Are We All We Are?

Chapter 9

2017

•••••

This is it. Today is the day.

Taking a deep breath, Dottie had one last look in the mirror that hung on the wall of her bedroom.

She tugged nervously at one of the tendrils that was framing her face, making sure it sat perfectly. Ana had curled Dottie's hair so that it was hanging in loose curls down her back. It was half up and half down, with a flower woven into the messy bun at the back.

There was a light knock at her door and as she turned around, Ana stuck her head around the frame.

"Are you ready, Dottie dear?"

She smiled and nodded. "Yes. I mean, I can't believe this is finally happening, but I'm ready."

"You look so grown up." Ana said, and Dottie could hear her voice wavering, even as she smiled at her.

"Don't cry, Mrs. Jeeves," She said, stepping forward to take her hand. "You'll make me cry."

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered, squeezing her hand. "You've always known what you wanted and have never been afraid to go for it. Never change."

"I won't." Dottie promised, her own voice cracking slightly.

"Come on then," Ana said. "Edwin's waiting. Let's go and get you married."

Dottie smiled and picked her bouquet up. Angie designed the bouquets, so they're far from traditional, but Dottie wouldn't have it any other way. They're full of flowers that symbolise love and they smell divine.

As they walked down the narrow, creaky staircases and through the kitchen, Dottie's stomach was in knots, but in the best way possible. Edwin was in the kitchen, and she smiled at him nervously.

"Dorothy. You look wonderful." He said, and she could feel herself beaming at him.

"Thanks, Jeeves." Dottie said, stepping forward to give him a hug.

"Are you ready? Peggy is waiting for you." He said, kissing her forehead.

She nodded. "Yes."

Ana patted her lightly on the back and headed out into the garden. She peeped out of the window and could see everyone there. Howard, Angie, Jack, Daniel, and Violet were there, even Peggy's boss, Dooley, was there too.

"Let's go." Edwin said, offering her his arm.

She took it and smiled up at him. "Ready."

They headed for the door, pausing for the music to switch and then they set off down the aisle. Dottie could sense heads turning to look at her as they walked and she couldn't keep the smile off her face. People always said that your wedding day is the happiest day of your life and, frankly, Dottie couldn't disagree. She couldn't remember a time when she'd ever smiled this much in her life.

As they got closer to the front, she could see Peggy. She was still facing the front and Dottie knew why. They both said they didn't want to see the other until they were standing next to each other. Even from behind, though, she looked amazing.

A few seconds later, Dottie gave Edwin a kiss on the cheek, and then she was on her own. Except, she's not really. Standing beside her is the love of her life and she turned to her with a smile on her face.

"Hello, Dottie." She said, the smile on her own face as wide as hers.

"Hi, Peg." Dottie whispered. "You look beautiful."

"So do you."

They gazed at each other for a few more seconds before turning, as one, to Rose, their friend and the Ministry official who was performing the ceremony. A few more minutes and they'll be married.

Those minutes passed in a blur and before she knew it, Peggy was saying her vows. Then it was her turn.

"Peg, you were definitely not expected. You came into my life when I needed you, and I didn't even know it. I needed the energy you filled my life with, I needed the love you gave me without ever asking for anything in return, and I needed the safety I felt in your presence. I don't keep you in my life anymore because I need you in it, it's because I want you in it. Sometimes people just fit into your puzzle. And you're that person. You're the missing piece in my life and I never want to lose you. I vow to always be faithful, to always be there when you need or want me, to always be honest, to always protect you, and to be your best friend. I love you so much, Peggy Carter. More than I've ever loved anyone before."

Another moment and she was hearing the words, "You are now pronounced wife and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Peggy took Dottie's hands in hers and then her lips were on hers. Their ears filled with the claps and cheers from their watching friends and found family. Dottie smiled into the kiss, squeezing Peggy's hands gently.

This truly was the happiest day of her life.