Chapter III: Wedding of the Century

The weekend passed surprisingly uneventfully, as the Rangers did their best to pull in every lead, every resource, that could somehow put them on Fat Cat's trail. Monterey Jack's discovery about the crime lord's new hideout was helpful, but the waterfront was a large place to search, and the stalwart detectives spread feelers all over the city, trying to locate him.

However, come Tuesday night, everyone was taking a break, and preparing for the big day. Wednesday, November 30.

Chip and Gadget's wedding.

The Rangers had been on their feet all day, beating shoe-leather as Chip liked to say. That evening, they were glad to sit back and engage in something other than casework.

"I don't know," Gadget said uncertainly as she brushed her hair. "I almost feel guilty somehow, taking a day off in the middle of all this."

"Oh come on, girl!" Tammy chided. "Everybody has to have a day off sometime. And besides, you and Chip deserve this. You've given of yourselves so much, I doubt the respectable public would deny it to you."

"Maybe you're right. I'm just so nervous! Well, nervous doesn't start to describe it. I feel like I swallowed a full size butterfly."

"Pre-wedding jitters aren't unusual. Chipper's probably got them even worse," Tammy giggled.

Elsewhere in the tree, the exact same conversation was taking place.

"Calm down, Chippah me lad! You're like a cat in a rockin' chair factory!"

Chip wrung his hands nervously.

"Easy for you to say, Monterey. I'm getting married tomorrow! And to Gadget, the most beautiful woman on earth, no less!"
"Oi knew that fact about here afore you did, mate. But she's not some delicate china doll. You can be y'self around 'er. I think that's what's makin' you so worked up."

"I guess so. We know each other so well, and we've worked together so long building the Rangers and our reputation. I guess building another life together won't be insurmountable, after all of that."
"That's the spirit, pally," Monty said, putting a big hand on his shoulder. "An' I want you to know somethin'. Gadget's like me own little girl. Oi promised 'er dad I'd keep an eye on 'er, and keep 'er from doin' anything she'd regret. But I don't think this is one o' them kinda things. She's lucky to snare a bloke like y'self. An' anothah thing." He extended a beefy arm around Chip's shoulder. "You're a good lad, Chippah. Oi look on ya like I would me own son. An' that's high praise, comin' from 'ol Monterey Jack. I think a lot o' ya. You two kids be 'appy, you hear? That's wot matters to this ol' mouse."

Chip found himself tearing up. His own parents had been lost years earlier, and to have this kind of consideration from someone else was a high honor to him. He looked around, and then hugged his older friend.

"Thanks Monty," he whispered.

"No problem, boyo. Now then, you'd best be arrangin' y'self for tomorrow."

The next morning, the whole tree was up early. Chip and Gadget were kept separated from each other, as per universal wedding custom. Dale, as the best man, kept checking over and over to make sure that he had the rings securely in the pocket of his tuxedo.

"Cut it out Dale," Sparky scolded, "you know they're in there."
"Yeah Spark, but if I lose 'em Chip'll never forgive me!"

"If you drop 'em, I can get them back easy enough. One advantage to having my special talents," Sparky grinned, sparking electricity between his fingers, "magnetism!"

In her room, Gadget was being fitted into her gown by Tammy and Mrs. Hazlenut, and getting more nervous by the minute.

"What if I trip over my dress, or do something else stupid? I'll be mortified!"

"You won't, Gadget," the older of the two squirrels said. "You think you will, you're scared witless, but cheer up! Once you get up to the altar, you'll forget all about it."

"I hope so."
"Get a grip, Gadge," Tammy laughed. "You're going to kill in this dress."

"Yes," her mother said, "kill Chip with shock at how beautiful you are. Look."

She turned Gadget around to the mirror, to let her get a good view. The young mouse gasped.

"Oh…"

"Yes, oh."
Mrs. Hazelnut reached into her pocket.
"Gadget, you've been so good to my girls, and me. I want to do something for you. Here."
She reached out, and placed something around Gadget's neck. A silver chain glittered in the morning sun that shone through the open window.

