Weeping Willow
Revised version
Chapter 11: Normal life (or some sort of semblance of it)
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
~Unknown
Spring slowly turned into summer and a few months later things had changed tremendously.
Willow had been offered a new job at the begining of the summer and was now working for a magazine. with a studio that she shared with her assistant and another photographer she was out of the house more often. She now had several new cameras with all sorts of new tech to work with. Her film supply was cut back but, who cares about film when you've got a digital camera and the company pays for the rest of it? Suffice to say she loved the new job.
In the mean time Folken learned to drive her car and managed to find the local university and the huge library on the campus. After classes were finished he snagged an application and signed up for some History courses next fall. To his advantage the main focus of the university was on science to he immediately jumped at the opportunity to take the most advanced chemistry course they offered as well.
Sometimes when Willow had to go into work he'd drop her off and drive around the city, taking in all the sites and browsing downtown, with all the older shops and some extremely ancient bookstores. Other days she'd drop him off at the university campus, or he'd ride the bike he'd managed to buy with the money he earned from doing odd jobs around the neighborhood. He wasn't lacking for business, that was for sure, in this old neighborhood many of the houses were just getting to that point where the elderly people living in them either couldn't maintain them on their own or had moved out, with new younger owners moving in; just about everyone had need for a handyman and the news traveled like a wildfire.
They had set a date for the wedding, it was to be on the first day of October, only two months away . Things were begining to get hectic, Willow's extended family and freinds from college were invited, and practically the entire neighborhood. The wedding itself would be held in the Church at the end of the road that they had recently taken to attending every couple of sundays and the entire congregation promised to be there. The reception was to be in her back yard, the fence was taken down. Folken had managed to get far side down and then taken to mowing the unruly field of grass on the other side. Willow teased him that it might be easier if he just took a sicle to it... This was turning into quite the wedding. Willow's dress had been designed by the costume designer that she had become friends with at work and was currently being peiced together. The decorations and flowers were being handled by the local florist who attended the church, and the brides boquet had been a wedding present. The cake was going to be gorgeous, the design had been chosen but they still couldn't agree on a flavor.
Sara had been more than a huge help, she'd been the one who organized the majority of the details. Invitations had been sent out, bride's maids, groom's men and everyone else had been chosen. All in all thing were going as smoothly as anyone could have hoped, prehaps too smoothly. But all in all life was begining to look up, Willow had stopped blaming herself for the past, Folken was reveling in the present and both were planning for the future, a balance that was begining to pan out.
* * *
Willow snapped the last shot for the day and tossed the used camera to her assistant. "Good job everyone, see you next week." She smiled and stepped into the elevator, leaving as her crew gathered the props and the models headed to their dressing rooms.
Working for the equivalent of Vogue magazine wasn't nearly as tedious as she had thought it would be. In fact it was rather thrilling to think that she had a crew, an assistant and even an office if she needed it. Virtually, all her material needs were met. And if it weren't for the fact that she would be leaving it all in less than two years Willow would have already moved on to even grander things. She stepped onto the elevator and leaned agains the back wall, gazing at the ring on her finger, remembering when Folken had given it to her. She smiled, remembering the engraving he'd had put on the inside of the band, "Princess of Fanelia" Those three word were enough to bring tears to her eyes.
She sighed, "Who would have known?" There was a short pinging sound and the elevator came to a stop. She stepped of and walked through the lobby of the large building and into the bright light of mid day and to her car.
* * *
While browsing the library that day, as Folken had done many days before, he was nearly run over by a college age girl. If he had to guess he'd say she was about twenty and looked frighteningly reminiscent of Celena. He shuddered at the thought and pushed it from his mind.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! You see I was just late for my meeting and I have to get these books put away before I can leave and…" She looked up at him and he could see fear in her large slate-blue eyes. "I'm sorry." She started picking up her books.
"Don't worry about it." Folken bent and helped her gather the books, he took the ones from her arms and nodded. "You go on, I'll take care of these." He shifted the weight in his arms.
"Really? Oh, thank you!" She turned to leave but then turned back quickly. "Hey, wait a minute. Haven't I seen you here before...?"
"Well, I've been in here quiet often lately if that's what you mean…"
"Of course! That's it. Hey, if you're every looking for job we're short handed around here lately."
"Thanks for the offer, now, get going you'll be late." He shook his head and smiled as she ran off to her meeting.
