Hi All,
Just a little warning, this chapter is a little fluffy…but then this story ended up being more fluffy than I expected ;)
RedLion2~ Just a comment on your review (thank very much for it by the way!). Yeah, they did have a girl's afternoon out, but they weren't alone. I kind of hinted to that when they filed into a car and were driven back to the castle. Since these chapters keep coming out so long, I try to trim some of what I consider the less important things. With Lotor still on the loose, they aren't going anywhere without guards. :)
QuikerKookie~ Welcome back! And thanks for the review :)
All relative exclaimers apply…
Enjoy,
Failte
********************************************************
Darcy stood in front of the mirror the next morning pulling her hair back into a ponytail. It seemed like 7:30 was days away. She was looking forward to it, but at the same time she couldn't wait for it to be over. They would be married at sunset, just as the three moons were rising, and then everyone would sit down to a moonlit picnic beside the lake.
"Good morning, Lance." She heard Becca say as she answered the door.
"Good morning, Bec." A chill raced down her spine at the sound of his voice. "Is my beautiful wife-to-be up?"
"Yeah, but I thought you weren't allowed to see her before the ceremony?"
"Only if she's wearing her dress."
"Nope, she's in old sweats and a ratty t-shirt, so I guess you can see her." Becca stepped aside and let him in. "I'll see you guys at breakfast." And she slipped out of the room, leaving them alone.
Before Darcy knew what hit her, she was flung around and pinned on the bed with Lance over her.
"Good morning, Beautiful."
"Hi."
Lance leaned in and kissed her breathless. "Still want to go through with this?"
"I think so."
"Well, now's your last chance to back out."
She shook her head, "Nope, I still have the ceremony when he asks if anyone has reason to why we should not be joined…"
"Nope, I told him not to say that. I don't want to give you that option."
Darcy laughed and locked her hands around his neck, "Well, then I guess I'll have to go through with it. I do have a lovely new dress to wear."
He lowered his head and trailed small kisses along her jaw, to her throat, capturing her earlobe in his teeth and gently tugging.
"Lance," she murmured, feeling a familiar tingle.
"Hm?"
"Do you think we could save this for tonight?"
He dropped his head down on her shoulder and groaned.
"Just until tonight," she kissed his cheek.
Lance lifted his head and grinned down at her, "And then you're mine."
"Excuse me?" She asked, amused.
"You're all mine. You'll be my woman, for the rest of your life."
"Is this when you start grunting like a caveman and drag me around by my hair?"
Lance jumped to his feet and took her hand, pulling her off the bed. "That's not until later tonight."
"I love you," she laughed, grazing her lips across his.
Lance grabbed the back of her head before she could pull back and pulled her into a deep kiss. When he lifted his head, they were both breathing hard. "I love you too. Thank you for agreeing to marry me."
Darcy smiled, "Like I could say no to you."
"I'm gonna hold you to that." He took her hand and pulled her to the door. "Come on, Nanny is making a special breakfast in honor of our nuptials."
**********************************************
"Darcy! Stop fidgeting!" Becca slapped her hand.
"Rebecca!" Darcy said sharply.
"Well, you're going to smudge it."
Darcy was feeling more than a little silly as she sat on the desk chair in Becca's room. Her hair was brushed back, her face covered in a white facial mask, cucumber slices over her eyes, and Becca painting her fingernails.
"Trust us," Allura said as she took the dress out of the clear plastic hanging bag. "You'll appreciate this when we're done."
"I feel like an idiot," Darcy mumbled.
"Don't talk," Romelle chided. "You'll crack your mask."
"I doubt Lance has to do anything like this," she whined.
"Lance is probably taking a few sips of liquid courage," Allure mumbled.
"What?" Darcy tried to raise her eyebrows, but they were stopped by the hardening mask.
"You should have seen him, it's so cute, he's so nervous he
can't sit still." Allura said. "I think Keith was about to order him to run
laps around the castle three or four times."
The door slid open and closed.
"Oh, Darcy! I can't get over your dress!" Lucy declared.
"Alright, alright," Darcy sat up, letting the cucumbers fall. "Let's get this mask off, it's driving me nuts."
"You're nails are wet," Becca protested. "Just wait thirty more seconds and they'll be dry."
