hey friends it's me! i feel like it's been a while but what can ya do? life is crazy sometimes :). Anyways, here I am with a new chapter!

A FEW THINGS

1. GUYS DID YOU HEAR? Sherlock Gnomes has a release date! January 12th 2018! And while that seems like a looooong time (it is!) there will be trailers and posters and I'm so excited! We've waited way too long Not only that, but Johnny Depp is going to be Sherlock! Also Elton is back on board as well! good news all around!

2. i kind of forgot about it but Breezy and I actually made a G+KJ instagram account a long time ago called the_instagnomes. I don't use it a lot but it has a ton of pics so that's fun - go follow it!

3. I am working on two ideas for new stories b/c this one is wrapping up and so is endless love (maybe). I'll be sad to end them but I'm really excited to finally concrete some of these new ideas

4. Please read and review this story and my other ones, and all the other ones on here! They are all too good!

5. have a fabulous thanksgiving and enjoy!

CRESSIDA'S POV

Tybalt's words take me off guard. Do you want to get married? I cannot respond. I open my mouth but no sound comes out. His dark eyes meet mine and there is a pause.

"Cressida, don't freak out. It's fine, we can talk about it later." He says. I realize he thinks I don't want to.

"No." I whisper. "I want to." Then I kiss him so we don't have to talk about it anymore. I help him to his feet and we walk away from the wreckage and into the afternoon mist, completely ignoring the conversation we just had.

That night, I am sitting alone on the wishing well. The night is coming on cold and fast and after everything I endured today, I really do want to just think it through in peace. I shiver a little before noticing that I'm not alone.

"Hey you." Tybalt says, coming up to me. The lantern light sets a yellow glow around us and he sits next to me on the stone edge of the well.

"I thought you were talking to Gnomeo and them about all the damage the storm did." I tell him.

"I was." He replies. There is a silence between us for a moment. Only the distant hum of quiet conversations and crickets remains. Finally, Tybalt breaks it.

"Listen babe, please don't be upset about what I said earlier about getting married." I don't interrupt him but I am afraid he's going to say he didn't mean it.

"Tybalt-" I try.

"I meant what I said, but if you're not ready it's alright. I'll wait forever, please just don't leave." He continues. I look at him, so earnest. I know my response.

"I meant it too. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Tybalt Redbrick." I tell him.

"Really?" His smile is bigger than anyone's I've ever seen.

"Yes!" I reply jumping into his arms. He hugs me so tightly, I wish he'd never let go.

"Wait." He says.

"What?" I ask, curiously.

"I have something to give you." He gets down on one knee and I realize what he's going to say before he does.

"Cressida Anne, will you marry me?" I can hardly contain my joy. Suddenly, there are little happy tears dancing on my eyes. I realize that I never dreamed I would be here. I never thought anyone could love me or that anyone could love me back. I nod.

"Yes. I will." I choke out. He slides a ring onto my finger and instantly I love it. It's so perfect and it glimmers in the lantern light. He pulls me into his embrace again, but I can't stop looking at the ring. I love the way it makes my hand look.

"It's been in my family for generations. I honestly never thought I'd be the one to use it." He tells me, noticing my preoccupation.
"It's alright because I honestly never thought I'd get one of these." I reply and we laugh a little.

"So when do you want to get married?" He asks me.

"Soon. I don't want to wait anymore. We've wasted enough time as it is."

"Soon it is then." He laughs.

The very next day, I tell Juliet right away and she gives me a huge hug and admires the ring.

"Yeah, I recognize the design, it's a Redbrick family heirloom." She tells me. I feel very special to wear it around. I feel like I belong to a family for the first time in a while. News of the engagement travels fast and I accept congratulations all day from almost everyone. Tybalt finds me around mid afternoon.

"Cressida, I want you to meet my mother and sister." He tells me. I look at him quizzically.

"You really want me to meet them? I thought you said your mom was mean and your sister was really shy and cold." I reply.