"Wait!" She poked her head around the corner of the shelf.
"The name's Celest!"
"Folken, nice..." she was gone. "... to meet you... How strange…" he said to himself as he set to putting the books back where they belonged.
* * *
Willow pulled into a parking space at the library. She'd left Folken there that morning and they'd agreed to go out for a late lunch after her photo shoot.
She walked up the steps and to the sitting area where, sure enough she found Folken sitting with a new pile of books. He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn't even notice as she crept up behind him.. She giggled lightly and wrapped her arms around his neck, practically tackling him.
Startled, Folken jumped and whirled around to find Willow with her arms around him. He laughed lightly and kissed her cheek.
"Ready to go?" She asked as he picked up a few of the books from his unfinished stack.
"Just let me check these out." He smiled and she followed after him. Soon his books were stamped and they were on their way.
* * *
Willow and Folken shared lunch as they'd learned to love to do when she had morning photos shoots, which was usually about once a week. He'd tell her about all the books he was reading and she would listen, just enjoying the sound of his voice.
"I signed up for some classes at the university today," He said between mouthfuls.
"Really? Which ones?"
"Well, American History, American Government, World History, and Advanced chemistry."
"Sounds like you'll be busy." She grinned, knowing that he'd take on the new courses with enjoyment.
"Mh Hm." He smiled and laughed lightly before taking another bite of his lunch.
"Sounds like we'll have to find you some wheels." Willow grinned, wondering what kind of car he'd want.
"Now you are being presumptous, I was just going to ride my bike now you want to buy me a car too?" Folken shook his head, not that the thought hadn't crossed his mind, but he was content to ride the rather nicehe had and just save their money for other things, like their wedding for example...He would ride his bike just like he did whenever he got the chance. In fact they'd had some rather nice afternoons riding to the university campus, library and back…
"I just thought you might like it." Willow half smiled and turned back to her lunch.
"I would Willow, but to tell the truth I don't need a car. I can drive yours if I need to, but I don't need a car. Besides, woldn't you rather spend the money on the wedding?" Folken felt bad, he'd rejected her gift, but if she thought about it she'd agree.
"You're right. Now, don't you think the cake should be tiramisu?" Willow smiled, changing the subject.
Folken raised and eyebrow and her and smirked "Vanilla, I found something very interesting today," he took her hands from across the table and grinned. "But you'll have to wait until later to find out what it is."
Willow smirked and ran her thumb over the palm of his right hand, causing the cool metal joints to bend under her touch. She chuckled lightly and took her hand back, before he could react and grabbed the check. Practically skipping to the cash register to pay for their food.
"Hey! You said I could pick up the tab this time!" Folken growled, it wasn't fair, he wanted to support her, not the other way around.
Folken drove them home, keeping to himself about what he had in his pocket. Willow was being driven absolutely insane by the fact that Folken wouldn't even hint at what he was thinking.
She sifted through the stack of books as he drove "Come on Folken just tell me!"
"Its not in the books, Willow." He girnned as he pulled into her driveway and chuckled as she practically dragged him into the house and sat his books down on the counter.
"Folken, tell me already!" She begged.
"Hmm, I have a better idea." Folken gathered her into his arms and started up the stairs to the roof. "I'll show you."
Willow laughed and Folken stepped out onto the roof. Seconds later they were falling down through the fronds of the willowtree and landing on the platform.
"So what is it?" she asked in a laugh.
"Isn't it a nice day out Willow? How did the photo shoot go?"
"No way, you aren't going to pull that off! What's going on? What'd you find? Is it something for the wedding?"
"Do you really want to know? You don't seem enthusiatic enough, maybe I shouldn't show you," Folken smirked, 'My goodness things sure have changed.'
"Aaw! Come on what more could you want?" Willow leaned on his shoulder and ran her fingers over his neck and collar bone. She could feel the shudder that ran through him and grinned, blowing lightly on his neck.
"Fine, fine, I'll show you." Folken laughed and sat her on the edge of the platform, with her feet dangling down. He smiled softly and pulled something out of his pocket as he stood behind her. "Close your eyes," he whispered in her ear. She did and felt something cool on her neck and then felt the weight of it as Folken fastened it and let it hang from her delicate neck. He softly kissed her cheek and felt the warmth that rose there as a result.
"Now, you can open you eyes." He murmured as he lifted her into his lap.
Willow looked down to see a silver necklace with a black dragon charm on it, that laid just over the rise of her chest.
