Wouldn't Miss it for the World

Disclaimer: Scooby Doo and all related characters are owned by Hanna-Barbera, Warner Bros., and/or Cartoon Network. All other characters, names, places and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, locals is coincidental.

My thanks to Ms Judy Lewis, wedding consultant, for her help and permission to use the information in her article "The Double Wedding—A Special Commitment" at Hudson Valley Weddings.

Chapter One: Let's Go Shopping

He waited. He had waited far too long. His window was open to the cool night air; he listened to the rustling leaves as he fingered the small leather pouch and what lay inside. He thought of the girl with the strawberry hair and cherry lips that tiptoed through his dreams. He rose, placing the pouch on the nightstand, slid on jeans and slipped into the hall; he hoped the soft snoring from the next bedroom would cover the noise as he snuck down the hall and opened her door.

She was asleep; she was lovely even in sleep. He bent forward, his hand supporting his weight on the bed; softly kissing her cheek. She didn't open her eyes as she turned her head. Cupping the back of his head, she kissed his lips.

It was a very long kiss.

"Good night Daph. Want me to save you a seat at breakfast?" he joked.

"On your lap?" her giggle teased, "Good night Freddy."

His legs felt like water as he made his way back to his bedroom. This was going to be a weekend to remember.

----------Xxxxxx

"Let's go shopping!" Daphne always went shopping; her answer to any situation.

"I want to finish my lunch and hear about Fred's proposal" Velma hated to shop; hated the crowds, hated the looks she got from other shoppers. Daphne looked around fugitively as if she might be overheard. The noon trade had left to return their work places; only a few tables were still occupied.

"I'll tell if you tell; and I want all the details. We visited Shaggy Friday afternoon so it was late by the time we got to my grandparents home; enough time to say hi, we made it and get to bed.

"I love them dearly but by Saturday noon I was about to pack and walk home! It was like living in a fishbowl. Their eyes peering in, never giving you a break and the questions were getting on my nerves. It must have been doubly difficult for Freddy; no 'old maid' joke was left untold.

"Freddy must have noted how I was feeling; he walked up, took my hand and whispered, "It'll be okay Daph", I could only smile back weakly and squeeze his hand. It was late afternoon when he slipped up behind me and said, "Let's go for a walk."

"Of course I knew where we were headed as soon as we entered the wooded path. The man made lake is completely screened from the house in its own little world. The trees around the lake were decked out in their finest greenery; flowers of all colors welcomed us. We held hands walking around the lake until we found a grassy area that overlooked the lake.

It was all so pleasant I took off my shoes, hiked my dress up and waded into the cool water.

"Want to do some fishing?" he asked, picking up a cane pole leaning against a tree.

"No, I don't want to do any fishing!" I was so mad! A perfect romantic spot and he wants to fish? Why can't he take the hint that I want him to join me in the water?

"If you are going to fish, you have to use the right bait" his voice had taken on gentleness that I hadn't heard before. The sun caught the glimmering diamond; he'd tied the ring onto the fishing line, I let him 'reel' me in until I stood right in front of him.

"I think it's time to stop the 'old maid' jokes don't you? Daph, will you be my bride?" I could see the love lights in his eyes when he placed the ring on my finger; I could hear his pulse beating like an enormous drum. "Yes, Oh Fred, yes" I answered as we sank down on the grass.

It was full dark when we returned to the house by moonlight. The next morning, every one admired my new ring; no one commented on how late we had been out; and there were no more 'old maid' jokes."

There are certain topics that are taboo even between the closest of friends…but you can't help but ask anyway.

"Are we still shopping for white gowns?" Velma whispered observing the distant look in the eyes of her friend.

"Yes, but I admit it was a near thing; and you?"

"Let's go shopping!" Velma quickly changed the subject, thinking about her own close call.

------Xxxxxx

A sea of white and ivory met the girls when they stepped over the threshold of 'David's boutique'. "A bit overwhelming isn't it?" Daphne observed.

"I'm on record as being overwhelmed" Velma agreed.

"No need to be overwhelmed" a dark haired exquisitely dressed salesgirl said, approaching the girls. "That's why I'm here, my name is Elizabeth. How may I help you ladies?"

"We're getting married" Daphne blurted out. Elizabeth glanced from Daphne to Velma and back again questioningly.

"No, not to each other" Velma quickly corrected Daphne. "Sorry, my friend still has her head in the clouds."

"And you, do you have your head in the clouds too?" a relieved salesgirl asked Velma.

"Afraid I do but at least I know who I'm marrying" A laughing Velma replied, "I'm Velma, this is Daphne."

After looking at several dresses the girls had selected ones they would like to try on. Velma was standing in front of the three way mirror when Daphne stepped out of the dressing room. "You look gorgeous. That dress fits you to a tee."

"Thanks, you look stunning yourself" Velma stepped off the stage to make room for Daphne. The mid size fish tank made soft relaxing gurgling sounds as Daphne stepped in front of the mirrors.

"What are you ladies doing?!" came a gruff voice. They turned to see a stern looking man staring at them.

"Your salesgirl said we could try these gowns on" Velma wasn't quite sure of why this man spoke to them in this manner.

"What salesgirl?" he asked, looking around. No salesgirl was in sight.

"Her name was Elizabeth" Daphne's voice trembled slightly.

"You ladies stand right where you are. We don't have a salesperson named Elizabeth!" He pulled a cell phone from an inside pocket of his suit.