"How can your shoes have a scuff mark on them?" Romelle asked, holding up the cream colored pumps. "You just got them."
"I was breaking them in and I must have scraped them against something."
Romelle shook her head, muttering under her breath as she carried the shoes into the bathroom.
Two hours later, Darcy stood in front of the mirror, dressed in her wedding gown. Her hair was pulled back on the sides with combs and a few curling tendrils falling around her face. Her veil was held in place with combs and fell down to her waist in the back with a shorter layer that fell to her shoulders. It stayed behind her hair, not covering her face.
"Alright, you have something new, the dress." Becca said. "Now all you need is something borrowed, something old, and something blue."
"What?" Allura asked.
"It's an old Terran superstition," Darcy told her. "On her wedding day, the bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."
"But have no fear, I planned for this," Becca told her, turning to her suitcase.
"So did I," Lucy said, picking up her purse.
"Here," Becca held up a small box, "is something blue."
Darcy took it and opened the top, she laughed as she felt the heat rise to her face. "Thanks, Bec."
"What is it?" Romelle asked.
Darcy pulled out the lacy garter with the blue ribbon. She put her foot up on the bed and slid the garter into place.
"Lance will enjoy finding that," Allura teased.
"And this is both borrowed and old," Lucy offered her a long jewelry box.
"Oh," Darcy breathed.
"Grandma's necklace."
Nestled on a bed of cotton was the antique pearl necklace their grandmother had handed down to their mother as it had been handed down to her by her mother. They had once traced it back four generations.
"I'm not quite ready to part with it, so consider it borrowed," Lucy blinked through her tears.
"Thanks, Mom," Darcy hugged her.
"Well, it's almost time, you ready?" Allura asked.
Darcy took a deep breath and squared her shoulders, "Yes. Yes, I am."
Becca crossed to answer the knock on the door.
"Are you ready?" Howard Barlow stood in the doorway.
"Yup." She twirled in front of him.
He smiled down at his daughter. The others quietly left the room.
"Does…does he make you happy?" Howard asked her, awkwardly.
"Yes, Dad, he really does."
"If he puts one toe out of line I will personally fly out
here and throttle him."
"Don't worry, if he does I can kick his ass myself."
"That's my girl!" He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "I'm very proud of you, honey. If this is what you really want, I'll support you."
Darcy looked up at him through her tears, "Thanks Dad. I guess Mom really gave you a talking to, huh?"
"I think it was your close-minded comment the other night. I didn't mean to upset you. I still think you're too young, but you're also too stubborn to change your mind."
"I love him, Dad. Someday you'll see him for the amazing man he is."
"Then I guess we shouldn't keep him waiting," Howard bent his arm at the elbow and offered it to his daughter.
"Let's get this show on the road."
Darcy felt her legs tremble as they left her room. Allura and Becca were waiting for her in the hall.
"I'm so happy for you," Allura whispered as they hugged.
"Thank you," Darcy whispered, blinking back tears.
"Its okay, your mascara is waterproof."
Darcy laughed and pulled back, "Thank you, for everything Allura."
Becca wasn't as good at holding back her tears, "I feel like I should have something deep and prophetic to say, but I just can't think of anything."
"I love you, Becs," Darcy said as she hugged her.
"I love you too, Darc." Becca straightened up and handed Darcy her bouquet of wildflowers.
The sun was starting to sink behind the trees as Darcy and her father followed Becca and Allura across the lawn to where the arbor was set up near the woods by the lake. Strings of lights filled the trees and outlined the arbor. Torches lit a path to where Lance stood beside Keith and Sven. He tugged on his jacket and clenched and unclenched his fists nervously.
Their families and the rest of the Force, as well as Nanny who cradled Cady to her bosom, stood in a small cluster around the arbor. Darcy waited at the end of the lit path for Allura and then Becca to walk down the aisle. Romelle was trying to quiet Erik who was screaming for his 'Da!' at the top of his lungs. Lance laughed nervously and whispered something to Sven, who looked back at Lance and shook his head.
"Go ahead, its okay." Lance told him.
Sven nodded to Romelle and gave her a weak smile. She stepped forward and handed Erik to his father. Sven swayed slightly, calming Erik who laid his head on Sven's shoulder, sucking his thumb.
