Part Seven Glory of Love (Song by Peter Cetera)
***
Tonight it's very clear
And we're both standing here
There's so many things I want to say
***
An entire month had passed and still LaCroix had not returned. Greatly concerned, Nick knew that there wasn�t anything he could do to hurry his Master�s return.
So instead he concentrated on his wedding plans with Natalie and familiarize his temporary partner with the way things were done in the 96th precinct.
Kia turned out to be clever and intelligent, but Nick had yet to break into her wall of isolation. Nick didn�t know why, but she reminded him of himself. The more he worked with her, the more he wanted to get to know her better.
He and Natalie had decided on a July wedding. In less than three weeks they would be man and wife.
Getting a hold of a Justice of the Peace had been fairly easy. Who would have guessed that Vachon had gotten his license while living in here in Toronto?
Vachon had shrugged at their surprised looks.
"I was bored and at the time Tracy wasn�t talking to me so it was a great distraction."
The words were no sooner out of his mouth when he was hit in the back of the head by a blond haired woman.
Finding a place to have the wedding had been a little more difficult. Natalie had wanted to be married in the Flower Garden, east of Erin Lake. If she couldn't be married in a church, she thought a moonlit garden would be the next best thing.
Nick had felt that a more secluded spot would be safer, and had suggested the Raven. At first, Natalie had agreed, but the idea of getting married in a bar really bothered her.
After a bit of renegotiating, they compromised; the ceremony would be held in the garden, followed by a reception at the Raven.
Deciding on a small gathering, Nick invited Reese while Natalie invited Kia to the wedding. Reese accepted with enthusiasm that his two favorites were finally getting there act together, but it took a bit more to get Kia to accept the invitation.
She was concerned that she didn�t really know anyone. But Nick added his famous charm and with that boyish grin he was well known for, Kia eventually gave in.
Much to Nick's surprise, Janette offered not only to cater the reception, but to provide the music, as well. Nick suggested, as tactfully as he could, that the music usually played at the Raven wouldn't be appropriate, and had told Janette that Natalie was a big fan of country and western music, particularly Garth Brooks. Janette's initial reaction to Nick's request was some rather unlady-like language, and quite a bit of hissing, but eventually she did agree to have the band play music that would be more in keeping with the theme. However, Janette would rather die by stake before she would allow country and western music to be played in her club.
***
I will always love you
I will never leave you alone
***
Natalie left work, intent on heading straight home for some much-needed rest. She had to finish going through her things to figure out what she would no longer need. She had agreed to move in with Nick at his loft. The place was huge but she would probably put most of her things into storage on the other floors.
Entering half-way through her first trimester, Natalie's pregnancy seemed to be progressing normally. Other than the expected decrease of her overall energy, and a tendency to be overly emotional. To her disgust, she found herself bursting into tears every time she saw a Hallmark commercial.
Brushing these thoughts aside, Natalie unlocked her car, and was about to get in, when she felt something swoop in behind her. Janette and Tracy scooped her up, and flew her off to a surprise rendezvous. A few minutes later, they arrived at Tracy's apartment, and Natalie found herself at a combination wedding and baby shower.
It was four in the morning before she was finally freed to head home with her presents. More stuff to pack!
When she entered her apartment, Natalie was taken aback to find a large box placed in the center of the living room floor. Sydney laid on top of it, making himself comfortable in his new sleep spot.
Putting down her things Natalie, cautiously looked at the box and found a card hanging on the side of it. Pulling the card loose, she opened it, and read; A gift for you, Welcome to the family It was signed with only the initial L, but Natalie knew exactly who'd sent the box.
Feeling a little jittery, and not sure what awaited her inside the box, Natalie decided to brave the storm. She put Sydney in her bedroom and closing the door just in case, she began to unwrap the present.
Natalie was beside herself when she found that inside was a beautiful, hand-carved dark cherry wood cradle. The beautiful designs had obviously been done by a master craftsman. Smiling, she touched the cradle.
Suddenly, the enormity of the new life she was about to embark upon hit her, and for a moment, she was scared to death.
