10 I Now Pronounce You

XxX

As Stu takes a couple of steps backwards, so as to not get any blood on him and sights down the barrel of the shotgun, Nick closes his eyes "I'm sorry Judy …"

Just as Stu pulls the trigger, a gray blur crosses his line of sight.

Unable to stop what's already been set in motion, the shotgun goes off with a loud "BOOM" and a piercing scream is heard by all.

"JUDY!"

"STUART HOPPS, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"

Looking around and frozen in shock, realizing that he had just shot his daughter, Stu has no comeback to his wife's question.

Grabbing the single shot shotgun so he had no opportunity to reload, Bonnie quickly disassembles the weapon and keeps ahold of the foregrip so it couldn't be reassembled.

Just then, officers Ben Clawhauser and Francene Pennington hurriedly enter the backyard, weapons drawn after hearing the old weapon discharge.

"What happened here? asks Francene.

"My husband just shot our daughter and tried to shoot her fiancé!" Bonnie angrily informs the two officers.

Quickly grabbing Stu, Clawhauser throws the still shocked buck to the ground and pawcuffs him.

While all of that is going on, Nick has Judy cradled in his arms.

"It hurts…" was all Judy could choke out between the tears.

"I know sweetheart, I know." was all Nick could say to her as he rocks her gently.

Looking up to the two officers, Nick demands "Will at least one of you call an ambulance? Judy's been shot!"

"Hold on a second" pleads Nick as he gently sits Judy upright "I need to make a makeshift bandage…"

Tearing off the bottom couple of inches off of his shirt, Nick gently wraps the 'bandage' around the top part of Judy's left ear.

As Francene desperately calls for an EMT unit to Nick and Judy's address, Ben reads Stu his rights:

"Stuart Hopps "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand these rights as I have read them to you?"

"Yea, yea, yea, I understand, now fuck off!"

"Stuart … why?" asks Bonnie.

"That damned fox." Stu answers hotly. "All he'll ever do is break our daughter's heart, then leave her when the chips are down. I'd kill 'em all if I had my way."

"But Gideon is our partner-"

"A necessary evil. I've been behind in our taxes for years; it just helped the income for the farm. Besides, at least he wasn't sleeping with our daughter."

"Nick and I haven't been doing anything other than spooning dad" chokes out Judy. "even though we've both wanted to. We'd be married by now if not for you."

"And he'd leave you penniless and broken hearted at the first opportunity. He's a good for nothing, shifty fox after all."

"That's a lie dad! Do you want to know what Nick gave me for an engagement present? An investment that turned out to be worth two hundred million dollars dad. All in my name and already in the bank. That's how Nick would have left me penniless. This house, his warehouse, everything that he owned … we now own … everything is now in my name as well as his. We are worth almost two hundred and fifty million dollars dad. And since you shot me, a round that was meant for him, the only thing he's been worried about is me, my safety. Nick would never leave me, because he loves me. ME! For who I am, not for what I am."

Stu's silence is all that Judy needs to confirm that she'd never be able to change her father's mind about Nick.

Taking the opportunity to return his attention to Stu, Clawhauser is finally able to tell his prisoner the list of charges:

"Stuart Hopps, you are under arrest for two counts of attempted murder, one count of premeditated murder, one count each of conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a deadly firearm within the city limits of Zootopia, and discharging of a deadly firearm within the city limits of Zootopia."

Francine then turns her attention to Stu's brothers, who Bonnie was more than happy to name "Steven and Samuel Hopps, you are both under arrest for conspiring to murder one Nicholas Wilde. You will additionally be charged with the same felonies as Stuart Hopps."

"What?" yells Steven "All we did was ride along."

"Being willful participants enjoins the same charges as the actual perpetrator. Being ignorant of the law is no excuse." she adds as Clawhauser cuffs the pair.

As the sirens of the EMT van approach, Nick is still trying to comfort Judy.

"You'll be fine sweetheart …"

"God it hurts Nick. You have no idea how sensitive a bunny's ears are…"

"But I will find out, I promise."

As the words sink in, Judy is absolutely mortified "Nick, my mom's here…"

"It's ok bun-bun, I understand." quips Bonnie, winking at Nick.

As the EMTs begin to tend to Judy's wounds, Bonnie has to ask Stu "Stuart … why do you hate foxes so? Maybe I could understand if you'd just tell me."

Letting out a short huff, Stu figures that he has nothing to lose at this point.

"Before I met you in high school, I was going out with Annabelle Foxly-"

"That … That's Gideon Grey's mother."

