Epilogue

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Three months had passed since the whole kidnapping business back in September, and life could not be better for Katherine and the Newsies. Because of the abduction, newspaper sales were threw the roof for weeks. And Katherine Plumber, the only reporter with the exclusive scoop, wrote the whole story, which was publish in countless papers other than The Sun and The World. They were all happy when the chatter from the event had quieted.

Now December had already rolled in, winter had made its home in New York, Christmas would soon be upon the world.

Cecilia Pulitzer was busier than ever, running around planning their annual Christmas Party. But this year, there would be one less Pulitzer in attendance. Katherine had made the decision that if the Newsies couldn't come to the party, she would go to theirs.

It was a week till Christmas and the streets of New York were covered in a blanket snow. The way it glittered in the moonlight gave it a surreal look. People were still bustling about trying to get some last minute shopping done.

At the Lodge House, all of the Newsies were having a wonderful time. They had spent all afternoon tidying the place so that it was suitable for company.

A knock on the door showed that their guests had arrived. Jojo hopped over to the door and quickly opened it. "Heya guys! C'mon in! Jack and Specs just made a fire so it's nice an' warm in 'ere!" The boy smiled with excitement.

Katherine, Alice, Davey, Les, and Joey all piled into the homey lodge house. They all held what appeared to be presents and some yummy food dishes. Katherine, Joey, and Alice placed the presents under the small and quite adorable little Christmas tree. Apparently, you're not supposed to take trees from Central Park, but that didn't stop them.

Davey and Les brought the food inside and placed on a nearby table. They had an assortment of roast beef, potato salad, and many other delectable foods. All it took was the wonderfully delightful aroma to reach the noses of the boys and they all came running.

"Watcha bring us?"

"Is it fresh?"

"Does it got meat?"

"Stop askin' questions and let's eat already!"

They went to dive in, but were interrupted by someone clearing their throat. Their heads turned to see Jack standing beside Katherine, his arms crossed over his chest.

"You fellas need to learn some manners. Ya don't just dig in without thankin' the people who brought it to us."

"Jack it's really okay. My mother and I helped Martha in the kitchen today just so there would be enough for everyone." Katherine smiled.

Jack looked at her and grinned. "Well, when you put it dat way... that's even more of a reason to thank you! Boys!" He called, sounding like a drill Sargent. Immediately following his command was a chorus of "Thank you, Katherine." from every corner of the room. The girl in question covered her mouth to prevent her laughter from escaping.

Not a second later, the room was thrown into a frenzy of boys trying to get food onto their plates. The two girls, Davey, and Joey all quickly scurried out of the way while Les tried to grab a small stack of cookies.

Jack stayed towards the back of the crowd, not eating a crumb until he was sure every on of his brothers had gotten their fill. Once the younger Newsies had abandoned the table, Jack proceeded to put whatever was left on his plate and moved to sit by Katherine near the fireplace. They all laughed and joked around for a while before Katherine stood and walked to the presents.

"Alright boys, it's time for you all to open your gifts." She said. Picking up the top one, she handed it to Albert. Alice quickly joined her in passing out the other gifts, which took a while to accomplish. None of them waited to tear into their presents. Each of them had received a new coat, shoes and a warm blanket, things they really needed this winter.

Finally they had gotten to Jack's gift. Katherine stepped over to him with the present in her grip. Handing it to him, he opened it and stared in awe at what was inside. Brand new art supplies as well as some clothing items Katherine knew Jack had be living without for the sake of the other Newsies. Jack grinned, this was more than he had ever gotten in his life. He turn to Katherine and gave her a quick but loving hug before leaving a peck on her forehead.

Everyone soon got back to their merrymaking, enjoying the company they had with them. Race tried to give Les a puff of his cigar, but Davey quickly grabbed the cigar and held it over the fire, ready to drop it. The only way he got it back was by promising to never give Les a puff. Ever.

Alice was taking turns dancing with the Newsies. Eventually, She found her way into the arms of Davey. The two never took their eyes off each other as they danced for some hours.

