Betty watched Cheryl pace the room in her bathrobe, muttering things about the wedding being the potential for disaster. Every few minutes she'd holler out another random theory about what was going to ruin the wedding. Betty had tried and failed a few times to calm Cheryl down, but she quickly realized that it was best to let Cheryl just vomit out whatever she was feeling. Betty had complete confidence that the wedding was going off without a hitch, or rather, the pair would end up hitched by the end.
"Cher, I have a gift for you from Polly and the twins," Betty admitted softly, "She's sorry they couldn't make it today but the camping trip is non-refundable."
"What if no one else shows up?" Cheryl rang her hands together, "We're not a conventional couple, and there are still people in this world who hate that two women can marry each other."
"Cherry, breathe," Betty coached her, "I was out there a few minutes ago. The church was already half full, and we're thirty minutes from the start of the ceremony."
"Good," Cheryl nodded, "That's good. I'm sorry Kevin couldn't make it."
"So is he, but he promises this gift is on its way," Betty smiled, "Speaking of gifts, Polly and I thought this could be your something old. We found it in an antique shop in Centerville."
Cheryl open it and smiled at the locket she found, "It's beautiful, Betty. Thank you."
"Open it," Betty said.
Cheryl's eyes filled when saw Jason looking back at her, "This is perfect."
"I'll help you put it on in a second," Betty handed her another box, "This is from Junie and Dag. Something new made from something old."
Cheryl opened the box to see a garter made from something she recognized immediately, "Is this what I think it is?"
"Riverdale got new uniforms for the upcoming year. I asked Mr. Weatherbee if I could have an old football jersey and an old Vixens uniform. We had them made into two garters. Fangs is giving Toni hers now."
"Oh my goodness, I love this," Cheryl pulled off the garter she was wearing and replaced it with the new one.
"Cheryl, just remember that Toni loves you, and you're building a family together," Betty stated, "She's not going to let some people with narrow opinions stop the wedding."
Cheryl hugged her tight, "Thank you so much for being my family, Betty Cooper."
Betty smiled, "Well, it hasn't always been easy, but it's certainly never been boring."
"Are you feeling okay?" Cheryl asked, "The first trimester was horrible for Toni."
"I'm okay," Betty replied, "It was a rough morning, but I'm feeling okay now. If anyone asks, I've got a touch of the stomach flu."
"That should keep people at a distance," Cheryl chuckled.
Betty smiled, "Can I do anything for you?"
"You're doing it," Cheryl assured her.
"You want something harder than water to drink?"
"No, Toni and I have agreed to a no alcohol rule until she has the baby," Cheryl reminded her.
"Right," Betty smiled, "You and Arch are very loyal to stick to it."
" We love you guys. God, Archie, he will do anything you ask. He looks at you like you hung the moon," Cheryl stated, "Almost makes me jealous."
"Jealous? Cheryl, you're marrying your soul mate, remember," Betty reminded her.
"And it took me almost sixteen years to find her," Cheryl said, "You found yours at four."
"And to be honest, I never really let go," Betty admitted.
"You two have always been end game," Cheryl smiled.
Betty smiled, "I asked Archie about this already, and he's good with it. How would you feel about being the godmother?"
"Is there even another option?" Cheryl scoffed, "If I'm not godmother, you're just simply not allowed to give birth."
Betty giggled, "We don't have a godfather yet. Archie feels weird asking Jug. Papa FP has a title already. We're thinking maybe Kevin, but we're not sure."
"What about Archie's uncle, Frank?"
"Yeah, maybe. They have been working well together at the construction company," Betty replied, "We've still got time to think it through."
"I still can't believe Archie knocked you up," Cheryl smirked.
"Neither could Polly," Betty giggled a little, "I think she still sees us as these little kids."
"I can see passed that," Cheryl replied, "I would have thought that Archie would have been so responsible that he'd have worn four condoms or something."
"You're hysterical," Betty scoffed.
"I don't mean anything bad," Cheryl replied, "Things happen. Contraceptives aren't 100% effective, unless you're having sex with another woman."
"Not for the lack of effort," Betty teased.
"You're happy, right?"
"Yes, Cher, very much so," Betty nodded, "You?"
"To the moon and beyond," Cheryl nodded, "I just wish Jason or Nana was here to walk me down the aisle."
"I know. Technically, I'm supposed to lead you down the aisle, but I'd be honored to be both your maid of honor and the person who gives you away."
"I'd really love that," Cheryl fought to keep the tears at bay.
"No crying or the stylist will have to come back to redo your makeup," Betty warned her.
"Can you help me put this on?" Cheryl held up the locket Betty had given her.
