This is the second to last chapter! Just one more to go!! Thanks to all who are keeping up with this story and a special thanks to my friends who are reviewing. You all rock! I hope you like this chapter, I had fun writing it. I'm going to share my writing motto with you…or at least one of them. If you don't have fun writing it then it won't be fun to read. Please review! Much Love!

DISCLAMIER! Nothing creative to write for I don't own them.

A small crowd of our loved ones cheered as our carriage pulled away from the church. Inside we were both laughing, even though were still seeing spots from the flash of the camera. I looked over at my new husband, who was running his hand through his hair, trying to remove the rice our friends had thrown at us.

"Whoever's bright idea it was ta throw rice is in fer it," he said, starting to pick the grains out of my hair as well. I shook my head at him and could tell he was trying his hardest to keep his face straight. I leaned against him and felt his arm instinctively go around me. I recollected the events of the day, still in disbelief that this wonderful day was still not over, or that I hadn't woken up yet.

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After the wedding ceremony the newsies whooped and hollered as they jumped out of their seats and ran outside. Spot and I both just looked at each other and braced ourselves for whatever it was they were up to. We rushed back up the aisle and were met at the door by handfuls of rice being thrown our way, coming from the hands of no others but the newsies. Once everything had calmed down Denton lined up the wedding party for a picture. I have never had so many pictures taken of me in my life, but I was grateful for Denton's thoughtful gift.

"Now, when we are old and ugly we can remember how attractive we used to be," I whispered to Spot between pictures.

"Ugly? Neva, I won't be old neither," He shot back with a smirk.

"Okay, now let's get one of just Spot and Marty," Denton proposed, positioning my husbands arm around my waist. I will never get tired of saying 'husband.' Spot tickled my side sending me in a fit of laughter.

"Spot, you're going to ruin the picture!"

"No, I'm just trying to make it look like ya like me," He joked pulling me close again. I looked up at him and noticed he wasn't smiling. He never smiles in pictures. I thought, remembering the newspaper I had seen from the strike. Well, so help me he is smiling in our wedding picture.

"So serious," I teased as Denton was reloading the camera, puckering up my face. He looked down at me and smirked.

"Dat's lovely dear, youse should make dat face fer da pitcher."

"Spot, if I have to look as if I like you, it's only fair that you return the favor."

"Who says I like ya?" I gasped and swatted his arm playfully, but he only pulled me closer. I used this to my advantage and raised myself up on my tip-toes so I could reach his ear.

"Well, you know, people who don't really like each other don't tend to have wedding nights," I whispered, feeling myself turn red at the mention of it. He laughed and I lowered myself back down to rest my head on his chest. Hearing his laughter from deep within reminded me how much I love his laugh.

"I don't jest like ya, Marty, I love ya," he whispered back, kissing the top of my head. I felt myself grow a deeper shade of pink and I looked up into his eyes.

"I love you too."

Denton signaled for us to get back into our pose and he flashed the camera, causing me to blink rapidly.

"Okay, that should do it," Denton said, giving us a thumbs up. I carefully walked down the steps of the small church and gave Denton a friendly hug, thanking him for his gift.

I returned to Spot's side and slipped my hand into his. Together we walked around trying to avoid the newsies, who still found it hilariously amusing to toss a handful of rice at us randomly.

Finally, our small, white carriage arrived and Spot helped me in, and without hesitation the remainder of the rice was thrown over the side of the buggy and into our laps. I only laughed and suggested we gather it up and cook it for our first meal together. He rolled his eyes and leaned over the side.

"Jest wait 'til I get back!" he yelled at this with a hint of amusement in his voice.

Denton climbed up onto the front seat, balancing his camera on his lap, and nodded to the driver sitting right beside him. With the snap of the reins we were off, but not to our reception or honeymoon like normal newlywed couples usually go after the ceremony. Instead we were being driven in high style, at least it was high style for us, to the state penitentiary.

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The ride to the city seemed to go by in slow motion giving me the time to think over the last few hours. The whole trip was silent- just us enjoying the beautiful sunshine, refreshing breeze, and the company of our soul-mate. Yes, blissful silence, except for an annoying clinking sound that neither of us could figure out where the source of it was. But we just decided to ignore it and enjoy our time together. When we pulled up to the gates of the prison Spot helped me out and jogged to the back of the buggy. I saw him smirk and shake his head.

"You gotta come and take a look at dis," he told me, holding out my hand for me to join him.

