Fic-Kiss the Bride Part 3
The storm still raged well into the night. The power had remained well on throughout the night, without a hint of going out. The rain continued out echoed against the roof and windows of the castle, but it was long since forgotten by most. Everyone had retired hours ago, leaving Matt to wander the dark halls on his own, leaving him to his thoughts.
Matt had returned to the library. He had taken back to the sofa and decided to read, seeing as he wasn’t able to sleep. It might have something to do with Connor’s snoring, or the fact that he simply wasn’t tired. He leaned against the arm of the sofa, reading one of the books he’d found. He hadn't done much recreational reading since he’d arrived in this time, but after stopping Phillip and only having to worry about the anomalies, Matt found extra time he didn’t know what to do with. So he’d taken to reading. Unfortunately, tonight’s choice was nothing what he’d usually read; romance. Matt had refrained from reading them if he could help it. However nothing else seemed too appealing to read and maybe the book would bore him enough to put him to sleep? Unfortunately after half an hour, he was actually intrigued by the book. Not the characters mind you, but the story. It was startlingly similar to the situation he was in now.
“Persuasion would be the last book I thought you’d read.” Came a soft voice.
Matt dropped the book and turned quickly. Dressed in dark violet pajamas stood Emily. Her arms were folded in front of her chest, covered in her matching cover top. She smiled playfully at him. Matt relaxed, laughing at his own restlessness. Emily moved from the doorway to the opposite sofa. She sat down and drew her feet up by her body.
“I never imagined you would read an Austen novel.” Emily said. She leaned against the sofa’s arm. Her soft curls fell over the arm.
Matt took in her appearance. Emily leaned against the arm of the sofa with her hair draping over the arm. Her legs were drawn up beside her body. Her head was laid over her folded arms as she looked at him. Had he not known her for so long, he never would have known she was a woman of Victorian England. This Emily was different from Lady Emily.
“Now that I think about it,” Emily continued, pulling Matt from his thoughts. “I can’t recall ever seeing you read before.”
Matt smirked, picking up his discarded book. “I never had time to spend on myself before.”
“True.” Emily said. “Saving the timelines would have a tendency to occupy whatever spare time a person would have.”
Matt marked his book and set it on the table between the sofas. “Well, with y reading selection aside, what are doing up?”
Emily adjusted herself on the sofa. “You can read late in the library but I can’t?”
“I’m not getting married in the morning.” Matt stated.
“True.” Emily nodded. Her eyes drifted from him onto the table. She seemed momentarily lost in her own thoughts. She didn’t seem to be hiding the fact that something was troubling her. After knowing her for years, Matt knew what to look for when Emily was being evasive in conversation. But this time…this time she wasn’t even trying to hide it.
“What’s bothering you Emily?” Matt asked.
“I think…I think I’m second-guessing the wedding.” Emily whispered.
Matt frowned. He leaned forward. “What?”
Emily looked up from the table. “When I married Henry, I had no say in the matter. Everything had been decided for me. But here, it’s nothing like that. I am allowed to freely chose when and whom I marry, the chapel or castle where I wish to marry, and whom I wish to share it with. Between the two I’ve found this tradition much more unnerving.”
Matt nodded, realizing what she meant. “You don’t know if you can marry Zach.”
Emily nodded slowly. “I’m scared that I’m making another wrong choice for the wrong reason. I’m afraid that in a few years he won’t be the same man I married or that I’ll change in ways he can’t accept. I’m afraid that my time at the ARC will somehow come back into my life and take Zacharias from me.”
Matt rose from the couch and moved to the table. He sat down on the table in front of Emily and took her hand. “Em, listen to me. Your time at the ARC is over. It won’t come back unless you let it.”
Emily shook her head.
“Do you love him?” Matt asked.
Emily frowned. “What?”
“Do you love Zach?” Matt repeated.
Emily nodded. “Yes.”
“Then that’s all that matters Emily. You love Zach enough to put the ARC behind you. You love him enough to move on with your life. You love him enough you’re marryin’ him tomorrow.” Matt explained. “That’s the only difference I see Emily. You love Zach. You didn’t love Henry. If you love something enough, you fight for it. Fight to make it work.”
“Is that why we didn’t work?” Emily asked. “We didn’t fight enough?”
Matt paused a moment. “We tried, Emily. We just weren’t fighin’ for us.”
“Do you ever miss it? Miss us?” Emily asked.
Matt looked into Emily’s deep brown eyes. He’d fallen for the look so many times. “I’d be lyin’ if I said I didn’t.”
Emily nodded. “Me too.”
“But tomorrow, that’s one less thing you need to miss.” Matt said, releasing her hand.
Emily chuckled lightly. “Right.”
