Chapter 2.5 - Going to the Chapel

Madeline's and my wedding was here sooner than we could imagine. Most of it was a blur. What little I remember was reinforced by all of the lovely photographs Mom and Dad took.

She looked divine in her wedding dress. I was so taken aback by how beautiful she looked. She even blushed a little bit when I told her.

We had a short ceremony, with a focus on our vows and the exchanging of the rings. We both promised to be eternally faithful to each other, and support one another in our professional and personal endeavors. We promised to love one another until the end of time. It was all quite romantic.

We then exchanged our rings, much to the joyful tears of Mom, and even Dad.

Mom even fist-pumped. I think that was the funniest moment of the entire day.

Beatrice was excited, and even Tabby and Zach seemed happy for us.

Then the most important part--our first kiss as husband and wife. Beatrice made a "yuck" type sound and everybody laughed. But Madeline and I were beyond happy.

Everybody shuffled inside for dinner, but Madeline and I stayed outside a few moments longer just to revel in the moment together; to take it all in.

And then it was time for dancing. The best dance couple by far were Madeline's parents, Shanda and Ryan.

After we said good-bye to everyone that had stopped by, and helped Mom and Dad clean up everything, we settled into bed and just curled up together. It had been such a long day, but it was the most magical one we had both had. We talked for hours before falling asleep and dreaming of our future together.

Chapter 2.4 - The One

We celebrated Beatrice's birthday not too long ago, and Dad invited over a friend of his, Madeline Magana. And can I say... she is the most amazing thing I have ever met in my entire life! She's gorgeous, a virtuoso, oh, and completely single!

Beatrice grew up to look quite a bit like how I imagine Dad was as a child. Well, minus the fact that he is male.

We had so much fun just chatting over cake, and getting to know each other. Dad had that twinkle in his eye like he knew something the rest of us didn't. Leave it to Dad. He is the spark that keeps the family running.

While Madeline was over for Beatrice's birthday, we jammed together. It was terrific. We hung out lots after that. Just jamming and chatting. We spent months going on dates and just spending time together.

During that time Mom and Dad spent a lot of time teaching Beatrice the basics while Tabby was off doing who knows what. Even Zach and I spent more time with Beatrice than Tabby did.

One night, after we went out for dinner, I invited her over to hang out and watch a movie. I was a little embarrassed to ask her, because I didn't want to come off as crude, but she readily accepted.

That night before she left, I made sure to talk to her.

"Madeline, I never thought I would find someone as amazing as you. I like you very  much, and I want us to go steady. I want to take things slow. I don't want to mess this up."

"Tyriel, I thought you'd never ask. I would love to date you solely!"

I was elated! We hugged and she was on her way home. But we continued to chat and hang out in our free time.

One night, a few months later, I invited her over to hang out. Mom wished us a good night and we talked about the two of us, and the future.

And, well, things got a little heavy and...

...you know the story.

Every weekend after that, Madeline would come over, and we would spend the weekend together. It was the happiest I have ever been. Mom and Dad loved Madeline, and kept dropping subtle hints, asking when the two of us were going to take the plunge.

So one weekend, after a particularly great night, I popped the question.

Her reaction was priceless. Utter surprise and elation. She was adorable, jumping up and down and yelling, "Yes! Of course yes!"

I had finally found the one. We were both so happy together. I didn't ever think I would be this happy. We set the wedding date about a year out, because sooner than we knew it...

"Tyriel, I'm pregnant! Guess it is a good thing we scheduled the wedding so far out!" Madeline giggled. She was so radiant. Just glowing the entire time she was pregnant.

I loved talking to our soon-to-be bundle of joy. I took pleasure in the way Madeline laughed when I would talk to our baby.

And sooner than we knew, it was time for him to be born. We rushed to the hospital, and walked out a few days later with our new family member, Charles.

He was so precious. So darling. And I wanted to give him the world. I wanted to make sure that he had an even better life than I had. That he wanted to be heir. That he was confident to do so.

Again, it was that time of year, another Bennett Birthday. Beatrice was about to grow up into a child.

We were all so happy to see Beatrice grow up well. We made sure to celebrate and make sure she had a blast.

Tabaitha was around for her daughter's birthday, for a change. She hadn't been around much before then for Beatrice. However, Beatrice didn't seem to mind. She and Tabby were tight as ever.

Tabby even got her a toy rocket, somehow knowing that it was what Bea wanted the most. Bea went outside to play with her new toy, and Tabby confronted me in the hallway.

"How dare you steal Bea's thunder by having Charles and a wedding!" she demanded. I was more than a tad confused, and tried to get her to talk about it. She, apparently, had been drinking heavily, out with her friend Toni Roush.

"I should be heir! Mom should never have made you heir! You don't deserve it!" Tabby spat out. I had never been close to my sister, despite trying. That was the final straw.

"Don't you dare tell me what I do and don't deserve," I retorted. "I am the first born, and as per Mom's tradition, I am to be heir. For the longest time I had thought about passing on the heir to you, but you were never present in your daughter's life. Nor were you present in mine, or Mom's, or Dad's. You've been a ghost in this family. As much as I love you, Tabby, I want you out of this house after the wedding. I know you will be provided for by Zacharia. He loves you, unconditionally."

Tabby growled at me and stormed off out the door, on her daughter's birthday. I tried to forget our spat and enjoy the rest of the evening with my fiance and family. I was excited and nervous about our wedding in only a few weeks. While I felt guilty and angry with Tabby, I was the most elated I had been yet.