**Thanks for all the reviews, I love reading them.
Sig and June arrived home after an afternoon of shopping. They quietly walked into the house and started to put away their purchases.
"Lets invite Norman and Victoria to dinner tonight" suggested June.
"Sounds good, I'll call Norman now" replied Sig getting out his cell.
"Hello?" answered Norman.
"Hey Norm, it's Sig. June and I wanted to invite you and Victoria to dinner tonight."
"She's not here" said Norman.
"What do you mean she's not there?" asked Sig carefully.
"Yeah, I got home from running a few errands and she wasn't here. Usually she leaves a note but not today. I'm sure she will be home later. She had that tea date with mom earlier" said Norman his voice unconcerned.
"Did you check your voicemail? Maybe she left a message" said Sig.
"No I haven't. I'll do that when we hang up. I don't think we have plans for tonight so count us in for dinner" said Norman.
"Alright Norman, we will see you in a little while" said Sig then hung up.
The phone rang less than a minute later and Sig picked it up.
"Yeah Norman."
"She's gone. I got a message from Josh saying he was going with her to LA" said Norman in a rush.
"Slow down Norman. When did he leave the message?" asked Sig.
"About 5 hours ago" said Norman.
"Well the farthest she could have made it is Oregon. Call Josh and ask him what's going on" suggested Sig.
"What the hell could have happened?" asked Norman.
"June and I will be right over" said Sig.
Sig and June hurried into the car and sped off towards Norman's house.
Norman sat at the kitchen counter staring sadly at his cell phone. He'd tried to call both Josh and Victoria multiple times but only reached their voice mails. He was getting angrier by the minute. He wanted to call his mom and ask her what happened but something stopped him. He'd just picked up the phone to try again when the cell rang.
"Hello" he said.
"Norman, it's Josh" whispered the voice.
"Is Victoria with you?" asked Norman.
"Yes, she's taking Gizmo out to pee" said Josh quietly.
"Where are you guys?" asked Norman.
"We are just south of Portland" said Josh. "I've been trying to make her turn around, she's really upset."
"What happened?" asked Norman.
"Crap, she's coming back. I'll call you back in a little while. I'm going to try to take her to dinner" said Josh then quickly hung up the phone.
Norman looked at the phone in his hand completely dumbfounded. He was certainly going to have to figure out what was going on. Fortunately for him Sig chose that moment to arrive. He didn't even bother to knock just walked in the front door with June following in his wake.
"Norman, did you get a hold of her?" asked Sig.
"No, but Josh just called. He said they are just south of Portland" answered Norman.
"Wow, I thought she would have made it farther" said Sig.
"Josh has been trying to convince her to come back" said Norman. "What happened?"
"She had a bad meeting with Netta" replied June.
"With Netta? She loves everyone" said Norman.
"Well, Louise asked her to throw the interview" admitted June.
"Why?" asked Norman.
"Because she wouldn't throw the meatball test" said Sig.
"Jesus, she was right about the tests turning into a huge competition between wives and that someone was going to get their feelings hurt" said Norman more to himself than the others.
"I remember when the tests got to me. I went for a weekend away with my friends. I'm sure she will feel better soon" said June reassuringly.
"When did you feel bad about the tests?" asked Sig.
"After the 5th one, the one where Edgar followed me around all day asking me about our sex life" said June.
"Sounds like she's still bitter about it" said Norman.
"How many tests has Elf done anyway?" asked Sig.
"I have no idea" said Norman.
Everyone was silent for a few minutes trying to figure out how many tests Victoria had completed.
"I estimate at least 10" said Norman.
"She deserves a break from them" muttered June.
"I would have taken her on a vacation if I knew she was upset" said Norman sadly. "God, I should have just married her in Vegas. What if she changes her mind?"
"Norman, don't worry about it. Lets go pick her up" suggested Sig.
"Sig! This girl needs a break from all things Hansen. Leave her alone, she will come back when she's ready" snapped June.
"What if she doesn't" asked Norman.
"She will, she loves you" said June tenderly.
Victoria hustled Gizmo back into the car, this was their 5th potty break for the dog. Josh kept insisting that the dog had to pee, yet Victoria walked her all over kingdom come and the dog didn't let out so much as a piddle.
