A Wonderland Wedding

Chapter Five: A Marvelous Marriage

Author's Note: Well, here it is. The Wedding.

Katarina watched as the sun rose over the palace, painting it in the rosy glow of dawn. Erik smiled, transfixed by the sight. "This is the second most beautiful sight I've ever seen."

Katarina looked over at him. "Only the second? What was the first?"

Erik faced her. "You. You are quite a beautiful lady, Katarina." He paused, and then spoke hesitantly. "May I kiss you?"

Katarina blushed, and then nodded. "Yes."

Erik smiled and gently placed his hand under her chin, tilting her head up to meet his, and placed a soft, gentle kiss on her lips. Katarina sighed and kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.

After what seemed like hours, Erik reluctantly broke the kiss. "Absolutely marvelous."

Katarina blushed. "Thank you." She sighed. "I should be getting home. Mum will wonder where I've been." Erik gulped.

"She won't think that I…?"

Katarina laughed in reassurance. "No, of course she won't. But she's still my Mum, and she still worries about me. Besides, Michael's getting married today, and I'm not missing that!" She gave Erik a parting kiss then left for the cottage.

Alannah opened her eyes, smiling as she realized what day it was. She giggled happily, and Stayne opened his eye and gave her an amused grin. "You seem happy this morning, love."

Alannah nodded. "I am. Do you realize that by the end of the day, our son will be married to his best friend?"

Stayne chuckled. "Yes, I realize that. I think it's marvelous, and I'm very glad that you and Alice were able to talk Tarrant into approaching me all those years ago. If not…things might have turned out quite differently. Lucky for all of us, things worked out for the best."

Alannah nodded and kissed him. "They certainly did."

There was a knock on the door, and Alannah called out, "Come in." She smiled at Michael. "Morning lad. You ready for this afternoon?"

Michael grinned. "Mum, I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life." He walked over and sat on the bed. "I just can't believe this is really about to happen. I'm going to be marrying the most beautiful girl in Marmoreal. I actually pinched myself when I woke up this morning to make sure that I wasn't dreaming." He looked over at Stayne. "Were you nervous on your wedding day?"

Stayne chuckled. "Extremely. I kept thinking that I was dreaming, and that any moment I would wake up and discover that your Mum wasn't there. But she was, and the moment that Mirana pronounced us man and wife and we kissed was the most amazing, magical moment I've ever felt."

Michael smiled softly. "Do you think it will be the same for me?"

Stayne nodded. "If you love Arianna half as much as I love your mother, I can guarantee that it will."

Alannah smiled softly at her son. "Listen to your father; he knows what he is talking about. You and Arianna are perfect for each other."

Michael grinned, and then hugged her. "Thanks Mum. Now, I've got a wedding to get ready for!"

Alannah chuckled. "That's not for a couple of hours, sweetie. Would you care to have some breakfast first?"

"I'd love some."

Alannah climbed out of bed and headed for the kitchen, pausing when the front door opened up and Katarina, a dreamy smile on her face, walked in. "Welcome home."

Katarina grinned. "Hi Mum!"

Alannah glared at her. "Where have you been?"

"I was with Erik." Before Alannah could say anything, Katarina continued. "We did nothing but talk. He was a perfect gentleman, and he had so many interesting stories to tell. He thinks very highly of Grandda, and he told me that Dad scared him a bit. But then he told me that I was beautiful, and…" she sighed in remembrance. "He kissed me. My very first kiss."

Alannah smiled. "Where?"

Katarina chuckled. "On my lips, of course! Where else should I be kissed?" Alannah glared at her, and Katarina grinned. "Or did you want to know the location of the kiss?" Alannah nodded. "It was in the garden, and it was quite nice. Plus, he's three inches taller than me, so I don't feel like I'm being wooed by a midget."

Alannah guffawed in laughter. "Yes, that's certainly a nice feeling. Well, now that you're home you can help me with the tarts."

"Yes Mum."

Arianna opened her eyes, an electric thrill of joy coursing through her. In just a few short hours, she was going to be Arianna Stayne. She bolted out of bed and skipped into the kitchen, smiling at her father. "Morning Da!"

