Epilogue

[Six months later]

Matthew rolled over in bed, his eyes opening and immediately falling on Mary. She shifted in her sleep, the early morning sun glinting off her engagement ring as her arms brushed against his chest. He sighed, brushing his thumb against her cheek as he enjoyed the warmth of her skin. She didn't stir, although a small smile appeared on her face as she slept.

He watched her sleep for a few more moments before slipping out of bed, careful not to wake her as he searched for his pajama bottoms. After pulling them on, he slipped out of their bedroom to go make his early morning coffee.

As he waited for the water to boil, he glanced over at the box sitting on the kitchen table where Mary kept all their wedding plans. He almost couldn't believe that, after everything that had happened, they would be married in a few short days.

Matthew had wanted to propose to her since the night of Tom and Sybil's wedding, but he forced himself not to ask her for nearly three months. It wasn't because he believed Mary would say no. He had known she would say yes the minute she had said "Next time?" But he didn't want anyone to think that his feelings for her were not genuine. He'd loved her longer than he realized.

They were walking through Hyde Park late in September. The tips of the leaves were just beginning to turn as an autumn chill had fallen on the city. Mary linked her arm in his for added warmth, as the jacket she wore was much too light.

"Did you see that Sybil's pregnant already?" Mary asked as they walked.

"They certainly didn't have to wait very long," he replied, covering her icy hand with his own.

"No doubt Tom's going to want to name it after some footballer if it's a boy," she joked, although Matthew noticed a wistful tone in her voice.

"I just hope she doesn't let him name it after a comic book character. I don't think Iron Man Branson is a name that would make many friends in primary school," Matthew replied.

Mary laughed quietly, but Matthew still sensed her yearning for something.

"I want to thank you for being so patient with me," he said after a lapse in the conversation.

"Whatever do you mean?" she questioned, glancing over at him as they walked.

"You gave us time to get reacquainted without questioning my feelings for you. You've been absolutely splendid. You even let me move in with you," he said.

"Well, I couldn't let you live in a box beside the Thames, could I?" she joked.

Smiling, Matthew leaned over and kissed her cheek softly.

"Do you remember what I said the night of Sybil and Tom's wedding?" he asked.

"That you're an idiot, yes, I recall," she said with a smile.

Matthew chuckled.

"No. 'You've lived your life and I've lived mine. And now it's time we live them together'," he said, slipping his arm out of hers as he reached into his coat pocket.

Mary smiled and Matthew saw tears in her eyes as he knelt down, taking her hand in with one of his own.

"Mary, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he asked, holding out the ring in his other hand.

"Yes!" she said happily.

Matthew slipped the ring on her finger before getting to his feet. She leaned forward, kissing him hard on the mouth. He wrapped his arms around her as she pulled back with a laugh. Grinning, he lifted her off the ground and spun her in a circle, oblivious to the tourists and runners who passed them by.

"Darling, why didn't you wake me?" Mary asked sleepily, pulling Matthew out of his reverie.

He smiled as she crossed through the living room towards him. She hugged her dressing gown around her, apparently bothered by the chill of the room.

"You were sleeping," he said, kissing her forehead when she reached him. "I didn't want to disturb you."

"You're very thoughtful, but you know I have a lot to get done today," she reprimanded him gently as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I have to confirm with the caterer for Saturday and Sybil's dress has to be let out, so that'll be fun."

She sounded cross. Matthew rubbed her shoulders gently, wishing he could help her more.

"I thought Sybil made you promise to force her to plan your wedding," he said, reminding her of the day before Sybil and Tom's wedding.

Mary sighed, looking up at him. "Well, it's a bit difficult to plan a wedding with morning sickness," she said. "We knew she'd be quite big at this time, but no one thought she would be the size of a small island."

Matthew chuckled, brushing his lips against hers. Mary relaxed in his arms, running her fingers against his chest.

"I wish I could stay with you all day," he said contentedly. "Just a few more days and then we'll have an entire month to ourselves."

"Are you sure the firm can spare you for so long?" she asked him for the thousandth time.

"Of course they can," he assured her. "It'll be just you and me in Cannes, laying on the beach and going to the theater."

Mary laughed. "Do they have nude beaches in Cannes?" she joked.

"Okay, so we'll order a lot of room service," he revised, his ears turning pink.

"Mm, that sounds better," she murmured, wrapping her arms around him.

"Four more days," he said.

"Oh, damn," she said, pulling away. "Four days!"

She darted out of the room, presumably to dress for her busy day. Matthew grinned to himself as he finished preparing his coffee, singing quietly as he waited for the grounds to brew.

Mary stood at the top of the stairs, hidden from view by the wall, her heart thudding in anticipation as Anna looked her over one last time. Robert was at her side, waiting to lead her to her fiance.

"Are you ready?" Anna asked, adjusting Mary's veil.

"Yes," she said, the sound of the wedding march drifting up to meet her. "The snow didn't deter any of the guests?"

"I don't think so," Robert replied. "It's time."

Mary nodded, her eyes shining happily as she took Robert's arm.

Anna descended first and Mary followed with her father. The guests turned in their seats as they walked into view. The entrance hall decorated to look like a winter wonderland, but Mary didn't notice the decorations. As they reached the ground floor, Matthew turned his head to watch Robert lead her down the aisle.

Mary's heart leapt and Matthew smiled at her as they drew nearer.

"You came," he said playfully, taking both of her hands in his when she reached him. "To be honest, I wasn't sure you would."

Mary smiled. "I'm glad to hear it," she replied. "I should hate to be predictable."

He grinned at her and they turned toward the minister.

Mary's heart pounded throughout the ceremony as she clung tightly to Matthew's hand. She felt anchored by his physical touch and the knowledge that he would soon be her husband.

"I, Mary, take thee, Matthew," she began, gazing up at him as she repeated after the minister. "To have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death parts us."

Matthew repeated the same lines, his eyes shining with happiness as he smiled back at her.

"You may now kiss the bride."

After a moment of pleased hesitation, Matthew stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her as he kissed her slowly. Mary could hardly hear the applause of the guests over her own happiness, her hands resting on his cheeks.

"I love you," he whispered, his forehead against hers. She smiled as the minister formally introduced them to the guests.

"Mr. and Mrs. Crawley," he said.

Mary beamed. She felt as though she were floating as she and Matthew walked up the aisle together.

He pulled her aside as the guests began to stand, kissing her again.

"Hello, Mrs. Crawley," he said quietly, so only she could hear him.

"Hello, Mr. Crawley," she replied, brushing her thumb against his jaw.

Matthew sighed with yearning as the guests began to approach them and offer their congratulations. He wrapped his arm around Mary's waist, sneaking kisses whenever there was a lull in the procession.

Mary smiled contentedly, her heart full as she reveled in the fact that, after all the mistakes they had both made, Matthew was finally her husband.

THE END.

[Thanks so much for reading! I've really enjoyed writing this fic and I know a lot of you have enjoyed reading it. Hopefully this isn't my last M/M AU, but I'll probably be taking a break for a while. I appreciate all of the feedback you guys have given me. Bless the AU where our OTP can live happily ever after. xoxo]