"Ok we have flowers, cake, a photographer...what about music?" asked Mary Margaret.
"We can just throw mixed cd's into a player," said Ruby.
"What are you three up to?" asked Emma coming in with Henry and seeing the lists all over the table.
"A wedding," said Belle cheerfully.
"Whose?" asked Henry excitedly.
"Natalie and Archie's," said Mary Margaret.
"Can I help?" asked Henry.
"And when is the bride coming over?" asked Emma.
"Oh it's totally a surprise wedding," said Ruby.
"Come again?" asked Emma.
"They wanted to elope and it seemed like such a waste," said Belle.
"Natalie likes daisies...did you get daisies?" asked Henry.
"Ok. Hold up. Natalie and Archie already made their own wedding plans and you three decided that wasn't good enough and are planning their wedding?" asked Emma.
"But this is so much better," said Mary Margaret. "And yes we got daisies." Emma shook her head and pulled out her cell phone.
"What are you doing?" asked Henry.
"Calling Natalie to warn her," said Emma.
"What! No, you can't do that!" cried Mary Margaret taking the phone away.
"She and Archie want to elope and it's what they want. If she wanted the big to-do she would have it," said Emma.
"Is she always a spoil sport?" asked Belle.
"Yes," said Henry.
"Hey," said Emma looking wounded.
"Listen I know Natalie. She's doing this because she thinks she doesn't deserve the fuss of a nice wedding. She and Archie of all the people in the world deserve as you put it 'a big to-do' and we're going to make it happen," said Mary Margaret.
"And if she really doesn't want it?" asked Emma.
"Than we have cake," said Belle with a shrug.
"Emma...please. I owe her this much. Please don't tell them," said Mary Margaret. Emma sighed.
"I'm not wearing a dress to this," said Emma.
"But I thought...ok you don't have to wear a dress," said Mary Margaret. Henry smirked.
"So can we call this Operation: Wedding Bell?" asked Henry. Belle and Ruby exchanged smiles and Emma shook her head.
"So what do we have so far?" asked Emma sitting down.
"You want to help?" asked Belle.
"Well if you can't beat em'," said Emma. "Tell me we're not doing a bouquet toss?"
"It's tradition!" cried Belle, Ruby, Mary Margaret and Henry. Emma just shook her head. If only savior abilities came with the power of a telepathy to warn them, thought Emma.
There was a knock on the door about an hour later and Emma answered it to see Neil was standing there.
"Hey I wanted to see if Henry wanted to have dinner with me and Tamara tonight," said Neil.
"Actually he's knee deep in wedding planning," said Emma looking at the table were Henry was helping call people to come.
"Wedding planning?" asked Neil with a smirk.
"Yeah...they're old friends of the family," said Emma.
"Can I ask who?" asked Neil.
"Here they're known as Natalie and Archie and back in the Enchanted Forest they were Jiminy Cricket and Odette," said Emma.
"I read Henry's book and he told me all about them. About time they settled down," teased Neil. Emma shook her head.
"I never thought I would be a guest at Jiminy Cricket's wedding," said Emma.
"The song list isn't going to make itself," called Mary Margaret. Henry looked up and finally noticed Neil.
"Hey. You wanna come to wedding tonight?" asked Henry.
"I'm not sure kid... I really don't know the bride or groom," said Neil. "But if you need someone to be a DJ I think I can help."
"You DJ?" asked Emma sounding stunned.
"It's a nice part time gig. I don't have any of the gear with me, but I'm sure we can work something out," said Neil.
"That does solve our music issue," said Belle. Emma sighed as Neil came in and took a seat at the table to talk about the music. Never in my wildest dreams did I think my mother and son would be sitting with my ex boyfriend talking about what music to play at Jiminy Cricket and Odette's wedding. Please let this wedding have an open bar.
…...
