Two years passed uneventfully, and the NWR began to thrive. Lily's rebuild did indeed improve her performance, finally making her a proper express engine, though she still consumed lots of coal.

One day, Conan clocked in at Vicarstown, clearly looking happier than usual. Thomas was quick to notice this, even before Conan entered his cab.

"Morning, Thomas," he said.

"What has you so cheerful? I'm feeling like I'm gonna burst."

"Me and Jewelie are getting married! Isn't it wonderful?"

"Indeed it is! Congratulations!" exclaimed Thomas. "I assume the Fat Director will find a way to get me involved?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way. He did agree to let me charter a special train, so long as he got a position on the wedding crew."

"Sounds like him alright," said Thomas, laughing.

Timmy happened to be nearby and overheard.

"What exactly is a wedding?" he asked.

"I can answer that," said 98462. "A wedding is when a man and a woman become a permanent couple. There's a ring involved, and some other stuff, but I don't really know much more than the basics."

The other engines also overheard.

"Oh, a wedding," sighed Emily. "That sounds lovely."

"Don't see why. It's just a celebration of something small."

"Shut the hell up, Lily!" snapped Emily. "Let them have their happy moment!"

"Geez. Someone woke up snappy today," said Lily.

Arrangements for the wedding took about a month. Noah, as the best man, insisted he be in charge of everything, something the Fat Director disagreed with.

"I'm telling you, the flowers must be roses!"

"Nonsense!" scoffed the Fat Director. "Lilies would be far more appropriate."

"Roses symbolise beauty," insisted Noah.

"Lilies would better fit with the colour of the decorations," said the Fat Director.

"Enough!" shouted Lord Harwick. "Since neither of you can agree on which flowers to choose, why don't we ask Conan what flowers he wants? He knows more than you do!"

Noah and the Fat Director looked at each other.

"We should've done that first," said Noah. The Fat Director nodded in agreement.

As it would later turn out, Conan agreed with Noah, and white roses were chosen for the decorations.

The next thing that was needed was a menu. Conan's instructions were vague, detailing only that meat was to be the base of the menu.

"What are we supposed to make of that?" asked one of the chefs. "You hired me to cook, not decode some vague instructions!"

"Do what you must or I won't pay you."

"Give me a more specific menu."

"Fine. If you insist," sighed Conan. "I think I'd like to have some duck and Filet Mignon."

"Anything else?" asked the chef.

"Well, I know Jewelie has a love for potatoes," said Conan. "Can you make any recipes with potatoes in them?"

"Yes, I can make Pretty Duchess Potatoes," the chef answered. "And what will the cake be?"

"Well, her favourite flavour is strawberry. Maybe a strawberry and chocolate shortcake?"

"Works."

The next big thing was getting appropriate dressing for everyone. Conan's family didn't have too much money, and Jewelie's father was paying for most of the wedding. Despite that, Conan's grandparents insisted he get the best suit he could find.

"You know it won't be cheap. Right?"

"It's your wedding!" said Aila. "You deserve the best suit out there!"

"Grandmother…"

"Don't argue with me! Your wedding is in one week, now come on, pick the best suit."

After that was done. Conan could only wait and count down the days. His grandmother had forbidden any contact between him and Jewelie until the wedding, refusing to explain why.

Jewelie, meanwhile, was also counting down the days, waiting for the day the wedding would happen.

At last, the day came. The evening before the wedding, Thomas was being cleaned and polished, so he would look his best for the Wedding Train.

"Why does he get to take it?" grumbled Lily.

"Do you really ask? Conan is bonded to him, who else could take it?" Edward pointed out. Henry puffed alongside the E2.

"You sure do look shiny," he said. "I guess that comes with being number 1."

"Oh, that's not why I'm being cleaned," said Thomas the Tank Engine. "Didn't you hear? My driver, Conan, is getting married tomorrow, and I've been chosen to take his Wedding Train."

Henry looked down sadly at his buffers.

"Everything ok?" Thomas asked.

"I wish I could pull a special train other than the express," he said wistfully. "Nobody wants a failure, I get that…but still…" Thomas couldn't help but feel sorry for the Green Engine. Henry may have been a failure, but he still worked hard.

"I'll tell you what, Henry," he said kindly. "I'll talk the Fat Director into letting you head the train tomorrow. I don't mind leading up the rear."

"WHAT?! You mean that?!"

"Indeed I do. In fact, after the reception at Wathermine, I'll even allow you to take it on to Kellsthorpe Forest on your own."

"Oh thank you Thomas!" beamed Henry. "That will be lovely!"

The Shedmaster went to inform the Fat Director while workmen set to work cleaning and polishing Henry. At the same time, Edward approached Thomas to ask him something.

"Thomas…why?"