"Of course," Betty stood behind her and looped the necklace around Cheryl's neck, fastening it, "Perfect."
"Can you do me one more favor?"
"Anything special you want me to tell Toni or just an 'I love you'?"
"I think an 'I love you' will do for now," Cheryl replied, "Could you check to make sure that no one has left the church? I've been have this reoccurring dream where I'm walking down the aisle and everyone gets up and leaves as I'm half way down."
"That's not going to happen, but I'll go check things out," Betty smiled.
"Thank you," Cheryl smiled as Betty slipped out of the room and checked the attendance, making sure she caught Archie's eye and giving him a thumbs up as he played.
Betty knocked on the door to the room where Toni was getting ready. "Toni, it's Betty. Can I come in?"
"Of course," Toni called out as Betty entered. While Cheryl's dress was classic white with a red sash around the waist, Toni's dress was a blushed pink with a high waist to accommodate her growing belly. Her braids were a similar pink to pull the look together. She looked radiant.
"You look amazing, T," Betty smiled, "Cheryl's jaw is going to drop when she sees you."
"Is she pacing? She's been having these crazy dreams about the wedding going a hundred kinds of wrong," Toni stated.
"She is pacing, but she wanted me to come tell you she loves you," Betty smiled, "And I wanted to say I don't think I could've picked anyone who loves my cousin better than you."
"Do not make me cry, Betty Cooper," Toni fanned her face.
Betty smiled, "Okay. Sorry. Who is walking you down the aisle?"
"Would you believe my abuela?" Toni asked.
"Wow, Toni that's great," Betty smiled.
"Yeah, it is," Toni smiled, "I just wish Cher had someone to walk her down the aisle."
"She does," Betty nodded, "I'm doing it."
"That's really great," Toni waved her hand in front of her face to fan more tears that threatened to spill.
"I'm out of here before you start sobbing hysterically," Betty said.
"Hey, Betts, tell Cheryl I can't wait to be her wife," Toni called after her.
"Consider it done," Betty assured her.
Betty smiled at Fangs as they passed each other in the hallway as Betty was leaving Toni's suite to see his best man's ensemble, which consisted of a scarlet red tuxedo coat which perfectly matched the red sash of Cheryl's dress, "Looking good, Fangs."
"If you were my type, Betty, I'd give Andrews a run for his money," he called after her and added a whistle of appreciation.
Betty laughed as she peeked into the church again and spotted her mom and FP talking to Pop. She caught Alice's eye and waved before going back to Cheryl.
"Everyone is still present and accounted for, and Toni says to tell you that she can't wait to be your wife," Betty returned to the bridal suite.
Cheryl smiled, "Thank you."
"No problem. Shall we get you in your dress?"
"Yeah, we'd better," Cheryl glanced at the dress hanging in the corner, "We're ten minutes away from magic time."
"Come on, we'll get you dressed and ready. Who's going down the aisle first?"
"We flipped for it," Cheryl said. "Toni won."
"Or lost, depending on how you look at it," Betty thought out loud as she reached for the dress as Cheryl shed her robe. Betty took in the lingerie Cheryl was wearing, "Wow, Cheryl, you're going to knock Toni dead tonight."
"That is the idea," Cheryl did a seductive little shimmy before Betty helped her into the dress and zipped her up.
"I might be knocking Archie dead as well tonight," Betty smiled coyly.
"Really?" Cheryl lifted a brow, "I'm impressed, Cousin. I had no idea you had that in you."
"I might be a bit more reserved, but I'm still head over heels for my significant other," Betty smiled, "I want to show him."
"I'm sure he'll be most appreciative," Cheryl smiled.
"In case you were wondering, T looks amazing," Betty smiled, "And so do you."
After several twirls in front of the mirror, Cheryl was ready to go. She practically wanted to sprint down the aisle.
"I'll tell the wedding planner we're ready," Betty stated, "Stay in here until I come get you so you won't see Toni before the wedding."
"Make it quick," Cheryl demanded, "I'm a bit antsy."
"I never would've guessed," Betty smiled as she went to find the woman who'd planned the wedding, "Excuse me, but the Red Bride is ready."
"Fantastic. The Pink Bride is also ready," the woman checked her list.
"Oh, and slight change. I'm going to be the maid of honor and also walk Cherry down the aisle," Betty advised her.
"Whatever works," the woman spoke into her headset to inform the rest of her team of the change.
Betty headed back to Cheryl, picking up their bouquets and handing one to her through a crack in the door before she watched Toni and her abuela start their journey down the aisle, Archie playing a soft melody. The music changed to Cheryl's choice for walking down the aisle and Betty knocked on the door, "That's our cue."
