Ed Vedder. Ed Ved. Eddie Vedder. That's All.

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$1600/2 br

Aries: summon a couple hundred demons to be their servants and you’ll be off to a decent start

Taurus: only ancient Gregorian chants can excite Tauruses

Gemini: inappropriately timed references to shows that have been off the air for years

Cancer: two words: Yugioh Cards

Leo: speak only in Latin

Virgo: only direct appeals to the Ancient Gods of old will appease a Virgo

Libra: the whispers of the void are more than enough already

Scorpio: Send them back to the dimension from which they came

Sagittarius: I dunno, advanced trigonometry?

Capricorn: you can’t turn a Capricorn on. I’m sorry, that’s just how it works.

Aquarius: science

ONE YEAR LATER

“Mike? Hi, it’s me, I need you, can you come?”

“Yeah I just arrived, where are you?”

“I’m in my bedroom. Just come in”

I hung up the phone and waited for Mike to arrive. I paced the room in my robe. My make up was set and my long hair had been swept up off my face and pinned up. I had small stems of baby’s breath pinned in to my hair.

There was a knock at the door and Mike entered. He looked so handsome in his suit. His hair styled into his trademark spike.

“Hey handsome” I smiled when I saw him

“You look beautiful. Happy Wedding Day” I squeezed Mike so tightly I was so glad to have my friend here. I couldn’t let go and let him hold me for a while.

“I can’t do this without her. I thought I could but I can't” my tears were close to spilling out as Mike held me.

“Oh Ella, I know. We all miss her too. Clara wouldn’t want you upset today” Mike reassured me.

“She should be here. If she hadn’t pushed me out the way, Richards mum would have hit me instead Mike”

“Don’t do that, it’s not your fault. I like to think Clara is here in spirit. As long as you have her in your heart Ella, she’ll always be with you”

“Do you really believe that?”

“I really do” Mike gave a half smile. We sat in silence for a moment before I spoke.

“Mike there’s something else I wanted to ask you if that’s ok?”

“Sure, what can I do?”

“ Would you give me away?”

“Seriously?”

“ You’re one of my favourite people Mike McCready, I’d never have gotten through Clara’s death without you. I would really like you to consider it. If it’s not too big or weird an ask that is”

“Ella I would be proud and delighted to walk you down the aisle. Of course I will”

“Really? I wanted to ask you for so long now but I could never find the right time or the right words” I smiled.

“Nothing like last minute. Is this gonna be ok with Stone, I mean I don’t want him to think it’s weird or whatever” Mike wrinkled up his nose as he spoke.

“Stone is completely on board with it. Don’t worry, we spoke about this ages ago, before I moved to Seattle actually”

“Wow, it’s actually taken you a year to ask me” Mike snorted.

“I’m a hopeless case, what can I say” I shrugged as I laughed

“Alright, well I’m gonna go down and tell Maya what’s going on, I don’t want her thinking I’ve abandoned her at her first Pearl Jam wedding”

“You tell that beautiful lady of yours I’m sorry for stealing you but she will have you back as soon as the ceremony starts” I grinned

“Deal. Now go and put some clothes on, I’ll be back up for you soon” he kissed me on the cheek before he left as Stone’s sisters Shelly and Star came in.

“Come on you, it’s time to get this beautiful gown on” Star smiled as she helped Shelley carry it over to the bed.

I’d kept the appointment Clara made for me at the bridal boutique. It was two weeks after her death and the last thing I wanted to do. I was a mess when the lady showed me the dress Clara had put aside for me to try on. I bought it immediately without trying on or looking at anything else.

As always my darling girl had gotten it completely right. She had chosen a beautiful backless ivory satin gown with a sweetheart neckline and embellished capped sleeves. The dress was beautifully fitted to the waist then flared out into a full ball gown skirt with buttons down the length of the train. It was perfect.

Shelly and Star helped me in to it. It was a three person job for sure, so typical of Clara to embrace the ridiculousness. Since I’d moved Stone’s sisters had been so generous and kind to me so much so they felt more like my own sisters than anything I could have imagined. Stone was delighted when I asked them to be bridesmaids. It wasn’t an easy thing to ask , I felt like I was somehow replacing Clara, but they were so understanding and really took care of me while I grieved.

