(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!) Mistakes are corrected as of 03/20/13! It's March 2nd, Dr. Seuss' birthday, its late for me and here's an update for The Lorax's anniversary of the movie's release! Also, in this fanfic universe it would be Once-ler, Chloe and Natalie's birthday!
Chapter 24
A Once-ler Wedding
"Don't leave us Momma!"
"Mommy don't go!"
Natalie and Chloe were tearful that Marie was leaving. They cried and carried on as Marie dragged her suitcase out the door. Natalie tugged on Marie's dress and Chloe attached herself to Marie's ankle and went on her tummy. It was very early in the morning and before business hours.
"I will see you at the wedding," comforted Marie. "I promise." Wails continued on. "I'll call you before bedtime and tell you goodnight."
"No! No! Don't leave us!" both babies whimpered. They gave the puppy dog eyes and pouty lips.
"Oh my poor babies!" thought Marie and felt herself caving in. "Maybe I shouldn't leave. They still need me."
Then she smiled having an idea and replied aloud. "Daddy's going to take care of you while I'm gone. He's going to play with you, get you all beautiful for Saturday and make you breakfast and take you shopping-."
"Yaaay!" Chloe and Natalie shrieked with glee. Their sadness stopped and they got excited. That was all it took.
"Well that worked," chuckled Marie. "Alright now you both be good. I'll see you at the wedding and we'll walk down to Daddy." She kissed them good-bye.
"Bye Momma," said Natalie after she hugged her. "Don't huwwy back!"
"Bye-bye Mommy," said Chloe and hugged her. "Have fun!"
Then giggling about their new schedule with their father, Natalie and Chloe dashed off to their playroom. They dodged past Once-ler's legs as he came into the hallway. Marie chuckled seeing how they had calmed down.
"Well I guess I'm going," said Marie. "They're waiting for me outside." Betsy and Rufus were picking her up and then taking her out.
"Don't I get a kiss good-bye?" asked Once-ler almost pitifully. He pouted his lips and stuck his arms behind his back.
"Oh I don't know," said Marie playfully. "I don't want to spoil you when you'll be getting kisses and more pretty soon…" Then she giggled and hugged Once-ler. "Of course you do."
Once-ler nuzzled against her face and laughed. Then he lifted her up for a quick spin as they kissed. Both took a moment to look at each other's eyes.
"I'll miss you," said Once-ler. "How am I going to sleep in that huge bed without you?"
"The question is how I will sleep without hearing your cute snore?" snickered Marie.
"I do not snore," said Once-ler trying to sound serious. He smirked and lightly slapped Marie's rump with both hands. She gave a squeal of surprise.
"Sometimes you laugh in your sleep," said Marie after she recovered from the love tap.
"If I am then I'm dreaming of you," said Once-ler. He kissed her nose affectionately.
"Really? I wish I could see those dreams." Marie sighed and hugged Once-ler tighter. "Okay, I'm off to Greenville Suites."
"Call me when you get there," said Once-ler and he kissed her again.
"I will and I'll call the girls at night," said Marie as she let him go. "You sure you'll be okay with Natalie and Chloe?"
"Doubting me My Sweetness?" said Once-ler. "We'll be fine. I'm taking them out later today and they'll have so much fun they'll want to take a nap!"
"I trust you completely," replied Marie. "I'll see you down the aisle."
"I'll be waiting," said Once-ler.
Marie took her suitcase and left through the sliding door. She wasn't even out of an earshot when she called back an "I love you" to her Honey.
"I love you more," called Once-ler when Marie headed for the front door.
When Marie had left, Once-ler went on with work and was happy to receive her call an hour later. Work included filling out papers and looking out over the factory. Isabella was asked to look after her granddaughters. Just because she did it though, didn't mean she was happy to do it. Natalie and Chloe were a handful for her though she had twins of her own.
Once-ler managed to finish work early and cheerfully took the girls on an errand and surprise for Marie. Melvin was hitched up to the wagon and Once-ler put the twins in a cushioned area in the back. At first they were wide awake in awe of the journey, but since Once-ler had taken them around their naptime, they fell asleep in a little pile. Once-ler left them the way they were and quickly made his rounds. Not one person noticed that hidden under covers were two children.
After the run, Once-ler finished the last of some baking that Marie had completed. Both had wanted a homemade cake for the reception. Marie and Once-ler had put together a four tiered cake the day before and frosted it. With Marie gone, Once-ler put on the designs of real flowers, roses of all things with sprigs of clovers. When it was safe in its huge box which would be strapped in Isabella's car, the girls awoke and tackled Once-ler's legs with hugs.
When nightfall came, Marie did keep her promise on calling the girls. Afterwards Once-ler had put two sleepy girls in bed after reading to them a story he and Marie had written for them. It wasn't too complicated to take care of them. Once-ler spent the rest of his night overseeing last minute preparations and then collapsing in exhaustion in the bed which felt empty without Marie. So empty in fact, that Once-ler grabbed her pillow and hugged it to him. The faint smell of Marie's shampoo lingered on her pillowcase.
