A/N: Here we are! MAHOOSIVE chapter, and I apologize if those aren't your thing. I promise to get back to normal-sized ones soon, beginning with chapter 50.
Shout-out to brenna-louise for her fab beta work, and a little fist bump to Hogwarts Duo for letting me run a few things by her. I'd also be remiss in not thanking OJBF3 for her gentle tapping.
AMAZING artwork for this can be seen on my tumblr page - which you can find by googling "chelsiesouloftheabbey." THANK YOU to dameofdownstairs - they are both so lovely! xx
Song for the actual wedding is on my Spotify for "After the Fall" (same username there, too) and the readings are all based on things I found online and also on my own experience planning one. ;)
Please take a moment to leave a review and let me know what you think.
Let's roll!
CSotA
PS: Grab a hankie. xx
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Wedding Day
Tommy rolled over and gazed out the window. The sun had woken him today, pouring in through the curtains that he'd forgotten to pull closed before going to sleep. He stayed in bed for a few more minutes as he listened to the sounds of the house - quieter today, of course, with Elsie and Daisy staying at Aunt Mary's.
Max's nails clicked across the floor and Tommy moved his own legs to the side of his bed. Max hopped up, tail wagging, and Tommy pulled the dog into his lap, hugging him tightly and talking to him. Max - ever the good listener - stared into Tommy's face with his deep brown eyes, as though he truly understood all of Tommy's concerns and fears.
Max eventually hopped down, though, and Tommy got out of bed and got dressed. He didn't bother showering yet, knowing he'd have plenty of time for that before the wedding. He tossed his blanket up in the general vicinity of the pillow and then made his way into the kitchen, where Charles was seated in his customary chair at the dining room table.
"Good morning," Charles said. His deep voice rumbled across the empty space, but there was a kindness in it that Tommy always appreciated.
"Morning," Tommy mumbled, grabbing cereal, milk, a bowl, and a spoon from the kitchen. He brought them to the table and sat, then poured himself some tea from the pot Charles had already prepared. He counted on that tea being there; Elsie had made him some when he'd first started coming by the farm and he'd been shocked to realize he really liked it - fragrant, soothing, something about it that he couldn't really explain. Homey, he thought.
"We'll head out whenever you're ready," Charles told him.
"Horses are done?" Tommy asked around a mouthful of cereal, and Charles nodded.
"Yes, and the chickens are out. It's a gorgeous day," he said gratefully.
"Yeah, thank goodness. Wouldn't want to have it rain on the wedding - especially not on the beach."
Charles looked distracted for a moment, and Tommy shot him a quizzical look.
"Oh, it's nothing, really," Charles said, waving his hand at the boy. "Just … I was remembering that it poured buckets the day I married Daisy's Mum. Everyone said that was supposed to be good luck. I think I rather prefer the sun shining down on us today."
Tommy nodded, unsure of what to say. But one thing he did know, he reminded himself silently, was that if anyone was meant to have a happy marriage, it was Elsie and Charles.
When he finished his breakfast, Tommy brought his dishes into the kitchen and then headed to brush his teeth; ten minutes later, he and Charles were in the Volvo and driving away from the farm.
"Can we stop there?" Tommy asked at one point, indicating a roadside stand.
"Of course," Charles replied.
They made their purchase and got back on their way, and both Charles and Tommy spent the remainder of the short ride in silence. Tommy was trying to focus on the rest of the day ahead, on the happiness he had felt a couple of weeks ago when he, Elsie, Charles, and Daisy had visited with the social worker who'd come by the house to begin the formal adoption proceedings.
"It's been a very short time," the man had cautioned. "Are you sure?"
Elsie had smiled at Tommy, an amused glint in her eye, speaking silently to him: He thinks we're not sure? That we haven't discussed this properly, perhaps?
"We're sure," Tommy had replied, and Elsie had given a slight nod of approval as Charles was echoing the sentiment.
"Alright," the man had said. "Well, then, it looks as though we've got work to do." He'd pulled out a stack of paperwork and they'd set to it, doing as much as possible to get things moving ahead for November.
But Tommy couldn't quite grasp that happy, sure feeling now, and as Charles pulled the car up the path and in between the grassy plots, Tommy clutched more tightly at the newly-purchased flowers in his hands.
Charles and Tommy got out of the car, and Charles stayed on his side. "Do you want me to come with you?" he asked.
Tommy shook his head, his jaw clenched tightly. "Not yet," he whispered.
Charles watched as Tommy made his way to his mother's headstone, the newly-grown grass still thin, the flowers that Elsie and Daisy had helped Tommy to plant blossoming red and pink, their fragrance on the breeze. He saw the boy kneel down and then lean forward to place the flowers they'd picked up on the base of the stone. Charles could just make out the top-most words from where he stood, until the breeze caught Tommy's hair and fluttered it in front of the engraving:
Laura M. Barrow
August 25, 1984 ~ April 6, 2015
Beloved Mother
"Hey, Mum," Tommy whispered, rubbing his fingers over the letters of her name. "How are you? I miss you so much. I'm sorry that we didn't get here last week, but there was a lot going on. I know you're with me, though, all the time. I feel you. I'm glad you're still visiting me when I sleep."
He moved off of his knees to sit on the ground, his legs tucked underneath him. "It's been hard, missing you. There are so many things I wish I could talk to you about. I mean, I can talk to you here, but it's not the same. Still, Elsie's been there. She gets me, I think ... like you used to. It's not the same, but I know you'd have loved her if you'd ever really met and spent time together." He paused, his face scrunched up. "You know, Mum, I wonder ... sometimes ... if Elsie was sent to me because you'd have to leave."
He wiped at his eyes and was quiet for a few minutes, gathering his thoughts, before Charles heard him start to speak again.
"The wedding is today. It's beautiful out, Mum - couldn't be more perfect. It makes me feel like you're smiling down on us, giving your approval for what we're going to do. I worried about that, you know. I've been looking for a sign that you'd be upset, but the more I thought about it, the more I'm sure you'd just be happy."
Charles saw Tommy's back start to shake, and he slowly walked around the car and approached the boy from behind. He knew Tommy had registered his presence and he crouched down beside him, resting his hand on Tommy's shoulder, not saying a word.
Tommy took a deep breath, understanding Charles's quiet way of supporting him: I'm here for you, the gesture said. You don't have to do this alone.
"It sounds like I'm saying goodbye, Mum," Tommy said roughly, "and I'm not. But it'll be different, after today, after the wedding.
