A/N: I'm having a harder time writing this story. It's as if subconsciously, I don't want it to end.

I still own nothing, but as ever, crave your reviews. Chelsie on!

The receiving line moved quicker than what they had anticipated. Some faces went by in a blur; others were more memorable. Elsie was delighted to see Ethel and her son Charlie.

"Who is this tall lad?" she asked, looking in wonder at the boy. "You've grown so much I scarcely recognized you!" Ethel put her arms around his shoulders fondly.

"He'll be eight soon," she said, smiling.

"Next week! And Granddad and I are going fishing in Michigan this summer, just me and him!" he said, bouncing up and down.

"That sounds like fun," Elsie laughed. "And what will your poor mother do while you're gone?"

"Clean the house properly, have a night out with the girls, and put my feet up," The flame-haired woman said, giving her son a kiss. He ducked under her arm and went out the open doors outside. Ethel shook her head.

"He's growing so fast," she said wistfully. "Sometimes I wish he would stay small, but I know it doesn't work that way." She and Elsie chatted longer before parting with a warm hug.

Charles shook the hand of the next man in line. The man shuffled awkwardly for a moment, his hands in his pockets.

"It was a lovely ceremony," he said, his eyes darting up at Charles. "Congratulations, Charlie. You deserve happiness."

"Thank you." Charles said softly, taking in his appearance, his thinning hair, and the many lines on his face.

"I didn't expect an invitation, to be honest."

"I didn't think you'd accept it, to be honest."

"I'm glad I did. You look – well, I've never seen you this happy. I hope the two of you have many wonderful years together."

"I appreciate that, Grigg. I really do." Charles shook his old roommate's hand once more. Grigg turned to Elsie, who watched quietly while the men talked.

"Mrs. Carson, you look beautiful. Charlie's a very lucky man," Grigg said. He shook hands with the bride and kissed her politely on the cheek.

"Thank you. We're very glad you came to our wedding." Elsie said warmly. He smiled and nodded at them before following the others outside. Alfred and Ivy were next in line, followed by Gwen and her daughters. While Charles talked to Alfred, the young women exclaimed over Elsie.

"Mrs. Hu-I mean, Mrs. Carson, you look fantastic," Ivy gushed, blushing at her near-miss. The bride laughed.

"Thank you, you're very sweet. You won't be the last to call me that, I'm sure. I'm not used to it myself yet!"

"I love your earrings," said Gwen. "They're very pretty. Where did you get them?"

Elsie smiled and glanced at Charles. "They belonged to Charlie's mother. They're my 'something old'."

"That's lovely!" Gwen cried. "What do you have for your new, borrowed and blue?"

"Well," Elsie said, extending her necklace on her fingers, "this is my something borrowed. Violet was very kind and lent it to me. Mary wore it for her wedding as well."

"I thought it looked familiar." Gwen nodded in admiration.

"So what's your something new? Or blue? I don't see any blue on you, other than your eyes," Ivy said.

Elsie blushed, leaning forward so that no one else could hear. "My something new and something blue are the same. My garter," she whispered. The women giggled.

"What's so funny?" Alfred asked, turning from his conversation with Charles.

"Nothing," Ivy said airily, failing to keep the smirk off of her face. Alfred congratulated Elsie before leaving with his girlfriend. The bride and groom greeted the last of the crowd before going back into the church to have a few pictures taken. Reverend Travis peeked into the sanctuary just as they were finishing.

"Your ride is here," she said. "I will see the two of you at the reception!"

Elsie sighed and leaned against Charles as they made their way out of the church. He put his arm around her and supported her as he pushed open the heavy door.

"Are you all right, Mrs. Carson?" he murmured against her ear as they went down the stairs. Her heartbeat increased at the sound of her new name coming from his lips.

"Quite all right," she said, giving him a squeeze back. "I just need to sit down."

He gestured to the waiting car. "Will this be suitable?" Tom stood next to the 1930s era cream-colored automobile, holding the door open.

Her mouth gaped open, and she struggled for breath. "Where did you find this? I haven't seen an Austin Seven since I was a girl!"

Charles laughed at her delight. "A generous car fanatic who lives an hour west of here didn't mind lending it to us for the day."

"I see someone's been busy with it," she said, gesturing to the hand-made sign in the back window. In bold blue marker, someone had written in big, if shaky, letters: JUST MARRIED. She took Tom's hand as he helped her into the car, her husband picking up the length of her dress to keep it from getting caught. They slid into the back seat while Tom closed the door. "Thank you for being our chauffeur," she said to their driver. "Though," she gave Charles a sideways glance, "I think you would have liked to drive it yourself."

