"Congratulations, Mrs. Warbucks," Drake winked, giving her a peck on the cheek.

"Thank you, Drake," she replied along with a hug.

"I told you he's had feelings for you."

"I know, I know."

"Butlers always know best."

Stepping back, Grace straightened his jacket. "How can I ever repay you for all of your help?"

"I'd do anything for you, madam."

"'Madam'…" she blushed. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to that. At least not from you."

"'Mrs. Warbucks' it is then."

"You won't even consider using 'Grace'?"

"That would be a bit strange while still referring to your husband as 'Mr. Warbucks'."

"Goodness… my husband."

"It will sink in soon enough."

"Despite everything with Commissioner Doyle, her daughter, and Mr. Whitehead, it feels like this all has happened so fast. I somehow didn't anticipate getting married today."

"You were hopeful," he teased.

"Silly, right?"

"Not at all. And think of this, he didn't even marry you because he had to."

Clasping her hands together, she said in a slightly lower voice, "I'm feeling a bit nervous now. It seemed so impossible. Now that I'm actually married…"

Drake smiled, touching her shoulder. "Don't worry about it. You're going to be a great wife."

She smiled back, but with a touch of sympathy. "I'm still so sorry about everything between you and me. If you've felt anything for me like I've felt for Mr. Warbucks—"

He cut her off and held up his hand. "I can handle it. Really. Seeing the look on your face when he told you he loved you was worth any heartache."

"I'm touched…"

"Don't you dare cry."

She laughed, touching the side of one eye with her fingertip. "I won't, I won't."

"Truly, I am happy for you. Just, you know… don't feel you need to be too affectionate with him with me in the room."

"Noted. And thank you. I pray you'll find someone who is able to love you as much as you deserve."

"I have your love as a friend. That's enough."

With a smirk, Grace said, "Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. I hear Cecile is pretty sweet on you."

His eyes widened. "Cecile?"

She nodded.

"Hmm… I never would have guessed."

"Oh, Drake," she laughed, "it's so obvious! What is it with that mansion and making men blind to the adoring women in their lives?"

"I suppose there's no harm in asking her for tea. Especially since you're going to be far too busy with your husband for our nightly meetings," he jested.

With a blush, she said, "We'll move our tea to the afternoon. As Mrs. Warbucks I think I can demand a break now and then."

"You'll need them with seven children."

"A bit impetuous of me, huh?"

"No," he shrugged. "They're here all the time anyways."

"I'm glad Mr—Oliver saw it that way, too."

Drake laughed, then looked over her shoulder. "Speaking of 'Mr—Oliver', I think I've taken up too much of your time."

She jumped as Oliver touched her waist, kissing her cheek in the process. "This party is boring. Had I anticipated happy nuptials I would have planned something more exciting."

Grace looked over at the children and staff across the room, all dancing and laughing. "I don't know, it looks like everyone is having a great time."

"Ah… so there's no interest in you and I ducking out early?"

The suggestion sent a chill up her spine. "We can't very well leave the children here."

"Of course we can," he said, looking to Drake. "You don't mind keeping an eye on them, do you?"

"Not at all, sir."

Guiltily, Grace said, "No, I wouldn't feel right… you should enjoy the party, too, Drake."

"Are you kidding? Look at them all – I can't believe I've been a wallflower and missing the fun." He then winked at Grace. "Go on. We'll all be fine here."

Accepting Oliver's hand, she nodded. "Thank you, Drake. For everything."

"You've thanked me enough, Mrs. Warbucks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to go ask Cecile to dance. Wish me luck."

"Good luck."

Grace kept her head turned as Drake walked away from them. Once he was out of earshot, Oliver leaned in to say in a hushed tone, "It's about time with those two. It's evident Cecile has a thing for him. You can always tell with women."

She turned her head, narrowing her eyebrows and twisting her lips.

Realizing what he'd said, he corrected, "Well… you can tell when it's about someone other than yourself."

"Mhmm…"

"Go easy on me, Grace. I nearly married a black widow."

With a chuckle, she linked her arm with his. "Let's go home." Casting a final glance over at the guests, she spotted Drake and a very perplexed Cecile spinning around on the dance floor. "It looks like all is well."

"What were you and Drake talking about, anyhow?"

"Oh, this and that."

"You know, I always sort of wondered if you had a thing for him. I guess that's why I never tried harder. In a way, you two seem like the better fit."

"He's a friend," she said softly as they reached the door. "A dear, dear friend."

End.