Wow! I can't believe we've finally arrived at Lissa's wedding! The next chapter will be of the ceremony and what comes after. Be prepared for a little Gaston/Adam teasing. I would've had this chapter done sooner but I've been sick this week, which has really put me behind! Hope you like it. Well, here's the BIG day!
Adam rose early the next morning before anyone else as the first rays of light hit the West Wing. He snuck off to the nursery, and quietly tip-toed back into the West Wing with his five-month-old. He set her on the bed between himself and Belle. He snuggled close to Ella and let her play with his large hand. "Today's a big day for a dear friend." Adam told her quietly. Then a lump formed in his throat. "I just realized, someday this kind of day will fall upon us! And I will be giving you away in marriage. I pray that that won't be for many years." He gently tugged on her tiny toes. "It would break my heart, Ella, to give you to someone else. I don't think I could ever do it." He softly kissed her head. "I love you, my little princess. And whoever you marry someday will have to be someone very special!"
Lissa was gently aroused by the sweet murmuring of the servants bustling around the castle, preparing for the celebration. She smiled softly as she slowly opened her eyes, stretched, and sat up. It was cloudy outside with snow, but the sun was managing to peek through a few clouds. It was a lovely morning. "Good morning, Mother." Lissa whispered. "Well, today's the day! I still can't believe it! I miss you."
Jesse woke up and clambered up onto the bed. Lissa rubbed his fur and kissed his head. "Well, boy. This is our last morning in this room. I'm going to miss it! We've had a good life here, haven't we?" Jesse panted, lying in her lap. She picked up her diary from the nightstand and began writing:
"Today I will marry the man I have waited and prayed for since I was old enough to be courted! He's everything I could ask for and more. I look forward to helping him with his work, trying to be his light when his day is filled with darkness, and most of all, becoming his wife. Today my name will transform from Lissa Legume to Madame Dr. Travis!
I have so many wonderful family and friends. I love them all, some more than others. I am so glad that they will join together with us today to rejoice in our happiness, like a big party. My stomach is still getting flip-flops. I'm both so excited and sad."
There was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Lissa called. Belle stepped inside.
"Good. You're awake." Belle smiled, gripping her hands.
"Yes, I'm awake." Lissa nodded. Just then, Plumette, Mrs. Potts, Madame Garderobe, and several other of the maids came in. Mrs. Potts placed a tray of delicious food in Lissa's lap. "Breakfast in bed?"
"Of course." Plumette curtsied.
"Blueberry muffins. My favorite! Thank you." Lissa smiled. Chip bounced in and gave Lissa a handful of pretty flowers.
"Happy wedding day, Lissa!" He cheered.
"Oh, Chip. Thank you." Lissa kissed his head. Chip grabbed Jesse by the collar to drag him off to his bath down in the kitchen.
"Poor Jesse." Belle and Lissa giggled.
Dr. Tanner strode into the lodge where Robert was residing until he and Lissa moved into their new home. He asked the proprietor if she'd seen him this morning, and she said that she hadn't. Dr. Tanner made his way upstairs and banged on the door. "Travis! Dr. Travis!" He hollered.
"Yes?! Who is it?!" Robert asked from behind the door.
"Dr. Tanner. I need to see you out here on the double! It's an emergency!"
"Coming!" Robert replied anxiously. He threw the door open, grabbing his coat. "All right. I'm here! What's going on?"
"Come, lad." Dr. Tanner smiled.
"I thought you said this was an emergency."
"It is. You have a wedding to prepare for!" Dr. Tanner grinned, shoving his young protege out the door.
"Darling, are you almost through? You know, I really should leave this moment to pick up Lissa!" Gaston shouted from the parlor to the bedroom. He was at the triplets' home, waiting to tell Sarah goodbye before he went to fetch his sister from the castle.
"Don't worry. I'm all finished." Sarah answered back.
"Well, good. Because I have to go." Gaston said impatiently, pacing back and forth. He wanted to see how pretty Sarah looked before he left. She finally entered the parlor. Gaston turned and stared at her. Sarah wore a sweet lavender gown with pink striped sleeves, pink stays down the bodice and a full gathered skirt with layers of drapes, and gold trimming at the sleeves, bodice and skirt. Gaston smiled and gripped her hands. "My dear, you look lovely." Gaston said as he kissed her cheek.
