Sorry for such a long wait. I have reasons/excuses, I might put them at the end though. Enjoy!
Weeks later, after his wounds have healed, Nick and Finnic are called to the Sheriff's Office. Upon their arrival they see, what seems to be, every mammal in the Tri-Burrows has turned out for the occasion. Thousands of bunnies, with other prey and a few preditors interspersed among them. They walk over to the bunny that called them out, a chill wind blows through as the rabbit starts to speak.
"Thank you all for coming out today. For those who don't already know, weeks ago a posse of bandits came through town and kitnapped my daughter." Stu's voice carries over the gathered crowd, demanding their attention. "They were after Nicholas here and discovered that he and my little Judith are Mates. So they took her to get to him. As a point of interest, they wouldn't have found out he was even here had David Leaps not opened his mouth about Nicholas."
Murmurs reign throughout the square. Those who had not heard confirming with those who witnessed everything. Shouts of outrage over Judy's treatment can be heard along with questions of David's punishment. Few are heard wondering about Nick and Judy's courtship while Stu struggles to regain the crowds attention. A shrill whistle pierces the air as many mammals wince in pain.
"Thank you Nicholas. As I was saying. Christopher Bounds and I have striped David of his role as Sheriff. As further punishment, none of his kits or grandkits can apply for the position either." He allows the gathered group to stew for a bit. "Eventually their family may prove themselves worthy of the title, but until then Nicholas will be our Sheriff and Finnic, his friend, our Deputy."
"What makes them qualified?!" The crowd parts for a dusty brown buck. "What makes them 'Worthy' of those titles?!"
"Dan, go home. Before you make a fool of yourself." Stu glares at the Leaps buck.
"Your daughter has made me look more of a fool for courting her. Had I known she wanted a pred I never would've given her the time of day." Dan spits in disgust. "She must be mental for choosing outside her species." As he speaks the cleared area around him increases in size. Dan fails to notice this and Nick's angered growls.
"Choose your next words carefully kit." Finnic, who had remained silent till now, warns with a snarl.
"Or what? You going ta bite me?" The buck mockingly asks.
"Catch." Finnic flips a small coin high through the air towards Dan. A shot rings out, causing many mammals to duck. Dan is too shocked to do more then stand with his paws out to catch the piece of metal. When it lands he looks at the bullet sized hole in the very center then back at Nick, who is putting a revolver back in its holster.
The crowd, recovered from the gunshot, squeezes in close looking at the dime in Dan's paw. Those that can't see are told of what transpired. The square fills with so much noise none hear Stu shouting to regain their focus. Nick is still glaring at Dan who has yet to move or look away.
"Quiet!" Finnic's deep voice booms over everyone, getting them to fall silent. When there is no more comments being made he addresses Dan. "That answer your question's?"
He just nods his head vigorously, eyes wide.
"Anyone else want to voice any objections?" Heads shake in the negative all over the place. "No? Good. Fair warning, if you have any later you may take them up with Judith. She would just love to help with them." Many faces pale at the hidden threat in Stu's words. After a good minute of staring down the crowd Stu steps up to Nick and Finnic. He reaches into his pants pocket and pulls out two chunks of glinting metal. Stu pins a gold Sheriffs badge on Nick's chest then a silver Deputy star on Finnic's. Cheers roar across the gathered mammals as Nick and Finnic are presented to them.
Nick's signature smirk is in place while Fin has a disgruntled frown on his muzzle, not used to this kind of treatment. The red tod waves and elbows his shorter friend. This gets Finnic to snort before waving as well. Shortly thereafter the crowd disperses. When the square is cleared of those not having errands to run, the three mammals head off towards the Hopps' burrow.
"Judith will be very proud of you Nicholas." Stu claps him on the back as they walk.
"For what Sir?" Nick looks at the buck in confusion.
"For not mauling Dan. No matter how much he deserves it." He replies with a bit of heat behind his words.
"He's not worth dirtying my paws over. Besides, he only said those things because Judith wasn't there. None of them want to be on the receiving end of her ire do they?" Nick smiles at the thought of what Judy would've done to Dan had she been there.
