Five Years Later: A Short Story (5/5)
Title: Five Years Later: A Short Story
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The characters belong to ABC/Disney. The song belongs to well, I'm not too sure the exact person, a couple different people sing it. But, it's not me.
Summary: Five Years into the future
A half hour later Frankie and Bianca were freshly washed and standing near the bar. Various people walked up to them, offering congratulations and shaking hands. Bianca stood behind Frankie with her arms loosely swung around her waist. Frankie leaned back into her, one hand covering Bianca’s while the other curved around a glass of soda on the bar top.
Maggie and Ally walked up to the couple, their hands linked together and swinging between them. Bianca spotted them first and cheerfully greeted them, “Hi Maggie, Ally.”
“Hi Bianca,” they both replied back, “Hi Frankie.”
Frankie took a sip of her cold drink and held it up to Bianca who grabbed it and took a swallow, “Maggie, Notre Dame. Enjoying the party?”
Ally nodded, “Yeah, though it’s actually more fun to watch all the people than anything else.”
“Wait till they get a few more drinks in them.” Bianca handed back the glass, “Based on past Pine Valley weddings, something’s going to happen.”
“This isn’t in Pine Valley.” Ally pointed out.
Bianca shrugged, “Pine Valley people.”
“I see. Maggie’s told me a lot about them.” Ally agreed.
Bianca glanced over at the twins. “Ally, would you help me with something?”
“Sure.”
“Great,” she patted Frankie’s stomach, “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart.”
Frankie frowned, “Where are you going?”
Bianca peeked quickly at Maggie, “I’ll be back soon.”
Frankie tilted her head, “You don’t have to.”
“Yes, I do.” Bianca gave her a quick kiss, “Maggie, I’ll see you soon, too.”
“Subtle, aren’t they?” Maggie asked as the two women left.
Frankie took another sip of her drink, “As always.”
Maggie nodded and leaned against the bar. She crossed her arms, “So, you’re married now.”
“Yeah, funny that.” Frankie set the glass on the bar. She slowly spun the glass on its end.
Silence.
“That was a nice toast you gave.” Frankie stopped spinning the glass, “You didn’t have to.”
“Yeah, I did.” Maggie unfolded her arms, “You’re my sister. I wanted to.”
Frankie pushed the now empty glass away, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You practiced it for days, didn’t you?”
Maggie blushed, “Only two.”
“Ally tell you to stop?”
“Yes,” Maggie grumbled.
Frankie snorted, “Nice.”
“Shut up.”
“You shut up.”
“You can be such a kid sometimes.”
“Like you aren’t?”
“At least I didn’t have cake smashed in my face.”
Frankie took a deep breath and turned serious, “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too. I’m really happy for you, Frankie.”
“Thanks.” Frankie whispered. Maggie opened her arms and Frankie balked, “Really?”
“Yep, come here.” Maggie pulled her into a warm hug. She dropped her voice, “Love you, Franks.”
Frankie hugged her back tightly, “Love you, too, Mags.”
They released each other and both wiped at their eyes. Frankie hooked her thumb over her shoulder, “I’m gonna go find Bianca and the kids.”
“I should find Ally.”
They looked at each other. Wordlessly, they enveloped each other in another quick hug. Then, they stepped back and walked in opposite directions.
Across the garden Erica watched Frankie move away from the bar. Halfway across the room, Frankie ran into Zach. The two began to talk, the dark haired man shaking his new relative’s hand. They continued to converse, the exchange taking much longer than a simple congratulations would. What were they talking about? Zach Slater and Frankie Stone, an interesting yet potentially troublesome combination.
Erica flipped her hair and narrowed her eyes. Frankie Stone was now married to Bianca. Erica had not spoken to Frankie all day. They had barely spoken since Erica landed in Europe. Well, it was about time Erica Kane talked to her new daughter-in-law.
Heels clacking against the pebbled path, Erica marched with purpose across the garden. She reached Frankie just as Zach left, presumably to go find Kendall. Frankie turned to find the diva poised and ready.
“Erica,” Frankie’s tone was low and measured.
“What were you two talking about?” Erica asked.
Frankie stared at her blankly, “How lucky we are to have you as a mother-in-law.”