Only a night and a day away…
Once-ler had enjoyed getting off early to spend time alone with his little Hummingbird and Butterfly. The past months had been soothing. He loved having a lunch break to see them and hear them talk about their day which was always big to a toddler. Once-ler had enjoyed ending his work day when the workers were gone and two small girls raced out from their home to him. He'd hear the pattering of their footsteps and then they'd race into his office and crawl up into his lap. Then Marie would come in and join the embracement. He was certain it would always be like that.
On the morning of the big day Once-ler started his batch of pancakes along with the chattering of two tots. Though they couldn't touch the stove, Natalie and Chloe helped out by holding the measuring spoons and cups. Once-ler had gotten them aprons for their birthday and they looked forward to wearing them every morning because they wanted one like him. They were frillier than his and Marie had sewed their names on the little pocket.
"Wedding day, wedding day," Chloe lightly sang as she smoothed out her purple striped apron.
"I want more milk!" demanded Natalie. She shook her sippy cup to get her dad's attention.
"Up-bup-bup," said Once-ler gently. "What do you say?"
"Please," added Natalie and she pouted her lips.
The moment Natalie had asked politely, a catastrophe broke in. Brett, Chet, Ubb, Isabella and Grizelda barged into the kitchen. Brett and Chet roughly added and shoved into spare chairs around the table. Chloe and Natalie looked bewildered.
"Morning Oncie!" squealed Isabella. She kissed his cheek. "How's my little boy today?"
"Mom," Once-ler chuckled awkwardly. "What are you all doing here? I thought we were meeting at you at the ceremony."
"Ma said you'd make your whole family some breakfast!" said Brett. "So here we are!"
"Nice apron!" laughed Chet giving Once-ler a punch on the shoulder. "Burn!" He chortled and high fived Brett.
"MmmmMmm! Smells like hotcakes," said Ubb. "Mind if you add some maple syrup and twice the butter on mine Oncie? Ooh! Don't you two look cute?" he added and gave a pinch to Natalie's blue checkered apron.
"I'll take seven," said Grizelda in her gravelly voice.
"I was just-" Once-ler began, but paused in defeat. "Alright, I'll fix more."
Well, fixing more included more food. Once-ler found himself in the middle of a hullabaloo as his brothers raced into the largely stocked pantry and pulled out Marie's favorite cereal, a canister of oatmeal and Truffula Fruit muffins that Marie had baked a week before. Grizelda took out bacon and sausage from the fridge while Ubb took the whole fruit bowl. Isabella sat down and read the newspaper she brought with her. The kettle started whistling and Once-ler quickly attended to it for his cup of tea. The coffee pot started brewing for the rest. Finally, Chet pulled out bottles of cherry cola and cracked the bottle caps off. Frying pans, pots and wooden spoons were piled up in the sink from extra cooking that Once-ler was asked to do.
Then all the food Once-ler had prepared was whisked away. The plates of pancakes, the bowls of oatmeal and cereal, a platter of muffins and meat and all the mugs of coffee covered the table! Then the rest of the family sat and ate. Isabella cut tiny pieces for herself while Ubb made huge slices while they spilled of syrup and he spread a thick blanket of butter. Grizelda doused hers on with mashed Truffula Fruit. Brett and Chet shoveled on globs of butter and soon they had a mountain of the dairy in the middle of their dishes. The boys clanked their bottles of soda and chugged them down.
Once-ler tried to not get annoyed about his house being raided by his houseguests and only dished out a grand total of, last he counted, at least twenty pancakes! Once-ler scooted the girls' booster seats closer to him as he ate one pancake, almost forlornly. Natalie and Chloe had their share of two and ate as carefully as they could to not be messy.
The nasty eating habits of Grizelda, Chet and Brett came into play. They chewed their mouths open with the meat, pastries, oatmeal, fruit and pancakes. There was a loud rattling of plates and silverware on the table as they took their share of food. Brett and Chet got into a belching contest after a huge gulp of soda which made Once-ler twist his face in annoyance. There were times he wondered how he was the youngest, but more mature while his older brothers were childish.
"Hey, are you gonna finish that?" asked Brett to the twin girls. Then suddenly he and Chet reached their thick arms over and took the last whole ones the girls had.
"Whoa!" snapped Once-ler in shock. "What was that for?"
"They weren't eating it," said Chet innocently. "We thought they were done."
"They weren't!" said Once-ler angrily. Chloe began to whimper and her eyes watered. "Chloe don't cry!" comforted Once-ler.
"Mine!" yelled Natalie at her pancake that Brett had taken. "Give it back! Mine!"
"Natty," said Once-ler gently. "Don't get upset. I'll make you more."
Once-ler lifted both girls from the table with a final frown of disappointment to his relatives. He couldn't let his brothers ruin the big day and he didn't want his Bunnies crying. Chloe stuck her arms to his legs as he cooked and Natalie sat on the floor as she brooded. She didn't smile again until she got two little ones instead. While the little tots ate, Once-ler took his relatives' dishes.
"You guys didn't have to be such jerks," mumbled Once-ler as he passed his brothers while he took the breakfast plates. Chet and Brett looked confused of why he was upset.
After cleaning the cookery, and watching his pack leave, Once-ler scooped up his Bunnies and let them spend time in their playroom until it was naptime. Naps were easy and while they napped Once-ler got himself ready. After changing the bed sheets, cleaning his bedroom and showering up it was the afternoon and only hours away from the ceremony.