"Thank you, dear." Sarah grinned. Her hair was swept in waterfall braids, her locks running along her shoulders, with pink and white little flowers and baby's breath.
"I know this is unorthodox, but I think you look more beautiful than the bride!"
"Ooo." Sarah winced. "Don't let her hear you say that!"
"I won't!" Gaston gulped.
"You look so dashing. And so handsome." Sarah cooed. Gaston was wearing his signature scarlet military coat with the golden trimming.
"I do, don't I?" Gaston shrugged. "Well, goodbye, my sweet. I must go." He kissed her face again and gently patted her stomach. "Take care of our little one till I return. I'll be back soon!" He grabbed his hat and blew a kiss as he headed for the door.
"I'll meet you at the church!" Sarah waved.
"Lefou, you should be heading over to the tavern!" Gaston scolded. Lefou wasn't even dressed for the wedding yet, and Gaston was not going to tolerate any tardiness for his sister's special day!
"Don't worry, I am." Lefou said. He was helping deliver last minute decorations to the church. "Just have a few things to take care of first."
"Lefou..." Gaston growled, but his friend disappeared inside the church.
"Oh, you're one to talk." Jean the potter told Gaston.
"What do you mean?" Gaston frowned.
"Shouldn't you be heading to the castle? Wouldn't do for the bride to be late!"
"Quite right, my good man. And Gaston is always on time." Gaston strutted to the carriage.
"Momma! Can't I come in, please?" Chip begged, knocking on Lissa's door for the umpteenth time. He was all dressed and ready and wanted to see his 'big sister' in her gown before she walked down the aisle.
"No, Chip!" Mrs. Potts retorted. "You'll see her before the ceremony. Now go or you'll be late."
"Aww, Momma." Chip pouted.
"Now, your mother's right." Maurice chuckled, patting the boy's head. "You'd best go." Maurice was dressed in a white shirt with a royal purple vest, with golden scrolls and rococo swirls on it. He wore a golden bow tie and silver pants. "Don't worry, lad. I'll bring Jesse along."
"Oh, all right." Chip muttered. Maurice waited patiently outside the door.
Lissa gasped as she saw herself in the full length mirror. Outwardly, she had never felt more beautiful in her whole life. Her white elbow length, draped sleeves were exactly like Belle's bridal dress, with golden bands at the ends. The neckline was set off in golden trimming along the Belgian lace that popped out underneath it. The silk pure white bodice, drop-waist, with a sliver overlay circled Lissa's figure lovingly. It had small golden rococo scrolls on the sides, at her bosom and at the bottom of her waist. The full length skirt hugged her hips and spread out in many elegant layers down to the floor. It was also white, of fine French silk. A silk lavender break ran down the middle of the skirt, down to the floor. The top was aligned with a single silver layer draped bustle-like Belle's yellow ballgown-, and the sides of the curtain had the golden scrolls running all along the hem.
Lissa's hair had been finely washed, delicately brushed and was swept halfway up in the golden jewel encrusted combs Gaston had brought her from Paris, and around her neck she wore the simple but lovely necklace he'd given her on Belle's wedding day! The rest of her caramel hair lay down on her shoulders in soft, curly waves. Her lips had red rouge. She wore the fragrance of the perfume Madame Garderobe had given her a couple Christmases ago. Her emerald engagement ring only added to the rainbow of colors she was wearing. She stood in silver dancing slippers with little chiffon crystallized appliques, and a diamond shaped golden jewel.
Lissa twirled around in her magnificent gown and flounced the skirt around as she moved about on her tiptoes. The dress swayed gently around her. Lissa gasped again, looking in the mirror. "Is...is that me?" She breathed. "Is that really me?"
"Yes, Lissa. It really is!" Belle put her arms around her shoulders. Lissa turned and faced her ladies in waiting. They clapped and cheered.
"You look like a fairy tale, Mademoiselle." Plumette smiled.
"Wonderful, my poppet. Just dazzling." Mrs. Potts approved.