“Clever. You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” What a sarcastic answer. It was vintage Frankie Stone - con artist extraordinaire. “Well, let me tell you something, Mary-Francis, I know your game. I’ve known your game since the moment you jumped in front of my car.”
Frankie rolled her eyes and mumbled, “Jesus.”
Erica planted her hands on her hips, “I know your kind, and I know what you wanted to do to my daughter. The moment we met I knew. You were a user, a con, a grifter. You wanted one thing and one thing only when you arrived in Pine Valley - money. You wanted my money and my daughter’s money. You planned to seduce her and ruin her all for your crazy aunt.”
Frankie clenched her jaw.
Erica hardened her glare, “I vowed I would never let you hurt my daughter. I would never let her get used by the likes of you. No two-bit con was going to wreck my child. Not then, not ever. You thought you had everyone fooled. You thought no one would ever suspect you of wanting to do such a thing, but I knew. I knew.”
Frankie swallowed roughly. Her teeth were clenched so tight they hurt.
Erica’s hands fell to her side and her glare softened, “I knew, Frankie. I saw it all. I saw you go after Bianca…and I saw you start to change. I saw you drop your guard for my daughter and let her in. I saw you return her feelings. I knew it. I knew you had feelings for her, you loved her.”
What was going on?
Erica motioned with her perfectly manicured hand, “When you came back, I saw it all over again. My daughter was madly in love with you, and no matter what I said, it would not change how she felt. When I saw you, you were wanting the same thing from her you wanted in Pine Valley. You wanted her to love you, and you loved her back. This whole time all you’ve done is love my daughter. You have been wonderful with her children. You love them. After everything my daughter has gone through, you came back to her, and you took care of her. She loves you, and you love her. You have done everything I ever wanted someone to do for Bianca. You, the horrible grifter, have been there for Bianca and defied all expectation.”
Erica cracked a smile, “The only thing left to do is welcome you to the family.”
Frankie stared at her flabbergasted. Had something else been slipped into that soda?
Erica held out her hand.
Frankie stared at it.
“Perhaps you’ll take it this time and believe me.”
Frankie remembered back to the time Erica offered her hand. The woman had been acting as if she gave in and accepted Frankie in Bianca’s life. It had been a lie, then. But, Frankie had a little skill at telling when people were conning. Erica wasn’t.
Erica bent her head to the side, “I am being honest, Frankie. As long as you love my daughter and do not hurt her, I will welcome you into my family.”
Frankie cautiously reached out her hand, “You wouldn’t happen to be hiding a switchblade in that dress, would you?”
Erica chuckled and lightly clasped their hands, “Clashes.”
They shook, “With everything, I hope.”
They released hands, “If you do what you promised in your vows, it just might.”
“Plan on it.”
“Great.”
“Does this mean I get to call you mom?” Frankie grinned cheekily, not wanting to show her shock.
Erica glared, “Never.”
“What’s going on?” Bianca ran up to the pair. She had seen her mother approach Frankie and begin talking. Frankie and her mother alone was not a good thing.
“Yeah, I’d like to know that, too.” Opal entered the fray. She’d been talking with a rather handsome man named Luke when she saw the brewing hurricane. What was Erica up to? If she didn’t know any better, mama bear was about to kill the new cub.
“Frankie and I were just coming to an understanding.” Erica waved between them.
“An understanding?” Bianca placed her hand on Frankie’s arm.
“Yeah, we did.” Frankie moved into Bianca. Erica was being for real. Huh.
“What kind of understanding?”
Frankie cast a sparkling gaze at Bianca, “Erica welcomed me to the family.”
“She did what?” had she heard right?
“Yeah, sort of like the Godfather but with perfume and lipstick.”
Opal looked at her friend, “You did that?”
Erica raised her shoulders, “I know when my daughter is happy. Frankie makes her happy.”
“Oh Mom,” Bianca pulled her into a hug, “I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. So much.” Erica hugged her back.
The sound of fingers tapping against a microphone accompanied a voice, “Everyone, if I could have your attention, please. It’s time for the first dance.”
Bianca released Erica and looked at Frankie, “Wanna dance?”