Joey began telling the story 'A Christmas Carol' while Crutchie made silly voices and added sound effects, making it much more fun.

As the boys began winding down, Jack suggested the he and Katherine make their way up the stairs to his Penthouse. They gathered up some blankets and carefully made it up to the fire escape.

Reaching their destination, Jack cleaned off as much snow as he could and laid a blanket down for them. They wouldn't be able to stay out there long, but a few minutes was all they needed.

The couple looked out at New York City, glistening in the full moon's light. It was a sight to behold. The pair talked of their favorite memories, things from the past that were worth remembering. All too soon the bitter winter air got the better of them. So they stood up, ready to go back inside.

"Kath, this has been the best Christmas ever. You made it so...magical." Jack smiled.

Katherine couldn't tell if she was blushing from the compliment or the cold, but she smiled back. "This has been my favorite Christmas too. The one with the most fun I've had by far!" They laughed.

Jack's face suddenly changed expression as he looked at something past Katherine.

"Hey, what's that?" He pointed out into the distance. Katherine turned her head to see to what he was referring.

"I don't see anythin-" she stopped as a gasp escaped her throat once she looked back at Jack. He was now down on one knee with an old gold ring in his hand.

"Jack..."

"Katherine, from the moment you'se got into my life, I've been the happiest man on earth. And now I can't think of any life without ya. If these last months have taught my anythin', it's that once you find that special someone, don't ever let 'em go or ya might lose them. And I can't- I can't lose you again. So, Katherine Pulitzer, will you marry me?"

Katherine stood speechless for a moment. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and focused her gaze on the boy before her. He had proposed. Proposed to her. They were going to get married! Wait, did she say yes? She regained her thoughts and responded.

"Yes! Yes of course I will marry you!" She practically screamed, wrapping her arms around his neck in a hug.

Jack smiled wider than ever. She said yes! She pulled away from him, a smile of her own on her face. He picked up her left hand and slid the ring onto her finger. Perfect fit.

"It was my mother's ring. It's all I have left of her." Jack said.

He then lifted her hand to his lips and planted a gentle kiss on it. Letting go of her hand, he gingerly cradled her cheeks and kissed her. They were finally going to be together forever. The kiss lasted until they air was needed. They rested with their foreheads together, their huffs of breath made visible by the cold. Katherine had joyful tears streaming down her face when she suddenly realized something.

"Jack, what about my parents? My father? What will he-"

"I got their blessin' a month ago. Your mother was thrilled. Your father...he took a little more convincing, but he came 'round."

"So, we can actually get married?"

"Well, your father did make me promise to wait until you were 18, but what's a year to wait. For you, I'd wait for eternity."

~*~*~*~*~

"I can't believe after a whole year it's finally happening." Jack marveled as Davey helped him finish putting on his suit.

Today is the day, the day of the long awaited wedding. Everyone was bustling about making sure last minute details were all in order. Crutchie and Joey's main assignment at the moment was to keep the newsies away from the food tables and any breakable objects.

Joseph was pacing in the foyer of their home, wondering if it was a good idea to give Jack his blessing, even if it was set in stone a year ago.

Cecilia and Alice were assisting Katherine with the final touches to her hair and makeup while she was seated at her vanity. Her wedding dress had a silk bodice with a bateau neckline, quarter-length lace sleeves, and plain white bow right above the a-line tulle skirt. Her hair was pulled up into a braided bun with rhinestone hair pins, adding a starry sparkle to her ensemble.

Cecilia did the honors of placing the vale atop Katherine's head. She saw at her daughter's reflection in the mirror, she looked so beautiful and elegant and strong. Tears gathered in her eyes and she let out a sniffle. Katherine immediately turned around and took her mother's hands in her own, tears showing in her eyes as well.

"Mother I know it's a big step, but this is what I want. I'm happy with Jack, and I love him more than anything." Katherine said. She stood and gently whipped the tears from Cecilia's eyes.