"Oh! Beautiful!" Madame Garderobe gushed. "But...something is missing." Belle raced over to the bed and handed the lace to the diva. "Ahh, yes. The finishing touch." Madame Garderobe murmured as she placed the veil on Lissa's head. At the top that came to the back of her head was a white comb, with little pink and white flowers and baby's breath. The veil had small white rosebuds sewn into it and it dropped down long passed Lissa's waist. Lissa's eyes filled with sentimental tears. It had been her mother's veil.
"Now you look perfect." Belle said.
"Thank you all so much. This is the most beautiful dress I've ever had! Thank you for working so hard." Lissa praised.
"Our pleasure, love." Mrs. Potts hugged Lissa, as did Plumette, and Madame Garderobe. Lissa gave each of the other maids their own silk hair bows, each of their own personal favorite color. The girls were delighted. Mrs. Potts, Plumette, and Madame Garderobe left the room so that Belle and Lissa could be alone.
"I'm proud of you, Lissa." Belle said.
"Thank you." Lissa sighed. "You can't sum up a lifetime in just a few words, can you?"
"No. I'm going to miss you."
"I'll miss you too." Lissa bit her lip. "You've been such an inspiration to me all these years, Belle. You've always been the brave one, jumping into the unknown without a second thought. You taught me to be brave, and not to live by the world's standards."
"Oh, I did?" Belle blushed. "Well, I'm glad to know I've made some sort of difference! Lissa, you've shown me the power of forgiveness."
"Me? I have?" Lissa arched her eyebrows.
"Yes. All these years, I never knew how Gaston treated you, and then after the curse broke, and he started being kind, I saw how you kept clinging to the good he was showing you. You encouraged him even in the little steps he made trying to be a better person. Honestly, it was your acts of kindness toward him that gave me the power to forgive him for what he'd done to Papa and me, someone who truly knew him."
"You've always had a kind heart, Belle." Lissa interjected.
"But when Papa told me what Gaston had done to him, I was ready to arrest him right there! I don't think I would've been so forgiving, if I'd been Gaston's sister!"
"It was no magic!" Lissa exclaimed. "To be honest, it was your father who gave Gaston a second chance first, and kept telling me how different my brother was. It's Maurice we owe a lot of gratitude to."
"That's Papa." Belle said fondly. "Well, I pray you'll be as happy as Adam and I have been, Lissa. Robert's a good man, and I'm glad you found someone to love you." Belle touched her cheek.
"Thank you, Belle. Well, so much has happened to us. Today is the beginning of a new story. And now with our husbands, we're going to try to make the world a better place!"
"That's right." Belle beamed. The girls hugged tightly, sharing happy tears. They kissed each other's cheeks, then slowly broke away. "I'm very happy for you, mon ami. I love you."
"I love you too, Belle." Lissa said. Belle slowly backed out of the room and Maurice entered.
"Maurice! Oh, I'm so glad to see you." Lissa smiled widely. Maurice gazed at her lovingly and came to her.
"Lissa, you look gorgeous, dear girl." Maurice said.
"Oh, thank you." Lissa blushed. "You look nice. Maurice, I can't thank you enough for how much you've helped me in my life, especially with Gaston. You've always been there if I needed someone to get advice from, or just listen to my complaining." Maurice chuckled. "You've always been there for me, and never gave me the impression that you grew tired of it. I've always known I could count on you for the right answers, or just a much needed hug. I can't tell you how much that has meant to me, getting to share you with Belle. You'll always be like a father to me."
"Thank you, child." Maurice hung his head. "If only your father could see you now. I do think he would be proud."
"Maybe." Lissa sighed. "He wouldn't have agreed how things started between Robert and I, but I believe he would've given his consent, as he would consider Robert's being a doctor a noble profession."
"Oh, I believe he would've. You're thinking a lot about your mother today, aren't you?"
"Yes. I miss her very much. But she's here with me. I can feel it."
"Indeed. I'm honored to be sharing this day with you, Lissa. It's almost like watching Belle get married again. If...if things had still been bad between you and Gaston, I would gladly have walked you down the aisle."