"Yea, yea. Anyway, I thought that she was the gal for me. Turns out, all she did was string me along, she managed to steal thousands of dollars of my dad's money, then took and married that damned Leonard Grey, of all mammals."

"And you've carried that grudge all these years, and almost killed our daughter in the process?"

"It would'a been just that damned fox if she hadn't pushed him otta the way. It's her fault she got shot!"

"My gods Stu, do you even hear yourself? You're actually blaming Judy because you shot her?"

Turning away, Stu says nothing as Clawhauser begins to lead him to the squad car.

"Mister Hopps!" interrupts Nick "Just so you know, and yes I realize there are witnesses, two of whom are cops, if you ever get out of jail … I. Will. End. You."

"I'm afraid you'll need to stand in line Nick" says a determined Bonnie "The first shot is mine!"

Looking totally aghast, Stu addresses his wife "B-Bonnie, you can't mean that!"

"I have never been any more serious about anything in my life. And just so you know, I fully intend to divorce your speciest ass. Nick is the best thing that ever happened to Judy, and you came close to killing at least one if not both of them just moments ago."

Turning her attention to Francine "Get him out of my sight!"

Turning back to Judy, Bonnie notices that the EMTs are just finishing up and issuing final instructions "Keep the bandage lightly positioned on the ear. Change the bandages at least twice a day if needed and use this antibiotic crème. In the event that an infection sets in, be sure to come to the ER."

Stepping closer to Judy, who is now resting more or less comfortably in Nick's lap, Bonnie asks "So … how are you feeling bun-bun?"

"Bun-bun?" asks Nick with a mischievous grin.

"Not now please Nick." asks Judy softly. "Please."

"So … how bad is it?" asks Bonnie.

Two pellet holes in the tip of her left ear." answers the EMT tech. "At that range, she was extremely luck that that's the only injury…"

"Oh my!"

"What am I gonna do?" she asks Nick. "my ear…-"

"Will heal." returns Nick "After that, we can decide what to do. We've got the money to hire the best cosmetic surgeons in the world if that's what you want."

"Why would I not?"

"Well, you could always put a couple of those ring things in the holes, paint you claws black and wear black clothes all the time. Ya know kinda goth like." Still trying to lighten the moment.

"Nick."

"Yes?"

"Just shut up and hold me."

"Yes ma'am."

"Do you have any questions of us before we leave?" asks the coyote EMT tech.

"Ummm, yes." answers Judy meekly "I have one…"

Seeing the question on the mammal's face, a very embarrassed Judy asks "Umm, we're supposed to be married today … and … umm-"

Suddenly sporting a huge knowing grin, the coyote answers "As long as your betrothed doesn't nibble on your injured ear, you should be ok. And this might be a bit personal, but you might want to wait a week or so to 'officially' consummate your marriage."

Seeing the confusion on Judy's face, Nick whispers something in her undamaged ear, which immediately causes her to turn beet red, her eyes to open wide and both ears to shoot straight up, causing her to grimace slightly in pain.

"Good gods Nick, really?"

Also noting the confusion on Bonnie and Karla's faces, an amused Nick tells them "I'll let you all know after the company leaves, I promise."

Several minutes later after the police have taken Stu and his brothers away and the EMTs have left, Nick shares: "In order for a vulpine marriage to be 'official'." Nick says using finger quotes "the todd must knot his bride."

"Must not what?" asks a still confused Bonnie.

Without hesitation, Karla leans over and spends a few moments whispering in her cousin's ear.

A look akin to horror comes across Bonnies face as she asks "How in the world are you going to make that work?"

"I don't know just yet" says Judy softly "But we will … eventually."

"And you still want to go through with the wedding?" asks Karla.

"Absolutely, one hundred percent!" answers Judy forcefully, mimicking Nick's answer from that time in Tundra Town.

"And what about a honeymoon?" asks Bonnie.

"We'll stay here until Judy's healed, after that it's up to her." says Nick.

"Will you please come by the burrow at some point in time? With Stu gone, you're more than welcome anytime, you know that, right?"

"You know there'll still be some that won't like us being together, don't you mom?"

"Yes, probably. But with your dad in jail, I'm sure that a few dirty looks area about all you'll need to endure."

"We'll talk about it, I promise" says Nick.

"Anyway" says Karla "we seem to be a couple of witnesses short of a wedding now."

"Let me call Ben and see if he and Francine will be able to return anytime soon." volunteers Judy.

After her phone rings a few times, Clawhauser finally picks up.