Once-ler stayed in work clothes until the final moment because he knew that if he wore his tuxedo while giving the girls their bath, he would be soaked. And he was right. After getting them washed up and dressed, Once-ler fixed their hair. That was something he looked forward to. He liked dressing his girls up and he even gave them their first haircut. The bathroom for the girls had a little chair for them when Once-ler got their hair done and he would sit on the edge of their bathtub.
"Are you going to fix my hair?" asked Chloe after Natalie's locks had been dried thanks to the Thneed. She leaned over the tubs edge and looked up with hopeful eyes.
"I sure am," said Once-ler. "You're going to look very pretty."
"And me," added Natalie who took pride in her looks at her age. She sat with her hands folded in her lap as Once-ler heated a curling iron.
Once-ler took his time with making ringlets for Natalie's hair. Natalie may had inherited Clarisse's curls (if they counted as any,) but Once-ler didn't think that. He felt more like it was soft and fluffy like his locks. Chloe's was like Marie's. It was whirly and thick with more curls. Once-ler probably could've done nothing since it already had style. However, he wasn't someone to do nothing and put Chloe's hair up in a little bun when it was her turn.
"I look pwetty!" cried Natalie after she got up. "I look pwetty!" She twirled around, letting her skirt flow. Chloe copied her sister as soon as she left the chair.
By the time Once-ler's "beauty shop" was closed up, Isabella came over. She was dressed in an elegant black dress with a matching boa. She oohed over how her granddaughters looked, but she barely received hugs from them. In truth, both of them were a little afraid of her. Isabella gave them their baskets while Once-ler got ready. Inside were pink rose petals for them to scatter.
"So it's still going to happen?" Isabella asked when Once-ler came back out from his room. "You and Marie?"
"Yes Mom it is," said Once-ler not thinking it was an insult. "Right at five."
"Oh wonderful," said Isabella, but inside she felt bitter. She hid it well though as she helped Once-ler put in the twins' car seats in her new car. After strapping the cake in they were off.
Marie woke up that morning and spent most of it with dressing up. The two days before had been fun with window shopping and having an upbeat dinner with Betsy and Rufus. After feeling refreshed from a hot shower Marie welcomed Betsy to her hotel room. Betsy came especially to help with the dress and gloves. Marie asked for only a light amount of make-up, knowing well that Once-ler thought she looked best that way. Also, she asked for her hair to not be put up, but let down. She wanted to show off a feature of hers that Once-ler loved. She was glad Betsy helped get her ready. It felt like there were no other options for the perfect woman to get her set for the important day.
Betsy looked lovelier than Marie could remember. She had her grey hair pulled up and donned on a peach colored dress of lace. Sometimes it was hard for Marie to believe how both had aged over the years: Betsy was an elderly lady and she was a young woman. It only made her wonder what was in store for her and Once-ler's future.
"Mind if I come in?" called Rufus later on with a knock on the door.
"Enter," laughed Betsy as she gave a final brush to Marie's hair. "She's almost ready to go."
Rufus slipped in with three small packages. He was in his best suit and a black tie. He put two boxes on the hotel bed and brought a very small one up front.
"Ah," he said softly. "My little Violet Eyes is ready."
"Something new," said Betsy giving a gesture to the dress. "That's partially from me. I would've given Marie my wedding shoes to wear, but I lost them long ago."
"What about something old and borrowed?" asked Rufus. He gave a knowing smile and then placed the small box in Marie's hands.
"What?" said Marie before she opened it.
Rufus gave a hand wave, encouraging her to see. Inside, Marie found a diamond chain necklace. She gasped as she gingerly held it up with all her fingers.
"It was Evelyn's," explained Rufus. "She wore it on our wedding day over fifty years ago and she hoped if we had a daughter she would wear it. It looks like her dream has finally come true."
"Ru-Rufus," said Marie feeling a lump in her throat. "I-I can't wear this. It's yours!"
"Evelyn would want you to," said Rufus. "In fact, she'd be heartbroken if you didn't."
Marie sniffed and gave a grateful grin as she hugged Rufus. It was all she needed to do to thank him and he knew it. Evelyn had been Rufus's wife for only two years before she died of a terrible illness.
"The groom said to deliver these," Rufus added after Betsy put the chain on Marie.
Marie smiled seeing the two boxes. She sat down on the bed and lifted the lid of the long one and found a bracelet of white crystals. Marie gasped seeing the shimmering gems and traced a fingertip over them.
"Goodness," gasped Betsy seeing them. "Looks like an antique!"
"No," chuckled Rufus. "They're about as old as Marie and Marie isn't as old as an antique yet. Once-ler asked me to let you know so you didn't panic over prices. He said that's from the girls."
Underneath the bracelet was a tiny note and scribbly handwriting. Marie recognized her daughters' penmanship and smiled. Her eyes glistened up a little remembering that they were toddlers.
"From the girls," Marie chuckled. "Once." Of course he'd give her two of something and say the girls picked it out. "It's lovely." She watched Betsy take it up and clasp it around her right wrist. Marie felt the coldness through the thin glove she wore.
"Open the other Baby Doll," said Betsy excitedly.
And what was inside the last package made Marie almost loose it. Once-ler had gotten her a hair comb of silver and white gems that was in a flowery design. She swallowed seeing it.