"Thank you. I know you would've." Tears filled Lissa's eyes. "Maurice, if it wasn't for you, I might not have learned what a better, kinder man Gaston truly is! You were the one who kept telling me to give him another chance, you and Lefou. I don't know what we would've done without you. I hope someday we can repay you."
"You already have." Maurice said. "By trying to stick up for me and protect me, even when it was a dangerous risk to your own health. Thank you, Lissa, for never losing faith in me, especially when I was telling everyone about the Beast. Your friendship gave me spark of hope. I thank you for that." Lissa hid her face and hugged him tightly. "Well, you're all grown up now, into a lovely woman. Your mother would be proud."
"Thank you, Maurice." Lissa murmured softly, wiping her eyes.
"Aww, now, now. No tears. This is a glorious day." Maurice held her hands. "Just remember, Lissa dear, that even when life is cruel, you must hang on to the good times that you have experienced. They will help carry you through. The prayers that were answered, and the bad times that eventually got better. Don't bury those. If you keep believing, and don't let circumstances control you, sooner or later, the days in the sun will smile again. 'It may be storming at the moment, but it can't rain forever'."
"I'll remember, Maurice. Thank you so much." Lissa said. Maurice kissed her face.
"Well, I'll leave you to yourself. Gaston should be arriving any minute." Maurice said softly and departed. Lissa strolled around her bed chamber, relishing in the time she had left in it. She carefully sat down on the bed and played her mother's music box.
"Honestly, lad. Settle down." Dr. Tanner laughed as he helped Robert dress and fix his hair. They were up in Lefou's apartment at the tavern.
"Whew!" Robert puffed, wiping his forehead with his handkerchief. "It's becoming rather warm in here, don't you think?"
"No." Lefou shook his head, chuckling. He, Dr. Tanner, Lumiere, Adam, Jean the Potter, Chip, Stanley, and Steven-one of the castle stable boys-were all dressed the same as Maurice, in royal purple. Gaston was going to stand out in his red coat today! Also, Robert was wearing a royal purple coat, with white and subtle gold trimming, silver trousers, and black boots. With his new hairdo, most of the men ridiculed him that it made him look infantile like the little boys before they started growing their pony tails. Well, it had already been done and he couldn't fix it now. And he refused to wear a wig.
"You have the ring, right?!" Robert begged his mentor.
"The ring? What ring?" Dr. Tanner cocked his head. Robert gasped in panic.
"Don't tell me you misplaced it! Oh, please tell me you have not lost it!" Robert wailed.
"Hmm. I know I put it somewhere..." Dr. Tanner sighed, stroking his chin.
"I found it!" Lefou announced. "That's funny. How did it get in my pocket?" Robert looked up at Dr. Tanner, and the chocolate colored skinned man snickered loudly.
"Relax, Rob. We were just fooling around with you." Dr. Tanner laughed, clapping Robert on the back. Robert looked as if he was going to sink to the floor and melt into butter. Lefou wrapped his arm around him.
"Hey now, buck up! You're getting married." He said.
"Don't ever do that to me again!" Robert huffed. "I almost had a panic attack!"
"You'll be just fine, lad." Dr. Tanner patted his shoulder.
"That's right!" A gruff voice abruptly interrupted them.
"Unc...Uncle Wilfred?!" Robert stammered, wide-eyed.
"The one and only." Wilfred smirked.
"You made it! What the heck are you doing here? How did you manage to get here in time? And in the middle of winter?" Robert asked excitedly.
"I made arrangements as soon as I received the invitation." Wilfred shrugged. "Darn winter weather caused a few nasty delays along the way out at sea though, dagnabit!" He stomped his cane down onto the hardwood floor. "I managed to get to Paris in one piece, and that's where I've been residing for the passed week."
"Well, I'm glad you could make it." Robert shook his hand. "Thank you for coming."
"This ought to be good." Wilfred rolled his eyes.
Gaston arrived at the castle early. He'd seen half of the bridal party pass him on the road. He dismounted the carriage and strode up the steps inside the warmth of the castle. "Bonjour, Gaston!" Adam greeted him heartily, carrying baby Ella in his arms.