"Charles is here with me - can you see him? He's helped me to see that even though I'm becoming part of their family, that I'll still always be yours. He says I need a family to take care of me because you can't. And I do. And they take good care of us. Charles and Elsie -" He broke off and looked back at Charles, who just smiled encouragingly at him. "- they're good parents. They watch out for us, and they make sure I don't get into trouble. And I can talk to them, like I can talk to you. And they're … well … they're kind to us. I think I'm more used to that now.
"I guess that's it, Mum. I just wanted to come and see you and talk to you about it all. I was scared, thought maybe you'd be sad today, sad that I have this new family now. But now that I say it all out loud to you, I think you're not. You loved me so much, and I know you'd want me to be taken care of."
His emotions shattered then, both in sadness at the despair of missing Laura, his grief still so raw when he let it surface like this, and also in relief for the realization that, from today, he truly did have a new family that was committing itself to finish the job that Laura Barrow had begun: raising him, helping him grow and become a good man, despite all that life had been throwing his way.
He stood up after a while, making his way back to the car. Charles said nothing the entire way home, for which Tommy was grateful. No words were needed, really - both man and boy knew exactly where they stood: on sure, solid ground, in the kindest and most loving of families, at last.
"Da, da, da-da. Da, da, da-da!" Daisy sang, practically squealing as she burst into Elsie's room and leapt onto the bed.
"Mmph," Elsie mumbled, yawning into the pillow she'd been clutching.
After drifting off to sleep with dreams of her baby floating through her mind, Elsie had woken suddenly at around eleven. She'd then had a ridiculously hard time falling back to sleep; at about half past two, she'd gotten up and padded down to the kitchen for some warm milk laced with vanilla - an old trick of her mother's from years ago, when Elsie had just been a wee lass on the farm. It wasn't brandy, though, which she would have gone for normally, and it didn't work as well as it had when she was a child; she reckoned she'd finally fallen asleep again at about three.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Just gone seven," Daisy said. "Should I let you sleep some more?" Just as she asked, she let out a huge yawn of her own.
"We don't have anything to do until ten," Elsie stated. "So, yes."
"May I stay?" Daisy asked quietly, already snuggling down next to Elsie and commandeering the extra pillow.
"Of course," Elsie murmured, placing a kiss to Daisy's head. She gently rolled onto her back, cursing herself for having slept on her side, but her back seemed fine from what she could tell. She extended her arm toward her girl, and smiled as Daisy tucked herself in.
Two minutes later, both were fast asleep.
When Beryl came in with tea a couple of hours later, Elsie and Daisy were sitting up against the headboard, chatting away.
"Sorry if I'm interrupting," Beryl said kindly, "but you'll have to get out of bed soon. It's your wedding day, and it might be a good idea to be somewhat prepared."
"My wedding day," Elsie said, shaking her head. "There was a time when I never thought I'd utter those words again!"
Beryl deposited the tray on the bureau and sat on the corner of the bed. "I know, love," she said. "But good things come to those who wait."
Elsie hugged Daisy to her side and squeezed her tightly. "The best things," she said, smiling brightly at Daisy, who nodded in return.
Beryl got up to pour a cup of tea for Elsie. "Daisy," she said, "why don't you head on out to the kitchen? Your Aunties are putting some last-minute touches on things and they've asked for your help. There are pancakes in the warmer of the oven, too, so you can eat breakfast while you all chat."
"Sure," Daisy said, climbing off the bed. But she turned swiftly back to Elsie and asked, "Nails at one?"
Elsie smiled and nodded. "Nails at one," she confirmed. "You did remember to bring the polish, didn't you?"
"Oh, yes," Daisy confirmed. "It's sitting on the nightstand in our room."
Elsie and Beryl watched as Daisy flitted out of the room, and Beryl closed the door behind her before returning to Elsie's side, tea in hand.
"How are you feeling?" she asked. "Did you sleep at all? I heard you walking about at all hours."
"Oh, I'm sorry if I kept the rest of you up," Elsie apologized, but Beryl shook her head.
"No, don't worry. You know I'm up a million times anyhow, and I didn't hear anyone else. But you're alright, other than the obvious pre-wedding jitters?"
Elsie took a deep breath and nodded. "Yes, I think I am," she smiled. "I thought it would be harder spending last night apart, and I actually got more sleep than I expected to. Still, though … not enough."
"Well, it seems that having a visitor this morning helped you catch a couple of more hours," Beryl replied fondly.
"Too true. And I did chat with Charlie before bed last night. But to answer your original question, I'm feeling alright. No nausea; that seems to be better if I wait a bit before eating in the morning. Other than the overwhelming fatigue, which should only last a few more weeks, I'm doing fine."
"Well, you'll have plenty of time to rest over the next week," Beryl said. "You know … when you're not doing other honeymoon things …"
Elsie swatted at Beryl's leg, but her friend avoided it, cackling good-naturedly in the process.
"Oh, come on now," Beryl laughed. "You have to be careful; you don't have to abstain."
"Thank God," Elsie breathed, blushing. "Oh, do you know if Violet arrived?"
"Well, that puts a damper on the sex conversation," Beryl quipped. "And I think that she got in last night. I'm surprised Charles didn't tell you."
"Oh, Isobel was picking her up, so I'm not sure if he knew. But she's the last of the bunch. To tell the truth, I love Violet, but I'm so glad she hasn't been here these last weeks."
"Worried she'd have interfered with the planning?" Beryl asked, a knowing look about her.
But Elsie surprised her. "No," she said. "Actually, I think she'd have left that alone. But one thing I am fairly certain of: by the time this day is over, she'll have guessed that I'm pregnant."
"What? How?"
Elsie just chuckled. "Just a feeling I have," she said. "Violet's … perceptive. She'll know something's up for sure. I only hope I can pass it off as wedding nerves."
Elsie finally made it into the shower at eleven o'clock. She felt a bit off-kilter with the hour, being so used to rising with the sun regardless of the day; still, she knew she'd need her rest as the day progressed, and that a nap would be out of the question. And while she and Charles wouldn't be leaving for their honeymoon until the morning, she anticipated - hoped for, if she was honest - a rather late night, indeed.
As she was drying off, Elsie heard Becky moving about in the bedroom, and she poked her head out of the en-suite to greet her very excited sister.
"Ellie! I just found my necklace. Oh, it's so pretty. I wanted to give you a hug!"
Elsie laughed. "Let me finish up in here and I'll be right out."
"Okay."
Elsie combed out her hair and donned the luxurious robe Mary had left for her. It's not Charles's, she thought with a smirk, remembering that first night once again, but it'll do.
