Jim's Folly

If I forget to give a shout out to someone, it seems that everyone freaks out at me! Geesh! It shouldn't have to be this way! *wipes away tears* I love you all and I'm tickled pink when you review happily. Angel, darling...forgive me, okay? I know I'm making you mad with my sadistically mean writing.

Monkeypants, you may very well be delightfully surprised come Jim and Raven's marriage….etcetera. You'll find out in a few chapters from now.

Okay, ladies (Robbie doesn't review anymore, so I figure you're all ladies. Correct me if I'm wrong, please.), from here on is probably going to be the wedding, honeymoon *COUGH* (yes, I will write some. Not ALL, but some. They need their privacy. Wink wink.), the future years…yeah. Jim's gonna be there, so don't worry Abby.

Abook, it's lovely to see you return.

Mia, come see our hockey teams. We rock.

Chapter Thirty Three

Simon hadn't called since that one time at the Inn. The wedding was set for two days from now, and Raven was terrified. Cold feet was hardly an expression to describe hers. Her feet were moving ice blocks.

Jim didn't seem to be nervous, or he held it within well.

Sarah was excited beyond comparison and was decorating the backyard of Delbert's manor. Montressor's weather forecast had called for no rain, nor clouds. Though it wouldn't be sunny, the weather would be decent for once. Raven didn't care. She was getting married, as scary as it was, and she'd be happy for once. She'd be able to settle. She'd be a Mrs.

Inside Amelia and Delbert's main bedroom, Raven trembled as Amelia considered hairstyles for the long-haired beauty.

"Well, my dear, your hair certainly could pose as a problem. It's much too long to do something to it."

Raven blinked. "You know you'll die if you cut it," she said quietly, bringing laughter past Amelia's lips.

Amelia's youngest daughter, Angie, was going to be the flower girl, while Tara was going to walk alone, while Scott and Mia walked side by side, Scott being the ring-bearer.

Back with Amelia and Raven, Amelia was squinting, holding up one side of Raven's long black locks.

"We could curl this…have it frame your face a little…your dress is complimentary to your long hair. This was good planning on our part…" Amelia considered some more, studying Raven in the mirror. "Nonetheless, you're a beauty and you'd look lovely wearing a paper bag."

Raven blushed. "You jest, Captain Amelia."
Amelia smiled and squeezed the young girl's shoulder. "Not at all. A bride is beautiful matter what. Jim won't be paying any attention to what you're wearing. All he'll care about is that you'll be his for the rest of your days. And you know as well as I do that that is the first thing that should be on your minds, am I right?"

Raven licked her lips and nodded. "Well, you only get married once…and…well, I want it to be perfect."
"It's natural for a woman to want such a thing, my dear. You'll get the perfect wedding. Trust me."

--

Jim paced back and forth, letting all of his contained stress slip out before Delbert in the professor's study.

"Two days, Doc."

Delbert grinned, polishing his glasses on his shirttail. "Nervous, Jim?"

Jim sighed. "I'm getting married, Doctor. Should I be?"

Delbert chuckled to himself, replacing his eyeglasses. "I don't see any reason for you to not be nervous. You have a lovely bride waiting for you. She's just as nervous, I'm sure of it."
"I…just want it to be perfect…you know, she deserves it." Jim was wringing his hands together nervously and gnawing on his lip. Deep within himself, he regretted not trying to contact Silver. This was definitely something he'd want Silver to witness. Perhaps he'd just have to settle for pictures.

Jim paced some more, glancing up and down at the tuxedo hanging on the door handle, ready to be worn in two days' time.

In Amelia's room, Raven's beautiful strapless white gown hung from a hook in the closet. Raven, trembling by this point as Amelia tested hairstyles on her, sighed.

"I don't know, Amelia…"

Amelia shook her head. "Dismiss those thoughts, Miss Calls. I know better than you do that you'll regret even considering having second thoughts. Trust me."

Raven bit her lip, nodding. She did love Jim…she just…wasn't sure about eternity with him…

--

The wedding was later that evening. Sarah was setting out the chairs with the help of a few hired hands. The priest was waiting nearby, getting touch ups on his makeup.

Raven was getting dressed, made-up, and pampered by Amelia while Doppler helped Jim with his tuxedo.

Morph fluttered around Jim proudly, chattering happily. Occasionally, the pink blob would turn into a handful of rice and throw himself at Jim.

Jim would laugh each time, comforted by the shape shifter's attempt to calm him down.

B.E.N. was surprisingly quiet as he prepared food in the kitchen.

The wedding was going to be small, but nonetheless, people were still coming.

Amy was finally there, and was dressing in the small room adjacent to Amelia's.

Knocking on the door in her pink dress, Amy entered and gasped as Raven came into her view.

"Stars, Raven…you look so beautiful!"

Raven took a moment to blush before deciding she needed to hug Amy. "I'm so glad you're here…I don't know what I'd do if you weren't."
Amy returned the hug and grinned. "So, where's Sarah? Isn't she the matron of honor?"

Raven paled and Amelia shook her head. "There will be no paling, Miss Calls! Stress is for the planners! Amy, go find Sarah. I need to get my dress on, too."
Sarah entered soon after, getting teary-eyed at Raven's appearance.

"My son's too lucky to marry such a beautiful girl," Sarah even caught herself muttering, causing the girls to laugh.

"Do you know if he's as nervous as I am, Mrs. Hawkins?"

Sarah just nodded, exchanging a look with Amelia. "Raven, he may be able to hide it, but I think he's twice as nervous."

"Good think Mark's there to keep him company, I guess…" Raven muttered to herself. Her brother had already snuck in to take an early peek at her. His eyes had clouded with tears and she'd told him to be strong until the wedding was over.

Mark had kissed his sister and told her to do the same. "I can't wait to dance with you, sis," he'd said into her ear and left the room.

As Amy, Sarah and Amelia got ready, Raven twiddled her thumbs in anticipation. In two hours and fifty-four minutes, she estimated, she'd be Mrs. Jim Hawkins.

--