I started to giggle uncontrollably when I saw what Spot was staring at. The back of the carriage had a banner that read "Jest Shackled." And to the banner about five tin cans were stringed.

"This is obviously the work of your Brooklyn boys, Spot." I accused, crossing my arms to keep me from doubling over with laughter. "Aren't you proud?"

"You have no idea, my dear," he said sarcastically, his smirk spreading out into a smile.

Denton came to see what all the fuss was about, and immediately joined me in my laughter. He unfolded his camera and told us to stand next to it so he capture the joke on film.

Spot picked up one of the cans and read the label. "Beans." He read in a sardonic manner. "How romantic."

I laughed at him and pointed out it was fitting, considering we were at the most romantic place in New York City. After all, what could be more romantic than the gates of a reformatory?

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I clutched Spots hand in one hand and the familiar doorknob in the other. This time, I didn't hesitate to turn in quickly and let myself into the memorable windowless room. Arnie was leaning up against the table and perked up when we entered. We exchanged smiles and I saw his gaze drift to Spot.

"Arnie, this is my husband, Spot Conlon," I said, placing my hand gently on the crook of Spot's arm. I just cannot get used to dat word! I thought with a smile. "Spot, I want you to meet my brother, Arnold Campbell."

"So this is the guy who stole your heart, eh?" Arnie said as they released a firm handshake. "It's a pleasure to meet the guy that tamed my wild baby sister."

Spot smirked. "Tamed? Psssh… Nevah. It's a part of her charm."

I rolled my eyes at these two men, both my family, both making fun of me. Spot just smirked again and patted my face.

"See, ain't her charm obvious?" They both laughed and Arnie turned to me.

"I like him," he stated matter-of-factly. "Now, if I may ask, why are you here and not at your reception with your guests?" I smiled and took a step closer to him.

"We wanted to thank you. Without your support this would not be possible," I reminded him, holding out my hand so he could get a look at my wedding ring. He took a hold of my outreached hand and gave it a good squeeze.

"Your welcome, sis," he said. "I did make a promise, didn't I?"

"Yes, and more importantly you kept it, so thanks," I thanked him again, feeling tears begin to swell in my eyes. Our conversation may have seemed simple, but beyond the words there was so much more meaning. They were confessions, of love and apology and gratitude, all rolled into a few moments of meager dialogue.

"I have a surprise for ya," he announced, allowing another smile to invade his face, which seemed to have brightened and revealed his true young age since the last time we convened. I urged him to go one and he cleared his throat. "Just three more months."

I wrinkled my forehead inquiringly and looked from Arnie, to Spot, and then back to my brother. I gasped as it finally hit me, and without pondering I threw myself into Arnie's arms, but quickly removed myself once I realized what I had done. I felt a flush creep up my neck and I backed up.

"Arnie, that's… wonderful, but I thought you still had so much longer…"

"I got some time chopped off, fer good behavior. I've no reason to run anymore." he said as he smiled, knowing what a big accomplishment it was for him to behave. I giggled, but realized it was slightly inappropriate and stopped myself, my blush deepening. Arnie chucked at the sight of his sister turning redder before his eyes. "Seems she still hasn't outgrown that," he noted to Spot.

"It's become a source of endless entertainment for me."

I decided to change the subject and grabbed Arnie's arm. "I, I mean, we have a surprise for you too. Denton!" I called. Denton came in with his camera and I introduced them. "You know," I began. "We got a picture with every member of our family, except one."

He smiled at me nervously, "I'm not exactly dressed for a wedding pitcher, Mart."

"It's alright Arnie," Spot chimed in. "You'll make us look even better- although judgin' by da way we look t'day dats a hard ting ta do," he teased. Arnie smiled and put his arm around me in a pose, the other one going around his brother-in-law.

"Denton, would it be possible for you to take three of this shot?" I asked.

"Why three?"

"Well, one for me and Spot, one for Arnie, and one for our parents," I answered as I smiled up at Arnie, telling him I would explain later. He silently consented and three pictures were taken, all of us smiling.

We said our farewells, but before I could leave Arnie grabbed my arm. "Marty, I'm sorry I couldn't be there ta give ya away." I smiled and patted his hand.

"It's alright, I had my other brothers fill in," I said, immediately regretting it. I had meant those as words of comfort, but realized they could also be taken otherwise. But Arnie didn't seem offended. He just grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"I always envied you sis," he confessed, a declaration which was entirely unexpected and out of character for anyone of the Campbell lineage, pride runs in the family. "Because I always knew that you are one of those special people who always find their way, no matter what life throws at them. I'm not, look where I ended up."

