Topic: Wishes

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:00 EST
Ivy Lodge had been standing empty for almost a year when the Old Man recommended it to a newly returned prodigal son and his newly chosen lady friend. Jasmin had been only too happy to hand over the keys, waving away any suggestion of paying for the furniture that remained in the house her parents had lived in. It was good that the house would be lived in again, in her opinion, happy as she was on the beach with her husband and Milo. So Edward and Lisbeth had been moved into Ivy Lodge by a small army of Grangers, and were now attempting to get used to each other on a daily basis. Annoying habits set aside, it wasn't going too badly, on the whole.

What Edward clearly liked most about Ivy Lodge was the piano that Jasmin's mother had made a point to add to the living room. It had been many years since he'd had the chance to plink away on a piano - ever since he'd left Rhy'Din for Earth, in fact - and he'd forgotten how much enjoyment he'd once derived from such simple pleasures as home could provide. There was a garden outside just waiting for spring planting, and a fireplace inside for cozying up to on cold winter nights. He didn't have much chance to miss Brynne and Lila, as their home was only a short walk away, as was the rest of the family he was slowly becoming reacquainted with. He had received word from Zahan that she was looking forward to a visit, but that it would have to wait until either spring break or summer when she didn't have to worry about school. All in all, things were going well, maybe too well, and Edward kept waiting for the other shoe to drop.

With little else to occupy her time, Lis had thrown herself into giving the house a full clean, and between that project and the hearty meals that kept filling the place with enticing smells, she seemed to have found her niche for now, settling into the role of housekeeper this time with a pride that came from knowing that the house she was keeping was her own. Edward's notes were proving a somewhat daunting task to try and decipher, but he didn't seem to mind her constant questions on the subject. It felt strange, but nice, to be slowly settling into this sprawling family that had such love for one another. Family was a feeling she had not had in a very long time.

The more Edward tried to decipher those notes, the harder it seemed, until he had done whatever he could to avoid the task, whether it was important to him or not. He used the move as an excuse at first, needing to repair this or update that, in an attempt to make Ivy Lodge their own. It was up to Lis to make sure he didn't overdo it, under doctor's orders to take it slow or risk further illness.

She was slowly getting used to having the privilege of being able to tell him when to stop, when to look after himself rather than read over his notes again and again until he gave himself a migraine. Such was her duty today, when he had been closeted in the room designated for an office for a good four hours - more than long enough to achieve what he had set for himself for the day. She knocked lightly on the door, ingrained manners dictating that she wait until she was invited inside.

He sat at the desk, huddled over books and notes and computer, his head held up by a hand that was unconsciously massaging a dull ache in his temple that he refused to acknowledge as he pored over those notes. Having lost track of time, he was almost grateful for that knock at the door, even as it disrupted his concentration. "Come in," he mumbled, scribbling something in his notebook before he lost his train of thought completely.

Pushing the door open quietly, she stepped inside, smiling a little exasperatedly at the sight of him clearly trying to fend off a headache with nothing but his own strength of will. "It is time to stop for the day, querido," she told him fondly, moving to kiss his temple affectionately. Her hand caught hold of the mouse to save his work thus far before he could argue with her.

He blinked out of his thoughts, lifting his eyes to her as she drew him back to the present, a soft smile on his face. "Is it that time already?" he asked, with the soft-spoken, almost melodic, voice of his. It was a voice made for Shakespeare, Jon had once been overheard to say, though Edward had never acted a single day in his life. They had agreed on four hours, at least for now, until he was feeling stronger and the threat of relapse had passed. "You don't have to knock, you know," he reminded her, a little amused at her habit of knocking, as if she was just a visitor and this was not her home, as well.

"It is that time, yes," she agreed, her hand on the mouse shutting down systems and turning off the computer. That was a habit she'd trained into herself the first time she'd caught him editing over her shoulder. She smiled a little guiltily at his reminder. "It is habit," she admitted softly. "I do not wish to disturb, even if I must."

"I thought we discussed this," Edward started, drawing her into his lap. "You're not the maid. This is as much your home as it is mine, Lis. I want you to be comfortable here, and if that means interrupting me while I'm working, then so be it. The truth is I need you to interrupt me. Otherwise, I will lose track of time and keep working all night, without food or sleep."

It took a moment for her to realize that she was in his lap, her arms looped about his shoulders, nose to nose with him as he gently scolded her for her habits of thinking. "I am comfortable here with you," she promised him in her quiet way. "But it is only polite to knock before entering a space where someone is busy, is it not?" Her fingers gently stroked against his jaw, slowly growing used to the freedom to be affectionate when she wished to. "I will not let you work yourself so hard, Eduardo, you know this."

"If I do not want to be disturbed, I will lock the door," he said, his arms loosely circling her waist as his forehead came to rest against hers. He could not imagine a time when he'd have to lock the door, except maybe when it came to the bathroom, but here in his office, he needed her to interrupt him from time to time, rather than forget about him.

"If you ever lock that door, I will pick the lock," she countered in a gentle tease, the tip of her nose circling his as she smiled into his eyes. "I am trying," she promised softly. "It is ....difficult. I am not used to being mistress of a house, to being a lover and a friend. It is all very new for me."

"It's new for me, too," he replied, smiling a little at the simple show of affection between them. "Not the mistress part," he added with the hint of a smirk. "I've been alone for so long sometimes I forget I'm not alone anymore." He didn't mean that she was unimportant or that he forgot he was with her, but that he simply wasn't anymore used to being in a relationship than she was.

She laughed her quiet laugh at the mental image conjured of him dressed up like a Fifties housewife, curling her palm to his cheek as she kissed him. "You will never be alone again, querido," she promised him fervently. "That, I can swear."

Never was a very long time - never implied that they'd be spending the rest of their lives together, and who was he to argue with that' Though they hadn't known each other very long, he didn't need to know her for years to know that she was the one he'd always been searching for. "Are you proposing?" he teased, a hint of mischief in his eyes, once he'd taken the time to return that kiss.

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:02 EST
His mischief was echoed in her own dark eyes, black hair brushing his nose as she leaned closer for a moment. "Would you like me to be?" she asked him, just as teasing as he was, easing herself off his lap and quite firmly closing the books and journals laid across the table. "Come out of the office, querido, before I feel I have to call your sister to tell you off."

Though he had been teasing, her reply took him a little off guard. He opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out, watching as she slid off his lap to close his books and journals. This was a conversation they hadn't really had before, even if it was brought on by a little teasing. "I'm done for the day," he said, too distracted now to concentrate on his notes, even if he wanted to.

"Yes, you are," she agreed, taking hold of his hand to pull him up onto his feet. Her smile was warm, encouraging, but there was the faintest waver there to betray that she wasn't quite as teasing as she might have seemed. They may only have known one another a couple of months, but it felt right to be here with him. Lisbeth didn't know quite what was supposed to happen when things fell into place; they never had done before. "Would you like some tea?"

"Tea would be nice, yes, thank you," he replied as she linked her fingers with his and tugged him to his feet. Tea was safe anyway and a welcome break from the day's work. If Edward knew what she was thinking, he might have admitted that he wasn't sure where to go from here either, but if things kept going they way they were going, it seemed obvious. "Humphrey called earlier. He'd like us to come by for dinner later this week."