Natalie took a step back from the mannequin and studied the dress. It was one she had planned on making this for after she had the baby, but it would have to do for her wedding dress. It was a cream colored dress that was strapless that came down past her knees. She tied a light green sash around the waist and stepped back to look at it. She liked the final result and she hoped Archie would like it. Natalie hung it up and placed it in the garment bag. She would change when they got to the chapel. There was a tapping at the door.
"Natalie. Can I come in?" asked Archie.
"Sure," she said. He came in and saw the garment bag.
"It's almost five thirty. I thought you might want to start getting ready," said Archie.
"I can get dressed at the chapel, but I'll do my hair and make up here," said Natalie. She turned and looked at the garment bag and Archie saw a look cross Natalie's face that he couldn't make out. He reached out and took her hand.
"If you're having second thoughts..."started Archie. Natalie looked up at him and smiled.
"You are the one thing I have never had second thoughts about. I just don't want you peeking at the dress while I'm trying to get ready.
"I promise not to look. Go get ready," said Archie smiling at her. Natalie went into the bathroom to take a quick shower. She wasn't having second thoughts about marrying Archie, but maybe she was being hasty in this. Maybe rushing off like this wasn't fair to everyone else in their lives who had been there for them. No...we're doing this today. We've waited long enough.
Archie straightened his tie and started brushing off his jacket. He felt his hands shaking again and he took a deep breath.
"Well don't you look nice for dinner," teased Belle coming in. Archie was wearing black slacks with a white shirt and a dark green tie.
"Actually we're not going to have dinner just yet. Natalie and I decided to get married tonight," said Archie. Belle looked surprised at him.
"Oh...wow. That's great," said Belle giving him a hug.
"Natalie's getting ready upstairs. You have time to change if you want," said Archie.
"It shouldn't take too long," said Belle and she headed upstairs. Belle shut the door to her room and texted Ruby that they were getting ready and should be heading out shortly. Belle changed into a blue dress shirt and long black skirt and pinned her hair back into a bun. She left her room just as Natalie was coming out of the bathroom. She was wearing jeans and a gray sweater, but her hair was down and in loose curls.
"So you decided on jeans," teased Belle.
"It's bad luck for the groom to see bride in her dress before the wedding. I'll change at the chapel," said Natalie.
"So can I ask why today?" asked Belle.
"Because it's time," said Natalie going in to the bedroom to get her shoes and under garments. Belle headed back downstairs and saw that Marco and Pinocchio were already there.
"So where's the bride?" asked Marco.
"Getting her shoes and dress," said Belle. Archie looked nervous and was pacing back and forth, while holding a small bouquet of daisies he asked Marco to get him.
"Are you ok?" asked Marco.
"It's just...this has been a long time coming," said Archie. Natalie came downstairs holding her shoes and garment bag.
"That's what you're getting married in?" asked Marco and Natalie rolled her eyes. Archie took the bag from her and handed her the flowers.
"I honestly don't care," said Archie. Natalie turned a little pink and and kissed him.
"Thank you," said Natalie. Archie went to say something when they all heard music from outside.
I need someone who understands/I need someone, someone who hears/For you I've waited all these years/For you, I'd wait 'till kingdom come/Until my day, my day is done/And say, you'll come and set me free/Just say, you'll wait, you'll wait for me
"What is that?" asked Archie. Natalie felt herself turning a bit pink. She had this has the ring tone on her phone for when Archie called. Very few people knew this and one of them was in the room looking like the cat that ate the carnay. Belle was trying to look surprised, but Natalie knew that look.
"Belle? What is going on?" asked Natalie. The younger girl shrugged.
"Nothing much. It's just a little music," said Belle. Natalie looked at Archie and sighed.
"I think we've been found out," said Natalie.
"Oh please don't be upset. We just wanted you to have something nice," said Belle.
"Who's we?" asked Archie.
"Myself, Ruby and Mary Margaret," said Belle. Natalie sighed and went back upstairs. Belle looked upset. "Did I do something wrong? Archie sat the garment bag down.
