Chapter Thirty Five:

A year later they were married, dancing about back in the little town they met. The manor was covered with decorations, flowers and lanterns that made the space bright. It was a beautiful day, just like the ones she loved so much while she lived across the field at the March household.

Meg sat at a nearby table, holding her first child close. John stood behind her, whispering something in her ear. Elouise waved as the oldest March sister smiled over, she could not believe this day was finally here.

Jo and Beth jumped around, Elouise could not believe that Jo was having fun— or trying to, but it was a nice sight. Amy remained in Paris, having seem matured the one year she was away. Elouise missed the other March sister, but she supposed they would see her soon enough when they would return to Paris in another year's time.

"I've missed this place." Laurie said leading her towards their table, "I cannot believe I could."

She looked around, "When I first arrived, I never thought I would stay here more than a year."

"And yet here you are." He smiled, "With me."

She rolled her eyes, "Yes, unfortunately."

He poked her side and they both broke into laughter. She smiled up at him as she adjusted his collar, his hand came up and swatted her hand away.

"What?" She laughed, "I'm only trying to help."

"And I love you for that." He grinned, spinning her around. He darted off to the side, dragging her along.

"What-"

"I want to show you something." He said, a carriage ready to go by the manor. "We will be back in no time, everyone will be fine."

Elouise made a face, but followed him into the carriage anyways. The door shut and they were off, Laurie staring out the window at their guests dancing around.

"I do wish your parents could have made it."

Elouise looked over at him, "We sent them an invitation. I'm sure my mother wanted to come, but if my father did not— it meant she could not."

"I would love to meet them."

"You would love Charlotte Town, Laurie." Elouise told him, "It's a lovely place."

He smiled at her, "I'm sure it is."

Eventually the carriage came to a stop, and Laurie propped the door open before jumping out. He helped her down, the wind whipping his hair around.

"The beach." She smiled as he lead her down to the water, stopping a few feet away from the rocks.

"Remember that day at the beach." He asked, grabbing ahold of her hand. "When everyone was here."

She nodded, "It was a beautiful day."

"I saw you with your arms spread wide, staring at the sky with closed eyes. I had no idea what you were doing."

Elouise glanced at him, "I was—"

"So I came over to you and you said you were making a wish." He cut her off continuing. "You showed me the steps and I made one."

"And did it come true?"

He looked down at her, tapping the ring on her left hand. "Yes. This was my wish. To be able to call you my wife, I knew right then and there that it was you."

Elouise leaned against him, "The night we met, when I ran out of that house, I planned on apologizing and running off. I was so embarrassed. You seemed unbelievably kind and your smile, I'm not quite sure what it was about it but I noticed it first—"

He leaned down and kissed her softly, she smiled as they parted. "I have another surprise."

"Another?" She questioned as he led her back to the carriage, "I didn't take you as one who loved surprises this much."

They stopped and he stepped in front of her, holding her in place. "Close your eyes."

She made a face but did, the light breeze felt nice on her skin. A few moments later she could hear muttered voices before Laurie turned her around.

"Open your eyes."

Elouise did, them landing on two people. Her mother stood in front of her while her father stood farther back.

"Mother?" Her eye's widened, "Is that you?"

The woman nodded, grabbing ahold of her face. "You look so beautiful. So grown up."

Elouise wanted to cry, she didn't think she would see her again. "I cannot believe you're here— I thought you weren't coming!"

"We were not." Her fathers voice spoke up from where he stood, "But your mother insisted."

"Laurie sent multiple letters."

She glanced at him from her side, "You did?"

"He told us about himself, how happy you two were. That it did not matter who thought what because you two were going to marry and that as parents we should be here."

"Why weren't you at the reception?"

"We do not what to mingle long." Her father said.

Elouise pursed her lips, "You mean you do not want to meet anyone who was nice to Mabel. It's been years, father! Will I ever find out what happened between you both?"

Her mother shook her head, now grabbing her hands and holding them tight.

"Honey, we must be going." Her father stepped forward.

Elouise pulled her mother into a hug, whispering in her ear. "You do not need to listen to him. Come with us, move somewhere far away. We will help, okay? You can live freely—"

"Elouise, say goodbye to your mother."

Laurie stepped in front of them, "They're only having a conversation."

"Come, mother. Stay with me." Elouise whispered holding her tightly.

Her mother sighed, "I wish I could, darling."

Laurie glanced at them, "We would love to have you close, Mrs Myer."

"Elouise, do not ever let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do. You be who you want, and if that boy treats you wrongly you will leave before it's to late, do you hear me?" Her mother hushed, "You will not worry about me, I do not need my only child fretting over her mother."

She turned and walked back towards her father, whom didn't even bat an eye as he turned with her and took off back towards the other side of the beach.

"I apologize." Laurie stood close to her, "I thought that would go better than it did."

Elouise pursed her lips, looking up at him. "You meant well. One day I will get her out of there, this has only pushed that thought farther."

He held a hand out, "Shall we get back?"

Elouise forced smiled, accepting his hand as they made their way back to the carriage. "We shall."