Hi, sorry about the delay, here's the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Wolf's Rain and its characters are the rightful property of their respective owners.  This piece is not for profitable purposes.

Chapter 5: Our Wedding

I look over the task list once more, and then turn my head so that I am looking at her. "We're all set for tomorrow, Cher."

She glances over my shoulder and then nods her head yes.

"I'm so glad that this day is finally arriving."

She responds by smiling and taking hold of my hand.

I smirk and say, "I'm sure Marion will be making a big deal about her role in this."

She laughs quietly and says, "Yes, I think you're right about that."

"Our new place looks great."

She nods her head yes.  Not sure if I should broach the subject, but, wanting to know, I decide to bring it up.

"Cher, have you decided yet what you'd like to do about your name?"

"I've thought about and, considering that Degree is recognized in my profession, I've concluded its best to not change it."

Trying to mask my disappointment, I respond, "All right, that sounds fine."

I decide I won't let it bother me, what's most important, of course, is that we'll be together.

I look at myself in the mirror one more time.  This is it, as of today, Cher and I will officially be husband and wife.  Momentarily freed from my nervousness, I smile at my reflection.  I glance at my watch and realize that it's time to go, so I head to my car and make my way to the ceremony.

Anxiously, I wait for her at the altar.  At last, the music begins, and I watch as she slowly processes down the aisle.  She looks more beautiful than ever in her gown, and we smile at each other as she approaches, her veil covering her face.  Our guests clap, but I hardly hear them as I watch her, as she looks down slightly.

I smile as I say, "Cher, you look very beautiful."

She looks towards me and her eyes widen as she smiles.  The ceremony continues, and, as we exchange vows, I know that all this is for real.  I lift up her veil and lean in to kiss her.

Our guests clap and throw rice in the air as we exit, and shout their well wishes as we enter to the car to go to the reception.

I hold her hand as I say, "I'm so happy, Cher, I love you."

She grips my hand, smiles calmly, and responds, "I love you, too, Hubb."

Continuing to hold hands, we continue in silence to the reception.

When we arrive, we have pictures taken in and outside the building.  Afterwards, as we enter the reception hall, our guests clap and cheer again as I escort Cher to our table.  The flowers on all the guests' tables complement Cher's arrangement.  I scan the room and am pleased with how it was decorated.

She turns to me and says, "It's beautiful, isn't it Hubb?"

I smile and nod my head yes. 

After a toast, together, we walk from table to table, greeting our guests and thanking them for coming.  I take a deep breath when we arrive at a certain one that I had been dreading.

"Cher dear, Hubb!"

Cher steps forward and Marion grabs hold of her hands.  I notice that Marion is wearing a loud and billowing red dress, which I assume cost an exorbitant amount. Curious, I glance over at Marion's husband, I had heard his health is poor, I can imagine why.  When I glance at him, I notice he seems tired, again, I'm sure I can guess the cause.

"Oh, Cher, dear, you look gorgeous!  Of course, you always do, but today even more than ever."

Amazingly composed, Cher responds, "It's very kind of you, Marion, thank you so much for attending, I know how busy you and your husband are."

"Dear, I couldn't miss this, after all," she says, and then looks around the table and loudly continues, "I did introduce you two, after all."

Wanting to rescue Cher, I step forward and answer, "For which we are eternally grateful, Marion."

She smiles broadly at me and waves her hand as she says with a snort, "Well, I am a philanthropist!"

I repress a sigh and steal a glance at Cher, who seems to be doing the same.

Realizing that no one finds her joke humorous, Marion quickly changes the topic. "Cher, dear, is your aunt here?"

"Yes, Marion.  Would you like me to ask her to come visit you at your table?"

"Oh, no, that's not necessary, I'm sure she'll be looking for me."

Cher seems unsure how to answer, so I interject, "Marion, my mother is here as well."

Marion turns to me and says, "How wonderful."

Not wanting to be there any longer, and guessing Cher feels the same way, I say, "It was very nice seeing you this evening, Marion."

Cher nods her head and smiles.

Marion grins and says, "Oh, of course, it's always nice to see such lovely people, you go and enjoy yourselves."

"Excuse us, then," Cher says as she tips her head slightly forward. 

I bow and then take hold of Cher's hand as we move away from the table. I grin mischievously at Cher, whom I can tell is trying to suppress laughter.

After we finish greeting and then eat, Cher and I step onto the dance floor for the first dance.  The lights are dimmed and we move together in silent candlelight. I hold her close, so thankful for this day. As the song finishes we separate slightly and smile.  The other guests join us, and with intermittent breaks, we dance for hours.