Chapter is rated M for mature content.

Chapter 24: The Chapel

Lilly woke up the next morning fully rested. That surprised her but what also surprised her was there was no man in her bed. Only the wolves. Well, no sex this morning. The thought made her giggle. There was just something about Arthur that made her want it all the time. Lilly didn't understand why. Arthur was just...so manly. Lilly shuddered with glee. Karen came bursting through the door and squealed. Lilly almost jumped to the ceiling from the sound.

"They have a chapel on the ship!" Karen shouted. Karen was in a red dress. Fancy. First class style.

"What?" Lilly asked in a confused voice. Sean came in with a black suit on and they both showed off their wedding rings. Lilly immediately got out bed. "Oh my God! You guys got married?!"

"Yep!" they both said.

Lilly ran to them and hugged them both. "SO HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH!" her voice boomed.

Sean and Karen covered their ears and the pups yelped. "Ow!" Karen and Sean laughed.

Lilly covered her mouth. "Oops, sorry." All three started laughing into a fit. Lilly and Karen jumped up and down. "Hey, do you know where Arthur is?"

"Yes," they both said happily.

Lilly eyed them both. They were up to something. "...Where is he?"

Karen gave Lilly a folded note. Lilly opened it and grinned.

Put on a dress and meet me in the first class dining room. You know which one I wanna see you in.

Love,

Arthur

Lilly sighed. "He's havin' breakfast, I'd imagine. Wants me in that blue dress and said you'll-"

Karen snatched Lilly's hand and dragged her to the closet. "Sean, go meet Arthur. We'll be there when she's ready."

Lilly was in the same navy blue dress from the first day and her hair was done up in curls and a bun similar to Karen's hair. Makeup was added to Lilly's face. Red lips, blue eye shadow, red blush, the works. Lilly had on navy blue heel boots and they were so uncomfortable and hard to walk in. Lilly staggered and stumbled a few times, almost knocking into her wolves, and was certain she was going to break an ankle or some other bone. Like her neck, for example.

"Why couldn't I just wear regular boots?"

"To get used to the type you're wearin'."

"Why?"

Karen stopped her and dragged her to the side. "Alright, Arthur and Sean are just inside. I need to go get somethin', but I'll be back."

Lilly yanked Karen's arm. "Don't ya dare make me walk in there in this get up. I'm scared outta me god damn wits!" Lilly hissed.

"You'll be fine." Karen peeked into the fancy dining room. "Look, there they are."

Lilly peeked in and smiled. Sean, Arthur and Patrick were all in tuxedos eating breakfast with a bunch of other men. There were some women at the table, too. "As ucht Dé, Karen, I...I can't do this."

"Yes you can. You're the bravest girl I know. Now go on."

"Karen! No!" Karen shoved her into the doorway and went scampering off. "Karen!"

Lilly shut her eyes and brushed herself off, looking into the room timidly. Taking a deep breath, Lilly made her way through the room slowly with Brian and James. All conversation began to cease as she walked by and Lilly immediately hated the stares she got, although she was sure most of them were because of her wolves. Arthur spotted her and smiled brightly, getting up to walk to her.

"Ah, there she is," he said as he approached. "Dia, féachann tú go maith le hithe. [God, you look good enough to eat.]

Lilly smiled at him. "An é sin an fáth ar dhúisigh mé le leaba folamh? Bhí mé ag súil le bricfeasta." [Is that why I woke up with an empty bed? I was expecting breakfast.]

"Breakfast?"

Lillt ahemed and glanced at his groin for a very brief moment. "Yes," her eyes met his with a look of lust. "Breakfast."

Arthur cocked his head and kissed her neck. "You're such a minx, mo grá." The men stood up as Arthur helped Lilly to her seat. "Breathnaíonn tú radanta," he whispered. "Raibh mé in ann focáil tú anseo ar an tábla." [You look radiant. I could fuck you right here on the table.]

"Ansin ba chóir duit fanacht sa leaba ar maidin," Lilly whispered as she sat down. [Then you should stay in bed in the morning.]

Arthur sat next to her and chuckled. "Yes, sorry mo stór. I had other things to attend to." [my darling.]

"What has gotten into you?" Lilly mumbled.

"So, Countess, how are you liking the ship so far?" one of the women asked. She had brown hair and kind blue eyes.

"Very well, thank you."

