Duty Calls

Epilogue

D’Artagnan’s POV

It’s been three weeks since the treaty has been signed and Julien became a Musketeer. Three weeks filled with organizing our wedding. This is sort of a déjà-vu. I am standing in the church, with the priest. Well, only this time we’re in Paris. I think Calais has proven to be a bad idea for us. So now I’m here in a church in Paris, with all my friends and relatives. Athos, Porthos, Aramis and Julien are sitting in the front row.
Then the music starts to play and the door opens once again. And again Constance appears with her father. And again they walk all the way up to me. This is so weird. I mean this is the kind of thing you expect to experience only once in your life. And now it’s the second time.
Constance reaches me and I take her hand. I look her in the eyes to see both love and nervousness. My heart begins to race as it’s time for our vows again.

“I, D’Artagnan, take you, Constance, to be my wife to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.”

Oh God, I think if my heart goes any faster, it’s gonna burst out of my chest. It’s Constance’s turn now and I can feel her hand trembling in mine. She takes a deep breath and starts to speak. I think her heart is racing just as fast as mine is.

“I, Constance, take you, D’Artagnan, to be my husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, from this day forward until death do us part.”

Now comes the part, I’ve been scared of. The part when our wedding was ruined last time. I try to tell myself that it won’t happen again. But I just can’t push myself into believing it. The priest raises his voice and speaks the words. There’s a creepy silence in the church and I just know that everyone is as scared as Constance and I are.

“If anybody has to say anything against this marriage, he may speak now or remain silent forever.”

He stops for a moment and this time the church remains dead silent. You could have literally heard a needle fall. For me it feels like ages before he finally goes on.

“So I declare you husband and wife, now exchange your rings as a symbol of this binding.”

I take the simple, golden ring and push it on Constance’s finger. She does the same. I smile at her and I still cannot believe it, everything turned out fine for the two of us.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

These are the words, I have always been waiting for. I cup Constance’s face in both of my hands. Then I bend down to her and softly place my lips on her perfect ones. I close my eyes while kissing her, all my senses are concentrated on the feeling of our touching lips.
Everyone cheers at us and I finally open my eyes before pulling apart.
We leave the church as husband and wife, only to be greeted by the warm sun of Paris. I am holding Constance’s hand in mine, our fingers are intertwined.
Now we are together for eternity. Even in death, our love for one and another won’t stop.

Outside the church, a carriage, pulled by five white horses is waiting for us. It’s gonna bring us to a lonely mansion for our honeymoon. This was King Louis’ and Queen Anne’s wedding gift.
Our guests have followed us outside the church to wave us goodbye. I turn to Constance, my arms are now wrapped around her waist. I look her deep in the beautiful eyes that always light up my day and give me hope in no matter what hopeless situation.

“Are you ready?” I whisper softly.

“More than ever.” She whispers back.

I loved her from the first day on and her voice still causes butterflies dancing in my stomach.
I lift her up in my arms and carry her into the carriage. Again there’s cheering and clapping. Then we drive off, waving goodbye.

Again, I face my wife, my arms are still wrapped around her.

“I love you so much Constance, you truly are my life. You have always been the one and you always will be. Until the stars don’t shine and the heavens burst. I will never stop loving you, because you are my sun, my light, my hope and my happy ending.”

Tears of joy and love form in her eyes.

“And I love you, D’Artagnan. You are the one who always keeps me from falling down and you are the one who actually showed me that it’s always worth fighting for all the good in the world. I love your courage and your sense for always doing the right thing. You are too good for this world, but thank you for being here and letting my sun shine on every rainy day. Thank you for being the light in the darkness that always keeps me from falling. You have my heart.”

I pull her into a tight hug and we remain like this, driving into our happy ending.

The End.

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That's it! This is the end of Duty Calls. What do you think of the story? What did you like best? How do you like Julien? What do you think about Milady'd death? And about Athos possibly being father? Give me some feedback, please!
Thank you for reading this story!
Special thanks to my friends Tami, Tami and Eve. The three of you were always incredibly supportive and you always gave me some new inspiration! Thank you for also giving me feedback and so on. 
All for one and one for all! ♥♥♥