"Then we should go," Lis nodded, backing out of the office with him firmly in hand. Whatever else she was, determined was the only way to describe her when it came to separating Edward from his work at the end of his proscribed hours. "But you will have to be patient with me. I do not know how to be in the presence of such a patriarch."

"Just be yourself," he told her as she led him from the room, relieved to leave that part of his life behind for a little while. He thought what he was doing was important, but it was also exhausting. "He's likely to ask a lot of questions. It's just his way. Just answer honestly and be yourself, and you'll be fine. He's a little intimidating at first, but he's really a big softie."

She couldn't help smiling a little at his description of Old Man Granger. "I have stood before Brynne's temper and not fallen," she offered in amusement. "I do not think I will fall before a lonely old man." Turning, she headed down the stairs, toward the kitchen, just as the shrill whistle of the kettle started up. She knew Edward better than a lot of his own family these days.

"Not that lonely," Edward remarked as he followed her toward the kitchen, knowing the main house was not so lonely and empty as it had been before Jon and Vicki had moved in. Going to see Humphrey would likely involve her meeting the rest of those who lived in the big house, but maybe that was a good thing. Humphrey seemed happier these days, he thought, even if he was growing more frail.

Her dark eyes were soft above her smile as she poured the boiling water into the teapot. "He is the last of his generation, the last elder of your tribe," she said gently. "He could be surrounded by his family and still be lonely for those who have gone ahead of him. That does not mean he is unhappy, querido."

"I suppose so," he said thoughtfully, considering her words. He'd been away from home a long time, but he had plenty of family to return home to. He couldn't imagine what it would feel like to be the last of his own generation, and though he had a long way to go before that might happen, he didn't relish the thought of being alone anymore. He took out a couple of tea cups and set them on the counter, along with the sugar and cream. "I suppose it will be Jon who follows in his footsteps," he mused, wondering how well that would sit with the rest of the family, especially considering it meant skipping over an entire generation.

"It would seem to be the case," she nodded in agreement, though she knew very little about the way the Granger family truly worked. "It is good for Humphrey, to know that there are some he can leave the care of his family to when the time comes. Peace of mind is a great gift."

"Yes, well....there are enough of us anyway," he said, knowing there were plenty of family members who'd be willing to jump in and help, but he didn't really want to talk about that right now or even think about it. He knew Humphrey wasn't going to live forever, but he was in no hurry to see the old man go. "He seems to think we might not have to go so far as Earth to achieve our goals," he told her, alluding to some of the conversation he'd had with Humphrey earlier that week. "Unless you would like to go home," he added, not wanting her to feel like she had no input in this decision.

Lis couldn't help smiling at the addendum, understanding that he was struggling a little with being one half of a whole, just as she was. "I am home," she told him, each word brimful with sincere honesty. "With you, I am home. There is nothing for me on Earth, unless that is where you choose to go." It took a lot to admit that; to admit that she had no wish to even know her father's fate, much less ever see the man again.

"I'm wherever you are, Lis," he told her, feeling the same way that she did. It didn't really matter where they were, so long as they were together, and yet, it did matter. He turned to take a plate down from the cupboard and fill it with a variety of cookies, his back to her for a moment. "Humphrey suggested that there's as much need here in Rhy'Din as on Earth, especially where children are concerned."

"There is a very great ..." She paused, huffing in frustration as the word she wanted refused to come to her. As fluent as she was, there were always going to be times when she struggled like this. "A very great space between the poor and those who live comfortably here," she went on finally, pouring the tea. It wasn't quite the word she'd been looking for, but it would do. "The poorest places in the city are full of break-heart to witness."

He thought she likely meant heartbreak, but only smiled, finding her occasional difficulties with the language endearing. "Yes, there is, and I'm one of those born to privilege. It's one of the reasons - perhaps the main reason - I decided to devote my life to bridging that gap," he explained, turning to take the set the plate of cookies on the table, along with the sugar and cream.

Taking up the teapot, she followed him to the table, setting the crockery piece down on a cast-iron stand to protect the veneer from the heat. "Then perhaps Humphrey is right," she suggested thoughtfully. "Perhaps you do not need to go so very far from home to create that bridge."

"Perhaps," he replied, pulling out a chair for her before taking a seat for himself. He was a gentleman, after all, whether they were living together or not. "He wants to discuss it with us. He wants to help. He's willing to help us financially to get something going, once we decide what that something is."

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:03 EST
She smiled gratefully as he helped her to a seat, always just a little touched by his very gentlemanly manners. This being in love business was a very steep learning curve, but she was enjoying the hike thus far. "These are all thoughts for when you are strong again," she reminded him gently. "It will not be so very long before you are able to exercise safely, querido. Once you are building strength again, then we will talk to your uncle in clear terms. Until then, it is just an idea."

He frowned a little, hinting at his impatience, but Rome, as they say, wasn't built in a day, and if he rushed his recovery too much, he'd only end up ill again. "These are things we have to consider, Lis. I'm talking about our future," he told her, stirring a bit of sugar and cream into his tea. "And you would do well to remember that you're not my maid or my cook. You're my..." My what? What was she exactly' What word defined their relationship" Girlfriend" Partner" Lover" He sighed, as he carefully laid the spoon against the saucer. "This is silly."

A little lost now, uncertain what she had done wrong this time but sure it was something she had done to darken his mood, Lis lowered her eyes, dropping her hands into her lap like a child expecting to be scolded. "I am sorry," she apologized to him from behind the midnight curtain of her hair. "I will try harder."

"No, love, it's not you," he was quick to reassure her, reaching over to push that dark curtain from her face and tilt her chin up to face him. He smiled, adoringly and reassuringly so that she couldn't mistake that she was not the cause for his frustration. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Lissy," he told her softly, long fingers brushing her cheek.

"It is not?" She knew so little about being in a relationship at all, every nuance was still very new to her. It would take time to learn it all, and yet time seemed to be exactly what they had, what they wanted to give to one another. Her smile appeared once again, tiny and soft, fingers stroking against the line of his hand. "You are my home, querido," she told him once again. "Is that not the same wish?"

"I suppose it is, but that's not what I mean," he said, blue eyes meeting hers. He frowned a little for a moment, wishing he could have better prepared for this moment, but he hadn't had the time or the opportunity to do it right. He withdrew his hand just long enough to tug the ring from his right hand - one that all the Grangers and their significant others were given to wear eventually. "I'm sorry this isn't a diamond, but it will just have to do for now," he murmured as he reached for her left hand and drew it up over her knuckle. It wasn't the best fit, but it was only symbolic and temporary until he could get out and buy her a proper ring. "Would you marry me, Lis?" he asked her simply, uneloquently, but with such hope and adoration in his eyes, how could she dare refuse"

There was no need for eloquence when the heart spoke. Even as inexperienced as she was, Lis felt a judder in her heart as Edward took her hand, sliding that ring into place. No matter how poor the fit, the sentiment was clear, and for a long moment, she struggled to find words in Common to answer him. "I ... s" ....s", te amo ....Yes," she managed finally, laughing through a sudden sheen of happy tears. "Yes, I will."

