The Wedding Guest

"I now pronounce you man and wife!"

Peach and Mario embraced each other tightly and kissed, loosing themselves in the joy of the moment. They didn't even notice cheers from the audience in the crowded thrown room until they finally released. They then laughed and cheered with their friends while walking back down the aisle to the large doors which lead to the castle gardens where the reception would be held.

Mario and Peach took their position in the receiving line leading into the reception area and one by one they greeted each of their guests. Given the size of the Mushroom Kingdom, this was no easy task, and both were quite exhausted by the time they were able to sit down at the head table to hear toasts and eat with their many friends.

On and on, the day was a whirl wind of activities from one event to the next. During their first dance, they performed a waltz they had been taking lessons to perfect in the weeks leading up to their big day. Staring into Mario's eyes Peach couldn't help but feel such gratitude for Mario's persistence and patience with her. 

"I really was being quite silly." She thought about how timid and indecisive she had always been with her feelings toward Mario. But now that she had finally given into her heart, it all felt so natural, so right.

Later in the evening came the cutting of the cake (which Peach baked herself) and the tossing of the bouquet. While cutting the cake, it came as no surprise to anyone when Mario and Peach both playfully pushed their pieces onto one another's faces. Afterword's, when Peach tossed her bouquet, Daisy showed perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm to catch it. She barged through several other women to capture the flowers, nearly knocking Paulene over in the process. Once she had the Bouquet, she raised it over her head in triumph and eyed Luigi hungerly. Peach and Mario couldn't help but laugh together as the last she saw of the couple was Daisy dragging a startled and confused looking Luigi into the bushes.

The dancing extended late into the evening, a joyous celebration that seemed to never end. By nightfall Peach had become completely exhausted. The celebration was finally starting to die down and she was quite ready to head off with Mario and retire for the evening. She could not wait to be alone with her love, away from the crowds and the noise. Just the two of them, together, in a warm embrace long overdue. She found him in a lengthy conversation with his parents and sat down beside him.

"Honey?..."

Mario turned away from his parents.

"Yes Peach?"

Peach was about to suggest they begin to say their goodbyes when she noticed someone she never would have expected. He of course hadn't been officially invited, but then she had made her wedding open to the public so her many Toads would have the opportunity to attend. And there he was... Bowser... in the same tux and hat he had worn when he had tried to force her into marriage so long ago. He was sitting, away from the lights and laughter of the crowd. Alone in a dark corner of the gardens. There with his back to everyone, looking out over the Mushroom Kingdom, His top hat in hands, and looking incredibly forlorn.

Had he been here the whole time? How had she not noticed him? And despite herself, despite everything that had ever happened between them, in the moment, Peach felt sorry for him.

"Honey... could you... give me a minute?"

Confused, Mario looked to her and then followed her gaze to see what she was referencing. When he finally saw Bowser, Mario became notably agitated.

"Oh, what is he doing here?! Peach NO! It is too risky, and you don't owe that guy a thing."

"Your right, I don't."

Peach leaned in, gave Mario a kiss and a reassuring smile.

"I'll be right back."

With that, Peach stood, turned away and headed over to Bowser. Mario was very upset by the whole situation but allowed her to go. Though he now was watching over Peach like a hawk, tense and ready to spring into action should Bowser give even the slightest provocation.