She joined Becky over by the window and, true to her promise, Becky wrapped her in a huge hug.
"I love you, Ellie," she whispered. "And I'm so excited for today."
"Me too, sweetheart." Elsie leaned back and cupped Becky's cheek, placing a kiss on the opposite one. "And I'm glad you're happy. I'm glad that you love Charlie, and I'm glad that he loves you."
Becky nodded, fully understanding what Elsie was trying to tell her.
"I do love him," Becky whispered. "He's different, and I know he loves you so much. He looks at you like … like you're his favorite person in the world. Like he's never loved anyone the way he loves you."
Elsie bit down on her lip, tears coming to her eyes again. She brushed at them and nodded. "You're right, Becky. He does. We're pretty lucky, aren't we?"
"We are, Ellie. We are."
The three-person stylist team that Beryl had hired showed up promptly at one o'clock. Bill, William, and Ivy had just finished setting up the chairs on the beach, and they were currently killing time watching a movie in the bedroom where Beryl had spent the night. Elsie could hear their laughter coming down the hall, and it made her feel comfortable - safe, she thought - and at ease with the idea of being surrounded by all of her closest friends and family on her wedding day.
Daisy, Elsie, and Becky were seated around the dining room table, on which one of the stylists had placed a sheet of clear plastic. All three ladies had their nails done simultaneously, marveling at how fast the work was done. Neither Daisy nor Becky had ever had their nails done before, and there was a fair amount of giggling at the tickling sensations throughout the experience. But, when all was said and done, each woman had lacquer that matched her dress perfectly: a dark, rust-colored amber for Becky and Daisy, and a pale, champagne color for Elsie, with just a bit of sparkle to both.
As soon as the nails were done, work on the ladies' hair began.
"You step into your dresses, correct?" one of the stylists asked, and Elsie nodded. "Good; just checking. And the wedding is at five?"
They nattered on a bit about the plans as each of the ladies was brushed, braided, pinned, and spritzed with hairspray. Elsie had chosen a rather intricate style, something rather unlike her usual french twist or ponytail: her hair was braided into a six-strand braid, with a string of pearls woven through it. It was all then twisted up and pinned, in a style that would withstand the gentle beach breeze as well as a bit of dancing.
"The key pin is here," Elsie's stylist whispered in her ear, making sure Daisy didn't hear. "So when your hubby is taking it down tonight, you just show him that and he'll be able to follow the rest."
Elsie flushed and turned to the man. "You're clearly a friend of Beryl's," she laughed.
Make-up was done last, and Daisy even managed to convince Elsie to allow a bit of shadow and gloss - "To match Auntie," she'd said, pointing at Becky. Elsie had fought the urge to roll her eyes, but had agreed rather quickly. It was, after all, a special day.
Beryl brought tea and some small sandwiches to them at around three, shooing Elsie, Daisy, and Becky back to the room where Elsie had spent the night.
"No sense being in the way," she'd said sensibly. "You'd only stress out, and we can't have that." She pointed at the sandwich tray. "Be sure you eat at least two of those a piece; dinner won't be until after six and you'll be famished by then."
They all obeyed, eating leisurely and chatting until it was time to get dressed. Elsie walked Daisy and Becky back to their room. On the way back to her own, Elsie stopped and pushed open the door to the piano room slightly, wanting to catch a glimpse of the tables to be sure everything had been done just the way she and Charles had wanted. She gasped rather loudly at the sight before her, stunned at the beauty of it all, which surpassed all of their expectations.
The piano, still sitting in its spot by the window, almost looked like background decoration. There was a long head table set up in front of the fireplace, set for six, and six other tables - round ones - with settings for six apiece. All of their family and closest friends would be in attendance, and the room had an intimate feel despite its size.
Elsie moved in and fingered the table linens; Charles had chosen well, she thought, brushing her fingertip over the creamy brocade. Her eyes traveled past the plates and chargers and wine glasses to-
Oh, no, she thought suddenly. The wine … How will I ever manage to refuse to drink it without it looking suspicious?
But it wasn't the time to worry about that, Elsie chided herself. She examined the centerpieces next, which were larger versions of her own bouquet: champagne-colored roses, greenery, and small, purple thistles tucked here and there, a nod to her native Scotland but with the more personal meaning for her and Charlie. It was something she'd snuck in that he would notice and appreciate … the nod to their family, and to her dedication to protecting it. She rested her hand on her belly absentmindedly, thinking of how she had even more to protect now.
"Is it all alright?"
Elsie whipped around and saw Mary enter the room. "Oh, you startled me!"
"I'm sorry," Mary smiled apologetically. "I was feeling at loose ends and thought I would check everything over one last time before getting changed."
"It's lovely," Elsie gushed. "I can't thank you enough for this - truly. It's lovely and decadent, yet intimate because it's in your home."
She looked over to the piano and smiled, then moved to sit at the bench.
"This place means a lot to us," she murmured, her fingers brushing over the keys.
"Uncle Charlie said you play. Show me?"
Elsie nodded. "Sure - might as well warm it up for later," she said. She flipped through the music that was set out, but it was simply the pieces William would be playing for the processional.
"There are more in the bench," Mary said, but Elsie shook her head. She took a moment to close her eyes and relax, then laid her hands on the keys and played a soft lullaby.
Mary stood in awe, staring at Elsie as she played.
"That was lovely," she breathed when Elsie was finished. "How young were you when you learned?"
Elsie stood up from the bench and made her way over to Mary's side. "Nine," she said. "And I practiced and played whenever I could after that."
"I heard William practicing earlier," Mary said as they walked out of the room. "He's not as good as you."
"Well, that's alright," Elsie said kindly. "He's quite good in his own way, and it's special for me to have him playing today."
"Of course," Mary said, feeling she'd overstepped. "I didn't mean anything cruel by that. It was just meant as a compliment."
Elsie squeezed the younger woman's hand. "And I took it as such, so have no fear," Elsie said. "Okay, then. We have a wedding to get dressed for!"
"See you soon," Mary smiled, and they each went their own way down the corridor to their respective bedrooms.
Charles was pacing back and forth on the back deck. The band was setting up off to the side and he was trying very hard not to get in their way, but he could see that they were getting annoyed with his anxiety and so he found his way to the kitchen.
That, of course, was no better. Beryl was barking orders at the people bustling about and was virtually tearing the skin off of anyone who went within ten feet of the cake. The kids were hiding out in someone's bedroom with Cora, who was keeping them entertained until it was showtime. Edith and Bertie were huddled in a corner, having arrived early with Edith's parents, and Charles felt himself at sixes and sevens.