Edward beamed a happy smile at the answer to his question, touching his fingers to her face and brushing a thumb against her cheek affectionately. Deeply touched by the sheen of happy tears in her eyes, his heart soared with happiness of his own. The date didn't really matter; what mattered was that they'd finally made the decision and the commitment to spend the rest of their lives together. Now, it was just a matter of sharing the news, buying a ring, and picking a date, but all of that could wait for now. "I love you," he told her quietly, leaning close to brush a kiss against her lips, soft and tender and full of love and affection.

His kiss found a smile that was brighter than any she had worn before, reciprocating with a tenderness that no longer felt reserved or uncertain. The ring wobbled loosely about her finger as she curled her hands to his cheeks, fingertips caressing against his skin in a kiss that sealed them together. "Te amo," she promised him in a low whisper. "I love you, for always."

He smiled into the kiss, his heart feeling as though it might burst with happiness. He wasn't sure why he'd been so afraid to ask her, when it hadn't been nearly as hard as he'd thought. He'd been worried it was too soon, and yet, they'd already been making plans that presumed they'd be together for a long time to come. Always was a long time, and yet, not long enough when it came to Lis. He chuckled a little to see the ring wobble loosely upon her finger. "I'll get you a proper ring as soon as I'm able," he promised.

Lis laughed a little, twisting the ring on her finger. "You should take this back," she smiled to him, drawing the piece from her hand. "It was made for you, a family ring. It is enough to know that we have promised a lifetime to one another."

"It's not just a family ring, Lis," Edward started to explain, taking the ring from her and sliding it back onto his right hand. "It's a....I'm not sure what you'd call it. Brynne explained it to me. If you press on the stone, it acts as a teleportation device and sends you to the main house. I don't really understand how it works. It's some sort of magic, I suppose. I've never had to use it."

"There are stranger things on Rhy'Din," she nodded, understanding most and guessing from context the rest. One hand reached for the teapot to pour, a part of her mind marveling at how they had become engaged and yet nothing had truly changed. "What will happen now, Eduardo?" she asked curiously.

"I'll have to ask Humphrey to get one for you," he said, wondering how she was going to feel about receiving two rings, not one. He felt a little silly now about having put that ring on her finger, knowing it couldn't possibly fit. "Hmm?" he murmured, snapping out of his thoughts. "Now?" he echoed, almost as lost as she was. He'd never been engaged before either, and it had been many years since he'd even been in a serious relationship. "Now, I suppose we decide when we'd like to be married." That seemed the next logical step, besides buying a ring.

"Tonight?" she suggested, not entirely teasing. If she could have done it, she would have, though she doubted Edward was quite so ready to jump headlong into a commitment that would last the rest of their lives. Her hand gently covered his. "You worry too much, querido. Surely our being here, together, has proved that some things do not need to be worried over?"

"I'm not worried," he contradicted. Not exactly, anyway. "I should introduce you to my parents," he mused aloud, though he couldn't imagine them not liking her. The only one he was really worried about now was Madion, but he hadn't seen her in years and from what Brynne told him, she hadn't been around in a long while. "And no, we don't have to decide tonight," he said, backtracking a little. He leaned forward to take her hand between his own, a soft smile on his face, forgetting the tea and cookies for the moment. "I'm glad we're together, Lis. I suppose I'm just a little impatient."

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:04 EST
Her smile deepened as he misunderstood her one word question, curling her hands about his as they leaned toward one another. "That is not quite what I meant," she admitted. "You said our next step is to pick a date. I was not joking so much when I said tonight. You are not the only one with impatience, querido."

"Oh," Edward replied, furrowing his brows as she explained what she'd meant, exclaiming, "Oh!" when it finally sank into his brain. He flushed, not in embarrassment so much as surprise. "You mean....get married tonight," he said, needing to make sure he was understanding her right. His mind was suddenly whirling with the possibilities. Not only did she love him and want to marry him, but she was so sure of her love that she didn't want to wait. "Well, I..." He considered a moment, having to think it through, as unexpected as it was. "I could call Dom. He'd know what to do." But wouldn't Brynne and Lily want to be there" And Humphrey' And his parents" Or should it just be them' Maybe she was right; maybe he was thinking too much.

"Dominic would know this?" Lis asked in amazement. She knew that the Grangers could boast a family member in every profession under the sun and a few more besides, but she had thought Dom was an anthropologist, not a priest. "I mean tonight, yes," she clarified once again. "I know I am very new to this feeling, and I have a lot to learn, but I know my heart, Eduardo. I love you."

"Dominic knows everything," Edward replied with a bit of a smirk. Of course, he didn't know everything, but he knew a lot! If there was one cousin he trusted more than any other it was Dom. The two of them had been almost like brothers when they were younger - before they'd both gone off to parts unknown, driven by a mutual need to explore and make a difference, though each had taken a slightly different road. "I love you, too, Lis," he replied softly, pressing a kiss to the back of one hand and then the other. "You really mean it, don't you?" he asked, a little amazed, not only that she actually loved him and had agreed to marry him, but that she seemed as impatient as he was.

"I truly do," she nodded slowly, her thumb sweeping over his cheekbone affectionately. "I know it is fast, and that many people will make assumption that I am a gold miner, or that you are under some spell. But their opinions do not matter. I know my heart is yours, Whatever you decide, querido, I will follow." She paused briefly, struggling this time not with the language but with the courage to admit what she wanted to say. "Sometimes, I wake up at night, and I watch you sleep. And all I want to do is be there, to protect you and to care for you. It has a rightness to it that I cannot deny. Those are the times when I feel that I was born to love you."

Now it was his turn to get emotional, tears filling his eyes, so choked up that, for a moment, he could not speak. No one had ever told him anything so beautiful before in all his life, not even once, and it touched his heart to hear her say it and to know that she meant it. If he'd been happy before to hear her say yes, there were no words for how he felt now. "Waiting won't change anything, Lis. I love you and I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I feel like I've known you all my life, like we were born for each other. I don't care what anyone else thinks. We are the only ones who matter."

"Then ....one of us should speak to Dominic," she suggested softly, drawing closer to brush her lips over his. "If it is possible ....I can think of nothing more beautiful than to wake in the morning as your wife." A little embarrassed by her outpouring of honest affection, she slid closer, wrapping her arms about his shoulders in a tender embrace. Te amo just didn't seem like enough to express what was in her heart.

"I don't know what I did to deserve you," he said quietly, continually amazed and astounded by the depth of love he felt for this lovely woman and perhaps even more so, by the love she seemed to feel for him. "I can think of nothing more beautiful than to awake by your side," he replied, echoing her wishes with those of his own. "I know I'm not good with words, Lis. I don't have the words to tell you all that is in my heart, but if you would have me, I would like the chance to love you and to make you happy. If you would have me, you would make me the happiest man in....in all the multiverse."

She drew back, the tip of her nose brushing his as she smiled her small, tender smile, dark eyes glowing with love. "You have me," she told him softly. "And I will very gladly have you, whenever you wish it. You are more to me than life, Eduardo. One day, I will have the words to be able to tell you."

"And if I wish it now?" he asked, circling back around to the matter of a date. If she truly wanted to get married tonight, he had no objections. It might be a bit of a challenge making the arrangements, but this was Rhy'Din and anything was possible.

