Closed Tell the world we finally got it all right, I choose you.

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

It had only been two weeks since She and Dederick had had a serious conversation in their kitchen and those fourteen days had been almost unbearable for Briar. Her first reaction would have been to tell her sister. to tell her daughter, her son. but she knew it was something that she had to tell them in person. in the end she had ended up telling her old classmate and healer first, Jeremy Thorne as she had had a check-up with him the previous day just to confirm what she already knew. she was six weeks. from the outside, she didn't look that different. she could already notice a small change in her belly but only a small one. she was sure it would be unnoticeable under any non-form-fitting clothing especially if you didn't know it was there. the problem was briar liked her non-work clothing tight so she could move in it without it getting in the way. and her athletic build and toned body didn't really leave much room for disguise. even now she had started to wear slightly looser tops to disguise it. not baggy clothes just not tight sports gear. today however she was dressed in another unusual outfit choice for two reasons. firstly it was a dress, nothing too extravagant given the plan of the day, secondly the colour, usually she liked natural browns greys greens and reds. they were easy to look after and didn't show dirt too much. but today her dress was white. it wasn't an unusual choice for a summer day but those who knew briar well may have wondered why she had picked it.
She headed outside into the sunlight a bottle of ginger beer in her hand and took a seat on the patio overlooking one of their paddocks. in the middle of it was a pile of wood which would later be set alight as a family bonfire. but now it was early afternoon, willow and linden were playing, or rather willow was playing on her broom chasing a snitch over the dam and linden was playing with Bjorn their dog who was also trying to catch the snitch. Bjorn had basically adopted Linen as his master. she wondered what would happen when hse went away to school. she took another sip of the ginger, her tummy was settled now but she was not going to take the risk. She was waiting for her sister brother in law and niece to show up so she could finally spill the news that she had been holding on to.

Out of Character:

as ther will be about 9 charictors in this plot but all played by madz and myself a few of them will be godmodded for ease of posting and the posting order may not

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[Madlyn Ateara]

They were traveling by floo powder today since it was the safest for Madlyn in her condition and the Cullens were in Australia. Madlyn hadn’t realized they were situated there until she got word from her sister to come over with the family. Apparently Dederick’s sister was taking up residence in their property in New Zealand, which was close to Madlyn’s home. All were told to her later than usual. With so many things happening at once, Madlyn didn’t blame Briar for forgetting to tell her about their new living arrangements. It’s a good thing she found out now or else imagine her coming by for a visit to see her sister to only hear the screams of the unknown woman in the house. The story that would’ve made to tell the grandchildren one day would’ve been the best laugh they would have in their young lives. Chayton prepared the fireplace to make sure it extended with their height and size, the floo powder came next. Chante went first carrying a bag of gifts with her. She disappeared into the emerald flames, then it was Madlyn’s turn. “I hope I don’t get sick,” the tall woman huffs while she threw some floo powder into the flames. She stepped in just fine placing an arm over her belly as she spoke of her desired destination. Madlyn disappeared and reappeared again, unscratched and not ill, thankfully. The oversized woman stepped out of the extended fireplace, composing herself a bit. “Briar?” Madlyn calls out from inside the dwelling as Chayton appeared standing in the fireplace. Dederick would come out of a room looking rather nice all dressed up. “Well look at you, trying to be all charming for the holidays?” Madlyn smiles over at her brother-in-law.

 

[Dederick Cullen]

Dederick gives a sheepish smile, “Trying, trying to be charming,” he wore almost the same shirt at the Ateara’s wedding but a different dress coat. His hair was cut a little shorter and he had pretty much shaved off his beard. He looked and felt naked without it if this wasn’t a special occasion he wouldn’t have shaved it off. He just felt like it was proper, and today was the day so why not do something different for just today? That’s where his mind went. “Briar out in the patio with the kids,” Dederick guides them out the back door. He sees Willow chasing a snitch, she was practicing again. “Getting any better Willow?” He watches her mad dash for that little golden ball that made a buzzing noise that almost sounds like a bee. Or a hummingbird, he couldn’t distinguish them that well. “What are you up to Linden?” Dederick lets her be and check up on his son. Bjorn has grown attached to the boy, he thought the same as Briar since Linden will be starting school next year. He will have to look after Bjorn and the baby, he was going to have his hands full.