Robert came across the groom out on the back deck just as the musicians finished their set-up and nipped into the kitchen for a bite to eat before the ceremony.
"There you are!" he exclaimed. "I've been looking everywhere for you."
Charles smiled sheepishly, and checked the time on his pocket watch. "Four twenty-seven," he announced, snapping it shut and tucking it away again.
"Everything will be fine," Robert said meaningfully. He reached out and clapped his oldest friend on the shoulder. "In thirty-three minutes, your lovely Elsie will be by your side again, and you'll never have to spend another night apart if that's what you wish."
"Is it that obvious?" Charles shook his head. "It's foolish, Robert; I lived half a century without her in my life. I thought I had everything I needed. Boy, was I ever wrong."
Robert stole a glance back into the house, where he saw Cora standing and chatting with Edith. Cora looked up then, meeting his gaze across the room, and he felt his own heart skip a beat.
"Sometimes you don't realize what you've got until it's just there," Robert said. "Trust me; I know."
The sound of a car drew their attention to the road.
"The first of your guests have arrived," Robert said, seeing Tom Branson alight from the car in the drive, the silhouette of Sybil visible through the car's windows. "Let's go down and greet them, shall we?"
Charles nodded. "Thank you, my friend. For being here - and for being supportive. You've always been there for me when I've needed you."
Robert nodded; the sentiment went both ways, and both men knew it.
Elsie turned and Becky zipped up the back of the dress - which, thank God, still fit like a glove.
"Perfect!" Becky announced. "Now, let me have your wrist …"
Elsie held out her hand, and Becky clasped the bracelet on. "Daisy? Do you have the sixpence?"
Daisy joined them by the vanity and held out her hand, which had been clenched in a fist with the sixpence tucked inside since the moment her Papa had given it to her upon his arrival.
"Here," she said, dropping it into Elsie's hand.
Elsie sat and removed her shoe, then tucked the coin inside and put the shoe back on.
"That's everything," she said, standing again. She turned to check her hair in the mirror, and added a touch-up of lip color to both her lips and Daisy's. "Is it time?"
Becky glanced at the clock. "Five minutes," she said. "You're right on time, Ellie. Should we head out?"
Elsie nodded, knowing that by now everyone would be out on the beach - save for William, who was sitting at the piano.
"Wow," William whispered when they popped in to see him. "You all look great!"
"Thanks!" Daisy almost shouted. "Oh, my reading …"
"Is with the minister," Elsie reminded her. "He'll hand it to you when it's time, love."
"Oh, that's right," Daisy murmured. "Okay, then - let's head over to the door!" She almost ran down the hall, and Becky followed close behind.
Elsie took one more look at William and nodded. "Thank you for this, my dear. It means a lot to have you play for us."
"No problem, Elsie," he said. "I'll see you in a little while, I guess. And you'll be Mrs. Carson then."
Elsie's stomach flipped, and she nodded. Gathering up the hem of her dress, she practically glided down to the doorway which would lead her to Charles.
The guests were seated on the beach and a whisper of a breeze was blowing in off the water. Save for a few puffy clouds, the skies were bright and clear, and the gentle waves lapping at the shore seemed to be almost hushed in anticipation.
At precisely five o'clock, the sound of a piano came filtering out of the open window of the house. It was faint, given that the room was not located immediately on the beach front, but with the open windows and doorways the great sound of the Steinway grand traveled perfectly well to everyone's ears. William was playing flawlessly, and Charles grinned like a schoolboy as he turned to face the aisle, with Robert and Tommy standing by his side.
A lump grew in his throat as he saw his beautiful Daisy walking up the aisle toward him. She was smiling a toothy smile, managing by some miracle to keep her steps slow and steady as she'd practiced countless times. She blew him a kiss when she got to where he stood, and he blew one back, causing a soft, "Aww" to be heard amongst the guests.
Becky followed, and she smiled at Charles as she took her place by Daisy's side. Then the music stopped - then changed - and all of the guests rose to their feet.
And suddenly, as though he were in a dream, all Charles could see was Elsie.
She was standing at the beginning of the aisle - alone, which was her choice, although both Tom and John had offered to give her away - and she was virtually glowing. Charles knew that someday he'd look back on this scene and remember it so vividly, and he had to fight the tears that were threatening to well up and burst forth.
He was vaguely aware of some music, and of a colorful array of guests, and of Reverend Travis standing behind him … but his sole focus was on Elsie as she made her way to his side.
When she came to the end of her journey, she passed her bouquet to Becky, and then she and Charles joined hands.
"There you are," he whispered, and he winked at her.
"Always," she replied, winking back.
They turned to face the minister, who offered a welcome and then the following prayer:
"Oh, Holy One of Blessing, we gather here today to witness the coming together of Charles Ernest Carson and Elsie May Hughes in holy matrimony.
"But we are not only here to celebrate the marriage of two people, but also that we may celebrate the formation and affirmation of a family. We pray that You guide Charles and Elsie as parents, that they may continue to raise and teach Daisy and Tommy with love and respect, and that You protect this newly-formed family and keep them always in Your care. Amen."
"Amen," replied the guests, and at the signal from the Reverend, they were seated.
"Charles and Elsie have declared their intent to marry before myself and before God. If anyone here has any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, please speak now or forever hold your peace."
After a brief wait, he moved off to the side, so that the altar that stood behind them would be visible to all of the guests, and he addressed everyone once more.
"It was Charles and Elsie's wish that we open their wedding with a special candle-lighting ceremony," Reverend Travis continued. "As I've just described, and as they so lovingly explained to me a few months ago, today isn't just about them, but it is also about their family of four becoming one. A wedding is, after all, about beginnings, and today begins a new phase in the lives of these four marvelous people."
Wordlessly, Daisy and Tommy met one another's gaze and nodded. Daisy moved to the front row of seats and handed her bouquet to Mary. She then met Tommy by the table at the altar, upon which sat a unity candle flanked by four white tapers - two on each side. On either end of that candle holder sat votive holders with a tealight inside of each, the glass of the holders a dark amber which matched Daisy and Becky's dresses. Behind the two votive holders were photographs - on one end, the familiar picture of Laura and Tommy; on the other, a photo of Alice and Daisy. Behind it all stood a clear acrylic screen, placed there to shield the flames from the wind in the hopes that they would remain lit throughout the service.
In the silence that followed - broken only by the sound of the gentle waves and the cry of a far-off gull - Tommy and Daisy removed the two outer tapers from the candle holder. Robert approached them, pulling out a lighter from his suit pocket and carefully lighting the wick on each child's candle.
