No Longer Heartless

Chapter 21: Never Let Her Go

"Oh my goodness," Cath sighed as she put the finishing details on the wedding cake. "I can't believe I'm really doing this, Emma. After all these years, I'm finally getting to marry my Jest."

"That's wonderful, your majesty," the lady in waiting smiled. "I cannot thank you enough for making me your maid of honor. It's such an- well, it's an honor."

Cath chuckled. "There was no question that you would have an important role in my wedding. And how many times have I told you to call me Catherine? You can drop the formalities, dear Emma," she said kindly. "We're friends, not master and servant.

"Yes, your maj- uh, Catherine," Emma smiled. "Now, we best get you ready."

"Alright," Cath nodded nervously. "I wonder if Jest is nervous too."

"I'm sure he is, your- Catherine," Emma said thoughtfully.

"Is it wrong that I hope he is at least a little bit nervous?" Cath sighed.

"I don't think it is," Emma shrugged.

—————

Jest paced back and forth anxiously. "What do I do? What do I do?"

Hatta thought for a moment. Jokingly, he said, "You walk down the aisle when the music starts with a bouquet of flowers, and-"

"I didn't mean literally," Jest sighed. "And that's the bride's part, not the groom's."

"Oh, right," Hatta chuckled. "You stand next to the altar and wait for Cath to walk down the aisle then."

"Alright," Jest nodded. "Then what?"

"I don't know. I'm not married," Hatta shrugged. "I've heard that that's when you say your vows."

"Okay," Jest moaned. "I wonder if Cath is nervous too."

"I'm sure she is," Hatta said thoughtfully.

"Is it wrong to hope that she's at least a little nervous?" Jest sighed.

"I don't think it is," Hatta shrugged.

—————

Catherine took her bouquet of white roses in her hand and looked one final time in the mirror. She looked perfect, not a single hair out of place.

"Catherine, you're a vision," Emma gushed. "That dress is positively stunning."

"Thank you," Cath smiled. "My hair looks wonderful. You did a beautiful job, Emma."

"It was my pleasure," the lady in waiting smiled. "Well, enough mindless gabbing. You have an altar to get to."

Cath nodded, and hurried out of her room and down to the courtyards. She stopped a few paces away when she saw Jest standing at the altar.

The quartet began to play and she held her bouquet in both hands, walking down in perfect timing with the music.

Tears welled in Jest's eyes as he watched her. She looked so beautiful. It made him indescribably happy to know that she would soon be his. Truly, wholly, completely his.

"Don't cry," Raven whispered in his ear. "Not in front of the entire kingdom of Hearts."

Cath joined Jest at the altar and handed her bouquet to Emma, taking Jest's hands in hers.

The justice began the ceremony and soon asked the couple to say their vows.

"Catherine," Jest smiled, "ever since the moment I removed your corset laces at that party, I knew that you were the one for me. Yes, I tried to fight it at first because of that stupid mission I was sent on, but it never worked. From the minute we first talked, I've loved you. Even during our time apart, I still loved you. I always will, Cath. There's nothing you could do to change that."

"Jest," Catherine began as tears welled in her eyes, "I love you dearly. I have spend every moment since that black and white ball loving you. Even during those years when I was heartless and thought you were gone, I loved you. Jest, nothing can take away the love that I have for you."

The justice instructed them to exchange rings, and with a smile, he said, "I now pronounce you: husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jest gave one of those devilish grins that made Cath weak in the knees, and he gently pressed his lips into hers, pulling her close, determined to never let her go.

Author's Note: This chapter is dedicated to creamy_cupcakess, Littleskyejones, LunarGirl18, and nicoleg23uca. Thanks so much for the support, guys. Now, the pictures to follow show Cath's wedding dress, hairstyle, bouquet, and the wedding cake, respectively. (Also, the song at the beginning of this chapter has nothing to do with the actual chapter. I just thought the song was so perfect for Jest and Cath that I'd share it with you guys.)