It's been a while. I've missed this! This one is about 4K. Enjoy!
Lizzie, Darcy, and Isabella flew to Lizzie's hometown on the last Thursday in June for Jane's wedding weekend. It was Izzy's first time on a plane (well, outside the belly. Lizzie had flown with Izzy inside her multiple times, even before she knew she was carrying her). She was 7 months old by the time Jane's wedding rolled around and she did well on the plane. She slept through the short flight.
The last time any of the Bennets had seen the baby in-person was for New Year's and she wasn't even two months old then. She was almost a totally different baby. But her eyes were still her mother's and her hair was still dark like her father's.
Mrs. Bennet scooped her granddaughter up when they arrived at her doorstep, which incited the arguing over who got to hold her. Lizzie and Darcy were greeting everyone and Lizzie asked, "Where's Bing?".
"Oh, he and Jane are gonna stay separated until they meet at the altar on Saturday! You know the groom can't see the bride before the weddin'!", answered Mrs. Bennet. That rule usually just applied to the day of, but Mrs. Bennet felt it best to not take any chances.
Jane sighed. "Sadly, Bing and I won't be able to see each other or speak to one another. Not even through Domino. We're just texting each other."
"She's been moping around since he dropped her off here. It's like, you're going to be together for the rest of your lives. Enjoy the break!", Lydia chimed in.
"Do you ladies mind if I steal Thomas for a while? Mr. Lee and Bing invited us over for some 'guy-time'.", Darcy asked, with his cell phone in hand. He had texted Bing that he'd arrived and Bing texted back with the suggestion.
"Not at all! We can make this a girl's day! Call those sweet Lee women over! Let's go to the spa!", suggested Mrs. Bennet excitedly.
The girls looked at each other and shrugged, which their mother knew to mean "Yes." She gave the baby over to Lydia so that she could call the spa she frequented to make arrangements for them.
The spa day was nice but the girls were relieved to have some alone time that night. Mr. Bennet and Darcy were discussing something in his study and Mrs. Bennet was fussing over Isabella in the living room, so the girls were able to talk.
Lydia and Lizzie teased Jane mercilessly over the new color of her dress and Lydia poked and prodded enough that Jane finally divulged the details of her and Bing's first time. There was lots of giggling and pillow-throwing, like they used to do when they were teens.
The next day, more of their family and friends started arriving. Some of Bing's family and A LOT of Mrs. Bennet's family flew in for the big day. Also, Aaron joined Caroline, Charlotte and her boyfriend Patrick (Aaron's brother) came, Gigi and her boyfriend flew in, and Fitz and Brandon were able to make it. Jane and the girls were out all day handling some last-minute details for the wedding and reception, including paying the photographers that were supposed to take pictures the whole day.
The night before the wedding, Jane was very excited and couldn't sleep well. She texted Bing to see if he was up and he was.
Jane: Bing?
Bing: Why are you up? Go to sleep!
Jane: Did I wake you?
Bing: No, I couldn't sleep either.
Jane: Do you still want to marry me?
Bing: Of course. Do you still want to marry me?
Jane: Of course, silly. I'm just excited about tomorrow.
Jane: And I miss you.
Bing: I also can't wait for tomorrow! I miss you too, bunny…
Jane sighed longingly. She looked over at Lydia, whose bed she was sharing, and was relieved to see her sister was sleeping deeply. She got out of bed and paced around for a minute before dialing Bing's number.
*ring ring*
"Hello?", said Bing quietly.
"Hey."
"If your mom found out we were talking, she'd kill us.", Bing said with a chuckle.
"I know.", she giggled.
"What's up, bunny? Is something wrong?"
"No… I just wanted to hear your voice before I tried going to sleep."
"Oh. Okay. Well, if you're going to sleep right after this, go to sleep with these words still in your ear: I love you, Jane Bennet-soon-to-be-Lee. And I am looking forward to the rest of our life together. By this time tomorrow, you'll be in my arms in another country. Far, far away from all of this. It'll be just us."