"I told him that I saw this while shopping for my dress," she said shakily. "I can't believe he got it!"
"It's as beautiful as you are," said Betsy. "It was right for him to buy it." She took the comb and slipped it into Marie's hair. "There. Later you can take the veil off and show off this beauty."
Marie stood up and gazed at the full mirror. Then Betsy put the veil over her head and it covered her hair. Marie took her bouquet of roses and looked at her reflection. She looked like a bride.
"Perfect," breathed Betsy. She blinked back tears.
"You look stunning," said Rufus looking at Marie. He wiped a threatening tear.
"Aw Rufus," said Marie who noticed. "Don't you cry too! I'll be crying enough for the both of us."
"I can't help it Violet Eyes," said Rufus. He took a deep breath and kissed her cheek. "Now, let's get you given away."
It took another minute to leave because Marie wanted to brush her teeth one more time and reapply her lip-gloss. Soon, Marie waited in a spare room with Betsy and Rufus. She watched the small amount of guests come in, but they couldn't see her. Isabella's old friends had attended with big hats with feathers and flowers. One had a plastic bird in hers! Julie Randall, Renée Franklin and Annie Lloyd were linked in arm with their boyfriends, different ones instead of their high school sweethearts. Dr. Helms had come in her nicest dress with her husband. Her four children, three sons and a daughter were dressed in black and ready for their part. Ubb, Chet and Brett were in navy blue suits and Grizelda was in a hot pink gown for her round shape. Clarisse donned a burgundy gown and smoked a cigarette in the corner of the yard while Dashiell adjusted a gold cuff link on his white dinner jacket and brushed his black dress pants. Now if only she could see how Once-ler looked.
"Momma! Mommy! Mommy! Momma!" a chorus of little voices shouted. In rushed Natalie and Chloe with their baskets. "Momma we missed you! Mommy you look pretty!" they cried again.
"Oh hello!" cried Marie seeing her baby girls. She hugged them both and kissed their heads. "Oh goodness! You both look so cute!"
"Thank you," said Natalie and she curtsied.
"We're you good for Daddy?" asked Marie.
"Very, very, very, very good!" exclaimed Chloe. "He made pancakes!" That was no surprise!
Marie saw that Chloe and Natalie had been dolled up in dresses that Once-ler had made. The girls were in soft blue dresses with a flower pin on the side and in their hair were matching sashes complimenting their curls: Natalie's as a headband and Chloe's as a hair tie for her bun. Over their tiny hands were lacey gloves. They carried little baskets that had a ring tied around it and it was their parents' rings. Natalie had Marie's and Chloe had Once-ler's.
The ceremony was set behind the court house which was near the edge of town. It had a huge hedge as a fence covering its backyard. There was an opening at the back which led out to true nature. They were among the Truffula Trees and little flowers nearly hidden on the grass. Set up were the ivory colored chairs draped with blue gauze bows. At the end of the aisle was an arch of flowers. It was private and nobody would intrude. Softly playing were violins played by Dr. Helms three other children while one of her sons did the photography.
After giving the girls their instructions, the wedding proceeded. The violins played a classical piece. Once-ler stayed kneeling at the end as he planned and waited for his little flower girls. (Or flower bunnies as Ubb had called them.) Natalie walked down first. She counted to three with each step and dropped exactly three petals of the pink roses. Finally, when she reached the end she stood next to Once-ler who gave her a hug when she arrived to him. He had told Natalie and Chloe to do so when they came to him. He gave Natalie a quick kiss over her hair which had taken over an hour for him to curl. Natalie stood as still as a statue next to him as her sister came.
Chloe came down very slowly, and kept shuffling the roses as if to make them nice for her mommy. She kept looking down, shy of her audience. Her eyes looked up at first, but averted down. When she came to the last row of chairs, she stopped short and then bolted. She bolted right to Once-ler and hugged him first. Chloe was still afraid of people and only went for those she knew to comfort her.
Marie looked down at the smooth grass as she walked inhaling the smell of Truffula Trees. Rufus continued to hold her arm in his. He gave it a light squeeze as they entered the aisle. The small group stood and Marie's eyes wandered to see Betsy, who was already wiping her eyes at her seat. She smiled at Marie and almost chuckled.
Natalie and Chloe, her own daughters, stood still. Natalie smiled and then she put one of her tiny fingers near her mouth. Chloe gave a shy wave. They both looked adorable, curly hair and all. Why did Marie feel more emotional than she imagined? Marie tried comprehending it when she looked at her three family members. That was why. The whole day involved them.
Then she saw him. Once-ler stood at the end in a very dashing black tux. He had a rose matching her bouquet pinned on and silver cuff links. Marie was reminded of how much she loved him. Fifteen years she had known him. Seven years she had felt such strong feelings for him. Three years she had been his wife. All the ranges of love they had, had matured over the years into the present. Marie had been on cloud nine when she married him the first time, but now she was more than glad to renew her commitment. More than ever, Marie couldn't take hold of how much she loved or appreciated him. Once-ler gave her all that he could just so she could be happy. The best thing he gave her stood next to him; those wonderful daughters they had.
"Ready for this?" whispered Rufus before he stepped.
"Only if you won't let me trip," said Marie shyly.
"I'd never let you fall," said Rufus lovingly. The love of a father had shined in Rufus more than Dashiell. Then down the aisle of rose petals they went.
