The Enchanted Forest

"Well I think after this you won't be able to hide it anymore," said Odette loosening the corset. Snow sighed and put her hands on her stomach.

"Well at least I look nice for the wedding," said Snow sitting down to brush her hair. Odette gave her a look and Snow caught it. "What was that for."

"Well I wish you would be a little happier about telling people other than myself, Charming and Doc," said Odette. Snow sighed and put her hands in her lap.

"I just...she said she would take away our happiness and this is my happiness," said Snow, Odette put the brush down and knelt down next to Snow.

"I know what she said. I was there afterall. This isn't how you should live your life...in fear and in hiding. You hiding this is like is saying she's won and has taken your happiness. Don't let her win this fight," said Odette. Snow looked at her and gave her a small half smile.

"When I have my daughter I want you to be there," said Snow.

"Like I have anywhere else to go," teased Odette. Snow started laughing until she started crying. Charming came into the room and looked confused.

"What is going on in here?" asked Charming.

"We were discussing how best to word a royal birth announcement," said Snow. Charming's face broke into a smile.

"You want to tell the kingdom?" he asked.

"Well after tonight I'm not going to be able to hide it much longer," said Snow. Odette grinned and finished doing Snow's hair and redoing her makeup.

"I think we should get going than," said Charming taking her hand. They left the room and Odette starting cleaning up the room. She opened the windows to let some fresh air in and off in the distance she could hear crickets. I miss you.

Snow and Charming made the rounds at the wedding and after a few dances Snow found herself getting tired and went to take a seat at one of the tables.

"I'm telling you it's true. I heard it from one of the soliders who fought with Prince James," whispered one woman.

"Well they did travel with an odd bunch. Dwarves, werewolves and the like. It's not suprising her maid fell in love with a cricket," giggled another woman. Snow calmly stood up and turned around to face the group who grew silent.

"Well at least my maid has enough sense about her to not gossip about people who could be in earshot," said Snow. The group of them turned red in the face and Snow decided to find Charming and tell him she was going to bed. He offered to go with her and she declined his offer.

"No stay and have fun for me please," said Snow and she gave him a hug. She said her goodnights to Thomas and Ella before heading back to her and Charming's chambers. Odette was sitting by the window and stood up when she came in the room.

"Are you feeling alright?" asked Odette.

"Just tired is all," said Snow. Odette nodded and helped her undress and they talked about the wedding. Snow looked at her friend as she hung up the dress and checked it for any tears or stains. She had promised herself to someone who loved her more than anything yet they could never be together. She would never have this in her life, yet she was content to stay here with her and see to it she did.

"Are you sure you are alright?" asked Odette.

"I'm just thinking that I am really lucky to have you as a friend," said Snow.

…...

Storybrooke

Natalie woke up and she looked over at Archie who was still sound asleep. Natalie couldn't help but smile. He looked so at peace and she moved closer to him and wrapped an arm around him. He stired for a moment before pulling her closer and dozing back off again. He had taken the past two weeks off to be at home with her and even though she told him that she was fine and that he could go back to work he looked at her like she was crazy.

"I hardly took any time off when I came back and you didn't either. Now either we both take a break or I have Whale order twenty-four hour bedrest for you and I stay at home to make sure you stay in bed. Natalie firmly believed he would just to prove a point. Archie would drop Belle off at the library and Ruby would check on her for them during the day.

Archie rolled over slowly and started waking up. Natalie moved a little closer and kissed him slowly.

"You know that is always the best way to wake up," said Archie. Natalie grinned and kissed him again.

"Thank you," said Natalie and Archie looked at her.

"For what?" asked Archie.

"For being here. Just for being you," said Natalie resting her head on his chest. She felt Archie start running his hand through her hair and she felt Archie dozing back off while listening to his heart beat. It had been almost two weeks since she had come home and she had put in her resignation with Emma. Emma was disappointed, but she accepted it.

"You know anytime you want to come back you have the job," said Emma. Natalie nodded and cleaned out her desk. Emma sat across from her. "Listen I know that Mary Margaret...I know she's been really all over the place lately, but she does feel really crappy about blowing up at you. It wasn't cool and I think she miss you."

"I love your mother like she was my own family and what she said was really hurtful and uncalled for. I just need some time," said Natalie.

"I understand," said Emma. Natalie picked up her box and headed home. During her walk home her phone went off and it was Mary Margaret calling. She didn't pick up and she didn't return any of the calls that came after it.

Natalie got up and pulled on a robe before heading downstairs to let Pongo and Bear out. She fed the dogs and started making some muffins. She started a pot of coffee for Belle and Archie and some tea for herself. She was just pulling the muffins out to cool when Archie came downstairs.