"No, they are, so don't take it personally." He says, honestly. "But you should meet your in-laws and plus I want them to know how wonderful you are" He pulls me in for a kiss and I feel like he's just trying to win me over but I go with it.

"You're right." I agree even though I am a little nervous.

"And honestly, I think my mother was always disappointed I never got married in the first place, so I think she'll be pleased."

I grin and take his hand as he leads me over to a shady grove.

"So what did you think of them?" Juliet asks me later in the day as evening is falling and after the whole ordeal has long finished. We are sitting with some of the other women.

"Well I don't know." I say not wanting her to tell Tybalt or anything.

"Yes you do!" She exclaims.

I look away. "It doesn't really matter."

"You can't tell me you liked Rosalie." Juliet says.

"Isn't she your cousin?" I ask.

"Yes, but I swear she's always hated me. Even as little girls our fathers tried to get us to be friends and it never worked out like we always argued." Juliet tells me.

"She was shy." I admit. "But I don't think she could hate me yet, I barely spoke to her."

"What about Aunt Sylvia?" Juliet continues.

"Honestly, I didn't think his mom was too bad." I reply. "She wasn't very warm either but I could see myself liking her one day."

"Yeah Aunt Sylvia was a lot nicer before her husband died." Juliet comments as she watches her children play.

"Tybalt's dad?" I confirm.

"Yes, my uncle. He was strong and feisty and a lot like Tybalt actually" Juliet muses.

"He was really good to me after my mother died." I realize that is something that Juliet and I have in common, maternal loss. I look at my feet. Tybalt never really talks about this stuff but I feel like it's good that I know.

"He died not long after Mum did, the same way too. It was really terrible." Juliet continues. I notice the sadness that clouds Juliet's green eyes. I know she's strong and I know she has a wonderful life now, but now I can see that she's seen her fair share of hardships. For someone so happy, she's had a hard life.

"Tybalt never talks about this stuff with me. We don't bring up our pasts anymore, it's too hard." I tell her earnestly.

"I know how it is." She replies, her voice still deep in the past and I feel bad that I brought it up. "But I feel like these events kind of shape us, you know?" I say. "Like the losses and the pain make us who we are today and I feel like you can better understand someone when you know what they've been through."

She turns to look at me "You're right. At least things are fine for now."

"They'll be fine for a while I think." I tell her as we look out at the vivid pink and orange sunset.

TYBALT'S POV

I can't believe that the prettiest girl in the whole world wants to marry me. I can't get over it. Every time my mind wanders, that's what it wanders to. In all the rare times when I considered my future, I never considered what I'm about to walk into would actually happen. I guess that goes to prove that there is someone out there for everyone. Even big brutes like me. Even girls like Cressida. Even mildly annoying twerps like Gnomeo and Benny. As our wedding day is approaching, I'm really happy. I can't wait for the future, I really can't. I see Gnomeo and walk over to him.

"Hey man." I call.

"Hey Tybalt, Congrats on the wedding" Gnomeo replies clapping me on the back.

"Yeah, thanks." I reply. "Hey man, can I ask you something?"

Gnomeo looks at me, "Sure, what's up?"

"What's it like being married?"

Gnomeo thinks for a moment. "Well, I think it's pretty great."

"Like how?" I reply.

"I'll put it this way, every morning Juliet is the first person I see. Every day I get to spend time with her and raise our kids. We get to make every choice together and have these hilarious adventures. And at the end of the day, no matter what happened, she's the last person I see when I go to sleep. I don't really know how to describe it man, but it's amazing."

"It's not that I'm having second thoughts." I explain. "It's just I feel like once I'm married I'll be giving up a lot and it's going to be so different."

"Trust me, whatever you're afraid to give up is not as good as being married to the girl you love." He says and it makes me feel a little better. I can't wait to be married and see what he means.

