Many thanks to Vigilanti with your help on the last two chapters of this story :)

Chapter 25 Wedding Day

Jacqueline woke with the sun peering into her room. Today was the day she would change her name with a vow to a man who held her heart in his gentle embrace. Her heart skipped a beat just thinking about her beloved D'Artagnan.

She rose from her bed and picked up a silver brush from the table and began running it though her raven hair. Her thoughts turned to the family that raised her; they may not have been her blood, but they loved her as their own. Sadness crept into her heart as she wished they could be here to share this day. Her eyes began to fill with tears as a knock upon her suite brought her thoughts back to present.

Two of the queen's maids scurried in with a great rush of energy. The elder maid dusted her cheeks with powder and painted her lips with a practiced hand. Jacqueline felt like a priceless china doll, and inwardly hoping she wouldn't be left looking like one. The younger of the two maids gently took the brush from her hand. Jacqueline could not help but notice this one did not share her companion's graceful expertise.

Jacqueline cringed at the young woman's attempts to tame her unruly curls. Despite her protests, the independent female musketeer quickly found that, trying to convince the maids she was capable of dressing her self was an exercise in futility.

The older of the two gave Jacqueline a comforting smile. "Today is your wedding day you must be pampered." The older woman smelled of lilacs the scent seemed to comfort Jacqueline. The younger maid let out a sigh of frustration. The older maid chuckled ,"Never mind Brigitte, she is just upset you are marrying D'Artagnan and she is not."

Brigitte glared at the older maid, "Claudette, you swore you would not tell anyone." She gasped. Claudette shook her head ,"I am sure you are not the only woman that feels that way. Young D'Artagnan is no longer among the bachelor ranks, the maidens of Paris must be in mourning."

Jacqueline smiled to the two women's playful bickering put her worries at ease. Jacqueline looked up at Brigitte and smiled warmly, "I have heard those words spoke many times, from many women." The young maid gave her a shocked look, "You know that others desire to be his wife."

Jacqueline nodded and started to laugh the two maids turned and faced each other and began to giggle. Your wedding day was suppose to feel full of laughter and joy, not of sadness and pain, Jacqueline was grateful two maids had relieved the cares of her heart. Tears of happiness flowed down her cheeks. "I must admit I did not see why women threw themselves at him. But once I saw the love in his heart he captured mine. I tried to run from his attention but it only made the pain of wanting to be loved much greater." She explained.

Claudette nodded wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "I heard he had quite the adventure getting you back." Her voice was soft and gentle as a mother's voice speaking to her child.

Claudette remembered the cold and stormy night she helped Jacqueline enter the world. The Queen offered her a job at the castle and Claudette quickly agreed. Claudette's husband had passed on many years before and left her with two small sons so she became the Queens maid and her confident.

The older maid shook her head and smiled at the two young women their hearts so full of life. Brigitte began brushing Jacqueline's raven hair again but with more tender stokes.

The three women heard a gentle knock upon the door and in walked a servant carrying a platter of Fruit and pasteries and a bottle of wine. Jacqueline did not realize how hungry she was until that moment. She smiled at the other two women who looked at the food with envious eyes.

Jacqueline motioned for them to set with her and join her for breakfast. Brigitte quickly sat but Claudette was more hesitant as she looked up at Jacqueline and let out a sad sigh. A member of royalty does not dine with peasants. Jacqueline shook her head "I am not royalty and I was once a peasant. I may have inherited the title of Countess but I shall always be the daughter of the Rogets'. It would bring me great happiness if you would celebrate with me."

Claudette nodded and the three women began devouring the food. Brigitte held up a goblet of wine and looked towards Jacqueline "it has been a tradition in many families of Paris to offer a toast of prosperity on the day of the wedding. May your life be filled with great joy and happiness and may you be blessed with the joys of children." Claudette raised her goblet as well, "May you be blessed with all the hopes and dreams within your heart." Jacqueline looked at the women with tear filled eyes. "Thank you both." She placed a silk handkerchief to her eyes to try and keep the tears from smudging her makeup.