"Katherine, I am so proud of the woman you've become. I am very happy you found what I can only describe as true love. I've dreamt of this day for years, and now that's it's here I-I only want what's best for you, and today that means letting you go."

The two let a few tears spill before regaining their composure after Alice let out a sob of her own. She rushed to her best friend.

"Oh Kath, I cant believe you're getting married today. That boy better treat you well, or he'll have me to answer to for it." Katherine laughed at the statement, count on Alice to put an instant smile on her face.

"Oh look at the time!" Cecilia cried staring at the clock on Katherine's vanity. "We best hurry or you'll be late for your own wedding!" They all rushed down the stairs, Katherine trailing behind them as fast as she could in her dress and shoes. When she reached the bottom she nearly ran into someone.

"Sorry father!" She apologized quickly. He just stood in stunned silence, glancing over her a few times before he spoke.

"My dear, there is nothing to be sorry about, you-" he paused, letting out a huff. "You look beautiful, darling." Katherine almost lost her emotions again. Joseph held one of her hands and kissed the top of it.

"Come, my dear; let's get you to that church." He pulled her vale down to cover her face then wrapped her arm around his and led her to the carriage.

The church had been decorated with lovely pink roses and white lilies, white drapes hung from the ceiling and gold vases held the flowers. It wasn't as extravagant as Joseph had wanted, but it was more than enough for the couple.

Jack rocked back and forth on his heels, more nervous than ever. Suddenly, the rear doors to the church swung open and music sounded from the pipe organ. Jack watched in anticipation as groomsmen and bridesmaids strolled down the isle. Finally came Katherine's cousin as the flower-girl and Les as the ring-bearer.

Once the isle was clear, Katherine finally emerged with her father beside her. Jack's jaw dropped. He couldn't take his eyes off her. This was actually happening, and it was happening right before his eyes.

Davey, Crutchie, and Joey stood by him at the alter.

"Havin' second thoughts?" Crutchie teased.

"No way. I've never been more sure about anything in my life." He whispered seriously.

After Katherine made it to the alter, the priest began the ceremony. Every so often throughout the service Jack would briefly bring his attention to the Newsies in a few of the front pews. Some were engrossed by the service, some were bored with it, and others had fallen asleep. When the time of the vows had come, the ones who were awake nudged the sleeping ones, causing them to jolt upright and wake up. The priest motioned for Les to come forward with the rings and then turned to Jack.

"Jack, repeat after me." He said the vows and Jack copied his words.

"I, Jack Michael Kelly, take thee, Katherine, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and health, for rich or for poor, till death do us part." He picked up her left hand and slid the ring onto her finger, a wide smile on his face.

"Now Katherine, repeat after me." She followed his lead in saying the vows.

"I, Katherine Ethel Pulitzer, take thee, Jack, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in sickness and health, for rich or for poor, till death do us part."

"I now pronounce you, husband and wife." The priest said. "You may kiss the bride."

Jack carefully lifted the vail shielding Katherine's face. He waisted no time and gently held her face as he placed his lips on hers. Katherine looped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. The love and passion between the now newlyweds was so pure and genuine.

Applause and cheers rang through the church, causing the couple to break apart, both of them grinning wildly. The groomsmen and bridesmaids walked back up the isle with Jack and Katherine right behind them.

Once they exited the church the pair climbed into their awaiting carriage where they waved goodbye to their friends and family as they started off on their honeymoon. As they rode along in the carriage, they could hardly believe that they were finally married.

"So Mr. Kelly, what adventures are in store for us?" Katherine asked her husband.

Jack smiled at his bride. "Well Mrs. Kelly, gettin' to spend everyday with you is all the adventure I need."

(A.N. Heyo!!! I specifically waited to publish this until today.

I'm with my BFF LegendaryWolfofMusic on a road trip and I wanted to finish it and be with her for her reaction. She had fluff feels.

I will be doing a sort of Q&A later so be on the look out!

I hope you all enjoyed my book! As always please vote and comment!

Farewell my lovelies! ~Panda)

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