Jane smiled at the thought. "That sounds really good right now."
"Are you going to sleep now?"
"Yes. You get some sleep, too."
"I will if you will."
"I love you, Bing."
"I love you, too. Good night."
Jane went to sleep with thoughts of her honeymoon swirling around in her head.
On the big day, everything went smoothly. Isabella proved useful in keeping Mrs. B off the girls' backs as they got ready. Their mother wanted to wear a ridiculously feathery hat, which the girls fought tooth and nail to get her to change. "You're going to shift all the attention from Jane to yourself if you wear that, Mom. It's her big day!", they argued. She sighed in defeat and opted for a less flamboyant hat.
When Jane arrived at the church that afternoon after taking wedding pictures, everyone was waiting for her eagerly. Bing stood by the altar with Darcy as his best man, and Aaron, Fitz, and a close cousin as his groomsmen. Caroline, Charlotte, and Lydia all walked in before Jane as her bridesmaids. Lizzie was her maid of honor and she gave Jane a tight hug before walking in. "Just look at Bing, Janie. You haven't seen him all weekend. Don't be nervous and just look at him.", Lizzie advised her before joining the rest of the group. When it was finally her turn, Jane took a deep breath and walked through the doors.
Everyone turned to look at her walking down the aisle. She was like an angel. She opted out of wearing a veil and had her up in one of her pin-up-esque hairstyles, and she looked straight into Bing's eyes as she walked towards him, as if no one else were in the room but him. Bing's eyes were also glued to his future wife and he would proudly admit that some tears escaped him when he saw Jane walking toward him in an off-white, capped-sleeve, mermaid, vintage lace dress. She was the epitome of elegance, beauty, and grace as she floated down the rose-petaled aisle towards the love of her life.
The ceremony was beautiful and then came the most important questions:
"Do you, Bing Lee, take Jane Bennet…", started the priest.
Bing was staring at Jane and he answered, "I do.", with a big smile as he slipped the ring on her finger.
Jane did the same. And they kissed before the priest gave them to go-ahead, which caused lot of laughter from the audience.
The reception was held in a hotel ballroom and it was beautiful. Jane did almost all of the planning herself and everything turned out exactly as she pictured it. She wanted it to be a joyful party, so her colors were soft yellows and oranges. Some linens were yellow, some orange. They had white and yellow and orange flowers on all the tables. Her bridesmaids all had yellow and orange dresses (the girls were all initially very hesitant about the colors but they came around when they saw the dresses Jane had picked out for them). It was very summer, which she loved.
She and Bing sat in the middle of a long table that they shared with their families. Mrs. Bennet, Mr. Bennet, Lydia, Lizzie, and Darcy and Izzy sat to Jane's right while Mrs. Lee, Mr. Lee, Caroline, and Aaron sat to Bing's left. Lizzie and Darcy had the last two seats on Jane's side, with Isabella's stroller right next to Darcy.
After toasts from everyone that wanted to say a few words, the couple was invited down to the dance floor for their first dance as Mr. and Mrs. Lee. The mothers of the couple couldn't help but cry at the sight of their newlywed kids looking so happy.
After the first dance, the floor was open to everyone and many people got up to dance. Mrs. Bennet immediately hopped up from her seat. Mr. Bennet thought that maybe she wanted to dance, but no. Mrs. B quickly walked over to Lizzie and said, "Hand over my grandbaby and get up, Elizabeth! We've got to show y'all off to my sisters!"
"Really, Mom? You have to brag now? Can't we just enjoy the party?"
"Now, now, Elizabeth. The sooner we do this, the sooner you and Darcy can do... whatever it is y'all do. I'll babysit, of course… WAIT! I've got a fabulous idea! You and Darcy go dance a few songs while I show the baby off! That way, I can say I'm just holding you while you two dance. I can kill three birds with one stone: show off my grandbaby, show off my daughters, and show off my sons-in-law! Go on, now! Stay on the edge so I can point y'all out! Ohh Bettie and Cathy are gonna be so jealous!", she said to herself with mischievous eyes and a smirk as she walked away.