"He looked sad," answered Thomas. "I just wanted to cheer him up."

"That was a noble thing, Thomas. Well done…however, I'm not sure Conan will agree fully. You're his best friend."

"I'll explain it to him. He'll understand."

The next morning, Conan and his family were on the way to Vicarstown station, from there, Thomas would take them to Waterwaithe, near Lake Machan, where the reception would take place.

"Never thought I'd live to see this day," laughed Noah. "My brother's getting married."

"Well, I am. And before you!"

"Now, children. Settle down"

"We're not children!"

"You're acting like such. Now settle down."

After that, the walk to the station was mostly silent.

At the sheds, Henry was busy admiring how shiny his paint was.

"Fit to take the King on a Holiday, if you ask me!"

Some of the engines rolled their eyes, but it was Lily who tried to voice the general opinion.

"Listen here, Henry…"

"Can't listen to you! Must go prepare!"

Henry turned around and began backing towards the station: he had filled up on coal and water the night before so he didn't need to worry about refuelling. Lily just glared on jealously.

"I bet you something he'll screw up," she said to Olive.

"Next express turn? Or you too scared?" asked Olive cheekily.

"If he screws up, I'll take the express for a full week. Deal?"

Conan was very surprised to see Thomas pulling the coaches into the station platform.

"What are you doing on this end? Shouldn't you be pulling the train?"

"I will be," answered Thomas. "But not yet. For now, there are other arrangements."

Conan was about to ask what these other arrangements were when Henry backed down onto the other end of the train. On top of his smokebox was a red headboard, reading, "Wedding Pullman" in gold letters.

"Your engine has arrived!" Henry declared.

Conan was highly weirded out.

"What is that engine doing on this train?" he asked.

"Take it easy, Conan: I offered him to help," said Thomas. "He was upset he wouldn't be chosen for a special train."

"But…!"

"Get inside, Conan," scolded his grandmother. Conan sighed and reluctantly boarded the coach reserved for him. Unknown to him, Jewelie boarded another at the back of the train.

The guard blew his whistle, and both engines departed. Henry pulled from the front, while Thomas pushed from behind.

Henry enjoyed the journey and seeing all the sights he hadn't seen before. Not once did his illness take effect.

After some time, they arrived at the place. The reception was to take place near Loey Machan, and then, a special train would take them to Kellsthorpe for a small ceremony, where Conan and Jewlie would privately affirm their vows for a second time. After that, dinner would be served.

One by one, the guests began to drop, first, Sir Topham Hatt, along with his wife, and their young son.

"Congratulations, Conan!" bellowed the Fat Director.

"Between you and I, my husband likely agreed because of the prospect of free food," whispered Lady Hatt to Aila. Aila just shrugged. Their eight-year old son, Charles, couldn't help but feel bored.

"Where are the other kids?" he asked. "I can't have fun by myself!"

"Shush. There are no other kids. I expect you to behave."

Charles rolled his eyes, earning him a slap from his mother.

Later, more guests arrived. Conan's uncle Robert, who hadn't really been on good terms with the rest of the family since his wife died, was the first of the family to arrive.

"We didn't invite your brother's brat, did we?" asked William.

"Of course not," replied Aila. "You! How did you get in here?"

"Easy, I drove," replied Robert. "Would the young man be interested in one of my revolutionary products?"

"No, he isn't. And I'll throw you into the lake if you try to swindle someone during my grandson's wedding."

Robert went off to find a seat, taking a long drink of whiskey. At that moment, another guest arrived, one Conan didn't expect to see: it was Mr. Brown, along with his son.

"Noah! So wonderful to see you! I didn't expect you'd want to invite me to any wedding you were attending."

"Oh, well. It's been some time since I saw you," Noah replied. "How's the Mrs. been? Has she gotten better?"

"I'm afraid not," Mr. Brown replied. "She ended up dying under mysterious circumstances. But let's not discuss the details now: it's a happy day!"

More distant relatives began dropping in. Conan's grandfather was sure they wanted to get on his good side to get some inheritance, and he let that be known. Conan took no notice: he spent time reconnecting with some of his old classmates.

Finally, noon came, and Conan was escorted to a small altar. His heart raced, not sure what to expect.

Then, she appeared. Conan's jaw dropped as she walked towards him. Her dress was white as snow, and her natural beauty was now fully on display. He found himself unable to speak.

"Hi, Connie," she said. Conan's words were caught in his throat.

"Uh, uh, h-h-hi J-Jewels," he managed to stutter.

"Hehe.. You look real cute right now."

Conan's voice returned.

"Thanks, uh, you too."