"Hey Ben."

"Hey Judy … look, I can't talk long, Francine and I are busy processing your dad and uncles."

"I was afraid of that. Is there anyone else around that might be able to come and be witnesses? Nick and I still wanna be married, but we need at least two witnesses for it to be legal."

"….Ummm, hold on a sec…"

After a couple of minutes, Ben returns to the phone "Judy, I got ahold of a couple of mammals who wouldn't mind, they're on their way and should be there in about twenty minutes, give or take."

"Thanks Ben, I owe you,"

"Just send me back some wedding cake and we'll call it even."

"I think I can do that. Who-"

"How are you Judy? I know you were shot, and Francine and I would really like to know that you're ok."

"I'm … ok I guess. Two shot pellets went through my left ear, the EMTs fixed it up, and Nick thinks I should put a couple of rings in the holes, paint my claws black and go with a goth look."

"If anyone could pull it off it'd be you. I think you'd look cute as-"

"BEN! What did I tell you about the 'C' word?"

"Opps, sorry Judy."

"It's ok Ben, but seriously, we really need someone to be witnesses or we can't get married!"

"I told you that I have that arranged. You trust me … right?"

"Of course I do. I know you wouldn't send someone like Wolford or Fangmeyer. Just … please send someone…"

"Already on their way Judy, and congratulations."

"Thanks Ben. I'll talk to you later … bye."

"Well" says Nick "I wonder who the next guests will be and whether we'll have any more drama waiting for them!"

"I would most certainly hope not Wilde!" comes the unexpected and overly gruff voice of Chief Bobo.

"CHIEF!" exclaims an overjoyed Judy, who grabs the large mammal in a tight (but careful) hug.

"I wouldn't miss this for the world" says Bogo. "While I could never manage to put Wilde behind bars, at least I get the satisfaction of seeing him being toned down by someone like you Hopps."

"And Brian, I was hoping that you'd come!"

"Glad I didn't get left out. I was kinda bummed that you invited Ben and Francine first though."

"I'm sorry, we were in a pinch and they were the first mammals that I thought of."

"It's ok Judy, I understand."

"Well, let's get on with this, shall we?" prompted Karla "Bonnie and I are going to need to get back home before long."

"You two go on and change, we'll be getting everything else ready in the meantime."

"Judy before you go," interrupts Bonnie "I have something for you in the truck."

Giving her mom a questioning glance, Judy nonetheless follows Bonnie, while Nick heads for their master bedroom to change while Judy and Bonnie use the guest bedroom.

Fifteen minutes later, as Nick is standing in front of Karla, he hears the soft rustle of a dress behind him.

Turning, he sees Judy in a beautiful wedding gown complete with the veil, being escorted by a slightly embarrassed Chief Bogo towards the makeshift altar.

"Ye gods you're beautiful!" he states.

"It-it's mom's old wedding dress…"

"I don't care… just … wow!"

As the pair stop directly beside Nick, Karla asks "Who gives this female to be wed?"

"I, Adrian Bogo, standing in the bride's father's stead, give Judith to be wed."

"Will those to be wed, please join paws."

Turning her attention to Judy, Karla begins "Judith, please repeat after me - "I, Judith, take thee, Nicholas, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith and pledge myself to you."

To which Judy does.

Then turning her attention to Nick, Karla continues "Nicholas, please repeat after me - "I, Nicholas, take thee, Judith, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith and pledge myself to you."

And Nick does so.

"By the power vested in me by the commonwealth of the Tri-Burrows District, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the-"

Which was as far as Karla got as Nick and Judy join in their first truly passionate kiss.

"Ladies and gentlemammals, I present Nicholas and Judith Wilde."

As a thoroughly out of breath Judy tries to apologize to Bonnie "I'm sorry I couldn't be married in the burrow mom-"

"It's ok sweetheart, I'm just glad you finally found someone to love that would love you back. If you really want a large wedding, we can stall arrange one at the burrow sometime."

"It's not necessary mom, I promise."

Turning her attention to her other guests "Chief, Brian, I can't thank you enough for coming."

"We were glad to Hopps … I mean Wilde … ah hell, Judy. Higgins would've come too, but I had to leave someone responsible in charge of the precinct."

"And I want tothank you both as well." says Nick "you were among the few that stood up for us the day we were there. Speaking of which…"

Holding up a hoof Bogo interrupts "Taken care of. Wolford and Fangmeyer are both on unpaid leave as are a few other speciest officers. The entire force is now scheduled to undergo species sensitivity training. In addition, Fangmeyer and Detective Oates each got an additional two weeks unpaid suspension for their hypocrisy."