"Then I wish it, too, with all my heart." There really was very little else she could have said. The thought of being joined with Edward, of being his truly and without the need to fear any longer, was almost more than she could cope with. But it was a good feeling, that sense of overwhelming tenderness. "Marry me, Eduardo."

Married or not, there need be no fear where he was concerned - she held his heart in her hand, whether she was aware of it or not. He couldn't help but smile as she asked him this time. At least, it wasn't so late that they'd be getting anyone out of bed. "They're going to think we're crazy, but I don't care," he said with a laugh, his heart lighter and happier than it had been in years and all because of her. "Give me a moment to make a phone call," he told her, nudging her nose with his before touching a soft kiss to her lips.

She giggled quietly, a sound far younger than any she'd shared with him before, proof that she wasn't quite so old before her time as she seemed to appear. Reluctant to let him go, she finally released him with a wry smile. "I suppose I should do something myself," she agreed thoughtfully, though quite what that might be was beyond her right now.

"I suppose I shall have to find a suit," he thought aloud. And maybe they should go out to dinner afterwards or something, so long as he didn't pass out this time. Now, where had he put his phone" Had he left it in his office" He patted his pants, relieved to find it in his pants pocket, right where it belonged. Were they really doing this" His insides flip-flopped with excitement. Edward Granger getting married and to the loveliest woman he had ever laid eyes on. It was almost too good to be true.

Her eyes widened for a moment, realizing that if he was going to wear a suit, then she would probably have to investigate her meager selection of dresses. She didn't want to let him down, not even in that. Her lips twitched into a smile. "Then I know what I should be doing," she agreed quietly, brushing a kiss to his cheek as she moved to rise. "I will be upstairs, querido."

He nodded up at her, in something of a stupor at the unexpected way the afternoon was going. "I won't be long," he promised as she kissed his cheek, hoping he'd be able to get a hold of Dom and that he'd be receptive to the idea. Otherwise, he was going to have to either find someone else who was willing to do the honors or they were going to have to wait. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and made the call, holding his breath while he waited for his cousin to answer.

Thankfully, Dom was still in town and quick to answer his phone. "Yeah, Dom here," was his typically absentminded greeting as the ringtone cut out. He never had gotten the hang of looking at the caller ID before answering the phone, a part of him still stuck in the age of landlines and dial-up.

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:04 EST
"Dom, it's me....Edward," he announced himself, though he expected the other man would recognize his voice easily enough. "I, um, I have a bit of a favor to ask you," he started, a bit nervously, hoping his cousin didn't laugh at his request.

The grin was audible in his cousin's voice as he replied. "A bit of a favor" What's that, passing the full favor along to someone else, or Teddy trying to diminish what he thinks is a huge imposition?"

"More of the latter, I think," Edward replied with an audible frown in contrast to his cousin's grin. "What would you say if I told you Lis and I want to get married?" He paused momentarily for that to sink in before continuing. "Tonight."

There was a sigh from the other end of the line, though this time Edward would have had to have been psychic to have recognized the wide grin on his cousin's face. "I'd say that house has some very interesting magical powers," he said with a chuckle. "Tonight, huh' Any particular time in mind, or should I swing by on my way home in about ten minutes?"

"Magical powers?" Edward echoed, confusion obvious in his voice. Though he knew Jasmin had been living here for a while, he didn't know that she had gotten married to Jack the very day he'd proposed within these very same walls. "Ten minutes?" he echoed again, this time sounded a little startled. "I, uh..." He glanced at the ceiling as if he'd get an answer from Lis by simply looking in the direction of the second story. "Can you do it that quickly?"

"Ed, if I can swing a wedding on Christmas Day with two hours to do it in, I can definitely do this," Dom told him in amusement. "I'm a minister and a registrar, remember" Might not be the beautiful tediously long wedding you're dreaming of, but I can guarantee you'll be married by moonrise and legal shortly after dawn. I need to visit the Governor's Office tomorrow, anyway."

"Do we need witnesses?" he asked. He knew there was less red tape on Rhy'Din than on Earth, but he wasn't quite sure about the particulars. After all, he'd never been married before or even come close to being married. "Are you sure you don't mind?" he asked, not wanting to put his elder cousin to any trouble, as much as he and Lis wanted this.

"Yes, you need two witnesses," Dom assured him. "If I can get everyone's signatures on the paperwork tonight, I can file it tomorrow morning and it's all legal and binding." He snorted quietly at the concerned query. "You are joking, aren't you? Why would I mind making the other me deliriously happy' I told you before, Ted, anything you need. That includes this, you know."

"Yes, well, it is rather....sudden," Edward admitted, with a small chuckle at his own nervous worries. He should have known better than to worry what Dom would think. If anyone knew him and understood him, besides Lis, it was Dom. "I know it's sudden, but....life is too short, you know?" he said, wincing as he realized this was one person he didn't have to explain that reasoning to. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

There was no need to see the smile on his cousin's face; he could imagine it easily enough, the warmth touched very slightly with pain. "No, you're right," Dom told him, quite seriously. "Life is far too short to waste time wondering and worrying. Do what makes you happy in the now, Edward." He paused, thinking it over a moment. "I'll swing by in an hour - should give you a chance to rustle up a witness or two and make yourselves up. And if one of those witnesses is Humph, call me. You'll be relocating to the manor."

"Dom, if it's not too much trouble, I think the manor would be best. I know we're not making a big to-do about it, but I want it to be memorable. Lis deserves that much." And if they had it at the big house, there would be plenty of witnesses to choose from, though he thought his next call should be to Brynne. He just hoped she wouldn't kill him.

"Of course it's no trouble," Dom chuckled. "You might get a handshake that'll break all the bones in your fingers from the Old Man, but it'll be done with love. I'll see you there in about an hour, okay?"

"Okay," Edward replied, pausing a moment as another thought came to mind. "Sorry I robbed you of being best man," he apologized, hoping Dom didn't mind. He wasn't sure he really wanted to do a big fancy white wedding, anyway, and he was pretty sure Lis would prefer something smaller and more intimate.

"Hmm, standing up with my closest cousin, or celebrating his marriage from the top, that's a toughie," Dom teased his cousin. "So long as you're happy, Teddy, that's all that matters. Just make sure you include Brynne, or I will never hear the end of it."

"She's the next one on my list," Edward promised, though it would have to be quick. He only had an hour before he had to be ready and he still had to shower and shave. "Thanks, Dom. I'll see you in an hour."

"You betcha, Teddy. Give your Venice Wailer a kiss from me." Lila's first attempt at the word Venezuela had certainly stuck in certain people's minds. Dom hung up with a laugh, leaving Edward to finish his phone calls and warn his fiancee of what was about to happen.

Edward laughed at Dom's parting remark, remembering Lila's mangling of Lis' homeland. As soon as Dom hung up, he dialed Brynne, drawing a deep breath to calm his nerves and gather his courage, hoping she wouldn't tell him all the reasons why they shouldn't rush into anything.

The phone rang a little longer this time, and as usual, it was an out of breath Lila who answered, having no doubt raced her mother to the phone and won. "Hello?" The excitement was palpable in the little girl's voice, just because she was the one answering the telephone. It was only too easy to imagine her bouncing on her toes waiting for the reply.

