(The Lorax and The Once-ler do not belong to me. They're Dr. Seuss' and Illumination's. Same goes for his family shown in the film. Marie and those cute baby girls are mine!) Hey, Lorax got some nominations in the Annie Awards! May not have won, but we still love it! Happy late Valentine's Day! :) now edited as of 03/16/2013.

Chapter 23

Second Time is the Charm

Once-ler had enjoyed swinging the factory gates open for all to see. The paparazzi had snapped vigorously of the young man, dressed nicely in black pants with a matching vest and tie. He had made a pose with his arms wide open and sweeping his fedora off his head for the front page. Among the applause and cheers had been Isabella's squeals of things like "Oh! That's my baby! That's my Oncie!"

It had been a terrific day, Valentine's Day, with the opening of the factory and getting things going with new employees whom he had interviewed and met with for weeks. Some were from poor families and knowing what it had been like to grow up in such a state, Once-ler was more than compassionate to offer jobs for them.

Now, he was beyond happy to go home. He spent his free hour giving his daughters their specially baked treat, a quick lunch and a giving Marie a huge bundle of red roses. Not only that, but he quickly put up a setting for later. He had an important question (or two) to ask Marie.

Marie was in their room when Once-ler found her that evening. She seemed asleep as she rested on the loveseat with one of her legs crossed over the other. She had her hair twisted around and over her shoulders. Once-ler went out on the balcony as silently as he could, and double checked the arrangement. Occasionally, he fiddled with something in his pocket as he did.

Marie looked so peaceful that it almost seemed like a pity to move her. However, Once-ler found that with the dusk coming in, it was the right time to question her. So very gently he sat next to her and then, like out of a fairy tale to awaken a sleeping princess, kissed her.

"Hey," said Once-ler softly to her. "I'm back."

His action proved to work. Once-ler's own Sleeping Beauty fluttered her eyelashes and they brightened seeing him. She shifted as if she was facing him in their bed.

"Hi," said Marie. "What did you go on the balcony for?" She had a small glimmer of mischievousness as she smiled.

"You saw it already?" Once-ler looked dismayed.

"I didn't see anything except you walking in and out just now," said Marie.

"You weren't asleep," said Once-ler. He looked smug upon realizing this.

"No," giggled Marie as she shook her head. "I just felt like kidding. I hope you don't mind."

"No problem," chuckled Once-ler as he nuzzled his nose to hers. "You look gorgeous whether you sleep or not."

"I almost felt like napping after taking myself on a tour of the room," sighed a content Marie as she sat up.

"You still love it?"

"I love it very much. And I'm looking forward to taking a bath tonight in that stunning bathroom!"

Once-ler got up and grinned, almost seductively, when he thought of how the sunken bathtub had been a good purchase. He had a feeling Marie would enjoy it considering neither of them could go a day without being clean.

"Everything's shut down for now," said Once-ler. "It's been a good day for Thneeds Inc."

"Good," agreed Marie as she ran her hands over her head. She wasn't used to hearing a company name for Thneeds yet.

"There's just one more thing to do." Once-ler rocked on his heels as he smiled in anticipation.

"Dinner?"

"That," said Once-ler who almost forgot about the last meal for the day (besides dessert.) "And something else."

"Really?" Marie perked up. She stretched, reminding Once-ler of a cat, and he pulled her up.

"It's on the balcony," said Once-ler as he remained in contact with her hand.

"Don't tell me you added a swing set out there," said Marie. She couldn't imagine any other surprises.

"No," laughed Once-ler. "That's for another day."

Once-ler opened one of the French doors and waved his hand in grandeur. A little candlelit table was set out with his guitar set up, bottles of ginger ale and certain pastries on a plate.

"Once, are those-" gasped Marie.

"I gave the bakery an extra tip to find them," said Once-ler suavely.

Marie's favorite cookie, sugar with pink icing and chocolate sprinkles was on a lovely piece of china. Marie had not been able to find them in Greenville and she had craved for them!

"This is amazing!" squealed Marie. "Thank you! Thank you!" She squeezed Once-ler so hard that he almost lost his breath.

"Anything for you," chuckled Once-ler. He gave a kiss to her nose before they sat down. "Any musical requests?"

"You may sing whatever you'd like," said Marie.

The cookies were as soft as Marie remembered and she listened to Once-ler softly playing and singing their song. She could listen to his voice forever! When Once-ler was through he talked about his day. The day had included getting flowers for Isabella and Grizelda. Ubb, Chet and Brett had gotten candy to keep them satisfied. Both knew how happy their babies had been to get a chocolate cupcake as a treat. In turn they got scribbled drawings of hearts. Once-ler was pleased with how it had turned out so far. After the little dessert had been finished, Marie sat back and watched the last light fade. A hand dug back in Once-ler's pocket as he felt the black box of velvet.

