TC Stark: Hello, my lovelies. I hope you guys like this chapter, it's really kind of sweet and romantic, which I wanted to do. I've never really written something so sweet in a while, so I hope I did an alright job. Let me know!

Disclaimer: I only own Frankie and my ideas.

Chapter Six

Howard's words stayed on Frankie's mind all that night. She hadn't been able to enjoy her night with Maggie, rather she simply went to bed. Having claimed she wasn't feeling too good. It would be too much for her to force a smile and she knew her friend would ask what was wrong. That woman was a saint really; any man would be lucky to have her. Her soul was a beautiful one.

Because of Howard's words, she felt that her own soul was ugly. It wasn't his fault. He was only being concerned. While Frankie was family and a friend, Forrest came first to him. He may not have been the best older brother, but when he could he did his job. She understood. She would do anything to protect her little sisters. That's what the eldest kin was supposed to do.

But, it didn't stop her from spiraling. No matter what she thought, she was always going to be viewed as different. As much as people accepted her, there was always going to be a part of them that were suspicious. That wondered if her condition would act up again. It was the reason the Hillcoats beat her, why Charlie Rakes raped her, and why even Clara questioned her love for Forrest.

Forrest was the only one who she genuinely believed didn't judge her. Not that she blamed anyone or became angry. They were all still her family and friends. But, from the first time she met the Immortal, he had never cast a judgmental eye towards her. It brought her some comfort as she lie in her bed, curled up and deep in thought. She never thought it would be someone like her who made her feel so insecure with herself.

In the dead morning, before the sun had even risen; Frankie felt the bed behind her sink in. Forrest had been right. It was late by the time she heard them come home. She hadn't left her bed, but she already knew that Jack had gone to bed and Howard had crashed in the spare bedroom. From the smells downstairs, she knew her fiance had made coffee as well as breakfast. He didn't sleep much.

But, he was finally in the bed. Finally next to her. Frankie let out a small whimper of relief, as his strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer. Instantly her nostrils were filled with his comforting aroma. Feeling the need to be closer to him, she turned around in his arms and buried her face within his chest. The few hairs he had tickled her face, as she breathed him in. Wrapped her arms around him and formed her body against his. She needed to feel his spirit.

While pressing her lips against his skin, Forrest ran his thumb behind her ear while murmuring, "Frankie?"

"Hm?"

His gravelly southern drawl picked her head up. Their lips only inches apart. Their eyes staring into the others'. Frankie reached up and ran her fingers through his short hair. With his thumb rubbing gentle against her soft stubble, he began to speak. His voice may not have been high pitched and perhaps at times even incoherent, but everything he had to say was important and powerful, "I ain't ever wanna stop you from being happy. If you want to be with Clara, I'm not gonna stop you."

Her heart sank. Instantly, her hand dropped, "Why is everyone demonizing me?" She asked in a saddened tone.

Forrest frowned at the look of hurt and sorrow on her face. Holding her in his arms, he reassured, "No ones doing that. Least ain't me. Howard told me who she was. I just wanna make sure you, ah, are with the right person. That you are who you are."

Frankie reached her hands up to hold the sides of his head, making sure he heard every word, "Forrest, who I am is a woman who doesn't want anyone else, but you. Whose being is dedicated completely to you. I am who I am, because of you. You were the piece that helped me be who I am today. I did love Clara and what we have did not go away. But, you're the one. I just know it in my bones. There is no question, Forrest."

He gave a simple nod that said he believed everything she said and felt the same. The most amazing thing about him was she did not need him to say a word. She felt every emotion. Just the way she was held within his arms; she knew. It made her feel even more connected with him – that he would even be willing to let her go just to assure her happiness.

His face turned stoic, as he spoke with distaste, "Too many people in our business."

"Relationships are always like that."

"I don't want mine to be," Forrest grumbled firmly, "Marry me today."

Frankie's eyes widened, her body freezing. Her heart completely dropped and she wasn't sure what to say. Of course, she knew they weren't going to have a large wedding. They weren't going to have some extravagant ceremony with a lot of guests and all the bells and whistles. She also knew she wasn't going to wear some over the top dress; if she was going to wear a gown at all. She knew they would do it their way, she just didn't know it would be this sudden.