"Did you see their faces? All scared of one doe. She is good with a rifle though, so I can see where they're coming from." Finnic comments with a chuckle.
"How many of those bandits did she get again?" Stu inquires, loving to hear of his daughters exploits.
"She got that bear who was trying to take shelter, then the brown wolf in the chest multiple times. All with a gun meant for Nick. The thing looked too big for her but she insisted on helping." Finnic described with admiration in his eyes.
"Looks like James was right in teaching her how to shoot." They continue their travel in musing silence after Stu's comment.
-Later that night-
Nick is putting away his badge when Judy steps between him and their oak dresser. Her parents had moved them into a bigger room, together. It was one of many made for those kits that were married but had elected to stay in the burrow. They had a fox sized bed brought in for Nick, which is perfect for the two of them who like to cuddle. Four posters of oak with a matching frame. Runners along the top hold the thick grey curtains that flow around them when closed, to keep in the warmth.
"How did it go this afternoon?" Judy helps him unbutton his shirt, mostly so she can run her paws through his soft cream chest fur.
"Well enough until Dan showed up." Nick tosses his shirt into a corner before picking her up and placing her on the dresser, skirts pooling around her.
"Oh? What did he have to say?" She pulls him closer by his belt then nuzzles his throat.
"Nothing intelligent, to be sure. He wanted to know why Fin and I got the Sheriff and Deputy jobs. Then bad mouthed you." She pauses in her loving touches at this. "Fin warned him to watch what he said. When he didn't, Fin tossed a coin."
"Why toss a coin?" Her head tilts in question.
"So I can shoot it mid-air." Judy's eyes widen in wonder. "It landed right in Dan's paw, minus the middle of it. You can confirm it with everyone from the Tri-Burrows."
"How did you manage to hit it?" She continues her ministrations along his chest and stomach.
"Lots of practice." Nick rumbles his reply and leans into her, spreading her legs apart.
"What happened after that?" She kisses along his jaw line.
"Your father informed them that if they had any complaints they could take them to you. Judging by their reactions, I doubt that will happen." He starts working on the buttons of her dress.
"I am not that scary. One would think you, who can hit a coin in the air, would be more frightening then me." He slides the fabric off her shoulders and nips along behind it.
"They seem to think so. Just ask Finnic." The top of her dress meets the skirts as he talks, revealing nothing but grey silky fur underneath.
"Later." Judy pulls his muzzle down to meet hers. When they break for a breath she whispers in his ear, "Take me to bed." Not needing any more prompting, Nick picks her up and moves quickly to the plush bed. Leaving behind the fabric that had been sitting around her lush hips. After laying her down gently he removes the last of his restrictive clothes.
Two Months Later: Spring
Nick opens the door to a small bakery. The big picture window smashed in and covered with cloth. The gold lettering no longer readable. A round fox tod is sweeping up the last of the glass as the sweet smell of blueberry pie floats through the air.
"Haya Nick, glad you could make it." Gideon looks up from his work.
"Hay Gid, what you got for me?" Nick grabs the dust bin to help with the clean up.
"Didn't see who dun it but the rock's over there. I'll let you sniff it first." After putting the shards in the bin Nick heads over to the counter with multiple treats positioned on the shelves behind the glass. Sitting on the smooth surface is a paving stone the size of Nick's hind paw.
"Could be a bunny but I'd wager it was one of the bigger mammals around here." He leans in and sniffs at the rock. It is a scent he vaguely recognizes. "Sheep. I'll grab Fin and head over to the Woolter farm." The other tod flinches at the name.
"Don't be too harsh on them. I don't want to cause any more trouble." Gideon walks Nick out of his shop, Nick taking the rock with him.
"It depends on if the guilty party makes this easy or not. I still have to do my job Gid." He places his paw on the other tods shoulder.
"I know, I just..." Gideon shakes his head looking at his feet.
"Ya. At the very least whoever did this will be replacing your window, those things are expensive." He leaves heading to his office in search of Finnic. He finds his diminutive friend leaning back in a chair snoring away. "Finnic!"
"Ghaa! Wilde! What you do that for?" Finnic nearly falls backwards out of his seat. After recovering, he glares at Nick.
