Note: Just to clarify, this chapter on AO3 has a bonus drawing... Strawberry_Tales You all know the drill!

-end note-


Winter 17

Excitement.

That wasn't even a strong enough word to describe how I was feeling today!

My wedding with Jack was today! I felt the quick, excited movements of our daughter while the pull of a hair brush and stabs of bobby pins were felt on my scalp as Julia fixed my hair, as well as the patting of brushes on my face while Dorothy did my make up.

I heard Dorothy inhale and exhale loudly as I felt Julia stop pinning the bobby pins. We looked over at Dorothy in concern, who appeared to be struggling a bit.

"Do you need to sit down, Dorothy?" I asked as Dorothy blushed.

"N-no. I-I'm fine." She replied, slightly out of breath. "B-besides, you're f-further along than I am."

"Yeah, but you're getting a lot bigger than Rosalind too. That little girl of yours is definitely not little." Julia said.

"Please, sit down for a moment, Dorothy. I'd prefer you to rest if you're tired." I said with strictness.

"B-but, i-it's almost time." Dorothy said in worry.

"The wedding can wait! Besides, I can have Julia fetch Ceci if need be." I scolded. Dorothy blushed before sitting in a nearby chair.

"Actually, I'll go get Cecilia really quickly. Since you'll have to put your dress on soon and she's a lot better and quicker at lacing than I am." Julia said, placing a final bobby pin into my hair, she headed towards the door.

"Ah, make sure Rosalind doesn't look at herself yet, Dorothy!" Julia exclaimed, leaving the room.

"Uhm, should I be concerned?" I asked as Dorothy giggled.

"N-no, you look beautiful, Rosalind. And I kn-know that you'll look more beautiful once your makeup is finished and when you put your dress on." Dorothy said with such sincerity that I smiled.

"Thank you, Dorothy! How is Cadence doing?" I asked as Dorothy placed her hands on her abdomen, her eyes sparkled.

"I c-can feel her fluttery movements. I can't wait until B-Barrett will be able to feel her!" Dorothy said with such excitement.

"I remember when Jack felt Clara for the first time! He was so scared of breaking her." I said with a giggle.

"I-I have a feeling Barrett is g-going to be like that. H-he already worries over us." Dorothy said, returning my giggle. A knock erupted upon the door.

"It's me, Miss." Ceci said as I smiled.

"Please, come in!" I exclaimed as she and Julia entered the room.

"It seems like Dorothy was almost finished with your make-up, Miss." Cecilia said, rushing towards me to finish Dorothy's work.

"What do you think, Miss?" Ceci asked a few seconds later, spinning my chair. I gawked at myself in the mirror in awe. I always found myself to be a lovely woman, but I was able to point out my flaws. However, I couldn't see my flaws anymore!

"I look beautiful!" I exclaimed, tears of elation started welling in my eyes.

"You've always been beautiful, Miss!" Ceci exclaimed. "The makeup is just enhancing your natural beauty."

"A-and I bet C-Clara is going to be just as beautiful as her m-mother." Dorothy said as my face flushed.

"Cadence is also going to be a beautiful little girl! Just like her mommy!" I exclaimed with sincerity.

"Okay, okay! You two can stop rubbing in the fact you're married…or getting married and expecting a baby." Julia said with a pout as I looked over at her and blinked.

"Ah, but Julia? Aren't you and my brother in a relationship?" I asked as Julia sighed.

"Well, yeah…but he hasn't proposed. I don't know if he's still interested in me." Julia looked down.

"Oh, he's still interested! He always asks my opinion on which outfit to wear whenever he goes to see you." I said with a giggle.

"B-but it's taking him a while." Julia said with a sigh.

"It took Jack a while to propose to me as well. Remember?" I asked, as Julia blushed.

"W-well, yeah. But Max was planning with that as well." Julia sighed as I smiled at her.

"As a wise person once told me, just have faith. Everything will work out in the end." I said in a reassuring way. Julia smiled back, her face beaming. I believe she knows who the wise person I'm talking about is.

"It's almost time, Miss. Let's get you in your dress!" Ceci exclaimed as I blushed.

"Ah, of course!" I exclaimed, as Julia and Ceci helped lift me from my seat. I stepped into the middle of my dress as Julia pulled it up over my body.

"Ceci, you're the expert when it comes to lacing up things." Julia said as Ceci started lacing up my dress. She did it so quickly and elegantly that I wasn't expecting her to be finished when she was.

"You look beautiful, Miss." Ceci said, handing me my cascading bouquet before turning me to look at myself in the full length mirror.

She was right, I am beautiful! I needed to not be so hard on myself. I have flaws, sure…everyone does! But I shouldn't have let my flaws define me. Clara is a reflection of myself, I need her to know that she's beautiful! And the only way to do that, is to see myself as beautiful too!

