Minnie looked a dream as she walked down the aisle the next morning. Laura was her bridesmaid, and Daniel was Alf's best man. Their wedding breakfast was a delight, and everyone was excited to see the young couple happily settled. Sally Arless soon took Minnie's place, and she worked diligently and with ease. Dorcas and Gabriel announced their engagement to the rest of society about a week after Minnie and Alf's wedding. Everyone, from both Lark Rise and Candleford, came to congratulate them. The Misses Pratt insisted on designing Dorcas' wedding gown, and between planning her wedding, spending time with Gabriel and Sydney, and running the post office, the six weeks before her quickly evaporated.
"Where did all the time go?" thought Dorcas to herself one day. "It seems that just yesterday, Minnie was married, and here tomorrow will be my turn."
As if reading her thoughts, Gabriel said, "Yes, and tomorrow cannot come fast enough in my mind." Dorcas blushed at the meaning of his words. "Are you packed for traveling tomorrow?"
"Yes, I don't really like to travel, and yet I want to be someplace away from here and the prying eyes that live here. I think a change of scenery will do me good, and give me a greater appreciation for what I -we- have here." Dorcas paused as if in great thought. "Gabriel, are you sure you will be content staying here, in the post office? I know you wanted to create more machines, and open up your own forge, but here, in Candleford, there is no place for that."
"I don't care so long as I am with you. Don't you know, darling that you are more to me than anything I could ever want or have? I love you, truly, deeply, more than I could ever love some machine or forge. I would be heartbroken to leave you now. Nothing can tear me away from you. You are stuck forever, Dorcas Lane."
At that, Dorcas blushed more deeply, then sighed contentedly. "There is not much left to do before tomorrow, and yet I feel as though I have everything possible to do. Laura will be in charge of the Post Office while we are gone, Sydney and Sally and Laura will call on Thomas and Margaret should anything happen, and we will only be a telegraph and train ride away should they need us."
"Yes. Now my dear, it is time you relax. Everything is well in hand. You have done a marvelous job," said Gabriel, leaning down to kiss Dorcas. Just as their lips touched, the clock struck the hour. "Well, I should be off. How I long for the days I no longer have to leave at night!"
"That will only be one more day. Less than, even. I cannot believe how my life has changed in the last few years. First Sydney, now you. I don't think I knew true happiness before you came." And with that, Dorcas led Gabriel to the back door.
"Goodnight, darling. I am counting the hours until I can tell you that inside instead of out."
"Good Night Dorcas. I love you."
"I love you too, Gabriel."