Chapter 5

On a crisp Winter morning, Vale awakens to the soft glow of dawn filtering through his window. The air outside is chilly, promising a day where each breath forms a misty cloud. With a sense of excitement tinged with nervousness, he gets out of bed and quickly dresses, wrapping himself in warm layers to stave off the winter's chill.

Today holds a special mission, one that tugs at his heartstrings and sets his pulse racing. Today, he will be venturing out to spread the news of his impending union with the woman he loves. Celia, his beloved fiancée, has captured his heart and soul, and their journey toward becoming partners for life is about to be announced to their quaint village of Forget-Me-Not Valley.

As he steps outside, his breath crystallizes in the cold air. The snow-covered landscape shimmers like a blanket of diamonds under the gentle morning sun. Vale takes a deep breath, feeling the crispness of the Winter air invigorate his senses. His gloved fingers clutch a stack of wedding invitations, each one a testament to the happiness he's found with Celia. He walks with purpose, the light crunch of snow beneath his boots accompanying his determined steps.

With determined strides, Vale reaches the farm where Vesta, Marlin, and Celia eagerly await him. His heart swells at the sight of Celia, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she greets him with a joyful, “Hello, Vale.”

Vesta, radiating maternal love, approaches with words that are both a blessing and a reminder of responsibility, “Take good care of Celia. She’s like my own daughter.”

Celia's voice catches as she utters Vesta's name, moved by the affection that fills the air. Vesta, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, continues, “Go now. Announce to the village of your wedding. We are going to be right here to help you prepare in the meantime.”

Vale and Celia step away, and after a few moments, Celia whirls around, her steps fueled by gratitude. She envelops Vesta in a warm embrace, her words sincere and heartfelt, “Thank you for everything! I owe you so much.”

Vesta's response is tender and reassuring, “Don’t be silly. Even after you get married, we will always be family. And you will be living nearby; nothing will change. Now go on.”

Celia then turns to Marlin, whose emotions are rendered speechless. Nonetheless, Celia manages to convey her appreciation, “thank you for everything, Marlin. Take care of Vesta for me.”

As the duo prepares to embark on a new chapter of their lives, Vesta turns to Vale, her gaze intense and full of motherly concern, “If anything happens to her, I will never forgive you.”

Vale's reply is filled with sincerity, “I promise to take great care of her.”

Joined hand in hand, Celia and Vale step forward, ready to face the village and their shared future. Their journey to spread the news of their upcoming wedding is one of unity and joy. They visit each home, delivering invitations to their neighbors, sharing their happiness. With each knock on the door, their love story resonates, and the village welcomes the promise of a new union. The simple act of handing out invitations transforms into a celebration, the warmth of their community mirrored in every smile and heartfelt promise to attend their spring wedding.

Today is not just about delivering pieces of paper; it's about sharing their joy, inviting the villagers to be part of their love story. Vale's heart flutters as he sees the reactions, the smiles, and the congratulations that will come their way. He knows that the village, a tight-knit community, will embrace their love with open arms.

Inside the cozy ambiance of the Blue Bar, Muffy extends her warm congratulations to Vale for his forthcoming wedding to Celia. Her smile carries genuine happiness, though a subtle hint of disappointment flickers beneath the surface. Unspoken words linger in her eyes, reflecting the hopes she had, yet Muffy is pragmatic. She understands that life's journey often takes unexpected turns, and she's confident that her own path will eventually lead to a life partner of her own.

In this moment of camaraderie, Griffin joins the conversation, his easygoing demeanor punctuated by a hearty congratulation to Vale and Celia. As Muffy playfully nudges Griffin, they both graciously accept the wedding invitation, their promises echoing the genuine warmth of the village community. The anticipation of the upcoming celebration hangs in the air, a testament to the bonds that tie them all together in Forget-Me-Not Valley.

With every invitation he leaves, Vale's heart grows warmer despite the cold. The Winter landscape is a fitting backdrop for this season of their lives – a time of transformation and new beginnings. As the village wakes up to the news, he can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, of fulfillment. Their love, like the Winter's frost, is delicate and beautiful, yet strong and enduring.

The journey through the village unfolds, and Vale's footsteps lead him closer to the inn, where Ruby and her family reside. They come out and adorn them with well wishes and heartfelt congratulations for his impending wedding to Celia. Yet, as he looks around, a growing sense of unease tugs at him, an intuition that something is amiss. It's a feeling that quickens his heartbeat.

When Vale inquires about Nami's whereabouts, his voice reveals a blend of curiosity and concern. Ruby's response lands with an unexpected weight, a truth that dampens the joyous atmosphere around him. As Ruby shares that Nami has recently departed the village, a cloud of confusion and disappointment envelops Vale.

Nami’s invitation he holds becomes more than just a piece of paper; it's a tangible reminder of the promise she made to be part of this celebration. Her sudden absence casts a shadow over his thoughts. The plans they shared, her presence during this significant event in his life, all seem shattered. Why did she leave without a word? Why would she go back on her promise? A swirl of emotions churns within him as he grapples with this unforeseen turn of events.

