The Borrower and Her Bean (complete)

Epilogue

Melina looked out across the night sky, its inky blackness making the stars shine so bright. The window sill now sported in one corner three comfy miniature bean bags, the other a day bed that could accommodate two people. It had been Henry's idea after waking up one too many times with a stiff back after falling asleep under the stars. Right now Melina was being held not in her Bean's arms but in her mothers. This is how she had wanted her last night, to enjoy sharing this experience with the one person she honoured most. Sharing her special place with her mother had felt right, they had shared many memories as they lay together. Her mother's hand caressed her back as she said: "Are you ready my daughter, for the changes you will face tomorrow?"

To be honest, she was not completely ready, her mother had already spoken to her of what to expect on her wedding night. Her cheeks blushed at the memory of her descriptions, so far Henry had held her in sleep and cherished her. They had kissed but he had wanted to honour her by waiting till they had made a strong commitment to each other before he would show her more. Now she felt she would be more ready for when he did. There were other changes that her mother was talking about. The prospect of having children of her own, looking after a household, travelling with Henry, Meeting his family. So many changes.

She sighed and snuggled into the warmth of her mother's arms " I don't know if I will ever feel ready mum, but I know that Henry and I will help each other as we face each new change and journey." She could hear her mothers sigh and smile as she chuckled "that daughter is wisdom that you will pass to you daughter in the future. I am glad to hear that you have learned to work together. Remember to give each other grace, and forgiveness too, your father and I learned that early on if we held on to hurt it just lasted longer but if we talked things through and shared our hurts then we could heal and move forward." Melina thought on her words, they had already seen what happened if she didn't let Henry know why she was hurt. As much as she hoped that would be the last time she knew they were bound to mess up again. Her mother's words would help in those future issues.

Downstairs in the living room, Henry was having different sort of night. He sat on his computer staring at his family all together on zoom. It was not the way he would have envisioned his last night but covid had made it impossible for them to congregate together. In one way he was glad as it would have been difficult to explain Lina's family. One day when her family were more comfortable with meeting other beans he would make introductions. His brothers all had words of advice, with charlie sprouting the sagest "remember brother, the most important words you can learn are 'Yes Dear'" this caused his wife Heather to punch him in the arm as the rest of the family laughed.

As each member signed off he was finally left with just his mother and father. They looked at each other, both misty-eyed his father speaking first "It's not ideal us not being able to share this special day with you son, but we will make up for it. I want you to know I'm proud of you. We both are." a lump formed in his throat at his father's words. His mother spoke last "we received the letter from Melina's mother and father please let them know we will take good care of her daughter when she visits. We will treat her as one of our own" She smiled softly at her second youngest son, the last to find his mate.

The following morning was like all others, nothing was special or different. They all woke and went about their daily tasks. It wasn't till the afternoon that Melina started to feel different, as her mother washed her hair a ritual usually reserved for special occasions and this evening was one especially for her. Her mother had drawn her a bath, especially made with the lavender that she had pulled off the flower head helping to calm her nervous heart. After her bath, her mother had spent time wrapping her hair up into a bun, with tendrils framing her face and neck. Her dress was a simple soft flowing wrap around white dress with white flowers forming a belt around her waist that was echoed by the white baby breath in her hair.

Henry stood outside in the spring air, it was almost dusk and the stars were already showing up in the sky. He had strung lights up in the garden that morning with Kal's help and now they twinkled in the dusk light. He had also set up a tall stage that was level with his shoulders. He had covered it with a carpet of real grass so it looked like the garden below. On the grass were an arbour and 13 chairs. As each borrower had arrived he bent down and lifted them up onto the structure. Each borrower had now arrived seated and ready, he watched as Lina and her father walked through the grass towards him. He was captivated by the beautiful sprite in her flowing dress. He bent down and laid his hand out for both her father and Lina to climb onto. Lifting his precious cargo to the stage they both stepped off closest to the arbour.

All ready they watched as the Star Fairy Sparkle, the oldest star fairy appeared along with Whisper, True love, Jazz, Spice and finally Nightsong. The Fairies filled the remainder of the chairs apart from Sparkle who stood before the group. She smiled at Melina and then looked up at Henry. He soft voice echoed about the garden "My beautiful children, it is with honour that I come here tonight to join you Melina and you Henry together. We have watched your love grow and blossom for each other and Henry for your new family as well. We wish to bless your union before the moon and stars. So Henry, what do you have to say tonight?" Henry smiled down at both the fairy and Melina.

His deep baritone voice ringing in her ears as he said "Melina, my little sprite, you came into my life like an apparition, a dream. You calmed my nightmares and then filled my days. Whether I was big or small you cared for me and in your arms, I have found my home. I want to cherish, protect, and honour you, to listen to your wisdom and help you achieve your dreams, I love you my Lina." Sparkle turned to Melina smiling and said: " Melina what do you have to say tonight?" Looking up at her bean in his full glory no longer did his giantness frighten her but instead, she felt protected under his gaze. Her eyes softened as she said "I watched you from a distance secretly loving you not believing that you would ever be mine. But we were given a chance and extraordinary chance, and you showed me your willingness to love me, through your actions and words. I want to support you in your dreams, cherish you and walk with you in the journeys that come our way. I love you my Henry."

Sparkle looked out over the crowd as she now addressed the Borrower and her Bean "tonight you pledge to walk with each other, to cherish and love each other. To those who are here witnessing today, remember these words and encourage them in their journey together. We now before the Heavens see you joined together. Let nothing tear your love apart" With that, a cheer went up from those seated together and the fairy's disappeared. All smiling Henry helped each of his new family step into his large hands and carried them into the house where a feast was laid out on the table. They celebrated long into the night until all were ready to retire. Elisha, Pam, and their parents left for their quarter. However, Henry helped to carry his new family upstairs to the spare bedroom where the dollhouse had been relocated. This would be their new quarters. Melina showed them the new beds and rooms, her mum and dad had the top room whilst the boys now had rooms of their own with beds large enough for when they would take Pam and Elisha as there wives.

Kissing her mother and father and hugging Greg and Carson, she walked out on the veranda. There Henry said good night to his family and Melina stepped carefully onto his hand. Together with Kal they walked down the hall to his room. Sitting on the window sill was Nightsong and whisper, they smiled at the couple as Nightsong said "Are you ready Melina?" nodding her head Henry bent down and she walked off his large hand onto the carpet. Standing away from her he waited as Whisper waved her wand, Henry watched as his bride slowly grew until she was at his shoulder hight. The couple thanked the fairies as they left.

Taking Melina into his arms he gazed down at his beautiful bride. Gruffly he whispered "I love you my beautiful borrower" to which she replied "I love you too my handsome Bean"
The End

A/N This is the completion of The Borrower and Her Bean, thank you so much for walking this journey with me I hope you liked the story. Please vote and comment

Until next time

Selah