Darcy smiled when she saw Sven cradling his son while he stood next to his friend. She shifted her gaze to Lance and her heart raced. He looked so handsome, so nervous. She tried to flash him a smile, but the corners of her mouth fell and she pursed her lips to keep from crying.
Lance felt like the wind had been knocked out of him when Darcy began her journey down the aisle. In the fading sunlight her dress seemed to glow. He watched as she bit her lip nervously and stared at him with huge, wet eyes. She had never looked so beautiful.
He was mesmerized by her as she got closer and for a brief moment, Lance was afraid he had swallowed his tongue. Before he knew it, Howard Barlow was standing beside him.
"Lance."
Very slowly, he tore his gaze from Darcy and looked at her father. "Yes sir?"
"Take good care of her," Howard whispered.
"I will, for the rest of my life, I will." Lance vowed.
Darcy gave him a weak smile. Lance winked in response and they both turned to face Koran who was officiating over the ceremony.
"We are gathered here before your friends and families to join you in marriage," Koran began in a loud, clear voice. "We have all watched as you two have grown together as a couple and the love you share. If there is anyone here who has any reason why these two should not be joined, let them speak now." He paused.
"Oh Da bur!" Erik yelled, pointing at a tree.
"Shhhh," Sven whispered, blushing when everyone turned to look at them.
Lance chuckled and looked back at Koran, "I think you can continue."
Koran smiled and nodded, "May I please have the rings?"
Keith reached into his pocket and withdrew the small, white box and handed it to Koran.
"You two have shown us all how deeply you love each other and you are now ready to move on to the next step and join your lives on the most intimate level." Koran removed Darcy's ring from the box. "Do you, Lance Charles Collier, take Darcy to be your wife? To love and honor her every day of your lives?"
"I do." Lance whispered.
"Place the ring on the third finger of her left hand to signify the unbreakable bond of your love."
Lance took her shaking hand and slid the small gold band on her finger. When she looked up, he winked and mouthed I love you.
"Do you, Darcy Elizabeth Barlow, take Lance to be your husband? To love and honor him every day of your lives?"
Darcy opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't find her voice. Lance raised his eyebrows in expectation. She swallowed hard and nodded.
"Is that a yes?" Koran whispered.
A light laughter floated through the small crowd gathered.
"Yes," Darcy whispered, feeling a tear escape and slide down her cheek.
Lance reached up and brushed aside the tear with the pad of his thumb.
Koran handed her Lance's ring and repeated the significance of the ring.
With her hands shaking, Darcy pushed the ring onto his finger.
"What has been joined today with the greatest of love, let no man tear apart. I now pronounce you…" Koran stopped when a beeping filled the still air.
Keith waved for them to continue while he unclipped his communicator and stepped away from the group.
"I, uh, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Koran stepped back as Lance stepped toward Darcy.
"I love you so much," he whispered as he brought his lips down on hers.
Darcy leaned into him, overcome by her emotions. "I love you too," she whispered, wrapping her arms around him, hugging him to her.
Koran cleared his throat and they jumped apart. "If I may, I would like to introduce you to
Lieutenant and Sergeant Collier."
Lance and Darcy turned to face their small gathering of family and friends and were greeted with applause.
Caleb snapped pictures as they hugged and talked to everyone. "Come on," he said over the noise. "Let's snap a few pictures before we all sit down to eat."
"Is everything alright?" Lance whispered to Keith who had come back to join them.
"Yeah, it was nothing. Everything's clear." Keith assured him.
After posing for a few pictures, everyone gathered around the picnic tables.
"Are you okay?" Lance whispered to Darcy.
She smiled at him, "I'm great. I'm glad it's over. We're married Lance. I am actually your wife."
"Yeah, looks like you're stuck with me now."
"I could say the same thing to you."
Lance leaned over and rested his forehead against hers, "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Would you two give it a rest already?" Caleb muttered.
"I'm glad to see your father agreed to let you marry me," Lance said as he took a bite of the chicken Nanny had made.
"To be honest, he really didn't have a say in the matter."
"Will you look at how Becca and Pidge seem to be getting along?" Allura whispered into Darcy's ear.
She looked down the table to see her sister and Pidge leaning close together and talking quietly. "If my father loses both his daughters to members of the Voltron Force, I think that would be the end of him."
"We'll have to work at convincing him how wonderful they are."