"Mrs. Maura Black. Her and her husband, uh, they're from Denver, if I remember right?" Sir Patrick said.

"Yes, that's right."

Lilly blinked and looked at the woman. "You're...you're Maura Black? The activist?" Lilly heard so much about her.

"The very same," Maura smiled and sipped her drink. "You've heard of me or my husband?"

"Have I ever! I've read so much about you! Your charity work, your women's rights activism, your thoughts on going into the Senate! I'm...I'm honored to meet you, Mrs. Black!"

Maura laughed. "Well thank you, Mrs. Morgan. Your husband tells me you're a bit of an women's rights activist yourself, so I insisted on meeting you for myself. And..." Maura leaned in a bit. "Níl díomá orm." [I'm not disappointed.]

Lilly blushed. "I forgot you speak Gaeilge, ma'am, my apologies."

Arthur blushed too and Maura laughed. "Oh, no harm done. Joseph and I speak Gaeilge in public. Often," Maura said with a wink. "Isn't that right, sweet pea?" she said, patting the man next to her.

"Yes, dear, we do," he smiled warmly at her. "But I'm glad you could find a kindred spirit here on The Pearly Gates."

Lilly and Maura conversed about politics all through the courses of breakfast, and Lilly ordered raw meat for her boys. Maura asked how she managed to get such docile wolves and Lilly regaled most of the story while leaving out certain details. Nontheless, Maura was dazzled by the tale.

"You are a very resourceful young woman. And how did your husband and fathers react to your return?" Maura asked

"Oh, they were absolutely ecstatic. I was told Arthur was practically out of his mind with worry, but...then I took down a bear a day later and-" Lilly was interrupted.

"You took down a bear?!" Maura gasped.

"Yes. A grizzly bear, but I had help. That's how I met my two boys again," Lilly said as she motioned to her now full wolves.

"You are quite a young lady, Mrs. Morgan, I must say!"

"You killed a grizzly bear. With your wolves," Mr. Black said with skepticism. "I don't believe it."

"I do," Arthur said in a stern tone. "I saw her do it."

Lilly sighed. "You saw me standin' over the bear. You didn't see the...whole..."

Arthur wiggled his brows and his eyes sparkled knowingly. "I did, actually."

Lilly's jaw dropped. "You watched the whole thing and didn't bother to help me?"

"You had it covered. Besides, Charles wouldn't let me help. Told me not to interfere."

"Well, wait...how much did you see?"

Arthur and Charles had just finished loading up their kills when they heard a bear roaring. Arthur immediately panicked. "Lilly!"

He mounted his horse and immediately went galloping through the heavy snow. Charles followed behind him with Taima and Lilly's temporary horse.

"Fuck! Arthur! Charles! Where are ya? Are ya fuckers deaf?!" Arthur heard her shout.

"Hang on Lilly, I'm-"

"Hey you! Yeah, I'm talkin' tah you, ya big dumb twat! Don't ya make me come down there because I'll skin ya alive!"

Arthur stopped and laughed quietly. Charles caught up to him and they both got down off their mounts before grabbing their guns. They both ran through the snow and they heard a tree fall. They spotted Lilly drawing her knives and staring down a grizzly bear. Arthur went to shoot but Charles lowered Arthur's gun. "Just wait. I think she's got this."

Arthur gaped at Charles. "Are you outta your god damn mind? I'm not just gonna stand by and-"

"Yeah, that's right, ya fuck. Ya want tah kill me? Then yer gonna hafta work fer it!" Lilly shouted.

Arthur saw the bear was being hesitant and his jaw relaxed. Was the bear actually scared of her? It seemed so. He kept his repeater in his hands, growling in anticipation.

"You better be right about this, Charles," he snarled.

He didn't think Lilly could do it, but just her taunt alone was enough to make him hope for the best. Arthur watched in fear as the love of his life and the bear moved in on each other. When the bear swiped its claws and Lilly jumped back with a slash of her knife, he tensed and relaxed. His heart was pounding as he watched the ensuing showdown behind a pine tree.

"Yer gonna hafta do better than that, boyo. Now come on! I ain't got all day, ya smelly bastard!" Lilly snarled almost happily. Arthur was in awe of her bravery, her mouth and her battle prowess. God, what a woman. He went to his knees. Could she really take on a bear that size? The bear swiped again but Lilly ducked and stabbed the back of its paw. Lilly yanked it out and the bear roared out in pain. Blood spattered the snow and it licked the wound. Lilly released a low chuckle for this small victory. "That's right! I got claws too! Now come and get me, ya snivelin' milksop!"

