The Midnight Train Crossing

Finally, the morning of the wedding arrived and Lily nearly bounced out of bed, right into RC's waiting arms.
He hummed "here comes the bride" and kissed Lily.
"You ready?" she asked him.
"Yes I think so," he replied, "how about you?"
"I was ready a long time ago..." she said softly.
He kissed her again. Her way of putting things was just one of the many reasons he loved her.

"Shall we have breakfast at the diner Miss Lily?" he asked with a smile, offering her his arm.
"That would be lovely," she agreed.
They headed off to the diner, humming softly.
"It's such a nice day," Lily said.
"It is," he agreed.

When they reached the diner, he held the door open for her.
"Why thank you sir," she teased.
"No problem Miss Lily," he winked.

They sat down at a booth, snuggling close together. Lily was in a rather playful mood, and she twined some of his hair around her finger, kissing him deeply.
"Hey now," the dining car teased, coming over, "I mean we all know you're gettin' married today.."
Both looked up at the smiling dining car.
"Usual breakfast?" she asked.

Once the coach had gone off to get their food, Lily returned to kissing RC
"This is one of the most happiest days of my life," he whispered to her.
"Mine too," she whispered back, "I can't wait until this afternoon."
"It's going to be wonderful!" he agreed, cuddling her.

RC placed a hand on Lily's growing stomach. "A husband and a father-to-be..." he started.
Lily grinned, "All in the same day."
"If somebody would've come up to me and told me that, I would have laughed..." he smiled at her, "But now I know anything can be possible."
She giggled softly.
"It's true," he defended.
"I know," she kissed him.

The caboose rubbed her stomach lightly. "It would be nice to have a son..." he said, "Though I'll love either equally," he added with a smile.
She laughed and traced a hand across his face.
RC smiled. He loved her laugh... He loved everything about her.

Their breakfast arrived, but Lily only ate about half of it before pushing the rest of it around.
"Lil?" He gazed at her, suddenly worried, "Are you feelin' alright?"
She smiled, "Just excited."
"Good," he sounded relieved, "Didn't want anything to be wrong." He took her hand. The truth was, he was a more than just a little nervous. He smiled at her, "I'm excited too."

She looked up at the clock, "Too early to start getting ready I guess," she said.
"I hope I can spend some more time with you until I'm not allowed to see you before the ceremony," he teased, holding her close.
She giggled softly and snuggled up against him, "Of course. Let's go for a walk."
"Alright," he agreed, "Sounds good to me."

She stood up and led him out of the diner. They walked side-by-side along the tracks.
After a bit, Lily stopped and placed a hand on her stomach.
"Lil?" he asked.
"It's nothing," she said with a smile, "The baby moved."
He smiled and rubbed her stomach, then took her hand again and they continued on their way.

She had a dreamy smile throughout the entire walk.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered, "Sometimes, I still find myself surprised that you chose me..."
"Oh?"
He stopped and turned to her, "It's not too often, with my experience anyway. That you come across a couple that's not coach/engine who are as serious as we are."
She shrugged, "Well here we are."
"And I'm very happy," he kissed her and they continued to walk.

Soon they found themselves away from the hustle of the inner station.
"I like getting away from everyone once and awhile," she said.
He pointed out a tree, "Shall we?"
She smiled, "Sure."
RC returned the smile and led Lily over, helping her to sit down.
"Thanks," she made a bit of a face, "This is gonna be fun as I get larger..."
He chuckled slightly.
"You're not gonna complain when I whine about being fat are ya?"
"Of course not Lil," he assured her.
"Good," she smiled, "I think you'll have to increase how often you tell me I'm lovely."
"That certainly won't be a problem," he said with a wink.
Lily leaned in for a kiss.

She lay down, resting her head in his lap, closing her eyes contentedly.
He ran his fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp.
"Don't fall asleep now," RC chuckled lightly.
"I won't," she said with a smile, yet she sighed again.
"You seem tired..." he said.
"No," she replied, "Not tired... not really... although..."
"Yeah?..." he prompted.
She sat up and met his blue eyes, "I don't want you to think I'm sad or anything like that," she started.
He gave a slow nod, not liking how this sounded...
"Or that I have any doubts that this afternoon will be the best afternoon of my life..."
He nodded again.
"But I do wish Belle were here."
"I'm sorry..." he said softly. His heart ached... It was his fault that Belle wasn't there...
"I know," she kissed him, "It isn't your fault."
"I feel it is..." he said softly, "Not allowing you to write her until it was too late..."
"Aww," Lily nuzzled him, "I don't want you to feel bad today."
He kissed her, "Don't worry about me Lil. I'm as happy as you are."
She grinned, "Good."
"We'll be so happy," he said, "All three of us."
"I know we will," she kissed him again.
He took her hands and gazed into her deep blue eyes. He never loved her more. "I promise we will."

After awhile, Lily reached over and turned his wrist to look at his watch.
"Is it time?" he asked.
She gave a nod, "We'd better head back."
"Alright," he stood up and helped her up to her wheels.
She grinned at him, "it's time."
He kissed her. "Good. I don't think I could wait any longer."
Lily giggled and started to lead him back.

When they reached the house, Lily smiled.
"The next time we walk into our house, we'll be married," she said softly.
"Yep..." he said, "Husband and wife." He took her in his arms and gave her a kiss.

A knock came on the door and Lily went to answer it.
"Its your big day hon," Aliah greeted Lily.
Lily grinned, "Come on in."
The sleeper entered and saw RC. "You still here?" she kidded.
"Of course," he replied in the same tone.
Aliah chuckled. "Well, Lily needs to get ready and it's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
"Aww," Lily gave RC a quick kiss on the cheek, "Guess that means you're out of here."
"Can't there be an exception?" he asked, looking to Aliah.
"Out," she said with a smile, leading him to the door.
Lily giggled, "Sorry Ryan."
RC gave the puppy dog look, but allowed Aliah to lead him out, giving Lily a smile and a wink.