Cheryl took a deep breath as she emerged from her room, "Please don't let me trip and fall on my face."
"I promise to catch you if you do," Betty told her, "Come on, Red, we don't want to keep your bride waiting."
"Oh, god, Betty, I'm so happy," Cheryl felt the tears well again, "I hope you get this soon."
"Yeah, me too," Betty bobbed her head as they linked arms and started their journey.
Betty got her cousin down the aisle and the music faded as the officiant took over.
"Don't repeat this but you look lovelier than either of the brides," Archie whispered into Betty's ear as he approached her in the early moments of the reception.
"That's impossible," Betty glanced towards the two brides who were greeting a few of their guests. Both Cheryl and Toni had grins so wide, it almost looked painful. "They're so happy."
"I don't know about that," Archie's hand came to rest on her back, "You're glowing."
"I'm happy for them," Betty replied.
"You sure that's all it is?" he grinned at her.
Betty smiled, "Maybe there's an underlying reason, but my official answer for today is my happiness is for them, okay?"
"You're not going to clue me in?"
"Remember that part about me being pregnant," she whispered in his ear.
"Point taken," he grinned, "It was nice of you to walk Cheryl down the aisle."
"I had to," Betty shook her head, "I hated the idea of her walking alone."
"Yeah, I hated it myself. I was half tempted to offer up my services, but then she'd be walking down without music," Archie replied.
"It made more sense for me to do it," Betty told him, "Polly and I are pretty much the only family she has left, until now, obviously."
"Where is Polly?"
"Late notice on the wedding and a non-refundable camping trip resulted in Polly and the twins being on a campout with Dag's nature club instead of here," Betty frowned.
"That's too bad," Archie frowned.
"Oh, Polly is super upset about missing this, and Junie is so upset that she can't wear a princess dress," Betty replied.
"Maybe one day we'll make it up to Junie," Archie smiled, "We'll need a flower girl."
Betty smiled at him and looked around to see if anyone was looking at them. Deeming them safe to disappear for a moment, she tugged on his hand, "Come with me."
Archie followed her into the coatroom and smiled when she pushed him against the wall and kissed him hard.
"Isn't this what the brides are supposed to be doing?" Archie laughed against her lips as his arms encircled her waist to keep her close. It was hard to put into words how much he loved having her in his arms. If it was possible, he enjoyed it more each day.
"Hey, more kissing, less talking," Betty told him as her arms came around his shoulders, her fingers playing with the short hairs at the nape of his neck, "And if you feel the need to cop a few feels, I won't object. Just don't rip the dress."
He released a rumble in the back of his throat at her suggestion, before another idea popped into his head, "Would you object to skipping out on the reception entirely?"
"They'd never find our bodies," Betty responded with a hint of regret. Part of her just wanted to lock themselves up in their own world and indulge in all the desires they'd repressed for so long, but she also knew she had a duty to her family. "Cheryl would flip out if she figured out we abandoned her on her big day, baby or not."
"Good point," Archie chuckled. He knew she'd never agree to leave, even if he could see in her eyes and feel in her touch that she wanted to give him. She had as much of a need to do good as him.
"I'll make it up to you later," Betty gave him a suggestive smile.
"I'm holding you to that," he smiled as he dove in for a few more moments of making out, copping the few feels she suggested until her knees nearly gave out and she was practically putty in his hands.
"Speaking of holding," Betty broke their kiss as she pressed her forehead against his to reign in her surging hormones. They'd be missed soon. "How about some publicly acceptable foreplay?"
"Excuse me?" Archie's eyes went wide in surprise.
"Let's dance," she smiled.
"Heck yeah," he grabbed her hand and pulled her back into the reception area where Cheryl and Toni were having their first dance.
"They look so happy," Betty watched as the pair shared a kiss.
"They do," he agreed, resting his hands on Betty's hips. He furrowed his brow after a moment, feeling like he was being stared at. Looking around he spotted Jughead looking at them from the other side of the room.
"You feel his eyes on us too?" Betty felt Archie remove his hands.
"Yeah," he took her hand.
"Maybe we need to clear the air," Betty suggested, "But we're dancing first."
"Deal," Archie nodded as the DJ called for other couples to join the brides on the floor. Betty smiled, taking his hand and pulling him onto the floor.
"I love dancing with you," Betty's arms wrapped around his neck as he held her tight.
"Yeah?"
"Oh, yes," Betty nodded. "I haven't mentioned this yet, but you look very handsome."
"Thank you," Archie ducked his head in a blush.
Betty caught Jughead dancing with a woman she didn't recognize, but he was scowling in their direction. "We have an audience."
