"Dem, you know that a June wedding would be perfect for you. I don't know why you're fighting it."

Verity was speaking between bites of mozzarella sticks and gulps of Stella while poring over the latest issue of Brides magazine. It was February. Since Christmas things for the Carne/Poldark nuptials were moving along at a snail's pace. For whatever reason, the bride to be was reluctant in discussing details let alone setting a date. Her fiancé, on the other hand, was ready, willing and able to make this partnership official. Ross had put off traveling back to Cornwall until the wedding was set and in motion. He didn't want to seem pushy so he set that task on Verity, knowing full well she would be able to get to the heart of Demelza's reluctance and perhaps help finalize the basics. Now as they sat around the Carne kitchen table having lunch, he sat back as his new ally worked over his fiancée.

"Really Vee? A June wedding? Another cliché?"

Demelza turned to Ross, exasperated at the discussion and their persistence in getting her to make a commitment. In truth, she had no idea what was holding her back. She knew she loved Ross; that was a no-brainer. And she wanted to marry him. Again, a no-brainer. So why was she so hesitant about a ceremony to make it official? Maybe that was it. The ceremony part. The being on display, reciting vows in front of an audience when all she wanted was to get Ross away, slip some simple rings on their fingers and start their lives. She knew if she asked him, he would agree to that. So why didn't she just do it? Maybe it was because a part of her knew her parents would want her married in a church with all the blessings and sanctity that went with it. And then there was the other even smaller part of her that wanted to show people like Elizabeth Chenoweth what love and happiness really meant. So was she being a hypocrite for wanting to be selfish as well as wanting to show off?

Ignoring Verity's chatter for a moment, she turned to Ross with a raised eyebrow and a smile. She took his hand and kissed it.

"You know right, that this has nothing to do with my not wanting to marry you?" she said.

Ross returned her smile and kiss, then answered.

"Of course I know. I also know that putting on a show is not in your skill set so a wedding out of a magazine is not what you want."

"Thank you for understanding."

"No problem Dem," he replied.

"Can't we just go to city hall, get it done then have a beach party or something?"

She turned back to her food and thought the conversation was over until Ross added, "I also know that part of you really wants to get all girly and dressed up so you can have a traditional wedding. As much as you play the tomboy, I remember how much you liked dressing up when we were in London."

She opened her mouth to deny it but stopped because he was right. Deep down, the little girl in her wondered what it would be like to put on a dress of tulle and lace to walk down the aisle to him.

"Damn you! For once could you not know me so well?"

"Maybe we can add that to our vows," he said sipping on his beer.

Verity smirked and then turned the pages of the magazine, pushing it under their noses.

"Ok then. Let's plan a wedding. Pick a date first because you're going to have to clear it with the church asap," she said as he pulled out her phone and scrolled through the calendars to June.

"Did I say I agreed to June?" Demelza replied.

"Look, Dem it makes the most sense. March and April are complicated with St. Patty's day and Easter. Beach season opens Memorial Day so May is out. And you want to avoid July 4th, right? Plus you don't want to wait too much longer to become Mrs. James Bond, do you? So that leaves June."

Ross and Demelza listened to her logic and had to agree that she was right on every score. The added issue was that they were planning on going to Cornwall for the summer so Demelza could see what life was like there during peak season. Ross was insistent on that for some reason that he would not divulge.

"Fine! I give up. A typical, run of the mill, clichéd June wedding it will be," she said, literally throwing her hands up in the air. Taking a gulp of her beer, she looked at Verity's calendar, closed her eyes and pointed.

"There, June 24th. Happy now?"

Demelza sat back and watched her companions as they checked the day on the screen.

"How did you do that?" Ross asked.

His fiancé was focused on eating and wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying. Verity on the other hand just wrote down the day on a napkin and added the event to her calendar. She then dialed her phone and waited for an answer from the other end.

"You picked an actual weekend. Did you peek?"

Demelza was confused until she looked at the calendar and saw that indeed June 24th fell on a weekend.

"I told you not to underestimate me Poldark. But honestly, it doesn't matter what day of the week I picked. It was going to be our wedding day. You've got me going now; don't try and stop it."

He pulled her to him so that he could kiss her.

"I wouldn't dream of it. So now we have the date, what's next?"

Demelza looked over at Verity who had stepped away from the table to make the call.

"I think Verity is on that. Bet she's called the rectory to make a reservation for the church," Demelza said picking up another cheese stick, slowly pulling it apart.

"Shouldn't you or we be doing that?" Ross asked, his eyes trained on Verity.