Once-ler smiled in awe as he watched Marie walk down. Just when he thought Marie couldn't get more amazing, she surprised him again. Her dress, giving detail to her figure and the elbow long gloves for modesty reflected her soul. The thin straps, the wide skirt, and veil had been chosen by her and nothing could've suited her more. Marie's outer beauty radiated who she was internally and Once-ler couldn't believe she was his as he felt tears form. He didn't have to worry about the Finnegans or the rest of the Once-ler family on the perfect day. He had to marry Marie in secrecy that one time, but now they had been given from their in-laws real blessings. Marie had made him realize the many blessings he couldn't imagine living without. He couldn't ask more from her. She was his best friend; his favorite person in the world. (Or top three since she delivered their twins.)
"A beautiful day to celebrate a renewal of love," said Judge Fitzgerald with a grin. "It's an honor to be here with these two."
The aging man led the ceremony with the traditional committing vows. The vows: sickness, health, richer, poorer, for as long as Marie and Once-ler would live were an echo of the first wedding. However, before they had used the term "til' death would they part" the first time. It seemed right to use "for as long as we both shall live" for the second wedding.
"And since this is a vow renewal," said Judge Fitzgerald brightly. "Marie and Willard-" Brett and Chet snorted a laugh at Once-ler's real name."-have written their own vows. Marie, you said you wanted to go first."
Marie swallowed and remembered her old advice for speaking in front of crowds. She spoke as if only one person was there and that was her Once. She took the tiny note out of her flowers to read it.
"I promised on this day I would be yours and now I promise you again. So much has happened since I first stood before you and said 'I do.' When I look back on all the surprises and hardships I've gone through, you were with me. Even if the choices I made were wrong, you had my back and looked out for me. You've given more than I could dream for. I'll always be grateful for the support and home you made for me. Even more, I thank you from the deepest depths of my soul for making me what I always wanted to be; a mother and your wife. What more can I ask for?" Marie paused and took two breaths to prevent the threatening sobs. "Nothing else, except that we will still keep that promise. I have and always will love you Once-ler. I will strive to be your biggest supporter and wife. There's nothing else I would rather do."
For a man who considered himself confident, Once-ler found himself nervous. He felt unsure of the words he had written. It didn't help either that Isabella began quietly filing her nails and Ubb yawned when Marie ended. Once-ler kept crumbling the paper he had his vow written on in his pocket.
"I don't know what I can say," said Once-ler with a breath. "I do know that I can say that I love you more than anything. And I-" Then the sheet of paper Once-ler had scribbled his vow on was forgotten and his heart took over. "Marie, you've showed me more than I could ask for. You've made me realize things that I didn't realize. Like how much I wanted you in my life and that I needed you or how I wanted to be certain things. You've always been there for me. You always encourage me when I'm down. I don't know how I can thank you enough for just being my best friend and I know I'm not the easiest person to live with. I will always stick with you because you've stuck to me. I'll never let you down or let you go. I'm not going anywhere without you. I'll love you forever."
Marie looked like she would cry. She kept blinking to stop tears as the exchange of rings progressed. The final words of "I do," were spoken together and after being told to kiss the bride, Once-ler and Marie shared a tender and romantic kiss. Marie was held tightly by the man she loved and it made her emotional. Only Chloe covered her eyes at the sight.
The line of guests pouring in with hugs seemed endless though it wasn't a huge number. Annie, Renee and Julie gave Marie embraces and said how surprised they were of her marriage and children. Dr. Helms' daughter, Violet, who was only eleven, blushed and her eyelashes fluttered when she greeted Once-ler.
Then while a cocktail hour pursued for the guests, photos were taken of the happy couple, but it was when the flashing bulbs and clicking stopped that Marie and Once-ler were twice as happy. They were left alone in the hallway for the reception because Isabella said it wasn't ready. As frustrating as it could be, it was relaxing to have a moment before facing the guests again. They both rested against a bench as they waited.
"I'm impressed with how you look," said Marie. "You look stunning!"
"Me?" said Once-ler. "You're the one who looks stunning! I couldn't take my eyes off of you."
"We can argue about this all day couldn't we?" replied Marie.
"Maybe," agreed Once-ler. "But I think I'd win."
"Would the winner mind if I didn't wear the gloves anymore?" asked Marie. "They're getting kind of hot."
"Not at all," chuckled Once-ler.
Marie slid off her ring and bracelet and placed them on the bench, but before she could tug off the glove Once-ler made a move. He pinched it at her wrist and let it slide, exposing her skin. Marie felt the cool air when her hands were free from both. Once-ler folded the gloves into a pocket of his and slowly slipped the ring back on Marie's finger and clasped the bracelet.
Marie sighed and shook her arms. Suddenly she felt something touch her hair. She felt her veil being pulled off and her curls brushed by a lean hand. Marie looked curiously at Once-ler.
"If the gloves come off, then so does the veil," answered Once-ler softly. "Your hair's beautiful on its own." He kissed her forehead and smoothed his touch over her locks again.
Marie leaned against his shoulder and she managed to rest her legs over his. It was difficult with her thick skirt! Once-ler leaned back and obligingly eased her legs over his knees. They continued to wait in the silence and the alone moment was reminiscent of their youth in Misty Hideaway. There were times they didn't have to talk and the warmth from each other was enough.