"Just give us a minute please," said Archie. He went upstairs and found Natalie studying the window.
"What are you doing?" asked Archie.
"Debating if we can climb down the drain pipe and just walk to the church," said Natalie.
"Odette...please. You thought that they wouldn't want this for us. They do though and this is the proof. Come back down please," said Archie. Natalie looked at him near tears.
"Why does nothing go as planned?" she asked. Archie bent down and kissed her.
"You think we would be used to it by now," he said. "If you really don't want to have whatever they have planned we can both climb down the drain pipe. I just want you to be happy." Natalie looked up at him and smiled at him. He loved her, he supported her and had her back.
"I don't think the drain pipe would support us both...not to mention I'm sure Ruby would track us down and..." started Natalie.
"Is this what you want though?" asked Archie.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again. I just want to marry you. If this is how it's going to be than it's how it's going to be," said Natalie. Archie took her hand and they went back downstairs. Belle was pacing back and forth looking worried and Marco was trying to calm her down.
"I didn't mean to upset her. I just wanted it to be nice," said Belle.
"I'm sure it's going to be," said Natalie picking up her flowers while Archie picked up the garment bag and took her hand.
"Thank you Belle. I'm sure whatever you have planned is going to be wonderful," said Archie. Belle smiled and hugged them both.
"It is going to be wonderful! I promise. Well we best get going, everyone is waiting for you two," said Belle. Archie squeezed her hand and they both headed outside and were stunned. A huge group was outside holding candles. Emma gave them a look and she shrugged. It reminded Archie of the look she gave him at the mines when Henry was going on about the curse. I'm sorry about all of this.
Henry was standing there next to Mary Margaret and David with the biggest smile on his face. Ruby, Granny and Dr. Whale were also there and so was Grumpy and the others.
"Didn't think you would get away did you?" asked Grumpy. Mary Margaret handed her candle off to David and came up to Natalie and Archie. She hugged them both and she looked at Natalie and was near tears.
"We didn't think you were going to come out," teased Mary Margaret. Natalie looked at Mary Margaret and was clearly worried about what Natalie was going to say. "You deserve this...I want you to be happy. I mean it." Natalie hugged her back and Mary Margaret hugged her back tightly.
"Is that what you plan on wearing?" asked Mary Margaret teasing.
"I'll wear what I want and that will be it," said Natalie.
"So are we going to stand here all night or are we going to a wedding?" asked Emma.
"Yes," said Archie.
…...
"You look worried," said David come up to Archie.
"I'll only worry if she doesn't come back from the dressing room," said Archie. "At least it's on the ground floor."
"Do I even want to know?" asked David. Archie shrugged and looked around the chapel. They had decorated the chapel with white daisies on the pews and streamers. Someone had put down a silver runner and had already put down flower petals. People were starting to file in and he was stunned to see how many people were coming.
"You and Natalie have helped a lot of people in this town. They want to be here for this," said David.
"Well rather my wedding than my funeral," said Archie. David gave him a look.
"If you had waited a bit longer you and Natalie could have of had this back in the Enchanted Forest," said David.
"The beans are almost ready?" asked Archie stunned. It had only been a few weeks since they had been planted.
"Well between really good soil, Grumpy's work ethic and Miracle Grow we almost have a full crop. I think in another two weeks we should be ready to start planning how to evacuate everyone," said David.
"What if people don't want to leave?" asked Archie.
"Do you want to stay?" asked David worried.
"Honestly I wanted to stay until Natalie had the baby. I mean if anything would happen to her and...magic can only do so much," said Archie.
"They have to come first. I understand that," said David.
"Hey Mary Margaret said it's almost time so I guess that means places," said Emma coming up to them.
"Good luck," said David. Archie stood up and went to the front. Blue looked at him and grinned.
"I do apologize for my part in this," she said.