Amid Nami's conspicuous absence, life presses forward, and the long-awaited wedding day finally dawns on the first day of Spring. The village gathers with a palpable air of excitement at the Mineral Town church, prepared to witness the union of Vale and Celia. Vale stands before the altar, attired in his finest suit, though his gaze involuntarily drifts to the vacant seat he had reserved for Nami. His heart weighs heavy with the unanswered questions of her sudden departure; the absence of her presence feels like an unanswered puzzle.

But as Celia gracefully enters the church adorned in her resplendent wedding attire, Vale's focus shifts. She's a vision of beauty, and the anticipation in the air is almost tangible. Beside her walks Vesta, a symbolic passing of the torch as she formally entrusts Celia to Vale's care. The sight of Celia at his side sweeps away the clouds of unease, replaced by the radiant sunshine of his affection for her.

As the ceremony unfolds, Vale's hand finds Celia's, a reassuring touch amidst the solemnity of the moment. The pastor's words resonate with the gravity of the commitment they're about to make, while their hearts resonate with a shared desire for the life they're choosing together. Gazing into each other's eyes, Vale and Celia find solace in the promise of their future, ready to embark on this new chapter side by side.

Pastor Carter then allows the couple to say their vows to the village. Vale begins, “Celia, from the moment I first set foot in Forget-Me-Not Valley, my life changed in ways I could never have imagined. You brought warmth and light into my world, and I am endlessly grateful for that. Today, as I stand here before our loved ones, I vow to be your partner in every adventure, your refuge in times of storm, and your unconditional support in all that you do. I promise to cherish you, to respect you, and to love you fiercely, through every joy and challenge that life brings us.”

Celia’s face blushes. She then says, “Vale, my journey to this moment has been filled with unexpected twists, but meeting you has been the most beautiful surprise of all. You've shown me kindness, patience, and a love that I never thought possible. Today, in front of our friends and family, I promise to stand by your side, to uplift you when you stumble, and to hold you close when you need strength. I pledge to respect you, to honor you, and to love you with all my heart, as we build a life of happiness, understanding, and shared dreams.”

Pastor Carter smiles, then begins the vows Vale and Celia will take, “Vale, will you take Celia to be your wedded wife, to stand by her side, to cherish her, and to love her with all your heart?”

“I do,” answered Vale

“And Celia, will you take Vale to be your wedded husband, to stand by his side, to cherish him, and to love him with all your heart?”

“I do,” she answers.

Now that the vows are taken, Pastor Carter proceeds with the wedding, “the rings you will exchange are symbols of the unbroken circle of love, a circle that binds you together as partners in this journey of life. As you exchange these rings, may your commitment to each other be as enduring and everlasting as the circle they represent. Now, as you exchange these rings, let them be a reminder of the promises you are making to one another. Vale, please place the ring on Celia's finger and repeat after me; ‘With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you.’”

“With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you,” he says as he slides the ring on Celia’s finger.

“Celia, it's now your turn. Place the ring on Vale's finger and repeat after me; ‘With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you.’"

She places the ring on Vale’s finger as she says,” With this ring, I pledge my love and commitment to you.”

Satisfied with the exchanges of the rings, Pastor Carter continues, “may these rings serve as a lasting reminder of the love and vows you have shared today. As you wear them, may they always remind you of the promises you have made to each other, and the unbreakable bond you share. And now, by the power vested in me and the laws of this land, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.”

Excited to finally be married, Vale and Celia share their first kiss as a married couple, surrounded by the warmth and love of their friends and family. The church erupts in cheers and applause as Vale and Celia walk down the aisle, hand in hand, their faces beaming with joy. Rose petals and confetti rain down on them, creating a whimsical and celebratory atmosphere. Vale and Celia exit the church, hand in hand, the cheers of the village ringing in their ears. They look at each other with pure happiness, ready to embark on this new chapter of their lives as husband and wife.

Celia gracefully transitions into life at the ranch after their beautiful wedding. As their belongings blend together under one roof, it becomes evident that the cozy house needs some adjustments to accommodate their shared life. Takakura swiftly steps in, orchestrating a renovation that enlarges their bedroom and introduces a spacious kitchen, much to Celia's delight.

The kitchen quickly becomes Celia's domain of care and creativity. Each morning, she crafts nourishing meals that Vale takes with him as he heads out to tend to the ranch. Her face lights up with a loving smile as she watches him off, her heart warmed by the fact that she prepared for their shared future. The aroma of her cooking wafts through the air, making the ranch house feel like a true home.

With marriage comes change, and Celia decides it's the perfect time for a fresh look. The hues of her wardrobe shift from her signature green to a vibrant ensemble. A white blouse paired with a vivid red skirt and matching bandanna becomes her attire of choice. A charming yellow apron adds a touch of practicality as she gracefully manages her household tasks. Her cute brown flats, adorned with a cheerful red ribbon, complete the ensemble. Vale finds this new style utterly endearing, a reflection of the blooming love between them.

Vale and Celia's days mesh into a harmonious rhythm as they embrace their shared life at the ranch. Mornings begin with the aroma of breakfast filling the air, a testament to Celia's culinary skills and her determination to keep her husband healthy and well-fed. After a hearty meal, Vale sets out to tend to the animals and crops, while Celia dives into the various chores around the house.