"Hey Oncie?" came a voice heavy with a country accent. It was Brett. "You can come in now. Uncle Ubb will announce you!"
As if in a daze, Once-ler and Marie got up and adjusted the veil back for Marie just for their entrance. They linked elbows and waited for the doors to open into the reception. Marie glanced at Once-ler and squeezed his hand before they entered with applause.
The room was decorated with a canopy of blue silk that attached to the chandelier. The floor was of polished wood and the doors, many of them made of windows, were partly opened to the fresh air. The tables had simple, but elegant vases of flower assortments.
The only grumbles heard were from Isabella when the reception began. It began with a meal which Once-ler and Marie had selected. It seemed that Isabella didn't like chicken cacciatore or a little fruits for appetizers. She also seemed to disapprove of the fact that Once-ler had set up an ice cream buffet for dessert. The grumbles were ignored and forgotten as Marie and Once-ler sat at their own table.
At their own table, Once-ler was pleased to have the three ladies of his family. He and Marie held each toddler as they ate. Natalie, who was a picky eater, wasn't fussy with her food that day and ate everything. It was the continuing of the best day until-
"Beanpole!" came a gruff voice under the table that made Once-ler cringe.
"Oh no…" was all Once-ler could think. He peered under the tablecloth in annoyance to see The Lorax.
"We have to talk," The forest guardian said.
"Not now!" growled Once-ler.
"It's about your choppin'!" retorted The Lorax.
"Can we talk about this, another day?" said Once-ler. "It's my wedding!"
"That's no excuse!" huffed The Lorax.
Once-ler grabbed hold of his acquaintance and tried to drag him out without anyone noticing. He snuck out into the hall he and Marie waited in. Then he sighed and stood upright.
"I don't want to hear your crying," said Once-ler. "Not today of all days."
"If you keep this up there'll be no more trees!" said The Lorax pointing a fuzzy fingertip.
"I'm not chopping them all," said Once-ler. "I'm not going to be working for the next couple of days anyway. I'll be on a honeymoon with Marie."
"Waterfall-" The Lorax emphasized. "-seems to be goin' along with the tree cuttin' too! What did you say to her to make her do that? Cause she won't tell me exactly!" The Lorax seemed a little soft when mentioning Marie who was the last and promising person who could get through to Once-ler.
"It's none of your business," said Once-ler. He ran his hands over his face. "Why am I talking to you right now? I have a reception to do!" He turned to go back inside. "If you don't leave now, I'll have Aunt Grizelda fling you out again!" He closed the door and it seemed that the threat had worked for The Lorax sighed and quietly left.
"Just be careful which way you both lean," he whispered before returning to his wood.
"What did he want?" whispered Marie when Once-ler came back.
"Nothing," said Once-ler. "Just forget it." He sat back down and realized Chloe was missing.
"Daddy look!" said Chloe under the table. Once-ler peeked again for the second time. "Pipsqueak came!" She held the Bar-ba-loot against her chest.
"What?" questioned Marie as she looked too. Natalie whimpered seeing the creature in the room.
Pipsqueak squirmed out of Chloe's arms and hugged Once-ler's ankle. Once-ler tried having a strict face, but it didn't hold. It was like saying "no" to the twins if they wanted something. Besides, Pipsqueak wasn't there to bother him about trees.
"Pipsqueak?" he asked kindly. "If I give you a marshmallow will you behave?"
The cub smiled and nodded with a clap of his paws. Once-ler got up and took not one, but two marshmallows from the ice cream table. He gave them to the cub and Pipsqueak quietly ate. Once-ler wasn't pleased with The Lorax being a wedding crasher, but Pipsqueak he didn't mind. He just didn't want his mother panicking over an animal in the party with "a disease."
Aside, from the eating were the traditional events. Marie and Once-ler cut pieces of their wedding cake and fed (Once-ler shoved) a portion to each other. Marie got even by smearing the vanilla icing on his cheek, but she loved what Once-ler had done with decorating the wedding cake.
Marie tossed her bouquet and to her amazement the person who caught it was Violet who hugged the bouquet tightly. Annie had a glint of jealousy about that.
Pipsqueak actually left at one part because it was disgusting to him. It was Marie was seated in a chair and lifted her left leg up. Once-ler knelt down, winked at her and dove under her dress. Marie had a feeling he would and she laughed as he did. What she didn't expect was when she felt Once-ler place a kiss on her thigh and lightly bite on the garter of cerulean; Marie's something blue. She hoped nobody noticed her flushed face as Once-ler acted intimate. When he reemerged, he grabbed it in his hands and flung it away as if it was a slingshot. It hit Ubb right in the chest and led to Brett and Chet pushing each other to get it. Once-ler couldn't tell who won.
The most anticipated part for Marie was when she and Once-ler danced. For weeks, Once-ler had led her in his own dancing lessons because she wanted to learn for their wedding. Classical music led them and Marie kept glancing at her two left feet as she cautiously followed Once-ler's graceful steps. It was almost like a waltz and Marie started to feel good about herself, but she did want one thing before the melody of the strings ended. Thanks to her full dress, Marie's feet were hidden as she lightly stepped onto Once-ler's. He only smiled and kissed her head when she did. Their hands let go of holding each other and instead they slowly spun into an embrace.
