Chapter 226: Wedding Bells

Thomas stood before the mirror, fidgeting as he tried to adjust his tie.

"Come on, you stupid thing! Oh, why'd they invent something so stupid?"

"Need a hand?"

Edward chuckled as he strode into the room, effortlessly tying it, much to Thomas's dismay.

"How did you-"

"Never mind that, it's almost time. Are you ready?"

Thomas chuckled nervously.

"As ready as I'll ever be!"

With that, the two took their leave, so that Thomas could take the most important step in his life.

Emily hummed a little tune as she made the final adjustments, ending with the veil on her head. Her dress was a beautiful emerald green, her favorite color.

"Are you nervous, Emily?"

Emily looked back to find Molly, her maid of honor, waiting in the open doorway.

"Honestly? I'm scared out of my mind! But I love Thomas, and can't think of a better person to spend the rest of my life with."

"Then what are waiting for? Let's go and get you two lovebirds hitched!"

Emily laughed and followed Molly out into the corridor leading to the main hall. As they walked, Emily started conversation to ease her fears.

"So, when's James going to pop the question?"

Molly blushed, before pulling off her glove to reveal a beautiful engagement ring, much to Emily's shock.

"A week ago. We wanted to wait until after your wedding to announce it. Didn't want to overtake your big day."

"Oh, you wouldn't have done that! Congratulations! When's the date?"

"We haven't decided yet. I assume you'll be my maid of honor?"

"Did you even have to ask?"

The wedding music started, coming from the chapel. Emily sighed nervously, but determined.

"Well, no use turning back now."

Slowly, the doors swung open, revealing a large room leading up to the altar. Her fellow engine drivers lined the pews, a few of them even from The Skarloey and Arlesdale Railways. And at the very far end of the room stood Thomas, her husband to be. His co-best men, looking equally as nervous. Edward met her when she came in.

"If I may, would you allow me to walk you down the aisle?"

"I'd be honored."

Edward took her arm, gently guiding her down the aisle. Behind her, Annie and Clarabel fulfilled their roles as flower girls, excited to officially add Emily to their family. After what felt like the longest walk of her life, they reached Thomas, whom Edward handed Emily off to. Finally reunited, the both chuckled over their insecurities.

"You nervous too?"

"Yeah. You ready for this?"

"As long as I'm with you, I'm ready for anything."

"Same here."

"Ahem."

The vicar cleared his throat, turning everyone's attention to him.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join these two souls in holy matrimony..."

The Vicar droned on with his speech, but Thomas and Emily tuned him out. Instead, they focused on each other until it came time for their vows. Thomas decided to go first.

"Emily, I never thought I'd be standing here. I've always wanted to have a family, but I just never found the right person to settle down with. Then I found Annie and Clarabel, and for a long time I didn't think I would need anything else. But then you came along, and I've never been more in love with anyone in my life. I don't know if soulmates exist, but if they do I hope your mind."

Moved to tears, Emily began her vows.

"Thomas, when I first came here I was a nervous wreck. No matter what I did, I somehow messed up every job I was given. Any other person would've given up on me, but you didn't. You showed me the patience and compassion I needed, and because of you I never gave up. it was at that moment I realized that I love you, and now I'm ready to take the next step of my life with you. I love you, Thomas."

"May we have the rings, please?"

Phillip eagerly stepped forward, the two rings atop the plush pillow. Tenderly, the couple took them and slipped them on the other's finger.

"Thomas, do you take Emily to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do."

"And Emily, do you take Thomas to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!"

Thomas gladly did so, to the claps and cheers of the audience for the newlyweds. Later, at the reception, Thomas and James were talking privatley.

"So, you fly out tomorrow?"

"Yep, going to Florida. Always wanted to go there, and Emily had no objections. She tells me you proposed to Molly?"

"Sure did, and boy am I glad she said yes. Thing cost me three months salary, but it was worth it!"

"Ha, tell me about it! Well, congratulations."

"Thanks, you too."

That night, Thomas and Emily got ready for their first night as a married couple.

"I still can't believe it. We're officially married!"

"I know, it all feels like a dream."

"Well if it is, I never want it to end."

An impish smile crossed Emily's lips.

"Well, we'd better make sure, right?"

Thomas smiled, and eagerly turned off the light.