"Marie?"

"What Once?"

"Can I ask you something?" Once-ler took a quick breath.

"Sure." Marie sat up and crossed her legs. She had no idea what was in store.

"Remember how as kids we said we'd work together in the business?" said Once-ler. Marie nodded in memory. "Well, I'd like you to be my secretary."

"Secretary?"

"That desk set up by my office? I think it'd be great for you. Oh, only if you want to do it!"

"You want your wife working with you?" said Marie, deeply touched. Once-ler nodded. "That's so sweet Once. I'll do it as soon as the girls are in a play group."

Once-ler frowned. He didn't want his little babies in a play group. He wanted them at home, but Marie said they couldn't be hidden forever.

"Your uncle has offered to look after them for now so I guess I could work sooner," said Marie after she noticed the sadness in Once-ler's eyes. "They still have to go one day Once-ler."

"I know," the young man sighed. "They're just growing up so fast!"

Marie stroked his hand gently. She understood how he felt. They were growing and becoming toddlers instead of babies.

"Something else," added Once-ler. He felt nervous and he had done it before!

"Something else?" questioned Marie. "What's the other something else?"

"Okay," inhaled Once-ler. He took both of her hands. "Marie…I don't know how I have you, but I do. I probably don't deserve you, but somehow you remind me that I do. Words-" Once-ler swallowed. "-cannot begin to describe how wonderful you are or how much you mean to me."

"Aw Once-ler," said Marie in ardor.

"I want you to have the best and I will give it to you if I can," continued Once-ler. "In a few months we will have been together for three years and so much has happened. I want to give you what I couldn't give you the first time."

"First-" Marie began to question.

Then she gasped when Once-ler left his chair and knelt on one knee. Not two knees, he made that mistake last time. Once-ler took out the velvet box which had a ring of three princess cut gems. Two were diamonds and in between was a sapphire. Marie teared up and held back a sob upon realizing his motive.

"Marie, would you do me the honor of marrying me again?" Once-ler asked and knowing confidently what she would say.

"Of course," Marie chuckled joyfully. She felt happy tears form.

Once-ler jumped up and pulled her up with a smile to give a kiss. Then they tenderly embraced. Marie's makeup was smeared from her happy crying when Once-ler slipped the ring on with her first two. They both laughed and embraced again. It was really going to happen, a vow renewal.

"You seemed nervous," said Marie after she stopped crying. "I wouldn't expect you to be."

"I didn't think I would," said Once-ler. "Then again, you do have that effect on me." He winked and tapped her nose lightly. "At least this is more of a romantic setting than last time."

"What were you originally going to do Once?" asked Marie as she stroked his hair. "You never told me your original plans to propose."

"I was still thinking while we were in the snow," said Once-ler.

"I still love how you did it," said Marie softly. "Down on two knees. You were really sweet."

"Aren't I always?"

"You are, but you were twice as sweet that day." Marie hugged him, pressing her cheek against his chest. "I don't care if you'd propose to me over a candlelit dinner and dressed up for the nines. It's your words that matter."

"Well, we don't usually have events like that," said Once-ler as he massaged on her of shoulders. "So we have no need to have ball gowns or suits. Though, a few employees came in better dressed than me." Once-ler chuckled at the thought.

"Actually I've been thinking about that," said Marie. "I was looking at the walk-in closet and I've been thinking of you getting yourself a proper suit. Most businessmen have one."

True," said Once-ler as his eyes began to wander into thought. He'd definitely take up on Marie's suggestion within time. "For now, let's get a new tux."

"Agreed," grinned Marie. "Our flower girls can be our Bunnies too. How about that for starters?"

"Especially that!" exclaimed Once-ler. "And your dress; You get whatever you want! And I mean whatever you want!"

Marie kept it in mind for the next couple of months. June kept getting closer and closer. Aside from Once-ler working, Marie started her new job. She was just down the hall from the girls if needed. Once-ler also took over the store he meant to use as a baby store for the first Thneed shop. He still kept the name, Little Saplings.

Marie made invites, inviting first Betsy and Rufus. Dr. Helms and her family were invited too after being kind to their family. Marie hesitantly wrote an invite to her parents. Once-ler had made success, so their bargain no longer mattered. She also (only to be polite) sent one to her old school friends. If they didn't attend it wasn't a huge loss. It occurred to Marie and Once-ler that nobody knew of their present life, unless Isabella gabbed about it around Palmer. To their surprise, she did not.

