That very next day, per Autumn's eagerness, the venue in Chickamahoney was loaded to the brim with guests and groomsmen. Bridesmaids and a crying grandmother.
Gravedigger was rolling up to the venue, coming to a stop in the back where General, Thunder, and Diablo were still getting ready. Diablo was still struggling with his tie and complaining about the discomfort that his suit was giving him. Finally taking matters into his own hands, Thunder fixed the smaller Defect's tie for him and ordered him to quit complaining.
The three of them startled at the rev of an engine, seeing a familiar Plymouth rolling up.
"Gravedigger?" Thunder ventured.
"You changed back?" General asked incredulously.
Gravedigger revved his engine, white billows of exhaust floating up. "Y'all realize you can change back whenever, y'all ain't stuck like that." His Plymouth body disappeared in the smoke, leaving his human one to stand in its place. "But enough about that, I'm a nervous wreck y'all." He held out his hands, revealing that they were shaking badly. "Please tell me you got the rings."
General grinned and chuckled digging in his pocket. "Relax, Diggs, I got you."
He handed over a small velvet box that contained the two rings. Gravedigger took it from him and quickly opened it, making sure they were both there and not a scratch was on them. After his inspection, he closed the box with a relieved sigh, looking back up at his friends.
"Thank you, all of you, I'd be lost without y'all," he said.
"Hey, that's what we're here for," General replied. "Now, let's get you up to that altar."
Meanwhile, Autumn was in her dressing room, staring at herself in the vanity mirror while Daisy fixed her hair. Autumn sighed as she looked at herself, wiping at a small imperfection in her makeup.
"Y'know, I've always hated wearin' dresses. I feel so outta place. Not to mention all the weight I gained while Gravedigger was gone," she said fretfully.
"Well I think you look beautiful, honey," Daisy said, smoothing down a loose strand of Autumn's dark hair. She leaned down to look at the both of them in the mirror, their faces side by side. "And when Gravedigger sees you he's just gonna drop dead seein' how gorgeous you are."
Autumn laughed. "Oh, you always know what to say to cheer me up." She stood, embracing Daisy. "Thank you for always bein' there for me."Daisy smiled as they quickly hugged, and as they pulled away Autumn noticed the unshed tears in her friend's eyes. "Hey, what's with the water-works?"
Daisy quickly wiped her eyes, trying not to smudge her makeup. "Oh, weddin's, they've always made me emotional it's just… I'm really happy for you, sugar."
Autumn nodded. "It's a dream," she said, tugging at her dress. "Just wish it felt more like me. I ain't exactly a dress gal."
She turned, eyeing her hide jacket that hung on the door. A sly smile crept up her face as she grabbed it, throwing it on over her wedding dress. She flipped her hair outside of it, fixing the collar and moving her arms so the sway, well, swayed.
With a smile, she looked back at Daisy. "Now, it feels like me."
The two of them laughed until they heard the knock at the door.
"Come in!" Daisy announced.
Jesse stuck his head in through the door, smiling at the two of them.
"My, that dress sure looks pretty," he said, stepping inside. He took Autumn's hands and she smiled at him. "And you look just beautiful, darlin'."
Autumn smiled even bigger, her cheeks growing a little red. "Aw, thank you Unc-" she caught herself.
Jesse smiled, giving her hands a light squeeze. "Uncle Jesse's just fine, Autumn. Just fine."
"Uncle Jesse," she said, "I… I know we ain't blood kin, but… would you give me away?"
Jesse nodded. "Be happy to."
She took his arm and the two of them walked out of the room and to the aisle. Daisy handed her her bouquet and smoothed out her veil. Autumn took a deep breath, readjusting her grip on Jesse's arm. A piano began to play and Jesse nudged her with his arm, signaling that it was time to go. She took in a shaky breath and started walking, becoming tunnel-visioned, only focused on the altar. Where Gravedigger stood.
He saw her and immediately his posture straightened, his eyes widening in the rims of his glasses. He was staring. In awe. At her. He was staring at her in awe and in love, like he hadn't stared at her in a long while. And the amount of joy that it gave Autumn Burningwood was almost overwhelming.
Upon reaching the altar, Jesse took her hands in his again. He kissed her forehead, laid a hand on her dark cheek, and used his thumb to wipe away a stray tear. Then, he smiled, and let her go, watching as she stepped up to the altar, Daisy, Maiden, and Marie at her side.
Gravedigger looked at her from his place, General, Diablo, and Thunder making faces behind him. Autumn hid her snickers with her bouquet, turning at the sound of the minister's voice.
Jesse sat with the boys and Autumn's Grandmother. Enos and Cooter were there, as were Caleb and Grant and Tank. Clayton appeared here and there, but it seemed as though his only mission was to steal food and immediately disappear back into hiding. Luke almost caught him a couple of times.
There was an eruption of cheers as the bride and the groom kissed. There was drinking and laughter. Wonderful food was served. People danced. Daisy won the bouquet toss, to which Enos nearly fainted. And the reception lasted late into the night.
What a happy display. Makes me kinda sorry for what's gonna happen next. Speakin' of….
He was average height and ready to retire. Well, maybe an inch or two below average. His years had taken their toll on his back and he was slightly hunched. His eyes weren't the best either. He needed reading glasses and the premise of colors was lost to him. But that was before he needed the glasses to read.
Detective Donald Tollefson was the name. And he was on the case.
"And I have no fucking idea why," he remarked to himself, looking up at the proud buildings of the town. He sighed, continuing on his way. "Got one foot in the grave already, might as well use the other to step on a banana peel," he grumbled, and the time passed anyway.