Everyone watched as Tommy and Daisy cupped their hands near the ends of their candles, shielding the flames from the breeze; they then dipped the tips of the tapers into the votive cups, lighting the candles that rested within. When both were lit, the children blew out the flames on their tapers.
Charles and Elsie joined the children at the altar table, and they silently took up the remaining two tapers from the candle holder, leaving the lone pillar standing in the center.
Reverend Travis handed Tommy a piece of paper, and Tommy nodded his thanks before turning to the guests and addressing them in a loud, clear voice.
"Daisy and I have lit candles to honor our mothers. They aren't with us any longer, but Daisy and I agree that our Mums will always be watching over us, and we feel that they're here with us today. We also agree that we're lucky to have found a new Mum in Elsie. From today forward, we'll be a new family."
Tommy and Daisy relit the tips of their candles by using the flames from the votives. They then turned to the adults - Daisy to Elsie, and Tommy to Charles - and lit those candles with the flames from their own. Then, as a foursome, the family moved over to the center candle.
Tommy clearly read from the paper in his hand, and Daisy, Charles, and Elsie echoed him after each verse:
"With this candle,
We submit a part of ourselves
To a greater whole.
While our own flames will remain lit,
We recognize the creation of a fifth flame,
Representative of our family,
This new entity
To which we four dedicate ourselves today."
As the last syllable faded away, the four joined their flames to light the candle that sat in the center of them all, and then returned each taper to its respective holder, thankful for how the shield was, indeed, protecting the flames from the slight breeze; they flickered, but remained lit, symbolic to all who were present of the strength that this small family already possessed.
Daisy fidgeted where she stood, knowing that her reading would be coming immediately after the vows. She was very interested to hear the words that Elsie and Charles had chosen for the vows themselves, too. They'd not shared the specific words with anyone; they'd only told the children that the words were very old, and very traditional, a nod to Elsie and Becky's native Scotland.
As her Papa and Elsie turned to face one another, Daisy looked on with wonder. She could see Papa's face so clearly, and he was trying so hard not to cry, but she knew that he was happy, and it made her happy just to witness it. She stole a glance at Tommy and saw him watching Elsie's face in much the same way.
The minister spoke softly, and Daisy knew that was because only Papa and Elsie needed to hear the vows, just enough so that they could repeat them to one another. Elsie's voice sounded out quietly, and Daisy was certain that no one seated in the back could hear her at all. But it didn't matter, because her Papa's voice was, as usual, loud and deep enough for all to hear. As she listened to the words, she realized she thought a few of them strange, but she kept her opinion to herself; it wasn't her wedding, after all …
"You cannot possess me, for I belong to myself,
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give.
You cannot command me, for I am a free person,
But I shall serve you in those ways you require,
And the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.
I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night.
And the eyes into which I smile in the morning.
I pledge to you the first bite from my meat,
And the first drink from my cup.
I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care,
And tell no strangers our grievances.
This is my wedding vow to you.
This is a marriage of equals."
Tommy watched as Robert and Becky moved forward, with shining gold bands clutched between their thumbs and forefingers. At the signal of the minister, they handed the rings to Elsie and Charles, who turned to face each other once again, brilliant smiles on their faces.
Charles tipped the ring to the side and read the engraving, a snippet of the words he'd be speaking in mere seconds to the woman who was moments away from becoming his wife, and he felt a tear fall down his cheek at last.
Elsie had much the same reaction - a moment of stark clarity that they were about to be joined forever as husband and wife. She lovingly reached up and brushed the tear from his face and nodded, and her supportive gesture gave him the strength to utter the words aloud:
"I love you more than anyone ever has, Elsie," Charles said. "With this ring, I thee wed. Please accept it as a token of my unwavering dedication."
Elsie's breath caught as she felt the ring slide over her finger, and she repeated the gesture.
"I love you more than anyone ever has, Charles," she said. "With this ring, I thee wed. Please accept it as a token of my unwavering dedication."
She pushed the ring onto Charles's finger as best she could; his hands were warm in the heat of the late afternoon, and she bit down on her lip to swallow a laugh as she had to take his hand in both of hers to finish the job.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Reverend Travis stated. He smiled at them both in turn. "You may kiss the bride," he added to Charles.
Elsie looked up expectantly, and Charles met her gaze as his hands clutched hers. As they moved ever closer to one another, their hands became trapped over her stomach, much as they had the day before. Just as their lips met in a sweet kiss, Charles brushed the back of his fingers over Elsie's stomach, his silent acknowledgement of the life that was growing inside.
They broke apart and the applause quieted. They both turned to Daisy and nodded, and Reverend Travis handed her a paper from his folder.
"Daisy has requested to deliver the blessing today," he said, and a couple of gasps could be heard from the guests.
Daisy accepted the paper with a smile, and received a smile of encouragement from her Papa. But when she looked out at the crowd, at the sea of over two dozen faces before her, she froze.
For about ten seconds, no one made a sound. Neither Elsie nor Charles were sure what to do, not wanting to draw attention to her discomfort or worsen it in any way.
But they needn't have worried, for it was Becky who saw the solution in an instant.
She moved Elsie's bouquet into her other hand, clutching it with her own smaller version, and reached her now-empty left hand out to Daisy. Daisy grasped onto it tightly and met Becky's glance.
I can't, Daisy's eyes pleaded.
"You can," Becky answered aloud. "Just like you practiced with me and with Tommy."
And so it was that, with a little help from her beloved Auntie Becky, Daisy found the strength of her voice at last.
"In times past, it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine.
It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North.
It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East:
Communication of the heart, mind, and body,
Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun,
The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South:
Warmth of hearth and home,
The heat of the heart's passion,
The light created by both to illuminate the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West:
The deep commitments of the lake,
The swift excitement of the river,
The refreshing cleansing of the rain,
The all encompassing passion of the sea.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North:
Firm foundation on which to build,
Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives,
A stable home to which you may always return."
"Amen," Reverend Travis said.
"Amen," echoed the guests.
Elsie stifled a sob and reached out to brush her fingers over Daisy's shoulder as the girl returned to her spot by the altar.
Elsie then reached for Charles's hand, expecting Reverend Travis to close the ceremony, so she was surprised when Charles leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Wait."
She furrowed her brow, not understanding … but the sound of William's piano playing wasn't coming from the house, and then she noticed a disturbance in the last row of seats.
"Charles?" she whispered, but he just shook his head, a faint smile on his face.