"Come on Oncie," said Isabella when their dance ended. "Dance with your mama." She pushed between her son and daughter-in-law.
Marie chuckled and allowed it. The records played jazz and Once-ler (who didn't want to stop dancing with Marie) obligated to his mother. While that happened, Marie approached Dashiell.
"Father," she said. He and Clarisse looked at her emotionless. "I want to thank you for giving me and Once-ler our blessings for this."
"That's fine and good," said Dashiell almost sourly. "Just don't let me dance with you or expect us to visit for Christmas." He avoided his daughter's hurt look.
"Of course not," said Rufus coming up behind. "She's my dance partner right now." He saved Marie from any more harsh words by taking her back to the dance floor.
Rufus led Marie in side-to-side swaying. Ubb joined in by dancing with Grizelda, a sight to not be missed. Marie gave Rufus a hug as she danced with him and smiled.
"Thanks for giving me away," she said.
"Of course," said Rufus. "And you know if you have any problems, you and Once-ler can always call me or Betsy because you don't need them." He tilted his head towards Clarisse and Dashiell. "Do you remember when you were very little-oh you probably wouldn't. You were not even three yet and it was your birthday. You were trying to dance and you started tugging at my sleeve for me to dance with you. So I put you up only on my feet and we danced. You were so thrilled and you giggled every time I lifted you up for a dip. That's one my favorite memories of you."
Rufus's eyes watered again and Marie found hers watering too. She didn't remember that memory, but oh, how she wished she did. She hugged Rufus again.
"Thank you for always being there for me," Marie whispered. "I love you Rufus."
"I love you too Violet Eyes," he answered. "I've loved you since I first held you."
Marie's eyes wandered to Once-ler, who had freed himself from Isabella and even a quick dance with Grizelda and Betsy who was an actual a pleasure to him. Marie saw him lean low to lead Natalie and put her over his feet. It mirrored what Rufus's story had been. The little girl laughed as he twirled her and lifted her in his arms. Chloe shyly came out from her hiding place under a chair and gladly accepted her daddy's invitation. The same dance pursued. Marie would always be grateful that Natalie and Chloe had a father who loved them.
"Mind if I cut in?" asked Ubb to Marie. He had wanted to dance with his niece-in-law. Ubb wasn't that good of a dancer, but Marie found it funny with how he tried.
Chet, very bashfully, asked if he could dance with Marie too. He was no better than Ubb. Brett attempted to try dipping Marie at his turn. They weren't that bad of people when Marie gave it enough thought. Better than Isabella.
However, when Marie was finally allowed back to Once-ler, she picked up Chloe and the family of four slowly danced together. Once-ler's dream that he had long ago on Christmas Eve while leading with Marie under the gazebo had come true. Both girls were compressed in their parents' arms. He could feel Natalie's curls under his chin and her arms at his neck. The trio of girls he had in his life was better than anything he had, even the Thneed business.
It was dark out when Ubb opened up champagne and the adults took a share, but Marie and Once-ler were tired. The girls had fallen asleep in their laps and Isabella started leading in a drunken song. It became more chaotic when Ubb joined. Brett started laughing at one point and fell backwards in his seat. By then most of the guests had left as it was getting late for them. It only took one glance to Marie for Once-ler to suggest leaving his bunch. So the bride and groom walked home in the sparkling night of stars through the forest.
When they arrived to the factory Natalie had started snoring. Marie and Once-ler didn't bother changing them into pajamas and only took their little black dress shoes off showing their little tight clad feet. With the twins sleeping in their cribs Marie closed the door.
"It's been a long day for them," she said.
Once-ler suddenly lifted her up and Marie squealed in surprise. The surprise left instantly when she gazed into his eyes as he led them to their room. Marie smiled warmly as she felt him push the curved handle down with his elbow. They nuzzled their faces together as he nudged the door open with his foot.
"You're really going to kill your back with lifting me and the twins," said Marie though she loved it when Once-ler lifted her.
"If I can lift and drag a Truffula Tree," said Once-ler proudly. "Then I can lift you." Before he set her down, they had a sweet kiss.
"More surprises?" said Marie as she spotted packages on the coffee table.
"I didn't get those," said Once-ler who was just as surprised.
"Are they from the girls?" asked Marie with a teasing smile.
"Not that I know of," chuckled Once-ler as he pushed the door closed with his foot.
They both sat down on the loveseat to examine the gifts. Marie took one, read the note to see it was from Betsy and carefully opened it. She lifted the lid expecting maybe cookware or a vase. It wasn't so! Marie and Once-ler were shocked to see a very small and lacey dress of dark green inside.
"I-I don't think that's for me," said Once-ler slowly. He picked up another one from Grizelda.
"I don't think that's for you either," said Marie when she watched Once-ler pull out a lavender and high cut nightie. "It's not your color," she added jokingly.
Not all were certain clothes. Ubb had given them napkin rings and from Rufus was a wedding album. Brett and Chet both bought picture frames of silver while Dashiell and Clarisse left a check of twenty dollars. Marie bit her lips in terror to see that Isabella had packed two nighties, one in red and the other black. It was an awkward thought of her mother-in-law buying something like that. Maybe it was another insult gift like the vanity, but Marie wouldn't let self-esteem issues hurt her. Not today or tonight!
