It's finally time...

It took Caroline all of 3.2 seconds to notice the gorgeous ring on Lizzy's hand. "Libby dear. That ring is absolutely stunning. I must know where you purchased it. I've rarely seen such an excellent reproduction."

"Thank you Carrie. I love it. But its very real and given its a family heirloom I'm not sure where you might find one similar."

Swallowing hard, Caroline looked back at the ring and managed to rasp out, "So who's the lucky man?"

Lizzy was loving every minute of the torture she was seeing written across Caroline's face but then, that wasn't really very nice, was it? She decided to rip the band-aid off, so to speak. "William of course. I can't believe Charlie didn't tell you that the reason we're all up here this weekend is for our wedding. Sunday morning at 11:00," she beamed. Lizzy had heard of people spluttering. She'd seen it describe a character's reaction to unexpected events in many a book, but she'd never actually seen it before. Now she had the perfect image in mind for the next time she came across the concept.

Finally regaining the power of speech, Caroline gushed, "I can't believe Charles kept such joyful news from me. Allow me to congratulate you both." Searching around the room for her brother she spotted him across the room. "Charles, I can't believe you didn't tell me the news about William and Libby. How could you keep it from me?" Charles was well familiar with the screeching sounds associated with his sister. He looked up, saw who Caroline was speaking with, turned a bright shade of red and attempted to duck from the room. He was having a truly difficult week.

Lizzy, as she had predicted, was not bothered in the least by the false exclamations from Caroline and as such was happy to watch Charlie attempt to deal with his sister while she excused herself to find William. As she wandered through the family room, library and music room, she marveled at the notion of having so many different single-purpose rooms. She had to keep reminding herself of William's words, 'It's only a house that people live in. He had inherited this house and therefore it was a responsibility, not an achievement.' It was such a different world.
Eventually she found William in his office, sorting through some papers that had been waiting for him at the house when they'd first arrived.

"Aren't you impressed that I found my way back to you?" Lizzy teased.

"Most definitely but, then again, I've seen the way you can navigate a conversation so I guess I'm not that surprised," he teased back. "So what brings you all the way back here. I thought you'd be exploring more of the house or discussing wedding details with Mrs. Reynolds."

"We've already done that, and given how efficient and organized she is, and how little I know about planning a wedding, there was very little to discuss. I'm getting worried about Jane and Charlotte though. We've already been here for almost three hours and they're not here yet."

"Did you try calling them?" William asked.

"As wonderful as your home is, there is absolutely no cell reception here. I can't make a call."

"You do know you're permitted to use the house phones."

Lizzy had to laugh at herself. It hadn't dawned on her to ask to use the phone. It was so instinctual to not spend the money making a long distance call that she didn't even consider the possibility. "I guess you're right. I don't want to disturb your efforts in here so if you could point me in the direction of a phone I'll be out of your hair."

"Please, don't leave. I'm ready to be done with this paperwork. You can use the phone right here on the desk." William piled up the papers he'd been reviewing and closed his laptop.

Lizzy walked around the desk to the phone and was looking for a place to sit when William pulled her down onto his lap. "I guess I'll make myself comfortable right here then," she laughed.

"Please do," and he reached around to surround her with his arms.

Glancing over her shoulder she almost laughed aloud at the smug look on his face. "You're pretty proud of yourself there."

"Yup."

Lizzy decided to ignore his antics and picked up the phone to dial Jane's number. She could hear music in the background as Jane picked up.

"Hey Janey B. Where are you guys? Are you ok?"

"Sorry Lizzy. We lost track of time. We needed to pick up somethings on our way up and it took a little longer than anticipated. We should be there in thirty minutes or so."

William started taking his fingertips and running them along her neck. She was trying valiantly to ignore him but the chills he was sending up and down her spine
were making it difficult to concentrate. She tried sending him dirty looks but he simply progressed to kissing her neck. Lizzy needed to end this call so she could get her revenge. "Ok, thirty minutes but if you aren't here in 45 minutes we're starting dinner with out you."

"Gotcha. I think we'll be there by then. See ya chica."

Lizzy hung up the phone and then turned around on William's lap. Straddling him she took her fingers and started relentlessly tickling him. He had no escape no matter how hard he tried to wriggle away. It was fortunate that Richard had pulled her aside earlier to share a few choice secrets about William that were previously unknown to her. "Do you give up?"