Then she pulled herself together, and knew that whatever happened, she and Nick would get through. They had to be strong for the little ones who were about to come into there their lives. Rubbing her stomach, Natalie got up and went to the refrigerator to pour herself a glass of milk, then after feeding Sydney, Natalie longingly drifted off into a blissful sleep.
***
Sometimes I just forget
Say things I might regret
***
Earlier that evening Nick got a call at the precinct that he was needed at the Raven. Worried that something had happened to LaCroix Nick, left his partner and fellow officers and flew directly to the night club.
Upon arriving, Nick�s senses went into overdrive when he found the place to be deserted.
Where was everyone?
Entering, he was ready to fight or run when the lights came on and a crowd of friends, both past and present suddenly pounced on the bachelor! The following hours, Nick spent dancing with several mortal and immortal women who had lost him to Natalie.
He endured a strip tease by a hired stripper that had left him and many other patrons mouths-watering. The last was the inevitable stud movie. They watched Independence Day and Air Force One.
Nick arrived back at his place just as the sun rose over the night sky. Entering his apartment, Nick fell on the couch, still feeling a bit tipsy from the nights festivities when he spotted the small box, laying next to his remote.
A card was set next to it. It just said From LaCroix.
Looking around the loft, Nick tried to sense his master's presence, but the elder was no longer there. Nick was disappointed; he had been wanting to have a chance to talk with LaCroix. He still felt confused about 'the incident. Feeling a bit dismal that LaCroix hadn't stayed to give him the gift personally, Nick gingerly opened the present.
Nick gasped when he saw the gold rings. One was a masculine style while the other one was dainty and feminine. Inside the rings, Nick saw that they had the initials LL. Nick had been planning to take Natalie ring shopping, but they hadn�t been able to find the time. Guess that little problem was over.
All that was left was to rent his tuxedo. Glancing at the calendar he counted the days to the special event. Less than two weeks left.
Reaching into his refrigerator, Nick took out a bottle of bovine blood and emptied the bottle. ***
It breaks my heart to see you crying
I don't want to lose you
I could never make it alone
***
The Wedding dress
What could she wear? Natalie had gone through every store in the Toronto area; dragging Janette and Tracy along with her; but had found nothing that caught her eye. She was beginning to worry; she needed to find something that would be suitable for a garden wedding, and would fit over her ever-growing belly.
They had only eleven days left, and Natalie still hadn�t found the dress of her dreams. After all; she intended to have only one wedding, she wanted the wedding to be out of a story book tale.
But every dress she saw were modern dresses, and none of them were her style. After two days of searching in vain Natalie returned home broken hearted and empty handed.
Frazzled, tired, frustrated, Natalie sank down on the couch, weeping bitterly. Sydney came to her in distress and sat on her lap purring at her consolingly.
"I�m sorry Sydney, I just can�t help it. I couldn't find any dresses that I liked. It seems nobody makes fairy-tale traditional dresses these days. It�s hopeless, and I only have ten days left. What am I going to do?"
Still crying, Natalie fled to her bedroom to allow herself to run her emotional course. In the process she fell into a deep sleep.
***
I am a man who would fight for your honor
I'll be the hero you're dreaming of
We'll live forever
knowing together
That we did it all for the glory of love
***
Morning came all too soon and the sunlight poured over her. Waking, Natalie slowly sat up to stare out her window, when something off to the side caught her eye.
Turning to the doorway, Natalie saw a long dark bag hanging on the door. Getting out of bed, Natalie went over to the strange object, with a quickening heartbeat.
Removing the plastic bag, Natalie caught her breath. There, in all it's glory, was a long, white silk dress; it was soft and flowing, with sparkling diamonds sewn into the bodice.
It was beautiful, and it looked exceedingly old but well preserved. It was also the dress she had always envisioned in her dreams.
Taking it down, Natalie was not surprised to find another card with the simple initials LL on it. Smiling, she held the gown to her breast.
Later Natalie was a little upset to find that the dress was a perfect fit with a few alterations in the stomach area. Not that she minded, but that meant that someone had been in her closet of clothes.