Sometime in May, about a week before the big day two cars pulled up to the factory. One in shiny white and the other car was smaller and worn out in comparison. Once-ler came out; it was after hours, to greet the visitors. He wasn't sure who they were. Out of the little car came a wonderful surprise. Dressed in her nicest blouse and skirt, Betsy stepped out and looked around in wonder.

"Hey Betsy," laughed Once-ler, surprised and glad to see her again.

"Once-ler!" cried Betsy. She pulled him into a big hug, cupped his face and gave him a kiss on one cheek, a little more gently than when Isabella did it. "You haven't changed a bit! We got the invitation and rushed over." She looked around again. "Where's my Baby Doll?"

""She's inside-" began Once-ler.

"Betsy!" cried Marie and down the front steps she raced until she crashed into Betsy's arms. Once-ler stepped back to give them a moment.

"Oh my Baby Doll," whimpered Betsy. "I missed you so much! I missed you so, so much!"

Marie held back her sobs. She had sometimes worried she wouldn't see her family again, but she had been proved wrong. She felt like a child again as Betsy held her close. Betsy pulled her back to stroke her face and then hugged her again.

"Hey don't forget me!" called Rufus as he got out from the driver's seat. Marie tackled him into a hug and he laughed. "Violet Eyes! Look at you! You're still a pretty girl!" He kissed her forehead. "We never stopped thinking of you," he added.

"I've missed all of you," replied Marie.

She felt both Rufus and Betsy hug her. Then Once-ler got yanked back in. It was a precious picture and Once-ler was satisfied to see Marie reunited with her folks. With the love in the air, all forgot the white car and its passengers who watched with cold eyes through the dark windows.

"We've got lots to talk about," said Marie as she took Once-ler's hand. "Once-ler and I-"

"Marie?" a cold voice rang out and it sent a chill down Once-ler and Marie's spines. It was Clarisse and she stepped out of the vehicle.

"Uh-oh." Marie heard Once-ler mumble it under his breath. He looked intimidated.

"And you," said Clarisse as she pointed a long fingernail at Once-ler. "Especially you! We need to talk!"

"I- erm, yes ma'am," said Once-ler. He suddenly stood up straight.

Dashiell climbed out and lit a cigar. His blue eyes, which were also Marie's, glared at Once-ler. He said nothing, except exhaled a cloud of smoke. It swirled and Once-ler held back a cough. The happy reunion seemed all for not, until Rufus spoke up.

"Uh, Mr. and Mrs. Finnegan? May I remind you that Once-ler has become successful from the look of things." He nodded to the impressive factory. "I believe that deal you told me and Betsy about has been fulfilled."

"We'll see," said Clarisse. "Mind if we go inside?" She glared at Once-ler.

"Of course," Once-ler replied and cleared his throat. "We'll go to my office."

Marie was about to follow when Dashiell put up a hand to her. It looked like he wasn't going to speak. Marie backed down, but gave a encouraging nod to Once-ler. She watched Once-ler timidly lead his in-laws inside. The world would've been a better place without them.

Once-ler went down the halls to his office. He grimaced as he overheard Clarisse mutter how "indecent" he looked if he had a business. Maybe he really did need a business suit after all. Isabella had just informed him a week before about it. Once-ler shoved it in the darkest corners of his mind when he opened the two doors to his office.

"I don't really meet with anyone here so we'll stand," he said awkwardly. "I hope that's fine."

"We'll be frank," said Clarisse who didn't care. "You have done well. We didn't expect it or wish for it."

"So," said Dashiell. He finally spoke and took the cigar out of his mouth. "As much we resent you for taking our Marie away she can still stay with you."

"Our?" thought Once-ler. "Since when have you cared for her?" He nodded and spoke up. "That's great, but Marie came after me. It was her choice to leave with me."

"Both of you are responsible," said Dashiell. He ran a hand over his head. His grey hair seemed to have thinned since the last time Once-ler had seen him. "Now, we did get your wedding vow note so we will attend and give our blessing."

"Marie will like that," said Once-ler smiling. "She and I want all of us to get along."

"That doesn't mean we like you," said Clarisse. She took out a lipstick and glided the red hue over her mouth. "We have never liked you and that'll never change. However, if you and Marie must be together then you may live in ignorant bliss, but don't come crying to us if your marriage crumbles."

"It won't crumble Mrs. Finnegan," said Once-ler. "I love Marie very much. I'll never leave her."

"See how long you can hold on to that," said Dashiell. "Well, we've said we wanted to say and you've left the lowest of the food chain so we'll head to our hotel and see you on the big day." He and Clarisse began to stride out, but he turned and said in a low tone. "Oh, and do me a favor. Tell Marie that I won't walk her down the aisle to give her away."