Frankie’s eyes had widened a fraction, “That time already?”
Bianca grabbed her hand, “One dance and you’re done.”
Frankie let her lead them to the erected marble dance floor, “Liar.” Bianca would make her dance all night.
Bianca shot her an innocent look, “I want to hear the song you picked out.” She really did. It was still a secret. Frankie said if she had to pick it, Bianca couldn’t know. Bianca had been wondering for months what it would be.
They stepped out onto the dance floor, and all eyes turned on them. Frankie took a calming breath and faced Bianca, “Ready?”
“Always,” they wrapped their arms around each other.
Slowly, the musicians began to play the notes as the singer stepped up to the microphone. With the first strand of music, Bianca buried her nose in the crook of Frankie’s neck. She closed her eyes against what she knew would be a fountain of tears.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Bianca inhaled the sweet comforting smell of amber. She nuzzled against the soft collar and felt the first tear slip down her cheek. Her hands clenched at Frankie and held on as the words resonated in her mind.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Frankie quietly began to hum along to the song. She traced her palm down the back of Bianca’s arm and joined their hands together. They swayed gently back and forth, the music overtaking them both and transporting them into a world of the past and the future, memories and dreams.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Bianca pulled back and pressed her forehead against Frankie’s. Their noses lightly bumped together, and their lips brushed ever so softly.
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole, my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Both tasted the salty tears and neither knew if it was from Bianca or Frankie’s eyes that the water droplets fell.
For I can't help falling in love with you
***
Hours later the music was blaring and people were hopping around the dance floor like it was the last party on earth. Erica and Kendall stood at the bar, the younger Kane ordering a glass of wine.
“Kendall, have you seen your sister?” Erica asked.
“No, haven’t seen her since she was talking to Maggie and what’s her name.” Kendall took the glass of white wine.
Erica frowned, “When was that?”
“An hour ago, maybe.”
This was not good, “Where is she? Have you seen Frankie?”
Kendall shook her head in the negative.
Where were they? “I still have another wedding gift to give them.” How could they have disappeared?
“Another one? What is it?”
“We need to find them.”
“Have you looked?”
Erica shot her a droll look, “of course I have.”
They both took a second to glance around the ballroom. No sign of either woman.
“Excuse me,” Jones stumbled up to the bar, “can I get a glass of red wine, please.” He had met some girl named Greenlee and offered to get her a new drink. Well, he did after his mouth stopped feeling like the desert. She was very pretty.
Kendall looked at the boyish face, “You’re Frankie’s friend.
Jones, startled, jumped, “Huh? Oh, hi again. Yes, I’m a friend of Frankie and Bianca.” He liked both women and cherished their family’s friendship.
Kendall waved it off, “Great, have you seen them?”
Jones frowned, “Why?”
Erica huffed, “I need to speak with them.”
“I don’t know if they want to be bothered.” He took the glass the bartender handed to him. He hoped Greenlee liked whatever bottle the guy opened.
“Why?”
Jones shrugged, “It looked like they didn’t want to be bothered.”
Erica marched up to him and poked a finger in his face, “I am Bianca’s mother. If you know where my daughter is, tell me.”
Kendall snickered, “Maybe they’re busy, Mom.”
Jones recoiled, “No, nothing like that.” He gulped and pointed, “They’re over there, ma’am.”
Erica and Kendall looked to where he was pointing. It took a moment, but they saw them. There, in the distance, the pebbled path broke off and ambled around to a small fountain which was partially hidden from view. The setting sun cast gentle shadows across the glistening water. Frankie and Bianca sat on the ground, their backs resting against the fountain edge. Their shoulders were pressed together, and their heads were leaned against each other. Gabrielle was cuddled against Frankie’s side. Her eyes were closed as she softly slept to the sound of the falling water. Miranda was laid out on the ground, her head pillowed in Bianca’s lap as she gave in to slumber. Loving smiles graced the faces of the two newlyweds. Their mouths moved as they tenderly exchanged private words that only their small family would ever be privy to. To the outsiders it was perfectly clear that the family was enjoying what they had, what they’d achieved, together.
It looked right.
They looked perfect.