"Are those blueberry?" asked Archie.

"What else would they be?" asked Natalie. Archie sat down with his coffee and muffin. Natalie made her tea and she looked over at Archie. He had sat everything aside for her, had always been there for her when she felt the most alone, who loved her no matter what. What are we waiting for?

"So what do you want to do today?" asked Archie

"I wanna marry you," said Natalie and Archie almost choked on his coffee.

"I want to marry you too," said Archie regaining his composure.

"I wanna do it today," said Natalie and Archie just looked at her stunned.

"Um...don't you want to plan something? A party? Do you have a dress? If you're worry about getting married before we have the baby we still have plenty of time," said Archie.

"We've waited for over twenty eight years. I don't want to wait anymore. Besides in my condition I hardly think I could be considered the blushing bride," teased Natalie.

Archie looked at her. She really hadn't brought up any wedding planning since they had been home so to hear her just blurt out that she want to basically elope stunned him.

"I know everything has been crazy the last couple of weeks and maybe you're trying too..." Natalie cut him off.

"I swear if you are trying to analyze me Archie Hopper," said Natalie with a slight roll of her eyes.

"I want it to be special for you," said Archie. She deserved something special. After all they had been waiting over twenty eight years.

"It will be because I get to marry you," said Natalie. "I know I said I wouldn't pressure you about getting married, but really why should we wait anymore?"

"Don't you want our friends and family to be there?" asked Archie. Natalie just looked at her cup of tea and shrugged.

"I guess we could have Marco, Pinocchio and Belle as witnesses," said Natalie.

"And Henry?" asked Archie. He had backed her into a corner and she gave him a look.

"If Henry's there than they'll all want to come and I just want something that's just for us. With people who want this for us," said Natalie.

"I wish you would at least talk to her first. She was upset when she said those things," said Archie.

"I know what it's like to say things when your hurt. It wasn't just hurt...she wanted to hurt someone back. I honestly don't know who she is anymore," said Natalie. Archie hugged her.

"You're my family and I want us to be together. We can have Blue perform the ceremony this afternoon," said Natalie. Archie sighed and looked at her, she was giving him that little smile that was just for him. He sighed, he knew he wasn't going to win any fight with her. She had a point, why should they wait any longer.

"You really want to do this today?" asked Archie.

"More than anything," said Natalie. Archie nodded.

"I'll set things up with Blue for this afternoon," said Archie. Natalie leaned over and kissed him.

"I think I can try to make something to wear," teased Natalie. Archie went to call Blue and Natalie went to let the dogs in. Belle made sure they were both busy before heading back upstairs and grabbing her phone. She had overheard how they planned to elope and well she couldn't have that.

In the brief time she had known them they were two of the kindest people she had ever met. They had given up so much of their time and energy to make sure she ok. While she didn't remember her old life, she was liking this new life very much and they were to thank for that. She called Ruby and left her message to meet at Granny's. She went back downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Good morning Belle," said Archie. Belle grabbed a muffin out of the pan.

"Give me a few minutes and I'll take you to the library," said Archie.

"Oh it's alright. I was going to meet Ruby at Granny's. I can walk there myself," said Belle.

"You sure?" asked Natalie pouring herself another cup of tea.

"I promise to call you when I get there," said Belle. She picked up her purse and walked out. Natalie went upstairs to change and go pick up the paperwork for the marriage license. Archie had left a message for Blue to call him when she got a chance. He took a sip of coffee and felt his hands shaking. I'm going to get married...

…...

"I just wish she would talk to me," said Mary Margaret stiring her coffee. Ruby took a bite of her pancakes and sighed. She didn't know what to do to help her friends. Mary Margaret had a fight with Natalie and the two hadn't spoken since. Mary Margaret had tried to reach out to her, but Natalie was too hurt to talk.

"You know that she cares about you and that's why it hurt her so badly," said Ruby. Mary Margaret nodded.

"She's been with me my whole life and now I feel lost," admitted Mary Margaret.

"Is it because she's with Archie now and is going to have her own family?" asked Ruby. Mary Margaret nodded and looked at her coffee.

"I am so happy for her, but on the other hand it's hard. Cora said she was the last line I had to my mother and she was right. I'm jealous I guess...she's finally going to get her happy ending. She's going to watch her child grow up and I never got that. It's not her fault and it's not Archie's fault either. They never would have had this back home," said Mary Margaret.

"I know it was hard for you to let go of Emma and to miss everything, but some good things did come out of it. Henry...Emma met his father here in this land. He wouldn't be here if not for that." Ruby nodded her head at Mindy who was cleaning off a table. "Mindy was a mouse back in our land, now she's dating Happy. He sends her flowers every Tuesday afternoon. People are not only finding their True Loves again, but some people are finding it for the first time." Mary Margaret went to say something when she heard Belle call out to Ruby and she came over to the table.

