Y'all, I can't believe I've made it to the wedding chapter. I've had this planned for a long time – and I am happy with the outcome. Be aware – there will be some slight "M" territory, but hey, it's their wedding day. They kinda should have some sex – they've certainly earned it!

Please enjoy this chapter, and listen to the original 1936 recording of "The Way You Look Tonight," performed by Fred Astaire in the film, Swing Time while you do…

We're finally approaching the ending, and I've an epilogue planned – as well as serious edits. To everyone who has been a part of Caroline and Richard's journey by reviewing, favoriting, and reading– thank you! This chapter is dedicated to you.

Many happy returns!

-BB

28

"The Way You Look Tonight"

Zell am See, Austria, July 1945

Someday, when I'm awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight

You're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me but to love you,
And the way you look tonight

With each word your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fears apart
And that laugh that wrinkles your nose,
Touches my foolish heart

Yes you're lovely, never, ever change
Keep that breathless charm
Won't you please arrange it?
'Cause I love you
Just the way you look tonight

Winters POV, Zell am See, Austria, 18 July 1945

I had a bachelor party. I did not involve myself in the planning of my bachelor party –Nix did – but I at least attended it. Nix arranged for Speirs, Welshy, Lip, and himself to meet in my quarters, and after a round of drinks that they had (there was still plenty of the booze left from Goring's cellar), we went into town. Nix knew of some pub, so we headed there for dinner (and more drinking).

"Here's to Dick Winters!" exclaimed Nix, holding a freshly filled beer stein in the air. "Here's to his last night of bachelorhood…but hey, at least you're marrying Caroline Summers! Any sane man would give up being single to be with Emeralds!"

"Careful there," I joked. "You wouldn't want June hearing you say this."

"June has my heart, but you know, I'm just telling the truth."

"He's right, Dick – she's a beauty," added Speirs, as we all toasted to my bride-to-be. I grinned at that – he didn't say it in a way that sounded as though he still harbored feelings for her. Speirs simply stated it as fact, and I was assured that he regarded Caroline (as she did him) as a friend.

"And way out of his league!" shouted Nix. I punched Nix in the arm, but that didn't persuade him to stop. He yelled for one more toast, but then lowered his voice. This one was more solemn.

"Dick, you're my best friend, and I hope your life will be blessed with your lovely bride. Once more…to Dick Winters!"

"To Dick Winters!" my friends chorused.

After we finished dinner, I left them at the pub in their drunken glory. Lip was only slightly buzzed when I made my exit—he promised me he'd get the guys back to the hotel safely. I wanted to rest; I wanted to be in my right mind for my wedding day. I decided I needed a moment of solitude. I didn't drive my jeep back to the hotel. I found myself en route to the lake. I realized I wasn't going to receive my solitude when I arrived. Caroline was seated on the dock; her gaze focused at the sky. The moonlight reflected against Caroline's porcelain skin and pastel green dress – she looked brilliant and luminous.

Caroline, of course, was the exception to the rule when it came to my definition of solitude.

My footsteps caused her to turn her head in my direction; no doubt she wondered where the source of the noise crunching against the dirt and leaves was coming from.

"Great minds think alike," she said, smiling as she shifted over to make room for me on the dock. I placed an arm around her shoulders. Caroline curled in close to me, trying to escape the slight chill that emerged in the air that night.

"How was your hen party?" I asked. She chuckled and rolled her eyes.

"Short lived. June and Holly are still drinking with a few of the other girls, but I'm nowhere near strong enough to party tonight. I think I had two sips of bourbon, and called it quits. I would also like not to have a hangover on my wedding day. I went back to my room to try and sleep, probably about an hour ago. My nerves and thoughts got the best of me, and I decided to go for a walk to clear my mind. Tell me – how was your stag night? You're back early too, and I doubt Nix wanted an early night."

"You're correct. We had a nice dinner, and I stayed with them for two rounds. They're still in town, probably drinking at another pub. Lip's keeping an eye on them. I'm not babysitting. I think being with you is a much better way to end my evening."

Caroline smiled at that, but then her expression quickly turned to one of concern.

"Do you think it's considered bad luck to see you right now?" she asked. "Or is it only considered bad luck if we see each other tomorrow?"

I considered her question.

"Lina, you know…we've managed to survive a war. I think we're beyond 'bad luck' territory. We shouldn't worry about superstition."