"It's alright," said Archie. Someone turned on the Wedding March and Archie had to force himself to breath. Maybe Natalie was right about trying to run off, everyone looking at him was making him nervous. What if he forgot what he wanted to say? He should have gotten her a ring...she deserved more than some old pocket watch...people weren't going to understand and...everyone stood up and looked towards the back of the chapel. Oh my god. Once again it didn't matter who was there, she was the only one in the room for him.
...
"It's pretty," said Mary Margaret has she studied the dress Natalie was hanging up.
"I thought brides wore white," said Henry.
"Not always and it's sort of white," said Natalie.
"Come on kid the bride needs to get dressed," said Ruby ushering Henry out. Belle was in the dining hall making sure everything was set up right leaving her and Mary Margaret.
"You need any help?" asked Mary Margaret.
"I think I made it simple enough to dress myself," said Natalie and she picked up her dress and went into the bathroom to change. She came back a few moments later and put her shoes on.
"So what do you think?" asked Natalie.
"I think you look like someone who can't wait to walk down that aisle," teased Mary Margaret. Natalie shrugged a little and both of them seemed unable to find words.
"For how I treated you...I am truly sorry. It's just...I'm jealous. You are going to be such a good mother and you're going to able to enjoy every second of it. I love Emma so much, but she's not a baby anymore and really that's what I want. After we get back to the Enchanted Forest, I think I want to try for another baby," said Mary Margaret. Natalie hugged her and smiled. Maybe the darkness can be cured.
"Well considering it didn't take that long the first time," teased Natalie and Mary Margaret turned pink.
"I see we have different ideas of a small affair," said Regina and Mary Margaret got in front of Natalie.
"I didn't know about this until an hour ago," said Natalie.
"And how did you find out?" asked Mary Margaret.
"Henry asked me to be here. He figured since I played a small part in this romance I should see the end result. Congratulations Odette," said Regina.
"Thank you," said Natalie.
"I figured for the sake of our mutual friend we can have a bit of truce. At least for this evening," said Regina looking at Mary Margaret.
"Deal," said Mary Margaret.
"Is that what you're wearing?" asked Regina and Natalie rolled her eyes.
"It's a dress and it's sort of white so what is the big deal?" asked Natalie.
"Consider this a wedding present," said Regina snapping her fingers. The dress Natalie was wearing turned into a full length spaghetti strapped white ball gown with the silver leaves and ivy fabric she had planned on using.
"That is what you planned on making?" asked Regina looking slightly hopeful. She is still trying so hard. They both are.
"It is. Thank you very much," said Natalie.
"Well I should go take a seat," said Regina and she left the room. Mary Margaret touched the dress and gave a sad little smile.
"I really did hurt your feelings didn't I?" asked Mary Margaret.
"You did. I was fine with my life back in the Enchanted Forest. I never wanted you to lose your daughter and to have you think I wanted that for you..." Natalie shook her head and quickly wiped her eyes.
"I know that and it was beyond wrong to say that to you and I hope I can make up for that," said Snow. There was a knock on the door and Belle poked her head in and gasped.
"Oh my god. It's beautiful...I can't wait to souee the look on Archie's face," said Belle. "Everything is set up in the hall. Are we ready?"
"Almost. We just have one last touch," said Mary Margaret. She went over to her bag and pulled out a small box. She handed it to Natalie. "Open it." Natalie opened it and gasped. It was the tiara from Snow's coming of age.
"Oh my god. I thought this was lost in the curse," said Natalie.
"Johanna found it," said Mary Margaret and Natalie had to hold back her tears at the memory of Johanna playing with the tiara and posing in the mirror. "The bride needs something borrowed afterall."
"I thought servants didn't wear crowns," said Natalie.
"But my friend should," said Mary Margaret taking the crown back and making Natalie sit down to put the crown on. "There now I think we're ready." Natalie stood up and hugged Mary Margaret and than Belle.
"Thank you," said Natalie.