Andy Parker was walking up to the deck where the band had set up earlier. William met him there, and Elsie realized she'd never seen the boy exit the house. She'd been expecting him to play at the end of the service, though, and then it dawned on her.
"You didn't," she gasped, and Charles - her husband, she realized with a jolt - smiled broadly.
"I may have," he whispered back, giving her a tilt of his head. He then turned to Andy and gave him a bigger nod.
"Mr. Carson asked me a while back to play something for you all today, as a surprise to his beautiful bride," Andy explained. "The song isn't terribly well-known, but it was hand-picked by him. It's my honor to play it for you today, with a little help from young William here, on the keyboard."
William sat behind the keyboard that the band had brought along, and he pulled a sheet of paper from his pocket, unfolded it, and placed it on the music stand. Andy sat behind the microphone, and began to strum the first chords of the song, with William joining in perfectly with the piano accompaniment.
"There's a flame in the darkness
Burning deep within our hearts
In the love that grows between us
This is where the journey starts."
Elsie couldn't believe it. It was absolutely perfect. She turned to Charles again and smiled at him, shaking her head slightly.
"And you say I'm a plotter," she muttered, and he laughed.
"There is hope in the stillness
There is solace in our friends
In the love that grows between us
This is where the isolation ends."
As Andy sang, Charles squeezed Elsie's hand more tightly, and he turned to look out at their guests: his family, now hers; her friends, now his. He'd chosen the song for the sentiment, for the idea that he and Elsie, once so independent and thinking they'd spend the rest of their days alone, had found solace not only in one another, but in each and every person in front of them - and beside them - as well.
"Come full circle in a moment
Hold no shame in what you feel
This old world will keep on turning
And our broken hearts will heal.
When the rain falls around you
Like your solitary tear
In the love that flows between us
Know that thunder holds no fear."
Mary reached up and brushed at her eyes, her tears falling freely as the power of the words hit her straight in the heart. She'd been trying so hard since the fire to go it alone, to remain a pillar of strength in the community, to never let them see her sweat. But at night, when she was alone in her home and the rain was falling down outside, she couldn't help the fear that would creep in.
And now today, as she looked around her, as she saw her parents by her side and the nod of encouragement and reassurance from her mother, she felt nothing but calm. She looked up at Elsie and Charles, at Daisy and Tommy - her niece and, truly, her nephew - and she smiled as she realized that she was, in fact, the very opposite of alone.
"In the struggle you hold sacred
When the arrows pierce you through
In the love that flows between us
May your courage be renewed.
There is music in each silence
There is promise in each day
In the love that holds between us
May we always find our way."
Elsie started to cry in earnest then; Charles put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, bending and placing a kiss to the top of her head.
Becky looked on, her heart expanding at the sight of her big sister being so wholly loved by this wonderful new man who'd come into their lives. She reached over and took Daisy's hand, and they smiled at one another.
Beryl felt Bill reach for her hand, and she let out a sob into the handkerchief she was clutching.
"There, there," he soothed her gently.
"Happy tears," she gasped, "of course." She shook her head at her overabundance of emotion, but refused to give up the real reason for her tears. The 'promise in each day' meant so much more to her, in her knowledge that there was so much more that awaited her best friend than what anyone else present today even knew - except for Charles and Dr. Clarkson, of course. She hadn't even told her husband.
"Come full circle in a moment
Hold no shame in what you feel
This old world will keep on turning
And our broken hearts will heal."
Elsie gave up trying to maintain some semblance of control; she turned to Charles, wrapped her arm around his waist, and placed her other hand behind his neck, pulling him down until she was kissing him fiercely, aware that the tears that had been streaming down her own face were now mixing with his own.
"There's a flame in the darkness
Burning deep within our hearts
In the love that grows between us
This is where the journey starts.
There is hope in the stillness
There is solace in our friends
In the love that holds between us
The sacred journey never ends.
In the love that holds between us
The sacred journey never ends."
As the last notes faded out, an enormous round of applause came from the assembled guests.
Tommy and Daisy crowded their parents, with Becky and Robert standing steadfastly beside them. Elsie and Charles reached out to hug the children, and Reverend Travis offered a few final words. When he was finished, William played the recessional music on the keyboard instead of the Steinway; as everyone gathered themselves and began to make their way into the house, Charles pulled Elsie into the nearest room, closing the door behind him.
"Charlie?"
Anything else she might have said was cut off with his kiss, a kiss so soft and loving that it ignited something deep within her. She reached out and clutched at the lapels of his suit, completely lost in the scent and feel of him wrapped all around her.
"Hello, wife," he murmured against her lips once he'd regained some semblance of control.
"Hello, my beautiful husband," she replied as he touched his forehead to hers. "Just so you know, we're going to wait until they all sound like they're in and seated, and then we're going to sneak out for a few moments and take a bit more time for just the two of us. Beryl will get the servers started with drinks, and we'll be back in just in time to eat."
He looked at her curiously. "Alright," he agreed hesitantly.
Just as the last few people were filtering in and finding their tables, Elsie and Charles slipped out of the room. She glanced up the hallway and saw Robert, who simply smiled and shooed them down toward the door with his hand.
Go, he mouthed, and she nodded her thanks.
She led Charles down to the beach, where she toed off her shoes and indicated with a flick of her finger for him to do the same.
"Els?"
"We're going to walk in the water for a bit, and cool off, and just take five minutes for ourselves," she said, and the tone of her voice brooked no argument.
Charles opened his mouth to reply but then thought the better of it. He stepped out of his own shoes, and then reached his hand out to grasp hers so that he could steady himself as he removed his socks.
"What if my trousers get wet?" he asked.
She only laughed. "Then we'll dry them! Come on," she said, "I dare you! You can hold my hand; we won't go in too far."
He took her hand in his and kissed it, then let them fall between their bodies, fingers intertwined.
"I'll always hold your hand, Mrs. Carson. I find that you keep me rather steady."
The flicker of the sunset in his eyes melted her, and she nibbled on her lip as her eyes raked over his handsome features, including the little lock of hair that always fell across his brow.
He reached his other hand up and loosened her lip with his thumb, leaning in and kissing her once more before turning toward the ocean. He bent to roll up the cuffs of his pants, and Elsie gathered her dress in her hands, lifting the hem away from the water. Then they clasped hands once more and slowly meandered through the gentle waves, with only the vast expanse of the sea and the beauty of the setting sun ahead of them.
Neither saw Tommy and Daisy on the deck, standing and watching their parents as they paddled in the shallow water.
"They really do love each other so much," Tommy said. It was a foreign thing to him, but he found he was getting used to it rather quickly.
"And us," Daisy said, smiling at him.