The End
Author: Fab_fan
Fandom: All My Children
Pairing: Frankie/Bianca
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: The characters belong to ABC/Disney. The song belongs to well, I'm not too sure the exact person, a couple different people sing it. But, it's not me.
Summary: Five Years into the future
A half hour later Frankie and Bianca were freshly washed and standing near the bar. Various people walked up to them, offering congratulations and shaking hands. Bianca stood behind Frankie with her arms loosely swung around her waist. Frankie leaned back into her, one hand covering Bianca’s while the other curved around a glass of soda on the bar top.
Maggie and Ally walked up to the couple, their hands linked together and swinging between them. Bianca spotted them first and cheerfully greeted them, “Hi Maggie, Ally.”
“Hi Bianca,” they both replied back, “Hi Frankie.”
Frankie took a sip of her cold drink and held it up to Bianca who grabbed it and took a swallow, “Maggie, Notre Dame. Enjoying the party?”
Ally nodded, “Yeah, though it’s actually more fun to watch all the people than anything else.”
“Wait till they get a few more drinks in them.” Bianca handed back the glass, “Based on past Pine Valley weddings, something’s going to happen.”
“This isn’t in Pine Valley.” Ally pointed out.
Bianca shrugged, “Pine Valley people.”
“I see. Maggie’s told me a lot about them.” Ally agreed.
Bianca glanced over at the twins. “Ally, would you help me with something?”
“Sure.”
“Great,” she patted Frankie’s stomach, “I’ll be back soon, sweetheart.”
Frankie frowned, “Where are you going?”
Bianca peeked quickly at Maggie, “I’ll be back soon.”
Frankie tilted her head, “You don’t have to.”
“Yes, I do.” Bianca gave her a quick kiss, “Maggie, I’ll see you soon, too.”
“Subtle, aren’t they?” Maggie asked as the two women left.
Frankie took another sip of her drink, “As always.”
Maggie nodded and leaned against the bar. She crossed her arms, “So, you’re married now.”
“Yeah, funny that.” Frankie set the glass on the bar. She slowly spun the glass on its end.
Silence.
“That was a nice toast you gave.” Frankie stopped spinning the glass, “You didn’t have to.”
“Yeah, I did.” Maggie unfolded her arms, “You’re my sister. I wanted to.”
Frankie pushed the now empty glass away, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“You practiced it for days, didn’t you?”
Maggie blushed, “Only two.”
“Ally tell you to stop?”
“Yes,” Maggie grumbled.
Frankie snorted, “Nice.”
“Shut up.”
“You shut up.”
“You can be such a kid sometimes.”
“Like you aren’t?”
“At least I didn’t have cake smashed in my face.”
Frankie took a deep breath and turned serious, “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too. I’m really happy for you, Frankie.”
“Thanks.” Frankie whispered. Maggie opened her arms and Frankie balked, “Really?”
“Yep, come here.” Maggie pulled her into a warm hug. She dropped her voice, “Love you, Franks.”
Frankie hugged her back tightly, “Love you, too, Mags.”
They released each other and both wiped at their eyes. Frankie hooked her thumb over her shoulder, “I’m gonna go find Bianca and the kids.”
“I should find Ally.”
They looked at each other. Wordlessly, they enveloped each other in another quick hug. Then, they stepped back and walked in opposite directions.
Across the garden Erica watched Frankie move away from the bar. Halfway across the room, Frankie ran into Zach. The two began to talk, the dark haired man shaking his new relative’s hand. They continued to converse, the exchange taking much longer than a simple congratulations would. What were they talking about? Zach Slater and Frankie Stone, an interesting yet potentially troublesome combination.
Erica flipped her hair and narrowed her eyes. Frankie Stone was now married to Bianca. Erica had not spoken to Frankie all day. They had barely spoken since Erica landed in Europe. Well, it was about time Erica Kane talked to her new daughter-in-law.
Heels clacking against the pebbled path, Erica marched with purpose across the garden. She reached Frankie just as Zach left, presumably to go find Kendall. Frankie turned to find the diva poised and ready.
“Erica,” Frankie’s tone was low and measured.
“What were you two talking about?” Erica asked.
Frankie stared at her blankly, “How lucky we are to have you as a mother-in-law.”
