🎃~👰🏼‍♀️~🤵🏾~🍁~👻~🧵~🏂~🌕~🥂

    Butte, Montana had its fair share of quakes. They weren't a shock like a tornado or hurricane sweeping through town would be. Earthquakes of high intensity however, were a bit of a rarity. As everything started to shake Sandy's heart began to race. The trunk slid across the room, dust floated down from the rafters, and the few pictures on the wall began to fall. The biggest earthquake Sandy had ever felt was a 5.3 and only lasted a few seconds.

    This quake was more powerful and lasted for about fifteen seconds. Danny pulled her away from the window and threw his body over hers. When it was over, a chorus of loud voices calling out to each other could be heard from downstairs.

    "Are you ok, Danny?"

    "Yeah. You?"

    "Yeah." He helped her up and they raced downstairs. Thankfully nobody was hurt and after an inspection, the house seemed to come through just fine. They had to clean up a bit as the quake had thrown some of the decorations into disarray. Social media lead them to believe the quake had been gentler, and shorter in the town proper as no deaths or massive damage was reported.

    Sandy didn't realize she was still wearing the old dress until Jan commented on it. Sandy looked down at the once beautiful dress and felt guilt. While she'd come through without a scratch, the delicate fabrics hadn't. Sandy thought she might be able to fix it before she left, so when she moved her things into the bridal suite the old dress went there too.

    "This has got to be the most exciting wedding I've ever attended," Betty told her as they were getting ready.

    "Haunted house, good friends, good food, what's not to like?" Francis asked as she adjusted her hair.

    Marty came into the room with a smile, her Cannon camera hung around her neck and she was trailed by one of her assistants. "We got photos of the initials upstairs. And I've got a surprise for you tomorrow."

    "What is it? Sandy asked excitedly.

    "You won't get it out of me," Marty asked. "Jan let me help you with your hair."

    "Can you two help me get into my dress?" Sandy asked Betty and Francis.

    They hurried over and helped her into the many layers of fabrics. Despite the full look it was breathable and light. Francis did Sandy's hair as the other girls opened a bottle of white wine. Sandy took sips while Francis helped turn her into a princess. Even with bruises on her face, Sandy made a stunning picture, she hoped Danny would think so too. The assistant took pictures of them and then it was go time.

    "You're beautiful, sweetie," her father told her. "I've waited to escort you down this slow sweet walk since the day you were born. And now—" tears watered her father's eyes.

    "Thank you, dad."

    "See you out there," Betty said quietly as she took her walk ahead of them.

    Excitement flooded through Sandy. She couldn't wait to lay eyes on Danny and see what he'd chosen as his wedding costume. The bridal march started and after a second, Sandy and her father entered the room. There were far more guests than Sandy expected and in such great costumes! There was a zombie, someone had pulled out all stops to be Marcus Daly, and even someone dressed Shoestring Annie was there. Sandy smiled and nodded to as many guests as she could. Then she turned her eyes to the front.

    Danny had chosen to be Aragorn from Lord Of The Rings. He even had a crown and sword to go with the movie accurate coronation costume from the last movie, she could recognize Betty's handiwork at twenty paces. Sandy loved it.

    "You look wonderful, Sandy," Danny said slightly choked up when Sandy's father gave her away and slipped her hand to Danny's.

    "So do you," she told him while fighting tears of joy. The ceremony went as planned and at the kiss everyone cheered. After pictures and when everyone had been served dinner, Nick stood up to make his speech. He pulled a piece of paper from his leather jacket and looked it over for a few seconds before beginning.

    "Welcome everyone. We've had quite the day here, the earthquake, the snow storm, and if you didn't know this house is haunted so if you're staying the night remember its a full moon, enjoy." Light laughter met his statement. "Danny is a very likable guy, he and I have been friends since we were in diapers. But when I tell you he went through a journey trying to find a best man, I mean wow. You wouldn't believe it. At first he asked his funniest friend to be his best man, and he said no. Then he went to his richest friend and he too said no. Growing desperate he went to his handsomest friend and once again got a no. Balling his eyes out, Danny decided to go to his most compassionate friend, and after refusing him three times I figured I should just say yes." More laughter.

    "We all came here tonight to celebrate something quite special. Special and so rare it really feels like its disappeared from the world. I am course mentioning the open bar, which I've already partaken in tonight." Betty rolled her eyes playfully at her boyfriend's speech.

    Sandy couldn't help but giggle, "Clearly."

