A/N: 02.12.2019
So sorry this took so long! Things have been busy and time just seriously got away from me! But, I hope this chapter and the Epilogue (which is about to go up right now) will make up for it!
Enjoy!
Chapter 16: Reception
Most would think that a local, family-owned Sleepy Hollow restaurant, Lulu's, would not be the ideal place for the heroes who saved the world several times, especially as they celebrating their wedding. But, for the heroes themselves, it was just perfect. No extremely fancy dinner, no waiters all in bowties. Just family and food. For Abbie and Ichabod, it was all they needed.
Jenny kept gazing at her sister and her new husband. There was a time when Jenny was sure nothing about her life story would end happy, but she always hoped Abbie would get the happily ever after, or something close to it. True, they had a lot still coming their way, but Jenny could see how happy Abbie was in this moment and how much Ichabod was enjoying himself. Joe told Jenny how Ichabod was freaking out before the ceremony. But, now, Jenny could see it: Ichabod was appreciating every single second of this. All of this was a big relief for Jenny.
Abbie caught Jenny stare and shared a warm smile with her.
Jenny was fighting back crying again at seeing her sister and one of her closest friends so happy. She thought about her own life and about something Joe had mentioned to her recently. A hard life was ahead for all of them. But to be happy with the people they cared about, that they loved, made it all worth, even giving a reason to fight harder. She looked at Joe, who caught her stare.
"You okay?" Joe asked.
Jenny took a breath then nodded, "Yes."
"Okay."
"No, Joe. I mean… yes."
A look of confusion came over Joe's face. "Yes what?"
Jenny just smiled. "Yes."
His eyes widened. "Whoa. You mean… yes? Like… 'yes' yes?"
"I mean, yes," Jenny smiled.
Joe couldn't believe it. Officially, he hadn't asked her to marry him. He had just brought it up from time to time. He thought they would have a long, drawn-out, full-on discussion about it before she'd respond. But, when she already said yes to the question he hadn't even asked yet, he sure wasn't going to argue. He just wrapped his arms around her and she did the same to him.
Abbie looked at them and gasped. "Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" This caught everyone's attention. "Jenny. Did… did you just…"
Jenny just smiled.
"Oh, a wonderous day this continues to be!" Ichabod said.
"For the record," Jenny said as she pulled back from Joe, tears of joy running down her face, "it's all your fault."
Abbie bit her lip as she started crying as well. Ichabod wiped his eyes, "I believe we can confidently take the blame for this."
"I don't mind," Abbie said. "And I don't care."
A few minutes later, Osiris was standing outside, looking at the night's sky as he recounted all that he had seen and experienced since he arrived in Sleepy Hollow.
Edom came outside and found him, "Lord Osiris."
"Lord Edom," Osiris replied.
"You seem to be deep in thought."
"I am." Osiris looked at him. "These humans, the Witnesses, tell me: what have they overcome?"
"Pardon?" Edom asked.
"The relief in their eyes. Even if for a moment, it was strong. I could feel it. What have they overcome to arrive at this point?"
"More than, I think, any mortals should have to. I don't even know the full story myself. I happened upon them later, after a number of horrors had befell them already. To answer your question, what they have overcome… is greater horrors than humans should have to face. And, sadly, they are not finished yet. Any peace they can grasp is a peace worth having."
Osiris nodded. "Shame that their road ahead will be difficult."
"The difficult reality of the life and mission of the Witnesses," Edom declared.
"Indeed. But Set's warning also concerns me. He wouldn't say who provided him with this information. If I didn't know any better, I'd believe that I saw fear in his eyes."
Edom stared at Osiris for a while in silence. "Most unnerving."
"Tremendously."
Edgar and Jessica walked outside and found the two of them talking. "They're you are!" Edgar said. "The happy couple, and the soon-to-be happy couple, are looking for you two."
"We are discussing developments of the future," Edom answered.
"Edgar told me what Set told all of you," Jessica said. "It's… disturbing, to say the least. What could alarm the god of chaos?"
"I don't know," Edom said. He looked around to make sure they were alone. "But… to that end, I was going to request something of all of you…"
"You want us to help the Witnesses all we can in the coming trials?" Edgar smiled. "Even prevent some, if at all possible."
Edom smiled. "Am I that easy to see through?"
"You weren't before. Something must've changed. Perhaps it's your fondness for this particular group."
"Can you blame me?"
Edgar chuckled. "Not in the slightest. I must admit to being partial to them myself."
"So am I," Jessica said. "As for your request, Edom, I would be happy to. I'll make sure my ears stay open and forward any information necessary to you."
"Perhaps, I shall remain on Earth a while longer," Osiris said. "The Witnesses are honorable warriors. To aid them would be my pleasure."
"And I find them to be too much fun not to support when possible," Edgar said. "They're so witty and amusing."
"The help would be much appreciated," Edom said. "I fear coming days could grow… dark."
"Oh, some darkness is good. Builds character."
Jessica rolled her eyes, "You would think that."
"Anything I can do in compensation," Edom continued, "I'll be more than happy to provide."
"You don't need to do that," Edgar replied.
"And I won't let you do that," Jessica declared. "I have plenty of ways to compensate myself."
Edom smiled. "I figured. But I had to make the offer."
Osiris smiled. "Of course, you did. After all, this is your family we're discussing. You'll want them watched over. A service you already perform, adamantly."
"Happily and proudly."
"I can tell. And congratulations."
Edom squinted a bit. "What for?"
"I know more of your story than you think, lord angel," Osiris said. "I can tell you've found greater purpose and peace. Even happiness. You have earned it. More than you think."
"Thank you."
"Well, glad that's settled!" Edgar clapped his hands together, "Now, then! Let's find the happy couples! Surely, there must be a fine drinking establishment close as we can continue this revelry."
Edom shook his head. "Why did we seek you out in the first place?"
"Because I'm endless fun, an invaluable resource, and one of the best people you've ever met."
"All points debatable."
The next couple of hours were filled with fun and good times, the kind that created memories that would make one smile long after the day had passed. Soon, the night came to an end with everyone heading to their respective destinations.
After bidding good night to everyone else, Abbie and Ichabod headed home. After walking into the house, Abbie gave Ichabod a coy smile, causing him to blush. It had been a long day. An exciting day. They should be tired.
But, not quite yet.
After all, they were married now. The thought of celebrating that came to both of their minds.
"So," Ichabod said, nervously. He cleared his throat, "…what shall we…?"
"The couch first," Abbie declared. "See if we have any energy to make it to the bed after that."
"Very well." He walked up and kissed her. "Mrs. Crane."
She smiled. "Mr. Mills."
He chuckled. "Please, don't tell anyone else that."
"I'm sure they already thought of it. I'll only use it against you when I need to."
He shook his head, ruefully.
She giggled. "But, I'll give you a break tonight. After all…" she kissed him, "…you're very much on my good side right now."
"May I get on your… very good side?"
She smiled bigger. "You may."
A/N: So... the Epilogue, you ask? IT'S HERE! CLICK RIGHT NOW!