"Adam, you are looking fine." Gaston nodded. "Ahh, don't you look pretty today!" He reached over and ran his finger under Ella's chubby chin. She laughed, but she clung closer to her daddy. "Oh, come now, Ellie. Are we gonna have to go through this every time you see me?" Gaston pouted dramatically. "Why do you have break poor old Uncle Gaston's big heart? Huh? Come here and give me a kiss! Come on." He smooched to her, leaning his head down. Ella looked at him uncertainly.
"Come on, Sweetie. It's all right." Adam smiled at her. Ella nervously grabbed Gaston's big face and gave him a slobbery kiss on the whiskers. He grunted, straightening back up. "That's Papa's sweet girl. Yess." Adam kissed her.
Gaston was wiping off his beard. "Maybe next time, you can teach her not to be so sloppy about it." He huffed, taking her in his arms. Ella looked up at him in confusion, playing with his black whiskers. She looked from him to Adam, to Gaston then back to Adam, comparing their beard colors. "Yeah, that's my Ellie. That's my Ellie." Gaston purred to her. She giggled and started sucking on his buttons again. "Oh, you remember those, do you? Sorry, Sweetie Pie, but you can't have those." Gaston gently pried her mouth off his brass button. Finding something more appealing sensory wise, and much more tasty, Ella stuck his large finger inside her mouth and sucked happily. Gaston pursed his lips. Adam snickered. "What is it with the mouth today?"
"Better get used to it, fellow." Adam warned him.
"I suppose." Gaston sighed.
"Don't worry. Your sister should be down in a moment."
"She better be." Gaston said.
"Speaking of babies, how is Sarah?" Adam asked.
"Doing well." Gaston smiled proudly. "She's eating a lot though. But I've never seen her so happy."
"There's a miracle going on inside her." Adam said softly. He remembered his joy when Belle was expecting Ella, and now that their child was here, he couldn't imagine being any happier.
"It's all so new. And her stomach is growing beautifully." Gaston narrowed his eyes. "Mmm. I think she looks even more attractive pregnant, and carrying my child than she did as a bride!"
"Really?" Adam cocked his head skeptically.
"Ever so much. But at least I know our children will be beautiful." Gaston smirked wistfully in a dramatic voice.
Adam, who never passed up the chance to tease his braggart friend, narrowed his blue eyes in a deliciously evil manner. "Well, just look at it this way, my friend," Adam said in a sly voice. "If they turn out to look just like their mother, then you won't have anything to worry about!"
Gaston proudly held his head high...then he frowned. He rolled his eyes. Adam stood there grinning wickedly. Ella giggled at her papa's funny face. Gaston scowled down at her. "You're in on this aren't you?" He muttered under his breath. "You just had to say that, didn't you?" He curled his lip at Adam.
"Well, I'll see you later, Pretty Boy." Adam said too gleefully, clapping his shoulder, and taking Ella back to himself. He wrapped her cloak closer around her and put his hat on as he walked away.
"Think you're real funny, don't you? Ha, ha, ha. Well, I'll have you know that I'm not finished with you yet, Fancy Pants! Not even a little!" Gaston glowered.
Adam just shrugged back at him with a Cheshire Cat smile. "I can hardly wait!" He called as he walked through the snow to the royal coach.
"Humph!" Gaston snorted and crossed his arms, looking very sour.
"Why, hello, Gaston. Good to see you made it safely." Maurice greeted him. He had his coat on and was holding Lissa's wedding cloak.
"More or less." Gaston pffted, and straightened his jacket. Jesse wagged his tail at him. His black coat shone like silk, and he was wearing a big purple and silver bow tied around his neck. "Where is that kid sister of mine? She's going to make us late!"
"Late?" Maurice chuckled. "You're early!"
"Well, just the same. What's taking so long?"
"Patience, lad. She'll be down shortly." Maurice grinned. Gaston wanted to be sure they would not be late for the ceremony. He marched over to the bottom of the grand staircase.
"SIS!" He bellowed.
"That can only be him." Gaston heard Belle snicker up the stairs, and Lissa laughed.
"SIS!" Gaston called again. "Where the heck are you? Do you realize what time it is? I'm not gonna stand here all day waiting for you." Gaston huffed impatiently.
"Oh, button your lip, Grumpy Gills." Belle scolded him from upstairs though he couldn't see her. "We'll be right down. If you'd just have a little patience!"
