The sun's rays reached through Jo's bedroom window, awakening her gently and slowly the next morning.  As the blur of sleep was cleared from her mind, Jo grinned, realizing the event of the day.  She glanced down beside her, looking at the empty space and warming to the fact that it was the last night that the spot would be vacant.  She gradually got out of bed, putting on her dressing gown and going straight for the window.

            The day was perfect.  Only wisps of clouds covered the sky and a light breeze tousled her hair as Jo threw open the frame and breathed in the summer air.  She smiled, pleased with the situation and knowing, aside from all the busy work, the day would turn out just fine.

            "If you look out that window any farther, you're gonna fall right out of this room," Asia said, startling Jo from her reverie.  The housekeeper came in with a breakfast tray laden with Jo's favourites and set it down on the bed.  "I'm makin' you eat up here.  That way there won't be no risk of runnin' into him."

            Jo grinned and sat upon the sheets.  "That is such a ridiculous tradition."

            "Ridiculous or not, your sisters would have my neck if you even saw his foot."  Asia took a seat next to her friend.  "So, what time should I be expectin' everyone?"

            Jo picked up a piece of toast.  "Well, Meg and Amy said that they would be over some time this morning along with Laurie.  He is going to help Nick with the archway.  Hopefully by that time we can have most of the decorations put out and things prepared."

            "The kids can help.  'Sides, there shouldn't be much to finish and this is your day," Asia said as she stood.  "You're not goin' to lift a finger!"  She went to the door.  "You make sure he's outta this house before you come down."  Asia wagged her finger at the bride.  "And not a moment sooner!"

            Jo rolled her eyes and began to eat as Asia left the room.  She could hear the usual morning commotion underneath her bed.  It was a little strange knowing that this commotion was all for her and that in just a few hours she would be spending the rest of her life with someone else.  She had grown accustom to being on "her own" in some respects but that longing to be married, the feeling of truly belonging to someone, was awaiting for the second to be satisfied and that was something her independent nature could not deny. 

            Jo looked up and noticing the wedding gown hanging from her wardrobe, a wide smile appeared upon her face.  She couldn't remember feeling the type of excitement she was now, with Fritz.  Not that she didn't love him completely but there was something different this time around.  Nick had been through so much with her and had known him a lot longer than she had known Fritz.  Finding herself at this point felt right and she desperately wanted to bring everything together. 

            A loud crash from downstairs caused Jo to jump slightly, upsetting the tray that sat in front of her.  As she began to clean up the spilt orange juice, Jo sighed and shook her head.  This is definitely going to be quite a day.

XXXXX

            Nick paced back and forth, wringing his hands.  It was almost one; the wedding was to begin in an hour and after putting up the archway in the garden, Nick began to feel a little overwhelmed.  He took notice of the rows upon rows of tables and chairs for the awaiting guests, the decorations that hung from every point along the house and now his suit that was laid across his bed.  This was all really happening and he knew that grooms normally became a little anxious before their wedding.  However, the butterflies in Nick's stomach were testimony to the fact that he was feeling a little more than anxiety.

            A knock on the door made Nick jump a few feet and he turned to see Ben coming into the room.  His brother smiled as he realized his brother's state.  "You a little nervous?" Ben asked, closing the door behind him.

            Nick rolled his eyes.  "Maybe just a little."

            "There's nothing to be worried about…"

            "I ain't worried," Nick interrupted.  "I'm just… well… nervous."  He wrung his hands.  "You seen Jo yet?"

            "Nah," Ben said with a laugh.  "They won't even let me into the house."  He noticed Nick's suit lying on the bed.  "Ain't ya gonna get dressed?"

            "Yeah, just give me some time."  Nick picked up his shirt.  "I can't believe this is really happenin'."

            Ben stood beside his brother and gripped his shoulder.  "Ma and Pa would be real proud of ya.  You've made a good life for yourself, Nick."

            "You'll do the same.  Ya already are."

            Silence hung in the air, expressing appreciation, as Nick began to dress.  Ben dug out his best clothing, which in its entirety, wasn't much and prepared himself to stand at the altar, feeling just as honoured as if it was his own wedding.

            A knock at the door announced the presence of Laurie, who, when opening the door, appeared with a grieved look and a handful of flowers.  "Amy is making me pass these out.  She wants you to wear them," he said, sighing.

            "Flowers?" Ben snorted.  "Nobody said anythin' about flowers."

            Nick instead, shrugged.  "They look kinda nice, I guess," he said, taking a few from Laurie and putting them in his jacket pocket.

            "Makes ya look sorta classy, Nick," Ben replied, laughing as he did the same.

            "So, are you ready?" Laurie asked.

            "As I'm gonna be."  Nick straightened his jacket and tie and stepped towards the door.  He sighed loudly.  "Let's get this thing started."