"We could but she has friends in the office. Let her work her magic. Besides, she loves to feel she's in control."

Demelza smiled and gave his hand a squeeze. They lost themselves in each other so they didn't notice Verity's return.

"Done," she said triumphantly as she sat down and picked up her glass.

"What's done?" Ross asked.

"The church. Reserved for June 24th. Now, what's next?"

Her tone was all business but Ross knew that this meant as much to Verity as it did to Demelza. He might be gaining a wife but he could bet she was feeling that she would be losing her best friend and sister. He got up and walked around to where she sat.

"What are we going to do without you?" he said directly to her.

"Hey look here, Bond, I don't care where you take Dem but you will never get rid of me. Because let me tell you, I will be tracking you and if I get any hint that you've done something to hurt her or if one of those Cornish cronies has tried to wield some black magic on you or her, I'll be on the next plane so fast you won't have time to dust off the welcome mat."

"I have no doubts. And thank you," he said placing a kiss on Verity's cheek.

He then stood up and went into the living room, leaving the two women alone. They watched him retreat, their focus on his well-shaped ass, outlined perfectly in his tight black jeans.

"And stop staring at my bum!" he called back at them.

Ross was going to add something to that comment when the front door opened and Dwight Enys walked in carrying a pizza and another six-pack of Stella with Andrew close behind.

"Greetings! I bring sustenance and liquid refreshment. Oh and Andrew," he said.

Without ceremony, he walked into the living room and made himself comfortable. Cracking open bottles he reached out and handed one to each of the men. He then opened the box, revealing a pizza with everything. Ross took a seat on the couch next to him watching his tall friend with fascination.

"Don't just sit there Ross, eat. You too, Andrew."

Dwight got things started by taking a long swill of his beer and picking the largest slice of pie. The others watched in awe as he maneuvered between the two without missing a beat. Seeing that they had to get in on the action, both Ross and Andrew reached for the pizza at the same time. The men ate and drank without speaking until the first beers were drained. There was an air of tension around them, mostly coming from Ross. He kept shooting Dwight furtive glances as if looking for the right time to say something. Neither of the other men said anything until Dwight set out serving the next round. It was then he spoke.

"Ok, Ross you can stop giving me the side eye. I'll be your best man," Dwight said, tilting the bottle to his mouth and looking over at the Brit.

"Um, how did you know?" Ross asked, sputtering some liquid as he exchanging looks with Andrew.

Giving him a raised eyebrow, Dwight said between bites, "Demelza."

Ross's face registered understanding as he broke into a grin.

"Of course," he replied, nodding.

"Actually she wanted me to be her best man but didn't think that would go over too well, so I'm all yours," Dwight said lightly.

The men stared at each other before breaking out into raucous laughter. Clinking bottles in a toast, the men were oblivious to the arrival of the women.

"Great," Dwight said. "Now onto the important stuff: the bachelor party."

Ross choked on his beer, almost dropping the bottle.

"Dwight I don't know about…"

"What's this about a bachelor party?" Demelza said walking into the room, dropping a roll of paper towels on the table for the men to use.

With her arms crossed she looked from one man to the other waiting for an answer. The men said nothing, focused on eating.

"So I guess it's settled then?" Verity added.

Ross looked at his fiancée and her best friend.

"Dwight tells me you had this all arranged," he said, rising to face her.

"Well duh, Poldark. I wasn't leaving something as important as our best man up to you. But don't worry you can decide on the flowers," Demelza teased.

Taking her around her waist, he answered.

"I do have a way with flora," he quipped.

"A few well-placed posies on a casket doesn't make you Martha Stewart," Demelza said.

Ross ignored her jibe as he pulled her into a hug but was intercepted.

"There'll be plenty of time for that later, Poldark. We have a wedding to plan," Verity said. "Just because I did you the favor of booking the church there is still tons to do."

"Like the bachelor party," Dwight repeated.

All heads turned his way. Dwight smiled sheepishly but without apology

"What? It's a vital part of any wedding. You're not going to begrudge Ross a good old-fashioned bachelor party, are you?" the tall one said with a smile but Verity wasn't having it.

"First things first. The church is booked, next is the ceremony but I can leave that to you two," she said to Demelza.

"Thanks so much Vee for letting us plan OUR ceremony. On that note, I'm not really sure how traditional I want that to go," Demelza said, looking at Ross.

"Doesn't matter to me. I'm not Catholic," he said.

Verity and Demelza exchanged a knowing look which Dwight and Ross saw as well.