“You should get some sleep. Can’t have a tired bride. And just imagine what your mother-in-law would say I she came down here.” Matt asked.
Emily winced. “Oh god. That thought alone will give me nightmares.”
Matt chuckled.
Emily rose from the sofa. She drew her arms around her body as she walked back to the library door. She turned back around, looking at Matt. “Oh, how far have you read?”
Matt frowned.
“Persuasion.” Emily stated.
Matt looked down at the book. “About halfway.”
Emily smiled. “Finish it. Good night.”
“Night.” Matt said watching Emily leave the library. He sighed and picked up the book. He suddenly felt too exhausted to continue reading. He looked at his place and then to the clock; twelve twenty. Matt shook his head. Another night perhaps. He rose from the table and headed toward the stairs.
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The next morning, the storm had well enough stopped. The ground was soaked, leaving small puddles on the grounds. Everyone woke in the early hours and began continuing the wedding preparations. Matt kept himself out of the way of the wedding. He spent his time watching the anomaly-which was still closed- while the others prepared themselves. He’d called the ARC and received an ETA on the backup. Once they arrived within the next few hours, Matt would be free to leave the castle and search the grounds before returning back to base. But something was nagging at him. Something Emily had said last night but he just didn’t know what. He pulled out his phone and dialed.
“Jess Parker.” Jess said.
“I need a favor Jess.” Matt said. He could hear Jess smiled on the other end.
“What do you need?” she asked.
“Do you still have my present for them?” Matt asked.
“In my bag.” Jess answered.
“Bring it up to me.” Matt explained.
“What?” Jess asked.
“Trust me, Jess.” Matt replied.
“Alright. I’ll be up in a few minutes.” Jess said. She hung up.
Matt closed his phone and waited. He looked out at the castle grounds, watching for the backup car. He looked at the grounds closely. Despite the storm system last night, the grounds looked even more alluring. The grass glistened, even in the clouds. He scanned along the grass toward the outer area forest line. Last night had been quiet enough, excluding Zach’s wretched mother. No creatures, no missing staff reported, nothing strange. Still, something wasn’t right. The anomaly had been open for two hours before Matt had arrived and an hour before Becker had locked it. No anomaly was that easy, something had to have slipped through.
The door to the roof opened. Matt could hear the clacking of high heels before he turned. Jess walked across the roof wearing a deep purple dress. The fabric was overlaid with a layer of black on top of the purple, making it appear darker than it really was. The dress barely reached her knees, which was long by Jess’ standards of dresses. A black sash wrapped around the middle of her dress. A purple silk scarf was wrapped around her bare shoulders. Her hair had been curled for the occasion, bouncing with each step she took. Her makeup was done with flattery and subtly. A small pearl choker and matching earrings finished her look.
Jess smiled at him as she reached him. She held out her hand. “Here you go.”
Matt took a small box from Jess’ hand. He placed it into his coat pocket. “Thanks Jess.”
“Are you taking back your present?” Jess asked.
Matt smirked. “No, I’d rather deliver this personally.”
Jess nodded slowly. “You know, there’s still time.”
Matt frowned. “Time for what?”
“Stopping this.” Jess whispered.
Matt looked at Jess incredulously. “‘Stopping this’? You don’t think Emily should be gettin’ married?”
“No I absolutely believe that Emily should get married. Just not to Zacharias.” Jess replied. “Not that I have anything against him. He’s a gentleman, and heaven knows the world is lacking in them. But I don’t believe he’s right for Emily.”
“Have you told Emily that?” Matt asked.
“Course not. It’s not my place.” Jess said.
“And what makes you think I should do something about it Jess?” Matt demanded.
“Because you still care about her.” Jess answered.
“Of course I care about her, Jess. Emily’s a friend.” Matt explained.
“You know what I mean.” Jess said.
Matt turned from Jess and looked out at the grounds again.
Jess sighed and looked down. “Backup should be here in ten minutes. The precession starts in ten which gives you fifteen minutes to talk to her. That’s your last chance Matt. Don’t waste it.”
Matt didn’t turn around, but he heard Jess leave the roof. He sighed heavily, thumbing the box in his coat pocket. He looked at his watch. Ten minutes until backup arrives and the wedding starts. Anything could happen to the anomaly locking device in ten minutes if left unattended. Backup could even run late to the site. Matt powered down his EMD and turned from the anomaly. He moved quickly across the roof toward the door.
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Matt stood in the foyer of the hall, waiting with Becker and Connor. The room was decorated to match the wedding. Garlands of violet flowers were wrapped around the poles of the banister. A deep burgundy aisle runner ran from the stop of the steps onto the floor. Matt stood near the bottom of the staircase, occasionally glancing up at the entrance.