CRESSIDA'S POV
The wedding day arrives bright and early. I wake up long before I am supposed to and lie in the white puffy covers feeling very excited. I close my eyes and suddenly I cannot help but to think about my family. I wish they could be here. My mother would be fixing my dress and getting all teary when she saw me. My sister would be a bridesmaid and would be grown up and very gorgeous. My brother would be here to tell me Tybalt was the guy for me and my father would proudly walk me down the aisle, probably crying just a little bit. I can't help it but tears slip out of my eyes and onto my pillow. I wish more than anything they were here in person. I know they are always with me, but I wish I could hear them and see them and not just have it be in my memory. Suddenly I have an idea. I tiptoe out of bed my feet dancing across the cold floor. I run over to where there are already gifts from the bachelorette party in a pile. On one mysterious package are four gold balloons-perfect. I untie them until the silver strings are all in my fist. Quietly I open the door onto the tiny terrace that overlooks the garden. One by one, I plan to release the balloons.

The first is for my brother. Wherever you are, I love you and I'm sorry I gave up on you. It floats up into the clouds. I feel my throat closing up a little but I must keep going.

The second is for my sister. You were too young and sweet to die so soon. I'm sorry I didn't take better care of you and I'm sorry I let them take me away from you after you died. I wish you were here to be my bridesmaid and do everything that sisters do that we never did. I see you in everything wonderful like sunshine, daffodils, and smiles. I hear you in laughter and I feel your tiny hugs every time the sunbeams hit. I miss you and I love you Delia darling. I can't stop the tears now as I release her balloon.

The third is for my father. Daddy, I never blamed you for what happened to us. You were a wonderful father when you could be. You did your best and I'll always love you no matter what and I hope that if you were here now, you'd finally be proud of me. I know you did love me deep down and I want you to know that I love you too. A quiet sob escapes. One left.

Slowly, I release my father's balloon. It's time for the last one.

Mama, I loved you more than words can say. Even though you left, I know it wasn't you who left us. It was the woman that grief and disease turned you into. I wish you were still here and I wish you could see Tybalt and everything I've become. I wish you had been there for all the horrible choices I've had to make. Please know that I'm not angry with you anymore. All I am is sorry. I'm sorry you are gone and I'm sorry I wasn't enough. I'm sorry you can't see me and I miss you so much everyday, I miss your smile and I miss your loving touch and I miss your scent and I miss the love you showed me. I love you to the moon and back. I let her golden balloon go up into the sky, just beginning to become sunny. The balloons float gently in the breeze high above the trees. I watch them until they are just specks against a painted sky and it hurts to look. Somehow, even though tears are streaming down my face, I feel better. I feel like they know what I want them to know and everything will be alright. I turn away towards the room because I know that those are tears and words and sadness that I don't need to carry around anymore. By the time the girls come to get me ready, you never would have known that I cried my eyes out that day. They do my makeup, subtle yet defining. Red lips, black mascara, a little blush. Sparkles on my eyelids. Nanette does my hair in a beautiful braided hairstyle that is half up and half down and makes me look like a princess. My dress is simple and form fitting yet elegant. It's made with lots of vintage lace and jewels and a small train. It's very different than a typical wedding dress but this is a very different wedding. Tybalt and I wanted it to be as personal as possible. All I need is my simple veil and bouquet of white and red and I am ready.

TYBALT'S POV

I am standing in front of a fountain. Red flower petals line the aisle in which Cressida will walk down. I can't believe I am wearing a suit with my hair all combed and even a flower pinned to be lapel. I can't believe my family and all my friends are here. Miranda and Jace even took some time out of their travels to come. All but my father, but I know he is proud wherever he is. I look at all of their faces but I know there is only one left who I want to see. The music swells and the crowd rises. There is a pause and suddenly I am scared. What if she doesn't come down the aisle? What if she changes her mind and what if she's long gone? I want to scream but I don't, I only look to see if she is coming. Finally, the doors open and there she is. She looks more beautiful than anyone I have ever seen in my whole life. She is radiant. She looks so pretty I don't know what to say. It wouldn't matter if she was in a dress or in rags she would still be the most beautiful girl in the world to me. Cressida makes her way to me and I extend my hand to lead her up to the altar. She takes it and our eyes meet. She smiles at me mischievously and I know everything will be okay. The ceremony passes in a blur until the vows.