Claudette chuckled "It is fine for a bride to have tears of joy on her wedding day. When my sister got married we had to redo her make up about many times through out the day. Jacqueline and Brigitte exchanged a glance and let out a roaring laughter.

The doors of the suite suddenly swung open to revile a puzzled looking guard. Claudette gave the young man a stern glace. "This is the bridal suite now unless you have a reason for barging in here I expect you to leave and let us finish getting the bride ready." The young guard turned as crimson as his uniform and rushed out of the door. Jacqueline and Brigitte burst in to uncontrollable laughter at the guard's reaction.

Jacqueline and Brigitte finally got their fits of giggles under control as Claudette began one again fix Jacqueline makeup as Brigitte and Jacqueline began talking about all the men Jacqueline could set Brigitte up with at the garrison. Claudette chuckled to herself only yesterday Brigitte told her how the young D'Artagnan was making a mistake by marrying this woman and now they were acting as best friends. After all Jacqueline was through it is good that she is finally getting her happiness in her life.

An hour later the two maids were helping Jacqueline in her wedding gown. Jacqueline could feel the weight of the deep violet gown upon her body. The gold trim shimmered in the sun light that peered it the open window.

The new bride gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She had never imagined she would appear so elegant. A simple gold crown sparsely adorned with diamonds was placed upon her head.

The next moments seemed to blur in her mind

Jacqueline found herself at the back of the chapel the maids doing the final touch ups on her gown. Her grandfather gave her an approving smile. His eyes had tears in them as he gazed upon his granddaughter. Jacqueline looked so much like her mother Angelita, both shared the same spirit and gentle heart.

Jacqueline's mind spun. It was unbelievable that in such a short time her life changed so dramatically! She went from being a peasant to an orphan, from an orphan to a fugitive, fugitive to a musketeer. Who would have imagined she would end up a lady of nobility? Now she was about to marry the man of her dreams. Her adventure began when she lost the only life and family she ever knew. It nearly devastated her. Now she had more family than she ever wished for; and not just those tied to her by blood. Her friends and brothers-in-arms would gladly give their lives for her. They shared one heart. The Cathedral was filled with people she would be proud to call her family.

Her grandfather gently took her arm and spoke in a gentle voice. "Are you ready Jacqueline?" The sound of her name brought her back to the present. She looked up at her grandfather and smiled. "Sí, abuelo soy listo!" (Yes, grandfather I am ready!) He gave her a shocked look at the words she spoke. "When did you learn to speak Spanish?" Jacqueline let out a nervous giggle, "My uncle taught me." The old count shook his head and began to laugh, "You are so much like your mother." Jacqueline smiled and placed a gentle kiss on her grandfather's cheek,. "Thank you, abuelo for walking me down the isle" The older man smiled, "I could not do it for your mother but I am proud to be here for you."

Ramon stood at the front of the chapel giving the nervous groom a comforting smile. And leaned toward his friend and began to whisper to the new groom. "Amigo the hard part is over she has already said yes and you have the blessings of me as well as her grandfather and most of the nobility in France. This is the day for celebration and joy I know in my heart that she loves you and the love you feel for my niece. You are one of my best friends and more like family and I am proud that you are now officially joining my familia."

Jacques nodded listening to the conversation and leaned in as well. "We know that you and Jacqueline will love and take care of each other. Jacques gave D'Artagnan a smirk and whispered "We do expect to be the godfathers of your child though."

D'Artagnan's eyes grew wide at the sound of the word child. He started to stutter as he looked at the two men that stood beside him. "I have never dishonored her I love her."

Ramon and Jacques let out a snort and Ramon whispered back. "We know that amigo but you are planning on having a family are you not"

D'Artagnan now understood his friends were trying to calm his nerves by taking his mind off the moment. The new groom gave his friends a grateful smile. "You will be named godfathers to our children for you are my not only brothers-in-arms but in my heart as well. Thank you my friends."

Ramon and Jacques knew the word of thanks were more then gratefulness for them calming him. The three friends had been there for each other when they needed it most. And D'Artagnan knew if he or Jacqueline would ever need them they would be there no matter the distance between them.

