Peach by SelenityK

Chapter 4

AN: Yes, I am back for another installment of Peach. I went to Virginia on a college visit and I really liked it. That's what took me so long to update. Here it is and hope you enjoy.

A week later, Peach announced her decision to the rest of the castle staff and personnel. The servants were overjoyed, but not that surprised. They had expected Mario and Peach to marry, it was just a matter of time. That night, while laying in bed, Peach decided that she would have an engagement party for her and Mario on Friday.

"That's a great idea!" Toad exclaimed when Peach told Toad of her idea. "I'm sure it will be fun. Now I just have to think of a gift."

"Oh, it doesn't matter what you buy. Mario and I will know that it came from the bottom of your heart." Peach said.

Toad blushed at that statement.

The next morning was Tuesday. Peach rose early that morning to outline plans for the engagement party. Peach helped the servants prepare for the party. This was one of the reasons why the staff of the castle enjoyed working for Peach. Peach never pushed them too hard. Sometimes Peach helped them out with their duties. The staff even received paid vacations.

The staff could see how truly happy Peach was, planning the engagement party. Peach had not seemed this happy in months. Peach was always happy, but Peach was above happiness this week.

Friday finally arrived, so did Mario, Toad, Luigi, and Yoshi for the party. Peach decide to wear an off the shoulder light blue dress that clung to the curves of her body. Accentuating the dress was the aquamarine brooch that Peach always wore. After dressing, Peach teleported herself to the mezzanine, where Mario and the others were waiting.

"Mario!" Peach walked as fast as she could and pecked Mario on the cheek. Peach hugged Luigi, Toad and Yoshi.

"Let's go into the dining room," Peach suggested. The servants sat the small groups of friends at the tables. Sandwiches were placed at each setting.

Peach and Mario looked at each other in a lovesick way. Then Mario spoke up. "First, Peach and I would like to say that you three are our best friends in the entire world. We've gone through so much together."

Yoshi's eyes glistened over with tears. "That was so beautiful."

Peach laughed. Luigi reflected on the first time that he and Mario arrived in the Mushroom Kingdom. The Kingdom was draped in black and Toad explained how Bowser had kidnapped Peach in order to take over the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario decided to take the challenge and rescue Peach with Luigi's help. Luigi was bit jealous of all the attention that Mario received, but Luigi pushed that aside for tonight. Tonight, he was truly happy for Mario. Now Luigi wondered when he would get the courage to ask Daisy to be his wife.

Toad's thoughts were along a different line. After the Queen died and the King lost his faculties, Toad had been the primary caretaker of Peach. His face didn't show it, but Toad was nearly 100 years old. Toad was around when Peach's grandfather was king. Toad was a father figure in Peach's life. But Toad was also saddened by tonight. Toad remembered when he was married to his wife, Madeleine. Madeleine had tragically died a few years ago.

"Toad," Peach said. "Are you okay,"

Shaking his head to get himself out of his reverie, Toad said yes.

The five-some ate the sandwiches and exchanged gifts. Mario gave Peach a diamond and ruby necklace. Peach bought Mario a pair of cufflinks. Yoshi bought China dishes and a plate of cookies for the couple. Luigi bought Mario a surfboard and Peach a bikini.

"Hey!" Mario stared at Luigi, but his eyes were twinkling.

"It's the thought that counts," Luigi said.

Finally, Toad bought Mario and Peach a pair of tickets to a play that was coming to town. Toad had seen it himself, and felt that Mario and Peach would enjoy it.

"Thank you," Peach said. "Mario and I have decided, and our wedding will be on August 5.

A goomba was lurking nearby, hiding behind the entrance into the dining room. He nodded his head and returned back to Bowser to tell of his information. Perhaps Bowser would reward him handsomely. Who knew?