Epilogue: The Wedding Bell Tolls
Cody's POV
Three Months Later…
It took maybe a few weeks after the Kevin and Cruella incident for us all to recover, which Dolly, Dylan and I did our very best to help our siblings recuperate. From what I had been told, those two were going to be transferred to a prison as far away as possible from England so that they'll have zero chance of ever getting to us ever again. Brian was confirmed dead and as far as I'm aware had been buried at the City of London cemetery to which I sometimes visited his grave with Dorothy. Even after everything he had put me through, a part of me wanted to forgive him especially since his apology to me before he died sounded very genuine.
Over these past months, my relationship with Dixie never faltered. Dare I say it went even better when I saved her and Trevor back at the bunker. On occasion, I'd sometimes visit Dixie's home where I got to know her dad and their human godfather, Albert.
Speaking of relationship, Dolly and Hansel started seeing each other a whole lot more with their wedding on the way, going on a lot more dates and even inviting him over to our house from time to time.
And now today was the day that it finally happened.
We were all sat at the benches of Westminster Cathedral as we all saw Dolly in the most beautiful flowing white dress slowly walk along the middle of the hallway up to the altar where Hansel and a priest were situated. I glanced to my right to see Dixie smile warmly as she looked ahead before glancing at me with a blush. It would only be a matter of time before our wedding would eventually come to be.
"To all present I say, we are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is. We do not create this marriage, because marriage is created in the hearts of two loving people. We can and do, however, gather to celebrate with Dolly Dalmatian and Hansel Husky, the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today." The priest soon declared as the aforementioned dogs faced each other before continuing as we all stood from our seats.
"Ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. Commitment may well be a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, the natural consequence of a love so strong, such that as we come together in marriage, we become a new creature, the two becoming one within."
"Do you, Hansel Husky choose Dolly Dalmatian to be your partner in life, to support and respect her in her successes and as well her failures, to care for her in sickness and in health, to nurture her, and to grow with her throughout the seasons of your life together?"
The priest asked as Hansel nodded before facing Dolly.
"Dolly, I take you as my wedded wife, to share my life with you, and pledge that I will love, honour, and care for you in tenderness and affection, in all the many circumstances of our lives." Hansel said as I swear I could see Dolly almost collapse lovestruck, a deep red blush on her cheels.
"Do you Dolly Dalmatian, take Hansel Husky to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do, I do, I do!" Dolly nodded very eagerly, her tail wagging rapidly as she grinned as Hansel before the two soon exchanged rings, placing one on each finger as the priest announced one more.
"And now, by the power vested in me by the city of London, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss."
And just as he said those words, Dolly lunged towards Hansel, their lips pressing against each other as the ambience was filled with the cheering of every one of my family including Dixie and I. The only one who wasn't cheering was Dylan who was standing to my left as he sniffled from witnessing moment.
"S-Such a beautiful moment…!" Dylan said before bursting into a sobbing mess. "Come here, bro." I said whilst holding back a chuckle before pulling Dylan into a one-armed hug. The Dalmatian began to bawl louder which prompted Dixie to giggle as I said "Aww, that's it. Let it all out." when I noticed most of my siblings had saw me hugging Dylan before piling onto us, chanting "Hug!".
The after-party was more lively than an average wedding party given how energetic Dolly was even at 28 years old. I had noticed however was that sometimes, Dolly would stop dancing and clutch her stomach with a grunt but she'd always shrug it off even if Dylan suggested she should was a real surprise however was that Dodie Smith herself had even attended, saying that she wouldn't miss the wedding of any of Delilah's children for the world. Needless to say, mum was ecstatic when the two saw each other for the first time in years. Very often I'd sometimes hear one of my siblings ask Dodie a question about her past with mum and she was always happy to answer them.
I took a small glance out of the window and noticed that Hunter was walking along the street, only he was actually joined by a woman. I squinted my eyes a little to get a better look at her before the two vanished behind a building.
...Why did that woman look so familiar?
"Dimitri 1, no!" My focus was cut short as I turned to see Dylan with a can of fruit cider, holding it away from Dimitri 1 who pouted in annoyance.
"Oh come on, Dylan! Are you still on about that?!"
"No drinking during the wedding!"
"Ugh, what's the worse that could happen?"
"Oh, a lot! You can either get very intoxicated and end up making a mess or being sick on someone like maybe Dolly or the priest!"
"Oh well, that'd just be frigging tragic, wouldn't it? Then all the priest's shite fanfiction that he calls a "Bible" would be all soggy!" Dylan groaned in aggravation from the fact that Dimitri 1 wasn't taking his concern seriously as Dolly popped up behind my eldest brother.
"Aw lighten up, bro! Weddings are meant to be fun for everybody, don't be a geeky spoilsport!" She teased as Dylan sighed and reluctantly handed the can back as Dimitri 1 grinned and downed it.
"Oi Cody, bet ya twenty quid D-Dog's gonna have to carry the three home the next morning!" Big Fee was suddenly right next to me as she grinned at me with a glint in her eye. I scoffed at her attempt of trying to gamble with me just to get a few pounds. "Dream on, Big Fee!" Dixie spoke out for me, sticking her tongue out to the rat which seemed to ward her off.