Lizzie rolled her eyes at her mother's ridiculousness. Darcy promptly got up and helped Lizzie out of her seat. They walked to the dance floor hand-in-hand and were joined by Gigi and her boyfriend.
"William! Lizzie! You guys looks great!", she commented as she went in for hugs.
Lizzie and Darcy had been so busy being a part of the wedding party that they hadn't had time to greet Gigi earlier. She hadn't seen her big bro in-person in months and every time she saw him again she couldn't believe how much he'd changed. He looked so much younger and happier than he did months ago. Lizzie looked different too. Every time Gigi saw her, she felt that Lizzie was more confident. That was true. Part of it was that she had lost her baby weight and felt more comfortable in her own skin, but it was more than that. She had a great job, a beautiful baby, and a partner that loved her as much as she loved him, if not more. Why wouldn't she be confident?
"Hello, Gigi.", Darcy said with a smile. He was so proud of how Gigi had become her own person.
"You both look great as well, Gigi. How's life in Sanditon?", Lizzie asked and they all chatted.
After a few songs, Lizzie checked to see where her mother was and found her still chatting with her family. Little Isabella was awake in her grandmother's arms and Lizzie could swear that she had rolled her eyes, however it was probably a trick of the light. That made Lizzie chuckle anyway. She was torn from her amusement when the master of ceremonies declared that the newlyweds were going to dance with their siblings and their parents. Bing was going to dance with Caroline and since he was the closest thing Jane had to a brother, Jane would dance with Darcy. Then Jane wold dance with Mr. B and Bing wold dance with his mom.
When Jane and Darcy were dancing, it wasn't as awkward as it was the other time.
"This is much better than last summer at Ricky's wedding is it not, Mrs. Lee?"
Jane laughed. "I have to get used to it. Jane Lee.", she said smiling.
"And look, you fulfilled the prophecy. You caught the bouquet and now we're at your wedding.", he commented.
"Oh, yes! That's right! Such a shame Ricky couldn't make it. If I recall correctly, the only reason we danced together last time was because you also caught the garter."
Darcy chuckled. "Yes, you are correct. That is the second time now. The first time I had to dance with Lizzie. The next time, I'll probably have to dance with Lydia."
They both laughed.
"Well, that's only if you aren't married by the next wedding you attend…", Jane pointed out.
Darcy cleared his throat and said, "This song is longer than I anticipated."
Jane laughed. "I was just making an observation, Darcy. Don't freak out."
"The thought of marrying Lizzie doesn't 'freak me out', it's just that we are not ready yet. I very much look forward to becoming Lizzie's husband in the future. Especially after seeing her walk down the aisle today… You and I haven't spent much time together, Jane. I have always felt guilty about sabotaging your relationship with Bing and even after you forgave Caroline and me, I haven't gotten the chance to get to know you better since we now live on opposite sides of the country. But I would like to confide in you, brother to sister."
Jane nodded. She hadn't expected Darcy to get so deep.
Darcy's eyes glazed over as if he were in a distant place. "When your sister walked down the aisle before you, my heart skipped a beat after it had been beating rapidly in anticipation of seeing her. It felt as if time had slowed down in order to give me more time to watch her. I was absolutely mesmerized by her but more so by the idea of her walking down the aisle again, but not as a bridesmaid."
Jane's heart swelled and she whispered, "Oh my, Darcy that is beautiful. You should tell her that. Regardless of whether you two are ready to get married, I'm sure she would love to know that you're excited."
Darcy smiled. "I think I will let her know."
They didn't speak for the rest of the song but they were both smiling. Jane smiled because she was so happy; not only for herself, but for her little sister. She had always suspected Darcy had a thing for Lizzie, since the beginning, but to hear how he felt about Lizzie filled her with joy for her sister's future beside this man.