Yep. The object of his affection, his charge, his protégé, his Lilly, was egging on a grizzly bear when she was only armed with knives. And he could only watch in amazement.

Just then he heard a howling in the distance. The animal and the woman took a gander in the direction of the sound. Arthur looked as well.

"Fuckin' hell," Arthur heard Lilly groan.

Two gray wolves were running full speed at them and Lilly took a few steps back. Wolves? What the hell? As they got closer, the giant bear roared and charged them and the wolves immediately attacked the bear. The bigger threat released a loud bellow when one wolf jumped on it and clamped its teeth into the fur and flesh of the bear's neck. The other leapt out of the bear's path and attacked its back leg. The three engaged in a battle armed with sharp teeth and claws. Lilly looked around for her bow and quiver. When Lilly saw what she was looking for, Arthur and Charles ducked back to avoid being spotted. Lilly seemed too distracted to notice them, though, and she slid to grab her bow and arrows. Arthur smiled when Lilly took her shot. The arrow embedded itself into the bear's shoulder. The wolves were doing a fine job of slowing down Lilly's quarry. Lilly began her journey across the field of snow while arming her bow and shooting arrows one by one. Each shot punctured the bear's skin and it roared and bellowed. The wolves persevered with the onslaught. Blood streaked across the snow. Arthur had no idea whose blood was spilling.

Charles and Arthur slowly tailed Lilly, still keeping themselves hidden behind the trees. Lilly's quiver was now empty. Arthur could tell the giant grizzly was losing the battle. Lilly unsheathed her knives again and as she ran to join the fight, Arthur blinked a few times. Why was she not running away? Lilly ran to close the distance between her and the wild predators. Snarls, barks, roars and growls emanated from the fight almost like a symphony. The wolves weren't the worse for wear, which shocked the hell out of him as they got closer. The bear, on the other hand, was getting seriously fucked up. It would slash and swing its claws and the wolves always dodged it. Arthur knew the fur was going to be useless but the food would be more than enough for their starving group. When Lilly took a running jump and stabbed her knives into the bear's back, it roared out and tried to shake her off but Lilly hung on. Arthur rubbed his face with a gloved hand.

"I can't believe it. She's killin' a god damn bear!"

"I'll go get the horses," Charles said with a smile. "I think she's good here."

Lilly kept stabbing the bear over and over as Charles left with a chuckle. Arthur stood frozen as the battle, previously one of survival, was now a matter of killing for food.

"Yer a tough mother fucker, ain't ya!?" she yelled.

Arthur guffawed quietly. It was more accurate to say that Lilly was the toughest out of the two. Lilly climbed higher with her knives as her body flailed back and forth from the sporadic motions of the weakening bear. Lilly found a good spot to settle and raised her knives up. She gave a shout of exertion and plunged the blades into the neck. Another pained bellow echoed through the air before the animal finally went down. Lilly's chest heaved almost violently as the bear took its last breath. The wolves, covered in blood and drool, came up to her sides. An exhausted laugh was drawn from her body as she looked at herself. Lilly was soaked with blood.

"Ha! Well, this'll be a bitch tah wash out!" The wolves nuzzled her arms and she patted them both. Huh. Arthur figured they were her wolves from the cave. "Thank ya fer savin' me life, ya wee oddball chiselers." The wolves noticed him and suddenly took off. "Hey! Where ya goin?" she shouted.

Arthur heard Charles come up with the horses. "See?" Charles whispered. "I told you she could handle herself."

"That you did, but let's not tell her we just stood by and watched. She might kill us next," Arthur joked.

"Agreed."

"Lilly! What the hell happened?"

With a pivot at the waist, Lilly smiled as she spotted Arthur and Charles with the horses. "Told ya. I was goin' huntin'," Lilly put simply.

Arthur knew he'd never find another woman like Lilly. Not in a million years. The way she taunted the bear and took it down, only to simply say she was going hunting settled it for Arthur. To hell with the age difference and to hell with feeling like a dirty old man. Arthur was going to make Lilly his woman that very day.

Lilly definitely wanted to kill her husband, but instead of making a scene, she smirked at him. "And to think...you were so worried about me at the beginning of that," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I didn't know you watched, Arthur!" Karen yelped. "Shame on you!" she chuckled. Lilly wondered when Karen had gotten back to them.