"Rosalind?" My father asked from outside of the room with a knock on the door. "Are you ready? It's time."

"She is, Sir. Wait until you see your beautiful daughter." Ceci said, placing her hand on the door knob. She looked back at me as I nodded, she slowly opened the door as father's eyes widened before welling up with tears.

"Oh, I promised myself I wouldn't cry." He said, sniffling slightly.

"Father…" It was all I could say as tears started forming in my eyes as well.

"You're as beautiful as your mother, my darling daughter." Father said with such glee. It was silent for a moment before father walked in, offering me his hand.

"It's time, Rosalind. Are you ready to start your new life with Jack?" He asked as I nodded.

"More than ready." I replied as Julia helped Dorothy from her seat.

"Congrats." Julia said as she and Dorothy hugged me.

"C-congratulations, Rosalind." Dorothy said softly.

"Congratulations, Miss. If you don't need anything else, I'll be taking my leave to the pews." Ceci said as I nodded.

"You did tremendously, Ceci. Thank you." I said softly.

"Think nothing of it, Miss." Ceci said as she left the room. I inhaled deeply. Leaving the room with father, Julia, and Dorothy. Max and Barrett were waiting for us as Max started tearing up in delight.

"Oh, you look beautiful, Rosalind!" Max exclaimed.

"You do look nice." Barrett said with a smile.

"My sister doesn't just look nice!" Max retorted as Barrett glared at him.

"You know, in my eyes, Dorothy is the most beautiful girl in the world. At least until Cadence comes into the world. Sorry, honey, that little girl is going to be your competition." Barrett said the last part in a slightly joking manner as Dorothy blushed, giggling slightly.

"No, I will agree. C-Cadence is going to be the most beautiful little girl i-in the world." Dorothy said as the organ started playing.

"Ah. That's our cue. Congratulations again, my baby sister." Max said, allowing Julia to grab on his hooked arm as they slowly walked down the aisle, Barrett and Dorothy followed behind a moment later. The organ stopped playing momentarily before the wedding march started playing. Father slowly walked me down the aisle. I locked eyes with Jack who was tearing up, looking at me with such love.

"How are you feeling, Rosalind?" Father asked me in a slight whisper.

"Excited isn't a strong enough word for how I'm feeling, but I'm also a little nervous too." I whispered back to him, my eyes catching a glimpse of Sherman, Evelyn, and Sofia looking at me with sparkling eyes.

"Your mother and I felt the same way when we got married. We loved each other and wanted the best for each other and our family. However, like your mother and I, you have nothing to worry about. Jack will always be there for you and my granddaughter." Father finished as we stopped in front of the podium; Jack looked at me with such delight, smiling deeply.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two peoples present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Gordon began, it was silent with only the sounds of someone sniffling. I wonder who was crying. I had a slight feeling it was Palmo, he was such a crier, but this was indeed a very joyful occasion! I couldn't blame his tears.

"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained. Through marriage, Jack and Rosalind make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other's failures. Jack and Rosalind will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other. We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Jack and Rosalind. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds." Gordon paused for a moment before turning his attention towards my father and myself.

"Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" Gordon asked as father's face beamed proudly.

"I do." Father said softly, kissing my forehead. Jack offered me his hand as I took it, standing on his left side as father took a seat at the pew.

"Do you, Jack, take Rosalind to be your wife – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Jack said, looking into my eyes as I felt Clara move with such delight.

"Do you, Rosalind, take Jack to be your husband – to live together after God's ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." I said, placing my hand on top of my abdomen where Clara was kicking up a storm.

"Then, by the power vested in me, and God, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride!" Gordon exclaimed as Jack's arm wrapped around my waist, his other hand cupped my face as he planted his lips onto mine. The world stood still for a moment in a whimsical way.

Our lips separated as I noticed everyone's applause and cheers echoing through the church. My cheeks color deepened as I felt the best I had ever felt in a long time.


Our reception was at the mansion as I stood in my bedroom.

Or I should say my old bedroom, considering I wouldn't be sleeping here as much anymore. I won't lie, I was going to miss it.

"Miss?" Ceci asked, knocking on the door.

"Ah, yes. Come in, Ceci!" I exclaimed as she opened the door.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Miss. Are you ready to change into your reception gown?" She asked as I nodded. She began to unlace my bridal gown as I started pondering over something.

"Ceci?" I began, a small 'Hm?' escaped her lips as I continued.

"I know the sylphs told you about Clara, but…did they ever tell you about Cadence?" I asked as Ceci finished unlacing the last bit of my gown.

"They did. But only because of Egan and Byron being friends. Sylphs can be informative, but only if the one they're telling us about is close to us in some way. For you, it was because of not only me being your maid, but because of Egan being good friends with your father too. It's really difficult to explain, but using Yue as an example, if she ever becomes pregnant, the sylphs won't tell me because I'm not close to her and no one in the inn is close to Yue as well. Same with Julia, unless she and Max have a child together because of Herman and Egan being close and me being your all's maid." Ceci finished as I blushed.