"Soooo… How many dates do you think it'll take before we get married?" Dixie asked playfully, pressing her cheek against mine as I laughed. "Whenever we both feel is the necessary time." I replied. We still had yet to decide when we should have our wedding and there was also the costs to worry about.
"By the way… I know she keeps saying she's fine, but… Have you noticed when Dolly looks a little sick sometimes?" She then asked me as we both looked over at the Dalmatian in question who was doing her own version of the waltz with Hansel. "I think she's just excited to be married to her dream dog." I suggested, believing it to just be sickness from over-excitement. We then noticed Dolly halt one of her moves, clutching her stomach and head. Hansel quickly caught her before she could fall and helped her away. I was a little concerned at this point and was about to ask what was wrong. But it seemed like Dorothy had the same idea as he passed by us and followed the two.
That was when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket as I pulled it out and opened it to reveal that it was Summer who was calling me. A border collie who resides in Cornwall and has been in a relationship with Dylan for quite a while.
"Hey Summer, what's up?" I answered, putting the phone to my ear.
"Hey City-Human! Just called to ask you to tell Dolly I said congrats to the wedding! Hope she enjoys her time with Hansel!"
"Oh yeah, I'll be sure to let her know! How are things over there?"
"A little dull, especially with how stormy Cornwall usually gets during this time but at least the clouds always clear up every night so I can see the stars above. Speaking of stars, tell City Boy I said "Hi", yeah?" Summer responded, referring to Dylan by an affectionate nickname she made for him.
"I'll tell him that! See you around!" I exchanged farewells with Summer before hanging up whilst Trevor and Fergus approached me.
"So… Been quite a year, hasn't it, C-Dy?" Fergus rested an arm on my shoulder as he asked as I nodded with a smirk.
"Oh definitely. I'm glad that there were more better moments of this year than bad ones, especially with what happened three months ago." Fergus grinned in response to my answer before Trevor spoke up.
"Ya can say that again. I'm more happy that Fergus was still eager to take care of me even after I essentially lied to him for sympathy." The fox in question shifted over to Trevor and patted his shoulder. "Hey, anything for a humie who looks up to me like a dad!"
"Hey guys! You know what'll really make this party a blast?" Delgado suddenly called out to everyone before continuing. "If we heard one of Cody's cover performances!" Everyone immediately cheered in agreement as they all turned to me. Dixie was practically ushering me towards the stage as I stood up and turned to face the microphone on a stand, tapping it to test it's feed before trying to think of a song that would best suit this moment.
"Hang on, bro! I got you covered!" DJ quickly rushed up onto the stage, carrying his signature keyboard and setting it up and proceeding to press a few instrumental keys before we both finally began.
The Outfield – Your Love
[Lyrical Codes]
Italics – Cody
Bold – Cody and DJ Together
Josie's on a vacation far away
Come around and talk it over
So many things that I want to say
You know I like my girls a little bit older
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
I ain't got many friends left to talk to
No one's around when I'm in trouble
You know I'd do anything for you
Stay the night but keep it under-cover
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
Whoa
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
Try to stop my hands from shakin'
But somethin' in my mind's not makin' sense
It's been a while since we were all alone
I can't hide the way I'm feelin'
As you leave me, please would you close the door?
And don't forget what I told you
Just 'cause you're right, that don't mean I'm wrong
Another shoulder to cry upon
I just wanna use your love tonight
Yeah
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
Yeaaah
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
I just wanna use your love tonight
I don't wanna lose your love toniiiiiiiiiiight
I don't wanna looooooooose…
Tonight
I don't wanna, I don't wanna, I don't wanna loooooose…
Nooo, noooooo, nooooooooooo…
I don't wanna lose your love tonight
The silence as the music died down didn't last long as you'd expect, we were met with loud applause from everyone in the room, DJ and I waving to everyone as I stepped off stage and rejoined Dixie, Fergus and Trevor. The latter having impressed smirks on their faces as Dixie pulled me into a tight hug.
"You never fail to amaze me, Cody~" She said before planting a kiss on my cheek, earning a blush from me.
We then saw Dorothy return from wherever Dolly and Hansel had gone to with a confused look on her face as she stopped before us and looked up at me.
"Cody? ...Where do babies come from?"
The End
And so another story comes to an end. I once again want to thank everyone who supported me during development of this and sticking to it until the very end, most notably TheWriterForGod42, Brody R.E. Hall and JordanC4.
With the holidays just a few days away and because I want to focus more on my YouTube Channel among other things, updates on my other stories and any new ones I decide to make will be more sporadic and less frequent than usual.
Also for the many of those wondering, will there be a sequel to this? As of right now, that's currently been undecided and instead I'd much prefer to take the time to rest after writing this behemoth of a story so the next time I update any of my other ongoing stories may not be for a long while.
Regardless, I hope you all enjoyed this and I will see you all next time.
JackCryo out.
101 Dalmatian Street is copyright to Disney