"Yes," he gasped. "Who told you?"

"Told me what?" Lizzy asked innocently.

"You know."

"I'm sorry I don't have any idea what your talking about," Lizzy maintained.

William reached up and began nibbling on her lips. It was so gentle and yet it only made her want more. Each time she tried to kiss him, he moved away nibbling lightly on her ears and neck. It was about to drive her mad when she uttered a single name, "Richard."

"I knew it!" He pulled away. "It was either him, Georgie or Mrs. Reynolds but without a confession he'd never own up to it."

Lizzy smiled, "Alright, you win. Now kiss me properly before the girls get here." William did just that.

The house was filling up with people but everyone who'd arrived thus far were William's guests. Lizzy was starting to feel anxious and a little out of place. Richard had recruited his siblings to join him and Georgie on the flight up. Uncle Henry and Aunt Sophia had also arrived almost at the same moment as Charlie and Caroline. They were welcoming to varying degrees but Lizzy felt the need for some representatives on the "bride side" of the event, even if no family could attend. As such, she'd been watching the driveway anxiously for Jane and Charlotte. She was convinced she'd feel calmer once they arrived.

A green Honda Civic made its way down the drive and towards the house. Lizzy was relieved to see the familiar car finally arrive. Her roommates had finally arrived. Lizzy got up to see if she could help them bring their dresses and suitcases in. As she opened the front door she spied a third person getting out of the backseat. "It can't be," she whispered. All of a sudden, Lizzy was racing down the front steps to the car. "Maria!" The young woman's head snapped in the direction of Lizzy's squeal just in time to brace herself before her sister barreled into her arms ready to embrace her. Tightly hugging Maria to ensure she was real, Lizzy didn't even notice the tears streaming down her own face. Jane and Charlotte looked over at the two sisters and decided to give them a few minutes alone. William, making the same observation, picked up the suitcases and guided them into the house.
"You're here. You really are here." Lizzy said with almost a sigh. "I can't begin to tell you how glad you're here but why? how?"

"I'm sorry Lizzy. When mama and papa left I was very upset and then, after Thanksgiving, I felt bad. I missed you and knew that it had been wrong to blame you and ignore your calls and texts. But then I couldn't figure out what to say so I guess I kept avoiding the issue." Taking another deep breath, Maria continued. "Your William came to see me... twice this week. He was waiting for me at the Lopez' after school on Tuesday and then again on Thursday, asking me to come for the wedding. You're getting married! I still can't believe it! I knew I couldn't miss it so this morning I texted him and told him I would come. He arranged for Jane and Charlotte to pick me up. I am really sorry Lizzy. I was so afraid of my reception." Tears started streaming down Maria's face now and Lizzy realized they should probably get into the house. It was cold and standing out in the cool December night was no place for a long conversation.

"Let's get inside and have some dinner. There will be plenty of time to catch up tomorrow. William's extended family is here for the wedding so I'm so glad there's another Benetez here to support me." Lizzy said with a smile.

Walking arm and arm back into the house, Lizzy directed her sister to her room where she could freshen up. She'd have to see where Maria was going to be sleeping later but she'd shared a room with Maria for enough years that they could easily do it again if she needed to. William was standing just outside the dining room talking with his cousins when he spotted Lizzy coming back down the stairs. She was beaming at him and quickly wrapped her arms around him when he approached. "Thank you so very much. You are a very thoughtful and sweet man, you know." Her heart was warm and full and she was so touched that he'd gone to so much trouble to convince her reticent sister to be here this weekend for her.

"I could never imagine getting married without my own sister here. I knew I needed to try and get Maria here for you as well. I was so relieved when I got her text this morning. I didn't say anything because I was worried she'd change her mind and I didn't want you to be disappointed." William explained as he hugged her close. She fit so perfectly in his arms. "I'm glad you're happy. That's all that matters."

Lizzy stayed comfortably nestled in his arms for a few more minutes and could feel the words forming in her mind, 'I love you.' It was such a sudden thought. She didn't quite know where it had emerged from but her heart was so full she figured it must have come from there. She wasn't prepared to say the words, not yet. But really who could not love such a kind, caring and thoughtful person. He made it easy to love him. Spying her sister coming back down the stairs she pulled away from William and went to introduce her to everyone who was there. Maria was shy and kept close to Lizzy throughout the introductions and dinner. After weeks of being separated from all of her family, Lizzy didn't mind.

