Chip dreamt that night. He was standing at a familiar oak tree, except it was winter now…and there was no plaque, no grave.
He was dressed to the nines and there was holly and pine decorations around the tree. It looked like a ceremony was about to start. He felt a familiar presence behind him and turned to see Dale there, also dressed up with a huge, gaudy bow-tie in place of an ascot, like Chip's.
"Ready, Chipper?" Dale grinned and handed him a small, gold ring. Chip took it, looked at it for a moment, then hugged his friend briefly, but fiercely. Soft music started.
Somehow, this whole thing seemed familiar, even though it hadn't happened yet. But, Dale was there, right behind him as he always had been and because of this Chip didn't feel any doubts or regret.
It just felt…right.
Foxglove, looking fresh and pretty walked out from behind a gauzy curtain, winking at Dale who grinned appreciatively at her. Then, the music changed and Monty emerged, cleaned up and dressed formally and on his arm was Gadget.
Chip caught his breath, looking at her. She was so beautiful it almost hurt his eyes.
Her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose chignon with tendrils falling down and she was dressed in red and white. Her lacy gown was modest but lovely and her veil was held up by Zipper, who was bawling unabashedly.
She smiled at Chip and he felt his heart stop, then expand until he thought it would burst from his chest.
She reached the altar, and everything else faded away. "You see Chip." Gadget whispered to him, "Dale was right, and you did deserve a second chance. You just had to let go of the pain and regret. You had to forgive yourself and forgive Dale. I love you."
"I love you, too." Chip smiled in his sleep.
Above his head, through the window, the Christmas star twinkled brightly.
Corny, huh? I don't care. Merry belated Christmas! AN