The rest of the breakfast went smoothly and Lilly kept talking with Maura all the way through. Mostly about politics, but Lilly mentioned her estate Darach ar an gCnoc and Maura exclaimed excitedly how much she'd love to see it.

"Well, you and your husband are more than welcome to stay with us before you begin your tour of Europe."

"Oh, that would be wonderful! How many bedrooms do you have?"

"Hmm." Lilly had to think about that for a moment. "I think ten, if I recall correctly? Or was it twelve?" Arthur almost choked on his drink and Lilly smirked at him. "What?"

"I didn't know the place had that many rooms." Arthur said, brushing off the liquid from his tux.

"Oh, those are just the bedrooms. We have a huge library, two studies, three sitting rooms, one giant kitchen, a dining room, a ballroom, a gun room, a music room...hmm, you know what? I'll just show you when we get there."

"Your husband hasn't seen it?" Joseph asked.

"No, and I haven't been there in seventeen years. It's a long story, one that I..." Lilly stopped. She didn't want to be rude. "Well, it's a very long and traumatic story so I'd much rather not get into it, if it's all the same to you, Mr. Black."

Joseph frowned but nodded. "Not an issue, Mrs. Morgan. Has it been maintained, however?"

"Yes. An old friend of the family has been keeping it maintained for my return."

"I see."

Breakfast was now over and Lilly felt quite full. The food was different than what she was used to but it had been delightful and filling. Lilly excused herself from the table and reiterated the Black's invitation to Darach ar an gCnoc before leaving the room with Brian and James tailing her.

Arthur sighed and looked at the married couple. "I do apologize for her leavin', but we don't usually talk about her past. She went through too much at a very young age."

"Does she have family beside you and her fathers?" Maura asked.

"Well, they're her adoptive fathers, but no. We're all she has. The rest of her family are deceased."

"I see. Poor child."

"If you'll excuse me, I better go check on her. She uh, doesn't react well to her memories, either." Arthur got up and left the room to go find Lilly. He didn't have to go far when he found her just outside in a sitting chair with Brian and James laying at her feet. She was fidgeting again. Arthur approached behind Lilly and put his hands on her shoulders. "You okay?" he asked.

"Yes. Just...you know," she uttered. "I really wish I could stop bein' so...so..."

Arthur sat down next to her and nudged her shoulder. "I know, but...I do have somethin' in mind that just might make you feel better."

She smiled at him, although Lilly still had a sad gleam in her eyes. "You do?"

Arthur smirked. "Uh huh." He put an arm around her. "They have a chapel on the ship here."

"Yeah. Apparently Karen and Sean got married."

"They did. So, I was thinkin'..." he pulled out two gold wedding bands from his pocket. "We should do the same."

Lilly blinked at him. "But what about Da and Athair? And Patrick?"

Arthur laughed lightly. "Oh, Patrick and I had a nice chat after putting you to bed. He's done with tryin' to force you into marriage."

"...How did you convince him to get the marriage stick outta his arse?" Lilly asked, the tone of doubt apparent in her voice.

Arthur laughed again. "Well, I told him about how we met and he was," Arthur began to nod. "...very moved by it."

"I see." Lilly hmphed with surprise and leaned her head on his shoulder. "But Da and Athair?"

"Oh, they'll understand. Besides, we can use the money for a reception. After you sell the estate."

"Arthur...I...I'm not sure I want to do it."

Arthur froze. "The marriage or sell the estate?"

"The estate, ya silly man. It's my family home. And in case you forgot, I need to get my family's watch back. That's my main concern, but sellin' my title and Darach ar an gCnoc...I haven't been there for a long time and now that I'm goin' to see it again, I just don't know if I can do it."

"But it's worth a million dollars, Lilly! We could really use that money!"

"I know..." Lilly sat up straight and sighed. "Could ya not shout, please?"

Arthur felt too upset not to shout. He understood her hesitation but was something she barely remembered worth more than the well being of her family? He stood up. "We should go to the room for this discussion, then. I have a feeling both of us are goin' to shout."

He looked down at her and saw anger. "Oh, we're gonna be doin' more than shoutin' if ya expect a fight from me about me own god damn home!" she snapped.

"What's that supposed to mean? Are you threatenin' me, woman?" Arthur snapped back.