"This is the day… I can't deny I'm nervous…"

Both began walking towards the train, unheeding the sight of everyone else staring at them. The good luck package was there: The new 12 wheeled Pullmans, larger than any other railway's. Thomas, his blue paint shining in the sun. Even Edward had paid a small visit, the old engine smiling with fondness.

Conan and Jewelie boarded their coach, a special observation saloon, and were escorted to the better seats on the whole train.

The rest of the guests soon boarded, while Thomas tried to pretend he wasn't crying. The guard blew his whistle.

"Peep peep!" whistled Thomas, and he set off for Vicarstown. Henry didn't know how to feel about being dragged when he was feeling well.

"I think I can take this train alone, Thomas," he said.

"Yeah, but that wasn't part of our deal," reminded Thomas. "Cheer up: you'll have control again when we get back to Vicarstown."

The sky had started to become cloudy when they arrived at Vicarstown. Once there, two kitchen cars were added to the front of the train, for which Henry had to briefly be uncoupled, and all necessary items for the dinner service were loaded and the chefs began cooking them. Thomas was uncoupled from the train, and had a picture taken with Conan and Jewelie. Henry, however, didn't seem to be focused on the train: he was looking up at the sky, worried.

"I don't like this," he muttered.

Soon, the guard blew his whistle, and off Henry went. Thomas watched him go, before looking up at the sky.

"I sure hope it doesn't rain," he said to his driver. "I wouldn't want Conan and Jewelie's day to be ruined."

"I'm sure those two will be fine," said his driver reassuringly. "They'll never let rain stop them."

Thomas couldn't help but agree.

Henry felt like he was making good time. But all that changed when he felt a drop of water land on his boiler. Then another. And another. Finally, hundreds of drops started falling onto him. Henry looked up and realised it was raining.

"Oh no, this is the last thing I need!" he complained.

The Green Engine spotted the Ballahoo Tunnel ahead. He rushed inside and came to a grinding halt.

"What is going on?" demanded Conan when he saw that they had stopped moving.

At the front, Henry's crew were arguing with him.

"Come on, Henry!" said the driver. "We can't stay here: we gotta get going."

"No no no! The rain will spoil my lovely green paint with red stripes!" complained Henry.

"There's a wedding going on, you idiot. You have to carry on to Kellsthorpe. Besides, we're blocking the…"

"I don't care! I'm not spoiling my lovely green paint with red stripes for anybody, let alone you!" interrupted Henry rudely.

"I'll go fetch the boss," sighed the fireman.

Inside the coach, the Fat Director was having a good dinner. He was interrupted by Henry's fireman tapping him on the shoulder.

"Is there a problem, fireman?" he asked, before noticing something. "Wait, is it nighttime already?"

"No: Henry's stalled and is refusing to move," the fireman replied. Everything went silent at this.

"Is that so? Right, we'll soon sort out this nonsense. Excuse me, everyone, this shall take but 5 minutes"

Outside, the guard had walked up in front of Henry. He began blowing his whistle until he had no more breath and waved his green flag until his arm ached. But Henry still stayed and blew steam at him.

"Fuck off, weasel!" he snapped.

"Clear the fucking line! Didn't you notice there's only one track?" snapped the guard.

"What's all this swearing about?" asked the Fat Director, coming up in front of Henry. "Come on, Henry: we can't stay here all day."

"I won't go!" shouted Henry. "I'm not letting the rain spoil my lovely green paint with red stripes!"

"Really? That's what this is about? Honestly, Henry: paint is nothing compared to…" Henry blew steam at the Fat Director before he could finish. "Alright," said the Fat Director, "if that's how you want to play, we're going to pull you out."

He told the fireman to find a rope, went back inside the train, and asked for everyone's attention.

"Henry's refusing to come out because he thinks the rain will spoil his paintwork," he told them. "I need all of you to come out and we'll pull him with a rope."

"This is my best suit!" complained Robert.

"If you want to break the news to Conan and Jewelie, be my guest."

"Besides, you weren't even invited! Do something that isn't a scam for once!" shouted William.

At the back of the train, Conan and Jewelie had heard what was going on. They were furious with Henry.

"What right have you to ruin our special day, you big green oversized slug?!" scolded Jewelie, once everyone was gathered in front of the train. Henry washed her with steam.

"The right to keep my lovely green paint with red stripes free of dirt," Henry answered.

"That doesn't matter! This is our wedding, jackass!" snapped Conan.

"Wait inside, brother," said Noah. "I'll take care of this."

"No need for that," said the fireman, attaching the rope he found to Henry's coupler. "Right, let's pull."

Everybody grabbed the rope and began to pull. Except the Fat Director.

"Aren't you going to help?" asked Conan.

"Um, well, my, uh, doctor has forbidden me to pull," said the Fat Director. They all pulled and pulled as hard as they could.

