Burbank's largest cathedral was full to the brim, with countless more people crowded outside.

Mickey could barely keep from tapping his foot as he stood straight and tall at his place by the alter. He'd been used to formality and ceremony since childhood, but it was especially trying to contain his excitement this time. Oswald had jokingly reminded him that no one would judge him for looking happy at his own wedding, but they might if he started jumping around like a lunatic.

Of course, Mickey had no intention of doing anything like that, but he still had to keep a handle on his eagerness. He was supposed to look mature and collected, after all… and no way would he risk embarrassing Minnie.

As if on cue, soft music began playing from the organ above. His heart pounding, Mickey turned toward the entrance to the church. When the doors opened, he thought it might stop. The crowd filling the seats was completely forgotten, and he didn't even hear their soft murmurs.

Minnie stood at the end of the aisle, her gold embroidered white gown and transparent veil shimmering in the light. When she smiled, Mickey thought he was gazing at an angel.

At the same time, Minnie was breathless as she gazed back at her groom. He looked every part a prince in his white suit and scarlet cape, but nothing could have been more handsome then his smiling face.

A gentle hand on her shoulder made her look up, and she returned her father's smile as he held out his arm.

"Are you ready?" he asked gently.

Minnie placed her arm in his and nodded.

"Yes."

Each young mouse felt their hearts beat faster as the bride was escorted down the aisle, their eyes never leaving each other. When they reached the alter, Marcus turned toward his daughter. He gave her a gentle kiss on her forehead, then turned to Mickey. His smile widening, the prince stepped forward and bowed his head before letting him place Minnie's hand in his.

Marcus smiled and nodded before moving to his seat at the front. Mickey caught a glimpse of his mother's proud, tearful smile and Oswald's grin before focusing his attention back on Minnie. Her smile was so beautiful that he barely remembered to pay attention as the service began.

Most of it was a blur of words, talking about union and the sanctity of marriage, but once it reached the vows both mice listened with utmost intent, then repeated at the bishop's prompting.

"I, Michael, take you, Minerva, to be my lawful wedded wife, to love, honor, and keep from this day forward, in good times and in bad, until death do us part."

As he smiled over at Minnie, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of nervousness. Even now, he couldn't help wondering how he deserved her and if she would accept him.

Despite his unease, however, Minnie only returned his smile with glowing sincerity and spoke the same vows.

"I, Minerva, take you, Michael, to be my lawful wedded husband, to love, honor, and keep from this day forward, in good times and bad, until death do us part."

Mickey thought his heart might burst, and he barely managed to control his beaming smile as he slipped a gold wedding band on Minnie's finger.

"With this ring, I pledge my eternal faith as your husband."

He looked up to meet eyes just as damp as his, and smiled as Minnie took his hand and placed a similar band on his own finger. Her voice quivered just a little as she spoke, blinking back tears.

"With this ring, I pledge my eternal faith as your wife."

They pulled their gaze from each other to face the bishop, who gave them both a slight but warm smile.

"Then by the power vested in me, I do now pronounce you husband and wife."

Both mice turned toward each other, not even noticing the hundreds of eyes on them. Giving Minnie's hands a slight squeeze, Mickey leaned in to kiss her but was taken by surprise when her lips met his first, her arms wrapping around his neck.

The building erupted with applause, along with a whistle from Oswald that most pretended not to notice. But for the young newlyweds, their large audience might as well have been on another planet.

…

The music swelled to a crescendo, and Minnie felt her heart swell with it as Mickey swept her out in a circle. When she stepped back in he placed his hand on the small of her back and pulled her close, much closer than the dance required. Her face flushed with delight as she gave her husband a teasing smile.

"You know, people are watching."

He returned her smile with a cheeky grin.

"Well, so what? Last time I checked, this was our party."

Minnie giggled as he twirled her again. Glancing at the other couples dancing around them, she smiled when she noticed Daisy nearby with Donald. Just before the ball, she had told Minnie, along with anyone else in hearing range, that Donald had offered her a stuttering but heartfelt proposal. Oswald was on the floor as well, accompanied by a shy-looking cat in a blue gown that he had been spending time with all evening. Mickey had told Minnie that he couldn't remember ever seeing him smile so wide.

They completed the final steps of the dance, then clapped for the orchestra. There was a lull in the dancing then, during which yet another round of well-wishers came up. When the last one wandered off, Mickey leaned close to whisper in Minnie's ear.

"Are people still comin' in? 'Cause I could've sworn we met everyone."

Minnie stifled another giggle and tucked her arm in his as they strolled toward the side of the ballroom that opened onto the balcony.

"Well, you know how these things work. It's not just our night."

She was joking, but she noticed Mickey's smile lessen a little.

"Yeah."

Minnie felt a little guilty; exciting as the past few weeks had been, she had been feeling somewhat let down at the fact that they seemed to have to share their special time with so many others. She hadn't meant to, but some of her frustration must have crept into her statement. Giving Mickey's arm a gentle squeeze, she was about to apologize when a familiar gleam suddenly appeared in his eyes.

Before Minnie could ask any questions, Mickey tightened his hold on her arm and pushed one of the large doors open a crack before tugging Minnie out onto the balcony. The garden below was illuminated so guests could walk in it, but Minnie couldn't see anyone on the paths. She looked at Mickey in surprise, and he smiled widely.

"C'mon."

Smiling herself now, Minnie let him lead her down the stairs toward the garden.

"Won't they miss us inside?"

Mickey grinned at her.

"They can wait. 'Sides, I don't think anyone'll notice for 'bout an hour yet."

For a moment Minnie was confused, but then it clicked in her mind. Her smile widened and she raised a brow.

"I suppose everyone else is in on this?"

Mickey gave her a sheepish grin.

"Sorry I didn't say anything… thought it'd be a surprise."

Minnie felt her eyes well a little, and she leaned her head against his shoulder as they started down the path.

"Mickey… thank you."

They continued to walk in silence, just enjoying the still evening air and each other's company. Minnie found herself thinking of the last time she'd walked here; like now, she had known she would soon be leaving home and been uncertain when she would come back. But despite the similarities, things weren't the same now. Any sadness she felt was fleeting, and nothing could match how happy she felt.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Mickey placed his arm around her and run a gentle hand through her hair.

"I'm sorry ya have t' leave again so soon," he murmured. The soft regret in his tone made Minnie's heart flutter, and she lifted her head to smile at him.

"Don't you worry about that. I know that I can always visit, and I already feel at home in Anaheim." She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "And besides, I'll be with you."

She saw a faint blush tinge his cheeks as he smiled humbly. By then they'd reached a large fountain in the center of the garden, and Minnie gently tugged Mickey's arm.

"You know, this was always my favorite spot." A wistful smile tugged at her face. "My father told me that Mother walked here with me after I was born, before she…"

Her voice trailed off as she gazed at the dancing water. She had been far too young to remember her mother walking with her, but there had always been something about this spot that she liked. She felt content, safe… just like she did now. With a smile, she leaned against Mickey. As exciting as the past few weeks had been, this was what she'd been missing… what they'd both been missing.

After a while, the faint sound of music came drifting from the ballroom. Mickey looked at Minnie then smiled and held out his hand. With a soft giggle, she took it and they began the slow steps of a waltz.

"Shouldn't we go back to the party for this?"

Mickey smiled, reaching up to cup her cheek in his hand.

"I think we put on a good enough show to last 'em a while. Just bein' with you is enough for me."

Minnie's heart melted as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. Forgetting everything else, she leaned into it, wrapping her arms around his neck. Neither spoke, but they could almost hear each other's words.

I love you.

THE END