Originally written as the conclusion to "Bar Stools and Polka Dots", this story takes place around the time that Nick and Jess are about to celebrate their one year anniversary. Although this is a stand alone story, there may be occasional references to events that would have occurred in "Bar Stools", as Nick and Jess were navigating their first year together. The previous story has/will end with Cece and Schmidt finding their way back to each other. Despite only being back together for about a month, they decide to stop playing games and get married immediately.

Prologue:

It was a quiet evening in the loft. Nick and Jess were cuddled on the couch flipping through the channels, while Winston sat at the table with his laptop. They all jumped when the loft door swung open and the loud laughter of Schmidt and Cece filled the room.

"Good evening, fellow citizens of 4D. We have an announcement!" Schmidt threw his arms in the air, wrapping one around Cece's shoulders. Nick and Jess both sat up on the couch and Winston just rolled his eyes. "Cecelia and I are getting married."

Winston mumbled under his breath, as Jess jumped off the couch, making her way to the entryway. "Whaaaaaaat? Are you serious?! When did this happen?" Her jaw dropped as Cece smiled.

"Well," Cece grinned widely. "We were just talking and...we don't want to waste anymore time. We want to just do this, sooooooo... We're going to Vegas to elope."

Jess ran to hug her best friend, as Nick and Winston both made their way over to the group. "CECE! Oh my God. When?"

Schmidt grinned. "This weekend."

Nick and Winston both screamed in shock.

"Are you crazy man?"

"Dude, what's the rush?! Is she pregnant or something?" Winston pointed to a scowling Cece, as Schmidt just hit the side of his head. "OW!"

Jess, still holding on to Cece's arms frowned a little. "This is crazy, Cece. Are you sure?"

Cece took a deep breath as she stepped away from Jess and wrapped her arm around Schmidt's waist. "We just... Jess, I don't want to go through that whole wedding mess again. I can't. We just want to do this and start our life together."

She smiled at Schmidt as he nodded enthusiastically. "This beautiful goddess will finally be mine."

Nick grimaced, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "You've been back together a month..." Jess just glared at Nick as he shrugged his shoulders, mouthing 'what?'.

Jess took a deep breath and studied Cece's face, who was staring back at her expectantly. Finally, Jess started to smile. "Um...okay. This is good. This is...exciting. Oh my God, the ring!" She grabbed for Cece's hand, a confused look coming across her face as Schmidt spoke.

"Cece has agreed that since she doesn't want a glamorous wedding ceremony, that I can at least surprise her with the ring."

Jess tilted her head and smiled. "Aw, that's so sweet Schmidt. Congratulations, guys!" She leaned over to give Schmidt a hug as Winston and Nick both slapped Schmidt on the shoulder. Nick walked over to hug Cece as she continued.

"We want you all to be there."

Winston hugged Cece and took a step back, scratching his head. "I uh...you sure..."

Cece narrowed her eyes at him. "Yes, all of you. But NO. PRANKS."

Winston stuck his hands in his pockets. "Right..."

Jess grabbed Nick's hand and smiled. "Of course! We'll all be there!"

Later that night, Nick was laying in bed staring at the ceiling when Jess finally came into the room, having spent the entire night in a hushed conversation at the dining table with Cece about the wedding.

Jess climbed into bed and kissed Nick on the cheek, before settling into his embrace and resting her head on his chest.

"Crazy night, huh?" Nick just grunted a little, not moving. Jess paused for a moment before continuing. "They're so excited. Don't you think it's exciting?!" She waited for him to respond, but when he didn't, she pushed herself up on her elbow to look at him. He was still looking at the ceiling, so she poked him in the chest to get his attention. "Nick!"

His eyes darted to hers. "What? Right...exciting."

Jess sat up, bringing her legs underneath her, her face scrunched in frustration. "What's wrong with you? You've been grumpier than normal all night."

He sighed and brought his opposite hand behind his head, taking her hand in his other. "Look, I'm happy for him, I just...they just got back together. You don't think it's bad idea?"

Jess shrugged, playing with his fingers. "I don't know. Maybe. They seem happy though."

"You don't think this is going to end in another disaster." It was more a statement than a question.

Jess sighed and rolled her eyes. "I don't know! God Miller, can't you just be happy for them? They want to get married. They need our support, not our permission."

Nick started to say something, but closed his mouth as soon as he saw the look on her face. It was a look that said she was clearly NOT going to agree with him that this was a bad idea. He shook his head and smiled, reaching out to pull her on top of him. "Fine. You win. I just want..." He kissed her and smiled as her weight settled on top of him, "...to do a little celebrating of my own". He kissed her again, then wiggled his eyebrows.

"Celebrating, huh?" She drew circles across his shoulders and smiled. "I could think of ONE thing we have to celebrate."

Nick rolled her on her back, leaning on his elbows and gently tugging on her dark curls. "A year is a pretty big deal..."

She smiled as she snaked her arms up and around his neck, her blue eyes sparkling. Her voice became quiet. "A HUGE deal."

He leaned down to kiss her as a small moan rattled in the back of her throat. A sadness came over him and he swallowed hard. "I was such an idiot that day."

"Hey," She ran her fingers through his hair, before taking his face in her hands. "that day was the start of ...everything. I love you, Nick."

He smiled. "I love you too, Jess."