"Oh my gosh, Folken! Where on earth did you get this?" She gasped and held the charm in her palm.
"Well, you see, that's just it, its not from earth."
"You mean… but how?"
"Yes, it's from Gaea, and the guardian has been rather kind to me in granting me few small favors, this just happens to be one of them." He grinned broadly, holding the gem up so light spilled through it."You see this particular necklace is the tradition Fanelian betrothal gift... and to make you valid as mine from the momment you set foot on Gaean soil." there was a hint of male possesiveness in his voice that made chill run up and down her spine.
"Wow, Folken this has to be the best gift ever!" Willow placed a soft kiss on his cheek and hugged him. "Thank you."
Folken felt a soft wetness on his neck and frowned, pulling her away so he could look into her face. Surely enough, there were a tears there and he frowned even more deeply.
"What's this for?" He asked and gently brushed the tears away with the pads of his thumbs.
"Nothing, I'm just more happy than I ever thought I could be." Willow smiled and tried to brush his troubled look aside, but it didn't work, he just continued to frown.
"And I'll make sure it only gets better from here." She snuggled deeply into his chest, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. She sighed and smiled; seeing the innocent way she curled up in his arms made Folken's heart melt and a smiled played along his lips as he rested his cheek on the top of her head.
* * *
September brought with it more heat and humidity, though in a slightly milder form that encouraged the fact that fall was on its way and by the end of the month the leaves would be starting to turn colors. The day grew ever closer, Folken had transformed the guest bedroom into a study, office and bedroom with a palmpilot cellphone that Willow had given him to help organize his handy man business that was greatly adding to their cashflow. She'd managed to pay off almost all of her college loans while Folken began taking care of the bills as he insisted he be able to. In truth she found it cute that he wanted to provide for her.
The twins, Rose and Timothy were often over. The girls would play in the sprinklers, or help Willow with her much neglected garden while Folken and Tim discussed anything from the weather to literature and physics. Rose and Willow on the other hand were stichting together the details that were only left with a few weeks to complete.
Folken and Tim had managed to set up a small pool, "But not a kiddie pool" as Chloes had insisted, in the back yard and while the girls swam were often working on the yard, preparing it for the many guests that promised to attend the reception. And today was no exception. Having finished everything they could do Willow and Rose had joined the girls in the pool and were both enjoying the site of their lovely topless significant others hard at work.
Folken set his pruning sheers on his shoulder and sighed, eyeing the four girls in the pool as sweat dripped from his brow. Tim noticed his gaze and both men sauntered lazily into the house, as if nothing was on their minds.
"What was that all about?" Rose laughed.
"Their plotting something but I don't know..."
The next thing they knew all four were being sprayed with the two hoses from the yard, in the hands of non other than the men. The girls fought back, splashing all the water they could, Shiloh even had a small pail that she filled with water and splashed all over her daddy while Chloe furiously paddled with her little hands. The twins thought it a riot and lots of screams and laughter lifted from the back yard that afternoon.
Later, a much drier group of family and friends gathered on the back porch that Folken had screened in to keep the bugs at bay. The sun was going down and fireflies flitted about the yard while they munched on watermelon and hamburgers.
Willow took a swallow of lemonaid and laid her head lightly on Folken's shoulder, her still lightly damp hair cascading over his arm. In the light of the bug candles the twins could be seen napping in their father's arms and Folken felt a twinge of envy and hope 'someday' he thought wistfully.
And he knew, these would be the momments he would cherish most, the calm eveningsspent with the people he'd grown to love and call his family. Rose and Tim knew they were leaving, it had seemed only right to tell them, though they hadn't had the heart to tell the twins just yet. 'Better for them to enjoy the time ahead' he smiled lightly, draping his arm around Willow's shoulders.
* * *
The twins were all to quickly back in school but they still began to spend more and more weekends at Willow's house. Both were going to be her flower girls and Rose her Maid(or rather Matron) of Honor. Only a week before the wedding they came bounding into the house carrying bags of birdseed and mesh fabric to make little bundles for the guests to untie and throw.
"Aunt Willow! Look what we made already this morning!" Chloe beamed as she walked in the door way, holding a basket full of slightly sloppy bundles the girls had made.
"Thats wonderful hun." Willow hadn't stopped smiling for the past months and she had a feeling she wouldn't for quite some time.