"I'm glad you think that way, because I am not going to bed without a goodnight kiss, Richard!"

I wasn't about to deny her invitation to kiss her. I took her cheek in my hand, and gently craned her face towards mine, granting her wish. When she'd had quite enough, we sat and took in the brilliant night sky – I pointed out constellations I spotted – and then I could feel her deeply breathing against my chest. I picked up my sleeping Caroline. I carried her to her quarters. June, to my relief, was waiting for her. She helped me get Caroline settled for the evening. I said 'goodnight,' and headed to my own room. I was glad I saw Caroline one final time before the wedding. Any anxiety and nervousness that I had was quelled, and I fell asleep with no concern.

Caroline's POV, Zell am See, Austria, 19 July 1945

I gingerly placed the dress box that accompanied me everywhere I went since Paris on my bed. June stood next to me, waiting for me to open it. I slipped off the lid, set it aside, and then took a hold of the tissue paper that the dress was enfolded in. Soon, the delicate linen fabric emerged, and the dress was in my hands. My wedding dress was even prettier than I remembered. June deftly fingered the skirt, taking a moment to admire it.

"This dress isn't a silhouette mother would have wanted. It's too simplistic for her tastes. She would have wanted something more glamorous. Lina, sweetheart, this is the dress I've imagined you getting married in. It is simple, but lovely. It will only highlight your natural beauty. It is a bit wrinkled. Will you let me press it for you?"

June rose to the occasion of ironing my dress while I worked on styling my hair. It had been set in pin curls hours earlier after I washed my hair. I hadn't curled it in months, and as I pinned the locks, I studied them. I was in desperate need of a good trim. My hair, however, miraculously formed into gorgeous tight curls. I combed them into soft waves, and let them frame my face. I looked through my cosmetics, and was slightly disappointed by the old and mostly unusable makeup I had. A puff of face powder, and a bit of rouge sufficed.

"Oh, you're practically glowing! You look beautiful, Lina. Don't fret about your lack of makeup. Now, let's—"

June was interrupted by a knock at my door.

"Who is it?"

"It's Holly!"

"Door's unlocked!" cried out June. "C'mon in!"

Holly bounded in, all giddy smiles, and a sizable bouquet of wildflowers in her hand. She had tied the bouquet with a length of pale blue sateen ribbon.

"The something blue for the blushing bride!" she exclaimed, offering me the flowers. I sniffed in the sweet, rustic blooms, and thanked Holly for her thoughtfulness.

"You're just in time to help me dress Caroline! Wait until you see her wedding dress!"

June fastened each of the pearl buttons on the back of the bodice with the utmost care once I stepped into the skirt. She let Holly tie the cream-colored sash while she procured my old, but trusty and reliable, court heels from my closet. June took my ankles, and placed the shoes on me. Holly clipped my crucifix into place on my neck, and I slid on my pearl earrings. Holly gave me the bouquet a second time, while June took me by my shoulders and turned me to face my reflection in the mirror.

"You're beautiful, baby sister!"

"A picture-perfect bride!"

"Even without a veil?"

"Even without a veil," reassured Holly.

"We need to go. Uncle Bob is going to take us over to the church in his jeep. He said he'd meet us outside the hotel – he should be here in…"

June looked at my bedside clock.

"Seven minutes, if he's on time…which we know he will be."

Caroline's POV: en route to St. Hippolyte's Catholic Church, Zell am See, Austria – seven minutes later…

Uncle Bob didn't say anything when he arrived. He helped Holly and June into the back of the jeep, before taking my hand and guiding me into the front seat. When we arrived at St. Hippolyte's, the four of us prepared to separate once inside the vestibule. Holly offered me a hug, and wished me well before going off in search of a place in the pews. June threw her arms around me, and took my hands, looking at me expectantly.

"You've been through so much, Caroline. You and Dick have been tested many times, and conquered defeat. He is the only man I could deem worthy enough to be your husband. Today is your wedding day. Today marks the first day of the rest of your life with Dick. I am glad I get to witness this. I wish you such good luck, baby sister."

I kissed her cheek, thanking her for her sincere and beautiful words as I tried not to start blubbering. She too, was holding back tears as she warned Uncle Bob to take my arm.

"We'll be getting started immediately. I'm going to let the chaplain know that the bride has arrived!"

Before I could blink, June had left the vestibule and entered the sanctuary. I turned to Uncle Bob, who had his arm out. I smiled as I latched onto him.