Looking down at her, Forrest nodded, "Ain't nobody matter except us. I don't want anybody involved, but us."

Nobody, but us. Frankie's breathing slowed down and she stared deep within his eyes. It would just be them two. No Jack, no Howard. No Bertha, no mom and no dad. Just Forrest and her. It was in that moment that she truly felt like she was going to marry him. That it wasn't just a fantasy that many women dreamt about. It was a reality and it was their lives. Just her and him. Until the day they died.

Overwhelmed, she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face deep within his chest. She formed her body against his and murmured, "Make me yours, Forrest."

The two had gone that day to retrieve a marriage license; having not told anyone. They also didn't tell a soul when they traveled to the courthouse a week later. Frankie felt like they were playing a game of hide and seek the whole seven days. Neither were in the same room unless it was to sleep. Forrest was always out selling moonshine and she was always helping Maggie at Blackwater. They really didn't see each other until the day they were set to be married.

They had jumped in Forrest's car early in the morning and set off to get married. Frankie, though not rough and tough; did not dress very feminine. She couldn't remember the last time she wore a dress, if she ever even had besides being a little kid. And to wear one on her wedding day would not only be suspicious, but wouldn't be holding true to herself.

So, it was for that reason that she wore what she did. She had curled the longest part of her hair, the front; and placed it to the side. She had put on the tiniest bit of mascara and put on light colored lipstick. That itself felt a little odd for her, but since it was her wedding she should have a little bit of makeup on. There were many days that she resembled a little paperboy from the 1920s, but again it was her wedding day. So, it was for that reason she wore a nicely fitted button up white collared shirt, a white bowtie, and a pair of black a-line slacks. It was the most she had ever really dressed up.

But, Forrest was the one who looked fantastic. He had parted his hair to the side and had made sure to trim the sides, to make everything nice and neat. He had done the same thing for her, clipping the sides and then leaving the rest for her to do whatever she wanted. He looked so very handsome in a black of black pants, a dark gray collarless button up shirt, a black vest, and his signature hat. A cigar hung from his lips and it couldn't have been more picture perfect.

As Forrest made a turn, he asked in a low tone, "You alright with this? You know, your parents ain't being here?"

Frankie glanced over at her soon to be husband, before looking back at her ring. Soon she would be Mrs. Bondurant. Soon she would be legally bound to the man; her life forever entwined with his. From that day forth there would no longer be just her in her life. From that day on, she would be part of a we. A partnership. That notion alone brought her so much joy and comfort.

"It's only just you and I getting married; no one else. I hardly see the need for them," Smiling, she suggested, "We could just keep it our business...not tell anyone...for the time being."

Forrest's eyes shifted over, before keeping his gaze in front of him. There was that small smile she had seen once before, when he had first asked her to marry him. It didn't last very long, but she knew he was pleased with her answer. Of course her parents would find out eventually, as well as his brothers, but for that time being all who mattered that they were married, were them.

They had arrived at the town hall, just as the doors opened. The judge took a glance at Forrest's name and instantly knew who he was. Thankfully, he also knew that it was best to keep the Bondurant's secret to himself. It was never good to go against that family, especially the Immortal. Those in the law knew that better than anyone else.

They were led into the judge's chambers; just the three of them. No extravagant ceremony, no one else to witness what they were doing. No one else to look to; it was their decision and the only one they needed to look at, was each other. And considering how they were dressed, the chambers was a perfect setting for them.

Frankie noticed the judge glancing down at her attire, but nevertheless cleared his throat and motioned for the two to face each other. A civil ceremony only last about five minutes, so it wasn't very long until they were led up to the climax of the event, "Would you two like to exchange rings?" He finally asked.

It was then that Forrest looked at the judge curiously and raised his eyebrow, "She already got a ring."

Frankie smiled, while bowing her head down. The judge cleared his throat and continued on, "Right. Forrest, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherish? In sickness and in health? For better or for worst? Until death do you part?"

"I do."

"And, Francesca," She softly winced, hating being called that, "Do you take..."

The judge's words fell upon deaf ears. She already knew what he was asking and needn't pay attention. Rather, she simply looked up at Forrest and gazed into his eyes. Seeing the man that she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Her breath became hitched in the back of her throat. She was no longer a little girl that was told what she did was immature and silly. She was a grown woman and was becoming a wife.

