I do not own any characters, plots, or anything else pertaining to "Outlander". This chapter will focus on some of the wedding preparations for Bree and Rogers' wedding. Since I focused on Jamie and Bree's relationship last chapter, this chapter, I'm going to focus on Claire and Bree's relationship. I'd like to show the various family dynamics between the Frasers. As always, thanks for following/favoriting and commenting.

Chapter 13

My Little Girl

Claire sits in the kitchen with Bree, attempting to begin preparations, for the upcoming wedding. She's aware that there's much to be done and is glad that they have an ample amount of time to organize everything. Claire looks over at Bree and gives her a smile. "How was your talk with your father?" Bree's eyes meet hers and a beautiful grin appears, reminding her of the sweet smiles of her childhood. "It was wonderful, mama. Da was so happy that I wanted to add Fraser to my name." Claire's smile widens, feeling like she's in some majestic daydream, rather than reality. It's all that she's ever dreamed of for her family. "I'm happy to hear that." Bree nods her head and focuses on the invitations that they just had printed. They're quite dazzling, with elegant print, and a calm lavender background. Claire is happy that Bree opted not to get invitations that were loud and colorful, like many brides her age do.

She decides to set to work on planning the catering, flowers, and reception location. Claire knows a catering company that she's used for several parties over the years, as well as a flower shop, a few blocks away. The only element she isn't entirely sure on is the reception location. "Mama." She looks over at her daughter and notes some apprehension etched in her features. "I was reviewing the guest list and wondering if we should invite daddy's side of the family?" Claire feels her heart drop inside of her chest at the thought of Frank's family. Before the war, she had been rather fond of his mother and sister. His father had died when Frank was very young, and his mother had been the sole parent that had raised him. Claire had admired her for that reason and they had formed a special bond, one that she had unfortunately lost, after she returned from the 18th century.

Mary had shunned her and Bree, as soon as she saw, the little girl with red hair. She had accused Claire of being a harlot and has refused to speak to her ever since. Frank had to beg his mother to acknowledge Bree as her granddaughter, despite her obvious paternity, and the two had formed some kind of relationship. Bree had been permitted in the house for holidays and the occasional visits, but Claire was never allowed to enter. Initially it stung to be rejected by a woman that was like a mother to her, having lost her own mother so young, but she had eventually come to terms with it. "I know you and gran aren't speaking, but she's been good to me over the years. If you aren't comfortable with inviting her, how about we invite Aunt Laura instead?" Claire nods at her words, knowing that she's more comfortable with Laura. Frank's sister had been the only one that hadn't shunned her, and she had been thankful for it. They'd grown close after she had returned through the stones and Laura she had confided in her about Jamie. She had trusted her not to tell Mary about her journey to the 18th century and she prays that she's kept that secret safe. "I'd love to see Laura at the wedding." Bree gives her a smile and breathes out a sigh of relief.

Claire continues to ponder where the reception should take place for several minutes, before there's a knock on the front door. "I'll get it." says Bree, breezing out of the kitchen. It's several moments, before Claire hears Bree squeal in utter glee. Confusion washes over her, as she makes her way through the living room area, and towards the front door. When she sees the person in question standing there, a smile appears on her face, and all confusion evaporates. "Gloria, what a pleasant surprise." The girl gives her a big smirk and rushes over to embrace her. Claire has known her since she was born, living next door to her parents, and she's thrilled to see her again. Gloria has been Bree's best friend all her life. "How are you, Gloria?" She steps away and gives her a smile. "Pregnant." Claire's eyes go to her stomach and she sees the small bump. "How far along are you?" Gloria's smile widens. "About 13 weeks." Claire gives the girl another hug. "I'm so happy for you, Gloria, congratulations." She can't keep the smile from her face, as she pulls back from her. "I'm glad your back from Scotland." Claire gives her a nod and briefly looks over at Bree, who gives her a nod in return.

She'd rather not lie to her, but she knows it's for the best. "What brings you back to Boston?" Gloria had gone away to college on the other side of the country at UCLA, coming to visit occasionally. "Bree had mentioned over the phone that she was planning on looking for a dress soon and I figured I'd come for a visit to help. I am the Matron of Honor, after all." Claire gives her a nod. "I'm delighted you're here, but I'm not sure, we're quite ready to be looking for a wedding dress right now." Bree shakes her head. "Come on mama, it's never too early to look for a dress. It'll be fun." She takes a moment to consider her daughter's request and can't seem to say no to the look of excitement on her face. "Okay, let me grab my purse, and we'll be on our way." Both girls giggle excitedly, and Claire is temporarily brought back to Bree's childhood, not so long ago. The notion that her little girl is finally getting married, brings tears to her eyes, and a smile to her face.

When they arrive at the drees shop, Claire is overwhelmed, by all the breathtaking white dresses. Having gotten married at a Court House before the war, she had never had the chance to select her own wedding dress. Even at her wedding to Jamie, the maids had dressed her in a beautiful white flowery dress, but it wasn't her choice. Claire's happy that her daughter has the opportunity that she didn't have. "Mama." She looks over at her daughter, who gives her a smile. "I'm going to search for a dress and I'd like you to help me." Claire smiles at her and the three of them set out to find her the perfect wedding dress. A saleswoman appears and comes over to them. "Hello, I'm Janine, who's the lucky bride?" Bree raises her hand. "Me, I'm getting married, and have no idea what kind of wedding dress I want." Janine nods. "That's fine, what's your name and size?" Bree gives her a smile. "Brianna and a size 6." The woman starts searching through countless racks, showing Bree dresses, with various styles and cuts.

After an hour of browsing, Bree selects a few wedding dresses to try on. Claire sits on the rather luxurious couch alongside Gloria and the two wait for Bree to try on her first dress. It's several minutes, before she appears in a traditional wedding dress. It's rather classy and elegant, with its long sleeves, and material covering all the way up to her neck. Claire watches Bree look at her reflection in the mirror and make a rather disgusted look. She turns to her and Gloria. "I don't care for this one." She looks at the dress once more and doesn't see anything wrong with it. "Why not?" Bree shakes her head. "It's too traditional, I need something, a little more from this time." Claire disagrees inwardly, but doesn't voice her opinion out loud, acknowledging that this is her daughter's day, not hers.

For the next hour, Bree tries on quite a few dresses, but none of them, are what she's looking for. As she tries on the final dress she had selected, Claire almost suggests that they try another dress shop, just as she walks out of the fitting room. The moment she sees her little girl, she knows that it's the dress she's been searching for. It's just off the shoulders, long and elegant, with a beautiful veil attached to her gorgeous red hair. Claire feels tears begin to fill her eyes, as she watches her daughter looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her heart warms, as a wide grin appears on her face, and she turns to her and Gloria. "I've found my dress." Gloria rushes over to her and gives her a hug, both squealing in delight. Claire continues watching from the couch, feeling the happy tears, falling down her cheeks.

Bree seems to notice her lack of enthusiasm and they lock eyes. "What's wrong, mama?" She stands up from the couch and shakes her head. "Nothing, Bree, the dress is beautiful on you." She reaches her daughter and brushes her long red locks back from her shoulders. "I'm just a little overwhelmed with emotion, but I'm truly happy for you." Bree gives her a smile and the two embrace. She holds onto her little girl, happy that she'll be attending her wedding, something she had believed was an impossibility before. "I love you, Bree." Claire feels her daughter squeeze her within her arms. "I love you too, mama." She isn't sure how long they stand in that little dress shop embracing each other, but Claire knows it's a moment, she'll cherish for the rest of her days.