"Marco's going to walk you down the aisle," said Belle handing Natalie her flowers.
"We'll see you out there," said Mary Margaret and they headed out. Natalie took a moment to look in the mirror and she almost didn't recognize herself.
"If I was a much younger man," teased Marco.
"We both know you are too noble to steal your friend's girl," said Natalie.
"Besides my heart belongs to another girl. Are you ready?" asked Marco.
"I am," said Natalie. She took Marco's arm and they headed towards the chapel area as the music started. She was stunned to see all the people sitting in the chapel waiting for her and she looked to the front to see Archie there and how nervous he looked and she had to smile. This is it, thought Natalie as she and Marco started walking.
…...
She...wow...oh my god she's so beautiful, thought Archie as she walked towards him. It was more than just the dress or hair. It was how she looked at him with that smile that had always been just between them. Marco walked Natalie up to him and he shook his hand.
"You two...take care of each other," said Marco taking his seat. Natalie took Archie's hand and she squeezed it. Blue took her hand and put it over Natalie and Archie's hands.
"We are here to witness the uniting of two lives-Archie Hopper and Natalie White or as many of us first knew them as Odette and Jiminy. The uniting of these two lives is a wonderful thing to witness. The love they share is a powerful thing and we should all be so lucky to have this type of love in our lives. I would like to read the following passage from Corinthians."
"Love suffers long and is kind; it does not envy. Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never ends and now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love." Blue had to wipe her eyes before she went on.
"Your love has suffered long, yet despite everything remained kind. Your love has allowed you to bear the pain of separation and loss. It made you believe in each other and it has endured despite everything. Your faith and hope have brought you here today, but it is your love that keeps on going. I have to say I have been witness to many great love stories in my time, but you two...well it's good to finally see you two here," joked Blue getting a small laugh from everyone.
"Normally we would ask the bride and groom to exchange rings, but they have asked to keep a tradition from the bride's mother. A token of personal meaning is now going to be exchanged. Natalie if you would go first," said Blue. Natalie nodded and she reached up and took off her heart shaped glass locket. She opened his hand, put it in his hand, closed his hand and held it.
"When my mother gave me that she told me to be careful with it...that it could break easily. I was young and foolish enough to think she was actually talking about the necklace. I know better now. Truthfully I was always scared to let someone get close enough to break it, until you. Everyone thought me silly, but the truth of it was no one had ever really knew me until I met you. You wanted to know me, to be there for me, for me to be happy. I never had that till you. Honestly I think that has been yours since the first time you spoke to me and now it always will be yours," said Natalie barely keeping herself from crying. Archie squeezed her hand and kissed her forehead. He reached into his coat pocket and gave her his pocket watch.
"I've had a lot of time in my life and for a lot it I felt alone. I honestly thought that was how it was going to be until I met you. When I met you...there didn't feel like there was enough time in the world to be near you. When we were apart it felt like time slowed to a crawl. There were times it felt like my own heart was breaking until I got to see you again. You made realize that I didn't have to be alone anymore. I don't want to spend another second of my life without you in it," said Archie. Natalie looked down at the watch and smiled.
"You won't have too," said Natalie softly so only he could hear her.
"Let these symbols always remind you of the promises you have made to each other here. Promises of love and faith. By the power granted to me by the State of Maine...well sort of. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," said Blue. Archie bent down, wove his hands through her hair and kissed.
"May I present Doctor and Doctor Hopper," said Blue over the cheering in the chapel.
…...
"Oh my god," said Natalie studying the dining hall that had been set up for the reception. Lots of small round tablescloth white table cloths had been set up for dinner with bouquets of daisies in small green vases. Off to the side of the room was a table for gifts and a small box for cards. Another table was set up with a three tier white cake with blue flowes on it. A table set up for just them was in the front of the hall. Strings of white lights were hanging from the ceiling and music was playing softly.
"Do you really like it?" asked Belle taking them to their table.