"Oh good you are here and oh..." her smile faded when she saw Mary Margaret. "I called you and left a message."

"I totally forgot my phone. What's up?" asked Ruby. Belle just shook her head,

"I would rather talk to you in private if possible," said Belle her voice taking on an icy tone. Ruby sighed as Mary Margaret looked downcast again.

"Belle...please. We're all friends here," said Ruby.

"Is she really?" asked Belle. "You weren't there to hear how horrible she was to Natalie and Archie for something that wasn't their fault."

"I know I was horrible to them. Especially towards Natalie and I want to make up for that. I just don't know how," admitted Mary Margaret. Belle nodded and sat down.

"Natalie and Archie are planning on eloping today," said Belle.

"Wait what?" asked Ruby.

"I overheard them talking about it and they were making plans to do it today, with Blue" said Belle.

"But why elope?" asked Mary Margaret.

"Why do you think?" asked Belle. Mary Margaret sighed, she knew why...Natalie wouldn't want the fuss or she felt that she didn't deserve the fuss. That her friends weren't going to be happy for them.

"So what do we do?" asked Ruby. Mary Margaret nodded.

"I tell you what we're going to do. We are going to throw her and Archie a wedding. I don't care what we have to do or who we have to beg to set it up, but it's going to happen. Do you know what time they agreed to meet with her?" asked Mary Margaret.

"He left her a message to call him when she got a chance," said Belle.

"Well I'm going to have a chat with Blue...she's going to meet them tonight instead of this afternoon. Ruby...see if Granny can get us some food and flowers. Belle do you think you can get us some other decorations. We'll regroup in a few hours and start inviting people," said Mary Margaret. Ruby nodded and got up to talk to Granny. Belle nodded and looked at Mary Margaret.

"Do you really want this for her?" asked Belle.

"I owe her a great deal. She took care of me when I was young and has always been there for my family. I would like to be there for her's," said Mary Margaret. Belle got up and headed out, Mary Margaret headed out and called Blue. She agreed to change the meeting times and to open up the large dining hall for a reception. She would call Archie with the time change. Mary Margaret hung up her cell phone and smiled to herself. Yes her friend...no her family member deserved this happiness in her life.

…...

"Oh...I see. Yes of course we can meet you at a later time. Seven is fine. Thank you," said Archie hanging up the phone. Natalie had gone to see about getting the marriage license notarized and he had just finished finalizing everything with Blue.

He didn't have a ring for her, but according to Natalie her mother and father didn't have rings The servants just never had rings, they just exchanged vows and whatever they had. Archie couldn't remember if his parents had rings than again he wondered if his parents were even really married. He knew Marco had worked hours for his wife's ring.

He knew Natalie didn't care either way, she was overjoyed just to have the simple ring passed down from Marco. She wasn't the fussy type...all she wanted was to get married. He went upstairs and starting looking through a drawer of his and found what he was looking for. It was an old pocket watch that Geppetto had given him. He had actually forgetten he had it until the curse was broken. Geppetto had given it to right before he left with Odette. He told him to be careful and to look after the young woman he was charged with. It

He hoped that this was the right thing to give her and that she understood what it really meant. He was giving her his time and the rest of his life. He tucked it quickly away in his pocket when he heard Natalie come inside and up the stairs.

"I got the license and I got it signed...but..." started Natalie.

"But?" asked Archie. Natalie handed him the license and saw that it had been signed by Regina.

"She was the only one there," said Natalie.

…...

Natalie went into the City Hall building and was stunned to find it empty. She picked up a license and filled out her half and would have Archie fill out his half when she got home. She went up to the second floor where the notary was located and found his door was locked despite it being a little after ten in the morning. She knocked again and waited for a reply.

"Can I help you?" asked Regina. Natalie sighed and turned around.

"Where's the notary?" asked Natalie.

"Surprising when I came back to work everyone else stopped coming in," said Regina with a small smile.

"That's wonderful," said Natalie.

"Why are you looking for the notary?" asked Regina.

"Personal reasons," said Natalie. Regina spotted the paper in Natalie's hands and with a wave of her hand it was in Regina's hands.

"So you and cricket want to tie the knot. He decided to make you an honest woman at last," said Regina. Natalie fought the urge to roll her eyes and took the paper back.

"I don't want any hassle Regina. I just want it to be legal," said Natalie.

"Come to my office. Technically I'm still mayor so I can sign it," said Regina. Natalie sighed and followed Regina to her office. "So when is the big day?"

"Actually it's this afternoon. We're just going to see Blue and have her do it," said Natalie. Regina gave her a look.