The music began to play the old count gently began to move Jacqueline in to the chapel. A stunned silence filled the room as Jacqueline entered. Jacqueline's heart began to flutter in her chest as she gazed at her love. He was tugging at his tie until his eyes met Jacqueline's. He was unable to break the gaze. Ramon and Jacques (Siroc) exchanged a smirk as they watched Jacqueline glide gracefully down the isle. D'Artagnan stood motionless his eyes drinking in her every motion.

The Queen sat beside the legend her face glowing as she watched her niece finally have happiness. Ann looked over at her son sitting beside a princess of Spain. The two of them had been inseparable since they first met. The Queen placed a silk handkerchief to wipe away the tears of happiness she felt in her heart.

Jacqueline glanced over and saw Curtis gently holding on to Muriel's Hand She knew that those two had found love as she and D'Artagnan had.

Curtis (Duval's godson) had become enchanted by Muriel the laundress ever since Jacqueline and D'Artagnan introduced them at the celebration held in honor of Jacqueline's new found family

The musketeers had held a small celebration in the Café Nouveau. Muriel had rushed in furious and began yelling at Jacqueline for deceiving her. Curtis took one look upon her and became enchanted by her beauty. He walked up to Muriel and gave her a deep bow and took her hand into his own and gave it a gentle kiss. "My lady perhaps she did not want any harm to come to someone of such great beauty."

Muriel stopped yelling and became instantly enamored by the gentle man. She curtsied and began to blush uncontrollably. Jacqueline and D'Artagnan gave each other a loving glace as they watch the furry melt away from Muriel. D'Artagnan was the only man that was ever able to make Jacqueline's anger disappear so quickly. Ramon walked up to his niece and her husband to be and gave them a smirk. "Matchmaking Jacqueline?"

D'Artagnan looked at her with surprise. "You planned for them to meet!"

Jacqueline nodded "I hoped they would like each other given the opportunity!"

Jacqueline's eyes began to shine as she looked back at her groom. D'Artagnan could feel his heart beat faster as she approached. Never in his mind could he imagine a more beautiful bride.

Jacqueline finally took her place before the alter. Her grandfather kissed her cheek and placed her hand upon D'Artagnan's arm. He smiled warmly to the young musketeer and sat beside Duval and D'Artagnan's Godfathers. (Athos, Porthos and Aramis). Athos gave his godson a wink of support.

D'Artagnan wondered what he had done to disserve such a breathtaking beauty. She knelt beside him the world around them seemed to disappear. This moment it seemed the two of them alone hung suspended in the glow of eternity. Each spoke their vows lost in each others eyes. "I now pronounce you man and wife!" Finally the words D'Artagnan had dreamt of were spoken. "You may kiss the bride"

The young gallant leaned in took her in his arms and kissed her. Uncle Porthos has once told him a kiss must embody everything you are. If it is weak she'll think you are weak… if it is comical she'll think you a clown. D'Artagnan earnestly hoped his dearest Jacqueline read neither of these things in the caress of his lips. For his part he sensed her strength and determination, her sweet disposition and fiery spirit…All the things he loved most about her. His heart leapt in his chest as he gazed lovingly at the beauty that stood beside him; his wife, his help-mate, his Jacqueline forever, till death us do part!

D'Artagnan was startled out of his reviver when Ramon left his place as best-man and barred the couple from walking back down the isle. Jacqueline and D'Artagnan exchanged puzzled glances at their friend. The Spaniard proudly stood before husband and wife and announced. "You may have started out as my friends but you are now my family. I have composed a tribute."

The swarthy poet cleared his throat dramatically. "To my Fine Compañeros --Jacqueline and D'Artagnan upon the occasion of their blissful union…Composed by Ramon Montalvo Francisco de la Cruz; which is to say…Me." With a graceful bow he began….

Soon you will walk down this isle as man and wife

To start a new stage of adventure in your life

I wish you joyous treasures from heaven above

Life blossom for those who do love

Through trial and strife when sky seemed dark and gray

The light of love will surely brighten the way!

You fought and argued 'tis true but love will ever see you through

And should times get too tough-- When stormy seas of life get rough

Remember it is your privilege to call…

Turning to the crowd the Spaniard gleefully announced…

"All for one and one for all!"