"Hey, Lilabean, it's me, Uncle Teddy. Is your mum there?" he asked, flashing a glance at the clock on the microwave to check the time. At this rate, he'd be late to his own wedding.

"Uncle Teddy! Did you tuck Lisbeth into bed yet' Mummy's here, she's -"

There was the sound of a minor struggle, and a lot of laughter from the other end, and Brynne took over. "Hey, Teddy," she chuckled, apparently fending off her giggling daughter. "What can we do you for?"

He arched a brow, about to answer that question when an apparent struggle ensued for the phone. "Uh," he started a little uncertainly. "Can't I call my favorite sister without wanting something?" he asked, knowing he was just digging himself a deeper grave this way.

"Not at six in the evening, you can't," Brynne countered cheerfully. "So what is it' Did you propose already or something" Because I still have Nana's ring right here, you know. Got the enchantment sorted on it and everything."

"Nana's ring?" he echoed, wondering if Brynne was psychic or something. "Actually, um, are you and Lila doing anything tonight?" he asked, obviously nervous and just a little suspicious.

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:06 EST
"Just a sec ..." He heard her draw the phone from her mouth, but she was still audible.

"Hey, Lilabean, are we doing anything tonight?" There was a giggly pause, and Lila answered. "Just dinner and Mrs Kirkpatrick says it's meatloaf, and meatloaf is icky."

Brynne laughed, raising the phone back to her cheek. "Nope, doesn't sound like we're doing anything tonight. An alternative to that would probably be very welcome."

"Okay, good! Meet me at the big house in an hour, and I'll explain everything. And bring Lila!" he told her hurriedly, just about to hang up before another thought occurred to him. "Oh! And bring Gran's ring if you can. Thanks, Bree! Love you!" he said, hanging up before she could ask any more questions or try and talk him out of it. Knowing Brynne, she'd have it all figured out long before the hour was up anyway.

"Wait - what -" Cutting Brynne off wasn't always the best way of doing things, but he did know his sister pretty well. With the addition of their grandmother's ring in the mix, it wouldn't take a genius, and she could always call Dom. The Granger family could be one big conspiracy when they chose to be.

Once that was done, Edward wasted no more time, hurrying up the stairs to get showered and dressed, heart pounding with excitement. With any luck, Brynne wouldn't kill him and would actually be happy for him. He wasn't too worried about anyone else. Their parents were away on holiday and couldn't be reached, but he'd make sure they met Lis on their return. Besides, he'd been away from home and on his own so long, he figured his parents would just be happy he was home.

An hour might not have seemed enough time to prepare for a wedding, but telling the right people certainly seemed to have gone for some preparation, at the very least. The formal sitting room at the big house had been hastily strewn with decorations that looked suspiciously Christmassy, all evergreens and red flowers, candles set among them. Humphrey was sitting happily in his favorite armchair, baby Ben on one knee and Emily on the other, watching Lila keep the two little ones entertained while the rest of the adults in the room waited a little impatiently for Edward and Lisbeth to arrive. Everyone seemed to be on board with the hasty set up, a family dinner being prepared in the kitchens to celebrate an unexpected but most welcome marriage.

By the time they arrived, Edward was a bundle of nerves, flushed with excitement and nervousness. He'd managed to find a suit somewhere in his closet, though it was a bit rumpled and ratty looking from being in storage for so long. At least his hair was cooperating for once, but that was probably due to the gel Lis had given him to keep the curls under control. He might have even looked the part of a Granger, if not for the suit. As for Lis, he thought she looked lovely and had told her so several times before they'd arrived.

Lis was more than a little nervous as they arrived at the house. It was one thing to have met members of his family one at a time; it was quite another to suddenly be in the midst of her own wedding with quite so many of them in attendance. At least she could hold onto Edward.

As they entered the big house, however, that plan was taken out of her hands as the exuberant redhead she knew as Jon's wife met them with a wide grin. "So exciting!" Vicki declared delightedly, looking them over. "Lisbeth, you look beautiful. You, on the other hand ..." She raised a brow as she considered Edward. "Upstairs. You can't get married looking like you slept in your suit. Shoo." Waving a hand to usher Edward toward the stairs, she raised her voice. "Jon! Come and be host!"

Edward couldn't help beaming a grin at his cousin's wife, quite proud of the beauty on his arm, until she remarked on his appearance. "What do you mean' This is my best suit!" he pointed out, looking a little stunned by her assessment of his appearance.

"If that's your best suit, I'd hate to see your worst one!" Jon remarked as he passed them on the stairs, summoned by his wife's voice just in time to catch the conversation. He patted his cousin's back as he passed him by. "Don't worry. You're in good hands, just remember who those hands belong to!" Jon warned with a smirk.

"Who're you talking to, him or me?" Vicki teased, deftly removing Edward's hand from his fiancee's and looping his arm through hers. "C'mon, Prince Charming, let's get you suited up."

Terror flared in Lis' eyes as all this was going on. She'd never been left alone with more than Brynne and Lila before; this was not something she had counted on at all.

Jon laughed as Vicki took charge of the situation and herded his cousin away to change, turning to offer a warm, friendly smile to Lis. Apparently, Edward wasn't the only Granger who was a gentleman. "Don't worry. I promise Vicki won't hurt him," he assured Lis with a slightly cheeky smile and hint of mischief in his blue eyes. "I'm Jon," he said, offering her a hand, just in case she hadn't figured that out yet. "And that minx who just kidnapped Edward is my wife, Vicki."

With a last look in the direction Vicki was leading Edward, Lis turned her eyes to Jon, whom she'd only ever seen from a distance or on the silver screen. Her hand met his, ingrained manners enough to keep her from running away. "Thank you," she nodded to him, glancing to the stairs once again. "I-I am Lisbeth."

"So I gathered," he replied gently, noticing her nervousness. "You haven't met many of us yet, have you?" he asked, offering her an arm to lead her further into the house. There were two little urchins in particular he thought she might like to meet that might not be too overwhelming for her.

"Not many, no," she agreed quietly. "I have met Brynne, and Lila, and Dominic, and I met your wife briefly a few months ago. But I do not know so many people here." Her arm hesitantly looped through his, grateful to have someone to hold onto, even if it wasn't Edward.

"Don't worry. Most of us are pretty easy going, and if Humphrey decides he likes you, you've got it made. He's the only opinion that counts really," Jon said as he led her through the big house to the living room. "Don't let him scare you," he added in a hushed voice, a warm smile on his face. "He's just a big old teddybear."

So many people had warned her about the Old Man's temper that Lis was primed to run the second Humphrey's gaze fell on her. She wasn't, however, expecting to find Old Man Granger covered in small children, laughing as Lila wiggled about on the floor in front of him in her very best impression of a hatching dragon. Across the room, Brynne and Dom offered her smiles of encouragement. each aware in their own way of how big those few steps into the room could be.

"Those are mine," Jon told her, his face lighting up with obvious pride and joy at the sight of his children, one on each of Humphrey's knees giggling madly at Lila's silliness. "Well, mine and Vicki's," he corrected himself, unable to take all the credit. "Come on. He's in a good mood today," he encouraged her, as he led the way toward the family patriarch.

