paw patrol: all grown up #25: tying the knot
chapter 7: married in antarctica
28 DAYS LATER
Finally, after some extensive planning, the moment had arrived for Everest and Marshall's big day. At 8 AM, the engines were fired up for both PAW Patrollers in the insanely large front yard of the lookout. Decked out in the finest dresses and suits, the guests and groomsmen hopped on the main PAW Patroller while the bridesmaids (and the bride) hopped onto the backup one. With the journey taking 3 ½ hours, it was wise enough for them to get going as fast as they could. And they did so, with both PAW Patrollers arriving at the South Pole by 11:30 AM. Luckily for everyone involved, the weather wasn't freezing. It was a shade above 35 degrees, but there was no wind or snow blizzards. It was clear and sunny, and pretty warm for the region. Everest had gone through colder times here, but this would do.
Ryder ran out and checked if all the equipment for the wedding was in place, as he and the PAW Patrol set everything up the day before the wedding. Everything was there. Heated benches for the guests, electric blankets if needed. The makeshift stage in front of the crowd and heaters underneath it. All things checked out. He gave the go-ahead to the main Robo-dog to lower the gangway for the main PAW Patroller. All the guests walked out of the PAW Patroller and onto the ice. Again, lucky for everyone involved, it wasn't slippery. Everest and Marshall threw a few invitations around, hoping a few would respond. Tracker and Carlos did indeed respond, and they went onto the main PAW Patroller along with their fellow guests.
"Oh my lord, hace frio!" The former PAW Patrol member shivered as he and Carlos took their first steps on the Antarctic ice.
"Si, indeed it is." Carlos agreed. They both agreed that it could have been worse-usually it was below zero here-but things were great. The groomsmen stayed behind in the main PAW Patroller to get a good look at Marshall's tuxedo for the first time, as he hadn't put it on yet. The groomsmen were all wearing the same suits they wore just a month prior.
"Aye, man, can we open our eyes now?" Zuma asked. All the groomsmen had their eyes closed, waiting for the big reveal.
"Just a sec…This bowtie….just gotta loosen it a bit…alright, you guys can open them now." Marshall replied. All the groomsmen opened their eyes, and were blown away by what they saw.
"Daaaammmmnnnn!" gasped the groomsmen as they saw the dalmatian's tuxedo. Unlike the rest of them, Marshall had a completely white suit and red bowtie-the same one he wore on his first date. He never felt more confident in his looks before, showing off the innocent goofy grin he always displayed.
"You never told us you were wearing all white!" Jasen exclaimed.
"Dude, you ate the look!" Rocky added.
"That red bowtie…is the chef's kiss on top." Rubble complimented the groom.
"I thought the white suit would fit the theme of it….you know…because Everest was surrounded by snow growing up. I thought it would be perfect." explained the fire dog.
"You're like…the most considerate guy I've ever seen." Zuma told the dalmatian kindly.
"We'll see you at the altar, my man!" Rocky called out to Marshall as the groomsmen-besides Chase-left the giant plane. Knowing that this would be the last time he would see his buddy before the biggest moment of his life, the german shepherd put his arm around the groom's shoulder.
"Just wanted to ask. How does it feel getting married?" Chase asked with a grin on his face.
"Bro…it feels surreal. That's all I can say right now. Just…all these happy emotions hitting you all at once." Marshall responded in a dreamy state. The duo watched as less than 300 yards away, the guests were settling into their seats.
"Remember the plan, right? What Ryder told you?" The police dog inquired.
"Yep. I got it. Thanks for reminding me." Marshall answered.
"No problem, brotha. That's how we do it out here." The German shepherd smiled as the two bro-hugged one another.
"Take it easy, man."
"Absolutely." Chase remarked as he finally left the main PAW Patroller. Marshall took that as his cue to pull up the tarmac with a push of a button (it was getting cold). Meanwhile, Martha was setting up her photography equipment at the entrance of the main aisle when Skye ran into her.
"Martha….you look so pretty with the dress!" The cockapoo complemented her. It was the first time that Martha had ever worn a dress of any kind-a white one to boot.
"You don't look that bad yourself!" Martha replied warmly.