“Oh my God Ella…. Stone is gonna have a heart attack when he sees you” Shelly immediately burst into tears

“No more crying, I’ve cried all morning and I’m not doing my make up again” I said as I squeezed her hand gently

“Speaking of the Devil, here, Stone asked me to give you this. Star handed over a box before they left the room to give me a minute to myself.

I opened up the box to see a diamond pendant and matching earrings. They were so elegant and dainty I was scared to touch them. I put them on then stole a look in the full length mirror in our bedroom. Wow. I really did look quite pretty. I really hoped Stone like they way I looked. I opened the card.

Darling Moonlander,

I can’t wait to marry you. I’ll see you at the alter. I’ll be the one in a suit looking awkward.

I love you.

Ps. I promise not to wear crocs.

Your Stone X

The tears were starting again. I looked at the clock. It was nearly time. We had decided to have our wedding in our home to keep it as private as possible. I looked out the window to see the garden beautifully decorated with thousands of flowers. Our wedding planner had done an amazing job with the set up. The guests were already seated. I looked away before I saw Stone. I didn’t want to see him until I got down.

Mike arrived to escort me down the stairs with Shelly and Star.

“You look absolutely stunning Ella” he grinned.

“Thank you. I hope Stone thinks so too” I laughed

“Oh I guarantee he will. Look after him for us Ella won’t you?” Mike added.

“Forever. I promise”

We made our way down the stairs to the back patio. Shelly and Star walked down the aisle behind Stone’s parents as the music started. I had asked Eddie if he would play Tuolumne on the Ukulele as I walked down the aisle and like the sweetheart he is he agreed.

Mike linked arms with me and walked me slowly down the aisle. I saw Stone standing at the bottom with the biggest grin on his face. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. I didn’t even notice anyone else. Mike kissed me on the cheek and shook Stones hand as the registrar asked who gave this woman to this man.

“I do” Mike said before he made his way over to sit with Maya.

I immediately reached for Stone’s hand and didn’t let him go while we made our vows.

He looked so handsome in his Black suit. I knew how uncomfortable he was dressing up but he really did look amazing. His hair was slightly shorter than it had been but it was still long, just the way I liked it.

We exchanged rings and made our vows to each other.

“I now pronounce you Husband and wife, Stone you may kiss your bride” the registrar announced to thunderous applause.

Stone tenderly took my face in his hands and gently kissed me.

“ I love you Gabriella Gossard” he grinned.

“I love you too Mr Moonlander”

We walked back up the aisle and into the house. We were supposed to stay inside for a moment before coming out to see our guests but I needed to have a moment alone with Stone.

“Quick come with me, I pulled his hand and asked him to help me carry my dress upstairs”

“What’s going on?” He asked me.

“I’ll explain upstairs, come on husband” I laughed as I pulled him into our bedroom.

“Wow I know we said we would start working on those baby pebbles after the wedding but I thought we’d have the reception first” Stone quipped as he pulled me gently to him and kissed me full on the mouth.

“Well you see, that sounds fantastic Stone, but the thing is I think we should wait a while” I smiled

“Yeah we probably shouldn’t keep our guests waiting too long” he laughed.

I took Stones hand and gently placed it on my stomach. He looked at me with a slightly confused look on his beautiful squishy face.

“ We need to wait a while because this little baby pebble will be here in around seven months” I grinned at him as I saw his eyes light up and his grin got even wider.

“You’re pregnant?” He shrieked

I nodded as I threw my arms around him and kissed him.

“Happy Wedding Day” I laughed.

“You are amazing Moonlander. You look so beautiful. I promise I will love you and look after you and pebble until my last breath”

“Ditto”

He kissed me once more.

“Ok come on let’s go and and see everyone” he said as he led me downstairs

We went back outside to see all our friends and family. Jeff came running over with a girl he’d asked if he could bring to the wedding to introduce us. Her name was Fiona, and she was absolutely beautiful.