I go first.

"Cressida, when I first saw you I knew that I couldn't let you get away. However I was afraid you couldn't love me for who I was. But as I got to know you, I saw that we were two of a kind and we were kind of made for each other. I never dreamed I would find someone as perfect for me as you and I never saw myself where I am today, You make me a better person and there's no one else I want to spend the rest of my life with."

I notice the tears in the corner of her eyes as she clears her throat to speak.

"Tybalt, it's been quite an adventure but I couldn't be more grateful that it's come to where we are now. When I first met you, I had a lot to sort out and a lot of issues going on. You stuck by me no matter what and loved me through it all even when it must have seemed impossible. You are someone who I thought didn't exist- my soulmate. We've been through so much and we can face whatever life brings. I love you, Tybalt Redbrick and I promise to be the best wife that I can be.

"With the power entrusted before me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

I take her in my arms and in front of everyone we know, I kiss her long and hard. She kisses me back and smiling, we walk down into the cheering crowd. At our reception, a slow song plays and Cressida drags me back on the dance floor even though we've been dancing all night. They've been playing a ton of Elton John of course.

"Just listen to the song." She tells me as she rests her head on my shoulder. "it reminds me so much of you."

The Story by Brandie Carlie

All of these lines across my face

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I've been

And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything

When you've got no one to tell them to

It's true, I was made for you

I climbed across the mountaintops

swam all across the ocean blue

I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules

But baby I broke them all for you

Oh because even when I was flat broke

You made me feel like a million bucks

You do, I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth

It's hiding the words that don't come out

And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed

They don't know my head is a mess

No they don't know who I really am

And they don't know what I've been through

Like you do, and I was made for you

All of these lines across my face

Tell you the story of who I am

So many stories of where I've been

And how I got to where I am

Oh but these stories don't mean anything

When you've got no one to tell them to

It's true, I was made for you

Oh yeah, well it's true that I was made for you.

I don't let go of her for the rest of the night.

CRESSIDA'S POV

"I can't believe I'm Mrs. Tybalt Redbrick. I have been for almost a month now. Life is so wonderful." I am chattering away to Tybalt as were standing in the kitchen. He grins at me lopsidedly. "You're happy today."

"How can I not be?" I respond and he shrugs.

Every morning Tybalt and I wake up and have black coffee on the porch. We do little projects like planting more tulips and even a cherry tree which I hope grows strong enough to have pink blossoms in the spring. I've also learned to make some more food which Tybalt always compliments.

We've finally made our place a home. Friends come to call and the radio plays good music. Most nights Tybalt makes us drinks and we play cards or talk or even just sit there.

"Everything is so perfect I wish it could stay this way forever." I say dreamily.

"It will! Married for life remember?" Tybalt jokes. I am about to say something witty when out of nowhere I feel very sick. Next thing I know, I'm throwing up in the toilet and Tybalt is holding back my hair.

"Oh my gosh!" I exclaim. "I don't know where that came from."

"Maybe you're sick." Tybalt offers, cupping his palm on my forehead. "You feel a little warm."

"I do not!" I reply. "I'm fine." I try to stand up but the room spins.

"Okay maybe not." I grunt sinking sadly back onto the cool floor.

"It's probably just the flu or something, don't worry." Tybalt consoles me.

"Yeah, I should see a doctor for some medicine or something." I reply. Deep down though, I don't think it's the flu.

The next day I go to the doctors and sure enough they confirm what I already knew- I'm going to have a baby.

alright! so slight cliffhanger but it's alright :) enjoy and R&R! xoxoxoxoxo- lorelibelle54 or Carrie