Once he was gone, Aliah turned back to Lily.
"I think he'll live," Lily teased.
"Of course he will," Aliah grinned
"well..." Lily looked up to the clock, "Two hours..."
"Shall we get you ready?"
Lily nodded.
Aliah pulled out a chair. "Sit down. I'll work on your hair first."
Lily obediently sat down, pulling her dark hair out of it's usual ponytail.
Aliah plugged in a curler and brushed out Lily's hair while she waited for it to warm up. Then she carefully curled the younger coach's hair and started to put it up. She held back a giggle as she felt Lily quivering slightly under her.
"Can you try and sit still?" she asked.
"I can *try*..." Lily started.
"Thanks hon, I know it's hard, you're excited, but I'm almost done."

Soon Aliah held up a mirror for Lily to see the finished product.
She smiled at her reflection, turning her head this way and that to see.
"Do you like it?" Aliah asked.
"It is beautiful!" she exclaimed.
"That's good," Aliah grinned, "Now, where's your dress kept? We'll get it out."
Lily stood up and went over to the closet where she started to pull out a garment bag.
Aliah carefully took the dress out of it's bag, "It'll look beautiful on you."

"But first, shall we do a manicure?" Lily grinned, "You spoil me." She laughed, "It's your day today." Lily grinned and sat back down, placing her hands on the table, "I could get used to this." Aliah laughed, "Maybe after the baby's born, I could give the mother a full spa treatment?" "That would be lovely."

Soon, Aliah was fastening the back of Lily's dress and trying to calm her nervous friend down. "What if I faint or get sick or something?" "Try and think positive," Aliah soothed, "And should there be a *small* chance that it should happen, RC will be right there, and I'll be on your other side." Lily nodded slightly. "You'll be fine." "You sure?" she asked. "I'm positive," Aliah said firmly. Lily nodded and took a deep breath.

"Well... it's nearly time," Aliah said, looking at the clock.
Almost as to agree with Aliah, the music began to start. The wedding was to be held in the back yard, where everyone else was waiting.

As the music started RC's best man - a gravel hopper by the name of Jake - gave the caboose an encouraging smile.
RC looked to Jake and returned the smile, although nervousness was causing him to wring his hands slightly.
"You okay RC?"
He nodded, "Just a lil' nervous... that's all."
Jake nodded, "It'll be fine. Besides, what've you got to be nervous about?"
RC let out a nervous laugh, "Being a good husband... a good father..."
"D'you think that Lily would choose you if you wouldn't be?" Jake asked.
"No..." he said slowly, "But I just hope I'll be able to give her all she could ever need..."
"You'll be fine," Jake assured him, "You're certainly the most responsible caboose I've ever worked with - and you dote on your coach more then some engines do."
RC had to chuckle.

The music changed as the ceremony started and the caboose looked towards the direction of the house.
Aliah started down the aisle. Jake gave her a friendly smile as he met her half way, walking with her to the end. They reached RC and then parted ways.

Then Lily came into view radiant in her wedding dress. She slowly made her way down the aisle.
RC took a deep breath, his eyes glued to her. She was even more lovely if that was even possible for her.
The aisle seemed to be endless, but finally Lily reached RC.
He held out his arm to her and then they turned to face the ‘front'.

Lily was quivering slightly and she was glad to have RC to steady her. He put his free hand and placed it on top of hers. He could feel how unsteady she was, and that drove all his fears out of his head. Lily had told him she was nervous about fainting, and he concentrated on holding her steady.
They both took a deep breath and looked at each other. He smiled and gave her a wink. That made a huge smile spread across her face and he felt infinitely better.

The ceremony passed in a happy blur for Lily until...
"you may kiss the bride."

The caboose turned to her, gently caressed her cheek with his hand and then kissed her with all the love he had.
"I love you..." he whispered
"I love you," she whispered, "With all my heart."

The ceremony ended as RC escorted Lily back down the aisle. When they reached the end, she kissed him again.

It was well after midnight by the time the couple finally got home from the reception.
He sighed happily and opened the door, leading the sleepy Lily inside.
The caboose smiled and took her in his arms, nuzzling her slightly.
"I'm so sleepy," she said.
"I'll take you to bed."

Once they reached the bedroom, she flopped down rather ungracefully and he couldn't help but chuckle.
"What a day," she said with a smile.
"A wonderful day," he agreed, sitting down next to her.
She sat up slightly, "A perfect day," she corrected.
He kissed her.

Lily lay down again, putting her skates to his lap, "Rub my feet?"
"Of course," he said, taking her skates and rubbing them.
"Mmm..." she closed her eyes, "This is nice."
"Anything for you."
"I like that," she said, relaxing.
He started to tickle her feet slightly, not being able to help himself.
"Hey," she protested.
"What?" RC asked innocently, rubbing her feet again.
"You're lucky I'm tired," she teased.
"Aww I was just playin' Lil," he said, tickling her feet again.
She giggled, "Silly."
"I can't help it," he replied.

"Come here..."
He put her feet down on the bed and leaned in closer.
She pulled him down on the bed next to her, resting her head against his chest, snuggling close to him.
He kissed her forehead and put an arm around her.
"I love you..." she murmured.
"I love you too..."
She snuggled against him, "Good night."
"Night Lil..."

She drifted off to sleep, content in her caboose's arms. He held her longer before falling asleep himself, a smile on his face.