"He's got a date. What the hell is he pissed about?" Archie frowned.
"I don't know, but if he starts something in the middle of the reception, I'm decking him on principle," Betty decided.
"Just be careful," he whispered, "You're carrying precious cargo."
"I will," Betty smiled as the song changed, "Let's find our seats."
Because she was the maid of honor, they had seats at the head table. After a scrumptious dinner, the brides rose to give their toasts and thank everyone for their attendance. Fangs and Betty took their turns in giving their toasts. Surprisingly, Fangs drew more tears from the brides than Betty.
Once the dishes had been cleared away, the DJ restarted the tunes, and Betty pulled Archie back onto the dance floor.
"Will you mind if I dance with Jellybean during the next slow song?" Archie spotted the youngest Jones turning into a bored wallflower.
"It's too bad your mom couldn't stay for the reception. You hardly got to spend any time with her on this trip," Betty replied.
"It's okay. She had a flight to catch. She said she was coming back for Thanksgiving, so we'll get some time with her then. She's very busy with some case prep," Archie agreed, "So you don't mind if I take JB for a spin?"
"Not at all. She looks super bored. I'll either sit this one out or see if I can get Fangs to dance with me."
"No Polly or Kevin, that seems like poor planning," Archie thought out loud.
"Or two people who simply couldn't wait another minute to be married," Betty glanced towards the happy brides, once again practically glued together.
"I'll go with that," Archie kissed her cheek and approached Jellybean as the song changed. Betty smiled and turned to look around for Fangs but instead found herself face to face with Jughead.
"Uh, hey, Jug," Betty shifted nervously from one foot to the other, "I saw you dancing with someone I don't recognize. Who's your friend?"
"Her name is Tabitha Tate. She's Pop's granddaughter."
"Wow, I can't remember the last time I saw her," Betty looked over at the girl again.
"She just moved to Riverdale to help Pop out at the diner," Jughead replied, "He's grooming her to eventually take over when he's ready to retire in a few years."
"Pop Tate retired," Betty nodded, "I can't picture that for some reason."
"It's still a few years away," Jughead stated.
"Good, time to prepare," Betty replied.
"Did you want to dance?" Jughead asked.
"I...uh...I'm not so sure that's a good idea," Betty bit her lip nervous. Her hesitation had nothing to do with how Archie would view it. She knew he trusted her, but things between her and Jughead were tense before they left for college. Though they'd had a few chats since, it had always been with Archie as a buffer.
"Betty, I'm not looking to make a scene," Jughead must have been reading her thought. "If I did, I'm pretty sure Cheryl would make sure that no one would ever find my body. I just want to dance with an old friend."
"Yeah, okay," Betty held him with as much distance between them as she could.
"You and Arch look really happy," Jughead stated after clearing his throat.
"We are," Betty nodded, "Is Tabitha just a date or is there something there?"
"It's new," Jughead stated, "We've started hanging out while I was writing at Pop's. We've been on a couple of dates, nothing super serious. It's not like I'm living with her."
"Jug," Betty shook her head at the sarcastic tone he was taking, "Me living with Archie is really none of your business."
"Well, it kind of is my business since he was my best friend and you were my girlfriend, and the two of you engaged in several lip locks right before we graduated high school," he scowled.
"It would have been your business if we were still dating, but we're not anymore. We haven't dated in four years. That's a heck of a long time," Betty dropped her hands and took at step back. "Get over yourself, Jug. I'm allowed to be happy."
"Why does it have to be with Archie Andrews?" Jughead asked.
"Is that really the problem? That it's Archie," Betty shook her head. "You'd have no problem if I started dating Reggie?"
"I'd have your head examined if you dated Reggie," Jughead countered.
"I'm not doing this with you. I refuse to do this with you," Betty spun on her heel, with one final comment, "Don't follow me."
Betty marched away from Jughead.
Archie rushed towards Jughead, grabbing him by the collar, "What did you say to her?"
"Back off," Jughead twisted away, "What I said to her is none of your business."
"Stop, right now," FP got in between them, "Red, go find Betty. Boy, let's talk."
Archie went looking for Betty, finding her siting on a bench in the garden, looking out into space. She didn't appear as upset as he thought she'd be.
"Probably not the best idea for you to be sitting in such an exposed place in Riverdale," Archie took a seat next to her.
"I was willing to risk it," she leaned into him as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, "I needed some fresh air."
"Do you want to tell me what he said?"
"It started innocently. I asked him who his date was. She's Pop's granddaughter, by the way," Betty smiled.
"Tabitha?"
"Yeah," Betty nodded. "I asked if they were a thing or was it just him needing a date. He said they'd been out a few times, but they weren't living together. I took offense to that for some reason and told him you and I living together was none of his business."