Once-ler said good-bye with the all the politeness he could muster, but he wasn't pleased with how he had been treated. He was even more disappointed with how Dashiell refused to give his own daughter away! What did it mean by "see how long you can hold on to that?" Whatever it was Once-ler wasn't going to leave Marie. Not now, not before, not ever.

In the meantime, Marie had taken Betsy and Rufus inside. She showed them the secret house and all the rooms, save for the nursery. She wanted to surprise them about the girls. No one knew about them just yet. In the kitchen, Marie made some coffee for her dear friends while they sat at the table.

"What a lovely home," said Betsy. "How convenient it's in the factory. Once-ler can literally walk to work."

"Did Mother and Father say why they wanted to talk to Once-ler?" asked Marie. She felt her stomach twist into knots as she thought of what they could say to their son-in-law.

"No, but hopefully it goes well," said Betsy. "Try not worry too much about them. They've never been real happy with each other anyway. It's rare if they genuinely are."

"So how's it been since I left Palmer?" questioned Marie. "Not too different I suppose?"

"It's the same," said Rufus. "We're still working for your elders. Nothing too new."

"Some of your school friends have asked about you," added Betsy. "Your parents spread rumors that you had certain affairs with a young man. They didn't say who, but not all seem to think kindly of you. Rufus and I have said that you were married, but we didn't give details."

Marie was silent. She put the mugs of coffee down for the three of them. (Once-ler wasn't a coffee person.) She wasn't sure if she wanted to bring up the note she gave them when she left. She was afraid it had hurt them; her secret with Once-ler and leaving.

"We were worried about you," said Betsy. She looked firm. "Why didn't you tell us about you and Once-ler?"

At that moment, Once-ler came to the kitchen, but he listened from the doorway. As he listened he felt guilt for what he and Marie had previously thought of exposing their truth.

"We would've supported you both," said Rufus sternly. "Marie, you know that we love you and you shouldn't be afraid to come to us. We trusted Once-ler to take care of you and he still is. We are disappointed neither of you were honest."

"I'm sorry," said Marie meekly. "I should've told you, but we were worried about what others would do to us. You've met Mother and Father and what they are capable of doing. You both said you'd be heartbroken if our relationship had changed."

"By not being together in some way," corrected Betsy. "We didn't expect this, but you're still with each other. Aren't you Once-ler?" She cocked an eye to him.

"R-right," said Once-ler who was startled that he had been noticed. "I'm sorry too. Sorry I stole her and she stole me."

"You didn't steal her," said Rufus. "You both hid the truth. That's why we were disappointed." After a pause he spoke again with a soft smile. "However, now that we see how content you both are, then at least you're both doing well."

"Momma?"

The voice broke the silence. Betsy and Rufus looked up to see Natalie toddling into the kitchen. Their eyes became as big as saucers as they looked at her, the little black haired child with Marie's shape of face. Natalie looked curiously at them. She tilted her head which caused her shoulder length hair to move with it.

"Who's this?" they both asked in delight.

"Rufus, Betsy," said Marie getting on her knees next to Natalie. "This is a surprise for you. This is our daughter."

"Oh!" breathed Betsy. "She's adorable! What's your name sweetie?" she asked the little girl.

"Natalie Viola Once-low," said Natalie.

"Why hello little lady!" Rufus knelt to shake her hand. He was taken aback when she greeted him the same way. "What a polite girl you are!"

"Thank you si-waw," said Natalie. She couldn't pronounce her R's. "Momma's getting mawwied to Daddy."

"Yes she is. Are your going to be the flower girl?"

"Yes si-waw," said Natalie. "I have a new dwess too! Daddy made it fow me."

At that moment, Once-ler reached around the corner and gently pried out of the shadows another timid child. Of course, Chloe would be hiding and she buried her head in his shoulder. Betsy gasped again. She and Rufus looked at Natalie, then to Chloe and then to Marie.

"Surprise again," giggled Marie. "We have twins!"

"Oh my-" said Betsy. "Two girls! Marie, I'm so happy for you!" She headed to the youngest. "Hello Little One."

"Chloe's very clingy around new people," said Once-ler as Chloe took a peek at Betsy. Chloe turned her head away and hugged Once-ler tighter. "Can you say 'hi' to Betsy, Butterfly?"

Chloe waved a tiny wave, but didn't talk. Betsy chuckled then gave a brush to Chloe's curls and smiled seeing they were Marie's.

"Prettiest girls I have ever seen," said Rufus brightly.