“You know Matt, if I didn’t know any better, I would’ve thought you’re the nervous groom instead of Sellar.” Becker said. He and Connor were dressed in identical suits. His vest and tie were matching shades of dark purple. Their coats were buttoned with a small lavender rose boutonniere.
Matt turned to Becker. “Is that so?”
“If watching the stairwell every five seconds isn’t enough then I don’t know what is.” Becker replied.
Matt smirked lightly. He caught the sound of walking heels from above. “Yeah well, try not to be too obvious Becker.”
“About what?” Becker asked.
Matt didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked up at the stairwell. Becker followed Matt’s eyes and looked up. One by one Jenny, Abby, and Jess walked through the archway into the stairwell. Each one of the ladies wore an identical dress in color and style. Even the black sashes around their midriffs matches. They carried small bouquets of lavender roses, astillbe’s, and agapnathus’. Matt turned from the girls and watched Becker. He smiled to himself and turned.
Connor whistled loudly. “Wow.”
Abby smiled and walked over to him. “Like what you see?”
Connor nodded. “Yeah. I don’t think I’ve seen you in purple.”
Abby rolled her eyes and playfully hit him in the arm. “Connor.”
“Better be careful Connor, women are very dangerous in heels.” Jenny said smiling.
“Nah, Abby’s just dangerous in general.” Connor replied.
Matt chuckled.
Jess was the last one to walk down the stairs. Becker walked to the base of the stairs and took Jess’ hand as she stepped off the last step. Jess looked up in surprise but quickly smiled.
Becker quickly released Jess’ hand. “You look stunning.”
Jess smiled again, lowering her face from Becker. “Thank you. You too. I mean you look…very attractive…no! Um…you looked very different. Not that different is a bad thing it’s just…the suits a change from what you usually wear. It makes you look… lovely.” Jess closed her eyes and mouth, not wanting to embarrass herself further.
Becker chuckled lightly.
“Jess Parker?” asked a voice.
Becker and Jess both turned their heads. A tall man walked up to them. His short blond hair was styles with an unusual amount of gel. He wore a tailored suit like Connor and Becker. His coat was unbuttoned and his shirt was untucked from his pants.
“I’m Gregory Wallis. The best man.” He introduced, holding out his hand.
Jess held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Gregory took Jess’ hand and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand. “I apologize for not escorting you in rehearsals, but I’m glad I could see your entrance.”
“Um…thank you?” Jess answered, unsure if she enjoyed the compliment.
Gregory released her hand. “Henrietta wanted me to tell everyone that the precession starts in a few minutes. Everyone needs to stand in order with their partners.” Gregory took Jess’ arm without asking her and escorted her across the foyer. Becker watched in fury, but he could do nothing. Instead he walked toward the front doors of the ceremony hall.
“I’ll keep an eye on him.” Matt whispered.
“Whatever.” Becker replied.
Matt chuckled to himself. “Did you manage to hide your guns?”
Becker nodded. “Two ankle holsters. Connor has the other two.”
“Henrietta catch the hip holster?”
Becker nodded again. “Yeah. So let’s hope nothing happens.”
Matt nodded. “Right. I’ll let you know when the sweep of the grounds if finished.”
“Right.” Becker said.
Jenny joined Becker’s side. “Shall we?”
Becker took Jenny’s right arm.
Matt walked from Becker toward the end of the foray. He nodded to Connor and Abby who stood several paces behind Becker and Jenny. Matt watched Gregory carefully as he moved behind him. Jess seemed slightly uncomfortable with Gregory, occasionally glancing in Matt’s direction. Matt smirked, forming a plan in his mind.
“Jess, I heard your ex was finally discharged from the hospital a few days ago.” He said.
Gregory and Jess both turned.
“What was that?” Gregory asked.
Matt shrugged. “I just heard from a colleague that Jess’ ex-boyfriend was finally released.”
“What happened to him?” Gregory asked.
“Apparently he was threatening her, even broke into her flat.” Matt explained. “What he didn’t know is that Jess has her own private army at her call.”
Gregory raised a brow. “Is that so?”
“Just ask Becker.” Matt said a little louder. Becker turned hearing his name. “Poor man never stood a chance against him. Broke his jaw and arm in twenty seconds.”
Gregory looked up to Becker. Becker met Gregory’s look for a moment before hardening his look. Gregory quickly turned from Becker’s gaze, looking away from Jess.
Jess looked over her shoulder and mouth ‘thank you’.
Matt nodded.