Lis couldn't help smiling, both at the charming sight and at Jon's hasty correction of just who was responsible for the two little ones filling the room with giggles. Drawn forward whether she wanted to be or not, she found herself brought into the Old Man's circle of laughter, grunting in surprise as Lila suddenly launched herself from the floor to hug her tightly.

"Uncle Humphrey, this is Lis what I was telling you about," the little girl announced with a grin to the Old Man, who didn't even try to assume his customary scowl as he looked up at the newest prospective Granger.

"So I see, Miss Lila. How about you let her go so she can breathe, hmm?"

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:07 EST
Jon chuckled at Lila's exuberance, moving over to rescue Humphrey from baby Benjamin before he wet the Old Man's leg. "I think a certain someone needs a nappy change. Lila, would you like to help?" he asked, allowing Humphrey to have a moment with Lis without at least two of the three children interrupting.

Left alone with the patriarch of the family, Lis fidgeted under Humphrey's gaze, aware that he was sizing her up and equally aware that he was doing it deliberately to make her feel uncomfortable. So she made a snap decision. "Do you wish for me to disrobe and provide you with every detail of my past life, or would you prefer to invent stories to explain away my obvious defects, mr. Granger?" she asked him rather abruptly. She heard a splutter from behind her, unaware that Dom had just erupted into silent laughter as Brynne choked on her wine.

Humphrey's appraising scowl turned into a look of surprised admiration. "Do you know, young lady, you are the first person to ever call me on that at a first meeting?" he asked her in amusement. "I'm impressed. You'll do."

Thankfully, Emily wasn't going to be ignored, demanding an introduction with a little whine of her own, but it was short-lived as Jon returned with her brother in tow. It wasn't long after that that Edward and Vicki, also, returned, Edward looking rather dapper in a freshly-pressed blue suit, with a crisp white shirt and a slim blue tie tucked underneath the neatly-buttoned jacket. He was still her Edward, but he was definitely looking far more the part of a Granger than he had in a very long time.

Lis' nerves evaporated as Edward came back into sight, her smile warm and definitely approving of his crisp new look, reluctantly conceding that Victoria had been right about the other suit looking as though he had slept in it.

As Humphrey lost the beginning of their conversation in the wake of Edward's arrival, he chuckled, gesturing to Dom. "I think we may be ready to start now," he told his eldest nephew with a grin. "Keep it short."

Dom snorted with laughter. "I only know short," he pointed out, breaking out of his lean against the mantlepiece as he looked over at the happy couple. "You two ready?"

"More than ready," Edward replied, turning to face Lis to take her hands in his, once he had offered his uncle a respectful nod in greeting. In that moment, surrounded by family, he had eyes for Lis and Lis alone, at least for the moment. His smile was soft and warm and loving, though his stomach was tied up in nervous knots. It was just a couple of I do's and a kiss anyway, wasn't it' And it wasn't like anything was going to change really, other than the fact that their hearts and lives would be bound together in the eyes of the law and of whatever gods were watching them.

Reunited with Edward, there truly was no sign of nerves in Lis' countenance as she laid her hands in his. It wasn't the big white wedding every girl dreamed of at least once in their lifetime, but to her, it was perfect.

With the little gathering of Grangers looking on, Dom grinned at the pair, glancing at Humphrey with a faint flicker of mischief in his eyes. "Keep it short, he says," he muttered, raising his voice to begin. "A wedding is a wonderful occasion filled with hopes, dreams and excitement. We are here today to celebrate the love that Edward and Lisbeth have for each other, and to recognize and witness their decision to journey forward in their lives, together."

He cut a cheeky look in Humphrey's direction, and added, "May your love create a safe haven for you both on the journey that lies ahead of you. Lead with your hearts and take the time to do the simple things that will nurture your love. Deeply listen to each other. Be playful in finding new ways to give your love anew to each other every day. May your love be so abundant that you have plenty to share with the rest of us as well. It is your love that has brought us together here today. May it grow deeper and sweeter with each passing year."

Edward smiled, his gaze never leaving that of Lis, as he listened with a full and open heart to his cousin's words, which said more than he could ever hope to say. He wished for all those things, and he knew Lis did, too. He wanted nothing more than to make her happy, as surprised as everyone else gathered there by the changes that had taken place in his life since returning home not too long ago.

As Dom spoke, Lis' smile widened slowly, each word sinking into her heart as her hands tightened in Edward's grasp. It might have been fast, it might have been almost completely unexpected, but every word was true. Whether others might have wished them to take their time or not, this felt right in a way she did not want to deny.

After watching the couple stare into each other's eyes for a long moment, Dom cleared his throat to get their attention. "Do you, Edward, take Lisbeth to be your partner for life" Do you promise to walk by her side forever, and to love, help, and encourage her in all she does" Do you promise to take time to talk with her, to listen to her, and to care for her" Will you share her laughter and her tears, as her partner, lover, and best friend" Do you take her as your lawfully wedded wife for now and forever more?"

Edward didn't have to hear every word of what Dom was asking to know what his answer was to each of his questions. Yes, he'd promise all that and more, and had in both words and heart, even before they'd made the decision to get married, right here, right now. "Yes, I do, with all my heart," Edward replied, holding fast to her hands, blue eyes shining with joyful excitement.

"And do you, Lisbeth, take Edward to be your partner for life" Do you promise to walk by his side forever, and to love, help, and encourage him in all he does" Do you promise to take time to talk with him, to listen to him, and to care for him' Will you share his laughter and his tears, as his partner, lover and best friend" Do you take him as your lawfully wedded husband for now and forever more?"

Even under the watchful eyes of Edward's sister, Lis couldn't have hidden her joy, dark eyes shining with the sheen of unshed but happy tears as she struggled to find her voice. There was no question of her answer; that decision had been made in the hidden depths of her heart two months before, when she had first met this wonderful man who held her in his palm. "I do," she promised fiercely. "With everything that I am, I do."

Dom's grin grew, his eyes flickering to Brynne as Humphrey reached over to press something small into Jon's hand. Brynne rolled her eyes, reaching out to pry one of Edward's hand's free and settle their grandmother's ring into it. "Now, Teddy, repeat after me," Dom told him cheerfully. "With this ring, I marry you; with my loving heart, my willing body, and my eternal soul."

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:08 EST
Edward gave Lis' hands a gentle squeeze when he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes, knowing they were happy tears, but tears all the same. He hoped he never had reason to make her cry, except for happy tears. There was some kind of freedom in being able to shed tears, even happy tears, and he felt a lump forming in his throat at the realization that this gentle and lovely woman was about to become his wife, their hearts and lives linked together for the rest of their days. Edward arched a brow as Brynne handed him their grandmother's ring, and he drew a deep breath, not out of hesitation or even nervousness so much as excitement before repeating Dom's words. He took Lis' left hand in his and very gently drew the delicate heirloom onto her finger. "With this ring, I marry you; with my loving heart, my willing body, and my eternal soul," he repeated quietly and with feeling.

Jon's glance darted questioningly to Humphrey as he felt something small and metallic placed in his hand, a dimpled smile at what he found there.