"What? What's the matter?" Ross asked.

"You're not Catholic," Verity said matter of factly.

"Yeah. So? Is there some law that Catholic girls can't marry non-Catholics? This isn't the middle ages."

"No smarty pants there, there isn't a law-law. But there might be a church law. You guys might not be able to have a full mass. Which could be a good thing because we can get to the partying sooner. Oh, and you might need some kind of permission from Fr. Keane or something. I'd get on that if I were you," Verity said.

She walked over to where Andrew was and sat on his lap, taking the beer out of his hand. Demelza knew she was right. They might need to do some extra paperwork. Now the logistics of putting a wedding together were starting to hit, unleashing a new set of nerves in Demelza. Ross felt her tense up in his arms. He lifted his hand to her face and tilted her chin to look at him.

"Dem, do not go there," he warned.

"Go where? I was just thinking I should really get a planner or a list or something to keep this all straight," she replied.

Ross knew her mouth was saying one thing but her head was going into that darker place.

"Demelza, I will do whatever is necessary to marry you. Even if I have to convert," he said.

The group was stunned at his admission and suggestion.

"Wow, Poldark, I didn't expect that," Verity said first.

"I don't think you will have to go that far, Ross, but we should find out as soon as possible what we need."

Demelza smiled at him, continuing, "There is no way I'm going to let some red tape keep us from getting married."

She turned his face towards her and kissed him which he returned. After a minute or two of being lost in each other again, their friends felt the need to break it up with whistles and table banging.

"Ok we get it," Dwight said. "You two are hot for each other and are the poster children for a perfect relationship."

"Not perfect Dwight. Just real," Ross corrected.

"Whatever."

Ignoring Dwight's indignation at being corrected, Ross and Demelza joined them on the floor with Demelza sitting on Ross's lap.

"Oh and this bachelor party you're planning Dwight better not include any naked bimbettes jumping out of things," Demelza warned.

"Dem, what do you take me for? I wouldn't get just any bimbette. I was thinking of Elizabeth," he said quickly ducking as a pillow went flying towards his head.

The group broke into laughter which was quickly cut off by Verity.

"Forget bachelor parties, I think the reception is more important. June is peak wedding season for beach towns. If you want the yacht club you're going to have to book it asap," she said with authority.

Ross and Demelza looked at each other, both knowing what the other was thinking regarding the yacht club. Not mentioning the specifics of why having their wedding at Elizabeth's family business could be awkward, Demelza spoke up.

"I thought we could have it here, "she said.

"Demelza, you're not serious," Verity said. "Do you know how many people are going to want to see this happen? How many friends you have that want to celebrate with you?"

Ross pulled Demelza against him as he felt her body tense. He looked at her face and saw a myriad of emotions including a look of surprise at Verity's statement.

"Verity, I think you're smoking something. You know I've never felt like I was ever part of the 'in' crowd. I'm the motherless daughter of an Irish bar owner. I'm not exactly Rockaway elite. And falling in love with someone like Poldark was never a thought," Demelza said. Her voice was shaky but she went on."I believed, like all the girls we grew up with that I would marry a local, settle into a house and have kids. I was supposed to have a life like that with Frankie."

She looked at Verity and gave her a weak smile.

"Never in a million years did I expect a stranger to show up on my beach and capture my heart like he did," she said turning to Ross. "Now I can't imagine a life without him."

Demelza tucked her head into his shoulder, curling into his strong arms. She said nothing; neither did anyone else, as the weight of her words hit each of them. She was right in her assessment of her life. Ross rubbed her back gently, keeping her steady on his legs.

"Hey, where did you go?" Ross asked.

"Thinking," she answered.

"About your dad?"

"No. About you," she said lifting her head to look at him, letting tears fall.

"Babe, don't cry," he said.

"I'm being silly, I know," she replied.

"You're not."

Dwight, Verity, and Andrew now felt as though they were intruding, the purpose for the gathering clearly over. As discreetly as possible, the trio of friends removed themselves and went up to Dwight's apartment.

"I am. Why am I getting so sappy?" she asked, wiping her face. "This is not me."

"Dem, everything is you. You're not just one type of person. You're complex," Ross explained.

"Complex? You make me sound like I've got multiple personalities or something."

Her face broke out into a smile when she realized what he was trying to do in trying to lighten the mood.

"Good job, Poldark," she said, shifting off his lap to sit opposite him.

