Jasper danced with Sarah Alice for what must have been the fifteenth time that night whilst Eleanor looked on with Liam, grinning her head off as Sarah Alice nagged Jasper for not dancing properly. Perhaps it would have been easier, Jasper thought, if he'd been allowed to pick the music, but Sarah Alice had insisted on the DJ playing that heinous 'Lemon Tree' song that she'd learnt at school and was now teaching Jasper all of the moves that she'd been taught by her teacher.

Jasper sighed giving Eleanor a pleading look, but of course she just smiled and told him to get on with it.

"Not like that Mr Caterpillar!" Sarah Alice complained as he did it wrong again.

Liam walked over to them, "Why don't I give it a go?"

Sarah Alice contemplated that, "Yeah,ok. You can't be any worse than Jasper Caterpillar."

"Charming," Jasper said as he walked towards his wife.

"The problem was the song," Eleanor told him, "Not you."

"No," Jasper said, "I've never been a good dancer. I always avoided homecoming dances and prom. I tend to embarrass myself."

"You're not that bad," Eleanor told him, "Do you remember the masquerade dance? You danced well then. Fast paced dances just aren't your thing, I guess."

Jasper nodded, "Maybe."

"And I don't think that awful Lemon Tree song is anyone's thing," Eleanor added as she tried to stop herself laughing as Liam danced like a drunk Dad at a Christmas party.

Jasper laughed, "I wonder what it will be like when Henry is born. What he'll be like? If he'll be quiet or loud, if he'll have your eyes or my hair. I just hope he's a good kid."

"He will be,"Eleanor reassured Jasper, "He's going to be stubborn, because let's face it, we both are. But he's going to be kind and caring too. He's going to be the best dressed in school, and bullies are never going to mess with him because they'll be too afraid of us. And he'll be loved by everyone. I just know it."

Jasper nodded, "Yeah, everyone always loves kids. I'm just really hoping I don't do anything to screw him up."

Eleanor nodded understandingly, "You won't, if you believe it what you can already do, then everything will be fine. You're goodness, your kindness, it's easy to see, and yes it was masked for a while, but it was always there, just waiting and now you can be that and have that fully. You don't need to be something more or different for our son, you just need to be Jasper. You're perfect the way you are."

"We both know that's not true, Len," Jasper said, "I'm far from perfect."

"Hey," Eleanor answered, "Being perfect isn't about doing everything right and keeping everyone happy all of the time. Being perfect is about being a real person- being messy and a shit-show at times, but trying your hardest to stick by your values and live according to them- yes, not everyone is going to like that, not everyone's going to agree with your perspective or the things you value but you just have to let them get on with that. Just be you, Jasper- don't try to be another Beckwith or another Robert, there's plenty of twats like that out in the world- open your eyes up to what makes you you, and embrace it, and learn how to use it. Henry doesn't need a second-rate Beckwith, he just needs a first-rate you."

Jasper sat in silence a while pondering her words, "Thanks, Eleanor. You'll be a great mother. I think your ability to not let other people's opinions get to you, to be defiantly yourself- it's inspiring."

Eleanor grinned, "Thank you. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be loved for the person you are, Jasper. Maybe your parents didn't always do that, but I'll always love you for who you are. There's nothing wrong with wanting people to tell you that you're a good person, it's human- and to be honest, it's stupid that people haven't told you that enough times in the past, because you are good person, Jasper, and anyone can see that. Yes, you ran off and left me in the dark, but that's only because you were trying to be a hero. You are a good person, Jasper, and someone that deserves to be loved so much."

Jasper quickly brushed away a tear, "I'd like to get to a point where I can really believe that."

Eleanor grinned, holding his hand in hers, "I'm going to damn well make sure that you get to that point."

Jasper smiled, "I love you, Eleanor."

"I love you too," Eleanor added.

"So," Jasper began with a sigh, "I need your opinion on something. If I got this way because of my parents, do you think it's a good idea to let Henry around them?"

Eleanor sighed, "They're your parents, Jasper. I'm not going to tell you whether or not you should speak to them. And Henry is their grandson. I understand your wanting to protect him, but I think they might have changed- your mum at least. I get that they caused you a lot of grief, gave you trust issues. But hey, I have trust issues too and my dad was awesome."

Jasper nodded, "I'd feel better if one of us was there. To make sure they're not saying or doing anything bad."

Eleanor nodded, "That's fair."

Jasper smiled, "I don't really want to cut them out of my life. Not anymore. They've been amazing to us over the past few weeks. I really want to believe they've changed. If people like that can. I think it's important that I at least give them a chance."

Eleanor nodded, "I support you in that. But make sure you impress on them that they need be on their best behaviour. Not just for Henry, but because you need their support and their love too, they need to be there for you. Because people who are good people, and are worthy of being in our lives, they are there for us when we need them. They might not always do the right thing, but they try to most of the time."

Jasper nodded, "Yeah, I'll make sure they understand that I believe that I'm worthy of being loved and that I'm not putting up with the way they used to act."