Darcy smiled because he was thinking about his family and the future. And it looked so bright.
When the dance was over, Darcy escorted Jane over to Mr. Bennet and when he returned to Lizzie she asked him what he and Jane were talking about.
"You two seemed really chatty. You aren't devising some crazy plan to run away with my sister, are you? I wouldn't blame you. She looked so angelic walking down the aisle earlier."
Darcy grabbed Lizzie's hand and kissed it. "Do not fret, my love. The only Bennet I would like to run away with is you."
Lizzie smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
"Does Francine still have our daughter?", he asked.
"Yup. She's been in Mom's arms all this time. How about you go get her?"
Darcy nodded and got up to request his baby girl back. He was successful in his quest but had to endure several minutes of conversation with some of Mrs. Bennet's family members.
The night was spent eating, dancing, and drinking with all of their families and friends. The only complaint of the party was that it had to end. Jane and Bing had to catch a flight for their honeymoon so they left a little earlier than everyone else.
When they got back to the Bennet house, Mr. and Mrs. B knocked out. Their roles as parents of the bride tired them out. Lydia was exhausted as well. She didn't get wasted like she would have a few years ago, but she was a little buzzed and she had woken up really early to get ready, so she was also very tired.
Lizzie and Darcy were tired as well but they had to get Isabella ready for bed before they could lay their heads down. Lizzie changed her diaper, Darcy put her in a little onesie that barely fit her anymore, Lizzie breastfed her, and then Darcy rocked her to sleep.
When Izzy was fast asleep, Lizzie and Darcy were finally able to get ready for bed. Lizzie removed her shoes and jewelry and asked Darcy to unzip her dress. Darcy removed his shoes and socks and loosened his tie.
"Can you believe that doesn't fit her? The tag says 6-9 months! She is going to be a big girl.", Lizzie commented.
"Well, she is a Darcy..."
Lizzie sighed. "True."
Lizzie was removing her make-up with a wipe, when her phone beeped. Before going to bed, Lydia had sent Lizzie a picture.
"Hey, babe, can you check my phone please?"
Darcy opened the message and said, "It is a picture message from your sister. I believe it is of your cousin Mary when she caught the bouquet."
Lizzie laughed loudly and then covered her mouth. She didn't want to disturb Izzy.
"Let me see!", she whispered excitedly as she ran over to Darcy.
He handed her the phone and Lizzie threw her head back in silent laughter. Darcy stared at her and laughed as well. She probably thought it was from the picture but he was laughing at Lizzie. In addition to her maniacal silent giggling, her hair was all disheveled, half her face still had make up, and her dress's upper half was hanging by her waist, as she'd only bothered to partially remove it. It was a sight to behold.
When Lizzie calmed down, she wiped tears from her eyes and put her phone down. She went back to her task of removing her makeup.
"That picture is gold. I'm framing that. Mary looks so shocked. The perfect example of a deer in headlights… Ya know, I half thought that you were gonna catch the garter again; not that guy. I think he was one of Bing's unwed uncles. Poor Mary. That guy was handsy. Her boyfriend did not look happy."
While Lizzie was having her fit, Darcy had finished stripping to his boxers and had already hopped into their not-so-comfortable air bed.
"Your sister and I kind of touched on that subject while we were dancing.", he mentioned.
"Really?", Lizzie asked interestedly as she finally removed the rest of her bridesmaids dress and put on her pajamas.
"Yes. We talked about how the last time we danced it was at Ricky's wedding and how she caught the bouquet and I the garter."
"Oh yeah! That's right. Too bad Ricky and Jamie couldn't make it."
"Yes. We spoke about that and then she said that maybe the next wedding I attend I won't be unmarried."
"Hmm. Did she try to pressure you? She's joined the club. She and mom and going to be harassing us, you just wait and see-"
"No, she didn't pressure me. I just told her we weren't ready… but that I look forward to it."