"How does it feel to do the photography for the biggest day of Marshall's life?" Skye asked the groom's mother.
"It…it's a tremendous honor. I've always dreamed of doing photography on a big day for him. And Marshall…he's getting married to the most wonderful girl I've ever met. Everest is perfect for him. As his mother…my baby is a strong young man now. It's crazy." The female dalmatian remarked, feeling tears welling up in her eyes. She remembered the days back when her son was a very tiny puppy-a time she very much treasured. The two were very close when Marshall was younger, and after his son joined the PAW Patrol, they didn't speak face to face for several years until Marshall was just about 16 years of age.
"I can't imagine how awesome that is…" The cockapoo remarked.
"Sooo…I've wanted to ask you for a while, but I keep forgetting…how's the pregnancy going? Looks like your stomach got much bigger since the last time I saw you." Martha asked the pilot, gazing at her growing stomach.
"Oh my goodness, you're right! Sometimes, with the anticipation of my best friends being married over the last month, I forget that I'm pregnant, honestly. But yeah. Things are going pretty well. 4 weeks in. I've got morning sickness here and there, but it's not too bad." Skye answered. The pregnancy had been going better than she expected, and was cherishing every moment she could.
"How's the house project doing?" Martha inquired.
"Rocky and Rubble have been doing such an amazing job on Chase and I's house. The exterior's almost completely done, the white picket fence got set up, everything. Now, they just gotta do the interior work, electricity and other plumbing stuff taken care of. They told us that it'll be two weeks until we can move in." Skye answered with a smile.
"Wow…and just in time, too." Martha noted.
"Exactly. Two weeks from now, I'll be 6 weeks. That gives Chase and I plenty of time to move in and set up the whole house for our little puppies when that time comes…" Skye trailed off as she held her stomach with her paws. She gazed lovingly to her stomach: a gaze that Martha understood perfectly.
"I can just tell that you'll be a great mom." The female dalmatian spoke up.
"Oh, and before I forget. The day after Chase and I move in, I'm having a baby shower. You're welcome to come if you want." Skye told the photographer.
"Awww, Skye, I'd love to! Thanks for inviting me." Martha grinned.
"Thanks, Martha! I need all the support I can get. It's not gonna get any easier, with my small frame and all that. But Chase is very supportive of me, and honestly, he's the one that will get me through it all." The pilot thanked the photographer, embracing her and walking up to the makeshift stage, where all the groomsmen and bridesmaids stood.
"Rubble…are you seriously crying again?" Zuma gasped, trying not to laugh at his buddy's lack of emotional control.
"I'm sorry…I just love weddings so much, a grown dog like me gotta cry." Rubble answered the chocolate lab.
"I have a feeling that this is turning into a running gag." Rocky whispered to the border collie.
"Afraid so." Jasen whispered back, shivering slightly from the breeze of the Antarctic wind.
"So, Liberty…how's being the mayor of Adventure City going?" Hailey asked the dachshund.
"It's been great so far. Meeting a lot of people. Getting to sit in a big office and having employed servants. But I miss the freedom of being on my own sometimes, too. Being a mayor of a city with just over a million people is pretty damn hard. Meetings, the media hounding you every time you leave the city hall, press conferences, bills to sign…and you don't get much time to rest. It's the same routine every day. But I wouldn't trade it for anything! I've worked really hard for it and I love it regardless. I have 3 ½ human years left in my term, so I'll be 60 when I'm done. It's a lifetime of service, basically." Liberty answered. After 3 months of being the mayor, she finally was getting used to the strains of the job. Mayor Goodway walked up to the stand on the middle of the stage and stood tall as she cleared her throat.
"Friends…we are here today, under the…unique…weather conditions of the South Pole to witness the union of Everest and Marshall in marriage. They have served in our very own PAW Patrol and showed our community and beyond what it is like to work with dignity, passion and excellence. Everest was born here under the rigorous conditions of the Antarctic region, and joined the PAW Patrol after showing bravery like no other. Both of them wanted to be here today to celebrate their big day, and I am honored to be here in front of you today. Ryder told me that he had a plan. I want you, under Ryder's guidance, to close your eyes." Mayor Goodway told the guests. They did so, and Marshall took this as his cue. He lowered the tarmac and walked out of the PAW Patroller for the very first time. He then pulled the tarmac back up (there was a button on the outside) and walked all the way up to the red-carpet aisle. Mayor Goodway and Ryder themselves were the only ones that had their eyes open, seeing the dalmatian make his way to the ceremony. They both couldn't believe their eyes.