"Caroline, I am glad to be doing this for you. I'm sure you would have preferred your fath—"

"Don't say that. I do wish my parents were here, but this…this is my wedding, and I am honored that you are giving me away. You knew he was worthy of me from the beginning, Uncle Bob. Thank you for supporting us."

I stepped on my toes as I reached up to meet his height, and pecked his cheek. He turned a bit rosy at my gesture. Uncle Bob gruffly cleared his throat, and gingerly patted my hand, as though trying to tell me (as politely as possible) enough was enough with the sentimentality. The church doors suddenly opened, and the wonderful, brave men and women I had the honor of working with filled the front rows. My eyes, though, watched only watched one person. I saw Richard, standing tall and steadfast in front of the altar. He was handsome and poised in his dress greens – his garrison cap jauntily set on his head. He wore a slight close-lipped smile, but it grew into a wide-toothed grin with every step I got closer to him. Nix flanked Richard, and June was waiting for me on "my" side of the church – the nurses made for a beautiful picture, all bright smiles and clad in their best dresses.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked Father Maloney, once Uncle Bob and I stopped in front of the dais. Uncle Bob offered the affirmative, and kissed my cheek, before offering my hand to Richard. Richard accepted it, and Uncle Bob shook his free hand before taking a seat in the front pew next to Holly. Richard helped me onto the dais, and I gave June my bouquet to hold.

"In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…"

Our eyes never strayed from each other's gazes throughout the entire ceremony.

Winters POV

When I saw Caroline making her way to me down the aisle, that is when I knew my life with the army…had practically disappeared. Yes, we were still stuck in Europe, but the reality of getting married made me realize that soon, the war would, god willing, come to an end. Maybe we wouldn't see action in Japan. I couldn't stop staring at Caroline. She was perfect. I had seen her in various outfits throughout the time I knew her…sweaty in PT gear, hardworking in field gear, professional in dress greens, glamorous in her infamous green gown…but she was most beautiful in a wedding dress. I liked Caroline best as a bride.

My bride.

"...And do you, Richard, take Caroline, to be your wife, to..."

I would get to take Caroline home as my bride, and I was looking forward to the prospect. Saying "I do" fell easily from my mouth as the vows were read to me – how could it not with such a beauty, wanting me as her husband, standing in front of me?

"…and smile!"

Caroline and I posed for the umpteenth time for the regimental photographer as he continued to snap wedding portraits. We'd taken a few shots with Nix, June, and Colonel Sink at the church. June suggested, however, that we get a few of us posed outside amongst the breathtaking Austrian landscapes. It was a great idea, but after the photographer kept staging us in repetitive poses, I immediately grew tired of the camera flashes. All I wanted was a moment alone with my bride. Preferably in my bedroom.

"…Alright, and we're done! All set!"

He said something about getting the photographs developed post haste, but his commentary barely registered. I started to reach for Caroline's hand. Lew and June, however, approached us.

"What now?" I asked, not caring if I sounded the least bit exasperated.

"Down boy. I know what you want," he said, waggling his thick eyebrows. "I have a plan. This plan is the way for you to get what you want. June and I did some behind-the-scenes work, and managed to throw together a soiree of sorts in your honor. We, however, need some time to set things up."

"And?" I prompted, getting even more impatient as Lew dragged out the explanation of his grand 'plan.'

"The time we need gives you two a few hours to get 'acquainted' with each other, before everyone reconvenes for the party," continued June, a saucy smirk set on her red lips, as she knew I had just realized they were really were trying to get us alone together.

"On that note, we'll see you later. C'mon, Lewis. Let's leave the newlyweds to their own devices."

As I watched Nix and June walk away, I felt Caroline softly slip her hand in mine. I stared down at her. Her green eyes were staring hopefully at me.

"Hi," I said.

"Hello. So…are you going to take me to your room…or do I have to drag you to mine?"

"Sweetheart, you never have to drag me anywhere if it means being with you," I said, as I scooped her in my arms and carried her to my quarters.

Caroline's POV

I shivered at the touch of Richard's hands as they tenderly (and sensually) crept their way down my backside. He was taking his time unbuttoning my dress. I felt him slowly slip the dress off my shoulders, and allowed it to fall off my figure. The delicate linen skirt pooled onto the floor, leaving me in my chemise, brassiere, stockings, and crinoline. I stepped out of the dress, picked it up, and placed it carefully on his chest of drawers. Richard then took my hand and guided it to his neck tie. I started to free him from his own clothes.

