Chapter Twenty: Tsuzuki and Anna Do New York:

The wedding began at three. Amy wanted a winter wonderland for her theme. She always wanted to be a snow bride. From what Anna heard, this would be a pricey wedding. The soon-to-be-in-laws were footing the bill.

“Wow!” Tsuzuki said when he saw the church.

“Uh-huh,” Anna said. That church blocked out the sun. The tip of the staple poked a hole into the sky. Tsuzuki couldn’t help but look up the stain glass windows.

“How big is this place?” he asked.

“Really big,” Anna said. “And old too.” She walked up to the doors. Tsuzuki followed behind. The couple sat near the back on the bride’s side. Chatter buzzed in the church. So much white everywhere. Fake snow covered the floor. Snowflakes hung from the ceiling. Anna shivered from the cold room. Tsuzuki pulled her into his arms.

“Thank you,” Anna whispered.

“You’re welcome,” he said. The music played on in the background. More people walked into the church. Some color stood out in the white.

“Anna?” the couple heard. Anna turned her head. Becky stood in the aisle, waving.

“Hi,” Anna said.

“What are you doing back here?” her friend asked. “Come sit with us.” Anna shook her head.

“Can’t,” she said. “Baby.” Tsuzuki held up Kirika-chan.

“Ah,” Becky said. Anna looked around.

“Where is everyone else?” she asked.

“Oh, some are still getting here,” Becky said. “Clare and John are already sitting in the pews up there.” She pointed towards the front. Anna tried to look.

“The others are around here somewhere,” her friend added.

“Ah,” Anna said, nodding.

“Becky!” a man yelled for the crowd.

“Oh,” the American said. “That’s my man. Got to go!” Anna looked confused.

“You have a boyfriend now?” she asked.

“Yeah! Bye!” Becky said. She dashed further down the aisle.

“Wow,” was all Anna could say. Meanwhile, the groom and the wedding party waited at the front. Suddenly, the Bridal March began to play. Everyone stood up. Here came the bride. Amy really did look like a snow princess. Her dress and train flowed around her. The white glitter caught the lights above. Even her veil looked elegant. Tsuzuki squeezed Anna’s hand. She turned and smiled at him.

The ceremony turned out beautiful. Amy became Mrs. Amy Noel. The snow princess had her king. Fake snow rained down on the couple as they kissed. The audience clapped and cheered.

The reception was held at a lavish country club. Tsuzuki whistled.

“I feel underdressed,” he said, staring at the building.

“It’s fine,” Anna said. “Let’s go.” He followed her inside. It was like walking into a winter palace. Fake snow everywhere. So much glitter too. The couple had to shield their eyes.

“Gah!” Anna complained. “I love my friend but couldn’t she tone it down with the glitter? Too bright!” Tsuzuki chuckled. His wife turned back to him.

“It’s not funny,” she complained. That didn’t stop him from laughing. They made it down to the main dining hall. The family sat already waiting. The family sat near the exit. Tsuzuki looked down at Kirika-chan.

“Who’s feeding her this time?” he asked.

“I’ll do it,” Anna said. “Give her to me.” He handed her the carrier.

“Thanks,” she said. She set the baby down next to her. Right, Amy and her new husband walked into the dining hall. Everyone stood up and cheered.

During the festivities, Tsuzuki came up with a crazy idea.

“Hey Usagi,” he said at their table.

“Hm?” Anna asked. The shinigami smiled.

“Let’s go to New York,” he said. She gave him a strange look.

“Why?” his wife asked. Tsuzuki playfully grabbed her by the hands.

“You have to meet some friends too,” he said. Anna raised an eyebrow.

“But aren’t they in Japan?” she asked.

“Not these friends,” he said. “They’re different. Can we go? Please?” Here came the puppy ears and tail. Anna smiled.

“Sure, let’s do it!” she shouted over the music. Tsuzuki leapt up laughing. Even Kirika-chan laughed.

By morning, the family checked out of their hotel room. Tsuzuki turned Anna in the lobby.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Yes!” Anna said. Tsuzuki grabbed the family and luggage and vanished into thin air.