The familiar strains of country western music filled the family room as the women discussed the organization of the room for the follow day's wedding ceremony. Jane had chosen the music but it had grown on Lizzy during their two-and-a-half years of living together. Mrs. Reynolds had been skeptical they could fit everyone in the room but Lizzy and William had both agreed that the room would provide the warmth and intimacy for the ceremony they desired. Lizzy was singing along to the next song in the playlist when it hit her...this was the perfect wedding song for them. She'd been agonizing over what song they'd dance to at their small reception on Sunday night. It was a minor detail but had been a bugging her. All of the wedding songs expressed sentiments that didn't feel right for their relationship. This one seemed perfect. Excusing herself from the room, she grabbed her iPod and scrolled through to find the song that had been playing. She found William playing basketball with the guys in the gym. She shook her head, yes, the home had a full-size indoor basketball court, a squash court and an indoor pool. The amount of wealth William had was continually staggering to Lizzy but she'd decided not to focus on it at this point. The boys were sweaty and Lizzy watched them for a few moments before she finally caught William's eye. Spotting her, he called a timeout, grabbed a towel and walked over to her.

"Sorry for interrupting the game." Lizzy said with a smile.

"Richard and Robert needed the break. Charlie and I were killing them so it will give them time to catch their breath and maybe make a decent show of it on the floor." He grinned back.

"We heard that," Richard called out.

Looking back over his shoulder, he responded, "As I'd intended." Turning back to Lizzy. "Now what brings you here? Is everything go ok in preparing for the wedding?"

"Yes, I think I may have found a song for our wedding dance. Will you listen?"

"Of course. I'll need to shower so can we meet in my office in 20 minutes?"

"That'd probably be advisable. See you there." She said with a smirk and turned to leave.

William watched her walk out the door and then went back over to where the guys were standing, "I need to do some things for the wedding. I'm going to shower up and I'll see you for lunch. It's usually ready around 12:30."

"I understand, duty calls," Richard said with a grin.

"You're just glad that you don't have to withstand the slaughter anymore from me and Charlie," William teased as they headed towards the showers.

Refreshed and clean William found Lizzy sitting in his office looking at the various pictures he had on his bookshelves. She felt him before she heard him, his arms wrapped around her waist and he leaned in to place a soft kiss on her neck. It was funny to her that he seemed to need to touch her whenever they were together. Maybe he was insecure still. She'd have to think about that more. Right now she was more interested in kissing him.

"So I'd love to hear this song, do you have it or should I download it?" William asked.

"No, I've got it on my iPod." Lizzy placed her device on the docking station and hit play. She joined him on the couch, resting her head on his shoulder while the opening notes started to play.

"All I knew this morning when I woke
Is I know something now, know something now I didn't before.
And all I've seen since eighteen hours ago
Is green eyes and freckles and your smile
In the back of my mind making me feel like

I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now"

William took a deep breath in, and looked down at Lizzy. The song was perfect. They continued to listen as Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran's voices melded together.

"I just wanna know you better, know you better, know you better now
I just wanna know you, know you, know you
'Cause all I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
And all my walls stood tall painted blue
And I'll take them down, take them down and open up the door for you
And all I feel in my stomach is butterflies
The beautiful kind, making up for lost time,
Taking flight, making me feel right."

The song continued on as William stood up from the couch and pulled her up to him, softly swaying to the crooning voices as they came from the speakers surrounding the room. Looking up, Lizzy caught William's intense gaze as the voices and words surrounded them.

"...All I know is we said, "Hello."
And your eyes look like coming home
All I know is a simple name
Everything has changed
All I know is you held the door
You'll be mine and I'll be yours
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed
All I know is we said, "Hello."
So dust off your highest hopes
All I know is pouring rain and everything has changed
All I know is a new found grace
All my days I'll know your face
All I know since yesterday is everything has changed"

The song ended and they stood there, swaying in the silence, holding one another their eyes communicating the wonder they'd found one another and the words they weren't quite ready to speak.

Lizzy wasn't sure how much time had passed when they heard a quiet knock on the door. Breaking their gaze she turned towards the door, shaking them both out of whatever trance they'd been in.

Clearing his throat, William called out, "who is it?"

"Hi William, it's me, Georgie, I'm sorry to disturb you if you're working," Georgie said as she pushed the door open. She stopped abruptly, realizing she was intruding on a private moment between William and Lizzy. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize..."