Lilly stood up angrily. "Ya damn right I am. Now let's go so we don't cause a scene! Brian, James, let's go!" Lilly and the wolves stormed down the corridor and Arthur pocketed the rings.

When they got back to the room, Arthur slammed the door shut. "Are you out of your mind?!" he shouted.

"If bein' sentimental about me childhood home is crazy, then yes!" she shouted back. The boys barked at them and Lilly sighed. "Go lay down, pups!"

Brian and James whimpered and went on the bed. Lilly dragged Arthur to the sitting room and was about to slam the doors but paused. Arthur realized she'd break them with the force of her strength and she shut them gently.

"I can't believe your havin' second thoughts about this," Arthur said. "I thought you wanted this for all of us."

"I thought I did too. But I figure somethin'. What if we bring everyone else here? We'd all be safe here, Arthur. Besides," she smiled and crossed the room to him. "Doesn't the idea of bein' an Earl appeal to you?"

Arthur blinked. He hadn't considered that. "...An Earl? Me?"

"We marry legally and you're automatically an Earl. Still, I'd be the head of the estate but you'd be my husband, Arthur Morgan, second Earl of Moycullen."

Arthur chortled nervously. "You're serious?"

Lilly nodded. "Uh huh," she breathed with a doting smile. "Quite serious, mo chuisle."

Arthur took off his jacket. The though of being an Earl immediately became a power trip. "So, if you're m'lady, what would I be?"

Lilly undid his bowtie and disheveled his collar. "M'lord," she replied. "Would you like me to start callin' you that...m'lord?"

Arthur felt his body temperature rise. "Yes, m'lady..."

Lilly started undoing his buttons. "So, what would you like to do right now, m'lord?" Lilly stared up at him with lustful blue eyes. "What would you like...to do...to me, m'lord?"

Arthur smiled. "Well," he got down on one knee and took out the wedding bands. "I'd like you to make me a proper lord and marry me." Lilly nodded with a grin. He got up and kissed her. "Then I'd like to celebrate, then I'd like to consummate our marriage."

"Mmm, and when would you like me to make you a proper Earl, mo grá?" [my love?]

"Two hours. Meet me in two hours at the chapel."

"Is this the thing you had to attend to this mornin'?"

"Yes. That and a few other things."

"Such as?"

"Your weddin' dress, but Karen took care of that. I wasn't allowed to look at it."

Lilly looked amused. "That explains her leavin' this mornin'. Are we havin' a reception, then?"

"Yes. Just a small one in third class. The boys down there loved your singin' and want to hear your version of "Seven Drunken Nights" again."

This made her laugh. Arthur loved hearing her laugh. "Hmm. Maybe it was because I was drunk that my...siren-ness didn't work."

"Maybe. Now," Arthur kissed her hands tenderly. "Will you marry me in two hours?" he asked.

"Yes."

Arthur smiled, kissed her once more, then left the room. "See you then, mo bean chéile." [my wife.]

"See ya then, mo fear céile." [my husband.]

In the chapel dressing room, Karen helped Lilly into her wedding dress. The toilette was in white satin and dotted tulle. The slightly slender taffeta skirt was covered with two tulle skirts. The top skirt was adorned with ruched gauze blue ribbons sewn into spirals. On the tulle skirts was placed a pointed satin tunic, bordered with a tulle ruffle ending in sapphire blue ribbons, and lined with Louis XV knots in sapphire blue ribbons adorned with silver glitter. The loops were filled in part satin, part tulle. Similar knots in sapphire blue framed the lining of the satin blouse, opening on the edge. The opening frames tulle ruffled and small sleeves were puffed in tulle. Lilly had on long white silk gloves that reached her upper arms. Lilly's neck was adorned with an intricate array of celtic knotted silver plated chains with a trinity circlet in the middle. It housed a dark blue spherical sapphire. It had belonged to Lilly's late mother Abigail O'Callaghan. Lilly's auburn hair was in small and medium celtic braids with a large one circling around the crown of her head. The veil was long, reaching the train of her dress and was made from white lace. She had white powder applied to her face and neck, pink rouge to her cheeks, red rose dyed her lips, and her eyebrows had been groomed and darkened along with her eyelids and eyelashes. The woman in the mirror was not one Lilly recognized.

"...Oh my God, Karen. I look like an actual woman," Lilly said with a laugh.