"I wore it when I married Tammy's father. It'd please me if you wore it now on your special day."

Gadget sniffled back a tear as she fingered the finely wrought metal.
"Thank you so much, Mrs…"
"Martha. Mrs. Hazelnut makes me feel like an old maid."

"Thank you, Martha. It means a lot."
Tammy tugged on her sleeve.

"Come on, we've got to get you downstairs, time's flying!"

St. Matthew's Church was small by human standards, holding a congregation of only a few hundred. But to smaller citizens, it was a huge place, wonderfully appointed, and a safe haven, as the resident reverend was an animal lover. It had also been discovered by many that he was one of the few humans that could understand them. By that token, he had intentionally left the doors unlocked that morning, knowing that a special event was due to take place.

"Just wish I'd be there to see it," he'd chuckled upon leaving earlier on.

Gadget arrived with Tammy, Bink and their mother in the Rangerplane, while Chip, Monterey, Dale and Sparky drove in on the Rangermobile. As the bride made her way into a small anteroom at the back of the church, Martha suddenly gasped.

"Gadget! What are you thinking?"
"What?"

The motherly squirrel reached up, and pulled Gadget's goggles from her head. The bride-to-be shrugged in embarrassment.

"Something blue?"

"Honestly. Now sit down, we've got to get your hair back into shape."

At the front of the church, Chip fidgeted as he watched the guests arriving. Sometimes in ones and twos, sometimes in groups, they slowly filed in. Plato the police dog sat down at the back, his graying fur shampooed and combed for the occasion. Beside him sat Flash the Wonder Dog, dashing in his mask and cape. Ahead of him sat a group of mice in loud colored outfits, beset with sashes, tricornered hats and swords.

"Even the pirats made it," Dale whispered.

There sat Pop Top, the elderly mouse who had once led the Cola Cult, Buzz the guinea pig, Foxglove the bat, Cheddarhead Charlie and countless others the Rangers had rescued and befriended over the years.

Soft music began to play as the last guests took their seats. Chip reached up and adjusted his bow tie for the tenth time.

"I just wish we could have had a proper organ sendoff," he said. Dale elbowed him in a knowing manner.

"Who says you won't, pal?" he asked, pointing upward. Positioned on the keys of the church's pipe organ were a flock of small mice in white robes.

"The churchmouse congregation's organ choir. Wasn't much trouble to get 'em to do this little favor."

As the pre-service music continued, the bridal party began their walk down through the church. Bink was resplendent in her little lavender dress, dropping pieces of flower petals as she shuffled along.

Suddenly, the organ rang out with authority, the bridal march blasting from it's pipes with just the brassy sound that Chip had imagined. The audience stood, and a universal 'ahhhh' escaped them.

Down the aisle came Gadget, her long, brilliantly white gown draped around her like a satin cloud. Monty looked as proud as a full sized peacock as he escorted her down to her destination. Her gauzy veil hid the blue eyes that Chip knew so well, but he could still feel them staring out at the crowd.

'Bet she's saying the inventor's prayer over and over right now,' he thought.

As Gadget stepped up beside him, Monty stepped away to his seat, and an old mouse stepped to the platform. His robes identified him as the reverend of St. Matthew's churchmice.

"Dearly beloved," he began, "we are gathered here today in the sight of God, to join these two souls in holy matrimony. This is not a step to be taken lightly, and they have proven their love by coming thus far together."
He looked over at Chip.

"Do you, Chip Nutbrown Maplewood, take this woman, Gabriella Mariel Hackwrench, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her, forsaking all others, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Chip replied, his voice echoing strong.

"And do you, Gabriella Mariel Hackwrench, take this man, Chip Nutbrown Maplewood, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him, forsaking all others, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."

"The rings, please."
Dale reached forward, handing them the two small, golden bands. Chip placed one on Gadget's hand, as she did the same to him.