"Hey, lets go to dinner" said Josh.
"I'm not hungry" said Victoria.
"You know that Full Sail Brewing Company is around here" said Josh leadingly.
"Really? I love their beer" said Victoria her whole demeanor perking up.
"Yep, I just found it on the GPS" said Josh pointing to the map.
"Awesome, lets go" said Victoria.
They made their way to the restaurant and once they pulled into the parking lot Victoria's face fell.
"What's wrong?" asked Josh.
"What are we going to do with Gizmo?" said Victoria.
"Oh yeah" said Josh. After a moment he smiled. "Take her in your purse, you know like Paris Hilton does."
"What? Are you crazy? This bag is Coach" said Victoria.
"She'll be fine. We just took her to the bathroom" said Josh. "Besides we either take her in the bag or we don't go at all. She can't stay in the car."
"Fine, but if she so much as sheds in this bag you are buying me another one" said Victoria.
The next few minutes were spent cleaning out Victoria's bag, placing all non essential items in the trunk and installing Gizmo and her blanket in the purse. Once Gizmo was inside the bag Victoria picked it up and swung it over her shoulder. She and Josh walked into the brewery and took a seat at a window booth. The sky was starting to pink slightly and Victoria enjoyed the view for a few minutes before taking a look at the menu. She ordered a taster set of all the beers and a bowl of clam chowder while Josh ordered an Amber Ale and some hot wings. The beer taster came and as the server explained all the beers Josh watched as Victoria's beer snobbery reared it's head she asked the guy all about each of the beers. Finally the server just smiled and said he had someone he was sure Victoria would love to meet. A minute later the brewer came out to make the acquaintance of a very intrepid female. Victoria and Josh were treated to a special tour of the brewery. Jaime the brewer and Victoria kept up a steady stream of conversation and Josh realized that Victoria seemed to be in a much better state of mind. He couldn't tell if it was from the conversation or from the beer, but either way she was much happier. Josh excused himself to head outside for a cigarette. Once he was outside he was going to call Norman, however Victoria appeared a moment later and let Gizmo out of her bag to do her business. She leaned over and plucked the cigarette out of Josh's hand taking a drag and then replacing it in his mouth.
"Jamie said there are a bunch of really cool breweries in Portland" said Victoria. "I think we should get a hotel room and check them out."
"Cool" said Josh.
He was secretly thankful they weren't going to be going any further south today. Portland was much closer to Seattle than LA. They went back inside and finished their food and beers before Victoria got a bunch of addresses from Jaime before heading out.
They checked into the Hotel Vintage Plaza and got settled into their room. Josh was fairly certain that the guy at the desk was fairly suspicious of Victoria's whining purse, but thankfully he didn't say anything. Once in the room Victoria quickly marked the breweries on the map and they headed out again. Josh was begging for Victoria to go to the bathroom or leave him alone for 5 minutes so he could call Norman, but so far it just wasn't happening. After the third brewery Josh forgot all about calling Norman. Josh and Victoria eventually ended up back at the hotel both fairly trashed.
"Victoria, when did Gizmo go pee last?" asked Josh.
"Just now on the way back to the hotel" said Victoria.
"Good. She needs her water and then we can call it a night" said Josh laying back on the bed.
"I'll get it" said Victoria.
She fished the bowl of our Josh's bag then walked unsteadily to the bathroom where she filled the bowl. She spilled half of it on the way into the other room and managed to set it down on the floor in front of a very confused Gizmo.
"All done" said Victoria.
Josh went into the bathroom and changed into some pajama pants and a t-shirt. He walked back into the bedroom to find Victoria in only a pair of skimpy underwear looking through his bag.
"Do you need something Victoria" said Josh trying very hard not to look at her boobs.
"A shirt or something to sleep in. I didn't bring anything with me" said Victoria.
Josh reached into the bag and handed her a Cornelia Marie shirt. Victoria slipped it over her head and crawled into the bed. Josh looked awkward for a moment then climbed into the bed next to Victoria. She snuggled up against him rubbing her hand across his chest a few times before her hand fell still. Josh looked down and saw that she was fast asleep. He gave her a kiss on the top of the head then closed his eyes.