"You do!" Lilly and Karen giggled hysterically. "Oh! We can't forget the bouquet!" Karen handed Lilly a bouquet of blue dyed roses and white lillies.

Lilly chuckled. "Did you plan out the colors of everythin'?" Lilly asked.

"Of course I did. You can't leave weddin' coordinations to the men! It'd be a disaster!"

Lilly and Karen laughed and sighed. "Well, I suppose I better go down the aisle, now. God I'm frightened out of my mind! I'm going to be Mrs. Morgan! Legally!"

"I was frightened too, Lilly, but when I saw Sean at the end, I was too happy to be scared!" Karen helped with Lilly's white and blue laced high heeled slippers and Lilly found them hard to walk in but she eventually got to walking. The chapel was just a regular old one, nothing fancy. Just a few wooden benches on the bride and grooms' sides, and everything else was white. The altar had a white arch with white plaster flowers carved into it with two white columns to hold it up. There was a white piano near the front and a priest at the end of the aisle. Karen smiled at Lilly. "Okay, now, you gotta hide in this room here. Can't let the groom see you yet. I'll get you when we're ready."

Lilly went into a room and shut the door. She paced back and forth, glancing at herself in the mirror every so often. She really was beautiful. lt made her feel giddy and awkward at the same time. Oh. The veil. Lilly adjusted the veil over her face, reciting the vow she chose to make.

"I vow you the first cut of my meat, the first sip of my wine. From this day it shall only be your name I cry out in the night..." The last part made her giggle. "...and into your eyes that-"

There was a knock on the door. "Lilly? Are ya decent, love?" she heard Patrick say.

"Of course I'm decent. Come in, ya silly dolt!"

Patrick laughed and opened the door. He was in a very nice black suit with his hair slicked back. When he looked at Lilly, his face flushed. "Is fís thú, tá mo chroí fós! Lilly, ya...wow!" [You are a vision, my heart is still!]

Lilly laughed and sniffled. "Thank you. I...oh God, I'm so nervous."

Patrick smiled and crossed the room. "Arthur is going tah faint!"

Lilly laughed harder. "No he won't. But...ha, if he does, yer gonna hafta stand in his stead," she joked.

"I wish I was standing in his stead anyway, you're so beautiful. But...seeing as how I am the closest tah a relative ya have, me ex fianceé, I'll have tah walk ya down the aisle meself."

Lilly cocked her head. "Not Sean?"

"He's the best man. But uh, they're waiting fer ya, lass."

Lilly lifted her veil and kissed Patrick on the cheek. "Thank you for honorin' my wishes, Patrick."

"Yer Arthur is a fine man, Lilly. Even if he is an outlaw."

Lilly smirked. "I'm an outlaw too."

"All the more reason fer him tah marry ya. I trust him tah look out fer ya. But are ya still gonna sell Darach? Not that I want it anymore, yet I could still buy it from ya so ya both got money to help with yer gang."

"Actually, we uh...we might not sell it. We might actually bring the gang over here once we have the money. But do not offer anythin'. We can make our own."

Patrick sighed and kissed her forehead. "I bet ya can. Just let me know if ya change yer mind, lass. Always here tah help ya." Patrick hooked her arm and helped with her veil. "Let's go get ya married, then."

Lilly walked out with him to the closed doors of the chapel.

Arthur clasped his hands in front of him. He was clean shaven, his dirty blonde hair was slicked back, and he wore a black tuxedo with a white rose in his jacket pocket. Sean had the same look and attire. Karen was dressed in a white and blue dress that Arthur imagined was similar to the dress Lilly would be wearing. Karen's hair was with its normal curls. Brian and James were nearby with little black bowties with the wedding bands tied to their bows. The doors of the chapel opened and Arthur looked down to see Patrick bringing his betrothed up the aisle. Arthur's heart stopped. He couldn' believe that was his Lilly, but it was. He went slack jawed and wide eyed before giving a bright, beaming smile of joy at the beauty he was about to marry. As she closed in to the altar, Patrick handed Arthur her hand, kissed her cheek, and sat down on one of the benches.

"Lillian, you...I don't...I..." Arthur stammered.

Lilly giggled. "Just tell me I'm beautiful, let's get married, celebrate, then call it a day," she said with a soft laugh.

"Father, I don't suppose we could skip to the end?" Arthur said to the priest. "I would very much like to kiss her right now, she's so pretty."