"We got a case. Someone threw a rock at Gideon's window. We need to talk to the Woolter's to see which one did it." Nick paws over the offending stone.
"You sure it's one of them?" Finnic asks while sniffing the rock. "Yep, definitely sheep and they're the only sheep family in the 'Burrows." He gets out of the chair and follows Nick out to a small-ish farm. The house is surrounded by a white picket fence lined by roses. A barn sits just behind it outside the barrier with two smaller outbuildings, presumably the garden and tool sheds. As they get close to the main building they are met at the gate by a black sheep around Judy's age.
"Sheriff Wilde, Deputy Lister. Is there something I can help you with?" She leans against the gate with a smile.
"Hay Sharla. As much as I'd like for this to be a friendly visit, we got a problem." Nick sighs while shaking his head.
"What kinda problem?" Sharla furrows her brows in concern.
"A paving stone was thrown through Gideon's window early this morning. It smells like sheep sadly." Nick paws over the stone and Sharla starts in surprise. "I take it you recognize it?"
"Ya, it's from the rose beds. One went missin' a week ago. Mom was pissed, she laid them herself. Come'ere and I'll show ya." She opens the gate and motions them threw. They follow her to a back corner of the yard where they can easily see a spot missing its stone.
"Do you have any idea about who might have taken it?" Finnic asks her after they reach the corner.
"Not sure. I'd have thought none would dare anger Mom but here's the proof. Let me get everyone out here." Before heading inside she gives Nick back the stone. Within ten minutes, the whole Woolter family is in the crowded back yard with Nick and Finnic.
"Sharla, what is this about?" A cream colored ewe inquires.
"Sheriff Wilde found your paving stone." Sharla answers her Mother.
"What do you mean? Where?" She directs her questions at Nick, who has been watching one member fidget a bit.
"It was thrown through Gideon's window this morning. When I sniffed it, the only mammals I got was Gideon, me, and sheep. Now I hate to ask this, but does anyone have something to tell me?" He looks purposely at a ram the same color as his Mother. This causes all other family members to also look at the fidgeting young adult.
"Gareth?" Sharla asks incredulously.
"What have you done?" Their Mother stares him down, really making him squirm.
"What do you want me to say! Ya I threw it, I don't want him here!" Gareth yells, chest heaving.
"Why? What has he ever done to you?" Sharla steps in front of her younger brother with hooves on hips. He looks away with his mouth tightly closed. "Answer me Gareth! Why?!"
"Because...because he, you.." He withers under her glare.
"Because I what?" She grabs ahold of one of his ears and all but growls at him.
"Because you like him and he wont even look at ya. You're pinin' after him and" Sharla tugs on his trapped appendage stopping him cold.
"And you think throwing a rock through his window is going to help me?! Now he's going to hate me, because of you! Arg!" She releases his ear roughly and storms away, shrinking in on her self.
"You, young mammal, are going to replace that window. And you better apologize to him at the same time." Mrs. Woolter reprimands her son.
"How am I to do that?" Gareth pleads with her.
"By working at that bakery of his till your debt is paid off." He tries to protest but is cut off again. "If I hear that you have been difficult or disrespectful to Mr. Grey in any way, Sheriff Wilde has my permission to lock you up. Do I make my self clear?"
"Perfectly." The young ram shivers at the tone coming from the elder ewe then tears off into town.
"I am sorry for his behavior. He is still young and trying to figure out his emotions. Him and Sharla are very close." The Woolter matron remarks to Nick, watching her son leave dust in his wake.
"We all have trouble with that at one time or another. Truthfully, Gideon didn't want to press charges. I'm glad something could be worked out." She smiles a little at this information. "I'll send Judith over to check on Sharla. She looks like she could use a friend right now."
"Thank you Sheriff. Will you check in on Gareth from time to time? Make sure he is not causing anymore trouble?" She asks him gently.
"Will do. Have a nice day." With that, Nick and Finnic head back to their office. They stop in at the Hopps' food stand to talk with Judy first. After a bit she leaves the stand in the capable paws of her siblings and heads over to visit with her old friend.