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, Celia takes a moment to step outside, feeling the crisp breeze against her cheeks. The sprawling landscape around them is both their playground and their responsibility, a canvas for their dreams to take shape. She smiles, knowing that Vale is out there, working with dedication to make their ranch thrive. The sight of him in the pasture, his figure moving with purpose, fills her heart with a unique sense of contentment.

Evenings draw them together, their paths converging once more in their cozy home. Dinner is a cherished affair, a time to recount the day's events, discuss plans for the ranch, and sometimes just revel in each other's company with the record player in the background. The shared laughter and quiet moments of intimacy weave a strong bond, a testament to the love that has grown since the day they first met.

As they retire to their bedroom, the space they now share is a testament to their partnership. Personal touches from both Celia and Vale blend harmoniously, creating an environment that reflects their love story. The soft glow of lamplight casts a warm ambiance, enveloping them as they lay down to rest, looking forward to the tomorrow they'll face hand in hand.

One day, Celia starts to feel unusually fatigued and queasy. Concerned, Vale suggests they visit Doctor Hardy to ensure everything is alright. Holding Vale's hand tightly, Celia sits in the doctor's office, her heart racing as they await the diagnosis. Doctor Hardy's reassuring smile as he examines her is comforting.

Then, with a warm smile that seems to light up the room, Doctor Hardy announces the reason behind Celia's recent symptoms – she's pregnant. A tidal wave of emotions washes over both of them. Their eyes meet, a mix of shock, joy, and a bit of anxiety filling the air.

As the news sinks in, Vale's grip on Celia's hand tightens, and a sense of wonderment blooms between them. Their shared journey, once woven around dreams of a flourishing ranch and their love for one another, has now taken a new turn. Parenthood awaits, an uncharted territory that fills them with excitement.

They leave the doctor's office with a renewed sense of purpose, their steps lightened by the prospect of nurturing a new life. As they return to the ranch, the landscape seems to hold a new beauty, an embodiment of the life growing within Celia. They stand there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, envisioning the future that now holds not only their dreams but also the dreams they hold for the child that will soon join their world.

As the days turned into weeks, Celia's pregnancy became a journey of its own. She navigated the changes in her body with grace and a touch of humor, often marveling at the way her once-flat stomach was now gently rounded, evidence of the life blossoming within her. Vale was a constant source of support, attending doctor's appointments and fussing over her wellbeing, his eyes filled with a mixture of wonder and concern.

Celia's daily routines shifted as her body adapted to accommodate their growing child. She continued to tend to the crops at the ranch, though at a gentler pace, with Vale always at her side to assist. Her attire gradually transitioned to more comfortable and loose-fitting clothing, her usual apron swapped for one with an even cheerier design. Mornings were now filled with quiet moments of bonding between Celia and Vale, his hand resting on her belly as they felt the soft fluttering of their baby's movements.

As her pregnancy progressed, the village embraced Celia and Vale's upcoming journey into parenthood. The couple received warm wishes and advice from friends and neighbors, each person eager to share in their joy. The Blue Bar was a particularly favorite spot, where Muffy and Griffin playfully argued about the baby's gender and Marlin, while reserved, couldn't help but offer a genuine smile of congratulation.

Through it all, Celia's spirit remained as vibrant as ever. She delighted in the simple pleasures of life, from the soft glow of sunsets over the ranch to the songs of the birds that visited their fields. Her days were filled with a sense of anticipation and contentment, each moment cherished as she eagerly awaited the arrival of the tiny being that would soon bring joy to their world.

As the seasons shifted once more and the air grew warmer, a sense of excitement and nervousness filled the air at the ranch. The day had finally come – the day that Celia and Vale would welcome their child into the world.

In the early hours of a bright Spring morning, Celia's contractions began. Vale was by her side, holding her hand and offering words of encouragement as they made their way to the village clinic. The journey seemed both fleeting and eternal, each step a testament to the profound journey they were embarking upon.

Inside the clinic, the doctor and Vale worked diligently to ensure Celia's comfort and safety. Hours passed, marked by the rise and fall of her breath, by the strength of her spirit as she faced the challenges of labor with unwavering determination. And then, finally, after what felt like a lifetime and an instant all at once, the cries of a newborn filled the room.

Vale's heart swelled as he caught his first glimpse of their son. Wrapped in a warm blanket, the tiny baby was placed into his waiting arms. The weight of this new life in his hands was both awe-inspiring and humbling. As he looked down at the baby's face, framed by tufts of hair as soft as down, he felt a surge of overwhelming love.

Celia, despite her exhaustion, beamed with pure joy. Her tired eyes sparkled as she reached out to touch their son's cheek. The bond between parent and child was an unspoken language, a connection that needed no words to convey its depth.

Tears of happiness filled both Celia and Vale's eyes as they gazed at their son, their hearts brimming with gratitude for the journey that had brought them to this miraculous moment. Tobias – Toby for short, they affectionately called him – was a symbol of their love, a testament to their shared path, and a promise of a future filled with endless possibilities.