"Let's just be glad we didn't open these in front of guests," said Once-ler trying to make light of it. He never understood such things; nighties and all. He couldn't see why Marie needed them when he found her attractive as she was. He lolled his head to hers and smiled dreamily.
Marie looked so beautiful. It made Once-ler feel emotional when he watched her next to him. Marie's new hair comb nestled among her curls, the light amount of makeup on her face, gown and of course all her natural beauty, inside and out, just reminded him of how wonderful she was. With how lovely Marie looked for that perfect day, it almost seemed like a pity to take her out of the dress. Almost.
"Um," Marie said. "If it's alright with you I don't want to wear these right now." She pushed the boxes of night clothes away from her.
"No problem," said Once-ler with an awkward laugh. "I don't want to think that Mom got you those."
"I think we'd need wine to forget that," said Marie nuzzling against his neck.
"I have champagne," said Once-ler smiling.
Marie laughed and watched Once-ler pry himself up to get the bottle. She soon followed and took the small glass he had prepared for her. They linked elbows for their sips and soon Once-ler frowned in disgust.
"Swallow it," giggled Marie who loved how funny his face looked. Once-ler forced the odd drink down his throat.
"I should've gotten chocolate milk instead," said Once-ler with a pained smile.
"You've been around two-year-olds too long," snickered Marie.
"Maybe," said Once-ler thoughtfully.
"Forget that then," said Marie gently. She took the glass from him and placed his and hers on the table. "We don't need champagne after all." Instead of drinking more, she hugged him tightly. "I loved your vows today," she added softly after a pause.
"I thought you would," said Once-ler slowly rubbing her back. "I thought yours were beautiful." He paused to suddenly feel Marie shift.
Marie wedged her toes against the back of her high heel to free her foot and repeated. She sunk back down to her ordinary height. Her head was right below his shoulders like always. She sighed contently when she felt the relief in her feet.
"I've been waiting for that," said Marie. She felt Once-ler's hands go to her hair and carefully take out the comb he gave her.
"And I've been waiting to do that," he added. The shower of gold loosened over his grip and she shook her head to loosen them. He laughed and took her hands.
"This was a wonderful day," whispered Marie as she clasped his back. "I don't want it to end."
"It's not over yet," said Once-ler snickering at how cliché it sounded.
"Then I want it to last forever," said Marie and (like she always did) rose up to him.
Once-ler let his lips shape into hers. It started off very tender, but it didn't last for too long. Especially when Once-ler lifted Marie enough that she wobbled on her tip toes and she twisted his hair in her fingers.
"I forgot to ask you," said Marie breaking apart so they could breathe. "Where are we going for our second honeymoon?"
"If I told you it wouldn't be a secret Beautiful," said Once-ler and he tapped Marie's button nose teasingly.
"Oh! That's not fair," whined Marie, but she grinned.
Once-ler laughed with her and they kissed again. When they parted again he stared into her sapphire eyes. He looked seriously at her. It was as if he was wanting permission for something. Marie figured what he was asking. She reached a hand behind and met his. Slowly, she started undoing the zipper of her dress and Once-ler helped. Marie wore underneath a silky slip dress and stepped out of her gown to undo the bow tie at her husband's neck. After Marie's soft fingers left his throat, Once-ler held her again. Both of them felt overwhelmed with love even as they stood there in the faint glow of their room. There was a pleasurable and comforting feeling as they stayed close together. So much so, that neither even eyed the closet to change clothes or grab their belongings for their little trip.
"I don't want to leave now," whispered Marie as if begging to stay a little longer. Not that she wasn't excited about her destination with her Once.
"Neither do I," whispered Once-ler as he nuzzled against Marie's face. "We don't have to leave now. We can leave early in the morning if you want."
"That sounds great Handsome," said Marie tenderly. "I just want to be alone with you in our home for now. For awhile."
Home. They had a real and sturdy home to enjoy. Pleased that she didn't want to go yet, Once-ler gave her a light push to their bed, knowing where she wanted to be. After three years they could figure out what the other wanted. Marie happily laid down with him over her and brushed his bangs back. She blinked back happy tears as she stared into the eyes of her beloved, the one she loved so much.
"I love you Once-ler," whispered Marie in true bliss.
Once-ler tenderly massaged her lower back when she spoke. His breathing felt labored as he looked down at his wife. Marie was all his, forever his and only his. He thought that as a good greediness entered his soul.
"I love you Roses," Once-ler whispered back.
There was nothing else to say as Marie arched up for another kiss. The night of the wedding was far from over as the young husband and wife continued their affections. Ahead of them was their future and there was much in store for Marie and The Once-ler.
Author's Note: Last part wasn't too bad was it? ;) WhiteRainAngel thank you for the fave! LittleLaugh7 and 31 thanks for the follow! Thanks for the fave and follow Whiteling and AngeliqueRox! And thank you whoever did the guest review! Lolcat1 thank you for your message and alert! Thanks for your reviews savannah (you're a twin?!) and what did you mean by gross for chapter. 4? Kinda confused there… Dress is based a couple of designs from the 50s so its retro-chic I guess! And I listened to my Marie and Once-ler playlist for this chapter!