Start of Summer
A red fox tod walks into a medium sized, two story home. The exterior is painted a cream color with light peach trims. The shutters are open, the curtains fluttering in a gentle breeze. White door shutting gently behind the fluffy tail.
"Ma, you working?!" Gideon calls out into the spacious house.
"Up in the sewing room!" The soft voice of his mother drifts down the stairs. He wonders up the polished wood steps and down a cream hall to the open door at the end. An older vixen is sitting at the window looking at a small mannequin dressed in white.
"How's her dress comin'?" Gideon stops by his mother, admiring her work.
"Nearly done. Just the final touches left before her fittings. Have they chose a day yet?" Anna looks up at her son, who gives her a huge grin.
"The anniversary of when they met. This comin' harvest." Her soft smile grows with this answer.
"That is just adorable, and gives me plenty of time to make the outfits for the wedding party." She turns in her seat to the back wall of her workroom. Lining the wall are various papers with sketches of dresses and suits with swatches of fabric pinned to them.
"So work is goin' well?" He asks, looking at the same wall.
"So far. The 'Burrows seem to be warming up to me. I believe it is mostly due to our connection with the Hopps'." Anna stands up and faces Gideon. "How is your new helper handling things?"
"He's doin' better. Gettin' the hang of things. I'm sure glad we was able to handle things this was instead of havin' him charged." Gideon scuffs his hind paw.
"Is he still angry with you?" She leads him out of her workroom and down the stairs.
"I don't think so, not anymore. He seems to be enjoyin' his time at the bakery, and it gives me someone to talk to." They enter the quaint kitchen and Anna starts making tea.
"That is good to hear. And how is his sister doing? Sharla was it?" The red vixen asks slyly while boiling the water.
"Ya, Sharla's good. She stops by to check on Gareth most times." He smiles gently.
"Do you get to talk with her while she visits?" Anna walks to the table with two steaming mugs. After placing one in front of Gideon, she takes hers to the seat across from him.
"Ya, most the time." His tail sways slightly, knocking against the chair leg. "It's nice bein' able to talk to her. She seems to have forgiven me for what happened before. Like Judy did." He sips at his tea looking out the kitchen window. Anna just watches him with a knowing smile.
Hours Later
"Judith please, be reasonable." Nick follows her into their room. He shuts the door behind him as Judy crosses the room facing away from him.
"I am being reasonable Nicholas. I just refuse to let you mess with it. I had thought you would be happy with that." Her shoulders are tense with her anger as her foot taps the floor with a rapid motion.
"I am but, don't you wish to wear it?" He pleads with her, tail tucked.
"What do you think I am doing with it? Everyone can see it." She turns to him holding up the silver chain with the gold band. "Does this not count as wearing it?"
"Yes but.." He tries, only to be interrupted.
"No! No more!" Nick flinches at her words. "It was your Mothers, and it is special to you. So I will not have it resized." She glares at him, then gentles a bit. "It is the last thing you have that connects you to your parents. The ring will remain as it is."
He sighs, tail swaying, and smiles at her. "Alright, you win. I wont bring it up again." Opening his paws wide in invitation, Nick waits for Judy to make a move. He doesn't have to wait long. She burrows into his chest, paws around him. Nick wraps her up in his arms and tail. "Get ready for bed. I'll apologize to everyone."
"I am sorry." He quiets her with a soft kiss then releases her, heading to their door.
"I'll be back soon." The door shuts gently behind him.
Nick enters the dinning hall to murmurs. Sighing, he walks over to Stu and Bonnie sitting at the head table.
"Everything okay Nicholas?" Stu inquires with concern as the rest of the room quiets down.
"Ya, just a little spat." The fox tod waves off the question.
"Spats are never little with Judith." Bonnie interjects.
"Alright, not little. It is however resolved... Well mostly." He scrunches his brow in thought.
"Mostly? It was about your Mother's ring correct?" The Hopps matron asks, confused.
"Yes. I want to resize it to fit her but.." Nick starts.
"She wont let you." The brown buck finishes for him and Nick nods in confirmation. "So, what are you going to do?"
"Not bring it up again." He remarks with chagrin.