"And here comes the groom! You guys can open your eyes now." Mayor told the crowd. Just then, all the guests and the others got a good look at Marshall and were caught off guard. Nobody expected the dalmatian to wear a stunning white suit, and they all gasped in admiration. Martha took this moment to turn her camera towards her son-and got a few pictures.
"You never told me that you're wearing white!" Martha cried as she rushed to embrace her son.
"I wanted to keep it a surprise, mom." Marshall told her, even though her mother was hugging the living daylights out of him.
"Words can't describe how proud I am for you, Marshall." Martha choked up as she continued to embrace her ray of sunshine.
"Thanks, mom…for everything." The fire dog whispered. Both felt tears of joy coming down their eyes. The two then separated as Marshall began to take the walk up the aisle. Seeing the proud faces of the guests-and the tears of the bridesmaids-kept him at ease. He finally made it to his place and stood tall, gazing longingly at the crowd and further beyond.
"Hey, how does it feel getting married?" Liberty asked the dalmatian.
"I can't describe it. Dreams do come true." Marshall answered quietly.
"Aye, look at Tracker, man!" Rubble gestured towards their former PAW Patrol teammate.
"You alright down there, buddy?" Marshall called out to the chihuahua. He was indeed a bit cold-and the suit didn't help-but he had an electric blanket wrapped around him and was sitting on the heated bench on the front row.
"These electric blankets work like a charm!" Tracker replied.
"Hey, Skye…just asking for a friend…you know what Eve's dress looks like?" The groom asked the maid of honor.
"I'm not telling you. But you're gonna love it, that's for sure." The pilot answered playfully.
At the same time, Jake was checking up with Everest to see if she was ready to go. She was in the backup PAW Patroller, looking over herself one last time. Jake opened up the tarmac and walked up to see her.
"Hey, Everest? How are you doing in there?" The mountaineer asked.
"You might as well see me, Jake. For all it's worth." The husky spoke up, turning around to reveal herself.
"Oh my goodness, wow. That dress is crazy." The husky's former owner gasped in shock. Everest's wedding dress was far more elaborate than expected, knowing the lack of fashion sense she had. The dress she had was stunning in of itself. It was almost completely white, but a lavender veil sat over her face. The back end of the dress was ten feet long- twice the length of Skye's wedding dress.
"I know, right?" Everest shrugged with a cocky expression.
"I…I still can't believe you're actually getting married. Like…dogs like you just grow up too fast. They don't make them like you anymore." Jake admitted as he knelt next to his old dog.
"I still can't believe I'm getting married, either." Everest sighed with happiness.
"So…you ready?" The ski resort owner inquired. Suddenly, the joyful face that she possessed changed into one occupied by the typical wedding jitters.
"Actually…I'm very nervous. I mean, what if I forget my vows? What if I trip on my very long wedding dress?" The husky asked her old owner, quietly begging for assurance.
"Everest…I'm sure Marshall wouldn't mind you slipping on your dress. Plus, there's a red carpet on the aisle, anyway." Jake reasoned with her.
"Yeah, come to think of it, that makes sense. He might have slipped on the ice." The bride giggled to herself.
"And don't worry about anything else. Just stay calm and R-E-L-A-X. Relax. You're gonna be okay." Jake told the mountain rescue canine. Those were the words that Everest needed more than anything this very moment.
"You know…nobody else told me that…thank you…" The husky whispered as she embraced him.
"You know what? I'll walk you up to the aisle. And you do the rest. I'm just so happy for both of you." Jake told the bride.
"Jake…they don't make humans like you anymore." Everest told her former owner kindly as they both walked out of the PAW Patroller.