"Thanks Chief" says Judy "I'm glad that you're at least trying to take care of the problem."

"It's long overdue, and I'm truly sorry that it cost the ZPD a good officer Hopps …. Wil- Judy."

After pausing for a moment, Bogo continues "I'd like to ask you … both of you, if you'd consider doing part time consulting work for the department. With officers like Wolford and other canines presently on suspension, and even during the best of times, sometimes we need not only someone with the drive to do a job properly, like you Judy, but someone with a good nose and street smarts like you Nick, to lend a paw in certain cases. All I ask is that you take it under consideration."

Looking at each other for a few moments. Judy answers for the both of them "We'll think about it Chief. I'll let you know when we've made a decision, ok?"

"That's all I can ask for, thank you."

After a short impromptu reception, before which Nick and Judy have changed into more casual attire, the very small wedding party begins to wind down.

"I guess it's about time to head back" interrupts McHorn.

"Please, take some of the cake and other stuff back with you for Higgins, Ben and Francine" says Judy. "We've got more than we'll eat and I doubt if mom will want to lug it back with her."

"We can do that I guess." admits Bogo.

Shortly after Bogo and McHorn leave, Bonnie and Karla are getting ready to head back to the country.

While giving her daughter and new son-in-law hugs Bonnie brings up a delicate subject "I know you've been planning this for some time, but-"

"It's ok mom" interrupts Judy "We went to the best ob/gyn in Zootopia. We have no idea whether we can actually have kits of our own or not, but-"

"But I believe that you can, which is exactly why I was asking" interrupts Bonnie back.

"W-what? What are you talking about mom?"

"Do you remember Justine Bigpaw?"

"OF course! According to Nick, the Bigpaw's used to live right next door. Nick used to play with her, and he actually carved their initials in the playhouse."

"Nick?"

"Bonnie, I already explained the circumstances to Judy – we were both five at the time. That's one reason the Bigpaw's moved away. They didn't want Justine to be around a scary predator."

"Anyway, Judy you remember that Justine married one of Gideon's cousins right?"

"Yes mom, but what-"

"Well, they actually had a couple of litters that are now grown and let me tell you, they are the cutest thing's you've ever seen."

In a mild state of shock, Nick has to ask "You-you're kidding … right?"

"Not a bit! That's why I was concerned!"

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that I got an IUD then!" admits Judy.

"At least you've thought far enough ahead to have some protection for what I'm sure will be a long - hard night tonight." smirks the older doe.

"MOTHER!"

"What? Are you going to stand there and tell me that you aren't planning on-"

"Really mom? Of course we're going to … you know, but it just seems a bit weird to try to discuss it with my own mother of all mammals, especially on my wedding day. And wipe that smirk off of your face Nick …"

"What? Who me?"

Rolling her eyes "Of course you! Who else would I be talking to?"

"I promise to not nom your left ear…." he comments, trying to deflect the conversation.

"My gods Nick, will you please just-"

The rest is lost in another very heated kiss instigated by Nick, that promises to be much, much more involved later.

"You were saying?"

"Ummm, … I forgot?"

"And with that, Karla and I will head back home. You two call me in the morning, or whenever you find the time and energy, ok?"

"Mooooom! Really?"

Hugging her daughter and new son-in-law, Bonnie leads Karla out to the old truck, which suddenly brings up yet another problem.

"Damn" exclaims Bonnie "I had completely forgotten that Stu and his brothers had to drive something to get here. Karla, would you mind driving the truck we came in while I drive the other one back to Bunnyburrow? I'll send a couple of kits to pick it up sometime tomorrow. I'm sure there'll be a lot of shock in the burrow when the kits find out that their father is in jail."

"No problem. Let's get going before it gets too dark by the time we get home."

Waving goodbye to Bonnie and Karla, Nick and Judy stand silently on the front porch for a few moments, totally lost in the day's events.

"So" begins Nick, looking at his new bride.

"Yea, me too." answers Judy.

"What say we change into something even more comfortable?" suggests Nick.

Wearing a smile that she's reserved for just this moment, Judy turns to Nick "It actually happened … didn't it? we're finally married."

"Yes Mrs. Wilde it did, and yes we are."

"Come along mister Wilde" Judy says suggestively "I believe we have some unfinished business to attend to…"

XxX

AN: So, I'm a bit behind on my writing (both stories actually) so I'm not sure when the next post will be, sorry.