 

[Willow Cullen]

"Come on Lin, get on your broom and have a go" she called flying after her snitch. her brother didntrespond instead she saw the boy direct the dog to fetch. "you are making Bjorn do all the work for you" she said as she took a dive for the snitch. it was a toy one designed for kids to play with that never went higher than two meters off the ground but it was good for at home because then at least someone would play with her even if someone had four feet and a tail. as the snitch moved towards the house willow saw a collection of people forming outside. she flew towards them letting bjorn take his prize and take it to Linden who followed her slower up the hill. Chante." she called excitedly giving her cousin a hug before answering her dad's question "it is hard to tell with a toy snitch. but I had better beat leda to the snitch next game" she said. there was no way she was living it down if they lost. especially against leda who seemed to have a personal vendetta against her which was very much reciprocated. she then smiled at her aunt and uncle giving them both a hug too. "Merry Christmas Aunty Madlyn uncle chay, and Aunty Ellie" she said as Linden finally joined them and went up to their other cousin, Alison. while they got on well together, she and the girl never seemed to get on. "I'm just trying to get Bjorn to be the best seeker in the house" he heard her brother say. she didn't know what house he meant but got the jibe.
ignoring her brother's comments she looked at her parents. "so now everyone's here do we get to find out what is going on?" she asked. looking between them both then to her aunt and uncle. were they in on this too? "don't deny that you are up to something, you are wearing a dress and drinking ginger beer like it is going out of fashion and you have shaved and are wearing a suit, and you said I couldn't work today because we had a family bonfire." she said. gesturing to each parent in turn. it had been so awkward to tell ms west that she needed a day off because of some unspecified family event. thankfully she seemed in a better mood now than she used to be. if she had not been suspicious before then the look her parents gave each other made it clear that something was going on.

 

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

Briar turned as she heard talking inside. She got up and was almost at the door when almost her whole family came out. she smiled and greeted them. she had seen Madlyn and Chay just after their pregnancy announcement but that had been a few months ago now. ay now Madlyn was really starting to look pregnant. "hello, you all made it. how was your christmas girls? she asked her two neices. she certainly wouldn't call Alison her biggest fan. but she was only small and was going though a lot in a new country away from her dad and any friends she had. "how is everything going? you are looking well" she said to her sister. the thought of the news she was about to break was welling up inside her. she smiled before she realised that that feeling wasn't excitement. she put her hand up to her mouth lightly and took a deep breath trying to suppress the need to vomit. thankfully it died down. she hoped no one had seen and they had been distracted by the children. lin scratching Bjorn behind the ears and willow talking.
She focused on what her daughter was saying to try and detract her from the feeling of nausea that was thankfully starting to subside. she relaxed a little, that was until she realised what willow was saying. had they been acting that odd. this was meant to be a surprise she looked at dee wondering who should speak first. it was no surprise that she did. she fidgeted slightly as attention seemed to focus on her. how sould she saw this. she took a deep breath. "umm. how to say this. we are all family here. we need our family as we grow. especially when we have someone like a sister ot cousin to grow up with, I had madlyn, chante and willow, ma be cousins but they are just s close as we were. Linden and Alison have each other. and well" she looked as Madlyn wondering if she had clicked onto what she was going to say. she stepped towards dee and put an arm around him and felt his arm move behind her shoulder. this was something they were anouncing together even if she was the one talking. "your little one will also have a cousin to grow up with. she paused again. because I'm pregnant" she said the last words spilling out. it and a feeling of relief washed over her. It had been so hard to keep that secret. she wondered how they would take that news. she wondered how they would take the news of the other reason for this afternoons bonfire, but before that could happen their last guest needed to arrive which would happen very soon.

 

[Chante Harvelle-Ateara]

Chante smiles at her shy, introverted uncle who appeared to look like a whole different person with his new haircut and beard shaved off. “Mom, leave him alone. Uncle Dederick is always charming,” Chante chuckles, poking her tongue at her very pregnant mother. It was odd to see him cut and less unkempt, however, Chante always thought her uncle to be pleasant even when he didn’t have much to say to her. Chante walks out the patio and was met with a hug from her cousin Willow, she giggles at the mention of Leda. “Leda is not that bad when she not exaggerating,” Chante spoke up, somewhat defending the Slytherin. It’s not like her cousin was saying anything bad, they were talking about quidditch after all. “I agree! You do have to beat her, maybe it will simmer down that hot-headed ego of hers,” Chante wanted to tell her cousin about that Yule Ball, how she had spent it actually chatting it up with the Slytherin prefect. Leda had surprised her to be civil when she wasn’t making up stories about her classmates. She went as far as taking an interest in Chante’s bake goodies. They talked for a little while and then went their separate ways. Chante rather hear about Willow’s Yule Ball with Noelle and the news that summoned her family here that afternoon.