"Please come in. You aren't disturbing us and I know how much William has missed seeing you. I'm probably needed for some other wedding detail anyway so I'll let you two catch up."

William was glad Georgie had found him. She'd been terribly quiet all weekend, barely speaking to anyone except their Aunt and Richard. When he'd introduced her to Lizzy she'd barely acknowledged the introduction. "It's nice having the house full of people isn't it."

"I guess." Georgie answered.

"I've missed you and am looking forward to the holidays. It will be a good chance for you to get to know Lizzy better too."

"Hmmm," she responded.

"Georgie? Is something wrong?"

"No."

"Come on Georgie. You came to find me. You're not speaking or answering my questions. Clearly you're upset so I'd appreciate it if you stopped playing these games."

"I understand why you need to get married but I still don't understand why her. You barely know her. What if she's trying to use you? I can't believe you can trust her so easily. I hope you know what you're doing and that she doesn't make a fool of all of us." Georgie yelled.

"I see." Taking a deep breath, William realized he should've been prepared for this. Georgie's own wounds were still too fresh for her to trust easily. Running his hands through his hair, William took a seat and invited Georgie to sit across from him. Leaning forward, he pushed himself to find the right words to say. "Georgie, I love you so very much. I understand that it can be hard to trust new people, especially when one has had the experiences you've had. But I do trust Lizzy, and I expect you to give her a chance. Tomorrow at this time, she WILL be my wife. Take your time, but I expect you to try."

Georgie knew there was little she could say to William when he was so resolute. She was dumbfounded at how Richard and her aunt could also be so easily taken in by this gold digger too. The girl had nothing and her brother was a major catch in the money arena. Shaking her head, Georgie promised she'd try, kissed her brother on the cheek and left his office. She knew she'd eventually be proven right. At least, she'd be around to pick up the pieces when William was disappointed by this Elizabeth.

Lizzy had left the office and was walking towards the family room when she heard Caroline whining to her brother. "Charles, I need you to give me your car and credit card. I don't have anything appropriate to wear for a wedding tomorrow and its your fault. There is nothing to buy in this backwater and I need to drive to Portland to get something suitable."

Charlie sighed. He really didn't want to be dealing with his sister right now and decided that giving her his car would be the easiest way to get some peace and quiet. "Fine. Take this cash. I don't trust you with my card but a thousand should be plenty to get you something reasonable to wear."

"Seriously Charlie? You're giving me such a tight budget? You owe me."

"I owe you nothing Caroline. You insisted on coming this weekend even when I tried to talk you out of it. Take it or leave it."

"Fine."

Lizzy felt a little bad for Charlie, but not too bad. It was his fault she was here and he needed to face the consequences. This might give him some time alone with Jane for them to discuss their issues.

Georgie had decided to join Caroline for the shopping expedition in Portland leaving a very relaxed and comfortable group. The wedding details had been finalized and they decided to all relax in the wine cellar for a little pre-wedding celebration of wine and cheese. Mrs. Reynolds even had various types of sparkling cider for the Gardiner children so they could join the adults for their own "tasting." Eventually the larger group broke into smaller couplings. Lizzy and Maria found a quiet corner to catch up with one another, Jane and Charlie found their own corner and the Gardiners and Fitzwilliam adults chatted and rest of the cousins and friends enjoyed a few of the games they found stashed in the cabinets.

The house was bustling from early in the morning. William looked around the room, glad they had chosen this room to hold their wedding. There were certainly more beautiful rooms in the house but this room held so many happy memories for him. The idea he was starting the next phase of his life in this room seemed a good omen. He remembered cuddling on the couch with his mom reading stories when he was a little boy. He'd been playing some video game with Richard in this room when his parents had brought Georgiana home from the hospital for the first time. All of his childhood Christmases had been celebrated in this room too. And so, while his parents wouldn't be standing there with him, he felt their presence in the memories he carried and the pictures that occupied the walls. He was glad that Richard, Charlie and Robert standing next to him too. They'd supported him and celebrated many, if not all, of the key moments in his life thus far and he couldn't imagine taking this step without them by his side. He returned upstairs with coffee and breakfast, carefully staying out of sight of the women who were getting themselves and Lizzy ready.