"I swear, I think you're wearing more layers than I am," I joked, as I finally took off his white undershirt. He stood before me in his sinewy, toned, and freckled bare-chested glory. He carefully lowered me onto his bed. I could feel him deftly peel off my stockings and garters, and then went wide-eyed as his hand started to creep under the hem of my crinoline. He skillfully removed it, and my panties, before proceeding to unbuckle his belt. My hand met his zipper and—

"Oh Richard!" I cried out, feeling his mass get harder against me. Richard's hands then raised my chemise over my head, and finally unhooked my brassiere. I was finally…finally giving everything to the man I wanted.

Winters POV

Caroline tried to cover her naked figure once I threw her brassiere to the floor. I knew she was nervous, and she had every reason to be. I carefully pried her hands away from her body, and took her in. Slender, slightly bony, and pale from her years away from a societal existence; certainly, the definition of war-weary, but I wouldn't have changed a thing about her. In front of me was a brave and gorgeous woman who gave up everything she'd known for the fear of the unknown.

"Oh Caroline…Caroline, don't be ashamed about how you look. You're beautiful," I reassured her, absorbing every inch of her, not wanting to miss a single lovely detail – she was breathtaking! I nipped at her neck, causing her to cry out in pleasure, and she ran her fingers wildly through my hair.

"Richard, oh my dearest darling," she whispered in my ear. "I hope you—"

I interrupted her with a hand over her mouth, knowing what she was about to say.

"Never think back to Swindon. That moment will never matter. This moment, right here, with me, is your first time. You want this. You didn't want him. I will never hurt you, and—"

I didn't only want my words to assuage her. My actions needed to prove my love – so I stopped talking, and pressed my lips against hers. My tongue travelled its way into her mouth, and we were tangled up in each other's arms, roaming carelessly around on the white downy bedding.

"You're my wife, Caroline. I love you as you are."

She nodded against my chest, and my hands made their way to her bosom, caressing her breasts as she squealed in ecstasy at my touch.

We made love three times; each turn a little more aggressive and passionate. I wanted to make sure she was comfortable. After our initial encounter, I could sense a change in her demeanor — she was growing more confident of our intimacy. Caroline fell asleep after we climaxed the third time. I quietly admired her naked sleeping form, wrapped up in the bedspread, dropped a kiss on her exposed shoulder, and curled into her as I felt myself nodding off. She'd worn me out. It, however, didn't seem like we'd been asleep very long, as we were suddenly roused by incessant knocking at our door. Caroline moaned in annoyance, and nestled deeper into the crook of my arm, as though trying to hide from our intruder. I could hear a slightly incoherent 'go away' from her.

"It's Nix!" he shouted from the other side of the door. "You've half an hour to head downstairs! Get dressed!"

"I thought I made the orders," I shouted back, rolling my eyes at Nix's interruption. Caroline chuckled as she heard my reply. Nix heard it too, and shouted for us to get a move on. I reluctantly helped Caroline out of the warm nest of our bed, much to her chagrin.

"Richard, please, can't we stay here?" she begged, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

"I'd like to, Caroline, but Nix and June have put effort into organizing this party for us. We need to make an appearance. I promise, we will come directly back to bed when our duty is completed. We can sneak away once Easy Company is thoroughly inebriated," I said, as I picked up her discarded lingerie from the floor, and helped re-dress her.

June's POV, half past six in the afternoon.

"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, I present Mr. and Mrs. Winters!"

After I announced the arrival of the newlyweds to the 'reception' that Lewis and I had painstakingly pieced together in the banquet hall of the hotel, the party officially commenced. Easy Company and the nurses let out a resounding 'currahee' as my sister and Dick entered the room. They both turned beet red at the attention, and it was another reason (I noted to myself) why they were perfectly suited for each other. I looked around the banquet hall as they made their rounds; Caroline looking like a perfect porcelain doll on Dick's arm, accepting kind words from their well-wishers. I was relieved that Lewis and I managed to create a successful reception on short-notice. I attributed it to my acquired military precision and efficiency.