Demelza crossed her legs then took his hands in hers. Ross looked down at their linked fingers, their knees touching. His gaze traveled up to her face, their eyes connecting. He leaned in and kissed her, prompting her to move her hands to his face and held him in place while her fingers gently traced his scar. The kiss was gentle and loving, neither of them feeling the need to take it further. This was all they needed; this was all they wanted; each other and the loved that they had for one another.

The kiss ended slowly with Demelza grazing Ross's lip with her thumb, needing one more touch.

"What do you say we go to church?" Ross said.

"Having a need to go to confession, Poldark?" she teased.

"Lucky for me that we non-Catholics don't have to do that or I'd be visiting a priest on a weekly basis."

"No worries. I'll go for the both of us," she answered as she stood and grabbed his hand to haul him up. "C'mon, Poldark. Let's plan a wedding."

"Well, that went better than I thought," Demelza said, holding Ross's hand as they walked carefully down the church steps. There were still remnants of a recent snowfall on the bricks making the way slippery.

"Yes. I have to admit, Dem, I was nervous. Meeting a priest is not something I've ever done before. I expected the third degree. I had no idea you've known Fr. Keane all your life."

Ross spoke as they walked down the street to Dwight's car. Demelza reached into her pocket and pulled her gloves out, slipping them on before sliding her hand into Ross's. When they got to the car she turned, leaned in and kissed him.

"I told you Poldark, people in Rockaway are born, live and die here. We know each other through school, church, marching band, you name it. Fr. Keane baptized me and if anyone was going to marry me it was going to be him. You don't mind, do you?"

Her face took on a look of uncertainty which Ross found endearing. After all these months and a proposal of marriage, Demelza was still reserved about her upbringing. As if anything she told him would change how he loved her.

"No Demelza, I don't mind. I love hearing about your life before me. If we're going to be married, no secrets."

She raised an eyebrow at him as he moved to open the car door for her.

"Um, does that include on your side too? Because I don't think you've told me everything there is to know about you," she teased.

Demelza slid into the seat and stuck the keys in the ignition as he slammed the door shut. She watched him walk around to the other side and join her. As the car warmed up, they said nothing.

"You're right, Carne. I haven't told you everything. However, I expect we will have plenty of time for you to question me on a regular basis once we're married. Besides, you know the most important thing about me," Ross said.

Pulling out onto the street, Demelza focused on the road. It wasn't until they reached the corner, waiting for the light to change that she spoke, wanting to know what thing about him she supposedly knew.

"And what would that be?" she asked.

"That I had no idea what love was until I met you. And that's no secret," Ross said, his hand grasping hers.

"Ditto," she replied.

Ross and Demelza stood on the curb outside the yacht club delaying the inevitable. She pulled her gloves off and shoved them back in her pockets, leaving her hands in there as well.

"Ross, really. A tent on the beach, a couple of kegs and bonfire will do just fine," Demelza said, tugging at his arm.

"Demelza, will you stop. I know you want this, don't lie," he said staring into her blue eyes.

She couldn't lie to him when he looked at her like that. And she hated it.

"I do want this. I want a real wedding. Does that make me horrible?" she asked.

"No love. It makes you human."

He kissed her then took her hand and led her into the building. The entered the lobby which was decorated for Valentine's Day. The standard blue and white nautical décor were covered in various red, white and pink cutouts. Hearts and cupids hung from the beams and graced the walls. The couple did a 360 turn around the room then exchanged a look.

"Well, maybe Verity was right in picking June for the wedding," Demelza said.

"Why is that?" Ross asked.

"No holidays that require tacky decorations."

They shared a smile and were about to look for the manager when a voice came up behind them.

"Ross?"

They turned to see Elizabeth standing there, every inch a businesswoman.

"It is you. What are you doing here?" she said as she approached him, ignoring Demelza's presence.

Her behavior was not lost on the pair but they let her continue. Ross pointedly grabbed Demelza's hand to remind Elizabeth that her attempt at flirting was a waste of time.

"We came to plan our wedding. So who do we speak to about that?" he said.

Elizabeth's face blatantly showed her shock while her hands almost dropped the file she was holding.

"I'm sorry. Did you say wedding? You're getting married?" she said.

"Lizzie you knew that. What did you think this ring on my finger was? A prize from a gumball machine?" Demelza said holding it up again.

She knew her tone was a little harsh but she didn't care. And Ross loved it. Her feistiness was a trait to be admired especially because he was not always the strong one so when it appeared, it made Demelza Carne more endearing to him.

"Yes, Demelza I know I just thought you'd wait a more respectable length of time after your father's death," Elizabeth said.