Revised version
Chapter 11: Normal life (or some sort of semblance of it)
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."
~Unknown
Spring slowly turned into summer and a few months later things had changed tremendously.
Willow had been offered a new job at the begining of the summer and was now working for a magazine. with a studio that she shared with her assistant and another photographer she was out of the house more often. She now had several new cameras with all sorts of new tech to work with. Her film supply was cut back but, who cares about film when you've got a digital camera and the company pays for the rest of it? Suffice to say she loved the new job.
In the mean time Folken learned to drive her car and managed to find the local university and the huge library on the campus. After classes were finished he snagged an application and signed up for some History courses next fall. To his advantage the main focus of the university was on science to he immediately jumped at the opportunity to take the most advanced chemistry course they offered as well.
Sometimes when Willow had to go into work he'd drop her off and drive around the city, taking in all the sites and browsing downtown, with all the older shops and some extremely ancient bookstores. Other days she'd drop him off at the university campus, or he'd ride the bike he'd managed to buy with the money he earned from doing odd jobs around the neighborhood. He wasn't lacking for business, that was for sure, in this old neighborhood many of the houses were just getting to that point where the elderly people living in them either couldn't maintain them on their own or had moved out, with new younger owners moving in; just about everyone had need for a handyman and the news traveled like a wildfire.
They had set a date for the wedding, it was to be on the first day of October, only two months away . Things were begining to get hectic, Willow's extended family and freinds from college were invited, and practically the entire neighborhood. The wedding itself would be held in the Church at the end of the road that they had recently taken to attending every couple of sundays and the entire congregation promised to be there. The reception was to be in her back yard, the fence was taken down. Folken had managed to get far side down and then taken to mowing the unruly field of grass on the other side. Willow teased him that it might be easier if he just took a sicle to it... This was turning into quite the wedding. Willow's dress had been designed by the costume designer that she had become friends with at work and was currently being peiced together. The decorations and flowers were being handled by the local florist who attended the church, and the brides boquet had been a wedding present. The cake was going to be gorgeous, the design had been chosen but they still couldn't agree on a flavor.
Sara had been more than a huge help, she'd been the one who organized the majority of the details. Invitations had been sent out, bride's maids, groom's men and everyone else had been chosen. All in all thing were going as smoothly as anyone could have hoped, prehaps too smoothly. But all in all life was begining to look up, Willow had stopped blaming herself for the past, Folken was reveling in the present and both were planning for the future, a balance that was begining to pan out.
* * *
Willow snapped the last shot for the day and tossed the used camera to her assistant. "Good job everyone, see you next week." She smiled and stepped into the elevator, leaving as her crew gathered the props and the models headed to their dressing rooms.
Working for the equivalent of Vogue magazine wasn't nearly as tedious as she had thought it would be. In fact it was rather thrilling to think that she had a crew, an assistant and even an office if she needed it. Virtually, all her material needs were met. And if it weren't for the fact that she would be leaving it all in less than two years Willow would have already moved on to even grander things. She stepped onto the elevator and leaned agains the back wall, gazing at the ring on her finger, remembering when Folken had given it to her. She smiled, remembering the engraving he'd had put on the inside of the band, "Princess of Fanelia" Those three word were enough to bring tears to her eyes.
She sighed, "Who would have known?" There was a short pinging sound and the elevator came to a stop. She stepped of and walked through the lobby of the large building and into the bright light of mid day and to her car.
* * *
While browsing the library that day, as Folken had done many days before, he was nearly run over by a college age girl. If he had to guess he'd say she was about twenty and looked frighteningly reminiscent of Celena. He shuddered at the thought and pushed it from his mind.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! You see I was just late for my meeting and I have to get these books put away before I can leave and…" She looked up at him and he could see fear in her large slate-blue eyes. "I'm sorry." She started picking up her books.
"Don't worry about it." Folken bent and helped her gather the books, he took the ones from her arms and nodded. "You go on, I'll take care of these." He shifted the weight in his arms.
"Really? Oh, thank you!" She turned to leave but then turned back quickly. "Hey, wait a minute. Haven't I seen you here before...?"
"Well, I've been in here quiet often lately if that's what you mean…"
"Of course! That's it. Hey, if you're every looking for job we're short handed around here lately."
"Thanks for the offer, now, get going you'll be late." He shook his head and smiled as she ran off to her meeting.
"Wait!" She poked her head around the corner of the shelf.