Everyone made small laughs and Lilly shook her head in amusement. "Is cac den sórt sin thú." [You are such a shit.]

"I know."

The priest stopped laughing and started the ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered her today to join Arthur Morgan and Lillian Rose O'Callaghan in holy matrimony. Now, on the ship, we keep these things relatively short but I understand you both have vows to share?"

Arthur nodded and took out a piece of paper. "Lillian, ahem..." his hands began to shake. "Ahem, sorry. Lillian, from the day we met, I vowed to be your guardian. I vowed to protect you until the moment of my death, and fifteen years later, that vow still rings true. Throughout those fifteen years, you became my charge, my protégé, my best friend, and the love of my life. Four years ago on the shore of the lake after our, um, O'Driscoll encounter in Wyoming, do you remember what you said?"

Lilly smirked. "I said a lot of things, mo chuisle."

"Yes, but there was one thing in particular. How long you'd been waitin' for me to...ahem...flirt with you. And the...ruinin' you for other prey? That's when I fell in love with you."

Lilly arched a brow. "Really?"

"Mmhmm. Anyway, um...so, we spent four years flirtin', which now I see was preparation for a newly founded relationship. I thought myself too old to have you, but now I know better. You are my soul mate, Lillian, and I will protect and love you in this life and the next...and the next...and the next. So now I ask will you meet me in the circle of pine trees upon the spring snow in each life we have together, mo chuisle, mo stór, mo bean álainn, mo anam maité?" [my pulse, my darling, my beautiful woman, my soul mate?]

Lilly smiled happily. "I'll give you the answer in my vow."

Arthur smiled back. "Okay, ahem, my uh...it's your turn, I believe."

Lilly blinked and started her vows. "I vow you the first cut of my meat and the first sip of my wine. From this day on it shall be only your name I cry out in the night, and into your eyes I smile each morning; I shall be the shield for your back as you are mine. Never shall a grievous word be spoken about us, for our marriage is sacred between us and no stranger shall hear my grievance. Above and beyond all this, I will cherish and honor you through this life and into the next...and the next...and the next. And I will meet you in the circle of pine trees upon the spring snow in each life we have together, mo chuisle, mo fear álainn, mo bithiúnach, mo anam maité." [my pulse, my beautiful man, my reprobate, my soul mate.]

Arthur smiled at her broadly. "That was good," he chuckled.

The priest smiled and continued. "Do you, Arthur Morgan, take Lillian Rose O'Callaghan to be your wife, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, now and forever?

Arthur smiled as he held hands with Lilly. "I do."

"And do you, Lillian Rose O'Callaghan, take Arthur Morgan to be your husband, to have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, now and forever?"

"I do," Lilly replied.

"The rings, if you please?" Lilly called the boys over and both her and Arthur untied the rings from their bows. Lilly held out her left hand and the priest spoke.

"Put the ring on and recite your promise, Arthur."

Arthur slipped the gold band on Lilly's finger. "Lillian Rose O'Callaghan, as a sign of my love, that I have chosen you above all else, I wed thee."

"Now Lillian, your turn," the priest said.

Lilly put the ring on Arthur's finger. "Arthur Morgan, as a sign of my love, that I have chosen you above all else, I wed thee."

The priest closed his book and sighed. "By the power vested in me on the ship of The Pearly Gates in international waters, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Arthur raised Lilly's veil over her head and took a moment to gaze at her before kissing her softly. A soft kiss for now, but he was going to enjoy kissing her hard tonight.

After having dinner in third class, the party began in the same room from the night before. Dancing, singing, Guiness, and whiskey were all part of the celebration. Karen and Sean were also in their wedding party attire and Lilly noticed how similar her dress was to Karen's. It was beautiful. Karen and her danced together a few times, Lilly did her performance of "Seven Drunken Nights," the wolves got scraps from the passengers, and Lilly tried to dance with them but they weren't having any of that nonsense. Karen made sure to remind Lilly of the "present" in the room that Lilly was going to wear and Lilly nodded with a laugh.

"I can't believe ya did that fer me. Ya think he's goin' tah like it?" Lilly asked before taking a sip of Guinness.

"He's goin' to love it! Trust me, and just be your natural flirty self, but really lay it on thick, Little Miss Huntress!" Karen replied.