"That does not seem to please you though." Bonnie stands up and walks over to place a gentle paw on his shoulder. "Why not buy her a new ring?"
"It's cheaper to resize my Mother's. If I get her a new one we wont have the money to get a house of our own." He explains as gently as he can, not wishing to offend.
"You know you can stay here as long as you need to. She wouldn't be the first kit to start her family here." Stu joins them beside the table. "Just think about it. Find what makes you both happy."
"I want to be able to put a ring on her paw during the ceremony, not around her neck." Voicing his wish makes him pause in thought, considering things. "We would only be here another year, two at the most. Alright, I'll get her a new one. The best I can." Mind made up, Nick gives them a mock salute before returning to his Mate.
The Harvest Moon shines its brilliant orange light through the curtains of Judy's little tent, situated in the middle of a field recently harvested. Judy stands in a pool of this light staring at her reflection in the mirror. Her dainty paws cover her shocked mouth while the other mammals there with her stand back and smile.
"You look beautiful Judith." The vixen whispers. In her paws she holds the final piece. A small tiara with shiny tulle hanging from its back end. Judy turns around to look at her loved ones and friends, eyes bright.
"Anna." She breaths. "This..."
"It is well worth everything I put into making it to see that look on your face." She silences Judy with a raised paw. "The only payment I will take is Nicholas' reaction to seeing you. Now turn around so I can put your veil on." The grey doe complies and holds still as the tiara is nestled between her lowered ears. Her sister, Jessica, then applies a touch of her makeup.
"You are done." Jessica steps back to admire her work.
"Not quite." Bonnie walks up with a box held in one paw. "This is from Nicholas." Judy takes the small item from her Mother. When she opens it, her face scrunches in confusion.
"What is this?" She asks.
"It is your ring. Take it out." Her Mother replies with an encouraging motion.
"I can see that it is my ring. Why do I have it?" Judy pulls out the gold band with the emerald stone. Instead of a long silver chain, it dangles from a pale blue silk ribbon. She admires it lovingly.
"He wanted you to wear it. As your something old and something blue." Bonnie takes the ribbon from Judy's paw and places it around her neck. With the ribbon being shorter then the chain, the ring lays against the hollow of her throat. Judy touches it with her paw, missing the feel of the metal against her fur.
"And what is he to give me during the ceremony?" Her voice begins to get husky from the tears peaking out of her eyes.
"You will find out when the time comes, now stop crying before you ruin all your sisters work." This causes Judy to giggle as Bonnie dabs a handkerchief at her eyes. They all check their own makeup and dresses once more as they wait. Light music floats in on the breeze.
"Places everyone. Judith, your veil." Anna motions her over and pulls the tulle over her face and tiara. Then she and Bonnie exit the tent heading for their seats.
Outside the tent, Nick and his groomsmammals take their places. Nick awaits his bride at the silk covered alter, with Christopher Bounds behind it. Dressed in a cream button up that matches the strip of fur along his underside. Over that he has a dark green, almost black, vest and matching slacks. On his vest is a boutonniere of the flower known as Sand Blazing Star, a cream color that compliments his fur and shirt. The night air is cool but not cold enough for a coat.
Finnic, his best mammal, waits by the ladies tent in a suit of rich green. Pinned to his chest is a boutonniere of Desert Lupine and Sand Verbena. Gideon and James wait with him in much the same outfit, only a shade or two lighter, down to the purple flower boutonnieres.
First out of the tent is Lily in a lavender dress of cotton with an overlay of lace in a darker shade. Tied to her ear is the same flowers as the males. She caries a white basket overflowing with many flower petals of white and purple. James leads her to the start of the procession as they wait for the others. Next is Jessica in a matching dress with a tiny bouquet of the same flowers. Gideon meets her to stand behind Lily and James. He starts shaking a little which makes Jessica giggle. When Sharla steps out his jaw goes slack. Her dress is of an amethyst colored silk trimmed in plum. The silk is embroidered in little white lilies. In her hooves she holds another tiny bouquet of flowers. Hers has a mixture of Desert Lupine, Sand Verbena and White Wooly Daisies.