"These rings are a symbol of your love for one another, strong, unbroken."

The old mouse looked out at the assembled guests.

"If any here may give just cause, why these two should not be wed, speak now, or forever hold your peace."

None answered.

"Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Chip did just that, lifting the veil from Gadget's face, and they kissed for the first time as newlyweds. The church erupted in applause.

"Arr, that's the way, bucko!" The first mate of the pirats yelled.

As the organ resumed, the two made their way back up the aisle, hand in hand. They came outside to be greeted by showers of rice and birdseed, throngs of well-wishers waving and calling their congratulations.

At the end of the steps sat the Rangermobile, with Monty in the driver's seat.

"Pile in, mates!"
Chip and Gadget climbed into the back seat.

"Uh, Gadget luv, would ya mind?"
She grinned.

"No problem, Monty," she replied, reaching up to the engine's toggle switch. The fan roared to life, and the vehicle shot away from the curb. The newlyweds smiled at one another.

"Shall we?" Chip asked.

"By all means," his wife laughed.

"Rescue Rangers away!" they yelled together as they vanished down the street.

Later, at the tree, everyone talked and shared stories as the reception got underway.

"Looks like a rippin' good party," Monty said. "Could be 'cause I organized it!"

Chip and Gadget were dancing in the center of the room, looking as if they didn't know anyone else existed.

"Its too bad we have to go right back to work when this is over," Chip said mournfully.

"I know," Gadget sighed. "But you know how important it is, as well as I do. The honeymoon can wait till after Christmas. Fat Cat has to be stopped."
"I know. I just feel like I'm cheating you somehow."
Gadget drew back and looked him in the eyes.

"Chip Maplewood, don't you ever say that. I'm as proud of you as Monty and everybody else. More so in ways. Don't ever forget it."

'I am such a lucky guy,' Chip thought.
"I love you, Mrs. Maplewood."

At the kitchen counter, Dale dejectedly tossed back a glass of pecan ale. Foxglove walked up and wrapped her wing around him.

"Hey, Fuzzy. Feeling down?"

"Not really. I just hope I'm as lucky as Chip one day."
"Oh I think you will be. You're not a bad looking guy yourself."
"Thanks Foxy," he replied with a blushing grin.

An excited ripple suddenly ran through the crowded room.

"What's going on?" Foxglove asked.

"She's getting ready to throw the bouquet," Dale whispered. "You better get into position!"
Gadget took a firm-footed stance, and flung the flowers over her back. As if guided, they sailed straight into Tammy's arms, bringing a shriek of joy from the young squirrel.

"There'll be no livin' with 'er now, mates," Monty laughed heartily.

Later on that evening, when all the guests had departed, Monty gathered up the other Rangers, all with their overnight bags.

"Come on, pallies! We gotta give the youngins their space for one night, at least!"

The team would be staying at Martha Hazelnut's for the night.

The big mouse gently shooed his charges through the front door of Ranger Headquarters, giving Chip and Gadget a smile and a wink. When the door closed, Chip looked over at his new spouse.

"Well, here we are," he said, with a small smile.

"So it would seem," she replied, a rosy blush tingeing her face and ears. Chip took off his hat, and walked over to her.

"Old Maplewood tradition." He swept her up in his arms, and started down the hall.

"Chip!" she laughed, "what is this?"

He pushed the bedroom door open.

"Carrying the bride over the threshold."

Giggling, she leaned into his arms as he closed the door behind them. What they hadn't seen was a pair of unfriendly eyes that peered through the tree's front window.

A disreputable looking crow took flight from Ranger Headquarters, making it's way toward the waterfront. Later on, the foul bird stood in front of his boss.

"Are you sure about this?" Fat Cat asked, stroking his whiskered mustache thoughtfully.

"Sure as sure can be, boss."
"So, those two Refuse Rangers finally tied the knot. What do you say we give them a surprise wedding present, when next we meet?"