“Clever. You think you’re so smart, don’t you?” What a sarcastic answer. It was vintage Frankie Stone - con artist extraordinaire. “Well, let me tell you something, Mary-Francis, I know your game. I’ve known your game since the moment you jumped in front of my car.”
Frankie rolled her eyes and mumbled, “Jesus.”
Erica planted her hands on her hips, “I know your kind, and I know what you wanted to do to my daughter. The moment we met I knew. You were a user, a con, a grifter. You wanted one thing and one thing only when you arrived in Pine Valley - money. You wanted my money and my daughter’s money. You planned to seduce her and ruin her all for your crazy aunt.”
Frankie clenched her jaw.
Erica hardened her glare, “I vowed I would never let you hurt my daughter. I would never let her get used by the likes of you. No two-bit con was going to wreck my child. Not then, not ever. You thought you had everyone fooled. You thought no one would ever suspect you of wanting to do such a thing, but I knew. I knew.”
Frankie swallowed roughly. Her teeth were clenched so tight they hurt.
Erica’s hands fell to her side and her glare softened, “I knew, Frankie. I saw it all. I saw you go after Bianca…and I saw you start to change. I saw you drop your guard for my daughter and let her in. I saw you return her feelings. I knew it. I knew you had feelings for her, you loved her.”
What was going on?
Erica motioned with her perfectly manicured hand, “When you came back, I saw it all over again. My daughter was madly in love with you, and no matter what I said, it would not change how she felt. When I saw you, you were wanting the same thing from her you wanted in Pine Valley. You wanted her to love you, and you loved her back. This whole time all you’ve done is love my daughter. You have been wonderful with her children. You love them. After everything my daughter has gone through, you came back to her, and you took care of her. She loves you, and you love her. You have done everything I ever wanted someone to do for Bianca. You, the horrible grifter, have been there for Bianca and defied all expectation.”
Erica cracked a smile, “The only thing left to do is welcome you to the family.”
Frankie stared at her flabbergasted. Had something else been slipped into that soda?
Erica held out her hand.
Frankie stared at it.
“Perhaps you’ll take it this time and believe me.”
Frankie remembered back to the time Erica offered her hand. The woman had been acting as if she gave in and accepted Frankie in Bianca’s life. It had been a lie, then. But, Frankie had a little skill at telling when people were conning. Erica wasn’t.
Erica bent her head to the side, “I am being honest, Frankie. As long as you love my daughter and do not hurt her, I will welcome you into my family.”
Frankie cautiously reached out her hand, “You wouldn’t happen to be hiding a switchblade in that dress, would you?”
Erica chuckled and lightly clasped their hands, “Clashes.”
They shook, “With everything, I hope.”
They released hands, “If you do what you promised in your vows, it just might.”
“Plan on it.”
“Great.”
“Does this mean I get to call you mom?” Frankie grinned cheekily, not wanting to show her shock.
Erica glared, “Never.”
“What’s going on?” Bianca ran up to the pair. She had seen her mother approach Frankie and begin talking. Frankie and her mother alone was not a good thing.
“Yeah, I’d like to know that, too.” Opal entered the fray. She’d been talking with a rather handsome man named Luke when she saw the brewing hurricane. What was Erica up to? If she didn’t know any better, mama bear was about to kill the new cub.
“Frankie and I were just coming to an understanding.” Erica waved between them.
“An understanding?” Bianca placed her hand on Frankie’s arm.
“Yeah, we did.” Frankie moved into Bianca. Erica was being for real. Huh.
“What kind of understanding?”
Frankie cast a sparkling gaze at Bianca, “Erica welcomed me to the family.”
“She did what?” had she heard right?
“Yeah, sort of like the Godfather but with perfume and lipstick.”
Opal looked at her friend, “You did that?”
Erica raised her shoulders, “I know when my daughter is happy. Frankie makes her happy.”
“Oh Mom,” Bianca pulled her into a hug, “I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. So much.” Erica hugged her back.
The sound of fingers tapping against a microphone accompanied a voice, “Everyone, if I could have your attention, please. It’s time for the first dance.”
Bianca released Erica and looked at Frankie, “Wanna dance?”