"Like anybody can pull out an 80-ton steam engine," Henry scoffed. Sure enough, the rope snapped and the passengers all came tumbling onto the ground!

After that, they all went to the other end of the train.

"One, two, three, push!" called the Fat Director. But he didn't help. "Erm, my doctor has also forbidden me to push."

"My dress… This isn't the wedding I had planned!" groaned Jewelie. Not that she really cared about the dress: she was more upset with Henry. They all pushed until they nearly lost their breath, but still Henry stayed in the tunnel.

"That was an exercise in futility. What were you thinking, fatso?" Henry laughed.

"This would've gone better if you helped us," said Noah.

"Are you really saying I should disobey my doctor?!" scolded the Fat Director. "That's really bad for…"

"What kind of doctor forbids his patients from exercising?!" Noah snapped. The Fat Director fumbled, trying to answer.

"Um, well, you see, my doctor…"

At that moment he heard Selena's whistle. The guard quickly ran down with a red flag and stopped her.

"What's the holdup?" she asked. "I thought the line was clear."

While the guard explained the situation to her, everybody else argued with Henry.

"Look, it's stopped raining!" Noah said. "You're delaying the wedding, so come on"

"Yes, but it will begin again soon," snorted Henry. "And what will become of my…"

"ENOUGH ABOUT YOUR PAINT!" shouted Conan and Jewelie together. "WE DIDN'T COME HERE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR GODDAMN FUCKING PAINT!"

"You selfish bustards!" Henry shouted. "I got myself cleaned and polished for you!"

"You've no right to call us selfish when you yourself are being selfish!" Lord Harwick pointed out.

On the other side of the tunnel, Selena rolled her eyes upon learning the situation.

"Honestly, I'm starting to think Henry's a clone of me," she said. "Right, uncouple me from my train. I'll have him out in no time."

So Selena was uncoupled from her goods train and buffered up to the brake coach. She whistled, warning those in front of Henry to clear off, and began pushing with all her might. Causing Henry to slowly begin to move forward.

"Oh no you don't!" Henry shouted, and he rapidly pushed back. The coaches bumped into each other and Selena rolled backwards!

"How was he able to do that without a driver?!" she asked in bewilderment.

"That engine's definitely more stubborn than we took him for," the driver admitted. It was at this point, everybody, even the Fat Director, gave up.

"Fine!" shouted the Fat Director. "If you want to stay in that tunnel, you can jolly-well stay there! For always and always and always!"

"What do you mean?" asked Henry.

The Fat Director didn't answer: he ordered the fireman to extinguish Henry's fire and uncouple the Pullmans, which Selena took back to Vicarstown. Afterwards, the rails in front of and behind the tunnel were lifted and the wall was bricked up, preventing Henry from leaving. A new tunnel was bored, taking ten hours to do, which led to all trains between Crovan's Gate and Vicarstown being cancelled for the rest of the day, as well as the wedding having to be changed.

Jewelie and Conan were furious. And not even the cake would improve their mood. Thomas was furious too, but for quite a different reason.

"I allow Henry to take the train and he repays me by putting his paint over the guests?! What the hell is wrong with him?! Well, if that's what happens when I do a good deed, then I'm no longer doing anything for anybody else!" And he steamed off back to work.

"I think Thomas is being unreasonable," Emily said to Edward.

"Me too, but we can't really blame him," said Edward solemnly. "After all, Henry repaid Thomas' kindness with selfishness and vanity. At his age, I don't think anybody would see the point of doing good deeds if that was the reward."

When the new tunnel was completed, Thomas ended up taking the entire wedding train himself, not trusting anybody else to do so. Edward offered to help push the train.

"I know Henry's actions made you think there's no point in doing good deeds," he said, "but name one time I've ever betrayed you. I even stuck by you when Lily first arrived and tried to treat you like her slave."

"This isn't the same!" snorted Thomas. "If being polished for a wedding train made Henry vain and selfish, what's stopping you from becoming the same?"

"I could ask you the same question," replied Edward with a smile.

Meanwhile, Henry stood sadly in his tunnel, watching the other trains roll by, thinking nobody would ever see his lovely green paint with red stripes again. The soot and dirt from the tunnel roof spoiled his paint more than the rain ever would.

"Serves you right!" called Lily as she rolled past.

Henry tried to say something back, but couldn't: he had no steam to answer, and was feeling too sad to do so even if he did.

He then saw the wedding train roll past, his firebox starting to feel heavy with regret. But I think Henry deserved the punishment he got, don't you?

(Author's note: And now we get to the Awdry stories. Henry comes off as more selfish here than in the original story, ruining Conan and Jewelie's special day by worrying more about his paint than his special guests. He also blocked service in both directions. In any case, please tell us what you think. Signed, co-author, ZaphodScotsman)