "You're welcome. It's what friends do for each other, sir."
Mr. Big corrected Nick, "It is what family does for each other. And family protects family."
"Oh?" asked Judy. She sensed a warning.
The crime kingpin stated, "I have come into knowledge that there are still threats against you. I would offer my protection, but I believe that ZPD would see that as conflict of interests. You must rely on your senses and your ZPD colleagues."
Protective Nick needed to know more, "Sir? What?"
Mr. Big said obliquely, "The threat will come from those who would do you harm before, and turncoats."
Judy was very upset and exclaimed, "Simon! Joe Camel! Oh dear, today, Mr. Big? On our wedding day?"
The vole added, "It is as you have surmised. No. You are safe here. They do not know you are here. Nor will they. I have left guards at the bottom of the mountain to protect your time here from anyone. Even Bogo himself would not disagree with this. But you only have a couple of days before I must withdraw them for other services."
"Thank you."
The crime boss added, "It only pays a small part of the debt I owe you for Fru Fru's happiness. So I have a special gift for you to make your hearth your home. I will see to it that it is delivered next week."
"Friday would be fine. After work."
"It is done."
Mr. Big turned to his daughter, "Fru Fru, I am really sorry my dear, it is time for us to leave. My granddaughter needs you and as her mother, your husband cannot provide what she needs from you now."
Fru Fru was nursing her daughter.
She hugged Nick and Judy, "Good bye, friends. What a wonderful party. I loved your fox and rabbit wedding!"
"We loved having you," Judy said and hugged the tiny mammal gently.
Fru Fru was so innocent and sweet, but Judy and Nick could never forget, as police officers, she was the only daughter of the most notorious crime boss in all of Zootopia. Their friendship walked a very fine line that Bogo tolerated because that relationship was a source of information, and there was the longest running truce between the syndicate and ZPD - explicitly because of Nick and Judy's friendship with the crime family. 'Expediency makes for strange bed partners', as Bogo put it bluntly to them with the City Attorney in the room.
"Even if we are a little unconventional," Nick grinned.
Fru Fru got in the limo with her father, still fuming at being ordered to come home, and with a cloud of dust, Mr. Big's limo disappeared down the mountain road.
Judy fretted, paw-in-paw with her husband, "Can you believe that? I'm more than a little worried about polar bears bearing gifts."
Nick rationalized, "If Mr. Big really wanted to eliminate us, he knows where we live. We'd be dead already. A year ago."
She nodded agreement.
The sun was getting low in the sky, heading toward sunset. The skyline of the distant city in the twilight was beautiful. Lights were starting to come on all over the city. The wedding party all waited for the sunset in silence. It was spectacular.
"That… was awesome," Charlie summarized for his friends.
"You got that right, friend," Nick added, with his arms completely surrounding his new wife, leaning her back very comfortably against his chest.
"Well folks, we promised this was going to just be just a day trip, so the bus is officially leaving. All aboard who's going aboard," invited Charlie.
Judy noticed her parents getting on the bus. Melvin had met them at the train station in his truck earlier and brought them all the way up the mountain, but they insisted on not inconveniencing Sandra and Melvin any more, especially at night.
Judy insisted, "Momma and Daddy? Are you sure you won't stay with us? There are four seats in Flash's sports car. Stay here, and we can bring you back to our place tomorrow. We have a spare bedroom now."
Bonnie assured Judy, "Honey, you don't need Mom and Dad hovering around on your wedding night or being in the same apartment as you newlyweds. This is your special time to get… acquainted. Charlie is going to take us back to the train for the midnight run back to Bunnyburrow. Just come see us soon, dear. Besides I just got a text. We put all of your littermate brothers and sisters in charge of the others. The younger siblings are driving them crazy."
She knew her six other littermates would have their paws full of the others.
Her mother added, "When everyone wakes up, they're going to miss and want 'dear old Mom and Dad'. Not their oldest siblings So we must go, honey. It's been such a wonderful day with you and Nicholas."
A tear fell from Judy's eye as she embraced her mother, "I miss my dear old mom and dad."
Stu tried to comfort his daughter, "Honey. This is your life now. As much as we love you, we didn't raise you to keep you. Nicholas is a good mammal, just like your old man."
"Well not just like," Bonnie kidded.
They all laughed and hugged.
Stu praised his new son-in-law before departing, "I can see what Judy sees in you, young fox, and if your fox and rabbit kinfolk here at Lookout Point can love each other for 31 years, well, I know you can too."
"Thank you sir."
The old male rabbit smiled and asked, "Call me 'Stu', Nicholas, At least for now. Let me warm up to 'Dad' a little longer."
"Thank you, Stu," Nick said tentatively but got a hearty handshake and hug from his new father-in-law.
Nick opened his arms to embrace his mother in law with the same captivating smile that melted Judy's heart many times over, "Mrs Hopps…"
Bonnie smiled affectionately, "Call me 'Mom', please, Nick. Mom."
"OK. Mom," he smiled and embraced her. It felt right, and he didn't miss the fact she called him Nick.
Bonnie gave her daughter a farewell embrace amid many happy tears, "Look at you. A career police officer. A hero. A grown up married rabbit. We're so proud of you, Judy. We're a long way from a scrape on the face from a bully and a dream of being a police officer."
"I love you, Momma."
The Hopps were the last ones on the bus. The bus was pretty quiet. Some of their friends were asleep already for the long drive back. Charlie cranked the engine. Nick was a little worried about his friend.
"Thanks Charlie. For everything. Are you going to be OK going back?" Nick said to his childhood friend.
"My pleasure, Nick. When I find the right girl, I know you and Judy will be right there for us. Yes, I'm fine. Sandra gave me some of her strongest coffee. I think all my fur is about to completely stand on end," Charlie teased.
The newlyweds waved goodbye to everyone. They were alone with the Sandra and Melvin on the mountain top.
Sandra knew to leave them alone, "You two get back inside as soon as you can. The temperature drops like a rock up here on the mountain in spring. You don't have jackets."
Nick nearly whispered, with Judy cuddled under his arm, "We'll only be a few minutes more, Sandra. Thanks."
The pair turned to watch the lasts ray of sunset, held and kissed each other as deeply as they could, and walked silently back into to the lodge with their arms around each other.
They went past the front desk. Dutifully, Sandra was there like she was expecting a 100 mammals to check in at any minute. That's why the lodge was so successful.
She smiled at them, thinking a moment of her own first night with Melvin, and said quietly, "Good night kids, If you need anything, we'll be up awhile. Have a wonderful evening together."
Judy shared her utmost appreciation to Sandra, "Thank you so much for… for everything today. I don't know how we could be happier."
"That's for sure," Nick added.
They were literally the only lodge guests as they walked the hallway. They stood before the suite door. They hugged, opened the door, and walked inside. The lights were already on, and there was a split of champagne on ice for them. It was a gift from her parents. The décor of the room took their breath away.
They were standing at the foot of the 'Presiden-tail Suite' bed. The walls around them were real logs, making it quite rustic and beautiful. It was decorated with a number of rough-hewn wood carvings and life-like paintings of mountain and arctic mammals. The smell of cedar hung heavy in the room. Nick locked the door, took Judy's paw in his, and sat facing each other on edge of the bed. They smiled shyly at each other. They simply looked at each other a moment, letting the incredible memories of the day wash over them, and looked at their shiny new rings.
Judy looked up at Nick and spoke softly, "Look at us, Nickie. We're married."