Demelza stiffened at the mention of her father's passing so Ross pulled her closer to him. He was not going to let Elizabeth and her warped sense of propriety affect Demelza in any way.

"Not that any of this is your business, but if you must know, Tom gave us his blessing long before his passing. This wedding is his wish. Now we would like to book the club and settle the details so if you would like to help us, let's get to it. Otherwise, please find someone who will."

As Ross spoke, Demelza kept her attention on his face and was filled with pride and love for this man. He had just taken this viper of a woman to task so she wouldn't have to. Impulsively she reached up and kissed his cheek, whispering in his ear, "I love you."

"Ditto," he replied.

Elizabeth watched the scene, nauseated at their outward affection. She still didn't know what a man like Ross Poldark saw in Demelza but for now, she would give up trying to figure that out and help with this wedding. If anything, it would give her more time with Ross and possibly another opportunity to get him for herself if only once.

"Sure Ross. Anything you want," Elizabeth said with just a tinge too much sweetness for Demelza's liking.

"Great," Ross replied.

"Why don't we go into my office and get things started?" she said moving past them, leading the way down a corridor to the back rooms.

Demelza and Ross followed, amused at the brunette's continued attempts to ignore their status while making weak plays for Ross.

"She's still got a thing for you Poldark, "Demelza said quietly to her fiancée.

"Yes, I picked up on that. Well, she'll be sorely disappointed, I assure you," he answered.

"I hope so," she said.

Elizabeth stood in the doorway of her office, waiting for them.

"Here, have a seat and I'll get out my planner," she said brightly. "Please, get comfortable. Take off your coats. Do you want some coffee?"

"No, thank you Elizabeth," Ross replied for both of them.

They shrugged out of their coats and relinked hands.

"Tea, Ross?" Elizabeth asked.

Demelza fought bursting out into laughter and dropped her gaze so her expression would not be seen. Ross squeezed her hand to get her to behave. She squeezed back and then looked at him, giving him a wink.

"I'm fine," Ross said to Elizabeth.

"Okay then," she said, slightly put off by his tepid reception.

"So Lizzie, is the place available June 24th?"

Demelza spoke up wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. The less time she spent with this woman the less likely she would want to punch her in the nose.

"June 24th? Are you having a June wedding? How romantic, Demelza. And so unexpected of you," the brunette said pulling up her booking calendar on her laptop and scrolling through the month. "Well, you're in luck. The 24th is wide open. So what time did you want to start?"

Taking a breath, Demelza responded.

"The church is at 4 so with the ceremony and pictures, I supposed 6:30? Does that sound right?"

Her question was sincere as she had no idea how these things worked.

"Church? Wow, you really are going traditional. I would never have thought it," Elizabeth said as she typed into the program.

"I'm sure. I bet you thought I'd wear some board shorts and get married barefoot on the beach," Demelza countered.

"Well, frankly, yes. Come on, Demelza, you are the most ungirly girl I know," she said.

"That is true, Lizzie, but I still want a wedding like anyone else. So let's do this. And I would appreciate it, and Ross would as well if you would help us get that."

Demelza looked straight at the woman and saw the surprise on her face as she spoke. Clearly, Liz never expected Demelza to actually be so blunt with her or ask for assistance like this. Caught off guard, Elizabeth could do nothing but agree and help. If anything, so that Ross could see what a kind person she was.

"Yes, Demelza, of course, I'll help. So 6:30 on June 24th. We'll start with a cocktail hour and then full dinner. Or would you prefer a buffet and just have it more casual? Still elegant but more flowing. I'll pull together some menus for you as well that you and Ross can take and go through. About how many people are you expecting?"

Elizabeth was all business now and it made things easier on the couple.

"We haven't gotten a guest list yet but I don't expect it too big. Although if I leave it to Verity, the whole peninsula will be invited."

She smiled at that statement and Liz did as well. Could they possibly be meeting on a middle ground? Ross watched these two women with caution. He knew that any wrong move by Elizabeth could prompt Demelza to jump across the desk and take her out.

"I bet. Look. There is nothing else booked for that day. Why don't I block out the whole place and then no matter what the head count is, there will be room. With a reception like that then I would go for the buffet option."

"I like that idea. What do you think Poldark?"

Demelza turned to Ross who was more interested in watching her face than what was being said.

"Yes that's fine," he answered.

"You weren't even listening. Typical," Demelza said, swiping at him.

"I was. Seriously, whatever you want, we'll have."

He leaned over and kissed her then turned to Elizabeth.

"I'm sure you'll make it terrific, Elizabeth."