"It's wonderful," said Natalie hugging her. Belle gave them a huge smile before moving out of the way so other people could congratulate them.
"Well congratulations you two," said Gold coming up to the table. Archie noticed that people were keeping their distance from Gold.
"Um thank you," said Natalie while Archie shook his hand.
"She's doing really well," said Gold his eyes following Belle has she was talking to Neil.
"She is," agreed Natalie.
"She actually came to see me today at my shop...she...it was almost like she was her old self again," said Gold and he walked away. Natalie looked at Archie and looked stunned.
"Was he trying to thank us?" asked Natalie. Before Archie could say anything Ruby and Dr. Whale came up to the table to congratulate them. Natalie noticed Regina wasn't in the line, but before she could get up and look for her, dinner was served. Granny had made lasagna and garlic bread for dinner.
"Granny doesn't use red pepper flakes," said Archie and Natalie grinned.
"Regina was here. Well she was at the chapel anyway," said Natalie.
"I didn't see her," said Archie.
"Well Henry invited her and she said hello when I was getting dressed. Actually she sort of made this dress," said Natalie.
"What happened to the dress you made?" asked Archie.
"Not sure," admitted Natalie.
"I honestly think you would have looked pretty in anything," said Archie.
"Well thank you for that vote of confidence," said Natalie grinning. A camera flash went off and she rolled her eyes. Henry just grinned.
"Really," teased Natalie.
"You have to have pictures," said Henry.
"And the bride needs to eat," said Natalie.
"Can I just get one more?" asked Henry.
"Let's get one together," said Natalie and she waved Emma over. "Can you get a picture of us all together?" Emma took the camera and shook her head.
"You are taking this far better than I thought," said Emma.
"Well I did debate climbing down the drain pipe," said Natalie.
"I would have," said Emma. "Ok act like were having fun." She took their picture and just grinned.
"Thank you," said Archie.
"And you wanted to spoil the surprise," said Henry taking the camera back.
"I did try to call you guys," said Emma. Mary Margaret came up to them and grinned.
"It's time," said Mary Margaret.
"For what?" asked Archie.
"The first dance. Come on," said Mary Margaret taking Natalie's hand and dragging her out to the dance floor. Natalie looked back at Archie horrified and he followed her out to the floor.
"I...it's been years since I've danced," said Natalie looking worried.
"It's alright. I haven't danced in years either. Do you remember how to waltz?" asked Archie.
"Yes," said Natalie.
"Well than let's go with that," said Archie taking her hand in his and putting his other hand on her back. "I'm worried about what they'll have us dancing too."
"As long as it's not Baby Got Back I'll be happy," said Natalie getting Archie to laugh. The music started up and Archie had to smile a little, it's something he would have picked for them and they started to dance.
Here I stand head in hands, turn my face to the wall. If she's gone I can't on. Feeling two foot small. Everywhere people stare, each and everyday. I can see them laugh at me and I hear them say.
Hey you've got to hide your love away. Hey you've got to hide your love away.
How can I even try. I can never win. Hearing them, seeing them in the state I'm in. How can she say to me love will find a way. Gather round all you clowns and let me hear you say...
Hey you've got to hide your love away. Hey you've got to hide your love away. Oh hey, you've got to hide your love away.
The song finished and Natalie kissed him. "We don't have to hide it anymore."
"I don't think I could," said Archie.
…...
"Do you dance?" asked Belle taking a seat next to him. Gold shook his head as he watched Natalie and Archie's first dance finish up and other people started joining them on the floor.
"I don't think I would be good at it," he said nodding to his cane and Belle turned pink.
"Oh right. Sorry," she muttered and starting playing with a napkin.
"If you want to go and dance though," he suggested and Belle shook her head.
"I don't think I would be very good at it. Is it alright if I stay here though?" she asked.
"Yes of course," said Gold trying to stay calm. Belle looked out at the dance floor and smiled.