He's my brother, she thought. Soon, anyhow. Weird.
"Yeah," he replied with a smile. "And us."
Elsie and Charles entered the reception room to the sound of thunderous applause, led by Becky, and the sound of some kind of whooping that Charles suspected may have come from Robert.
He turned to Elsie, who was positively radiant, and leaned over to kiss her. This only increased the applause and hollering, though, and he led her to the table, pulled out her chair to help her sit, and took his place to her left.
Beryl came out with two champagne flutes, and gave Elsie a sly wink. She thanked her friend, instantly calmed.
Charles, however, was not; he caught her glance and managed:
Surely you're not going to drink that?
Elsie merely smiled at him, clinked their glasses, and took a sip.
And then it clicked: cider. He chuckled; Beryl had taken a page out of his own book, and he loved her for it. What was even better was that no one was the wiser.
Robert made a toast and glasses were refilled. Charles and Elsie milled about for a little bit, making sure to stop by each table for photographs. Now back at their seats, though, Charles was maintaining an easy conversation with Robert when he felt someone watching him. He looked around the room and found Violet approaching their table.
"Violet!" Elsie exclaimed, jumping up from her seat and moving to hug the woman. "I think we missed you when we stopped by your table."
"Oh, that's quite alright," Violet said, patting Elsie's hand between both of hers. "I just needed to speak with Mary about something."
"Well," Elsie said, "I'm glad to have the chance to see you now. I'm only sorry we weren't able to visit for more time."
The older woman looked with fondness over to where Charles sat. "You take good care of him, Elsie," Violet said softly.
"I promise that I will."
And then, as Elsie had known would happen, Violet turned back to her with a knowing look. "Take good care of yourself, too, my dear." Violet glanced pointedly at Elsie's abdomen and then back at her face, not missing the flush that crept up Elsie's neck.
"He … He told you?" she whispered.
"No," Violet said with a raised eyebrow, "but you just did."
Elsie couldn't come up with a reply that wouldn't be rude; instead, she settled for a sigh.
"No one else knows except for Beryl, so please -"
"Oh, have no fear," Violet said, interrupting her. "It's not my secret to share."
"How did you know? Obviously you suspected."
Violet pursed her lips in a smile and laughed quietly. "I saw Beryl sneak that cider into the kitchen, and saw her pour your glasses. A very good friend, that one."
"That she is," Elsie agreed.
She gave Violet a kiss on the cheek and returned to her place at the table just in time for the main meal.
Dinner was a festive affair; the band was playing music out on the deck, and the open doors allowed the sound to filter in through the house. The meal was delicious, and the conversation amongst friend was interspersed with the clinking of spoons on glasses and a good many kisses between bride and groom.
"Cake time!" Daisy announced after dinner, and Charles held out his hand for Elsie; she took it, and joined him by the cake table.
"How're you holding up?" he murmured in her ear.
"Tired and a bit achy, but immensely happy," she answered, smiling sweetly at him.
"About as expected, then," Charles said, reaching for the knife. He looked at the cake, and then back at his wife. "I don't want to cut into this," he admitted.
And Elsie could see why; Beryl had simply outdone herself. The cake was comprised of two round tiers - the top was a three-layer chocolate cake filled with raspberry preserves, and the bottom was a contrasting three-layer yellow cake with coconut filling. Both tiers were glazed with a rich chocolate ganache. Atop the cake were decorations hand-cut from fondant and detailed with edible pearls and glitter, resembling seashells, sand dollars, and starfish. It was perfect for their beachfront wedding.
"Behave," Elsie murmured, and Charles obediently - and cleanly - tucked a bite of cake into her mouth. She did the same, but managed to get some of the ganache on the corner of his mouth; no matter - she kissed it away quickly.
As the evening progressed, guests got up to mingle and to head out to the deck for dancing. Elsie and Charles led the way to the 'dance floor' ... and stopped short in the doorway.
Someone - and Elsie had no idea who, because everyone had been in the room with them for dinner - had strung twinkle lights all around the deck. The lighting was soft and festive, and matched the simplicity of their wedding most beautifully.
"We need music," she murmured, and Charles signaled to the band leader.
"How's this?" He wrapped his arm around Elsie's waist and took her other hand in his own, beginning to lead her across the dance floor, the instrumental version of "I've Got a Crush on You" playing in the background.
"Daisy knows this song," Elsie commented. "We discussed it once."
"That's because our daughter is very smart, indeed," he replied, and Elsie beamed.
"She is mine now, too, I suppose. I love that."
Charles drew her closer so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. "So does she," he whispered. "And so do I."
"Elsie, you look radiant!"
Elsie turned to see Isobel beaming at her, and she drew her friend into a tight embrace.
"As do you," Elsie replied. "Happiness suits you, I think." She gave a brief nod of her head in Richard's direction, as he was at the next table chatting with Charles. "Him, too."
"I know," Isobel marveled. "It's been wonderful. I was such a fool to have almost missed out on this."
"Timing is everything," Elsie observed. "I'd say things have worked out splendidly."
"We're heading back in two days," Isobel said. "Violet was going to come with us, but I think she wants to spend some time with Edith. How is she? She seems exhausted."
"She is," Elsie agreed. "She's due next month, and she's hideously uncomfortable. To be honest, I was surprised to see her still here."
"Oh, no one would have missed this," Isobel murmured. "I think it's the most beautiful wedding I've ever been to."
Elsie looked at her friend fondly. "Thank you for that. Truly; it means a lot to me. I'm so glad to have you as a friend, Isobel. I mean that."
"I feel the same," Isobel replied, holding her hand out to Richard as he approached her side.
"Elsie, how are you?" he said, moving to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm fine," she reassured him. "A bit tired, but it's been a long day."
"Indeed," he acknowledged with a nod. "Well, the party is winding down a bit. You're not leaving on honeymoon tonight, are you?"
Elsie shook her head. "No, thank goodness. Charles booked us a room at the hotel, and we'll drive to Portland tomorrow and fly out."
"Do you know where you're headed yet?" Isobel chuckled, and Elsie shook her head.
"I've no idea! Charlie's a horrible liar, but he's been an excellent secret-keeper for this particular trip."
"I trust he's packed for you?"
"Mm-hm, with Beryl's help. I wasn't even allowed to look in the suitcase! He assures me they packed all I'll need. I was only allowed to pack an overnight bag to get me to the airport tomorrow!"
"Well, I'm sure you can trust them."
Elsie laughed. "I don't have a choice!"