"They are," said Once-ler proudly. "And they were born on my birthday!"

"I'm two," said Natalie. Chloe in response held up two fingers.

"Oh!" gasped Rufus. " How foolish of me! I forgot!" He raced out of the kitchen and outside. When he returned he held something behind his back. "Marie, someone else has missed you since you left."

"Should I brace myself?" asked Marie as she approached him. She noticed a familiar face looking at her. "Edwin!" she squealed.

Rufus opened a cat carrier and Marie's tuxedo cat with green eyes stretched out. It was the same cat who was only a kitten when Once-ler found him in some straw and gave him to Marie for her seventeenth birthday...the same day they said "I love you" for the first time. Edwin looked up and suddenly rubbed against her legs. Marie sat right on the floor and let him massage his face and head over her jaw.

"Kitty!" cried Chloe and her eyes lit up. She wiggled in Once-ler's arms. "Daddy down please!" Once down, Chloe dodged next to Marie and started petting Edwin. "Pretty kitty!"

"What's the matter Natalie?" asked Betsy. Natalie had shuffled backwards and grunted. "Don't you like animals?"

"I don't like them," said Natalie indignantly. She automatically hugged Betsy who felt like she was a grandmother.

While last-minute plans were made for the wedding, Marie caught up with Betsy and Rufus. She was shocked to find that her old schoolmates, Annie Lloyd, Julie Randall, and Renée Franklin wanted to attend with their boyfriends to the wedding. Dr. Helms and her family would come and her son would take the wedding pictures. Isabella took the liberty to invite her friends. Once-ler wasn't sure if they counted as friends. Including the crew Isabella invited, that meant there were thirty-four guests. The last thing to get in order was the giving away which Once-ler painfully told Marie.

"Father won't answer the room's phone," said Marie during a lunch break. "Do you think he's avoiding me?"

"Um." Once-ler didn't know what to say without making her feel bad. He clinked his spoon against the bowl of stew. "He said that he-he doesn't want to...uh." He slouched over the dining table.

"He doesn't want to give me away right?" said Marie sadly. She watched Once-ler nod sympathetically.

"I'm sorry about that Baby," said Once-ler taking her hand. He started wondering about what his own father would do and if he would love Marie. What was he thinking? Of course he would! Once-ler didn't like the rift his in-laws had made. "I said I wanted us to all be happy, but-"

"But they're refusing to agree because they still don't like you." Marie finished it easily. "I figured it may happen, but I hoped that maybe they would turn around. They don't care they have grandchildren either."

"You know who should give you away?" said Once-ler cheerfully after a moment. He didn't wait for an answer. "Rufus!"

"You're a genius!" laughed Marie after thinking it over. She kissed Once-ler and then feeling a leap of joy in her heart dialed up Rufus' room to ask.

Rufus was more than pleased to walk her down the aisle. He only warned her to not be surprised if he cried.

Marie agreed to spend some time with just Rufus and Betsy and fulfilled it by spending two days before the wedding only with them. They'd help her get ready too. On her last night in the factory Marie cuddled up with Edwin. The cat had barely left her side and he was going to stay with her. She held him like a baby and rubbed her cheek over his ears. He purred as if his purring machine was well oiled. Marie became aware she wasn't alone in the room when she felt a force softly crawl on the bed next to her.

"Looks like I have competition," said Once-ler coyly.

"You do not," laughed Marie. "Edwin just needs some attention from me for a bit. You know I love cats especially."

"Maybe I should be a cat," joked Once-ler. He sat behind Marie and nuzzled his chin against her shoulder. He left a sensitive kiss to her clavicle.

"Oh come on," recovered Marie after she gasped from Once-ler's kiss. "I love you just the way you are. If you were a cat though, I would be one too and then Natty and Chloe would be our kittens."

"Kittens?" Once-ler bit his lip. "I thought they were our bunnies!"

"You prefer rabbits to cats?" teased Marie.

"No," mumbled Once-ler. "Just like bunnies better."

Marie let Edwin crawl away and then she twisted around to kiss her Once. She smiled knowing she'd get to remarry him in two days. It was good timing to do it.

"You sure you'll be alright with just the girls?" she asked.

"Better than alright!" said Once-ler. "I can't wait to see you in your gorgeous dress."

"I hope you like it," said Marie. She nuzzled her head against his. "I had you mind when I picked it."

"I'll love it," said Once-ler. He pulled one of Marie's strands behind her ear. "And I love you."

Marie pushed him down and lay next to him. She snuggled into his chest before they dozed off, still fully clothed and not ready for bed. As Once-ler held her close, she whispered four words.

"I love you more."