"Thanks suga but you might want to compose yourself." Sharla directs this comment at Gideon, touching his jaw gently for him to close it. This makes him go a darker red under his fur. She then stands with Finnic as the music changes.
After a beat, James leads Lily down the aisle as she delicately lays petals along the path leading to Nick. When they are a third of the way, Gideon follows behind with Jessica on his arm. As they reach the spot James and Lily were when they started, Finnic and Sharla start their own slow march along the flower petal path. Hundreds of mammals watch this while the orchestra plays a soothing tune.
The music falls silent when all of the wedding party are in their places beside the alter. Sharla close to the alter leaving enough room for Judy, next to her is Jessica then Lily. Finnic stands next to Nick with Gideon on his other side, followed by James. This gives Nick a clear view of Judy's tent. He fidgets as Stuart, dressed in a charcoal suit, pulls a curtain aside and reaches a paw in. He first sees Judy's paw with a simple gold bangle on her wrist. One he has only seen Sharla wear. Then she steps fully out as the orchestra starts The Wedding March and his breath stops.
Grey fur is draped in white silk so pure it shines in the moonlight. Her arms are covered in fine lace just past her elbows. The bodice clings like a second skin, with skirts that flare at her hips and cascade down to her toes. Her veil makes it so Nick can't see her face clearly, only a hint of blue where her neck is. Lace edges every part of her attire, sparkling like fresh snow. Held in her delicate paws is a bouquet of Desert Lilies and Ghost Flowers, entwined with white silk ribbons. Stu and Judy walk slowly towards the alter. As they get closer he can see lilies embroidered in white all along the hem of her skirts.
Nick remembers to breath when his vision spots, blocking his view of Judy. He takes a half step in her direction before Finnic stops him. Judy's quiet giggle makes him swallow his nerves, never taking his eyes off her.
They reach the alter and the music fades into the night. Stu raises her veil, giving Nick his first look at his bride. Judy kisses her Father's soft cheek as he sniffles then turns to her groom, giving her bouquet to Sharla.
"I'm giving her to you because I know you can keep her safe, and because there is no stopping her anyway." The gathering laughs at Stu's remark and Nick only nods still looking into her amethyst eyes. He then takes his daughters paws and places them in Nicks before taking his seat next to Bonnie. Christopher clears his throat to gain everyone's attention.
"Thank you all for joining us on this special occasion. It gives me great pleasure to join these two wonderful mammals in matrimony. It is rare to see mammals so truly in love as these two are. Brought together by odd circumstances to form a bond not even the threat off death could break. Let us now hear the vows they make unto each other. Nicholas, you may go first." The old rabbit motions to the fox who starts, just now remembering others were there. With a sheepish grin he begins.
"Judith, I never thought I'd find the one mammal that my Mother said would complete my soul. But here you are, more lovely them I could have imagined. If I could redo our meeting, the only thing I would change would be the harm you took. Although it was little, it still pains me that it even happened. I will strive to never let you be hurt again." He places his paw on her cheek, caressing it. "Without you I would fade away. You will have my heart forever. To keep or break as you see fit."
"Never." She breaths out in response to the last of his words. He chuckles softly and touches his forehead to hers. Christopher clears his throat before motioning for Judy to start. "It is hard to follow after one with so silvered a tongue." This gains another bout of chuckles from their guests. "My family had nearly given up hope of ever finding me a husband, and I was right there with them. None made me feel anything, I was not drawn to them the way I was to you that day you came into town. A gentle fox stuggling with the unwarranted hatred of a small minded mammal. The way you handled yourself made me want to get to know you. The more I knew, the harder I fell."
She smiles softly at him. "Then you left, and I thought I would die." Nick whines at her words trying to convey his guilt. She silences him with her finger on his nose. "Some would say I am overstating, that I would have been fine. But it hurt so much that I could not move. My heart is yours as much as yours is mine."
"Now for the rings." James steps forward at the old rabbits words. He gives Judy Nick's and slips Nick Judy's without her seeing, then returns to his spot. When Judy tries to pull her paws free of Nick's so she can remove the necklace he stops her. She looks to him confused but he only winks. "If there are any who would oppose to this union, they can shove it." The gathering cheers and he gives them a bit to calm down. When they do, he faces Nick. "Do you, Nicholas Piberius Wilde, take Judith Hopps to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and care for, now and forever?"