“Merry Christmas aunty, you look beautiful,” Chante hugged Briar, and her parents followed suit. “It was great, I received a new rolling pin and a pastry chef hat,” Chante happily shares with her aunt about the gifts her parents made for her. It was just so lovely, she nearly cried holding it out in front of her. Chante held out a bag which was gifts from her family and a box of cupcakes Chante had made this morning with her new rolling pin. She decorated the cupcakes with them in cartoon form, it had been a fun morning. Chante went quiet as Willow spoken and then switch her attention back to her aunt. “Oh wow,” her aunty broke the news and there were shock faces and words of congrats followed right after. “Congrats aunty, another baby,” Madlyn roped both Briar and Dederick into a hug. Chante holds onto her mother, she was riddled with emotions but she seemed very happy about the news. “Okay mom, ease up,” Madlyn loosen her grip, a little teary-eyed. Chayton came from behind her to support his wife, while the others reacted to the news.

 

[Dederick Cullen]

Dederick was forever grateful to have a partner like Briar, she knew how to break the news to everyone. He thought it was nice how she included his niece Alison who took alike in Linden rather than Willow. It had to be the age similarity, it made sense after what Briar said. Dederick held onto to Briar and was squeezed into a hug by Madlyn. Relief washed over him when she let go and it was his turn to speak. “Ah, and that’s not all,” Dederick says as he clears his throat. Everyone went quiet again, Dederick looks over to Willow smiling at his daughter before he spoke again. “When I found out about Briar being pregnant I decided there was something that probably should’ve happened a long time ago...You have to understand we were young and thought we were better than any old piece of paper...But then, we recently witness something lovely and meaningful...anyways. We’re getting married today and you’re all invited,” Dederick chuckles the last bit, it was sort of a nervous chuckle though he broke the news and was elated as he could be. Madlyn moved in for another hug, Dederick laughs and then Elie came after, congratulated her brother. She was happy for her brother and only wanted what was best for him. And Elie could see that Briar was the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Alison mouths a quick congratulation, Salem her black cat rubbed along her ankle. Alison picked him up, standing by Linden who got his hair roughed up by Dederick.

 

[Chayton Ateara]

A barbique or bonfire at the cullen household was not an uncommon occurrence. Chayton accompanied his pregnant wife and daughter though the floo network ending up in his sister-in-law's house in Australia. as he emerged from the harth he saw Dederic emerging from a room further back in the house. Chayton was nat a particulally sociable creature, and dederick was the closest friend he had. the two had bonded over their similar introverted tendencies and preference to manual work over the more person based work that their partners prefered. he smiled at Dederick as madlyn said that he looked smart. He did make Chayton feel underdressed in his old jeans and a casual shirt, at least they weren't oil-stained like many of his clothes were, he shook Dedericks hand and wished him a happy holidays before they made their way outside. there was Briar with another lady and girl she didn't know, and the kids who made their way towards the gathering crowd. it was going to be a nice relaxed afternoon. they had brought some food and drinks that were pregnancy appropriate for madlyn as well as some cupcakes that chante had made. he was glad that she liked her Christmas present.
as briars announcement, he was momentarily shocked. how had that happened? it was clearly Madlyn who deserved to be pregnant. they had struggled for ages before chante had arrived and again to give her a sibling. this pregnancy had been almost a second miracle to them and now briar was taking that specialness away. he couldn't resent her for long as he realises it would be nice for their child to have a constant friend much like willow had been for chante. a moment later Madlyn was practically on top of the couple hugging them. he stepped forward and helped extract her and rescue the pair. "Congratulations guys" he said as he put his arm around his wife partially so that he could restrain her if she went in for another hug. it seemed like they were not the only ones surprised at the news the look on everyone elses face had been shock before excitement joy or some other emotion replaced it. but it did show who the other lady was, dedericks sister and her daughter.
the next announcement was almost as shocking. the two of them had been together for as long as he had known Madlyn and that had been a long while but he had thought that they had no desire to actually marry. he tightened his grip on his wife slightly to prevent another crush of hugs. as he thought of his brother in law's comment about witnessing something meaningful made him think of their wedding six months prior and how special that day had been for him and madlyn. "Congratulations again he said patting his almost official brother in law on the back.