"Good." Gaston growled, pacing back and forth.
"Well? Here I am." Lissa said.
Gaston turned and looked up. There she was, at the top of the grand staircase dolled up in a magnificent gown. It was outstanding to say the least! Why, Lissa looked like a princess, even without a tiara! Gaston had known she'd look lovely for her special day, but this far surpassed what he'd expected! His eyes began to well up. This isn't really happening! He told himself. Lissa smiled at him and placing her hand on the banister, she gracefully descended the stairs down to him. Belle remained behind at the top, adorned in the same dress that Sarah and the triplets were wearing, and holding their bouquets.
Gaston could not help smiling as Lissa reached him. She flashed him a toothy sisterly smile. Gaston was afraid to touch her, afraid he'd mess up her gown with his big, rough hands. "My dear...you look so beautiful!" Gaston choked up.
"You really think so?" Lissa asked.
"I do! You look just like a princess." Gaston said fondly. He could see that she was wearing their mother's wedding veil.
"Thank you, big brother. You look very handsome."
"Well, I ought to." Gaston rolled his shoulders. "I am giving you away, after all."
"Please make sure I don't trip or fall!" Lissa begged. Her stomach had a fluttery case of the jitters.
"On my word! You'll be perfectly safe on my arm, my dear." Gaston said cockily.
"I'm sure I will."
"Dr. Travis is a lucky man. I hope it will be everything you always hoped, Lissa." Gaston said seriously, holding her hands. "I wish you both all possible happiness."
"Thank you, Gaston." Lissa began to tear up. "I'm already very, very happy. I know I keep saying that, but it's true!"
"It shows." Gaston mused, tenderly stroking her face. "Ohh, Lissie..." Gaston hugged her tightly. "I guess this is it, hmm?"
"Yes." Lissa agreed, completely swaddled in his brotherly bear hug.
"I'm gonna miss you, darling."
"But we'll be close by. I'm gonna miss you too though, being in the old house, just the two of us. But I wouldn't trade this day for anything." Gaston kissed her cheek and kissed the top of her head.
"I'm happy for you, little sister. Truly, I am." Gaston gulped. Lissa patted his arm. "Just look at you! All grownup. You're not a little girl anymore. Well, ahem! Shall we be off then?" He offered his arm.
"Yes!" Lissa exclaimed giddily. Belle traipsed down the stairs after them, handing Lissa her bouquet and helping with her dress. Gaston took Lissa's cloak from Maurice and placed it around her shoulders, being careful not mess up her hair. Belle grabbed her own coat. Lissa reached down to pat Jesse and tell him how adorable and pretty he looked.
"Shall we?" Gaston bowed, leading Lissa outside.
"Oh, it's so pretty out!" Lissa smiled. "And it snowed, just like I hoped it would." Belle and Maurice joined Adam and Ella in the royal carriage. Jesse climbed next to Maurice and Belle handed Ella to her grandpa.
"We'll see you there!" Belle waved.
"Your carriage, my lady." Gaston said. He helped his sister up into the vehicle. "Oh, oh! Careful now. Don't want to mess up your pretty dress." Lissa tugged her cape closer around her shoulders and Gaston draped a fur rug across her lap. "Don't worry, Sis. I'll be sure to get you to the church on time!"Then he climbed in next to her. He snapped the reigns and they were off!
"Lefou, do you see anything yet?" Robert asked again.
"No, buddy. Sorry. I didn't see anything the last time you asked me, which makes thirteen, and I don't see any sign of them now." Lefou said.
"I hope nothing happened along the way!" Robert worried. The groomsmen and the party from the castle had arrived already, all except the matron of honor and the bride!
"Relax, boy. They'll be here." Dr. Tanner patted his shoulders. Lefou escorted Uncle Wilfred to the church. Dr. Tanner was grateful, he wanted a few minutes alone with his fellow resident.
"Do you think I'm really ready for this? I mean, starting out my own home, and raising a family?" Robert asked sheepishly.