"They are really good together," said Belle. "I think she was going to run when this first started. But, look how happy they are now."
"You did a very good job at this," said Gold.
"Well I had help," said Belle. It got quite between them again and Belle spoke up again. "Were we that happy?" Gold was beyond stunned that she was the one bring up their relationship and had to take a moment to compose himself. Be honest this time.
"I think we were trying to get there. They worked really hard to get here. I was always afraid to put that amount of work in. I was scared of being hurt. But you always willing to do the work I wasn't. Even now, you're doing the work I find hard to do," admitted Gold.
"I wish I could remember and I'm sorry that I can't. But maybe we can try to make new ones together," suggested Belle.
"I would like to do that," said Gold smiling and Belle couldn't help but smile back.
"Maybe we could do it somewhere a bit quiter," suggested Belle as the music picked up and people started to get louder.
"Sounds like a good idea," said Gold. "While don't you get your coat and I'll say our goodnights to the bride and groom." Belle nodded and went to get her coat and Gold went over to where Archie and Natalie had stepped off the dance floor.
"Too wild for you?" asked Gold.
"A bit," said Archie.
"I have to agree with you and that's why I've come to say goodnight and thank you. I know she says she doesn't remember, but she's agreed to leave with me so we can talk. It's a start which is more than I would hope for. Thank you," said Gold.
"Um..your welcome," said Natalie. Before she could say anything else Ruby came up and grabbed her arm.
"Come on this is a great song," cried Ruby pulling Natalie away.
"Good luck," said Archie.
"It's amazing how things turn out isn't it. How one bad decision turned into the best thing in your life," said Gold. He turned to walk away when Archie spoke up.
"You told my parents about that potion. It was the only way they could have known. Why?" asked Archie.
"I needed someone who could create a vessel to transport the Savior to this land to find my son. I needed someone to guide him to her parents. You and Odette played a very important role in us getting here. Never forget that. Good night Dr. Hopper," said Gold walking away. Archie was stunned and he shook his head and looked out to the dance floor where Natalie was dancing with Ruby, Henry and Pinocchio and she had the biggest smile on her face. It no longer mattered to him how they got here, they were here and that was all that mattered.
Belle was putting on her coat when someone bumped into her and she dropped her purse.
"Oh I am so sorry," said a woman and she started helping her pick up the contents of her bag.
"It's ok. Thank you," said Belle.
"I don't know if we met earlier. I'm Regina."
"Belle," she said.
"Your leaving early," said Regina.
"It's just getting a little too rowdy," said Belle.
"Leaving with a friend?" asked Regina with a little smile.
"Just waiting for him," said Belle standing up.
"Oh you forgot this," said Regina handing her a matchbook.
"I don't think this is mine," said Belle.
"Are you sure?" asked Regina and Belle looked at it again and felt odd. Everything started swimming her head.
"My name is Lacey," she muttered.
"Yes that's right," said Regina had gotten Gold back for her mother. Belle had her memory back, just not her real ones. She watched Belle walk outside in a daze dropping the matchbook. Regina simply smiled, she and went back into the hall to see Natalie dancing with Henry and felt her smile fade. He had invited her, but when it came down to it he would rather be with anyone other than her. Even after Snow had shown her true colors everyone was so willing to forgive her and yet they would never forgive her no matter how many times she tried. They would have tonight as a show her kindness, but after that they would all feel her pain and she would have her son's love again. Regina turned and left the hall.
…...
"I was starting to think I wasn't going to see you again," teased Archie as Natalie came up to the table. Marco shook his head.
"She has many young suitors, my boy among them," said Marco.
"I was hoping to drag you out for a dance," said Natalie taking his hand.
"Don't say no to her," said Marco raising his glass in mock toast. Archie followed her out to the dance floor as a slow number started. Natalie put her hands around his neck, he put his hands on her waist and she pressed herself close to him. I will never get tired of how wonderful she feels.
"So when do you think we can sneak out of here?" asked Natalie.