 

[Linden Kinnek]

It was the summer holidays. and linden only had one semester left until he would join his sister and cousin at Hogwarts. he was looking forward to it and he wondered what house he would be in. he didn't feel like he would be in the same one as willow. that wasn't something he was thinking about now. right now he was playing with bjorn trying to get him to catch the snitch before willow. the dog kept chasing it but it would fly too high and he would miss. the sound of voices outside the house came towards them and linden turned around to see his aunts cousins and uncle standing on the veranda. he watched as Bjorn caught the golden ball which had been abandoned by his sister and then made his way up to the house. it was good to see them all there. it was looking like it would be a fun afternoon he and Alison could play and then they would have a bonfire. after greeting everyone he wondered why it all felt so formal. and not just because of how his parents were dressing. it was almost as though they were waiting for something. it was so typical that willow was the one to break the silence. he thought back had his parents been acting odd? had mum been drinking a lot of ginger? he knew he had had a few of them. they tasted good. it was then that they dropped the first bit of news. his eyes widened. he had heard about aunty madlyn and he was looking forward to not being the baby of the family any more. but mum. he was getting a brother or sister. "wait what? i am going to be a big brother" he said. more as an expression of surprise than actually needing clarification. "you will still be my kid brother munchkin" came his sisters response. he didn't care he was going to be a big brother. he would have someone he could help look after. an actual human. this was exciting. this had hardly sunk in when his dad was speaking. depositing another huge piece of news. they were going to be getting married. "today." he echoed not sure what else to say. the last wedding heh ad been to, had been his aunt and uncle. the only other one being one of his friend from soccer's mum. he didn't have anything to wear as he had had a growth spirt and the suit he had worn in the summer would be too small. he felt his fad ruffle his hair and looked up at him smiling. "wow dad." he said. he really didn't know what to say. just then he heard a movement inside the house and through the daw he saw a lady stepping out of the fire. she was older and did not look the part amongst their kitchen. as she was dressed in a business suit and jacket despite the summer heat. "umm are you waiting for someone as someone had just arrived he said.

 

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

hardly had the words left her mouth that briar felt a weight on her in the form of her sister giving her a huge hug. she hugged her back hoping that she would soon let go. it strook briar that maybe madlyn had in the head of hormones and emotions fogotten how heavy she was. thankfully despite her and dederics suppport it was chay helping hher up that took the weight of her. she had not been expecting such a responcde but she was very greatful for it. she looked at willow to see what her reaction was she she looked supprised she was pretty sure even with her keen sence of observation she had not seen this one coming, the next news would likely supprise her even more. Holy sit guys. give a girl some warning. it is great news but give a girl some warning"[/b] she wondered if briar could remember when she ad been about eight she had asked them one evening why they werent married like lots of the parents at school and she had remmembered saying that they had decided no to because they had a life together and didnt need a pieve of paper to tell them that. she looked at dee and he took it as his cue to add the next news item. she braced herself for another giant hug she was glad to see chay was holding her sister giving her a second to think before giving her a hug. "thank you madlyn"" she said hugging her sister back. she was fairly sure it had been her sisters wedding that had inspired her to even think about getting married. she looked at her fianceand smiledstanding close to him that their entire sides touched she took his hand, even the shaved face which wasnt the dederick she was used to his hands felt like his calloshed from years of hard labour. he had been so good for her. so good to her over the years. no matter what people said about them, no matter what hardshops they had cone though she had made it though because of him. any stress, or upset he had caused he had made up for it a thousand times with the happiness and love they had. "thank yu chaton, thank you ellie. it means a lot to us that you could both make it today" she said. it was good to have the family present. the moment of escitement ended as linden said somehting about there being someone in the house, she squeezed dedericks hand before going inside meetingthe lady who had just arrived via flu. "sorry if i am a bit early it was quicker than i expected" said the lady. "no you are good, we have jsust broken the news. they stepped outside. briar smiled[b" Everyone this is Elizabeth and she will be our celebrent" she said. introducing the lady to the crowd before returning to dedericks side. this had been a long time coming and now she couldnt wait to go down to the trees by the dam and marry the love of her life.[/B]

 

[Madlyn Ateara]

Madlyn couldn’t quite help herself, the news they broke to the family made her want to have a hug fest with those around her. Fortunately for them, Dederick and her sister were saved by her husband who a lot stronger than her. Madlyn chuckles, eyes misty with tears from the happy news. “Sorry, I should be more aware of my own strength, shouldn’t I?” Madlyn rubbed the tears away, not giving them a chance to damp her cheeks. Madlyn hugged into Chayton if there was anyone that can withstand her hugs it was her husband. She genuinely smiles up at him and kissed him innocently on his nose. Madlyn shifts her attention when her sister introduces the celebrant to the family. If she had to guess, this woman was going to officiate the small, wedding ceremony. “Is it happening now, Briar?” The pregnant, part giantess clapped her large hands together. “Is there anything that needs to be prepared or whatever, tell me, I want to help any way I can.”