Eleanor smiled, "Good. Now, we should dance. This party is for us, you know."

Jasper grinned, "Someone should tell that to Sarah Alice."

BREAK_BREAK_BREAK_BREAK
"So plan A didn't work," Robert said as he walked with Robert Frost past the cocktail table, grabbing a couple for him and Jasper's father.

Rob shook his head, "No. They definitely want to keep the child. Adoption and fostering aren't option."

The King nodded solemnly, "Ok, I suspected that Eleanor's maternal instincts would overcome her fears. But I put another plan in place. The same outcome should be produced. Are you still game?"

"If you are," Rob said, downing his drink, "You're right, this isn't Jasper's place. Him and Eleanor belong in different worlds. And their family… well you were too young to know anything about apartheid or segregation in the US when it was occurring but their child, he's going to like a half-white half-black child. Only he can escape from being stuck in the middle, because this is only a class thing not a physical thing that's unchangeable."

"Precisely," King Robert answered, "My sentiments exactly. Will Marissa still go for it?"

Rob nodded, "Absolutely. She gets what she wants, I get to put Jasper back in his place, and you get the family you desire. We're all winners in this."

"Except Jasper and Eleanor, of course," Robert said with a grin, "Though it serves them right. They've gotten to big for their boots. I should have been there to nip it in the bud. Same problem with my brother, Liam."

Rob nodded, "Yeah, it's an issue with people like us who care too much. We end up putting our family on a pedestal and they believe they're gods. If there's anything I can do to help out with Prince Liam?"

Robert was about to shake his head when he gazed out across the dance floor. There was 'Jaspenor', the two besotted love sick idiots clinging onto each other like shipwreck survivors, little Sarah Alice- who despite her yapping was actually a sweet thing, and then Liam standing with Willow as Sarah Alice tried to get them to dance with her. Robert saw the way Liam and Willow glanced at each other- friends, like hell!

The King pondered the situation, running his mind over various ideas, "Yes, yes there might well be."

BREAK_BREAK_BREAK_BREAK

It was around eleven when things started to slowly wind down. Sarah Alice had crashed and now was sleeping with her head resting on the table, her father's jacket rested over her shoulder. Eleanor, Liam, Jasper and Willow sat chatting as James and Rosie crazily tried to put everything into place in time for the speeches.

When everything was ready Helena took to the stage.

"I hope everyone is having a good time," Helena began, "Now of course no wedding reception would be complete without a few speeches. But before that, Eleanor, dear, would you tell us where your honeymoon is taking place?"

Eleanor smiled before getting up carefully and walking towards the stage.

"Yes," Eleanor started, "I know that a lot of you having been placing bets on where it's going to be. But I haven't heard any of you get it right so far. Not even Jasper or Liam."

Liam and Jasper grinned.

"Oh, get on with it," Liam yelled out, earning a laugh from everyone.

Eleanor rolled her eyes at her sibling, "Well, you'll be pleased to know that Jasper and I will be going to… Croatia. So whilst you lot are here moaning about the awful British spring weather, try not to be to jealous of the sunshine, good food, good booze and amazing scenery that we'll be enjoying, ok?"

Jasper laughed as Eleanor walked down from the stage, and everyone clapped.

"Do you like?" Eleanor asked as she sat next to Jasper and he put an arm around the back of her chair.

"Croatia," Jasper said, "I told Liam it was at the top of my travel list."

"Really?" Eleanor asked, feigning ignorance.

Jasper shook his head, "I love it, Len. Thank you."

Eleanor grinned.

Liam walked towards the stage.

Jasper gave Eleanor a panicked look, "Is he? Please tell me he's not going to talk about how I slept with your mother or tried to rob you."

Eleanor smiled, "No, Jasper. He won't. He has plenty of other things to talk about."

Liam grinned as he took the microphone from his mother, then he looked out, looking straight at Jasper, "Jasper, I don't think you know what you've gotten yourself in to."

Eleanor rolled her eyes.

"When Jasper told me he was going to marry my sister," Liam continued, "Half of me wondered if he was insane, and the other half waited for him to tell me that they'd already had a secret Vegas wedding because I just couldn't believe they weren't already married. You see, I'd known for the best part of year that those two would get their happily ever after, and it's good to see that they've now realised that they belong together.

"Jasper has always been a great friend to me and amazingly loyal to my family. It feels good to finally call him brother.

And as for you, little sister by four minutes, I'm just glad to see you happy. I know Dad would be happy for you too."

Eleanor grinned, blinking back tears, clapping.

Sarah Alice looked up groggily, and gave Eleanor a worried look, "Is it my turn?"

Eleanor shook her head, "No, Robert, then my mum and then you can go up there."

Sarah Alice grinned, aware of the small parcel she'd hidden under the table.