She bade her friends goodbye and went off in search of her husband, finding him sequestered in a corner and speaking with Violet. Elsie observed as the older woman tucked something in Charles's palm, and her brow furrowed as she approached them.
"What's all this?" she asked, snaking her arm around Charles's waist and resting her head on his shoulder.
"Nothing for you to worry about," he replied, dropping a kiss to her forehead and deftly pocketing the item in his hand.
Violet rose from her seat at that point, placing a kiss to Elsie's cheek and then one to Charles's. "I must be going," she said, stifling a yawn. "It's almost nine, and I think I'm partied out."
She took Elsie's hand and looked meaningfully into her eyes. "You take care of yourself," she said softly, but firmly. "I want you to relax on this vacation, my dear. You've both been through quite a bit this year, and you deserve some time off." She glanced at Elsie's abdomen, then back at her face, and raised an eyebrow.
Charles watched the exchange with awe. "Wait a minute …" he muttered.
"She knows," Elsie confirmed. "She guessed … sort of."
Charles opened his mouth to speak, but a hand from Violet silenced him. "Don't bother," she said. "Elsie can fill you in later."
Her eyes softened, and a gentle smile broke out on her face as she reached out to grasp Charles's hand. "I'm so very happy for you, my boy," she whispered, and then she turned and left them standing alone.
"Party's breaking up," Charles said to Elsie. "What do you say we make the rounds one last time and then get out of here? I find I'm rather anxious to have a night alone with my wife."
He whispered the last bit in Elsie's ear, sending a shiver down her spine. "Sounds good to me," she replied.
They found Mary first, thanking her profusely for offering her home for the event. Next, they came upon Beryl in the kitchen, directing the caterers as they cleaned up.
"Everything was just wonderful," Elsie was sure to tell them all. "Thanks so very much."
"It was our pleasure," said the chef, whose name was May. "Congratulations to you both."
"Thank you," Charles said.
Elsie tapped Charles's arm and pointed down the hallway and at the front steps, where Daisy and Tommy were sitting and chatting. He nodded, and with one last wave to Beryl and a promise not to do anything she wouldn't do, they went out to see the kids.
"All set?" Tommy asked, and Charles smiled at him.
"We are. Tommy, Daisy … you both did so very well today," Charles said quietly. "We're very proud of you both."
Daisy smiled, and stood up to give her Papa a great big hug. "I'll miss you," she said.
Charles crouched down by her side and placed a kiss to her forehead. "We'll miss you, too. And we'll call - no, Skype - with you every day."
Daisy nodded, and Elsie looked up as John and Anna's car pulled up to the front of the house.
"Here we are," John said. He and Anna got out of the car, hugging Elsie and shaking hands with Charles.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous," Anna said when Charles held his hand out, and she wrapped him in a hug, making everyone laugh.
"You didn't have to pull the car around for the kids," Charles admonished lightly. "They could have walked."
"Oh, but it was in the way," Anna said, and she pointed off toward where she'd been parked.
Elsie looked past where Anna was standing and gasped as she saw the limousine that was now parked there. "Charlie," she said lowly.
"Wasn't me," he said, confused.
"It was us," John said. "And my mother. She insisted that you not drive yourselves to the hotel, nor to the airport at that god-awful hour, and Anna and I had to agree. The driver will be back at five in the morning for you, and all of your luggage is already inside the car thanks to the house key you so graciously provided."
Elsie moved over and kissed them each on the cheek. "You both - and your mother - are amazing. Thank you."
Daisy and Tommy ran over to peek in the limo, climbing in and making Charles promise to rent one at some point in the distant future, just for them.
"Like Tommy's graduation," Daisy said, "or maybe my birthday."
Charles laughed and shook his head. "We'll see," he promised.
After another round of kisses and hugs, Charles found himself helping Elsie into the limo. A minute later they were snuggled in the back seat, looking at the town lights as they sped by in a blur.
"All set in there, Els," Charles said as he exited the bathroom of their hotel suite. "Should I turn off the light?"
"Hm?" Elsie asked, yawning widely as she rose up on her elbows in the bed. "Oh, please do."
Charles took a moment to appreciate the satin trim of her nightie - clearly new, he realized instantly - and flipped the switch before making his way to the bedside. He climbed in next to her and raised his arm, allowing her to snuggle closer to his body.
He trailed his fingertips up and down her bare arm, fingering the strap at the top of the nightie.
"This was a nice selection," he murmured. "I do believe my wife has exquisite taste."
Elsie moved up over his body and leaned in, her hair fanning on either side of his face as she kissed him - chastely at first, and then more deeply as his hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.
"I think it's clear that she does," she said meaningfully, and he smiled, reaching up to finger a lock of her hair, grateful that she'd allowed him the pleasure of taking it down earlier.
"You look so wonderful in the moonlight," he said.
"Flatterer," she said, trying to stifle yet another yawn.
"And you need to sleep," Charles said, reaching for her hand as it trailed up his leg.
"On our wedding night? Surely you jest," she argued.
But a moment later, Elsie's body betrayed her as she yawned again, widely.
"Sorry," she said, shaking her head.
Charles moved her gently until she was lying back on her pillow, and he felt her relax instantly as she allowed her body to sink into the mattress. He scooted down and placed a kiss to her belly.
"Your Mummy is very tired," he whispered, "and she's working so very hard to keep you safe and snug in there. And it's been a very long day, and we have to get up very early."
Elsie reached down and ran her fingers through his hair. "And she wants very much not to just fall asleep on her wedding night."
Charles climbed back up and kissed her on the tip of her nose. "That's too bad," he said. "It's late, and as it is you'll only have about six hours' sleep before we have to be up in time to make it to the airport. Your husband was a very poor planner and scheduled an impossibly early flight."
"Well," Elsie said, reaching up for another kiss, "to be fair, he booked the flight before he knew his wife was pregnant."
"That is true," he smiled.
He moved down onto his own pillow and drew her close; Elsie rested her head on his chest, right over his heart.
"I promise to ravish you tomorrow night," he teased. "And any other night you wish. But tonight, you rest."
"I love you, Charlie," she whispered tearfully. "So much."
He tilted her chin up so that he could see her eyes, which were shimmering brightly in the moonlight that poured in through the window. He brushed his thumb across her cheek, and gave the faintest shake of his head, marveling at the wonder that was his wife.
"I love you too, Elsie."
More than anyone ever has, she filled in as she drifted off to sleep. Without a doubt.
Whew! I hope it lived up to some of your expectations. Next up: Honeymoon! Thanks again for all of your reblogs on tumblr and your reviews here. I love hearing what you have to say. xx