 

[Dederick Cullen]

Everything was moving along pretty fast once they broke the news. There was a lot of commotion, Dederick thanked the Atearas and his sister. Dederick is beholden to Chayton for getting Madlyn to stop squeezing the life out of him. Pregnancy has made her a hugger, he better be prepared when that happens to Briar. After two pregnancies, Dederick already has a good idea of what’s to come. Merlin, he prays this one will be an easier pregnancy than the other two. That reminds him to stock up on wolfbane and anything else she may need for the upcoming months. It’s usually Briar who made the purchases for them, she in charge of going to The Apothecary or St.Mungos to get wolfbane. Better to be safe than sorry, Dederick will get some more on his day off. “Yes, you are, Linden. Is that okay with you?” Dederick spoke with a grin and ruffled up his son’s hair again. Dederick greeted the celebrant,”Hello, thank you for coming,” Dederick took his fiance’s hand to make the trip down by the trees. “Not much needs to be done, just follow us.”

 

[Willow Cullen]

Everything was moving so fast. ten minutes ago it was just a normal day. she was playing quiddtich with her brother. as much as her brother played quidditch. and they wre going to have a bonfire and barbeque later. and now everything was moving so quickly. "fåck" she said more of a word of being overwhelmed than anything else. "congratulations guys. but man. give a girl a bit of time to prepare" she said as she gave each of her parents a light hug. She was not ready for this. her head was spinning with thoughts and emotions. she was overall excited and happy for them. lin's reaction was sweet and so linden. she would be surprised if he didn't follow her cousin and uncle in yellow next year. That is more than okay I can't wait" came to his response then his expression fell "I am going to miss seeing them grow as I will be at Hogwarts". the little munchkin who was getting taller day by day. She was just about to ask when a lady appeared the celebrant. which gave the answer now. she looked at chante. as if to see how she should react. "Hello" she said before the lady looked at the group. "Do i have time to shower and change" she asked. hoping that she would at least be able to get out of her flying clothes and into something nice even if she didn't have time to shower.she would have time to change. At her mums reply, she zipped into the house and had the quickest shower she had ever had before slipping into the dress that she had worn to the yule ball. it may not be quite wedding appropriate but it was better than what she had been wearing. and it was still slung across her bed so it was easy to find. she slipped on a pair of metallic sandals and made her way outside only to find the group making its way down the hill. she jogged and caught up with them just as they reached the small alcove of trees by the dam. which had been set up to look pretty but simple. she took a seat on one of the log benches and waited for it to begin.

 

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

Briar couldn't hold back her excitement. she was so happy and her family was here not quite all of her family. aspen couldn't move from the school grounds and trying to transfer her oversees would have been a logistical nightmare even with all the strings she was able to pull. iris was busy with work and as much as she had tried to convince her to come and visit a bonfire was not enough motivation and she didnt want to spoil the supprise for anyone. Then there was minoas and Jackson who were no longer with them. but there in thoughts their memories spread in some of the ink accross her back. she was brought back to reality by her sister saying that she should be more aware of her strength. "maybe just give us a heads up next time" she said. She watched her sister and her hisband together as she kissed him gently on the nose. they seemed to in sync with each other she wondered if someone saw her and dee together they would think the same. It seemed that people were surpised that the sedding was today. and "Yes today, we realised we were coming up to our anerversary. and today is twenty years since we first started dating so we thought it was meant to be" she said. she rmemebered that day so clearly. on his boat, out to sea just enjoying being away from the castle and not having to keep a secret after a semester in the castle always looking over her shoulder,
at her sons comment she smiled and put her hand on his shoulder. "I know you are going to be a great big brother because of how well you look after Bjorn and all of the animals you rescue, and I think dad might have a job for you this afternoon" she said to her son, he had looked after the rings for Madlyn and . then she turned to her daughter as she asked if she had time to change. "If you are quicker than ten minutes yes" she said as Dee took her hand and answered Madlyns question. they had set things up near the dam a horseshoe of log benches near the water around a centre point where there was a bit of a standwhich afterwards could be switched to a bonfire. They were slow on their walk down. making the most of the nice weather and the afternoon and giving willow and Lin time to change. She kissed dee lightly on the cheek as they reached the area, it felt weird without his usual bit of weird there. "are you ready for the rest of forever Mr Cullen" she whispered as they children finally arrived and they were ready to begin.