Lizzie smiled. "Oh, yeah?", she asked as she finished brushing out her hair and putting it in a messy bun on top of her head.
"Yes. Seeing you walk down the aisle felt like a trial run. It got me very excited for our future as husband and wife."
"Aww, Will!", she said exclaimed as she got into bed and cuddled up next to him. "Well I'll have you know that I was thinking the same thing."
Darcy pulled Lizzie closer to him and asked, "Really?"
Lizzie nodded. "I told Jane to look at Bing so she wouldn't get nervous with all the people staring at her and I did the same. Except I was looking at you… And I was kind of imagining that the bridal march playing was for me. I felt silly thinking that but now that I know that you kind of did it too, I don't feel like such a dork.", she confessed.
Darcy tilted Lizzie's chin up so that he could look at her properly. "I love you, Lizzie, dorkiness and all."
Lizzie smiled. She could never get tired of hearing him say that. They told each other they loved each other every day. In the mornings, at the end of phone conversations, and at night before bed, even if they had fought earlier. But sometimes, his words struck her more forcefully than usual. That night, cuddled with Darcy on an airbed in her old bedroom filled with all her mom's junk, and their seven month-old daughter sleeping in her playpen next to them after a very joyous day celebrating her older sister's marriage, his declaration of love knocked the air out of her. It gave her butterflies and left her speechless for a little while.
So she kissed him.
She grabbed his face and brought it down to hers and she kissed him with everything she had. Long, desperate kisses on his mouth broken up by little hungry kisses on his jaw and his neck. She kissed him until she couldn't breathe anymore.
"I love you, too, Will. So, so much. And we are going to get married. It's not a matter of if. Just when. And when the time is right, we'll know.", she declared as she stroked his hair.
"I know. But I'd like you to agree to one thing concerning our engagement.", he asked, his expression getting a little more serious.
"Anything.", Lizzie answered, bracing herself.
Darcy looked her in the eyes, his penetrating stare in full force. "Promise me that I'll get to do it. That I will get to propose to you. Asking you to marry me and hearing you say yes will be one of the most satisfying things that can happen to me. All I ask is that you let me do it. We live in a time and place where it would be completely valid and acceptable if you were to propose to me but I really, really want to be the that asks."
"Okay. I can see you feel strongly about this, so I agree. It would have been cool to do it but go ahead. When you feel like we're ready, ask me. And I promise you I'll probably say yes.", she said with a smirk.
"I will take my chances.", he said, relieved.
"If you get to propose to me, then I get to propose to you. But later. After like twenty years or something. I'm gonna ask you to marry me again. To renew our vows. Deal?"
"Deal.", he said with a chuckle. "I promise you I'll probably say yes."
"After twenty years with me, who knows?", she said jokingly.
"I know.", stated Darcy sincerely.
"I know.", she agreed.
One last kiss and Lizzie was cocooned in Darcy's arms. They went to sleep dreaming of the future.
I don't know why, but I kind of got a vibe when rereading this chapter. Like a 'this is the last chapter' vibe. If anybody else got that feeling, it's not!
Next chapter Lizzie and Darcy get engaged and chapter after that they get married. And then there's an epilogue. The chapter where Darcy proposes I wrote months ago before this chapter. This one I wrote recently. I might have to change some things after having written this one. It'll probably be up in a couple weeks, tops. Anyway, this is not me promising anything but it is me saying that there is an end in sight. Like Lizzie said in this chapter, "It's not a matter of if, just when."
If you are reading this then that means you've read all 39 previous chapters and you waited months for this and I really appreciate it! Thank you all for sticking around for so long and I hope you're enjoying the story. The LBD has been done for a while now (aside from those two bonus videos which if you weren't aware, go watch them ASAP!) and I still love Lizzie and Darcy.
Until next time, everyone! Which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.
*Cyberhugs*