Speak Now

Epilogue

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the officiant announced as the blonde groomed swooped up his beautiful blushing bride in his arms, embracing her gently. Everyone cheered as the two ran down the aisle and out the doors of the church. Of course, it wasn’t quite time for the two love birds’ honeymoon; they had the reception to get through first.

Everyone arrived at Francis’ house for the reception, and the lovely newlyweds were greeted by all their friends. Francis had his arm around his beautifully sun-kissed bride. It had been over a year since the two finally confessed to each other, and they most certainly had come a long way.  As it turned out, Francis immediately chased after Madeline the moment she dashed out, only to be stopped by Julchen. Ludwig and Feli took one car, while Julchen took Francis with her in order to find Maddie faster. The boys looked in town, while Julchen turned off towards the countryside. Along the way, Julchen explained everything to Francis, Madeline’s life-long crush on him, their cross continent trip around Europe, even the big mess at the dress shop. Francis took in all the information, and when he saw the petite blonde lying beside the road, he grew weary. The love of his life was right before him, yet he feared for the worse. When he tried to examine her, he didn’t notice any serious trauma, which put him at ease. When Madeline confirmed her feelings for him, returning his own, he couldn’t have felt happier. Mid embrace, Julchen however brought the two lovebirds back to reality by honking the horn. The three laughed at the cheesiness of their current situation, but Madeline could still remember the panic that surged through her gut when she realized she would have to face Alice again.

Julchen picked the girl up into a bone crushing embrace, pulling her back to reality. “Julchen-!” she squeaked.

“Mon ami, I know you mean well, but please. Zhink of zhe dress,” Francis joked. Julchen put Madeline down, the blonde hitting her jokingly.

The albino sniffed, “Oh, Birdie! I’m just so proud of jou! I’m so happy zhat jou can finally be happy.”

Madeline hugged her best friend, “Oh Julchen, thank you! And this doesn’t mean I’m going to forget about you. I’m just a lot closer and easier to get to now, that’s all!”

Everyone was standing outside in the warm summer air, in Francis’ backyard. The gazebo was decorated with hanging lights, with a small chandelier in the center. The decorations were simple and rustic, along with her dress. Madeline’s long blonde curls were loosely pulled back with a diamond studded butterfly clip, and her dress was absolutely charming: it was pale pink, with a sweetheart princess cut on top, and the skirt flowed out around her. The sash was pale pink and satin, and the skirt had a sheer overlay with little white flowers and butterflies. Madeline had long since ditched her little white heels that she’d been wearing to try and save her feet. She was showing off her beautiful dress to her friends when Alice came up from behind her. “Ahem,” she cleared her throat.

Madeline turned around, grabbing hold of Francis’ hand upon seeing her English rival. “Madeline,” Alice started, “I um, well I -”

“We’re here to say sorry, sis,” Alfred said swooping up behind the British woman. He wrapped his arms around his girlfriend’s neck, resting his head on hers. Alice blushed slightly, “Yes, as Alfred said. I am really sorry Madeline for everything that I did to you. In all honesty, I am delighted that you invited me to your wedding. I really did not expect that much.”

Maddie looked taken aback. “Oh wow, Alice,” she blushed leaning into Francis, “thank you. That really means a lot to me. But you know, I think I’d like it more if we could just be friends. What do you say?”

Alice nodded her head, “I would really like that.”

Julchen pulled the two girls away to get some drinks. Alfred sighed, smiling to himself. “What is it, beau-frère?*” Francis asked his American in-law.

“Nothing, man, I was just thinking, we sure got lucky with these girls huh?”

“Oui, mon ami. ‘Owever, Alice is like family to me, so you better treat ‘er right.”

“And don’t even think about breaking my little sister’s heart brohaus,” Alfred and Francis were in each other’s faces.

“Uh, boys,” Madeline returned holding a second glass of champagne for her husband, “Don’t tell me, are you two fighting over us already?”

“Nope,” the American flashed a smile as he took his drink from Alice, “I was just telling this Frenchie here not to try anything funny with you, sis.”

Madeline laughed, trying to hide the eminent blush, as she handed Francis his drink, “I’m just glad to see my brother finally get the girl he always wanted.”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t a hero like me be able to get Alice?” Alfred announced obnoxiously.

“Enough talking!” Julchen shouted, sloshing her beer over the side of her mug. “I say ve party! Und ve vill party hard so Birdie vill be able to sleep on zhe airplane tomorrow!”

Just then, the DJ announced that it was time for the newlyweds’ dance. Francis set his drink aside, taking Madeline’s hand in his own. They waltzed away in the center of the gazebo. “Why is Madeline not wearing any shoes?” Alice finally inquired.

“Don’t vorry about it,” Julchen said.

“If I vere jou, I’d be more concerned about how jour going to dance vizh zhose zhings on,” Julchen laughed as Alfred led Alice towards the dance floor. “As cliché as it sounds, I zhink zhis vould be zhe best time if any, to say zhat zhey lived Happily Ever After,” Julchen said, to no one in particular.

*brother-in-law