 

[Dederick Cullen]

Dederick cracked a smile, holding himself together from laughing at his daughter's use of an expletive word. “Willow, not in front of the guests. I know we sprang this on you out of nowhere, have a little self-control,” Dederick came off like he was scowling her, in reality, her boldness was refreshing to him. Dederick returns his daughter’s hug and rushed her to get ready for the ceremony. Linden followed behind claiming that he needed to get ready too. Dederick chuckles, maybe instead of chopping off his hair he should’ve had spent the time getting them to dress up for their family gathering. Dederick rested his arm over his fiance’s back as they began to make their way over to the spot where they’ll be getting married. It was a slow walk, each step felt like a lifetime away. Dederick squeezed his wife closer growing oddly confident. Yes, they were taking their time but if it were up to him he’d fly right through that ceremony so that he didn’t have to wait any longer to call her his wife. This was meant to be, they were meant to be. Twenty years together, he wouldn’t have known if she didn’t remind him. She has been his rock for twenty years, not many last that long with their significant other. He was fortunate, he was one of the lucky ones despite his subjugation to the moon. He considers himself lucky to have found love when all else has failed him when he was younger. “You bet I am," he pressed gently down on her forehead as they reach the spot and their children would join them. Dederick pulls away, moving to stand facing Briar.

 

[Chayton Ateara]

Chayton nodded as his wife said that she should be more aware of her strength she gave her a bit of a squeeze before loosening his hold trusting her to not crush anyone else in a hug. he was mostly right with that trust as the part giant wrapped him in her arms and he hugged her back. "at least give them time to prepare before you launch yourself on them" he said. she was pretty sure they would be able to withstand the hugs so long as they could be ready.
he was a bit surprised when someone else joined them it really looked like the wedding was going to happen now. most of the time he would have had to have some potion before meeting the celebrant after all being over nine-foot was not the easiest thing to explain to muggles. however, given the way the lady had arrived he doubted that she was a muggle they really were marring right now. he tried not to smile at willows comment and Dederik's response. he knew she wasn't the only one who felt like that. it was just like his sister in law to do things on an absolute whim once she had made the decision, even after twenty years if something wasn't done immediately then it would have taken too long.
the kids finished inside and they started to make their way down the hill towards the dam. he had his arm around Madlyn. they walked slowly giving the children time to catch up. he kissed Madlyn on the top of the head as they walked. before they arrived in the area that had been just out of view of the house and set up ready for the wedding. he patted his best mate on the shoulder "Good luck man" he said before taking a seat on one of the log benches. he didn't need luck. they were one of the best couples he knew.

 

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

Briar was glad that her almost-husband reacted to willows comment. she would not have been able to say anythign and keep a straight face. especially with willows very unappologetic responce of yes dad" she looked at de a smile making its way to the side of her mouth and as soon as their daughter had vanished inside she raised her eyebrows "and what language were you using at here age" she said her grin widening. it had been a little later than willows age when they had met but not by much. less than a year at least.
the walk down the hill was slow. the best part was that she had dederick next to her.and every step he seemed to stand a little taller, walk with a little more confidence as though the closer he came the more certain he was of what they were doing. they were lingering to give the kids time to catch up but she was not a patient person. and waiting for the sake of waiting annoyed her. once they reached the makeshift 'chapel' Elizabeth gave them some forms to read through fill out and sign. which they did. surly it must have been ten minutes by now. just as that thought passed her mind she heard voices and footsteps and willow linden, alison and chante appeared and quickly took seats. she was a little surprised at how much they had gotten changed in the ten minutes. looking at Elizabeth she nodded slightly indicating it was time to start. before turning back to her very almost-husband. they stood facing each other and she took his hands as the ceremony started. nothing fancy. nothing religious. but there was a bit of talk about what marriage was and what a commitment they were making. not that they hadn't made the came commitment years ago. she listened looking at Dederick she couldn't help but have a huge beaming grin on her face. she really loved him. then it was time for the vows. "Dederick. Twenty years ago today I first stepped on your boat. it was the school holidays we were bearly friends but it was a chance for us both to get away from things with someone, the only other someone, who knew what our life was like. I was adjusting to a new reality and you were there, you understood all that I was going through." she started. when she had been writing them she had been careful not to allude to the fact that she was only a werewolf because of him. the children didn't know and they didn't even need to know that. "to be honest I fell for you right then and there, quite literally, apparently sea legs are something that you have to acquire" she added pausing. since then we have had ups and downs. no one ever said this life was easy but your love and support lightened some of my darkest and scariest times as no matter what that thought that you were there helped bring me through. we were two lives heading towards the dark but somehow together managed to find dawn. no, to find something even better. you gave my life a purpose, you gave me two, um three, amazing children. and someone to share the best memories with. she paused she had let go of one of his hands when she had talked about the children to briefly rest a hand on her stomach. but she took it again as the tried to gauge his reaction. She was pretty sure that he thought she had been the one to bring his life out of the darkness, any maybe she had, but he had done just as much for her. "We are not perfect we'll learn from our mistakes, and as long as it takes I will prove my love to you I am not scared of the elements, I was underprepared, But I am willing And always better when I get to be the other half of you. So tell the world that we finally got it all right I choose you" she said. ending up with the lyrics of one of the verses of the song that they had picked for the wedding. she thought she would feel weird saying all that out loud. they both knew how much they meant to each other. but it wasn't something they said out loud often. to be honest everything around her had faded out of her consciousness as she had been talking an all there was in the world was her and Dederick their hand in hand. she wanted to kiss him. but it wasn't quite yet the time she waited and gave his hands a squeeze instead.