Booze was flowing from the copious stash Lewis had from Goring's cellar. A bakery in town provided some pastries, hors d'oeuvres, and a cake. With the help of the nurses, we'd pieced together some papered decorations—garlands and such. The hotel had a linen and flatware service; we placed white tablecloths on the tables we'd arranged for the guests, and plenty of candles—these were placed sporadically around the banquet hall. Holly made centerpieces fashioned from some wildflowers in a meadow nearby for the tables – the same blooms that had been used to create Caroline's bouquet.

The reception certainly was not close to my mother's standards, but I was proud of my handiwork. Judging by Caroline's blissful, elated smile that had not left her face since arriving with Dick, she didn't care about the impromptu, pieced-together, hastily planned, slightly shoddy reception.

We even had music—Luz found a gramophone, and soon Sinatra's latest (records courtesy of the USO!) was blaring in the banquet hall. He grabbed Holly for a dance; soon all the men were scooping up a nurse. I started to rifle through the records Luz had, wanting to find the perfect song for Caroline and Dick's first dance. I grinned when I found the right selection.

I shouted for everyone's attention once the first song came to an end.

"Alright then! Caroline, Dick, please come to the floor. It is time for you two to have your first dance as husband and wife."

I dropped the needle, and Fred Astaire's voice filled the room as Caroline and Dick took each other in their arms and swayed along to—

"The Way You Look Tonight? Excellent choice, although I personally would've picked I Get a Kick Out of You."

Lewis had approached me from behind; his voice so intimately close in my ear. His hands carefully rested on my hipbones, as I relaxed into his chest. He pressed a kiss on my neck, and we took a moment to admire Caroline and Dick.

"Hmm…I don't know. I think that song might be more appropriate for our first dance, Lewis," I teased.

"Well you do give me more of a kick than champagne and 'mere alcohol,' so I suppose you're right. Don't worry – we'll have our own first dance soon enough at our wedding," he said, as he took my waist and started to dance with me. I looked up at him as he said that; his normally jovial and teasing expression was serious.

"Is that a promise?"

"You'll have a ring on that finger soon."

"Lewis, it's so nice to hear that. But darling, I don't want to rush you. I know you love me, and that's enough for right now. Right now, let's worry about getting home. I do know we're meant to be. You're going to be my husband one day."

"Damn right I am."

"As cocky as you are handsome, I'll give you that."

He grinned, and pulled me in for a kiss.

Oh yes. Lewis Nixon would one day, be my husband.

Winters POV, later that night…

After dinner, some more dancing (the men of Easy Company each wanted a turn with the lady of the hour), Caroline and I finally cut our wedding cake. We stuck around long enough to share a piece – she did threaten to smash it in my face if I didn't eat some with her – before deciding to leave our friends to keep partying the night away. As happy as Caroline looked, I could tell she was exhausted. I was struggling to stay awake myself. We said our goodbyes. With Caroline's hand in mine, I led her back upstairs to my quarters.

Caroline sat on the bed as she slipped off her hosiery, and I came behind her to assist with unbuttoning her dress.

"Hmm, much better," she sighed, once she'd slipped into her negligee. Caroline was about to get under the covers, but I caught her arm, and got down on my knees.

"Dearest, you've already proposed, and I daresay it was successful."

"Caroline, listen to me for a moment. I'm glad we made the traditional vows, but they weren't quite the vows I wanted to say to you today. Sweetheart, I was blessed to have you help me get through this war – and I'm glad I'll have you at my side get through the rest of my life. I promise I will involve in you in any personal decisions I must make that would affect both of us. I promise to never leave you behind, and I promise that you will never have to doubt my love and devotion for you, Caroline Winters."

She kneeled to meet my height; a gentle hand on my face.

"I promise I will never doubt your love and devotion for me – and I promise I will support you, and stay by your side, no matter what you decide to do with your life. I don't need or want splendor, luxury, and wealth, Richard. Remember what Gabriel Oak promised Bathsheba – a home, with a cozy fire, where we will sit together, and wherever you look up, there shall I be…"

"And whenever I look up, there will be you, Lina."

Our lips met in a kiss, and I helped her into bed. This time, our clothes stayed on – we knew we had several days to ourselves – as we settled in to sleep.

"You called me Caroline Winters," she murmured softly against my chest – her head was resting on it.

"Well, sweetheart, that is your name now."

"I know, dearest…but that was the first time today I was referred to as 'Caroline Winters,' oddly enough."

"How does it feel?"

"It feels…the way I hoped it would. Just right."

and fin.