Humphrey grinned back at Jon, gesturing for him to hand the ring over. It had belonged to Edward's great-grandfather, all the more unique for the unusual design it bore - that of the treeline of the Grove, etched into platinum, unheard of in the era in which it had been forged. Dom smiled as Edward made his vows, watching as the delicate diamond ring adjusted itself to fit perfectly on Lis' hand, and nodded to Jon. "Lisbeth, now you repeat after me ..."

Jon had never seen this ring before, but he didn't have to ask to know it was a Granger heirloom and one that most likely had belonged to some member of Edward's branch of the family. He was sure Humphrey would explain later, but for now, all that was important was that he handed it to Lis. Leaning close to slip the ring into Lis' hand, he followed that with a playful wink over at Brynne.

Lis blinked, surprised to find a ring pressed into her hand. She had not been prepared at all, having expected to have to find Edward a ring at a later date. It was rather touching that these Grangers could prepare even that at such short notice. Smiling shyly, she drew Edward's hand into her own, easing the beautiful piece into place on his finger as she, too, repeated the last part of their vows. "Eduardo ....with this ring, I marry you; with my loving heart, my willing body, and my eternal soul."

She might never call him Teddy, as those closest to him did, but that didn't matter. He couldn't help but smile every time she called him by the Spanish version of his name, as if it were a personal term of endearment only for him. His smile softened upon hearing those words from her, his own eyes becoming suspiciously misty. Unlike Jon, he recognized the ring that was being eased onto his finger and was deeply touched that Humphrey had thought enough of him to trust him with such a treasured family heirloom. He would have to thank him later....for everything.

"I thought you were going to keep this short, Dominic," a grumpy voice interjected from behind them, though there was a gentleness in the tone that more than suggested Humphrey was not so impatient for his dinner as he was making out.

Brynne laughed as Lila shushed the Old Man, glancing at Dom. "Better hurry, or he might decide to raise belated objections," she warned in amusement.

The eldest of the younger generation laughed, rolling his own eyes, and proceeded to deliver the last blessing as fast as his tongue could manage. "Your promise is given and sealed in the exchange of these rings, the symbol of your life together. May they remain, as token and pledge, a sign of your lasting love and devotion. Now hurry up and kiss her before the Old Man faints dead away from hunger!"

Jon couldn't help but chuckle at the warning, knowing the Old Man better than just about anyone. He knew well enough that Humphrey wasn't about to die of hunger anytime soon, not so long as he was living in this house, but there were a couple of antsy children that might have something to say about the length of the ceremony.

As for Edward, he only had eyes for Lis at the moment, eagerly awaiting permission from Dom to make it official. Once that permission was given, he wasted no time sweeping her into his arms and putting every bit of love and adoration he was feeling in his heart into that kiss, right there in front of the family for all to witness. Let no one say he didn't love her; it was quite obvious that he did.

Giggling at the slightly unorthodox declaration of their marriage, Lis went willingly into Edward's arms, not quite able to believe that she was his wife. It all seemed so simple, and yet something very profound had happened in these past minutes. She had gone from being all alone, to being a wife, a sister, an aunt, a cousin ....to having the family she had lacked for most of her life. And it was entirely due to the wonderful man who was curling her toes with a kiss that reached deep inside her to ignite feelings she had only recently learned were his to enjoy.

A small voice interrupted with a curious query. "So ....does that mean I have an Auntie Lis now?"

Edward smiled against Lis' lips when he heard Lila's query. He hoped Brynne would find it in her heart to welcome Lis into her life and be happy for them. He hoped one day she'd find someone special to share her life with, but today's celebration belonged to him and Lis. "The family grows bigger by one," he remarked quietly, as his forehead came to rest momentarily against Lis'. "Love you," he told her. Though she already knew that, he doubted he'd ever grow tired of saying it.

"Te amo, querido," she murmured softly to him, uncaring that his family - their family - were witness to such a private moment. Beside them, Dom was scribbling on the official paperwork, beckoning Brynne over to sign her name as a witness as Vicki manhandled a side-table to Humphrey's right hand.

"Te amo, querida," he murmured in return, though he'd already told her as much in his own native tongue. Equally happy, he was mostly oblivious to the signing of the paperwork going on nearby, too lost in the spell of the moment. "Promise I'm not just dreaming," he asked her.

Lis laughed softly, drawing her hand from his cheek to look at the beautiful ring he had placed on her finger only moments before. "If you are dreaming, then so am I," she told him tenderly. "And I refuse to wake up when everything I could ever have wished for has come true." Her thumb stroked against his jaw, another quiet laugh escaping as she was bumped closer to him by Dom on his way past. The paperwork was set down beside Humphrey, who appeared to insisting on reading the whole thing aloud to the utterly uninterested Emily still on his knee as a form of soporific bedtime story.

"This is just the beginning, Lissy," Edward told her, his arms circling her waist to hold her close, nose to nose with her. "We're going to have a beautiful life together, Lis. All I want is to make you happy," he told her, though that wasn't entirely true. He wanted a lot of things out of life, but everything he wanted was now centered on her.

"Then you should be happy, querido," she told him, drawing her own arms about his waist. "I will not be happy unless you are, I can promise you that."

Dom cleared his throat beside them once again. "Neither one of you will be legally married if you don't sign these," he pointed out with a faint grin, setting the paperwork and a pen down next to them. "Have at it, lovebirds."

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:08 EST
"Thanks, Dom," Edward told his cousin as they were gently interrupted so that they could sign the paper and make it legal. He didn't think thanking him was enough, but it would have to do for now. He drew Lis over to sign the paper, taking the lead in doing so first before handing her the pen. There was no turning back now, not that he wanted to. He had not expected his day to end the way it was when he'd gotten up that morning, and it wasn't even over yet.

Lis needed a little more time to sign, reading through what was there with a little help for the words she did not fully recognize, but she, too, set her signature down beside Edward's, signing her name for the first time Lisbeth Maria Granger. Espinoza was no longer; there were no more ties to Earth, not now. And for that, she was deeply grateful. Stepping aside to take Edward's hand once more, she watched as Dom signed his own name as the official registrar.

"Ladies, gentlemen, and impatient smalls, say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Granger."

Despite the small reception, Edward couldn't help but beam a happy smile at his cousin's introduction. Mr. and Mrs. Granger....It was almost too good to be true. Not only was he no longer alone in the world, but he was married to a woman he adored - the only woman he had ever truly loved. He was a very lucky man, and he knew it, and it was all because of Lis. He drew her close, her hand in his, while the small group applauded their approval.

"The family is growing," Jon was heard to say, leaning close to his own Mrs. Granger to brush a fond kiss against her cheek.

Grinning, Vicki's reaction was absolutely typical of her. "She can't be pregnant already, can she?"

As Humphrey guffawed at the always ever so slightly inappropriate comment from the redhead, Lis' cheeks lit up in a brilliant blush, saved from her deep embarrassment only by the sudden attachment of a Lila wrapped about her waist.

Chuckling, Brynne took advantage to hug her brother. "What did I tell you?" she grinned at Edward. "Didn't I say, last month, that you were going to end up married" I should so get credit for that, you know."

"There's something in the water," Jon remarked back to his wife, almost but not quite as cheeky as her. He stooped to scoop Emily off Humphrey's leg so the Old Man could get up. "Come on, Em. Time for night night," he told her. While Vicki and Jon rounded up their two little ones for bed, it gave the adults a few minutes to chat before dinner.