Frankie’s eyes had widened a fraction, “That time already?”
Bianca grabbed her hand, “One dance and you’re done.”
Frankie let her lead them to the erected marble dance floor, “Liar.” Bianca would make her dance all night.
Bianca shot her an innocent look, “I want to hear the song you picked out.” She really did. It was still a secret. Frankie said if she had to pick it, Bianca couldn’t know. Bianca had been wondering for months what it would be.
They stepped out onto the dance floor, and all eyes turned on them. Frankie took a calming breath and faced Bianca, “Ready?”
“Always,” they wrapped their arms around each other.
Slowly, the musicians began to play the notes as the singer stepped up to the microphone. With the first strand of music, Bianca buried her nose in the crook of Frankie’s neck. She closed her eyes against what she knew would be a fountain of tears.
Wise men say only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you
Bianca inhaled the sweet comforting smell of amber. She nuzzled against the soft collar and felt the first tear slip down her cheek. Her hands clenched at Frankie and held on as the words resonated in her mind.
Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Frankie quietly began to hum along to the song. She traced her palm down the back of Bianca’s arm and joined their hands together. They swayed gently back and forth, the music overtaking them both and transporting them into a world of the past and the future, memories and dreams.
Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Bianca pulled back and pressed her forehead against Frankie’s. Their noses lightly bumped together, and their lips brushed ever so softly.
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand
Take my whole, my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
Both tasted the salty tears and neither knew if it was from Bianca or Frankie’s eyes that the water droplets fell.
For I can't help falling in love with you
***
Hours later the music was blaring and people were hopping around the dance floor like it was the last party on earth. Erica and Kendall stood at the bar, the younger Kane ordering a glass of wine.
“Kendall, have you seen your sister?” Erica asked.
“No, haven’t seen her since she was talking to Maggie and what’s her name.” Kendall took the glass of white wine.
Erica frowned, “When was that?”
“An hour ago, maybe.”
This was not good, “Where is she? Have you seen Frankie?”
Kendall shook her head in the negative.
Where were they? “I still have another wedding gift to give them.” How could they have disappeared?
“Another one? What is it?”
“We need to find them.”
“Have you looked?”
Erica shot her a droll look, “of course I have.”
They both took a second to glance around the ballroom. No sign of either woman.
“Excuse me,” Jones stumbled up to the bar, “can I get a glass of red wine, please.” He had met some girl named Greenlee and offered to get her a new drink. Well, he did after his mouth stopped feeling like the desert. She was very pretty.
Kendall looked at the boyish face, “You’re Frankie’s friend.
Jones, startled, jumped, “Huh? Oh, hi again. Yes, I’m a friend of Frankie and Bianca.” He liked both women and cherished their family’s friendship.
Kendall waved it off, “Great, have you seen them?”
Jones frowned, “Why?”
Erica huffed, “I need to speak with them.”
“I don’t know if they want to be bothered.” He took the glass the bartender handed to him. He hoped Greenlee liked whatever bottle the guy opened.
“Why?”
Jones shrugged, “It looked like they didn’t want to be bothered.”
Erica marched up to him and poked a finger in his face, “I am Bianca’s mother. If you know where my daughter is, tell me.”
Kendall snickered, “Maybe they’re busy, Mom.”
Jones recoiled, “No, nothing like that.” He gulped and pointed, “They’re over there, ma’am.”
Erica and Kendall looked to where he was pointing. It took a moment, but they saw them. There, in the distance, the pebbled path broke off and ambled around to a small fountain which was partially hidden from view. The setting sun cast gentle shadows across the glistening water. Frankie and Bianca sat on the ground, their backs resting against the fountain edge. Their shoulders were pressed together, and their heads were leaned against each other. Gabrielle was cuddled against Frankie’s side. Her eyes were closed as she softly slept to the sound of the falling water. Miranda was laid out on the ground, her head pillowed in Bianca’s lap as she gave in to slumber. Loving smiles graced the faces of the two newlyweds. Their mouths moved as they tenderly exchanged private words that only their small family would ever be privy to. To the outsiders it was perfectly clear that the family was enjoying what they had, what they’d achieved, together.
It looked right.
They looked perfect.
The End