And so we all piled into Bra's air car and headed for Kame Island. I smiled the whole ride over. I couldn't help it.
The baby kicked for the first time on the way over there, and Bra squealed so loud I thought she was going to lose control of the car and crash.
And then, when the baby started kicking and moving around, it hit me. Not the kid, it. I was marrying `Ten. And I was having his baby. Or at least, that's what I hoped. It was slowly becoming a reality as Kame House came into view and I saw the makeshift alter and the white carpet rolled out and the pink and white rose petals scattered over the island and the rows of white chairs and all the guests, the people I had known all of my life. And then, at the end of all that, was `Ten.
I waved to `Ten and Gohan from the car. A sucker for tradition, Chi-Chi almost bit my head off. "You can't let him see you before the wedding. It's bad luck."
So I pulled myself out of view. We needed all the luck Dende could give us.
We landed (recklessly) and carefully stepped out. ("You don't want to get your dress all sandy!") Daddy was standing there waiting for us. ("Wow Juu, you look amazing." "Don't compliment me. Compliment Marron. You can praise me all you want next.")
Bra, Mom, and Chi-Chi all left to find their seats. Pan gave my hand a quick squeeze before making her walk down.
"Daddy," I began, "I have everything under control. So no matter what crazy shit is going to happen, I know what I'm doing. I hope."
He smiled. "I don't think you're supposed to say `shit' on your wedding day, firefly." He held out his arm. "Ready? I think we're up."
I took his arm. "Yes," I said truthfully. "I'm ready."
The walk down was the longest experience ever. It seemed that the aisle just went on forever. And I had to pass all my family and friends along the way. There was the Ox King in the back, who looked like he was ready to cry, Bulma, who gave me a wink, my Uncle 17 was leaning against the house, giving me a smirk, Piccolo was on the roof, trying (and failing) not to be seen, Mom, who gave me a full smile, and Trunks. I don't know, but I needed Trunks to be there. And I was glad he was.
And then, was the end of that long walk, which in reality was only three rows of chairs. But it didn't matter. Goten was at the end. So I gave my Daddy a kiss and he sat down. And there it was.
Dende performed the ceremony, half in Namekian, that only Bulma could understand, and she only knew very little. But it was still beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
But although I had never seen something so serene and real, I couldn't stop thinking about how much I had let 'Ten down. How much I had taken his trust and abused it. I vowed right then and there, along with the vows I shared with Goten, that I would tell him and try to make things better. I would fix my mistakes.
Then it was over. I was Mrs. Son Goten, and we were walking down the aisle to a thunderous applause from our friends and family and bawling form Chi-Chi and Bulma.
And it was on to the reception.
~
The reception was really just the other side of the island with some tables, chairs, food, and a stereo. They had set up a makeshift dance floor in the center. ("So I can show off my smooth moves," 'Ten had said.) And something inside me said it was going to be perfect.
In the middle of all the chaos of getting there, (which didn't make sense to me. How could there be chaos when you're just walking to another side of a small house?) I got a chance to slip away and find Piccolo. He was in the middle of a glaring match with my uncle, and I could tell they were both glad I showed up.
"Marron," Piccolo said in a greeting as he and Uncle 17 both looked away from each other and to me. "Congratulations to both you and Goten."
"Thank you Piccolo. I'm glad you could make it. You too Uncle 17. I never imagined you would show up. But I need to talk to you please." I pulled Piccolo away. "I'm sure you know what's been going on with me and--- Trunks. I just thought it would be the right thing to tell you exactly what's happening as of now."
He nodded. "I know."
"Yes," I continued. "And I'm taking care of it. I know you don't approve at all, and I have to ask you to not tell Goten."
"I won't tell your secret, don't worry. But you just make sure you tell that husband of yours. Because if you don't, Marron, I will."
I swallowed hard. "Of course. But before I go, um, do you know whose baby it is?" I asked hesitantly.
"I do. But you still have to tell him."
Though it wasn't a direct answer, I felt so much hope from it. I smiled faintly and nodded. "Thanks." I saw Mom come over.
"Marron, you're wanted over there. Your husband is whining."
"Yeah, sure Mom. Thanks again Piccolo."
He nodded in reply.
She grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the party. "Do you know why you're uncle's here?"
I shook my head. "No clue. Come on, let's go do this thing."
~
And we did. We partied and danced for hours and hours, and soon, under the stars. I danced with everyone: `Ten, Trunks, Daddy, Goku, Gohan, Yamcha, and even Vegeta. I told him since it was my wedding day, he had to do anything I wanted.
And it was so amazing. And when the last dance arrived, I literally grabbed 'Ten away from his brother and dragged him onto the dance floor. "Last dance," I told him sweetly.
"So this means it's over?" he asked sadly. He was enjoying this, I could tell.
I smiled. "Nope, it's only just beginning. We have the rest of eternity." Which means I have the rest of eternity to tell you exactly what happened. I leaned my face in closer. "Our baby kicked today. I think it knew there was something exciting going on."
He nodded. "And," he started dramatically, sweeping me across the floor elegantly, "I think we are having a girl."
"You do? What makes you think that?" I cocked an eyebrow.
"Because Gohan had Pan. You see, my parents had two boys, so it's only natural that my child would be a girl."
"Ahhh, I see. So, Mr. Son, what fairy tale do you think we're in this time?"
He laughed. "Well Mrs. Son, I think we just invented our own fairy tale, don't you?"
Did I mention how much I love fairy tales?