"I do." He slips a gold band onto her finger as he says this. She looks at it shocked. Engraved on the band are small swirls with two entwining hearts in the center. Inside one heart is a single oval emerald and in the other, an oval amethyst. Judy places her free paw over her mouth to muffle her sob as tears flow down her fur. Nick brushes them away while Stu tries and fails to contain his own sobs.
"Do you, Judith Laverne Hopps, take Nicholas Wilde to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and care for, now and forever?" Christopher asks her.
"I do." Her voice wobbles and she fumbles with his ring. Nick takes her paws back in his when she manages to get his ring in place.
"With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss..." They kiss deeply before he finishes. Everyone cheers or laughs. "your bride." Nick pulls her flush against him ignoring everyone around them. Judy follows his lead and clings to his chest, dislodging his boutonniere. They break for air to more cheers making both blush.
"Let's get to the reception. The faster we get it over with the faster I can get you out of that dress." Nick's whisper his hot on her ear sending shivers of anticipation down her spine. She nods her head in agreement.
The reception is simple, although big. Tables are brought out and dispersed around the field. Food is piled on some and gifts on others. The rest are used by everyone there to sit at. Hours later the cake is brought out. Gideon presents a large, three tiered masterpiece of blueberry and carrot cake covered in tiny pawmade frosting flowers. All in white and purple. They feed each other a small piece before the rest is dished out. Only the top tier is saved.
Before they can leave, Judy is stopped by her Mother and Father. Stu gives Nick a key on a strand of twine. This causes both of then to tilt their heads in question.
"What's this for?" Nick is the first to ask.
"The key to your new home." Stu closes Nick's fingers over the chunk of metal.
"What do you mean?" Judy looks from Stu to Bonnie.
"Nicholas used the money he had been saving to buy a home on that ring." Bonnie gestures to the new band on her paw.
"Why?" She turns to her fox, still holding his arm.
"You didn't want to have my Mother's ring resized and I wanted to put a ring on your finger. That was the only way. We were just going to stay with your parents till I could save up again." He explains then looks at the Hopps couple. "So what's this about a new home? I didn't hear anything about it."
"We know. Most of the 'Burrows chipped in." Her Father places his paw on Nick's shoulder and gives him a slip of paper.
"You two deserve it. Go claim it. Your things are already there." Bonnie shoos them away before they can protest anymore. They comply and head off in the direction of the center of town. Following the directions, the paper leads them to the very edge of town to a simple house. It is only one story with glass windows and shutters.
"Wow." Judy's voice is just above a whisper. Nick just smiles at her as she takes it in. With her distracted Nick takes this chance to scoop her up into his arms and she lets out a squeak of surprise. He then opens the door and caries her over the threshold.
"Welcome home Mrs. Wilde." The door shuts as they share a kiss of pure joy.
"Two years." Nick comments to himself while sitting at the dinner table.
"Hmmm?" Judy looks at her husband lovingly.
"I have been Sheriff for two years. Who would've thought. A Fox, Sheriff of Bunnyburrow. And Finnic has so many does chasing him that he doesn't know what to do." He looks at her and his emerald gaze softens even more. "I don't know how it can get any better."
"I know of one way it can." Judy gets out of her chair and saunters over to him.
"Oh? And how is that?" Instead of answering, Judy takes his paw and places it on her midsection. Nick is confused till he feels movement beneath her fur. "Is that...Are you...?"
"Yes." Her smile is radiant as tears of joy shine in her lavender eyes.
I couldn't find an actual last name for Finnic so I used the last name of his voice actor.
All the flowers I named are real, you can look them up if you want.
Now for the excuses...reasons for the delay: Writers block, nothing wanted to come out. Then the power company decided to shut off the power to the city for maintenance without warning people. Lost a bit of writing there. Then my husband stole the computer. Then people needed my attention. Then my husbands bike was stolen and we had to handle that, guy was caught but they have yet to recover the bike. But mostly writers block/procrastinating.
Hope it was worth the wait!