Keith tapped the side of his glass with his spoon.
"Is that really necessary?" Lance asked.
"I thought it would be classier than just yelling for everyone to shut up," Keith told him. "But now that I have all your attention, I would like to make a toast." He stood and addressed everyone. "I have known Lance for most of my life and I consider him to be my best friend. We have been through a lot together. Gotten into some scrapes and battles, he's saved my tail a few times. I don't know what I would have done without you, man. But through all the years I've known him, I've never seen him like this. Darcy has brought out the best in him. I have never seen two people so perfect for each other, well, except for Allura and me." Keith raised his glass. "Lance, buddy, I couldn't have handpicked a better partner for you. I know that you and Darcy will have a long, wonderful future together. I wish you the best of luck."
Everyone raised their glasses and toasted the newlyweds.
****************************************************
Long after Erik and Cady were put to bed, the adults sat around the picnic tables, talking and laughing.
Darcy leaned against Lance, her veil long since removed and sitting on the table in front of her. She was happy, content to know that everything was now official between her and Lance. Reaching across him, she took his left hand in hers and laced their fingers so their rings touched. He looked down at her and smiled.
"I have never been to a wedding like this," Allura said. "It was perfect for the two of you."
"Yeah, I think it was," Darcy agreed.
Becca yawned and Pidge was laying his head down on his folded arms. Molly was leaning against her husband, fighting to keep her eyes open.
"It's getting late," Lance whispered to her.
She lifted his arm and looked at his watch, it was after eleven. "Yeah, I guess it is."
"You ready to turn in?"
Darcy looked up at him and grinned, "You are so predictable."
"You look tired."
"Smooth." Darcy yawned.
"Don't you want to be with me?" Lance pouted.
She smiled up at him.
"This has really been wonderful," Lance announced to
everyone. "We can't tell you how much it
has meant to us to have you all here.
Thank you. But the truth is,
we're both a little tired and we're going to turn in for the night."
Hunk snorted and then jumped when Darcy kicked him under the table.
"Good night, dear," Lucy hugged her daughter. "I am so happy for you."
"Good night, son, congratulations." Felix pulled Lance into a rib crushing hug.
After the hugs were exchanged and good nights were said, Lance took Darcy by the hand and pulled her toward the castle. When they approached their room, Lance swept her up into his arms, "What kind of husband would I be if I didn't carry you over the threshold?"
"A pretty crappy one," she teased, kissing him.
"Wow," Lance breathed. "Would you look at this."
Darcy turned her head and her mouth fell open in shock. Someone, most likely Allura, had arranged for scented candles around the room to be lit when they arrived. Vases of fresh flowers were placed on the bedside tables, the desk, and dressers. Fresh rose petals were sprinkled across the bed and soft music played on the stereo.
"Oh, wow," Darcy whispered as he set her gently on her feet. "This is so beautiful."
"No," Lance turned her to face him. "You're beautiful, Mrs. Collier."
She slid her arms around his neck, "Why thank you, Mr. Collier."
He leaned in and captured her lips with his, pressing his tongue against her lips, asking for entrance, which she gladly gave. Her one hand slid into his hair as her other rubbed his neck under his collar.
"No, wait," Darcy stepped back as she felt him tugging on the zipper of her dress. "I, uh, I want to change."
"Alright, but hurry," he kissed her, unwilling to let her go.
"Don't look," she said, crossing to her dresser. Allura had slipped the scandalously small teddies they had given her the night before into the top drawer. Darcy mentally thanked her thoughtful friends.
When she stepped out of the bathroom, Lance was leaning back on the bed, stripped to the waist and fingering a rose petal. He looked up when the door opened. The bathroom light lit her from behind and she looked amazing dressed in little more than a couple swatches of satin and plenty of lace. Lance was sure he swallowed his tongue this time.
*********************************************************
Lance looked down at his wife as she lay across his chest, sound asleep. He combed his hand gently through her hair, enjoying the feel of it sliding through his fingers. My wife, he thought. It felt a little strange. He could never imagine his life without her, but now their lives were officially joined it seem a little unreal and in a few short months they would have a baby. A helpless little person who was totally dependent upon them. A little piece of each of them.
He smiled as she shifted and let out a quiet snore. Life is good. Lance thought as he slipped into the first full night's sleep he had had in two weeks.
