LAURIE POV

As I rush down the stairs, I feel Jo behind me. They're here, and I jog over to put my arms around Marmee, whom I somehow have always known would be my mother, and clap my father-in-law on the back.

There's nothing a man like me could say to a man like Mr. March. A staunch abolitionist, he donated most of his fortune to the cause, then stayed away from his beloved family for years after the war ended, determined to teach the children of freed slaves. He's a better man than I've ever known, than I ever could know.

Amy's arms are open and ready as I move to her and she embraces me and kisses my cheek. She settles her head on my shoulder.

"Mr. March and I have been discussing it", Marmee starts, "And we'd love to give you another wedding here, so family can attend. We'll take care of the entire thing, no trouble for you, nothing complicated, but it would be our pleasure to do it."

I squeeze Amy. Her mother has been my mother for far longer than I knew. "That is extremely kind and generous of you", I say, "But please go to no expense. We had a lavish wedding in Paris..."

"Like there was any other choice with Amy involved", Jo quips. Suppressed giggles go up.

"And we don't need another", I finish. "And we're happy to pay for extra food or space or anything that would go into a party..."

"We won't hear of it", Mr. March says.

"Please allow us to handle it. Your gift is the offer and the arranging of it, which is so very generous", I say.

"I won't hear of it", Mr. March says again and that's that. I need to speak to Amy about making sure they're not spending a lot on this.

"Wedding?" We all turn around to see Aunt March coming through the door. A few days ago, she couldn't walk, now she's here with only her driver.

"Hello, Sister", Mr. March says, kissing her cheek.

"Very well, very well", she grumbles, "What is this I hear of a wedding?"

"We're having another wedding, a small one", Amy confirms.

"What do you mean ANOTHER wedding?", she asks, dumbfounding us all to silence.

"Last I remember, you stupidly turned down Fred Vaughn", Aunt March says. Is it possible she seriously doesn't remember any of it?

"Aunt March, Laurie and I were married in Paris, you were a witness", Amy says, as if she's speaking to a two-year-old.

"I was no such thing", her aunt insists, "You're standing far too close to each other is all I know. Where did this supposed wedding occur?"

"Aunt March, you can't be serious! You watched us get married at Notre Dame", Amy insists.

"Darling, her memory is just gone", Marmee whispers, rubbing Amy's shoulder. "Be polite."

"Notre Dame! You can't just get married on a whim there! And in a Catholic church! No, no, no. And have you consummated this supposed marriage?", she asks.

AMY POV

That's the moment I know she's up to something. No one else seems to notice, except Jo who is listening with rapt attention.

"Aunt March, really, I think it's time you lie down", Marmee says, trying to help her to the sofa.

"I don't need to lie down. I need some help. Amy, can you come stay with me for a time, a week at most, just to help me get my affairs in order. I know I'm not long for this world..."

"Sister!", Father yells out. "You'll be with us for a great long time, I just know it."

"Then you're a fool", Aunt March adds.

"Aunt March, I can't...", I start.

"Amy is a newlywed", Mother supplies, "And Meg is busy with the twins. But I'm sure Jo would love to help you." Jo rolls her eyes.

"I paid for everything, for her shopping, her clothes, her painting lessons, her introductions, her ballroom gowns, 5-star hotel rooms, I think the least Amy can do is help me for a few days", Aunt March insists.

Marmee glances at me. Under breath she whispers, "Maybe you could give her a day or two and Jo can take over."

"Mother, I can't! My duty is to Laurie!", I insist. He glares at me.

"I'm a grown man. I've survived this long, I can survive a few more days", he provides.

"But Laurie...", I growl. "We haven't...I want..."

"Not more than I do, I promise", he says, trying to bury his anger, dragging a hand through the dark waves of his hair. "But whatever you think."

"No, no", Amy insists.

"What a niece is this!", Aunt March complains.

"Amy you'll never have to do it again, and you can start your married life knowing you did the right thing", Marmee says, with those pleading eyes she used to get us to give away our Christmas Breakfast.

"Two days", I vow with a deep breath, "Then Jo takes over."

"Then Jo takes over", Marmee confirms.

"Does Jo get a say in this?", Jo asks.

"If I don't, you certainly don't", I say, "A wife's first duty is to her husband, this is ridiculous."

"If you're trying to convince me you'd rather come home with me than her, and you really want...you might want to stop using the word "duty", Laurie crumbles, getting his jacket.

"You know what I mean! I want to be with you!"

"I'm just...frustrated", he sighs, "I apologize. I apologize. To everyone. Amy, I'm eager to see you at the manor. It's your home now." He walks out.

"Aggh!", I scream.

"Amy!", Meg corrects.

"What? You see what she's doing! Surely!"

I glance at Aunt March and a small smirk is forming on her lips.