"No fanfair or white dress for you than," said Regina.

"I don't want or need it. I just want to get married," said Natalie. Regina signed the license and handed it back.

"Surprised that your ladyship is letting you have such a small affair," said Regina.

"It's not hers to decide on," said Natalie and Regina caught the edge in Natalie's voice.

"Oh do I sense trouble in paradise," said Regina with a small smile.

"Thank you for signing this. I'll just have Emma file it later on," said Natalie turning to go.

"It's nice to see that I wasn't the one affected by Snow's dark heart. It's just sad it took you so long to see her for what she really is," said Regina. Natalie shook her head and walked out of City Hall.

…...

"Well all that matters is that we got it signed," said Archie taking the license into the office to fill out his half.

"I'm going to have to kick you out of here for a bit," teased Natalie going over to the sew machine.

"Oh right," said Archie and he quickly signed his name to the license.

"Did Belle check in yet?" asked Natalie.

"I...I must have missed her call. I'll call her right now," said Archie leaving the room and shutting the door behind him. Natalie shook her head and was thankful she had other fabric up here to work with. The white fabric with the silver flowers was untouched and she had no intention of using it. Is her heart really turning dark? Can it ever go back?

…...

"I'm really sorry I didn't call. I hope I didn't make you worry. Dinner...I think I could be home by six. But don't wait for me alright. Bye Archie," said Belle hanging up her phone as she crossed the street. She had managed to get people to decorate the dining hall and a cake lined up. She was due to meet with Mary Margaret and Ruby soon so they could start inviting people. She really couldn't wait to see the look on Archie and Natalie faces when they saw what they had planned for them. Belle started to head to Mary Margaret when she saw Gold's Pawn Shop.

They hadn't spoken since he had called her and told that he was dying. She knew he was better, but she had been too scared to call him and he hadn't called her either. Belle paused outside the door of the shop. She took a deep breath and walked inside. A little bell chimed overhead and it smelled a bit old and dusty in here, but she couldn't help feel a little at ease here. Just like the library...it's like home almost.

"Hello...oh hello," he said coming out of a back room and looking a bit stunned to see her standing there.

"Um...hi," said Belle looking at him. In daytime, when he wasn't hovering over her while she was trying to sleep, he looked almost lost and sad.

"Do you remember?" he asked a small smile came over him and it made him look years younger.

"No...no I don't," said Belle and she almost hated to see how sad he looked. "But I'm making new memories just fine. I'm actually thinking about moving back to my old place above the library. Though I will miss Archie's cooking," she teased and he smiled back at her.

"So what are you doing here?" he asked. Belle shoved her hands into her pockets to gather her thoughts.

"I just...I really wanted to make sure that you were ok."

"I'm fine. I'm sorry that I scared you with that call," he said. Belle started looking around and started fiddling with an old lamp he had on a counter.

"Why didn't you come and see me when you got better?" asked Belle.

"After our last meeting I didn't want to scare you again and...well I'm a coward. I was scared to see you again," said Gold.

"I was scared to see you too," admitted Belle looking at him. He smiled again and it made him look happier too.

"So are you really ok," he asked taking a step towards her.

"I am. Honest," said Belle studying a flowered tea pot. The set seemed to be missing pieces though. "Actually are you doing anything tonight?"

"Not really," he said.

"I'm throwing a surprise wedding for Natalie and Archie with Ruby and Mary Margaret. Would you like to come?" asked Belle. He looked a her surprised and than again she was surprised herself by asking him. She felt something though and she couldn't figure out what it was.

"A surprise wedding?" he asked and he seemed amused and she couldn't help but laugh.

"They were planning to elope and I overheard them and well I couldn't let them just sneak off like that," said Belle.

"I would love to come," he said. Belle told him the time and the place and he promised to be there.

"I'll see you than," said Belle and she turned to leave.

"Would you like to get them a present?" he asked and Belle shook her head.

"I don't have the money on me right now," said Belle.

"Your money isn't good here. Just pick out something," said Gold. Belle looked down at the flowered tea pot again. We had tea and cake...talked about books...The thought came out of no where and she shook her head.

"Do you have a complete tea set? Natalie really likes tea?" asked Belle.

"I think I have one in the back," said Gold and he went to the back and returned with a white and blue patterned tea pot.

"How's this?"

"Perfect," said Belle.

"I'll have everything cleaned and boxed up with a card," said Gold. Belle smiled.

"Thank you very much. I'll see you tonight," said Belle and she left. Gold shook his head, he was imagining things. When she looked at the teapot he saw a flicker in her eyes. Like something had come back to her.

Next time-What's more fun than a little wedding and some drama?

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