A/N: Hey I'm back! Sorry for the long delay in updating. I have been working on this chapter for months. It was difficult.

Chapter 19: The Poor Groom's Bride is a…

The next two days were a blur for Jack.

He remembered opening his mailbox to find an invitation. The wedding was to be on her birthday. He remembered watching as the pieces of the ripped up paper went up into the air and were taken by the wind.

He didn't remember why he had gone into the blacksmith's shop. He was standing there, looking around, trying to figure out why he gone there in the first place when he heard a gruff voice from the back.

"Haven't you people ever heard of… closing the… damn door!"

Behind Jack the door was wide open. A cool autumn breeze blew in and sent a chill down his spine. He slowly backed up and pushed the door closed.

"Oh Jack, it's you." Gray came out from the back of the workshop, sweat dripping off his brow. He pulled out a handkerchief and wiped his forehead. "I thought it was someone from the wedding party. They've been annoying me all day."

"Wedding party?"

"What a pain. People have been in and out of here all day with requests for gifts. Rick has been going crazy over the ring." Gray sighed and put his handkerchief away. "I should get back to work Jack. I really can't take any more orders until after the wedding, so hopefully whatever you needed can wait."

What do I need?

That question repeatedly passed through his thoughts as he wandered around the town. He couldn't rid himself of the nagging feeling that what Karen was doing was wrong. He felt like she was making a huge mistake, one that would ruin her life.

Or maybe that was his jealousy talking. Rick and Karen could have a very happy and successful marriage. He didn't know that. All he knew was that he had a nagging feeling and it felt like it was going to drive him insane.

Jack's thoughts had led him to the library. It was a place he was more and more relating as somewhere to go to be alone. Or be with Mary. Maybe she could say something that would calm his emotions?

"Good afternoon Jack. Can I help you with anything? I didn't get you a book today because I didn't think you were going to come. You haven't been in a few day." Mary smiled and they sat down at a table together.

Mary couldn't say anything that would comfort him. They discussed marriage and the traditions of the village. Mary assumed he was curious because of the wedding that was to occur the next day. There was just one thing he needed to know before he could return back to his farm and his work.

"What do you mean there is no divorce here?!?!" Jack's eyes widened as he jumped up out of his seat.

Mary shook her head. "There is no record of anyone getting a divorce in the entire history of the town. Here, people stay married until death." Mary also stood up. "If you find the right woman then there is nothing to worry about." She couldn't help but laugh, causing her classes to slide slightly down her nose. She quickly adjusted them.

"Marriage is a serious thing here. People don't just jump into it without thinking. Or at least I hope they wouldn't."

"Yes… thank you Mary." Jack sulked out of the library without saying another word.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next day Jack found himself standing in front of the grape vines. He was picking the sweet fruit and placing it into a basket. Next to him was Cliff, chatting away. Jack could not follow whatever he was speaking about.

He only had one thing on his mind. Today was her wedding day.

"Hey Jack! You haven't said a word all afternoon. You are like like a zombie there. Is something wrong?"

"No," he replied. Jack only continued to pick the grapes.

On the other side of town the organ began to play in the church. Karen slowly stepped forward. Everyone turned to look at her. Her white wedding gown was low cut and short. A few people gasped when they saw her, but they were barely audible over the music being played.

Karen looked down the end of the isle where Rick was standing by Carter. He was absolutely beaming. This would be the best day of his entire life. Karen, on the other hand, suddenly became very nervous. Thoughts began to race through her mind. She was completely frozen.

She felt something behind her nudge her forward and she finally began the walk. Rick nodded his head in excitement. It had finally sunk in that he was getting married to his childhood sweetheart. She continued moving forward as the townsfolk watched anxiously.

Karen was so close now. So close to committing herself to one man for the rest of her life. Suddenly her mind flashed back to something that had happened a week before.

Do you even love him?

Jack's words echoed in her head. She couldn't believe she was questioning her decision now. She was standing before the priest with her fiancé. She was getting married. Now wasn't the time to question the decision.

Carter began to speak but she did not hear a word he said. Her mind continued to race with questions of her motive and the reality of what she was doing. Karen didn't even realize what was going on until the church became completely silent and Rick was nudging her side.

Karen looked up at Carter, who was looking down at her. This was it.

"I do."