 

[Madlyn Ateara]

Madlyn snickers, she was in the greatest mood ever. It's like she had an entire case of butterbeer all to herself. Which was further from the truth since she was pregnant and all. In her condition, she wouldn't dare to touch anything with the slightest hint of alcohol. No, her peculiar mood was the result of her pregnancy. At least today she didn't feel so fatigue or queasy like she had felt before during her first trimester. That time of her pregnancy wasn't fun. Chante tugged at her mother's arm, helping her walk with her dad. They took their time to get to the spot as Willow and Linden dashed away to get ready. Love was really in the air, Chante adored her parents together and the way uncle Dederick held her aunt was picture perfect. She can see why they ended up together, seeing them like that made a tiny part of her think back to Len. Grayson had been lovely and funny, but there had been no one like Len. Chante missed her best friend, it's too bad she had to go away to another school. Chante stops, putting away her frown and sat down next to her parent on the log bench. Today wasn't a day to be sad, today was a day to be happy with all the good fortune all around them. Madlyn wrapped her arms around Chante pulling the teen closer to her and Chayton. Once the ceremony begins all eyes were on the bride and groom, happy tears of joy were starting up again with Madlyn. Chante hugged into her mother's arm as the lovers spoke of their love for each other. Chante teared up as well, wiping away as they spoke.

 

[Dederick Cullen]

Dederick raised a finger to his lips, opting not to comment on his teenage cynical years. Back then, he swore like a sailor, maybe even worse. It's maybe why he became one, that and the ocean kept him away from everyone. As lonely it had been drifting without company, he thought it was for the best for everyone's sake. Then it all changed when Briar came along. Everything changed for the better. Not at the very start, it hadn’t been love at first sight. That would be a lie if he was to tell his children that, however, it grew into love. The warm, solace kind of love his parents had with each other when his father was alive. The best kind of love he would forever cherish, and he just prays she felt the same. Finally, papers were signed and Elizabeth performed the ceremony. Dederick listens intensively while he held onto his bride. He would squeeze her hands now and then, the corners of his lips lifted to a genuine smile.

At last, they were able to speak their vows to each other. Something Dederick is not all prepared formally to say, rather he was going to speak from the heart. He stood quiet for the time being listening to Briar's every word. There was no way he could compete with that. Then he remembers this wasn't a competition, he had to speak truthfully from the heart and that's all that matters. Speak from the heart, which was beating fast as if he was in werewolf form and chasing innocent prey. Dederick blinked away that thought, slowly breathing to calm that erratic heartbeat. "Briar, I don't know exactly what drew me to you, other than what happened...I wasn't looking for love, I wasn't looking for anything...And yet, there you were. You were the only friend I had, the only friend that never gave up on me. You were persistent to stick around, even when I would say no...And then something grew out of that friendship, something more than I could ever ask for. This love, although not perfect and beyond this world, it is to me. It is for me. For these past twenty years, you've been my rock and you blessed us with children. You've been a great mother and a great partner. I admire all the things that you do and the brave work that you've accomplished. I just hope that in these twenty years I've had been enough, that I've done my part to make you happy. That you're loved and cherished as you should be. That I've loved you with all my heart and soul," Dederick paused, squeezing her hands again. Christ, he was getting bloody emotional. Dederick sniffs, trying to hold himself together. "I choose you forever and always," Dederick said as Alison stepped forward with a ring. It wasn't an expensive ring but it was beautifully crafted and it matched with Briar's aesthetic. A little bit of his too. Dederick held her hand while he places the ring on the proper finger. He was still very high on his emotions, which caused him to shake a little. He pushed it down and eventually it was on. A perfect fit.