"The name's Celest!"
"Folken, nice..." she was gone. "... to meet you... How strange…" he said to himself as he set to putting the books back where they belonged.
* * *
Willow pulled into a parking space at the library. She'd left Folken there that morning and they'd agreed to go out for a late lunch after her photo shoot.
She walked up the steps and to the sitting area where, sure enough she found Folken sitting with a new pile of books. He was so engrossed in his reading that he didn't even notice as she crept up behind him.. She giggled lightly and wrapped her arms around his neck, practically tackling him.
Startled, Folken jumped and whirled around to find Willow with her arms around him. He laughed lightly and kissed her cheek.
"Ready to go?" She asked as he picked up a few of the books from his unfinished stack.
"Just let me check these out." He smiled and she followed after him. Soon his books were stamped and they were on their way.
* * *
Willow and Folken shared lunch as they'd learned to love to do when she had morning photos shoots, which was usually about once a week. He'd tell her about all the books he was reading and she would listen, just enjoying the sound of his voice.
"I signed up for some classes at the university today," He said between mouthfuls.
"Really? Which ones?"
"Well, American History, American Government, World History, and Advanced chemistry."
"Sounds like you'll be busy." She grinned, knowing that he'd take on the new courses with enjoyment.
"Mh Hm." He smiled and laughed lightly before taking another bite of his lunch.
"Sounds like we'll have to find you some wheels." Willow grinned, wondering what kind of car he'd want.
"Now you are being presumptous, I was just going to ride my bike now you want to buy me a car too?" Folken shook his head, not that the thought hadn't crossed his mind, but he was content to ride the rather nicehe had and just save their money for other things, like their wedding for example...He would ride his bike just like he did whenever he got the chance. In fact they'd had some rather nice afternoons riding to the university campus, library and back…
"I just thought you might like it." Willow half smiled and turned back to her lunch.
"I would Willow, but to tell the truth I don't need a car. I can drive yours if I need to, but I don't need a car. Besides, woldn't you rather spend the money on the wedding?" Folken felt bad, he'd rejected her gift, but if she thought about it she'd agree.
"You're right. Now, don't you think the cake should be tiramisu?" Willow smiled, changing the subject.
Folken raised and eyebrow and her and smirked "Vanilla, I found something very interesting today," he took her hands from across the table and grinned. "But you'll have to wait until later to find out what it is."
Willow smirked and ran her thumb over the palm of his right hand, causing the cool metal joints to bend under her touch. She chuckled lightly and took her hand back, before he could react and grabbed the check. Practically skipping to the cash register to pay for their food.
"Hey! You said I could pick up the tab this time!" Folken growled, it wasn't fair, he wanted to support her, not the other way around.
Folken drove them home, keeping to himself about what he had in his pocket. Willow was being driven absolutely insane by the fact that Folken wouldn't even hint at what he was thinking.
She sifted through the stack of books as he drove "Come on Folken just tell me!"
"Its not in the books, Willow." He girnned as he pulled into her driveway and chuckled as she practically dragged him into the house and sat his books down on the counter.
"Folken, tell me already!" She begged.
"Hmm, I have a better idea." Folken gathered her into his arms and started up the stairs to the roof. "I'll show you."
Willow laughed and Folken stepped out onto the roof. Seconds later they were falling down through the fronds of the willowtree and landing on the platform.
"So what is it?" she asked in a laugh.
"Isn't it a nice day out Willow? How did the photo shoot go?"
"No way, you aren't going to pull that off! What's going on? What'd you find? Is it something for the wedding?"
"Do you really want to know? You don't seem enthusiatic enough, maybe I shouldn't show you," Folken smirked, 'My goodness things sure have changed.'
"Aaw! Come on what more could you want?" Willow leaned on his shoulder and ran her fingers over his neck and collar bone. She could feel the shudder that ran through him and grinned, blowing lightly on his neck.
"Fine, fine, I'll show you." Folken laughed and sat her on the edge of the platform, with her feet dangling down. He smiled softly and pulled something out of his pocket as he stood behind her. "Close your eyes," he whispered in her ear. She did and felt something cool on her neck and then felt the weight of it as Folken fastened it and let it hang from her delicate neck. He softly kissed her cheek and felt the warmth that rose there as a result.
"Now, you can open you eyes." He murmured as he lifted her into his lap.
Willow looked down to see a silver necklace with a black dragon charm on it, that laid just over the rise of her chest.