Edward found himself being hugged by his sister, who was wearing a rather smug grin on her face. "I didn't expect it to happen so fast," he admitted, returning her hug, his face flushing with embarrassment. "I hope you're not angry."

Brynne's smile softened. "Why would I be angry?" she asked him quietly. "You're happy, Teddy. This is the happiest I've known you in years. Why should I be angry about that' Yes, it's sudden, and no, I wasn't expecting it, but that's a good thing. Life shouldn't be predictable all the time."

"I wasn't expected it either!" he repeated with a chuckle. He didn't deny the fact that he was happy; that much was obvious enough to anyone who knew him or saw him with Lis. "She makes me happy, Bree," he told her quietly, casting a glance over at Lis who was being smothered by a very happy Lila.

"Anyone with eyes can see that, Teddy," his sister told him, laughing as a thought occurred to her. "Mum's going to kill you after she falls all over herself smothering you and your wife with kisses, you know. That's two weddings we've done her out of now."

"It's not my fault they're off on a second honeymoon!" he exclaimed, in defense. Or was it a third, or maybe fourth' He'd lost count. He frowned a little at the mention of Brynne's marriage, which hadn't ended well, secretly hoping his went a lot better. He said nothing of it, though, as he didn't want to upset her. "Just remember, you're not losing a brother, you're gaining a sister."

"A sister who can cook," she corrected him with a cheeky grin. "Guess who gets to host the next birthday meal, Teddykins?" She laughed, patting his cheek, and abandoned her brother to hug her new sister, ignoring the shocked look on Lis' face as she did so.

Dom tapped Edward on the shoulder. "Everything all right there, Tedward?"

"Apparently, we're hosting the next birthday," he told Dom with a chuckle, glad Brynne was taking things so well, a little amused at the look on Lis' face at the hug. He knew all of this was in good part due to Dom - not just the ceremony itself, but the fact that he'd been responsible for talking some sense into Brynne in the first place. "Thank you," he said, offering him a hand and then thinking better of it and giving him a man-hug instead. After all, they were almost like brothers.

Dom's wide arms clasped him tight for a long moment. "Be happy, Teddy," he told his cousin in a quietly rough voice, memories of his own marriage years before forcing the words free. "You deserve to be, both of you." He drew back, swallowing hard, and smiled at his cousin. "And I know where you live now, so if you're not, I'll come and beat it into you."

The smile on Edward's face faltered a moment when he realized that the two people he cared for most - other than Lis - were also quite possibly the saddest. Both had been married and happy once, and both had suffered some tragedy or other that had spoiled that happiness, but this wasn't the time or the place to talk about it and risk opening old wounds. "I am happy," he assured his cousin, stealing another glance at his new bride and hardly believing his luck. "And I promise you I won't ever take it for granted."

"Just keep hold of her," Dom advised with a growing grin. "If Humph finds out she's the one who makes the Christmas puddings, he might try and steal her away from you. And then we'd have an irate ballet mistress on our hands as well!" He laughed teasingly, patting Edward's shoulder, and bent to heft Lila up onto his hip for a hug.

How had he lived without this for so long, Edward wondered. He'd been too busy to notice he'd been lonely, but now that he was home again, he couldn't imagine ever being without the love and support of family again. "It's good to be home," he told his elder cousin, knowing that for once he really meant it.

A bong from the foyer announced that dinner was ready to be served - the staff at the big house had quickly come to the decision to use the old gong when Jon and Vicki had moved in, purely because it was the only way to get every member of the household to the dining room within about ten minutes of the meal being ready. Humph chuckled as Dom heaved him up onto his feet, Lila still balanced on his hip. One thing that particular Granger would always be was capable.

Lisbeth Granger

Date: 2015-02-06 06:09 EST
As the Old Man and the others left the room, Lis caught Edward's hand, raising his knuckles to her lips as she looked up at him. "Thank you," she told him softly, her smile warm and entirely for him. "Thank you for loving me."

Edward waited for the rest of the family to leave the room, hanging just a little behind at Lis' beckoning. He mirrored the smile on her face, eyes shining with love and happiness. "I'm the one who should be thanking you," he told her, turning toward her and tipping her chin up to face him. "You make me very happy, Lis. I thank you for that. And I thank you for....for not giving up on me."

"How could I have given up on you, querido?" she asked him, sweet sincerity right there in her eyes. "You held my heart in your palm from the moment you refused to let me make your breakfast without helping me." Yes, it had started as early as that first morning they'd spoken, though she hadn't dared to admit it. Her lips brushed the corner of his mouth tenderly. "You make wishes come true, Eduardo. I do not think I will ever have to be careful of my wishes when you are the one who grants them."

He arched a brow, a little surprised by her confession, and even more surprised by her compliment. He wasn't sure he was deserving of either, but this wasn't the time to argue with her about it. "I'm not perfect, Lis," he seriously pointed out. "I have plenty of flaws, but I love you, and I want to make this work."

"Then it will work," she promised him fervently. "But, I think, only if we do not keep your uncle waiting too long." Her smile flickered with amusement - Humphrey might have been attempting to intimidate her, but she wasn't easily frightened off. "Will we have to stay long?" she asked him softly, wary of limiting his time with his family but still a little uncomfortable among them.

He touched a kiss to her lips, his fingers in soft caress of her cheek, a warm and slightly amused smile on his face, almost as if he could read her thoughts. "Just until after dinner, I think," he replied, as anxious to be alone with her as he was to share this celebration with his family. "In another day or so, everyone will know. We should probably expect visitors."

She laughed quietly, curling her arms about his waist as she leaned into him. "Perhaps I should try and be out as much as I can for the next few days," she threatened teasingly. He knew she'd never abandon him to field visitors on his own, but it was fun to be able to tease him in the sure knowledge that she was allowed to do just that.

He laughed at her suggestion, hoping she was just teasing him. As fond as he was of his family, the thought of fielding all those visitors on his own was a little daunting. "It's you they want to meet," he reminded her, touching his nose to hers. Even if they hadn't seen him in years, he was still the same old Teddy, but they were bound to be curious about her. "I'll warn you about some of them later," he teased back, just as a call came from the other room asking where the lovebirds were.

Her eyes widened at his answering tease, wondering just what she needed to be warned about, hearing that voice summoning them from the living room. Laughing, she poked fondly at his side, moving to curl her arm through his. "I am yours to command, my husband. Lead on."

Oh, nothing horrible - mostly just over-enthusiastic and well-meaning relatives - but there were still some in the bunch that he'd prefer to avoid, at least for now. "Hm, I wonder if you will be saying that later," he teased back, as he took her arm and led her toward the dining room where a small group of Grangers was gathered to celebrate the happiest day of Teddy and Lis' lives.

Yes, it had been an unexpected wedding, and yes, it would take a little time for the news to spread through the family and beyond, but no one could begrudge this prodigal son the beginning of his happy ending. Edward had been away, and alone, for too long. Now he was home, and with a wife, to boot. There was little any Granger had to complain about in that news, whoever they might be.

((Say what you like about the Grangers, they don't waste time, do they' :grin: Huge thanks to my partner for aiding and abetting me with this scene!))