Norman hadn't moved from his perch in the kitchen, he compulsively opened and closed his phone as he waited for Josh to call back. June had left earlier but Sig had insisted that he stay with his brother. Sig was currently half asleep at the kitchen table. Norman's phone rang and both he and Sig jumped at the sound.
"Hello?" answered Norman.
"Hey Norman, It's Josh. Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you" said Josh.
"Is Victoria ok? Where are you now?" asked Norman.
"We are in Portland. We went to a few of her favorite breweries. I figured it was good way to keep her in town. We are staying at the Vintage Plaza hotel. Tomorrow morning we'll head back home" said Josh.
"How do you know she'll be willing to come back?" asked Norman suspiciously.
"Because I'm going to tell her my dad wants Gizmo back" said Josh.
"Good plan. Thanks for taking care of her" said Norman.
"Yeah no problem. She really loves you, I think she just got a little frustrated by everything" explained Josh.
"I promise to make it up to her when she gets back" said Norman.
"Ok dude. I'll call you when we get back" said Josh before hanging up.
Norman filled Sig in on everything Josh had said.
"Well, how are you going to make it up to her?" asked Sig.
"I have an idea, but we are going to need a lot of help" said Norman with a sly smile.
Norman spent the next few minutes explaining his idea to Sig.
The next morning dawned cloudy in Portland. Victoria was woken to an insistent tongue licking her face. Her eyes cracked open and she was immediately accosted by a very excited Gizmo.
"Good morning to you too" said Victoria narrowly escaping a dog tongue in her mouth. "Josh your bitch wants to go out"
"What?" asked Josh rolling over to face Victoria.
"Your bitch" said Victoria pointing to Gizmo "wants to go out."
"She didn't wake me up, she woke you up" said Josh.
"Fine" said Victoria. She stood up and Josh got a glimpse of her underwear before the shirt settled over her thighs.
"Put some pants on" said Josh with a smile.
In response Victoria pulled the shirt over her head and slipped back into her dress. Then she and Gizmo headed down to the lobby and outside for a morning constitutional. The second she was out the door Josh picked up the phone and dialed his dad.
"Hey Josh. How's Vicks?" answered Phil.
"She's taking Gizmo out to the bathroom" said Josh.
"Hey, I got a call from Norman this morning. It seems a plan is afoot. He would like you to get her back here around 2 this afternoon. Do you think you can handle that?" asked Phil.
"Sure, I'm going to tell her you want Gizmo back" said Josh proudly.
"Whatever works. Take her somewhere to get her hair done or a massage or something" said Phil.
"Why?" asked Josh.
"Because she needs to be relaxed as possible when she arrives" said Phil.
"Oh really. Again why?" asked Josh.
"Joshua, I don't want to tell you in case she tries to torture information out of you" said Phil.
"I wouldn't tell her" said Josh defensively.
"Right" said Phil clearly not believing his eldest son.
"Whatever. I'll have her back by two" said Josh hanging up the phone.
"Have who back by 2?" asked Victoria walking in the door.
"Gizmo. That was dad, he wants her back" answered Josh smoothly.
"I don't want to go back" said Victoria sadly.
"I don't know about you, but I'm ready for some breakfast" said Josh trying to change the subject.
"Lets go to Voodoo Donuts, then I can drown my sorrows in a Nyquil donut" said Victoria with a pout. The duo headed out to the infamous donut shop.
Norman was sitting in his living room with his family and his extended Northwestern family. He was outlining his plan to marry Victoria on the Northwestern at sunset.
"Any questions?" asked Norman after he'd finished explaining the plan.
"Um, yes" said Louise. "Does she want to get married on a boat?"
"I don't think she cares where we get married, she just wants to" said Norman.
"She says that, but I'm sure she has an idea of what she wants" said Louise.
"We've talked about it, she said she wanted to do it here, keep it small" said Norman.
Louise looked skeptical.
"It's true, she told me the same thing the other day" added Sig.
"Then have it here, why do you need to have it on the boat?" asked Louise.
"Because, then Sig can marry us" explained Norman.