"We don't want to keep them waiting." The mountaineer told the bride as they began walking to the ceremony (which was actually 500 feet away in plain view)
Ryder was the first one to actually see Everest, so the mayor told everyone to close their eyes again (to amp up the surprise factor). Once the husky and Jake finally made it to the aisle, Mayor Goodway cleared her throat again.
"And here comes the bride!" Mayor Goodway announced. Like with Marshall moments ago, everyone in the crowd and on the makeshift stage opened their eyes. Mrs. Majorie, who asked Ryder to bring the pipe organ that she played a month prior, began playing it. Everyone's eyes laid on the husky, and they were stunned. After a moment, Everest took a good look at everyone in the crowd. They looked at her in sheer admiration, smiles splashed all over them. Everest then looked to the bridesmaids and the groomsmen just 30 feet up the aisle.
Katie, Liberty, Hailey, and Skye as the bridesmaids.
Jasen, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma and Chase as the groomsmen.
They simply couldn't stop staring at her dress. They wondered how she was able to walk in it with how long the tail end of the dress was. Then, there was Marshall. He was stuck in a loving trance, convinced that there was an angel right in front of him. Once those two locked eyes, they simply couldn't focus on anyone else. The dalmatian's smile that he had set Everest at ease, as she began to walk up the aisle. The husky took her time walking up the aisle, enough for Martha to get some great photos of the bride herself. Finally, after what seemed like 10 minutes (it was actually just over two minutes), Everest had finally made it up the stage and took her place, right in front of the man she loved more than life itself. Due to the dress being so long, both Skye and Hailey had to hold the back of it.
At long last, the bride and groom sat directly in front of each other. Marshall and Everest completely zoned out of everything else around them, unadulterated romance in full swing. Both sets of their blue eyes twinkled as they held paws. Their heart rates went to outer space. Never have they ever felt this kind of love before. The husky and dalmatian wanted this moment to last forever. But there was a wedding ceremony to be conducted.
"Friends and loved ones," Mayor Goodway spoke up, snapping the couple out of their wedding-induced stupor. "We are here today in the South Pole to celebrate the union of Everest and Marshall in holy matrimony. These two wonderful canines have served Adventure Bay and abroad, but now, they will start a great commitment to a life of camaraderie, love and joy as they begin a life as one."
None of the bridesmaids and groomsmen's faces were tear-free. Even Chase, a dog known to be the poster child of stoicism, shed tears of pride. Jake could barely keep his face clean of water, sitting in the front row. Martha tried desperately to keep her focus working both cameras, one for video and one photos respectively. She stifled her sobs of ecstasy as she worked the cameras like a professional. The female dalmatian wanted to capture the best moments of his son's life and was relishing every second.
"I can't believe this is actually happening…" Martha whispered to herself, keeping her composure.
"Everest…Marshall…you may recite your vows." The mayor spoke. Thirty seconds went by. Not a peep was heard by anyone. The only sound in the area was the very slight breeze going by. Marshall gave the husky a wink that had all the intentions that everything was going to be alright. It was that moment that Everest finally relaxed. Her insides melted, genuine warmth possessing every inch of the groom.
"Everest…where could I start with someone like you? I think I got it. You're the most gorgeous girl I've ever met. From inside and out. You've changed my life for the best, just for being there for me. You accepted my complete and authentic self, and I'm so grateful that you did. Honestly, I still get butterflies when we hang out sometimes. We've been through a roller coaster ride of emotions together: the good, the bad, and everything in between, and we're better for it. I wanted to build that cabin for both of us because I knew we had something amazing together that I can't describe. Being your husband is simply the greatest thing in the world, and starting a brand new life with you, making sure you're loved, protected and feel your best self. Like my best friend once said…these next 60 years we have together are gonna be a blast. Today isn't the end. But it's the beginning of something that is bigger than me or you. It's us. Together as a package…Everest…I love you." Marshall spoke with the tender tone he always possessed. The guests felt an unconscious awww come out of their mouths.
Everest gazed into Marshall's stunning blue eyes. The dalmatian's heart thumped like never before as the husky began to recite her vows to the love of her life.
