Chapter 253

"Maggie. I don't know that to say... " Pearl began.

"Erik, Dylan and I had a long talk. Pearl, I had no idea about your past. I knew about David, of course, but my god, honey. What you have been through. And what you have done for me. For Erik and all the others that cross your path. You truly do deserve the world." Maggie said. "When Erik asked for my help with this, I was a little apprehensive. But now, I am so glad he asked me."

Pearl was overwhelmed. She felt happy and afraid and so much closer to Maggie now.

"What about the big wedding in a couple of weeks? Is this even a real wedding?" Pearl asked, afraid because of the mess with Rhys.

"Yes. I asked that, too. The big wedding is still on, as far as I know. And it is real. All of it. The minister. The license. Sebastian took care of all that." Maggie said.

"Sebastian? Really?" Pearl asked.

"Yes." Maggie said, smiling. "The minister is his fiancé's father. The one that passed away."

Pearl put her head down. How difficult it must have been for him to do all of this for Erik. He was a damn saint, she thought.

"Anyway, Erik asked me to find you a dress. I hope it fits." Maggie said, walking to the back and bringing out the most, elegant and perfect dress she had ever seen. "Oh my god, Maggie. It's perfect." Pearl said. Maggie helped her into it and it fit very well. She only had to pin the top a little.

"I picked out a veil. It's long and perfect. I picked out a headpiece also, but Erik insisted you wear this." Maggie said, opening a box. Inside was a beautiful crown made from vines and wildflowers and baby's breath. "He made it himself. And your bouquet." She said, walking over to a vase of wildflowers, consisting of Dog Rose, King Cup, Columbine, Forget-me-nots, Scarlet pimpernel and greenery. A card attached read, "The only flowers I wanted to give you for this day, are the wild ones I pick because they are the only that speak to your genius and your beauty. Only a wildflower could understand you. Marry me, tonight. Be my wife. Ever thine. Ever mine. Ever OURS. Yours til the end of time, Erik."

Pearl covered her mouth and felt the tears fall from her eyes. This was real. It was the fairly tale she had dreamed about while sitting with a flashlight in the dark closet of her room as a frightened little girl, reading of other lives and loves, time and worlds away. How could she be so lucky?

She looked in the mirror and couldn't believe it. Her beautiful vintage looking dress with the lace flowers and flowy sleeves. The long veil and floral crown. She looked like a bride. His bride.

The plane began to prepare for landing and Pearl sat down anxiously and buckled her seat belt. Maggie smiled and told her the best was yet to come.

The plane landed at Castle Kennedy Airfield and a car was waiting for them. Pearl looked out and saw Dylan, dressed in a vintage three piece suit, waiting for her by the car.

"Dylan!" Pearl said, running to him.

"Pearl, you look, you are... stunning." Dylan said.

"Who is here? Who knows about this?" She asked. He hurried her into the car and Jim and Maggie followed. The car began to drive and they were thankful no one was around to see.

"The drive is about 45 minutes. Try to relax and enjoy it." Jim said.

Dylan looked at Pearl and said, "No one knows but us, Auggie and Sebastian." Dylan said.

"How were you all able to keep this a secret? How long has this been planned?" Pearl asked.

"I thought I told you to relax." Jim said, smiling.

Pearl nodded and tried to breathe. This was insane and completely unexpected.

They arrived at a farm and the car drove up a hill and over a short path into a field. It stopped and Dylan and Jim got out, opening the trunk and getting out lanterns.

The walk to the church was dark and quiet. Pearl wasn't even sure there was a church anywhere in sight. Suddenly, trees came into view by the moonlight and she saw a building that they surrounded. It looked old, very old and made of stone. A stone wall surrounding it came into view and Pearl saw candlelight in the small slit windows. Dylan led them to a large, old gated door. There, standing in the night with a lantern, was Sebastian, there to greet them, also dressed in a vintage suit and a newsboy cap.

"Hello, Pearl. You look beautiful." He said, bowing.

"Sebastian, thank you. For everything." Pearl said. He smiled and led her and Dylan to the main door. The stone around it created a rounded archway for the entryway and an iron, medieval style ornate door led to the inside of the church.

Dylan looked a Pearl. "Are you ready?" He asked.

"I am." She said.

Sebastian smiled and opened the door.