Robert Henstridge took to the stage, "When Eleanor first met Jasper I was stranded on the island and that probably was quite a good thing, because I've always been too overprotective of my sister. As a result of that, these two managed to grow closer and fall in love. Now I know a lot of you are aware that Jasper and I aren't as close as Liam is to Jasper, but that's not because I think he's a bad match for my sister- he wouldn't be sitting here today if I didn't approve of him. Inviting Jasper into our family has opened up my eyes, we live in different times and in a different world. Maybe it's time I gave being all proper a bit of a rest, then we won't let good people like Jasper pass us by.

I want to join everyone in raising a glass, to Jasper and Eleanor, and of course, little Henry Edmund. Cheers!"

Eleanor gave Jasper a mortified look, "You promised not to tell anyone!"

"I didn't," Jasper replied, "Except my mom, and she promised not to tell anyone. I swear, I have no idea how this happened."

Eleanor shook her head, "Ok, fine. I'm not going to blame you for tell your mom, I told my mum and James too. Maybe it just came out by accident."

Jasper sighed, "Well judging from the whispers everyone seems to like the names. I just hope the general public does too."

Helena took to the stage, "Judging by the hushed whispers you're all still reeling from that name reveal, so I'm going to keep this short and sweet. When Jasper came to the palace I knew immediately that there was connection between him and my daughter. At first I didn't think he was good enough for her, but over time he proved himself more than worthy. Few of you here know that it was Jasper that found out about Ted Pryce. Jasper's never been one to brag about that, he just does what he does because he cares for all of us, and for Eleanor especially. Which is now why I support you two and of course, Henry, as well. And I know Simon is smiling down on both of you right now."

Sarah Alice grinned realising that it was her turn and grabbing the parcel from under the table.

"And now, of course," Helena said, "A very very important speech."

Sarah Alice darted towards the stage, grinning as she climbed up the steps and took the microphone.

"Hi," Sarah Alice said, "Just so you all know King Robert has been very very naughty tonight."

The crowd laughed.

"He wasn't supposed to tell anyone the baby's name until he was born," Sarah Alice explained, "But anyway, I'm not really sure what to say. I've never been to a wedding before. So I guess I'll just tell you about why Eleanor and Jasper Caterpillar are my best friends in the whole wide world.

When I came to palace for the first time I was really really nervous because it was so huge and my daddy had just been made the head of security so I knew he was going to be super busy. Daddy always talked about how much he loved working for the royal family and being the Princess's security detail, even if she was quite naughty a lot of the time.

"But Eleanor and Jasper Caterpillar were there for me. They didn't mind putting up with me. Or going behind my Daddy's back to give me chocolate and ice cream.

"Jasper Caterpillar was even my boyfriend for a little while- before I knew that he loved Eleanor. And I knew that the Caterpillar and the Princess needed to have their happily ever after, because all princesses get their happily ever afters.

So I helped them realise how much they loved each other, by forcing them write their own love letters after they tried to get my daddy to write their love letters for them, and by sneaking into the princess's room so that Jasper would have to find me and then he'd be there when the princess returned.

Oh, and on Christmas Eve, Jasper and I made a storybook to give to the Princess- Frosty the Caterpillar and The Princess's adventures with Alice in the palace. Jasper Caterpillar was really sad when he couldn't give it to Eleanor on Christmas Day, he even cried. But he had to go away and slay a dragon, so instead I gave the present to Eleanor because I thought it was silly of Jasper Caterpillar to make her wait such a long time for her Christmas present.

Then they got back together, and now they're going to live happily ever after for ever ever which is awesome. It's awesome that they're going to have their own little caterpillar too.

I don't know where Croatia is, but I hope that you really enjoy your holiday.

Oh, and Eleanor, Jasper and I really hope you like the sequel."

Eleanor smiled as Sarah Alice raced towards her with the present, and she hugged the little girl, trying to hold back tears, as they crowd clapped and cheered.

"Good job, little elf," Jasper told her, giving her a high five.

"Open it!" Sarah Alice cheered, "Open it!"

Eleanor smiled, as she carefully tore the wrapping paper to reveal the story book inside.

"Jasper Caterpillar, the Princess and their baby caterpillar live happily ever after," Eleanor read, "This is beautiful, Sarah Alice, thank you."

The little girl grinned.

"The plane is ready your highnesses," Rosie told Jasper and Eleanor as they stood up.

"I'm going to miss you," Eleanor told her little friend, as she hugged her.

Sarah Alice grinned, "Me too. But please make sure you have a great time."

"What about me?" Liam asked, "Are you not going to miss me?"

Eleanor shook her head, "Why on earth would I miss you?"

Liam sulked before hugging his sister.

"Have a great time," Helena told them both, "Things are going to get crazy very very soon."

James smiled, "Yes, have a great time your highnesses."

"I hope you can find a good temporary babysitter," Jasper answered.

"Don't worry, Rosie and Liam will cover for you," Sarah Alice announced despite Liam trying to protest.

"Come on you two," Rosie said, "Wheels are up in fifteen."