Tarrant grinned at her. "Morning, love. Tea's on the stove if you want some." Arianna skipped over to the pot, humming, and Tarrant smiled. "You're in a cheerful mood this morning."

Arianna nodded. "I know, I'm so happy! I'm getting married today!" She poured her tea, and then sat down at the table. "I'm marrying my best friend! How many people can say that?"

Tarrant smiled. "Not many, that's for sure. It's rather amazing, you know."

"What is?"

"How things change. Ilosovic and I were once bitter enemies, and now our children are getting married, and I couldn't be more thrilled at the idea. You've got your Mum and Alannah to thank for that, by the way."

Arianna grinned. "I know. But I know that whatever bad deeds Ilosovic may have done, he's made up for them many times over, and I think he will make a wonderful father in law. After all, he's already a wonderful father."

Tarrant nodded. "That he is, and it's rather amazing considering who his parents are. I met them once and never wished to again. A more pompous and stuck up couple I've never known."

Arianna giggled, and then sighed. "Dad? What were your parents like?"

Tarrant smiled. "They were wonderful. My father's name was Padraig, and he was one of the finest silversmiths Underland had ever seen. He could make anything-combs, mirrors, animals, anything. But he was also a fine hatter, and he encouraged me to take up hatting when he discovered that I had a talent for it. Mum's name was Fiona, and it's from her that you get your skills as a seamstress. She was always smiling and laughing, and she would sing us to sleep at the end of the day."

Arianna blinked back tears. "Would they have liked Josiah and me?"

Tarrant smiled at her. "Lass, they would have absolutely adored you." Arianna smiled, and Tarrant pulled her into a hug. "Here now, no crying on your wedding day. That's no time for tears. Come on, my lovely lassie, smile."

Arianna hugged him back. "You're right, Da. This is not a day for tears, at least not sad ones."

Tarrant softly kissed her forehead. "I am so proud of you, my darling girl."

"We both are." Alice walked into the kitchen, pulling her daughter into a hug. "I can't believe that you're getting married today. You will make a beautiful bride."

Arianna beamed. "I can't believe it either! I wonder what Michael's going to wear. I hope he wears his uniform, he looks so handsome in it, but then he looks handsome in just about anything, and I hope he likes my dress, and I wonder if I'll be nervous, and…"

"Arianna!"

"I'm fine, Mum. I'm just so very excited and happy! I wish it were time already!"

Tarrant gave her a mock glare. "Don't try to make Time hurry. You may find yourself drinking quite a bit of tea."

Arianna giggled. "I won't, I promise. But I'm still going to hope that this morning goes by quickly!"

Alice and Tarrant laughed in agreement.

The morning did pass by quickly, and the time soon arrived for the wedding. Michael smoothed down the lapels on his shirt, gazing at himself in the mirror. He was wearing his dress uniform, and had on a pair of dark blue gloves. He brushed an imaginary spec of dust off his shirt, and then grinned.

Stayne, who had also dressed in his finest, came in, smiling. "You look quite handsome, lad. Arianna will be quite impressed." He turned at the sound of footsteps. "Alannah, as usual, you look absolutely gorgeous in green."

Alannah smiled. "Thank you. Shall we head to the Main Garden? I do believe a bride to be is waiting for our son."

Stayne nodded. "We shall indeed. Katarina, Victoria, if you two are ready?"

"We're ready." The girls came out of their room, Katarina in a light green dress that went down to her ankles and Victoria in a light blue one. Alannah smiled at them.

"You both look lovely."

Mirana stood with Helen, Alice, and Arianna in the foyer of the Main Garden. The Queen smiled at the young girl. "Arianna, you look beautiful. I cannot wait to marry you and Michael."

At that moment, Chessur appeared a large smile on his face. "Majesty, the groom has arrived."

Mirana grinned at Arianna. "Are you ready to get married?" Arianna nodded tears of happiness in her eyes.

"I most certainly am."