"I already drove it from Robert's house to church," he said, smiling like a little boy. "Georgie enjoyed the ride. It was his reward for being in the wedding, and for making the sign." He linked his fingers through Elsie's. She rubbed her thumb over his ring finger, over the band that decorated it.

They rode down tree-lined streets in the evening light before turning onto a busier road. As they stopped at a red light, Elsie took the opportunity to run her fingers along the lapels of Charles's tuxedo, continuing up to his jawline. He bent his head, relishing the touch and taste of her. He cupped his hand around the back of her neck, sliding his fingers into her hair as their kiss deepened.

A modern car blared its horn behind them.

They broke apart, startled at the sudden noise, then kissed again. Elsie gave a low hum as she nipped his lip, which Charles barely heard over the car engine and the horns erupting around them. His entire world had shrunk to the distance between him and his wife.

"At first I thought it was the car people were staring at," Tom called from the driver's seat. "But now I think it's the two of you."

Neither of them heard him.

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Red shutters stood out on either side of the many windows, and warm lights glowed from inside the building. Tom turned around.

"You look wonderful, Mrs. Carson. Mr. Carson, your face-"

"I've got it," Elsie said, hastily wiping it clear. The groom straightened his slightly rumpled jacket.

"Did you have to do that?" he asked as she wiped her fingers clean on a tissue. "I should think it would have given them a good laugh if I walked in with lipstick all over me."

"As much as everyone would appreciate solid proof that you've developed a sense of humor, I know you'd regret it in years to come. You'd want to look your best in all the pictures. Besides," her eyes twinkled, "if you want your picture taken with lipstick on you, I'm sure the bride wouldn't object to kissing you later. Or any other woman, if you prefer." He rolled his eyes before helping her out. She took a deep breath, nervously patting her hair. She smiled and looked down when she caught his eye.

"What? You know I'm not one that craves the spotlight," she said. "The church was different. Yes, people were watching, but I could forget about them most of the time. It was between us and God there." She bit her lip. Truth be told, she had liked the idea of the first dance, but now the thought of doing so while everyone was watching was making her have second thoughts.

And the fact she had no idea what the song was did not help matters.

Thomas and Jimmy came out of the building, shutting the sound of many people behind them.

"We'll open the doors for you, when you're ready." Thomas said. "The DJ knows you're here, he's gathering everyone in the room by the bar."

Elsie gulped and her stomach turned over. Charles turned to the men waiting.

"Give us a moment, will you?"

"Don't worry," Jimmy said. "You two are the main attraction. Nothing happens until you decide it does."

I'm not sure that's the best thing to say right now. Charles put a hand on Elsie's back, turning her in the direction of the car. He took both of her hands in his. She bit her lip, and his heart sank. His Elsie was never nervous, and to see her like this now was more than he could bear.

"Is there something I can do?" he whispered, rubbing her hands.

"Make everyone disappear while we dance?" she half-laughed. He could feel her hands trembling.

"I could tell you the song, if it would make you less nervous."

"I don't think that would help, but thank you," she said. She closed her eyes and willed herself to calm down. She didn't want to make him feel bad, not now.

He squeezed her hands, at a loss. Then suddenly, an idea hit him. He turned to the men at the door.

"Could you tell Jack that instead of being announced in, and going straight into the dance, I would like to make a toast first?"

"Certainly," Thomas said. He exchanged a confused glance with Jimmy, but went in immediately. Elsie looked at Charles with curiosity.

"I thought we would dance first? Get it out of the way?" He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, setting it securely between his arm and chest. She relaxed a little, feeling his warmth.

"I just want to make a toast first, then we'll dance. A little liquid courage?" He grinned at her, relieved when she flashed him a bright smile.

"Maybe that would help, yes," she agreed as they approached the doors again. Thomas slipped out of the door.

"Everything's arranged. Ready-" He and Jimmy opened the doors at once, and a storm of applause and cheering greeted them as they came in. Elsie smiled at their family and friends as they entered through a human tunnel that led them to the far side of the room by the bar. When they reached it, and the noise had died down, the DJ made an announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before the bride and groom dance their first dance as husband and wife, the groom would like to make a toast. Does everyone have a glass to toast with? I do!" The DJ, Jack Ross, held up his water glass, receiving a titter from the crowd. John and Robert handed the couple champagne glasses. Elsie gripped hers gratefully, looking at Charles. Jack handed him the microphone, which he held in his left hand, while his right held his champagne.

"First of all, Elsie and I would like to thank each and every one of you for sharing in our day. It means everything that so many of you were able to come and celebrate with us. Thank you all." He glanced at his wife. "Speaking for myself, I can honestly say this has been easily the most memorable, as well as the best day-"his voice shook slightly, "-of my life." He cleared his throat. Her eyes were shining, and she nodded, agreeing. He gripped the microphone and turned slightly away, facing the crowd. He needed to be able say this, and if he was looking at her, he would not be able to. This is for her.