"I've been dealt a lot of things in my short life. But today…I consider myself…the luckiest dog on the face of the earth. And that's what I feel every day when I'm with you, Marshall. I feel like every time I see you, I'm looking at the other half of me. The vacancy that sat in my heart is a space that you hold very tightly. You showed me how to love, and it's always easy coming back to you, because it's like you're my mirror. There is simply nobody like you in this world. You're the funniest guy around, you cry with me when things get tough, you're the nicest guy I've been with…and…well…you're hot. Your presence has made me happier than I could have ever dreamed of being when I'm with you. And the fact that I am gonna be your wife? I knew that question was coming for a while. When you asked me if you wanted to build that cabin in Jake's Mountain, you couldn't have guessed how overjoyed I was on the inside. I mean, you wanted to go through all that trouble to build a getaway spot just for the two of us on the weekends? That was the moment I realized that you were the one. We've been together for 6 years, and every day still feels like a brand new adventure for us. Whatever lies in the months and years ahead, no matter how big the bumps and long the valleys may get…I will love you no matter what, Marshall. You've made my life the best it could possibly be." Everest said, a heartfelt smile sticking out like a sore thumb. Both were blushing after she finished. The crowd gushed once again in astonishment as to how cute the newlyweds' commitment to each other was.
"Now, Chase, as the best man of this wedding, you may give the groom his ring." The mayor told the police dog. Without hesitation, Chase gave the box with the ring to the groom.
"So happy for you, man. You've earned it." The German shepherd whispered to his best friend as they both embraced.
"Thanks for being there, dude." Marshall said. He then walked back to his place, where he handed the box to his bride. She opened the box, and it revealed a red wedding ring.
"Now, Everest, you may put the ring on Marshall's paw and repeat after me. 'I give you this ring as a token of my undying love, as I give myself to you now and always." Mayor Goodway spoke to the bride. Everest did just that. The ring fit perfectly onto his right front paw.
"I give you this ring as a token of my undying love, as I give myself to you now forever and always." The bride repeated, giving Marshall the loving eyes that he knew all too well. Martha was choking up again as she realized what was gonna happen next-the grand finale.
"Marshall…do you take Everest as your lawfully wedded wife…to love, to honor, to cherish, in sickness and in health, forever and always?" The mayor asked the dalmatian.
"I do." Marshall answered with conviction as he continued to take in the radiant beauty of his very-soon-to-be spouse.
"Everest…do you take Marshall as your lawfully wedded husband…to love, honor, to cherish, in sickness and in health, forever and always?" The mayor inquired the husky. After waiting a few moments, Everest gave the love of her life a stunning set of bedroom eyes-a stare that made Marshall shiver in delight (and from the cold).
"I do." Everest replied lovingly. Mayor Goodway shivered for a moment due to the slight breeze. She was happy that this wedding was soon to be over, and was looking forward to the reception at the lookout. But first, there was a kiss to be shared.
"By the power invested in me, Mayor Goodway, the officiant of this wedding, I now pronounce Marshall and Everest…husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." The mayor told the couple. Marshall and Everest had planned for this exact moment since the day he proposed, and now, it was time to execute it. The groom removed the wedding veil above the bride's face and chucked it into the crowd. All the while, they still maintained eye contact, bedroom eyes exchanged between them. The crowd gasped, and then it happened. Marshall and Everest commemorated their new life together by locking lips passionately for the first time in marriage. The canines behind them barked and howled in ecstacy. The crowd cheered with vigor. Martha's face was stained with tears of joy as she snapped the first photographs of her son and her new daughter in-law. Jake and Ryder never felt more proud. There was only one problem. The kiss between Marshall and Everest was supposed to be just a few seconds. They went ahead with unbridled passion for almost an entire minute, not caring as to who was watching. Everyone got a good laugh out of it, and as soon as they separated, catching their breath and looking out to the crowd again, the crowd cheered once again. After some pictures with the groomsmen, bridesmaids and the newlyweds themselves on the podium, it was time for Marshall and Everest to walk down the aisle together. Martha got the final photos of them walking down the aisle, and with that, the wedding ceremony came to a close. Even as the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and newlyweds were talking amongst themselves, Ryder and the wedding guests began to tear down and clean up the area almost immediately. Not even 30 minutes later, the scene that hosted the wedding was nothing but a barren icy wasteland. Ryder and the human wedding guests loaded the materials onto the backup PAW Patroller, and it was off in a flash.