"Ah, that is a bit confusing." I admitted sheepishly as Ceci giggled.

"It is, I agree. And explaining it is difficult as well." Ceci said as I heard a zipping noise.

"Alright, then! Your reception dress is on! How are you feeling?" Ceci asked as I looked in the mirror at the knee length ruby red dress that sparkled in the light with the rose-gold glitter.

"I feel wonderful. The best I've felt in a long time." I said softly and sincerely.

"Then let's get you downstairs. Your new husband is waiting for you." Ceci said warmly as we made our way down the stairs and into the dining hall. My guests were mingling with each other.

"Oh, Ceci? Can I borrow you for a moment?" Jake asked, walking towards us.

"Hm? Of course." Ceci began, turning her attention towards me, "Do you need anything else before I go, Miss?"

"No. Please, enjoy the reception, Cecilia! You've done enough." I said. Ceci smiled and curtsied before following Jake. I looked around for my new husband.

"Rosalind?" I turned to the sound of Ray's voice.

"Hello, Ray! Thank you for coming!" I exclaimed before noticing that his face was slightly puff as if he'd been crying.

"Ray, are you alright?" I asked as he looked down.

"Y-yes…I just…I-I…" He paused for a moment before sighing, tears flowing down his cheeks more. "I had an argument with my sister."

"Oh? Do you need to talk about it?" I asked as his face flushed, he wiped his eyes.

"No, I need…uh, you have more to worry about with that baby." He said, giving me a fake smile.

"Go enjoy your day." He finished, his lips slightly quivering.

"Let me know if you need to talk." I said, walking through the crowd. I saw Alicia conversing with Yue and my cousin Sofia as I quickly waddled towards them.

"Alicia?" I asked as she looked over at me.

"Oh, Rosalind! Your cousin is super interesting! No means yes and yes means no? I have got to learn this strategy from her! Maybe I could annoy my mother!" She exclaimed in a joking manner.

"I would be very disappointed to teach you, Alicia!" Sofia exclaimed as Alicia squealed in delight.

"Isn't she interesting, Yue?" Alicia asked as Yue blinked at them a couple of times.

"Uh, yeah." Yue said in uncertainty.

"Anyway, congratulations, Rosalind! My reading for you was spot on, wasn't it?" Alicia asked as I blushed.

"It was. Ah, Alicia? I wish to ask you something." I began.

"Hm? Go on." Alicia said, nodding her head once.

"Are you mad at Ray?" I asked as she furrowed her brows.

"Uh, no, why?" She asked, a confused look on her face.

"Ah, w-well he said you two had an argument." I said, she blinked at me a few times.

"We did?" She asked.

"Hm, actually, I haven't seen Ray since we got here. Did you two have an argument before coming here?" Yue asked as Alicia pondered.

"No. Mother and I had an argument, which is normal; but Ray and I did not." Alicia said before sighing.

"I'll go talk to him." She said, walking away from us. She stopped midway, turning back towards us.

"I'll talk to you later, Yue. As for you, Sofia, I hope to never see your face again!" Alicia exclaimed as Sofia giggled.

"I hope your face burns off of your head so if we do run into each other I won't have to risk seeing your face!" Sofia exclaimed as Alicia laughed in amusement.

"I have got to give you my address so we can exchange letters! Ah, that wasn't opposite talk, by the way." Alicia said, saying the last bit in nervousness as Sofia smiled sincerely.

"I would hate to have your address! Don't look for any letters from me!" Sofia exclaimed as Alicia smiled back, walking away to find her brother.

"Oh, and congrats, Rosalind! You look as though an ogre was your biological family." Sofia said as I giggled.

"Thank you, Sofia." I said as Sofia smiled at me before walking away towards Evelyn who was conversing with Palmo.

"Yeah, congratulations, Rosalind. It was a beautiful wedding! And the reception's nice too!" Yue exclaimed.

"Thank you, Yue." I said with a smile.

"So, has Jack seen you in your reception dress yet?" Yue asked as I shook my head.

"No, I actually haven't seen him since we arrived." I admitted as Yue's eyes widened.

"What? Really? Well, you better go find your new husband, he's probably wondering where you ran off to!" Yue exclaimed.

"Oh, well I don't want to leave you alone, Yue." I said as Yue smiled at me slightly.

"Don't worry, I'll mingle with the others! I'm actually a very charismatic person! Just like my dad!" Yue said very proudly with a beaming smile on her face.

"Ah, Yue?" We looked over towards Ray with a small smile on his face. He had been cleaned up very nicely, and looked as though he was never crying to begin with.