"Twenty-six years ago," he began, "I was the youngest managing partner in the state. I was well-regarded by my peers, and had a small group of close friends that I could rely on. I had an excellent job, plenty of money, and my health. In short, I had everything to live for.

"And it meant nothing to me." He focused on several faces he knew. Robert, Beryl, Violet. He wanted them to understand. They looked confused, but listened.

"Oh, I thought it meant everything – the awards for excellent legal work, the accolades from the bar association, the acquisition of yet another prestigious client - but it was like a blind man saying he had seen the sunset. I had no idea what I was missing.

"Then, one freezing day in February 1990, I conducted an interview, to fill the position of office manager. On the surface, the situation was very clear cut. Elsie was well qualified and came through the interview with flying colors. She was hired, and our professional life began."

He turned to her, to his wife. "And everything changed. For the first time, I felt how empty my life was, how empty I was. I felt it all the more keenly because I was reminded on a daily basis of someone who was so unlike me, someone full of life."

"Naturally, we bumped heads a number of times early on," he said, eliciting a chuckle from his bride and their guests. "But we found our footing, and became friends, as well as colleagues. I know now," he clutched his glass a little tighter, "that from the very beginning, she was different from anyone I had ever known. I would not call what I felt then love. That was a different time, and I was a very, very different man. Over time, though, as our personal relationship continued, my feelings began to change."

His eyes softened as they looked at each other. "She changed me. Year by year, little by little, Friday after Friday at Pedro's-" a full-throated laugh burst from her-"I was no longer the empty man I had been. And I gradually realized it was not enough to be her colleague, to be her friend. I loved her.

But I was afraid. Not that she wouldn't love me, because I would love her regardless, but that I could not be to her what she had been to me. She deserved more than just a shallow relationship. She deserved a man worthy of her."

Tears flowed down her face, even though she still wore a smile. She took a tissue from Anna gratefully.

"With a little prodding from friends-" he heard Beryl laugh-"I worked up the courage to ask her out on a date. I don't think she knew then that when I asked her that first time, I hoped and prayed that we would end at a celebration like this. Call me old-fashioned," he raised his eyebrows, "but with Elsie, she deserved nothing less."

The memory of that evening came flooding back to her. I'm not asking anyone else. He had been so nervous. As she dabbed her eyes, she thought about what she would have said if she had known his intentions then. Darling man, I would have accepted a proposal of marriage on the spot.

"She took much less time than I had to make it clear what she wanted," he rumbled on. "Somehow, some way, this wonderful woman loved me, and had loved me for quite some time."

He swallowed and held up his champagne, seeing no one but her. "I no longer have everything to live for. I have you to live for. And I will spend the next thirty years loving you the way you have loved me. To my bride, to Elsie Carson."

"Elsie Carson," the crowd repeated. There was a pause as everyone drank, then lengthy applause for the toast. The bride and groom set their champagne glasses down on the bar before walking to the middle of the floor, holding hands. The music began, and they danced to its slow tempo.

Another summer day

Has come and gone away

In Paris and Rome

But I wanna go home

May be surrounded by

A million people I

Still feel all alone

I just wanna go home

Oh, I miss you, you know

He hummed along with the song, brushing the top of her head with a kiss. She moved slightly, leaning back so they could dance properly. Her right hand rested on his shoulder. He caught her left hand before she could place it on his waist and kissed it, the light reflecting from her wedding band. She smiled and glanced at his ring as he placed his hand on her shoulder. They leaned against each other, their foreheads touching.

She felt different, in a way she wasn't sure she could explain. She was still herself, but it felt enhanced, like she was more herself than she had ever been before. She knew the dance probably looked a little silly, them spinning in a circle over and over, but she didn't care. He didn't care either, the smile not leaving his face as they moved together. He felt as though every moment in his life before then had been merely a sideshow to the reality before him. They kissed gently, whispering I love you.

They were home.

And I feel just like

I'm living someone else's life

It's like I just stepped outside

When everything was going right

And I know just why you could not

Come along with me

That this was not your dream

But you always believed in me

Cora's hand rubbed against Robert's, and he took it, sharing a smile with his wife. He looked back at the couple, both of whom he had known for so many years. Robert could not remember ever seeing them like this. He had noticed them moving tangibly closer, especially since their engagement. The two shall be as one. Perhaps they had been like this for years, and he never fully seen it before. There did not seem to be two separate people on the floor, just a single entity. He saw Mary standing a few feet away. The look she gave him, eyes full of tears, showed he was not the only one to see it.