Soft music echoed though the closed doors. Everyone straightened their posture and linked arms with their partner. The doors opened to the hall. Jenny and Becker started the precession. They walked in sync with each other. Matt smirked as he watched Becker walked with his right arm behind his back. Abby and Connor came up next. Despite how uncoordinated Connor had a tendency to be, he was well times with Abby in every step.
Matt leaned against the back door watching Jess slip into the room. The doors closed behind her, but Matt got a glimpse at the guests and the others at the far end. He sighed to himself and stared up at the ceiling, warring with himself. He could leave the box on the table and never have to see her. Then, to his left, Matt could hear the soft echoing of shoes. He battled with himself whether to look or not, finally deciding to look. He turned his head toward the double stair case just as losing his breath the moment his eyes fell upon Emily.
Emily was always a beautiful woman, but the sight Matt was gazing at now couldn’t compare. Her dress was soft lace, falling along her curves. On the skirt, three small tiers of lace fell on top of one another until they hit the ground. The bodice was strapless and had a soft lace edged sweetheart neckline. Emily’s dark curls were partially up to hold her lace trimmed veil, but the remainder of her hair fell against her bare back. Her right hand gripped the rail while her left hand held the skirt of her dress as she stepped down each stair with caution. Her face was set full of concentration, but still soft.
Before Matt realized that he’d moved, he found himself several feet from the last step, meeting Emily at the bottom. Emily looked up, clearly surprised to see him so close. But her surprise was quickly diminished into uncertainty.
Matt smiled lightly. “You look beautiful.”
Emily smiled brightly. “Thank you.”
“I thought I’d give you your weddin’ present now.” Matt said. He reached into his coat pocket.
Emily frowned. “Should you be doing that?”
He pulled out a small box, no bigger than his phone size. He held it out toward Emily. “Actually, it was more for the ceremony.”
Emily took the box from Matt and lifted the lid. Inside the box was a small fluff of cotton. Lying on top of the cotton was a coin. Emily picked up the coin and examined it.
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue-”
“And a silver sixpence in your shoes.” Emily finished. She looked back at Matt. “Thank you.”
Matt nodded. “I thought I’d help you keep the tradition alive.”
“You’re more than welcome to stay for the ceremony.” Emily replied.
Matt shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I never really was a fan of weddin’s. Besides, backup arrived and the grounds still need to be searched.”
Emily gave a sad smile and nodded. She bent down and slipped the coin into the strap of her shoes. She rose back up and straightened her dress. She picked up her large bouquet of white gardenias, roses, stephanotis’, and ivy.
“I want to congratulate you Emily. And I hope you’ll be happy with Zach.” Matt said.
Emily smiled again.
“Making one final attempt to steal the bride Mr. Anderson?” Lester said, appearing from what seemed like nowhere.
Matt stepped away from Emily. “No sir. Just giving my blessings before I head back.”
“Ah what would life be like without the blessings of friends and colleagues?” Lester stated.
Matt frowned. Lester had never said anything that didn’t involve sarcasm. But this definitely didn’t hold a drop of sarcasm to it.
“Well,” Lester said. He held out his arm to Emily. “I do believe we are next Emily. Matt, do make sure those techs haven’t burnt the ARC to the ground. I’ll be in tomorrow.”
Matt nodded. “Yes sir.”
Through the doors, they could hear the music changing. Signaling the final moment of the precession. Lester and Emily walked to the door. Emily held Lester’s arm as they waited. She glanced back to Matt as he walked to the door. Matt glanced back over his shoulder toward Emily. She gave him a brief smile, which he was more than willing to return, just before the doors opened. Emily broke the gaze first. Matt watched as her radiant smile returned and quickly vanished as Lester led her into the hall.
Matt turned and walked out of the castle. He jogged down the entrance steps and hoped into the truck. He reached for his ear piece and linked himself with the teams. He leaned back in his seat and sighed heavily. He gripped the wheel until his knuckles turned white. What the bloody hell was he thinking? Emily was getting married for crying out loud. Why was he still debating this? They’d tried…and failed. She moved on, she was happy. She deserved to be happy. He didn’t have a right to interfere with that. It was the right thing to do. So why the hell was his chest aching so badly? Why did he feel like he’d taken a hit from an EMD?
Matt released the wheel and set his right arm against the door. He covered his eyes with his hand and closed them tight. He knew why he was staying. He knew very well why he hadn't started the truck and sped away. He’d known since the moment she’d left the first time. He loved her. He still loved her. Damnit.
Matt snorted to himself. “What the hell.”
He grabbed the handle and pushed the door open. He climbed out of the truck and moved back toward the front doors again. Matt hopped up the steps and reached for the door. His hand grabbed the handle tightly. He looked up just as he was ready to open the door. In the reflection of the window, Matt spotted the extended figures of predators scampering across the grounds toward him.
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