Chapter 22: They Do

The big day had finally arrived. The time had gone by so fast, everyone felt as if it was only the blink of an eye.

"Is Lief at the place already?" Josefin was admittedly nervous that today was her wedding day.

"Yup. Arvid, Edvin, and Karl are there with him. They made sure that he didn't see you when they were leaving the house."


"That's good. I really hope he isn't getting cold feet."

"I don't see why he would." Karen was just as nervous as Josefin was. "You're not getting it, are you?"

"Of course not! It's just hard to believe this day is already here." Karen didn't ignore the slight jittering that Josefin was giving off.

"Well, we don't have to wait much longer. I'd say it's time we get going."

The three then got into the car, and drove to where the boys were waiting. Karen was reluctant to let Josefin drive, wearing a wedding dress and all.

Josefin, however, reassured her that it would be fine.

When the three arrived, Karen went on ahead with Kristin, and took her seat inside. In her place came Arvid and Edvin.

"Hey, Mom!" The boys were amazed at how beautiful their mother looked. "Lief's waiting by the arch. He's...well, he's nervous, let's leave it at that."

"I sort of figured. Him and me both. Guess I shouldn't keep him waiting much longer."

The two then led Josefin inside and down the aisle, where Lief was indeed waiting for her.

"Holy Moly..."Lief's eyes widened under his hat when he finally saw a glimpse of Josefin in her wedding dress. "Well, damned if that isn't the most beautiful sight I've seen in my life."

"I was going to say you may need your eyes checked, but...I guess you would argue that."

"Indeed I would, gorgeous."

"Well, what are we waiting for, Chinese New Year? Let's stop messing around and make it official."

"You read my mind, Josefin!" With that, the two took their places under the arch, and brought out the wedding rings.

Lief was rendered speechless at Josefin's amazing beauty, as the rings were exchanged. This was likely a good thing, as the only thing going through his mind was, 'ahh, pretty lady! Very pretty lady! Pretty lady in a wedding dress!"

And quite frankly, that would be a sign his brain had temporarily turned to mush, and if he said that out loud, he'd probably sound like a slobbering dumbass.

But either way, Lief regained his composure, and said the words he needed to say as he slipped the ring onto Josefin's finger.

It was apparent he wasn't the only one overcome by emotion.

"Oh, jeez...Tell me I'm not the only one who'd cry at weddings," Karen said as she tried holding back tears.

Karl simply smiled as his father tied the knot.

"You're not the only one, Karen," she heard Arvid say from the other side of the room.

Arvid himself was struggling to keep himself from turning into a blubbering mess.

Oddly, Edvin was more composed. But even he seemed happy, if not more subtly so.

Then came the moment that made everything official. The moment that would seal the deal of all deals, and officially bring two families into one:

(End of Chapter 22. And Happy Valentine's Day.)