Helen wiped happy tears from her eyes and pulled her granddaughter into a hug. "I'm so happy for you. Now, Alice, let's go find our seats so we can bawl at the appropriate spot."

After they left, Arianna turned to her friend Charlotte, who was acting as her Maid of Honor. "Do I look alright? Is the dress alright?"

Charlotte laughed. "Ari, calm down. You look just beautiful, and the dress is lovely. Michael will be rendered speechless." She handed Arianna her bouquet. "Now, take a deep breath, count to ten, and go walk down that aisle!"

Arianna laughed, and then turned as her father stuck his head in the door. Tarrant shook his head in amazement. "Arianna, you look beautiful. Are you ready?"

Arianna nodded, and Tarrant gently took her arm. "Well, then allow me to escort you down the aisle."

The Royal Musicians struck up the Wedding March, and all eyes turned to watch as Tarrant came walking down the aisle, Arianna on his arm.

Michael watched them walk down the aisle and felt his heart speed up. Arianna looked more beautiful than he had ever seen her, and he felt an overwhelming love for her course through his veins. He was no longer nervous, but ready and eager to be wed.

Tarrant came to a halt in front of Mirana, and she smiled, and then addressed the crowd. "We are here today to see the bonds of marriage between Arianna Hightopp and Michael Stayne. Who gives Arianna?"

Tarrant smiled, placing Arianna's hands in Michael's. "I so give, and with all my heart." He stepped back, and Arianna gazed into her love's eyes, gasping at the passion she could see reflected within. Mirana continued.

"The bonds of a marriage in Underland are sacred, and can never be broken. Ilosovic Stayne and Tarrant Hightopp, once the bitterest of enemies, were reconciled long ago, and this marriage is a wonderful culmination of the realization that true friendship can overcome all adversities, and that love can be right around the corner. If there are any who object to this Union, let them speak now or remain forever silent."

There was a profound silence, and Mirana continued. "Michael Stayne, do you promise to love Arianna with all your heart, to treat her with love, respect, and dignity, and to cherish her from this day forward until death do you part?"

Michael nodded. "I do."

"Arianna Helen Hightopp, do you promise to love Michael with all your heart, to treat him with love and respect, and to cherish him from this day forward until death do you part?"

"I do, and I have something else to say. Michael, you have been my best and closest friend our entire lives, and now you are to be my husband. I have never felt more overjoyed than I do at this very moment. I love you so much."

Michael smiled. "I love you too, my Arianna."

Mirana grinned. "Then by the power vested in me as Queen of Underland, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."

Michael beamed, pulled Arianna into his arms, and kissed her so passionately he lifted her off her feet.

When they finally came up for air, Mirana took their hands and faced the crowd. "May I present-Mr and Mrs. Michael Stayne!"

The applause was deafening. Alannah wiped happy tears from her eyes and looked over at her husband, smiling at the tears of pride she could see shining in his eye.

Alice clung to Tarrant, sobbing in happiness. "Oh, my baby's married! That was such a beautiful wedding!"

Tarrant nodded in agreement. "It most certainly was. This is the beginning of wonderful times."

Margaret was clinging to Thomas, sobbing just as loudly. "Oh, I've never seen anything so beautiful!"

In the far corner of the garden, there was a group of people unseen by any. Jessicah Sullivan wiped her eyes, and then spoke to Charles Kingsley. "I do so wish we could be there. Our grandchildren would be so happy to see us." She looked over at Padraig and Fiona Hightopp, who were watching their son and his family with a look of pride on their faces. "Your granddaughter looks so like her father."

Padraig smiled. "Aye that she does. She's quite the beautiful one. But, even if we can't be there in person, we can let them know that we're here in spirit."

Charles, who had been watching with a smile on his face as Helen and Richard conversed, turned to face him. "How?"

Jessicah smiled at him. "We send our love in the wind."

A breeze sprang up, swirling around the wedding party, and each person heard in the wind a whisper that made them sob quietly in joy.

The messengers were different, but the messages said the same thing:

"I love you, and I am proud of you. Be happy, my darling one."