I felt my eyes grow wide, what do ya say ta dat? Nothing, that's what you say; I just smiled and thanked him for everything once again, and left with the promise that I would welcome him home when he was finally released.

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"How much ya wanna bet dat dey put everyting off until t'day, when we left?"

I gave my husband a look of warning. "Don't even say that." He just shrugged and opened the door to the basement for me. I paused for a moment and looked at him. "I bet you a dance they didn't."

He raised his eyebrows and held out his hand. "Youse gots yourself a bet Mrs. Conlon." I looked at it and grinned… before I spit in my own and shook it firmly.

"Done."

I carefully climbed down the stairs. The railing had been decorated with colorful streamers and the end had been blocked off with a white curtain. I waited one the last step for Spot, who offered his arm. "Shall we?"

"We shall."

Together we shoved the curtain aside and noticed the bustle of activity cease, but only for a second before the room burst into life again, welcoming the newlyweds to their party.

I looked around at the room in front of me. It looked a bit larger than I remembered it being, but then again I also remember it being iced with cobwebs and dust and filled with random objects and boxes. The floors were polished and the walls scrubbed clean. A long table covered with a white sheet was at one end of the room and supported refreshments and finger foods, at the end sat a tiered cake, decorated with white frosting and topped off with a little bride and groom. Streamers hung from the ceiling adding a festive brilliance, and colorful balloons adorned the corners and floor. The flowers from the ceremony had been transported down and embellished the tables and chairs that had been set out for the guests. On the other side of the room a small table held a phonograph. It was quite a sight, a perfect sight. No black-and-white camera could capture the beauty of the room, at least not the way I saw it. I saw it as the hard work of my family, who wanted nothing more to make me happy. I took a mental picture and I gazed around in awe, then I looked at Spot with a satisfied look.

"I win."

"Hey, dere here!" Race yelled. "Start da music!"

Crutchy, the closest one to the phonograph, smiled excitedly and gave Racetrack a thumbs up. Suddenly the whole room filled with music that I recognized from Medda's place. I looked over and observed Spot starting to walk into the crowd.

"Okay, so which wise guy decided ta decorate da back o' da buggy?" He yelled as he strode towards the group of boys from Brooklyn. I noticed the Manhattan boys on the dance floor. Figures. I thought. Dey always did love ta dance. I made my way through the guests and pushed Bumlets over to make room for myself in their circle.

"Hey, look who it is guys, it's the bride!" Race yelled to his group.

"What took ya so long? We taught ya mighta gotten lost o' something." Spec's asked, receiving a laugh around the group. I just rolled my eyes.

"Give us a break, las'time you left in a carriage we didn't see ya fa nearly a year," Dutchy reminded us. I shoved him playfully and laughed remembering the last time I left in a carriage. It was the governments carriage taking me back to a foster home.

"At least dis time I didn't leave kickin' and screamin'." I pointed out in my old accent. I didn't realize it until just then, but it never really left me. I no longer had any need of my impeccable speech, it was now the only connection I had to my foster home-my life of confinement and lack of freedom, and I wanted to dissolve that bond once and for all.

"Well, well, well…Look who finally got 'er accent back fellas," Skittery announced, gesturing his whole arm in my direction. He would be the one to announce that. I just giggled and looked around the group, silently thanking God for each and every one of them, and then the phonograph caught my eye. Where could he 'ave gotten off ta?

I scanned the room; I didn't see him, but I heard him. "Why beans guys? C'mon…" I shook my head.

"I'm gonna go find my husband," I informed them. "Tanks you guys, dis means the world ta me. I'll neva forget it." Judging by the look on their faces, I could tell that was all that needed to be said. They were proud of how amazing it turned out, I doubt they even cared whether I liked it or not. I chuckled to myself, what would I do widout them?

I walked up behind Spot and tapped him impatiently on the shoulder. "'scuse me sir."

He turned around and smiled at me. "Can I help ya wid somethin' MISS?"

"Believe ya can," I said grabbing hold of his hands. "See, a certain gentleman owes me a dance… can ya help me find him?"

Spot smirked. "Well, lady, I'm not quite a gentleman, but I guess I cud dance wid ya."

I pursed my lips and looked him up and down. "Well, I guess you'd do, but dere's jest one ting." He raised his eyebrows and I threw my arms around his neck to pull him down to my level. I gently kissed him on the lips and relaxed my forehead against his.

"Dat's MRS. ta youse."