"You can count on it," she said with a brittle smile. "I forgot to ask. Do you have a budget? I'm sure with your father gone, things at the bar aren't as busy."

Ross saw where this discussion as going and interjected.

"Don't worry about cost, Elizabeth. We have it covered. Just give us the wedding we want."

His tone was firm and businesslike and so an hour and a few dollars later, the basics for the Poldark wedding reception were done. They had ended up with the kind of party Demelza had hoped for but in a proper setting. She was finally getting excited about this whole thing and couldn't wait to share it with Verity. Which brought up another key item: dresses.

"So my love, feel better now that the particulars are set?" Ross asked as they drove home.

"A bit. But there is still so much to decide on," she replied.

"What? We have the church and the reception," he said.

She turned towards him.

"Did you seriously just say that?" she asked, wide-eyed and annoyed.

"What did I say?"

"Ross, now that we're having a full-blown wedding, we have to do get flowers, invitations. A dress!"

Her listing of the obvious made him feel foolish. Of course, the things she mentioned would be the ones that a girl would think of first.

"You're right. I'm sorry. I think I'm so wrapped up in just marrying you that I didn't care about those things," he said.

Demelza said nothing else as they drove down the block to the bar and parked in the back. She got out and didn't wait for him to enter through the back.

"Demelza!" he called.

She stopped but didn't turn around. When he reached her he saw that she was genuinely upset.

"Babe, I'm sorry. I know that I should be more aware of these things but I meant what I said. You could be wearing a pair of board shorts with your hair in a messy braid, just like I saw you that first day, and I'd marry you," he said sincerely.

Demelza saw that he really was regretting his idiocy of earlier and couldn't stay mad at him.

"You really do have a way with words. I know you didn't mean it. I'm just a little frazzled at all we need to do in the next few months."

"And we will get it done. Look, how about I worry about invitations and the other stuff. You and Verity focus on dresses and whatever else you need to become my bride," he said pulling her towards him, his wrapping around her waist.

She locked her arms around his neck and smiled up at him.

"This is really happening, isn't it?"

"Yes, Demelza, it's really happening," he said.

"I'm scared, Ross."

"Of what? Of me?"

"No, never of you. Of me. Of failing you. Of not knowing how to be a wife," she said softly.

"Stop it. You think I know how to be a husband? I didn't exactly have the best resource for how to do this marriage thing. But I do know what's important. And we already have that," he said.

"What's that?"

"Love, Demelza. Love is all we need."

He bent and kissed her then. They were still wrapped in each other when the back door opened.

"Finally!" It was Verity. "We have been wondering what took you so long. Thought maybe Elizabeth locked you in a closet or something."

The pair separated and put their heads together, smiling.

"Verity you should know better than to worry when Bond is on the case," Ross said taking Demelza by the hand and leading her inside.

Verity followed anxiously, dying to hear what they decided on.

"So? Do we have a reception?" she said watching Ross and Demelza as they poured themselves coffee to warm up. Taking their coats off they walked around the bar to sit at a table, Demelza laying the menus out in a line.

"Yes, Vee, we have a church and a reception. What we don't have is dresses. Or suits. Or, hey, invitations. Be kind of a waste to go through all this and not have anyone show up," Demelza said, with more than a little sarcasm.

Her petite friend exchanged looks with the couple and grinned.

"Oh, ye have little faith," she said. Walking back to the bar she came out with a book as well as a few magazines. She strode to the table and plopped them all down in front of the couple.

"I have already picked out some options and spoken to the printer. All you have to do is chose the font and the wording."

Ross and Demelza could not believe that she had gone to these lengths for them.

"Oh, and as for dresses, Dem, I made an appointment at Kleinfeld's for tomorrow. So you see, you have nothing to stress about."

Verity started flipping through the pages of and dog-earing the ones she wanted the couple to look at.

"Verity, how can I thank you for all this," Demelza said, her voice filling with emotion.

"Stop it Dem. You'd do the same for me," she said, not daring to look at her friend.

Picking up her mug, Demelza smiled. "Yes, I would. Now, what's this about Kleinfeld's?"

Spring was in full bloom in Rockaway with yards of hydrangea and impatiens lining green lawns and front porches. It was May and Memorial Day weekend was just around the corner and with that the final countdown to the wedding of Ross Poldark and Demelza Carne. The dresses were ordered, the suits were bought and the flowers were chosen. Invitations had gone out to most of Rockaway thanks to Verity, Dwight and the entire 'Boards and Beers' family. Ross had made arrangements for Prudie and Jud to fly over after Demelza had insisted. Ross initially said it wasn't necessary. That was until she reminded him that they were the closest things to parents that he had.

