"Candice, it's time."
Entering her bedroom, the one William had remodeled for her birthday some time ago (*), I could only hold my breath when I saw her. Candice looked beautiful in her white gown, and today more than ever she reminded me of Rosemary when she married Vincent.
Many more things had happened since that meeting with Candice at the Chicago mansion, the day I had discovered her real feelings towards William. She left for Pony's Home just as she had said, and William stayed behind planning what to do now that he knew she also loved him.
He didn't tell me much, but I could see in his eyes some anxiety clouding that sparkle that had revealed to me his true feelings for her. It was sad for me to see him somehow frustrated for not being able to start right away a relationship with Candice -as he would have wanted-, but I like to think that at the end, everything happened in its perfect time.
Just after William played his "last ace", he needed to leave for a long business trip; Candice and him kept in touch writing letters to each other whenever possible, but distance was hard for both of them. Once William came back from his trip, he fought against all his engagements in order to be able to prepare a big birthday surprise for Candice; but right after her birthday, he needed once more to embark on another business trip to Brazil and South America. Things were not coming easy for them, but since he had left the Ardlay Enterprises unattended for so long, it was necessary for him to establish himself as a good leader during those first years.
Once he came back from Brazil he could not wait any longer, and one day without letting her know, he surprised Candice at Pony's Home and took her with him on a trip to Lakewood. I don't know if it was then when they finally formalized their relationship, but I do know it was that trip that prompted it and just days later William made a formal announcement; I had never seen my nephew so full of happiness.
And now here we are, at Lakewood again and about to celebrate their wedding. Candice has made an effort and has studied a lot in order to refine herself during these past months under my tutelage, although she had started to do it on her own while staying at Pony's Home. It cannot be said that she will be a great housewife, artist, or that her pronunciation of the French language is perfect, but I can say with certainty that Candice is a lady and most importantly, the woman my nephew needs. I would like to believe that after all their suffering, they will finally be happy.
Putting my thoughts aside, I once more hurry Candice so she is not late to the chapel; Lakewood has filled up with guests and I just left my nephew, nervous as I've never seen him before, waiting by the altar for his bride.
I spent such a long time despising this young lady, who could've said she would not only win my heart, like she has done with everyone before me, but that it would be her to whom I would be transferring the role of matriarch, and that it will be her alongside William who will assure the continuation of our family.
Not even with all the love I have for my nephew could I've been able to find someone so perfect for him as she is.
THE END
Thank you so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed this small story which was my first Fanfic and also the first one to be fully translated into English.
* In "Candy Candy, Final Story" Albert remodels a bedroom for Candy in the Chicago residence, not in Lakewood... a small mistake that I didn't correct. :)
Last but not least, thank you for your reviews, I will answer them in a review of my own under the 7th chapter :)