"May I…talk to you for a moment? Alone?" Ray asked, causing Yue to nod her head.

"Sure. Congrats again, Rosalind!" Yue exclaimed as she followed Ray to the other side of the room.

"There you are!" I turned towards the sound of Jack's voice as he was walking closer.

"I was getting worried." He admitted nervously as I giggled.

"Sorry, I became distracted talking to our guests. Besides, since I'll be living with you at the farmhouse, I'm sure you'll get tired of seeing my face." I said in a joking manner as he cupped my face.

"I don't think I'd ever tire of seeing your beautiful face." He admitted in a soft way, lightly brushing his lips onto mine. Clara's enthusiastic kicks from my heartbeat caused me to wince in pain.

"Ah, did Clara hurt you?" Jack asked in concern before his face turned white. "O-or is it time?"

"Far from time. However, she did kick me in the ribs." I said, exhaling deeply, looking over to where Ray and Yue were conversing. Yue's face was a deep red color and she was nodding vigorously about something, a look of uncertainty and determination on her expression. I wonder what they were talking about?

"I'll have to ground her for hurting you when she comes." Jack said jokingly as I giggled at his joke. A melodic, romantic tune started to gather through the room as I noticed all eyes were on us. Jack placed one arm on my waist, intertwining his fingers with mine as I placed my other hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes.

"I think our guests want a show." I said softly while giggling.

"Then let's give them a show. Ah, just let me know if I twirl you too much." He replied, leading me into the dance. I felt like I was floating on a whimsical cloud, no one else was present at that moment; only Jack and I, and our little Clara of course. Our lips brushed as the song ended, an applause erupted causing Jack and I to look over at our guests' merry faces before I realized we were missing two.

Ray and Yue.

Where on earth did they go? However, before I could have a second thought, my father made his way towards us.

"Alright, Jack! You've had my daughter long enough for now! I would really love my father-daughter dance with her." Father bellowed out as Jack smiled.

"Of course, sir!" Jack exclaimed before Father looked at me.

"Only if you're ready for our dance as well, Rosalind." Father said as I smiled.

"Absolutely!" I exclaimed before my face's color deepened in realization.

"Ah, b-but it doesn't seem fair that Jack isn't able to have a parent dance." I admitted, looking over at my new husband.

"Who says Jack can't have a parent dance?" Natalie asked, making her way closer to us.

"You've been a great friend to Ray, Rosalind. And Jack's been great to him and Alicia as well. Even though I'm not Jack's mother, I think Jack's done well enough to be like a son to me." Natalie said, turning her attention to Jack.

"Only if you don't mind, Jack."

"Not at all! And considering I can't remember my mother nor father, I don't think I could feel ashamed for not dancing with my mother…" Jack admitted as Natalie smiled.

"Then shall we?" Father asked, leading me onto the dance floor and into our dance.

"I hope you'll still come and visit me." He said, his eyes welling with tears.

"F-father…of course I will." I replied, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. "And I'll make sure to bring Clara to visit as well."

"Oh, I can't wait to meet that little granddaughter of mine." He said, returning my embrace. He planted a kiss onto my forehead.

"Enjoy your new life with Jack."

"I will, father." The music ended as everyone applauded us.

"Thanks for dancing with me, Natalie." Jack said as Natalie gave him a small smile.

"No problem." She replied as I looked around the room again.

"Ah, Natalie? Do you have any idea where Ray and Yue ran off to?" I asked, causing Natalie to look around the room as well.

"Oh? They're not here! I didn't realize they had left." Natalie admitted before smiling at me.

"I'm sure they're fine. They're probably spending quality alone time together. I'm really happy for them, I think Yue has been a great influence on not only Ray, but Alicia as well! Anyway, congratulations, you two, and good luck with the baby!"


Jack opened the door of the farmhouse, placing me down as I kicked off my heels, sitting down in the nearby armchair, sighing deeply.

"I didn't think the reception would last for as long as it did." He said with a sigh, sitting down in one of the dining chairs.

"Though, I'll admit, seeing Douglas get as drunk as he was; I'd pay to see that again." Jack said while laughing as I returned his laugh.

"I've seen Douglas intoxicated a time or two, but I have never seen him try to sing opera and twirl like a 'fairy princess ballerina'!" I exclaimed as Jack and I burst out laughing loudly.

"I have a feeling Mana's going to be in hiding for a week." Jack said, wiping a tear from his eye. It was silent for a moment. My eyelids were becoming heavy.

"Do you want me to carry you to bed?" He asked as my eyes shot open.

"Hm? Ah, I think you've carried me enough today, Jack. I'm sure I'm really heavy now." I admitted as he smiled at me.

"You're not heavy, but carrying you up the stairs probably would be risky. I'll just help you up the stairs." He said, standing up, rushing over to help me out of my seat.

Today marked a new chapter, no, a new book in my life series.