"Are you getting bored?" teased Archie.
"It is getting late," said Natalie giving him a kiss on the neck. "Do you have my watch?"
" It's in my pocket and I'm pretty sure there is a door to the kitchen on your right that will lead us outside," whispered Archie.
"Ok let's head slowly for the door," said Natalie. They went to head towards the door and were stopped by Neil and someone who Archie could only assume was his girlfriend.
"Congratulations," said Neil and he shook Archie's hand.
"It was a lovely service," she said.
"This is Tamara, my fiancee," said Neil.
"It's nice to meet you," said Natalie. Tamara went to say something when her phone went off.
"Uh work. They are going to be so bummed out when I quit. Excuse me please," said Tarama stepping away.
"I swear the hours she keeps," joked Neil.
"What does she do?" asked Archie.
"She's an event planner back home. Lucky the gang didn't rope her into this or else it would have been more eleborate," teased Neil. Emma came over.
"You know the back door is just to your right," said Emma.
"That's where we were headed," said Natalie.
"Sneak out before they make you guys do the garter toss," said Emma. Natalie took off the crown and handed it to Emma.
"Make sure your mother gets this," said Natalie. She took Archie's hand and they quickly made their way out.
"You really don't care for this wedding hokem," said Neil.
"I think Natalie had the right idea to start with. Something quite and just for them," said Emma.
"Oh come on. They were having fun," said Neil. Emma shrugged and looked out to see Henry dancing with Mary Margaret and David. Ruby was slow dancing with Dr. Whale. Granny and Marco were chatting at a table. Everyone was so wrapped up in their fun, they failed to notice the bride and groom had slipped out.
"Yeah maybe they did," agreed Emma. Neil took the crown from her and studied it before putting it on her head.
"Looks cute on you," teased Neil and Emma took it off.
"I might be a princess it doesn't mean I have to wear the gear," she said walking away. Neil shook his head. It did look cute on her.
…...
"It's a shame that you had to miss such a nice wedding," said Tamara stepping outside.
"It's fine," said Owen.
"Did you get the truck and the package?" asked Tamara.
"You know I did. Should I just meet you at the tower?" asked Owen.
"It's the safest place to meet. Once we get phase one into place, we need to figure out how to get phase two started," started Tamara.
"They still want the boy?" asked Owen.
"Actually there as been a slight change to the plans. The Home Office has decided that the bride is worth collecting too. You were right according to everyone here she is expecting, it's something that has Home Office curious about," said Tamara.
"Well discuss how to start phase two when we meet up," said Owen. They hung up and Owen grinned to himself.
…...
Archie opened the door to the house and paused.
"I think tradation states I'm supposed to carry you in," said Archie.
"One last time," joked Natalie and Archie picked her up and carried her inside. He sat her down and the dogs looked up at them puzzled. "I know babies it's been a long, strange night." she bent down and rubbed their heads.
"A good night though," said Archie.
"A very good night," said Natalie hugging him."It's actually been the best night of my life." She felt Archie put his hands on her waist and he bent down and kissed her. She felt her back against the wall and his weight pressing against her. Natalie looked up at him and put her hands over his.
"I don't know why I feel so nervous all of a sudden," said Natalie.
"If you just want to go to sleep," started Archie and Natalie kissed him again.
"You can be a very silly man sometimes," she said taking his hand and pulling him upstairs. It had been the first time they had been alone in a long time in their house. She shut the door behind her and leaned against it. Archie put his hands back on her waist and looked down at her.
"The first time I ever got to touch you...I felt...I just knew you were the only one I ever wanted again," said Archie. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close to her.
"I've always trusted you. Always," said Natalie. He kissed her harder this time and pulled her close to him. I'm yours...I always have been and now it's forever.
?_store=default -What I imagined Natalie's dress to look like.
Songs-Till Kingdom Come-Coldplay.
You've got to hide your love away-The Beatles
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