"Oh my gosh, Folken! Where on earth did you get this?" She gasped and held the charm in her palm.
"Well, you see, that's just it, its not from earth."
"You mean… but how?"
"Yes, it's from Gaea, and the guardian has been rather kind to me in granting me few small favors, this just happens to be one of them." He grinned broadly, holding the gem up so light spilled through it."You see this particular necklace is the tradition Fanelian betrothal gift... and to make you valid as mine from the momment you set foot on Gaean soil." there was a hint of male possesiveness in his voice that made chill run up and down her spine.
"Wow, Folken this has to be the best gift ever!" Willow placed a soft kiss on his cheek and hugged him. "Thank you."
Folken felt a soft wetness on his neck and frowned, pulling her away so he could look into her face. Surely enough, there were a tears there and he frowned even more deeply.
"What's this for?" He asked and gently brushed the tears away with the pads of his thumbs.
"Nothing, I'm just more happy than I ever thought I could be." Willow smiled and tried to brush his troubled look aside, but it didn't work, he just continued to frown.
"And I'll make sure it only gets better from here." She snuggled deeply into his chest, feeling safe and protected in his embrace. She sighed and smiled; seeing the innocent way she curled up in his arms made Folken's heart melt and a smiled played along his lips as he rested his cheek on the top of her head.
* * *
September brought with it more heat and humidity, though in a slightly milder form that encouraged the fact that fall was on its way and by the end of the month the leaves would be starting to turn colors. The day grew ever closer, Folken had transformed the guest bedroom into a study, office and bedroom with a palmpilot cellphone that Willow had given him to help organize his handy man business that was greatly adding to their cashflow. She'd managed to pay off almost all of her college loans while Folken began taking care of the bills as he insisted he be able to. In truth she found it cute that he wanted to provide for her.
The twins, Rose and Timothy were often over. The girls would play in the sprinklers, or help Willow with her much neglected garden while Folken and Tim discussed anything from the weather to literature and physics. Rose and Willow on the other hand were stichting together the details that were only left with a few weeks to complete.
Folken and Tim had managed to set up a small pool, "But not a kiddie pool" as Chloes had insisted, in the back yard and while the girls swam were often working on the yard, preparing it for the many guests that promised to attend the reception. And today was no exception. Having finished everything they could do Willow and Rose had joined the girls in the pool and were both enjoying the site of their lovely topless significant others hard at work.
Folken set his pruning sheers on his shoulder and sighed, eyeing the four girls in the pool as sweat dripped from his brow. Tim noticed his gaze and both men sauntered lazily into the house, as if nothing was on their minds.
"What was that all about?" Rose laughed.
"Their plotting something but I don't know..."
The next thing they knew all four were being sprayed with the two hoses from the yard, in the hands of non other than the men. The girls fought back, splashing all the water they could, Shiloh even had a small pail that she filled with water and splashed all over her daddy while Chloe furiously paddled with her little hands. The twins thought it a riot and lots of screams and laughter lifted from the back yard that afternoon.
Later, a much drier group of family and friends gathered on the back porch that Folken had screened in to keep the bugs at bay. The sun was going down and fireflies flitted about the yard while they munched on watermelon and hamburgers.
Willow took a swallow of lemonaid and laid her head lightly on Folken's shoulder, her still lightly damp hair cascading over his arm. In the light of the bug candles the twins could be seen napping in their father's arms and Folken felt a twinge of envy and hope 'someday' he thought wistfully.
And he knew, these would be the momments he would cherish most, the calm eveningsspent with the people he'd grown to love and call his family. Rose and Tim knew they were leaving, it had seemed only right to tell them, though they hadn't had the heart to tell the twins just yet. 'Better for them to enjoy the time ahead' he smiled lightly, draping his arm around Willow's shoulders.
* * *
The twins were all to quickly back in school but they still began to spend more and more weekends at Willow's house. Both were going to be her flower girls and Rose her Maid(or rather Matron) of Honor. Only a week before the wedding they came bounding into the house carrying bags of birdseed and mesh fabric to make little bundles for the guests to untie and throw.
"Aunt Willow! Look what we made already this morning!" Chloe beamed as she walked in the door way, holding a basket full of slightly sloppy bundles the girls had made.
"Thats wonderful hun." Willow hadn't stopped smiling for the past months and she had a feeling she wouldn't for quite some time.