Before he knew it he was standing before the magistrate and his family waiting for Lizzy, his Elizabeth to walk to him. Looking around William wasn't suprised to note that the room was simply decorated. Long cream colored tapers were lit to provide a glow to the room. On either side of the doors were vases of pink peonies, cream roses and lavender. The smell was heavenly and he was pleased to now know Lizzy's favorites. The men wore a single cream colored rose and sprigs of lavender on their jackets and the girls carried matching bouquets.

Watching Maria walk down the aisle he was so very glad he'd convinced her to join them for the wedding. He hadn't fully appreciated the impact on Lizzy that the separation from her family had been having. To see the pure joy on Lizzy's face when she first spotted Maria emerging from Charlotte's car was worth more than anything else he'd done in recent months. Lizzy always emanated light but this entire weekend she'd seemed brighter than ever before. William was sure that bringing a member of her family back to her was the reason.

Maria had taken her place next to Jane and Charlotte and it seemed like time was stretching beyond all reasonableness. He began to panic. Had she changed her mind? Why were the doors not opening? He looked over to the girls again and they seemed perfectly calm. William closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind before breaking into a panic. When he opened them again he saw her, arm resting on Professor Gardiners', walking steadily towards him. She was stunning and he couldn't help the brilliant smile that crossed his face as he took in all of her. He remembered his uncle's words earlier in the day, "There are few sights more beautiful than the one of your bride walking towards you. Take note of each detail and each moment." He vowed that he would. Elizabeth's hair was swept back in a loose chignon, drawing attention to her sweet face and highlighting her sparkling green eyes, and the beautiful smile gracing her pinked lips. The dress she'd chosen accentuated her tall, lithe form draping over her shoulders and hips as it fell to the floor. Taken together she was beauty, grace and pure loveliness... and she was walking to him.

Lizzy steadied herself on Edward Gardiner's arm. "You are beautiful Lizzy. He won't be able to keep his eyes off of you." A timid smile crossed her lips, "I'm so glad you're here to help me down the aisle. I can't believe how nervous I am."

"He's a very good man Lizzy. I understand your nerves but I feel good about this. Trust yourself and him." The doors opened and she started walking slowly towards him. His eyes were closed. 'Why were his eyes closed?' A moment passed and then, he was looking directly at her, into her. A smile brightened his face and suddenly, she knew all would be fine. The same feeling of warmth she'd felt on Friday evening, filled her once again and she couldn't wait to be standing next to him, next to the source of this warm happiness that was filling her so completely. It was all she could think about as she stepped ever closer.

Standing next to him he leaned down to whisper in her ear, "You've no right to look so breathtaking. I couldn't breathe when you came through those doors."

Lizzy blinked and brushed her lips against his. It was the only response she could think of to such a statement. The magistrate called their attention forward and began the ceremony. It was brief, all of the essentials were completed and soon enough, William and Elizabeth Darcy were introduced to the assembled group. Champagne was quickly passed around and Richard Fitzwilliam stood to toast the new couple.

"Elizabeth, this morning you married one of the best men I've ever known. His loyalty, friendship and especially love, are not easily bestowed but once they are, you could not ask for a fiercer protector, truer friend or stauncher advocate. Those who earn his love are among the fortunate ones in this world. All that said, I knew from the earliest moments that he'd found someone special when he met you. William, I'm not sure how you convinced this bright, witty, and beautiful girl to be your wife, but speaking for the rest of the family, we are thrilled with your excellent taste. There has been plenty of sorrow in the past and we are thrilled to share in your joy. May you both go from joy to joy." Glasses clinked and champagne was sipped. They'd agreed to a light buffet before they all headed back to Boston for a slightly larger friends and family reception at the Charles Hotel. The group they were expecting tonight had grown to 50 between friends, family and mentors and Lizzy was anxious to get back to Boston to make sure they were prepared for the next celebration.

It was 2:00 in the afternoon and they found themselves alone in the house. All of the others had departed for Boston including Mrs. Reynolds who'd decided to join them for the second celebration that evening. "Well Mrs. Darcy, are you ready to head out to Boston?"

Giggling at the sound of this new name she responded, "Of course my husband." This earned a smile in return.

So the return of their sisters spiced things up a bit, and they continue to grow in their feelings even as the committed themselves to one another. I heard the pleas for the wedding so I pushed to deliver. I hope it satisfies...there may be a few bumps ahead. Comments, perspectives, thoughts...all welcome.