They both burst into hysterics and they danced again. Lilly's feet were hurting by the time it was dark but as she approached her now legal husband, she did it with a skip or two.

"Arthur, me love?" she giggled.

"Mmhmm? Yes, Mrs. Morgan?" he replied.

"I'm headin' back up. But uh...stay for a bit, don't be too long, and do not get too drunk. I gotta present waitin' fer ya!"

"Oh?" A twinkle in Arthur's eyes almost made her swoon. Arthur pulled her in close, kissing her neck as he did. "And do I get a hint?"

"No, ya silly man."

"Does it involve fuckin' you in this dress?"

"I'm not tellin' ya. I'll meet ya upstairs, though. Patrick said he'd watch the boys fer us tonight, so make sure they get to his room okay?"

"Oh, 'course I will. How long should I wait?"

"Hmm...half an hour?"

"Okay."

Lilly giggled and grabbed Karen. "Okay, let's go get me ready!"

Karen and Lilly waved to everyone before heading up the stairs.

The wedding dress was on on wire hanger, and Lilly glanced at it. It really was beautiful. Karen had already come and gone to help with her dress and Arthur's 'wedding present'. Lilly stared at herself in the mirror. Her hair still had curls, but it was down and framed around her face. The outfit was stunning. A strapless black and blue corset, without it being too tight around midsection, thank god for that, ending a bit above her chest with a straight chestline. Her breasts were smooshed a bit, giving her a bit of cleavage. The bottom of the corset fit snuggly around her hips, the cloth line ending just below them, just above her thighs, over her womanhood, and a little up into her butt, exposing just a tad bit of her cheeks. The front of the corset had blue buttons spread sparsely from her chest to her navel. Black lacey patterns were embroidered into the material.

The back of her corset was laced up tightly and pretty plain. The material ended over the middle of her shoulder blades. She caught the reflection of her scars in the mirror but she didn't mind them at all. They gave her character; a reminder of her strength and tenacity. There were black, short, suspender-like straps attached at the bottom of the corset. There were four in all. Two in the front, two in the back. The straps held up her black sheer tights, the top of the stretchy fabric covered in intricate and elegant patterns. And her feet. Simple, black, ankle length high heeled shoes. Nothing fancy, but it went great with the outfit. After examining herself, and being surprised at how comfortable the snug corset was, Lilly did a little jump of excitement. She couldn't wait until Arthur came in. Just then Lilly heard noises in the hallway. Arthur was coming. Lilly went to the bedroom, shut the doors, and sat in a red chair backwards, adjusting her auburn locks and resting her forearms over the back of her chair. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She heard Arthur come in the living room and Lilly stared at the bedroom door, lifting the side of her red rosebud lips into a smirk and narrowing her eyebrows just a tad to try and look seductive.

"Lilly?"

"In the bedroom, mo chuisle!"

"Ha! Okay! Just give me a minute! I brought champagne! I know you said I shouldn't get too drunk, but we gotta have champagne!"

"I agree! Why don't you bring it to the bedroom?"

"Is that where my present is?"

"Yes!" Lilly decided on a change of seating and ran to the bed. "Wait a second!" She sat on the edge facing the doors, leaned back on her hands, and crossed her legs. "Okay! Come in please!"

"Hold on, I gotta, just a...dammit..." Arthur sighed. "I'm tryin' to open the god damn bottle!"

Lilly felt her face muscles tighten, trying not to scowl too much. She got up and opened the doors wide. Arthur's back was to her. "Arthur, you can open it in the bedroom."

"Yes, but I'm...I wanted to bring you a glass before goin' in there."

"Arthur."

"You really missed..." he finally popped the cork and sighed, bringing the bottle and glasses to the table by a red couch. "There we go. One hell of a party. I feel bad you missed it." He poured two glasses of champagne.

Lilly chuckled softly at him, putting her hands behind her back and tilting her head to the side with a small smile. "Arthur?"

"Yep?" Arthur turned around with a smile but when his eyes took her in, he froze. Lilly watched his face turn red, his lips spread open slightly, his eyes go wide and glaze over, and she even noticed he stopped breathing.

"Hello, Mr. Morgan," she said in a thick, alluring Irish accent.

Author's Note: Oh, I failed to mention that the character Maura Black is based off of Margaret Brown, aka "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" because, well, why the hell not? And Maura's husband is based off Molly's husband, J. J. Brown. Just a little tidbit of history.