"You're not wrong," Archie replied, "It's no one's business but ours. You do understand why he's upset though, right?"
"Yeah," she sighed, "You and I have always been a sore spot for him, even before we locked lips senior year. Now that we're sort of outing ourselves as a couple, he probably sees it as rubbing our happiness in his face."
"No matter what happened, we're allowed to be happy," Archie said.
Betty looked at him, "Good, because you make me really happy, Archie."
"You make me beyond happy," Archie's free hand fell to her stomach as he whispered into her ear, "Both of you."
"I want to scream our news from the roof," Betty stated.
"Just a few more weeks," he told her.
Betty nodded, "Since you're not bloody, I'm assuming no punches were thrown?"
"FP stepped in between us to defuse things," Archie admitted, "I certainly thought about it, especially when you stormed off."
Betty kissed him gently, "I love you for the thought."
A clearing of a throat interrupted their moment, "Jug has something he wants to say to you," FP had his hand on the back of Jughead's neck.
"I apologize for being a jerk about you two and almost ruining the wedding with a fight," Jughead said.
"And," FP prompted him.
"And I need to realize that what happened in high school is in the past, and I have to let that go," Jughead stated.
"And," FP prompted him a second time.
"And Betty, I know you're going through a lot with your miserable ex. You don't need to add me to your miserable ex list," Jughead replied, "I really am sorry."
"Let's not make a big thing of this right now," Archie interjected, "Cheryl and Toni deserve to have a day free of our drama. Let's meet at a later date.
Jughead bobbed his head and left.
"Thanks for trying to referee, FP," Betty rose to give her stepfather a hug.
"He's too proud for his own good sometimes, which unfortunately is something he gets from me," FP replied, "He'll come around."
"I hope so," Betty smiled, "Though my feelings for him have changed over time, I still miss him and the friendship we had."
FP left the pair alone.
Betty sighed heavily as Archie wrapped his arms around his shoulders.
"Come on," Archie took a step back, "Let's enjoy the rest of the evening. I haven't had my fill of dancing with you yet."
Betty smiled and followed him back onto the dance floor where they spent most of the night dancing in each other's arms.
Archie and Betty were dancing close. Archie could see she was tiring. She was yawning at regular intervals. The brides had already made their exit for the evening, so he felt comfortable with his suggestion, "How about we duck out?"
"Yes, please," Betty nodded, "Let me grab my bag while you say our good nights to Mom and FP."
Archie made his way over to Alice and FP's table where their heads were together, enjoying a moment. Archie cleared his throat to get their attention.
"You're still here, Red?" FP rose to his feet to pat the younger man on the back.
"Yeah, we're just getting ready to head out," he replied, "Betty sent me over to say good night. Did Jellybean leave already?"
"Yeah, she ducked out about an hour ago," FP replied.
"Okay," Archie nodded, offering his hand to FP, "We'll see you both soon."
"Drive safe, Kid," FP smiled, shaking his hand.
"Thanks," Archie smiled, "Good night."
Archie said his farewells to a few other people as he made his way to the door where Betty was waiting for him.
"Ready?" Betty asked with a sleepy smile.
"Yeah," Archie wrapped his arm around her, "You good?"
"Yeah," she gave him a dreamy smile.
"Come on, Betts," he guided her to his truck, "I'll rub your feet when we get home."
"You're so sweet," Betty leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked.
Betty snuggled into the couch as Archie kept his promise of rubbing her feet, "That feels really good."
"Other than the few tense moments with Jug, it was a good night," Archie continued to manipulate her feet, drawing many sounds of appreciation from his girlfriend.
"We need to make this a regular occurrence," Betty noted, "You are very talented with those hands of yours?"
"I'll happily massage whatever you wish," Archie smiled.
"Really?" she gave him a suggestive look.
"Really," he nodded, surprised when she pulled her feet away and stood up. "Betts?"
She reached behind her back and unzipped her dress, letting it pool at her feet.
Archie jaw dropped at the royal blue lingerie she'd revealed. "Wow."
"That's exactly the reaction I was hoping for," she leaned over to put her hands on his shoulders, giving him a spectacular view of her assets.
"Wow," Archie repeated.
"Now try 'let's go upstairs'," Betty said.
"Yeah, let's do that," Archie nodded.
Betty tugged on his hand to get him to follow her.
Archie sprang into action as he lifted her into his arms and practically sprinted up the stairs to his bedroom.
Betty giggled as he shut the door with his foot and laid her out on the bed. He proceeded to show her just how much he appreciated the new garments.
TBC…