 

[Briar Rowan-Cullen]

There were some moments in life that everything seemed to happen. in some of them, the world seemed to fall apart. in others everything seemed to come together, others still time seemed to stop. these were the three moments that always seemed to stick. right here and now was a combination of the first and the last. as Dederick said his vows she listened, hearing them both in with her ears and with her heart. at the mention of the event her eyes momentarily left him and flicked to those watching, to willow and linden sitting side by side to her sister wit tears rolling silently down her cheeks, and his. she knew exactly what event he was referring to another moment that the world changed, one where everything fell apart. if she was more aware of the world of art she may have thought of it as kintsugi where things have to be broken to be rebuilt into something more beautiful. as he kept talking her attention as he started to talk about how their love grew from nothing, or friendship to love she felt her breath catch in her throat. as he said that she had been his rock she felt tears begin to build and by the time he said that he hoped he was enough they were threatening to overflow. she looked at him and went to give both a slight shake of the head to say what are you even thinking that and a slight nod to say of course you are enough. if something happened and the world ended. as long as he had him and their children she would still feel like she had everything important in the world. . most of that was due to him. "Forever and always she echoed as her niece stepped forward to bring the rings. she could hardly see as he put the wedding ring on her finger as there was too much water in her eyes. she blinked the tears away letting them roll down her cheeks as Elizabeth announced them man and wife. they only remained clear long enough for her to see how beautiful the ring was. how unique and how her it was before they started to blur again. "It is beautiful and perfect. but not quite as perfect as my husband" she whispered just for him to hear before kissing him softly then deepening it to show much she loved him. moving her body closer feeling his familiar contours with the new addition of a slight bump forming between them. She wished that she never had to move from this very spot. if she had known getting married felt so completing she would have done it such a long time ago.

 

[Dederick Cullen]

His heart swelled up when she repeated him, for Merlin's sakes, he never felt so complete as he did now. It was like finally having all the pieces of a puzzle together as a whole, it was the most fitting way to explain this moment. Dederick draws a somewhat steady breath and leans in to kiss his lovely wife. His partner, the mother of his children, Dederick captured her lips into a soft kiss. It deepened at every second, everyone around them sort of faded away as they embraced one another. Like Briar, Dederick wished the day would never come to an end. Then he was pulled back into reality as the sound of cheers and clapping broke out. Dederick smiles contentful, thanking their family for their love and support. As he did so, Madlyn, his sister-in-law pulled out her wand and sent colorful sparks flying in the air. The sparks spelled out, 'JUST MARRIED', written across the skies. Dederick suspects it's her way of returning the kindness, benevolence Briar showed the Atearas at their wedding. Dederick stood happily enthralled by the fireworks display with his arm wrapped around his wife.

 

[Willow Cullen]

Willow watched her parents standing in front of them with the celebrant. she listened as the lady introduced them and did the official marrying part then as her mum spoke she smiled her eyes starting to feel a little damp. she had never thought of her parents as the overly romantic type. she had seen them as more of the practical sort. she knew they loved each other, there was no denying that. they had done forever but it was more that they loved each other not that they were in love, there was a difference. however, listening as they both spoke and watching them she realised that both were true. her thoughts went to Noelle. she said that she loved him. she did but it wasn't like this. this was beautiful she hadn't seen them like this but it seemed so natural and she wondered what they were like when she and lin weren't around. then she remembered the other news and the small bulge on her mum's stomach that you couldn't notice unless you knew and realised she didn't want to know. she swallowed and put her arm around her brother. she listened close to the vows. not the traditional kind but tach making their own promise to the other. her mum using lyrics of a song as inspiration. her dad speaking from the heart. she heard as he mentioned something that happened. she watched as her mum's eyes flicked towards her and she wondered what that was. but she was too invested in the wedding to dwell on it. as her dad spoke further she couldn't hold the tears in. as the rings were swapped she felt a tear rolling down each cheek and quickly wiped them away hoping that they weren't going to smudge her makeup. as her aunt set fireworks over their heads spelling the words just married willow gave her brother a squeeze before getting to her feet cheering and clapping
once the couple had separated she and linden went up to them "congratulations" she said and put their arms around them resulting in a brief group family hug. "can I see the ring" she asked as her mum showed her the band of gold and diamond around her finger. it was perfect. unique just like her mum. beautiful and slightly wild but still the gold and diamond gave it a feeling of familiarity she looked at it then looked at her dad "Wow dad, you did good. who knew that you had such taste in jewellery" she said. she was allowed to tease her dad a little right?