"Yes, I do." Dr. Tanner said firmly. "You've come a long way in such provincial conditions. But it's given you purpose. I've watched you tending our patients, and even reaching out to those who just needed a listening ear. This town is lucky to have you! I...I'm lucky to have you, Rob. You've renewed my vigor and desire to help people. I believe I was growing burned out, but having you here with your enthusiasm, it's reminded me of why I became a doctor. I thank you for that."
"No...really?" Robert chuckled nervously at the high praise coming from his mentor of all people! "Well...I..." He shrugged.
"You're a kind, good man, Rob. And people feel that when you enter the room. Your we-can-do-this attitude has made me want to try harder at really listening to people. You've been an inspiration to me. I've known Lissa most of her life since I came to this town. She's a fine, cheerful girl. You two are meant for each other. And I'm grateful that you asked me to be your best man."
"I don't know what to say." Robert scratched his head. "But, thank you."
"Oh, would you stop fooling around with your hair after I went to all the trouble of combing it?!" Dr. Tanner scolded playfully, smacking his arm. "You know, that new haircut you got isn't what other fellows around here consider the status quo."
"Well, that's too bad. I find it easier to do my work this way. Besides…Lissa likes it."
"Oh! I see."
"Hey, you two! Hurry up. Robert, you're supposed to greet the guests at the church and they're beginning to pile in!" Lefou burst inside.
"By the way, you never told me." Gaston said playfully.
"Told you what?" Lissa cocked her head.
"How you actually met what's his face."
"Oh! I thought I did." Lissa laughed. "Well, it was rather embarrassing."
"Go on..." Gaston prodded, most curious.
"Well, I was in town and I had my mind on the romance novel I'm working on. And, you know how I tend to daydream."
"I sure do!" Gaston agreed.
"Well, I didn't pay attention to where I was going, and I...I, uh..."
"You what?" Gaston asked suspiciously.
"I tripped over a crate of chickens. It was a stupid thing to do, and I felt foolish." Lissa shook her head. "Then Robert showed up behind me and wanted to make sure I was alright. He helped me to my feet and that was the very first time I looked deeply into those blue eyes of his!" Lissa gushed dramatically.
"I think I've heard enough." Gaston stated. He could easily see how in love she was, but he didn't want an oral rampage of the cute and precious Dr. Travis.
"Hey, let me tell you something you don't know!" Lissa leaned close to his ear.
"What?"
"Did you know, that after Sarah met you the first time, that she thought...when she saw our first interaction together, she thought you...that you and I...Sarah thought that you were my beau!"
"She what? Oh, she didn't!" Gaston snickered.
"Yes, she did. Can you imagine such a thing?"
"That's the most ridiculous notion I've ever heard!" Gaston threw his head back and bellowed a laugh. Lissa leaned on his arm and giggled.
Soon, Villeneuve came into view. But, before they made their way to the church, Gaston and Lissa had one special stop to make. Gaston drove them up the hill. He helped Lissa out, and carried her bridal-style to the sight. They'd both agreed last night to do this first. Gaston set Lissa down and together they trudged to their mother's grave. Gaston removed his hat, and Lissa was holding her bridal bouquet. They both knelt down. Gaston rubbed Lissa's arm to keep her warm.
"Hello, Mother." Lissa whispered, biting her lip. "Well, today is it. But I want you to know how much we love you...and miss you!" Lissa wiped her eyes. "I wish you were here to see this day, but I know you will be...in our hearts. And your wedding veil goes perfectly with my dress. This is for you." Lissa's bouquet was made up of pink and white roses, with baby's breath, and little carnations. But, there was a single yellow marigold. Lissa plucked it from her bouquet, and after kissing the blossoms, she gently set it down in front of the tombstone. She leaned her head on Gaston's shoulder.
"I'm not sure how I'll be able to do this right without you, Mother." Gaston spoke up. "But I'll do my best. I promise I'll make you proud! And Lissie looks dazzling. If only you could see! I'll look after the both of them. You have my word. We love you." He ran his hand along the carved letters in the aged stone.
Lissa smiled up at him. He kissed her head and pulled her to her feet. He carried her back down to the carriage. "Well, are you ready?" He asked.
"Yes, Gaston. I'm ready!" Lissa beamed.
Next chapter will be much longer. Well, off to the wedding!