"You lovebirds ready to go back home?" Ryder asked the newlyweds, who were staring off into the distance by themselves. Everyone else was already inside the main PAW Patroller, awaiting heading back to Adventure Bay.
"Nah. Just give us a couple of minutes." Everest told the boy. Ryder nodded and rushed back to the PAW Patroller. He didn't like to wait-it was starting to get colder-but he could use this time to get the engines warmed up. Marshall was surprised by this admission. Everest pointed over to the cave which she and her parents lived in when she was younger, which was in eye view not too far away. The two walked over to the cave, and walked inside. The cave was only illuminated by the sunlight from the atmosphere above.
"If only Mom and Dad were here to see this…" The husky trailed off quietly. Every time that she came back to the South Pole, the memories of her parents would flood her mind. Today was no exception. Marshall, knowing exactly what she was referring to, couldn't help but feel tons of sympathy. He was very lucky to still be able to reconnect with his mother, and his father was absent since he was very young. As Everest remembered her parents, she embraced her new husband. Tears weren't shed, but the emotion was definitely there.
"Hey…Eve…I know this for a fact. You notice the sun shone a little brighter after the wedding, right?" The dalmatian asked quietly.
"Yeah?"
"That was your mom and dad. They watched us from heaven. I'm sure that they're very proud of you." The fire dog told his new wife tenderly. Not feeling that words were a necessity, the husky and the dalmatian nuzzled for a few seconds before looking back outside the cave.
"They must be getting pretty restless over there. We might as well dip before they all turn into ice cubes." Everest remarked, thinking of the guests that were in the PAW Patroller waiting for them.
"I can't agree more." The dally answered. A moment of silence.
"Race ya!" Everest playfully yelled in his face, booking it for the PAW Patroller half a mile away. Marshall laughed as he saw the end of his bride's dress floating in the air as she ran.
"Aye, come on!" The dally called out, running after his bride. The two made it to the PAW PAtroller in no time, much to the relief of everyone. The tarmac was lifted, everyone was inside and the PAW Patroller, with the main Robo-dog as its pilot, began the journey home.
The wedding reception at the lookout that night was not only warmer, but went better than expected. Katie made an over the top wedding cake that fed all the canines three times over. Marshall made an easy decision to make Chase toast him and his new bride, and the german shepherd made good on that decision. He gave the most hysterical stories about the husky and dally's relationship- including how the fire dog asked her out, making everyone wheeze with laughter. Rubble once again performed as the DJ of the wedding, and everyone had an absolute blast on the dance for almost three hours straight. Everyone was especially into the newlyweds, as Marshall and Everest made Baby and Swayze look like chumps. Their brand of tango that they called "Dirty Dancing" enraptured the crowd in awe.
Finally, at 11 PM, almost all of the wedding guests have gone home, tuckered out after an incredibly long but historic occasion. The music came to a stop, and even though everyone was somewhat tired, all was well.
"Now, are you sure that you and Everest have everything for your honeymoon?" Martha asked the groom.
"Yes, mom…We can live without contact for days at a time, ya know." Marshall groaned with a laugh to follow. Martha was still in disbelief that he and Everest actually had a house together. The female dalmatian surprised the couple one day by showing up at their "vacation getaway spot". The three had a great time that day, with Martha showing Everest some wicked embarrassing photos of Marshall when he was young, a particular highlight.
"Another excellent performance for my main man, DJ Rubble!" Jake exclaimed as he high-fived the bulldog.
"Don't tell Chase and Skye, but this set was more fun. It truly felt like a party tonight." Rubble whispered in the mountaineer's ear. Not too far away, Zuma and Hailey were feeling a little tired themselves, finishing off the last of the fruit punch that was left.
It seems like there's a pattern of marriage is taking place here…I'm wondering who's getting married next…maybe it might be Adventure Bay's first gay wedding? Who knows?" The chocolate lab wondered aloud.