With this realization, her Hazel eyes brightened and she expressed with happiness, "I do."

Nodding, the judge continued, "Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Frankie let out a sigh of relief, as the grip on her hands tightened. Wait, when had he held her hands? She looked down and silently gasped, as their hands were hooked together. She supposed in the confines of the judge's chambers he felt more comfortable in showing some physical affection, even if it was just a simple gesture as holding hands.

Though she was not surprised, and actually amused; when he turned around and commanded the judge, "Turn around."

He looked at Forrest in a confused manner, as Frankie gave a small shrug, "You heard the man."

The judge groaned and rolled his eyes, before turning around. Forrest let out a low grunt, before turning back towards his now wife. Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her forward. Frankie's arms instantly looped around his neck and she pressed her body closer to his. And then they took their first kiss as man and wife.

Forrest held Frankie close, as he pushed his mouth further against hers. They had kissed so many times before, but they were then kissing for the first time as husband and wife. That notion ran through both of their bodies, as he sprayed his fingers out on her back. Holding her so close to him. She was his and he was hers. They were there to protect each other. Cherish each other. It was such an overwhelming feeling; someone who would be completely reliant on you.

When they finally did part, Forrest made a low grunting noise to let the judge know that he could turn around. He did so and cleared his throat once more, before announcing, "Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Bondurant."

It was still early, by the time they hopped in his car and headed home. Frankie felt the tugs of fatigue on her body and she found her head resting back, her eyes half lid. Lying back in her seat, she had never felt more relaxed and at peace. Knowing that she was then Mrs. Bondurant was such a new feeling, but one she easily accepted.

As Forrest drove along, the blonde haired girl turned her head over to him and watched him. Even though he had the same expression as always, she could tell that he was happy. Somehow, she could look upon him and know exactly what he was thinking and what he was feeling. There were no need for words; only the energy that passed along between them.

Reaching her hand over, Frankie touched her hand upon his thigh. Her husband's thigh. At the young age – well, not entirely young at that time – of twenty-four, she was a wife. There was no one else that she would rather spend her life with an she was overjoyed with the fact that it was him. Touching him let her know that she wasn't dreaming.

With his eyes still on the road, he reached his free hand down and intertwined his fingers with hers. Frankie smiled, as he gave her a firm squeeze, letting her know that everything was going to be alright. With him in her life, she believed that no evil could touch her. He was her savior; her heart and her very soul. They had just made it official.

When Frankie and Forrest had got home, she could already smell Maggie's cooking before she even stepped onto the porch. Once the blonde slipped out of the car, the large man walked around to her side, "Frankie?"

"Yes?" She smiled, while tilting her head up.

Licking his lips, he took a glance over to Blackwater, before shifting his feet and glancing down, "I know I ain't the most...expressive man, but...ugh...I want to let you know...you're my wife now. And I love you."

Frankie gave an easy smile, knowing that it was hard for him to put his feelings into words, "I know, Forrest, you don't ever need to worry about reassuring me."

Forrest gave a small nod, "Well, you should know...you ain't ever have to worry – I ain't ever going to let anything happen to you. You're the one stable thing in my life."

"Thank you," She breathlessly expressed, while looking up at him honestly, "No one has ever made me feel the way you do. And I'm not going anywhere."

Nodding firmly, Forrest let out a small um, before turning and heading towards Blackwater. Frankie smiled to herself, while following. When they were inside, they saw that Maggie was behind the bar counter cooking up breakfast. Eggs were cracked open, chunks of ham were sizzling atop the stove, and bread was being toasted in the oven.

Turning around, the redhead gave that bright smile of hers while greeting, "Morning, you two. Where ya been?"

"The doctor, just checking Forrest." Frankie explained quickly, since the two hadn't discussed what they should use as an alibi.

Forrest shifted over towards his wife, before nodding over to Maggie. She bought it; considering all his near death experiences it was a good decision to meet with a doctor every once in a while. Taking a pull of her cigarette, she instructed, "Well, someone wake up Jack, we can all have breakfast like one big family."

It was Forrest who volunteered to wake up his younger brother, as Frankie walked over towards her redheaded friend. Being married gave her a new outlook in life and she happily wrapped her arms around Maggie's waist, "We're already one big happy family. The Bondurant family."