Ramon bowed and the cheer was deafening… the assembled musketeers raised their swords to the heavens and echoed the salute. Jacqueline wiped a tear of happiness from her eye and D'Artagnan took her arm lovingly and shook his head in disbelief. He leaned over to the poet and hisses "You had to use that line didn't you?"

With a sparkle in his eye Ramon whispered "Of Course mi amigo, would you have expected anything less? But there is one more verse I wrote just for you…

Jacqueline do not let your sweetheart fall

Your brothers-in-arms are just down the hall
Dart dear friend do not break my niece's heart
Else Jacques and I will happily tear you apart!

The blond inventor smiled wolfishly at the mention of his new name and winked at the couple.

The newlyweds took it in the spirit it was intended and thanked him with a teasing grin. Sometimes marriage alters the way people relate to one another…friends drift apart or feel alienated because of the couple's new relationship. The Spaniards lighthearted jibe was a good indicator that neither he nor Jacques were about to let that happen. D'Artagnan saluted playfully and Jacqueline hugged them both before walking down the isle as husband and wife.

The crowd outside of the church was eager to get a glimpse of the new couple. Cheers were heard all around. Almost before they knew what was happening the new couple found themselves back at the musketeer garrison packing their bags. Jacqueline smiled as she looked around her old room. It seemed odd that this would no longer be her home. She thought she would have and ache in her heart but all she felt was joy. Because she was no longer alone in the world she had a family. It was a family both of Blood and of honor.

She heard a knock upon the door and face Duval. He gave her a sad smile. "We will miss you here! I know it must be hard for you to go. If you would like I can have one of the cadets pack up for you.

Jacqueline looked up at her captain and gave him a warm smile. "It is not as hard as I thought it would be. I will miss it here but I know my life is changing and I do not fear that any longer. I know that though I may never be a musketeer in arms I will always be one in the hearts of my brothers."

Duval smiled at the new bride and walked over to her and placed his arm around her shoulders. His eyes filled with tears of happiness for this young woman. He knew she had more strength in her heart then more men that walked though these halls. Many fear the changes of life she seemed to embrace them with her whole heart. "If you should ever need my help. My ear to listen or my blade to guard your backs all you must do is ask and I would proudly be there to help you."

Jacqueline got up and gave Duval an embracing hug. Her eyes were filled with tears as she looked him in the eyes. "Thank You Captain for everything you have done for me." She started to choke on her words.

Duval smiled at the girl who had taught him how to trust his heart. "You do not have to call me Captain any more. My name is Martin if you please and I expect you to remember that young lady." He waved his finger at her and gave her a mock stern look. But could not hold the serious look for long He started to chuckle and Jacqueline could not contain her giggle.

D'Artagnan ran into the room when he heard a commotion coming from his wife's room Ramon and Jacques were rushing in behind him. The three men stood in shock at the captain and Jacqueline laughing with tear filled eyes.

Ramon shook his head and let out a sigh. "What did we miss?"

Jacqueline and Duval looked at the puzzled men and began to roar with laughter. D'Artagnan looked at how happy his wife looked and his heart leapt with joy. Her eyes shined from the happiness she felt within her heart.

D'Artagnan shook his head and sighed happily. Jacqueline wiped the tears from her eyes and started to speak her voice crackled from her trying to stifle her giggles. "My dear husband, Martin and I were just talking." She exchanged a look with the captain and could not contain her giggles any more.

Ramon shook his head and chuckled, "Martin is it now?"

Duval frowned, it was one thing for Jacqueline to be so familiar…with Ramon, it just felt like teasing… out of habit he barked "You will call me Captain, private."

Everyone broke up with good natured laughter and was unable to speak for some time.

D'Artagnan walked over to his wife and placed his arms lovingly around her waist he leaned over and placed a kiss gently upon her lips. Then he looked her into the eyes and spoke in a soothing voice. "I could not imagine my life any better. My beautiful wife and great friends what more could a man want."

Jacqueline smiled at her husband for she knew what he desired further and she wanted to give him the gift of a family she knew they would some day have