She would have to have a little talk with her father-in-law about granting her some semblance of privacy; after she thanked him for the gift, of course. ***
Three days before the wedding, a thunderstorm broke. It continued the next day, and the day after.
Worried that the ceremony would have to be moved to the Raven after all. Nick was about to call Natalie when he got up to find clear skies with a thousand stars and a full moon.
Smiling impishly, Nick thoughtfully mused, �How did LaCroix managed to pull the strings for the weather to change?�
He and LaCroix still had not talked and Nick was concerned that LaCroix would not come to the wedding. Sighing, Nick shrugged and figured he could always ask Reese to give Natalie away as an alternative.
Arriving at the gathering, Nick hurried to Janette who was talking to several gardeners trying to make sure the roses were centered near the small pond.
The small bridge that stood in the center of the flower beds was to be the place where the bride and groom would meet to exchange their vows. Chairs had been set up for the guests; less than twenty in all. But of that small group, only five were mortal. Sitting alone on in the front row of the bride's side were Natalie's sister Sarah, and her niece Amy. Behind them sat Captain Reese, Kia and Grace Balthazar; Natalie's friend and co-worker.
Spotting Reese seating himself nearby Nick prepared to speak to him, when a familiar presence came behind him.
Turning Nick, grinned in relief to see LaCroix had arrived. He was wearing his traditional black clothing but had added a long charcoal cloak fastened with a sword pin.
LaCroix eyed his son as if posing a question, but Nick didn't hesitate; he hugged his father, and said, "Thank you for coming, Father."
"As if I wouldn�t show up at my own son�s wedding. Really Nicholas." he sounded stern and annoyed, but Nick could see the smile in his eyes.
"How...did it go?" Nick asked, suddenly needing to know where they stood before the enforcers.
"It went...well. Let�s not discuss it now, Nicholas. We have a wedding to go to."
Nick nodded but had to add. "LaCroix, about that night."
LaCroix raised his hand and looked away. "Not now, Nicholas. Later."
Giving in, Nick promised himself that before the night was over he would have answers to his questions.
"Fine, but ah...can I ask you one more favor?"
Nick looked into his father�s eyes hopefully. LaCroix grinned.
"Another favor? Why Nicholas, you are preying on my generosity aren�t you?"
"Not for me...Natalie...She wanted to ask you, she wants you to give her away."
LaCroix raised one eyebrow and then with a proud stance he nodded.
***
You keep me standing tall
You help me through it all
I'm always strong when you're beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it alone
***
Moments later, the soft sounds of crickets and the night filled the air. The bride walked slowly in step with the elder holding her tenderly by the arm.
With her eyes sparkling in joy, Natalie walked forward to the gathering and the awaiting prince of her dreams.
Nick stared at the woman walking towards him, and thought that he had walked back into the past. The traditional white gown had been designed in a twelfth-century style. Her hair was up in curls, with small wisps touching the nape of her neck. The white roses in her hair made her look the princess she felt.
Stepping in front of Nick, LaCroix gave him a stern look, then smirking , he turned to Natalie. Raising her hand to his lips he kissed her tenderly. He then faced his son and handed over the Bride.
Moving away, LaCroix watched as Vachon began the wedding proceedings with Nick and Natalie holding hands. ***
The Ancient smiled approvingly at the exchange of rings. The rings that he had given to Nicholas. No matter what happens, he knew now he would always be a part of there lives.
Forever is Forever.
***
The vows were exchanged and Natalie�s face flushed red while Nick felt giddy.
***
Just like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away
***
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
and with that Nick bent down and Natalie moved in to his arms. The kiss was tender, long and sealing there love eternally. A round of applause followed.
***
When they broke the kiss, Nick was not surprised to see LaCroix had vanished.
Later at the reception Nick felt no trace of his father, but as he and Natalie prepared to leave the reception to head to the loft, a black stretch limousine awaited them.
Inside the car they found airline tickets, and pre-paid hotel vouchers for a two-week long honeymoon in New York City.
An hour later, the newlyweds boarded their flight ready to begin their lives as a married couple. ***
Glory of love
***
End of Part seven
WRITER'S Note: Three more chapters to go!
I figure Chapter ten is a pretty good place to end this story!