Final choices for the ceremony and reception were made as well. Elizabeth had been more than accommodating in helping with the arrangements but Demelza attributed that to Ross's presence more than hers. Nonetheless, she took any guidance in this sort of thing even if it came from Elizabeth Chenoweth

Demelza's general good feelings led her to do something that her friends did not expect.

"You did what?!"Verity shouted as she sorted through RSVP cards.

"I invited Elizabeth to our girl's night out," Demelza said casually as she took alphabetized the responses.

"I can't believe you. How could you invite that shrew in designer clothes to our celebration of your wedding?"

"Simple Verity. If she's with us, she can't get anywhere near Ross. You know the old phrase about keeping enemies close."

A smile came to Demelza's face as she continued to arrange the cards, setting the tables for the attendees. Verity nodded in understanding.

"Why you sneaky thing. Does Ross know what you're planning?" Verity asked.

"Of course he does. He wishes he could join us just to see how things turn out. But I promised him I wouldn't tie her up and leave in the trunk of the car."

Verity laughed and shook her head.

"Now that would make for an entertaining night. So have the men decided when they were going to kidnap Ross?"

"Dwight hasn't told me. He thought it better that I didn't know the details. He probably thinks I'll spill the beans. I would like to see Ross's face when they whisk him away. I did tell Dwight no cuffs," Demelza related.

"Aw but that's the best part," Verity said, clearly disappointed.

"Maybe. But I think something like should be reserved for me on the honeymoon," she said with a wink.

"Demelza Carne, what has gotten into you?"

She smirked but didn't reply and Verity knew where her head had gone.

"Some good Catholic girl you are," Verity teased.

"I'm Catholic. No one ever said I was good."

"Well, we shall see at your bachelorette party how true that is."

Demelza gave her maid of honor a warning glare.

"Verity, please nothing crazy. Just a night out to laugh and have some fun. You promised," Demelza said.

"And it will be. But if some interesting entertainment shows up, I'm sure we won't turn them away.

"I don't trust you. Good thing we are doing this now so I can recover and have any surprise tattoos removed before the wedding."

"You're so dramatic Dem. I promise nothing crazy. Just fun," she said.

"Uh huh," Demelza replied.

"1, 2, 3, go!"

The woman gathered around the table all picked up and knocked back another round of kamikaze shots. Demelza's eyes closed as the alcohol made its way down her throat just a little too easy. When she opened her eyes she saw Elizabeth Chenoweth across from her, laughing with her maid of honor, finding something funny in absolutely nothing. Verity had gathered the friends that Demelza felt comfortable with so she could let loose like this so the party was small. The fact that Elizabeth was part of that group was a surprise but she seemed to fit in with the other women gathered who included Jinny and Dwight's sometime girlfriend Caroline.

"Have I told you that I've always envied your hair, Demelza?"

All heads turned to look at Elizabeth who was sipping her cosmo and trying to speak without spilling or slurring. The compliment came out of the blue and set Demelza and Verity into a laughing fit because they had not seen Elizabeth like this in all the years they've known her.

"No Lizzie. You usually just ignore me," Demelza said as she got up to go to the bar for another beer.

Her walk was fairly steady considering the number of drinks she had, but she refused to get totally wasted. Demelza hated being out of control. As she stood behind the bar, snapping the cap off her bottle of Stella, she looked at the small group and was grateful for each of them. Even Lizzie. Because in Lizzie she saw what she never wanted to be. She didn't have to worry about Liz infiltrating Ross' bachelor party because Dwight kept it secret and low key. The standard kidnapping turned into a night of a steakhouse dinner, cigars and a jazz club. Any worries that Demelza had were unwarranted because both her fiancé and best friend knew that a wild night was out of the question. She was grateful for that. On the other hand, she had no idea what Verity had in mind. She knew that this kamikaze fueled chatfest was just a ruse. Not wanting to linger on what might happen, Demelza brought another round of drinks to the table and rejoined the girls.

"So what else besides my hair do you envy, Lizzie?" she asked.

"You're having a hot fiancée."

"Oh shit!" Verity blurted out.

Demelza looked around the table then back at Lizzie.

"I know," Demelza said without missing a beat. "Maybe if you weren't such a bitch sometimes, you'd find someone like him too. You know George could be great for you if you let him."

"George is okay. I guess I'll give him another chance."

The group turned to her but it was Verity who spoke.

"Well aren't you being benevolent," she said with just enough sarcasm to make the point.