"Ah, do you have a marriage license yet?" asked June.
"Yes, we got it last week" said Norman.
"What about a dress?" asked Louise.
"I don't think she has one" answered Norman.
"I know what kind she wants" chirped Alexis.
"Really?" asked Norman clearly surprised.
"Yes, we talked about it when we went shopping for my prom dress" said Alexis.
"Alright Alexis, I'm putting you in charge of getting her wedding dress" said Norman handing Alexis his credit card.
"I know just what to get" said Alexis happily.
"Anything else?" asked Norman.
"I think we've got everything" said Jake.
"Alright, then lets go, we've got a wedding to make happen" said Norman clapping his hands together.
"Look out JLo another wedding planner is on the rampage" said Edgar with a smirk.
"Shut up Edgar" said Norman.
The group filed out of the house into their cars all with their own assignments to complete.
After donuts Josh and Victoria walked into a very cute little hair salon where Josh insisted she get her hair done. When Victoria asked him why he said it was his dad's suggestion to make her feel better. Victoria sighed and sat happily in the chair as she got her hair washed and blown out. After that they got into the car and headed back to Seattle. Victoria hoped Phil planned to take her out to a nice dinner because this hair was too banging to waste on an evening at home. Josh watched her through sideways glances the whole way back to his dad's house waiting for any sign of distress. They pulled into the drive way in under three hours and Victoria happily got out of the car. Gizmo raced to the door and before she could even put her little paws up and bark Phil opened the door and grabbed his beloved pooch.
"Gizzy your back" said Phil giving the dog a kiss. "Victoria, you're back too. Your hair looks really nice."
"Thanks" said Victoria happily. She breezed past Phil into his house and immediately stopped. There in his living room was one of her suitcases from Norman's house. Her face fell and tears threatened in the corners of her eyes.
"Victoria, it's not what you think" said Phil.
"What is it then, because it looks like he packed a suitcase for me so I'll leave" said Victoria her voice shaky.
"It's not that, there is something else you should probably see before you start crying" said Phil.
He led Victoria to the doorway of the laundry room. Hanging up was a very large white garment bag from the same shop Alexis had bought her prom dress. Victoria looked at Phil then back at the bag clearly confused.
"Why don't you open it" suggested Phil.
Victoria reached up and pulled the zipper down revealing a white wedding dress. Her hand started to shake as she pulled the dress further out of the bag. It was the dress she'd pointed out to Alexis as the one she'd love to wear if she ever got married. And now it was in her hand, suddenly the whole room seemed to be getting a little fuzzy. She felt Phil's hand on her back and him yell for Josh to help him, then nothing. Victoria woke up the second Josh slapped her cheek.
"Josh, did you just hit her?" asked Phil.
"It woke her up didn't it?" said Josh.
Phil sat Victoria up and pressed a glass of water to her mouth. Victoria took a tentative sip and then looked around at Phil's living room.
"Did I faint?" she asked quietly.
"Yes, but you didn't hit your head or anything" said Phil.
"Well I suppose that's something" said Victoria. "Although Josh slapped me."
"You can slap me back if you want" said Josh.
"Why is there a wedding dress in your kitchen?" asked Victoria.
"Alexis dropped it off for you to wear" said Phil with a smile.
"Why?" asked Victoria.
"Do you think today you can just trust us and not ask too many questions" said Phil.
"No. I don't like surprises" said Victoria.
"Try on the dress" said Phil.
"Fine" said Victoria.
She walked back into the kitchen and Phil pulled the hanger off the doorway and moved it upstairs into the extra bedroom. Victoria walked in and reverently pulled the dress out of the garment bag. Phil stood in the doorway unsure if he should stay or go.
"Can you help me put it on?" asked Victoria.
"Of course" replied Phil.
He averted his eyes as Victoria quickly took off her clothes. Then he gathered the dress and helped slip it over Victoria's head. Placing her arms through the small capped sleeves she turned so Phil could zip up the back. She turned around to face Phil and his breath caught in his throat, she looked beautiful.
"How do I look?" asked Victoria.
"Like an angel" said Phil.
Victoria looked down twisting the dress back and forth watching the skirt move. Phil reached out and grabbed her hand, he lead her through to his master bathroom and closed the door so she could see herself in the full length mirror.
"Wow, it fits perfectly" said Victoria.
"I think there are probably shoes and stuff in the suitcase downstairs" said Phil.
"I wonder if there is a veil?" mused Victoria.
She walked out of the bathroom gathering up her skirt as she went.
Josh looked up the moment Victoria appeared at the top of the stairs, she was a vision in white. He watched as she picked her way carefully down making sure she avoided stepping on her dress. She looked beautiful and not for the first time did Josh wish he'd asked her out sooner. Once she reached the bottom she walked over to the suitcase and pulled it open. Then she settled herself on the floor the dress spreading around her like a flower petal.
"What's in the suitcase?" asked Josh.
"A veil and a tiara" said Victoria giddily.
"Can you help me put it on?" she asked over her shoulder.
"Sure, but I've never actually done that before" said Josh.
"It's ok, I trust you" said Victoria.
Josh knelt behind her and placed the tiara on her head carefully making sure it was straight. Then after a few tries he managed to get the comb of the veil to stay in place. He walked around to the front of Victoria and looked at his handy work.
"How does it look?" asked Victoria.
"Perfect" said Josh his voice soft.
"Thanks for making me come back" said Victoria, her eyes not leaving the carpet.
"I only want you to be happy and Norman makes you happy" explained Josh.
Victoria just nodded and brushed a few tears off of her cheeks.
"You better get all that crying out of the way now. The make up lady has arrived" said Phil.
"Who's that?" asked Victoria.
It turned out that it was Nick's wife. She spent the better part of an hour making sure that Victoria looked flawless. Then she said she'd see Victoria later and scampered out the door. Victoria sat quietly in Phil's living room while Phil and Josh got dressed. Jake came by dressed in a snazzy suit and sat down next to Victoria on the couch after carefully moving aside part of her dress.
"You look like a princess" commented Jake.
"Thanks, I think" said Victoria.
"It was definitely a compliment" said Jake. "You wanna play some xbox before you get hitched?"
"Sure, lets see if I've improved since last time" said Victoria.
It turned out that she hadn't and Jake quickly trounced her.
"Hey it's not nice to beat the bride at video games on her wedding day" said Victoria.
"I couldn't play bad enough to let you win" said Jake unrepentantly.
"Hmph" said Victoria.
"Jake, you made it" said Phil. He walked downstairs with Josh in his wake both were dressed to the nines.
"You guys look great" said Victoria.
"Not as good as you, but that's to be expected" said Phil. "Ready to go? I promised Norman I'd deliver you on time."
The group walked outside and into a waiting limo. It took a little maneuvering but Victoria managed to get in without stepping on her dress or bumping her head.
Norman paced nervously in the wheelhouse of the Northwestern. Phil had sent him a text that they were leaving the house so Norman knew that Victoria was on the way but it didn't lessen his nerves. Louise's question about whether or not Victoria wanted to get married on the boat floated in his mind. His musings were cut short as Edgar came bounding up the stairs smiling like he'd just set something on fire.
"Everything is ready. I've never seen the deck cleaner or smell better" said Edgar.
"Great. I hope she doesn't hate this" said Norman.
"Norman she loves you and for some reason she wants to marry you. She wanted to marry you in Vegas with you in a baby blue tuxedo and her in a little bo peep wedding dress, I'm sure she won't mind getting married on the boat" said Edgar. "Did you tell Phil to have her take one of the seasickness pills?"
Norman's eyes got wide and he immediately pulled out his phone. Edgar snatched it away from him before he could dial a single digit.
"Geez, I was just kidding" said Edgar.
"Norman, did you finish writing your vows?" called Sig from the galley.
"Sig, I told you to just use the ones in the book" yelled Norman.
"Fine, but I think ones from the heart would be better" replied Sig.
"What is he trying to do to me" muttered Norman.
"Hey, how about a little nip of Norwegian courage" said Edgar disappearing down the stairs.
He returned a moment later with three champagne flutes and bottle of Christilano Vodka. He poured a little vodka into each glass and handed one to Norman then yelled for Sig. Edgar handed Sig a glass as soon as he crested the stairs.
"Norman, congrats on getting married. It's about fucking time" said Edgar.
"Norman, you couldn't do any better" said Sig.
"Fuck you both" said Norman.
They all touched glasses and drank back the shot. Norman turned back to look out the wheelhouse windows and saw a long black limo slowly driving down the dock.
"Well, there she is" said Edgar. "No peeking."
Edgar and Sig left Norman and walked downstairs to tell greet the bride to be.
Victoria had a glass of champagne in the limo and hadn't really been paying attention at all to which direction they were going. When the limo came to a slow stop and the door opened her nostrils were assaulted by the smell of rotting fish. She looked at Phil who was closest to the door and quirked an eyebrow. Phil just smiled in response and got out of the limo. Jake and Josh quickly followed and both reached back in to pull Victoria and her dress out. She was temporarily blinded as she emerged in the late afternoon sun. When she was able to open her eyes she realized that she was on the docks and looming immediately in front of her was the Northwestern.
"I'm getting married on the boat?" she asked.
"Yes, elf. And I'm marrying you" said Sig hopping over the rail.
"How am I suppose to get on deck in this dress?" asked Victoria.
"We will help you" said Sig. "You look absolutely gorgeous. Did Lex pick out the right dress?"
"Yes, it's the perfect dress and the perfect fit" said Victoria beaming. "Is she here?"
"Yep, the whole family is here" said Sig.
"Well I guess we should get this party started" said Victoria.
She walked tentatively over to the side of the dock and looked hesitantly down at the deck below. Jake stood next to her holding her hand loosely, Josh did the same on the other side. Sig and Edgar stood on the deck below and held their hands out to Victoria. She let go of Josh and Jake's leaning forward just enough to grab Sig and Edgar's hands. Then in a terrific leap of faith she stepped off the dock and floated rather gracefully down to the deck. Jake and Josh jumped down right after her narrowly missing stepping on her dress.
"All the girls are waiting inside to help you do whatever else you need to do" said Edgar.
"Ok" said Victoria. She took a few tentative steps on the deck in her shoes and smiled when she didn't immediately fall on her ass. She slid through the galley taking a moment to swipe a shrimp from one of the platters.
"Hey no snacking" said Matt teasingly.
"Hi Matt, did you make the food?" asked Victoria.
"Nope, it's catered" said Matt. "But I picked it all up, so I'll take the credit. You look absolutely amazing."
"Thanks" said Victoria.
"The girls are all in Norman and Edgar's bunk. Good luck fitting in there though" said Matt.
"No kidding, this dress is huge" said Victoria.
"It's perfect and you look perfect in it" said Matt.
"Victoria, stop talking to Matt and get in here" called June.
"Well, duty calls" said Victoria with a sigh.
June and Louise pounced on Victoria the minute she walked in the stateroom. They brushed down her dress making sure it was lying right, then touched up her hair and makeup.
"You look breathtaking" said June.
"Absolutely beautiful" said Louise.
"The dress looks amazing on you" said Alexis.
"Thanks for picking it out for me Alexis, it's just what I've always wanted" said Victoria.
"You're welcome" said Alexis.
"Ok, now down to business" said June. "These are a pair of diamond earrings that Sig gave to me on our 25th anniversary. These are your something borrowed."
She put the earrings on Victoria. Next Louise handed her a blue garter and a necklace that matched the earrings.
"These are from me, something blue and something old. We've all worn the necklace on our wedding day, it's yours now and you will give it to the next woman to be married. I'm sorry if I let this whole competition thing go to far. You are a new sister in our family and I should have treated you better" said Louise contritely.
"Thank you Louise and I should have been a little tougher skinned about the whole test thing" said Victoria giving Louise a hug.
"Now all we need is something new" said June.
"Well, the dress is new" suggested Victoria.
"That's true. But Norman got you something new too" said June handing Victoria a box.
Victoria tore open the box and looked inside. There starring back at her was a key and a note.
Victoria,
I love you so much and in the tradition of giving something new I want to give you this key as a symbol of our new life together.
Love with all my heart and for all my days,
Norman.
Louise handed Victoria a few tissues and then carefully helped her reapply her smudged eye makeup. Then the ladies said their good lucks and good byes and Victoria was left alone in the stateroom. She took the key out of the box and tucked it into the hem of her wedding dress. Victoria had just sat down on Norman's bunk when Sig walked through the door.
"Hi Sig" said Victoria.
"Wow Elf, you look wonderful. Are you allowed to sit down in that thing?" asked Sig.
"It didn't come with directions, so I assume I can" said Victoria.
"Funny. I'm here because I want to talk to you about your vows" explained Sig.
"Well,I can't say I'm really prepared for this" said Victoria. "But I think I can tell Norman how I feel."
"Ok. It's going to be a regular ceremony, by the book" said Sig waving a small book.
"How many weddings have you performed?" asked Victoria.
"This will be my first one" said Sig. "But I've been to quite a few."
"On boats?" asked Victoria.
"No, this will be my first wedding on a boat" confessed Sig.
"Well it's my first wedding on a boat too so I guess we're even" said Victoria.
"Have you taken your seasickness pills?" asked Sig.
"No, should I have?" asked Victoria.
"Well, you got pretty sick last time you were on this boat" said Sig.
"True, but I don't think we are going to be out on the bearing sea and my appendix is already gone so today I think I'll be ok" said Victoria.
"Let me know if you start feeling sick, I'm sure we have something on the boat that will help" said Sig.
"Ok" said Victoria.
"Well, we are going to take off now, so just sit tight and someone will come get you when it's time" said Sig.
"Alright, I'll see you later" said Victoria.
The moment Sig left Victoria settled back on the bunk and slipped on the blue garter she'd been holding. She'd just got it on when Sver walked into the room.
"Victoria, I'm so sorry about yesterday" began Sver.
"It's in the past. I love Norman and he loves me and that's all that matters" said Victoria.
"I have something I want you to use today" said Sver handing Victoria a ring. "It was Norman's father's and I know you didn't have a chance to get Norman a ring. I think he would be honored if you used it."
"I don't know what to say. Thank you, this means so much" said Victoria.
"Don't cry and smudge your make up dear" said Sver. "Thank you for making my son so happy."
Victoria could only nod in response.
Norman was sitting in the port side chair watching Edgar steer the boat out towards open water. He heard all the ladies chatting in the galley about how wonderful Victoria looked and how excited she seemed. Those few words did wonders for Norman's frayed nerves.
"Norman, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a second" said Phil from the stairs.
"Sure" said Norman.
"I just wanted to say congratulations and tell you that if you ever hurt her I'll kill you" said Phil.
"Thanks for the congratulations and I won't ever hurt her. Not because of you but because it would kill me to see her upset" said Norman.
Phil nodded and then shook Norman's hand before pulling him into a hug.
"Don't worry Phil, we will keep a sharp eye on Norman, make sure he's treating Victoria like the goddess that she is" said Edgar.
"Good" said Phil.
"Dad, did you give him the talk about taking good care of her?" asked Josh walking up the stairs.
"Yes, just did. Now I'm going down to give the same talk to Victoria" quipped Phil.
"Good luck" said Edgar.
Phil knocked on the stateroom door and was immediately bid entry. Victoria was seated on the bunk reading through an old GQ magazine. Her face brightened as she saw Phil walk in and sit next to her.
"Hi Vicks" he said.
"Hi Phil, how's everything going out there?" asked Victoria.
"Fine, I think we are close to the spot" said Phil. "I wanted to have a little chat with you."
"I already know about what to expect on the wedding night" said Victoria cheerfully.
"I'm sure you do" said Phil knowingly. "I just wanted to tell you that any marriage is work but marriage to a fisherman is twice as hard because you will spend a lot of time alone."
"Do you have any sage advice?" asked Victoria.
"Well, I suppose it would just to remember to make as much as you can with the time you spend together, every minute is precious" said Phil.
"Thanks" said Victoria pensively.
There was a knock at the door and Josh poked his head in to tell Victoria it was time. Phil rose to leave and felt her hand on his arm.
"Would you give me away?" asked Victoria.
"Never, but I'll walk you down the aisle" said Phil.
"Good enough" said Victoria.
Out on the deck Norman stood with Sig and Edgar fidgeting nervously in front of his family and friends. His eyes were trained on the door waiting for Victoria's arrival. He was vaguely aware of the rocking of the boat as it sat idle in the water. He saw the handle of the door move and suddenly there she was being walked out by Phil. The moment she stepped over the doorway Jake started the music. Norman however heard nothing, all he could concentrate on was how beautiful Victoria looked and the realization that in a few minutes she would be his wife.
"Norman, don't forget to breath" said Edgar poking him lightly in the ribs.
Norman let out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding and quickly took another one. Suddenly Victoria was there standing in front of him and Phil placed her soft hand is his.
"You look beautiful" said Norman.
"I can't believe you did all this" said Victoria. "Thank you."
"Family and friends we are here today to join together this man and this woman in the bonds of holy matrimony" said Sig before pausing. "Norman this book is crap. I'm going off the cuff."
"Sig, just stick to the book" said Norman warningly.
"Fine" replied Sig. "Marriage is not to be taken lightly it is a job just like any other, but both Victoria and Norman are hard workers. In fact I'm sure that Victoria already has a list going on how she's going to make this marriage last forever. Life is a journey and now instead of going alone they will be able to drive in the carpool lane."
Norman gave Sig a meaningful look and Sig just nodded.
"Now Norman will tell Victoria his wedding vows."
"Victoria, I didn't want to write my own vows, but when Sig said that you were going to do it, I thought I would at least try" said Norman clearing his throat. "I Norman take you Victoria to be my wife, my friend and my constant companion. I promise to be loving and kind, to be patient and understanding. I promise to love and honor you as long as we both shall live."
"Ok Victoria your turn" said Sig.
"I Victoria take you Norman to be husband. To honor and cherish you in sickness and in health when you are home and at sea. I promise to take care of you, to listen more than I talk and to love more than I judge. I give you my heart knowing that you won't break it and I give you my soul knowing that you will care for it more than your own. This is my solemn vow."
"Wow, that was great Elf. You know this wedding was a surprise and she just came up with all that" said Sig. "Ok, where are the rings."
Edgar handed Sig his ring and Victoria produced the ring Sver had given her. All three brothers just looked at it in shock.
"Where did you get this?" asked Sig.
"Your mother gave it to me" said Victoria.
Sig merely nodded and turned his attention back to the book.
"Repeat after me" began Sig. "Victoria, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion it has no end and neither will my love for you or my commitment to this marriage."
Norman repeated the the vow as he slid the wedding ring onto Victoria's finger. Victoria repeated the same vow and slipped Norman's father's ring onto his finger, it was a perfect fit.
"By the power vested in me by being the captain of this vessel and the certificate I printed out from the internet I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride" said Sig.
Norman did just that to much applause from the assembled guests.
The reception was quite a party and everyone enjoyed themselves. Victoria danced with every man and woman there and by the end of the evening she was exhausted. As they toured around the bay she sat quietly in a little nook smoking a cigarette and watching Alexis and Norman dance. She could see the twinkling lights of the dock coming into focus and realized that her wedding day was almost over. She was interrupted from her thoughts by Edgar.
"Elf, you shouldn't be sitting on that in your dress, it's going to get dirty" he said.
"It's already dirty from people stepping on it. I'll get it dry cleaned and it will be fine" said Victoria.
"I just wanted to say thanks for making my brother the happiest guy on the planet" said Edgar.
"You're welcome" said Victoria.
"Edgar, stop harassing my wife" said Norman walking up to the pair.
"You just like saying wife" said Edgar.
"It has a nice ring to it" replied Norman. "So Mrs. Hansen are you enjoying your wedding?"
"It's everything I didn't even know I wanted" said Victoria happily. "Never in my wildest dream did I think this day would be so amazing."
"I love you" said Norman bending down to give Victoria a searing kiss. "And I can't wait to get you home."
A while later the boat pulled up at the dock and Victoria and Norman climbed into the limo. By the time they got home they were both exhausted but Norman insisted on carrying Victoria over the threshold.
A/N: Next Chapter a wedding night and a honeymoon. Please read and review.