"I hope so! Rocky and Jasen are so cute together. But they've got plenty of time to figure things out." Hailey gushed, with a yawn to follow. Speaking of the gay couple, they had done a little defacing to the back of Marshall's fire truck.
"Hey, you lovesick dweebs! We gave your truck the wedding treatment!" The mix and the border collie called out to the newlyweds. They rushed over to the truck, and began cackling at what they saw. A vintage JUST MARRIED bumper sticker was smacked on the bottom, and an ungodly amount of soup cans were attached via a string on the tow line.
"You had to do it for us, too, right?!" The dally chuckled.
"Uhhh, yeah! It's gonna be a new tradition every time someone gets hitched! Isn't that so, my love?" Rocky answered, licking his boyfriend's face in affection.
"True facts." Jasen added.
"You know…the real question is…who's gonna do the bumper sticker thing when you guys get married?" Everest asked playfully. This made both stop dead in their tracks. Neither Jasen or Rocky had ever thought of marriage before. They had been dating for only two years and were only in the planning stages for the mix to move in with Jasen and his owner, Kirk, in Orchard Park.
"Uhhhhhhh…" The mix and border collie thought aloud, staring at each other and blushing.
"Hey, I was just teasing ya!" Everest laughed. Sighs of relief cascaded from the homosexual canine couple in response.
"You sure we got everything in my truck?" Marshall asked his new wife.
"Sure do, goofy." Everest replied flirtatiously.
"Slay." The dalmatian smiled. The fire dog helped his new bride into his truck (along with the very long dress). Sensing that they had to say before they had to dip, both barked for everyone to hear.
"Hey…uhh…can Marshall and I have your attention for a sec before we head out?" The mountain rescue dog asked. Everyone nodded without a word.
"Uhmmm…first of all, we're super grateful that you guys were able to be here tonight and all through the day. It's been a long one." The groom spoke. He then turned to his wife.
"I wanna give a shoutout to Jake really quick." The bride said, gazing at her old owner. Jake's eyes perked up when he heard his name. "When we found each other in the South Pole all those years ago, you saw that I wasn't just an ordinary dog. You thought that I was capable of extraordinary things. Jake, you offered me a place to stay, which was something I never thought I could dream of having. Without you, I would have never met Ryder, the amazing people here in Adventure Bay, Skye, and everyone else…especially a certain someone I love more than anyone else. Jake, you're the best owner I could have ever hoped for. I owe you my gratitude…I love you." Everest said, genuine emotions overflowing. Jake couldn't help running over to Marshall's truck and embracing the best friend that he ever knew, the husky licking his face in return.
"Alright, I wanted to thank someone before I go. My gratitude goes to my mother." Marshall turned to his mother. Martha couldn't help but grin. "She sacrificed the feeling of being warm and comfortable, and relaxing in the pews, to do the photography for the wedding today. She really wanted to snap those photos of her son and her new daughter-in-law on the biggest day of our lives, and nothing was going to stop her. Mom, you're the greatest. You're the one that showed me how to be kind to everyone, to have fun in life, and what hard work can be so rewarding. You're the reason I grew into what I am today. I love you, Mom. More than you know." The dalmatian proudly spoke up. For what it seemed to be the 5th time today, Martha cried tears of joy.
Marshall…I loved you longer than you ever knew. Martha thought to herself as she wiped the water from her face.
"Last, but not least, I wanna thank Ryder for giving me a chance to be here not only as a mountain rescue dog, but as a positive influence on the whole town of Adventure Bay. I want to thank him for giving both Marshall and I a safe place to let us be ourselves…despite us being very annoying sometimes. You gave us both a purpose in life. And we love you for that. Oh, and you're the one that made this wedding possible. Thanks for not giving up on the idea of us going to freaking Antarctica for our big day." Everest proclaimed.
"See you guys next week, ya dorks!" Marshall and Everest proclaimed, waving goodbye to the guests. The dalmatian fired up the engines and not 30 seconds passed before the fire truck was on the bridge. The canines and humans watching howled and cheered wildly as they watched the fire truck zoom off into the night.