"I know," Elizabeth responded with a wink.

The conversation continued over mundane things such as the weather forecast for the week of the wedding, the upcoming summer season, and a dissection of the men in their lives. The women were so focused on each other that they didn't see the arrival of two men. Verity caught the eye of the men over Demelza's head and gave a subtle nod. All of a sudden music started blaring through the bar which had the group looking around. Demelza saw Verity's eyes widen and she knew her friend was responsible for whatever was going on.

"Demelza Carne? We hear you are getting married," a deep voice said from behind her.

She gave Verity a death glare before slowly turning around to see her best male friend and fiancée standing before her, dressed in firefighter pants and nothing else. Demelza was speechless as both of them approached her from either side and started to do some lame version of a stripper dance for her.

"Oh my god," she cried, trying desperately to keep the giggles at bay. "Are you flipping kidding me? Whose brilliant idea was this?"

The men said nothing but Demelza knew.

"Verity? Seriously? I can't believe you got them to do this," she said, now letting the giggles slip out.

"I knew you wouldn't want real 'dancers' so who better to entertain us than these two. Besides, they would do anything for you," Verity said, holding her drink up in a toast.

"That's what I'm afraid of," the bride to be said.

Turning to Ross she said, "If you take anything off, I will not only kill you, I'll make sure that you will not be able to perform ever again."

He smiled at her then dipped his head so that his mouth was next to her ear.

"That might make for a boring wedding night, don't you think Carne?" he said.

He then took her hand and pulled her towards him, bringing their pelvis' dangerously close together.

"So Poldark, is this another talent of yours you were keeping secret from me?" Demelza said as he swayed her on the floor.

"I don't know if it's a talent or if being with you just inspires me," Ross replied. His voice was low, his breath tickling her neck as he spoke so only she could hear him.

"Again with the smooth talk. You know, this outfit is quite the turn on. I never thought much of it when Dwight wore it but on you…" she started to say but was cut off when his lips met hers.

Their kiss went on until they felt the presence of someone next to them.

"Mind if I cut in, Dem?" Lizzie's speech was slurred and she swayed slightly as she tried to drag Ross away from Demelza.

"Actually Elizabeth, I do," Ross said. "And I think you've had enough. Maybe you should go sit down and wait for someone to come get you."

"Oh Rossie, you're not ending the night already. It's just getting interesting. Isn't it Dem?"

Liz draped her arm around Demelza's shoulder, her alcohol-scented breath wafting into Demelza's face.

"Not really. How about I call George for you? I'm sure he'll come and get you."

"You'd do that for me, Dem? You're such a good friend," Lizzie said, her inebriation getting worse the longer she stood.

"Oh yeah, I'm a regular Girl Scout. Now, why don't you go sit down and I'll have Verity get you some coffee, okay?"

Demelza steered the tipsy brunette towards the table where Jinny held a chair steady as she sat down. Within minutes Lizzie's head was on the table, passed out.

"I'll call George, Dem. Why don't you let this first responder rescue you from here?" Verity suggested.

Ross and Demelza looked at each other, not opposed to the idea of some alone time before the final pre-wedding days kicked in. With a mischievous grin, Ross bent down, scooped Demelza up and threw her over his shoulder.

"Ross Poldark! Put me down!" she screamed.

"No. This might the last time I get to do something like this. Let's go!" he said.

With Dwight holding open the door, Ross trooped Demelza out of the bar and started up the street to the boardwalk. Once there, he put her down so he could kiss her again. It went on, both of them losing themselves in the kiss and each other, until a breeze passed, sending a chill through both of them.

"What do you say we take this home?" Demelza whispered.

"I'm all for that," Ross responded.

Taking her hand he led her down the boardwalk towards home. They walked in silence until they reached their block.

"So, Mr. Poldark, only a few more days until we become permanent. No second thoughts?" Demelza asked.

Ross heard the sincere concern in her voice and pulled her around to look into her eyes when he spoke.

"Not one. You?"

She paused a moment before answering, eliciting a crooked smirk from him.

"No, Ross. None. For the first time in my life, I am absolutely sure about something," she said. "I have no doubts, second guesses, or nerves about this wedding. Except maybe tripping in my heels."

"And if you do, I'll be there to pick you up. Always," Ross said.

"Again with the smooth talk. You know all I really need is the simple stuff," she said.

"What's that?" he asked.

"Three words, eight letters."

Demelza smiled up at him, the meaning clear without needing explanation. Ross returned the sentiment.

"Ditto."