Let me go home

I've had my run

Baby, I'm done

I gotta go home

Let me go home

It'll all be all right

I'll be home tonight

I'm coming back home.

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Dinner was a warm, mellow affair. It was punctuated by periodic clinking on glasses to encourage the bride and groom to kiss. They happily complied. Some of the guests finished eating earlier, and went to dance in the other room. Most people stayed while the bride and groom were seated, enjoying the food and drink. Elsie chose to eat chicken braised in wine, with root vegetables and mashed parsnips. Charles chose the grilled Atlantic salmon with grilled vegetables. He did, however, indulge in two helpings of the dessert, apple tart with an apricot glaze.

"Make sure you save some room for cake," Elsie said quietly as he cut into the second piece with his fork.

"Have no fear," he said, grinning. "I will have room for at least one piece of our delicious cake. If I have to dance more to be able to have it, so be it." He ate the apple tart, closing his eyes in bliss. Elsie laughed, looking to her right at the round table.

"Everyone seems to like the food," she commented, seeing many bare plates.

"It's wonderful, thank you," Mary said. She glanced at the table next to them over her shoulder, smiling. "It seems you've had success with all ages."

"Poppy wants to take the pizza oven home with her," Anna said as she sipped her water. "She can be so picky sometimes, but not tonight."

"Sybbie loves it as well," Tom agreed. "And George and Marigold. Mary, you'll have to talk to Matthew when he returns. I already talked to Michael. One of us will have to install one or we'll have a riot on our hands."

"We can't have that," John said, his arm resting on the back of Anna's chair.

"Thank Elsie, if that happens," Charles said. "She asked Mark for it, knowing the children would like it."

"What did I do?" Mark asked. He stopped behind Charles's chair.

Elsie turned, smiling at the owner. "You suggested the pizza oven. It's a smash, apparently."

Mark grinned. "That's the idea. How about everything else, though? Are you two pleased with how the evening has gone?"

"Absolutely," Elsie said with conviction. "Everything looks wonderful, our guests are having a great time, and Charlie and I are thrilled. Thank you!"

"Good," he said, glancing in the direction of the hallway. "I'm very glad to hear it. Now if you and Charlie could come with me, there is a cake that needs cutting."

It was a lovely raspberry and chocolate creation. They managed to cut a decent sized triangle before feeding each other. He got some of the frosting smeared on his face, above his lip. She didn't mind (much) when Thomas wolf-whistled as Charlie licked it off her fingers. She barely had time to tell Beryl to save a few pieces for them before she was called away to dance.

The line to dance with her was longer than the groom's, but he didn't mind. He had danced with Mary, Phyllis, Violet, Cora, Beryl and Daisy before there was a lull. He headed in the direction of the back of the bride's line before John stopped him.

"Someone else requested a dance with you," he grinned, pointing to the corner. The DJ was bent over, listening intently to Sybbie.

"Pretty Woman" came to an end, and Elsie gave Thomas a hug. She fanned herself, feeling rather warm. I haven't danced this much in years. Jimmy stepped forward for his turn, but he was interrupted by Jack.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, but I've had a request for the next dance. This young lady wishes to dance with both the bride and the groom." Sybbie came forward and gave Charles a slight curtsey. He bowed, smiling, before taking her hand. The little girl then dragged him across the floor to Elsie. The three of them started dancing in a circle as the sound of a ukulele floated around the room.

"Mommy played this song to me when I was in her tummy," Sybbie said as they danced. "Daddy told me."

Charles squeezed Elsie's hand gently.

And the dreams that you dream of

Dreams really do come true

Someday I'll wish upon a star

Wake up where the clouds are far behind me

Where trouble melts like lemon drops

High above the chimney-top

That's where

You'll find me…

Somewhere over the rainbow

Way up high

And the dreams that you dare to,

Why, oh, why, can't I?

By the end of the song, their circle had widened to include the entire room as more and more people joined in. Even Henry Lang, his arm still in a cast, was there. George danced between Cora and Isobel. John held Poppy as he and Anna held hands. Robert laughed at Tom and Thomas, who were kicking their legs as if they were dancing to "Knees Up, Mother Brown". Mary held up her phone to the group, showing Matthew's face. He was visible from thousands of miles away, applauding the celebration.

Elsie felt an almost-tangible presence in the room. As she held Sybbie's hand, the little girl twirled with her cousin Marigold, their childish laughter making Elsie feel as though her heart would burst. Charles mouthed a single word to her, and she nodded, her heart full.

Sybil.

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The songs are "Home", by Michael Buble, and "Somewhere Over The Rainbow", by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole.