The morning of the wedding came faster than they seemed to be ready for. There was a lot of running around and last-minute preparations. This was the first time Claude had ever actually been included—ordinarily, people showed up, got married, and left. The cook was grumbling a little about the fact that they were hosting yet another after-party here, but even she couldn't complain because she was getting paid extra to keep the kitchens ready.
"You look beautiful," Marie commented when Dawn stepped into the room with her new dress on.
"Not as beautiful as you do!" Dawn answered. It was true—Dawn had made sure that none of them outshone the bride. Her dress was white and royal blue, which made her eyes stand out. Her hair was elaborately done and small white flowers were braided into her hair. Ruth wore a smaller, simpler version of Marie's dress. They were fortunate enough to get the last of the roses from the garden before they were gone for the winter. Dawn had spent half the morning weaving some into a flower crown for Ruth. She looked like a little angel.
"I think you're ready," Dawn announced, "and we made sure that your house is all ready for you to move into."
The house had been a surprise. Marie had not known about it until the day before. Jehan had nearly gone crazy trying to keep it a secret. Things were off to a great start.
"We should probably get downstairs," Dawn told her, "it's nearly time."
Claude was already in his place in the front of the sanctuary. He wore white robes with gold trim and was the picture of serenity. He and Jehan exchanged knowing glances as the music started.
Jehan's eyes locked on Marie. He was unable to see anything else after that. Dawn was grinning ear-to-ear and was remembering her own wedding day. She took her spot in one of the front pews to watch the ceremony. Squishie lay beside her on the pew and Malachi was sitting in her lap.
Then, they hit a slight snag.
"Jehan, where's the ring?" Claude whispered.
"I've got it, I swear! Must be in my other pocket."
Marie struggled not to giggle. Jehan's face flamed bright red.
"Has anyone seen the ring?" he asked, sounding mortified.
Malachi had slipped out of Dawn's lap and was toddling towards the couple. Dawn hadn't paid much attention, she was busy trying to see if he'd dropped it on the way up the aisle.
Then…
Claude's laughter rang through the church and spread. It was contagious. Puzzled, Dawn turned around to see what was so entertaining.
"You little sneak! How did you get that?" She asked, beginning to laugh herself.
Malachi was holding the ring. Seeming to be quite proud of himself, he waved it around in the air before surrendering it to Jehan. Jehan breathed a sigh of relief and wiped away the coating of baby-spit. Still blushing, he slid the cleaned ring on Marie's hand.
That was close, he thought, I saved for months to buy that ring…
Taking a breath to try and compose himself, Claude was still grinning from amusement when he pronounced them husband and wife.
The crowd began to stream into the dining hall for the after-party. With this many guests, it was easy to blend into the background. Joseph had come to watch.
He saw the glint in Claude's eyes as the crowd had dispersed. She had stayed behind to wait for them. He drew her back into a less-visible area so that he could kiss her. They'd both emerged with flushed faces and their hands joined.
And for once, it didn't hurt him to the core.
There was something about seeing Claude so happy that washed away the pain once and for all. The endless yearning was gone. The apprehension and the jealousy were gone. A peace he had not known in years resonated through his soul.
It was all going to be all right.
Malachi was getting fussy because he was hungry. A few people were still lingering because they wanted to talk to Claude.
"Go on," he told Dawn, "I'll find you in a moment."
Dawn picked up their son, who was now yelling "HUNGRY!" at the top of his lungs. Joseph watched as she swept out of the sanctuary with the rest of the crowd. It vaguely reminded him of the night he'd seen her go with the gypsies.
He nearly jumped out of his skin when he realized that Claude stood right next to him.
"You're the man who helped me when I was sick," he remembered. Joseph's stomach began to tremble.
"Yes, sir," he said respectfully, willing himself to sound calmer than he was.
"I never got a chance to thank you properly. I might have died without your assistance."
"I couldn't let that happen, sir. You have too much to live for," Joseph said awkwardly.
"As do you, sir. Join us. The more guests there are, the happier my wife will be."
He allowed himself to sweep in with the last of the crowd. There was a special dinner to celebrate with, then the rest of the after-party took place in the garden. Dawn, ever the stage-artist, was the entertainment for the guests that wanted to dance. It didn't escape Claude's notice (or anyone else's for that matter) that she was constantly trying to catch his gaze.
The festivities finally wound down late that night. Full of hope and happiness, everyone went home exhausted and full. Jehan and Marie had gone to their house and Dawn volunteered to keep Celeste for the night.
"There you go, all tucked in for the night," Dawn said, tucking her and Malachi in together. Both of them were rapidly drifting off. She kissed both of them on the forehead and slipped out of the room. Once she was back in the bedroom she shared with Claude, she flopped onto the bed.
"I am so tired," Dawn sighed, "I could sleep for a week. Who knew that parties were so exhausting?"
Claude chuckled.
"Says the woman who led an entire gypsy band into the kitchen and sang for two hours straight," he laughed, "between planning this entire event, trying to keep up with a one-year old little boy whose sole mission in life is to get into everything, and performing, I'm surprised you're still awake at all."
Dawn unlaced her corset and tossed it aside. She would never get used to these accursed things.
"I don't plan on being awake for much longer," she admitted with a yawn, "good luck getting me up in the morning."
Claude shed his robes and changed into his nightgown while she braided her hair for the night. She knew if she didn't that it would get hopelessly tangled.
"I'll let Squishie do that," Claude teased. The dog would wake her up if no one else could—she had a habit of digging the covers off of their heads and licking their ears, necks, and faces until they finally gave in and got up. Dawn claimed she was much more effective than an alarm clock because she was far too cute to throw against the wall.