    "Sandy knows me pretty well so she's aware I have a tendency to ramble, and she told me if I go on too long the DJ will play me off like they do at the Oscars, so I better get on with it. You know over the last few months I've heard so many people tell Danny how lucky he is to be marrying Sandy, but I haven't heard one person tell Sandy that she's lucky to be marrying Danny. Instead of taking the hint she's still here though." More laughter, clapping and shouts from the crowd.

    Sandy felt her face go red as she laughed. Nick went on with his speech that was heartwarming and sincere. He praised Danny for his choice of bride, and mentioned how loyal he was and that he'd make a great husband, and their life together was one he knew would be full of happiness and support. As funny as his opening jokes were, it was his last one that really brought the house down.

    Nick consulted his paper again and stumbled over a few words. "Dude, I can't read your writing," Nick said as he threw the paper at Danny. Sandy saw that paper Nick tossed him was blank.

    While the laughter was still ongoing, Betty leaned in to Sandy and said, "I'm glad I went first so I don't have to follow that."

    Once all the speeches were made and dances done, the inside and out themed Halloween cake cut, Sandy mingled around with her guests. So many of the people were really committed to their costumes. The man who was dressed as Marcus Daly even put on an authentic Irish accent. When Sandy asked who he was because she didn't recognize him, the man insisted he was Marcus Daly. Sandy laughed it off and moved on.

    The woman who'd come as a zombie turned out to be her cousin Rachael from Iowa. An aspiring makeup artist, Sandy chatted with her for several minutes.

    "This is an amazing party, Sandy. I can't believe you got this place. I've heard dad talk about it my entire life but I didn't realize it was this nice."

    "Neither did I," Sandy told her. "The photos are going to be amazing. I remember you said you wanted to talk to Marty about photographing some of your creations. Let me introduce you." And Sandy pulled her over.

    Danny meanwhile was talking to his father. "I'm so glad you got the last flight, dad."

    "Me too." His dad was dressed up like a baseball player. His jersey was an old one from college. "She's gonna make you very happy, Daniel. You picked the right girl."

    "I know I did," Danny smiled as he watched his princess introduce someone to Marty.

    Betty was sneaking another piece of wedding cake. She'd been dieting for this occasion and was ready to splurge. Francis came up to her, wild eyed but calm on the outside.

    "Betty," she hissed. "I just saw Jan talking to a man."

    Betty snorted. "Good for her. It's about time she got over Tristan."

    "No, no, no, you don't understand. After they talked he went through the wall. Through the wall, Betty!"

    "It's alright, darling. We're all tired, it was just a trick of the light."

    Francis shook her head with emphasis. "No, I'm telling you. I think some of these guests are ghosts."

    Betty gave her a skeptical look. "Honey I knew the place is haunted but ghosts can't eat or drink. Look around. That Marcus Daly guy downed four glasses of wine already."

    "I know but we don't really understand what ghosts are. What if they can eat and drink? Besides you heard Sandy's mom this morning. Over half the guests canceled and yet we've got a full house."

    At this Betty paused. It was true. The amount of people she'd greeted at the door didn't match the amount currently at the reception. The number was much higher. And so many of the costumes the guests wore were periods appropriate clothing. Very nicely made clothing, as seamstresses Betty and Sandy, always noticed the quality of costumes. If she'd greeted any of these people Betty would have remembered.

    And another puzzling thing, after they'd been told the guest list would be far smaller than they'd expected, she and the bridal party had worked to remove tables and name cards. But when they came back down for the ceremony it was the original set-up, not the one they'd altered. As such none of the guests lacked for places to sit and eat.

    "Well..." Betty said, "lets not draw attention to it. "Sandy and Danny don't seem to have a problem with it."

    Across the room Sandy watched as three people entered, a young man, and two young women. She was sipping champagne and felt a sense of anticipation that caused her to turn towards the door. Sandy was stunned as all three newcomers came to her directly. They were familiar. She'd seen them before but she wasn't sure where.

    "We're so proud of you, Sandy," one of the women said. She went to give Sandy a hug, and not knowing what else to do Sandy hugged her back.

    "Where is your young man? I'd like to speak to him," said the man.

    "Over there," Sandy pointed. "The man in the crown with the sword." He nodded and went to Danny, leaving the three women alone.

    "I always knew you'd do well," the woman with brown hair said. "Of course you and I never got the chance to meet."

    "I told you, you'd love her," the strawberry blonde said.

    "I'm sorry, have we met?" Sandy asked.

    "No," said the brunette.

    "Frequently," said the other.

    "I don't..." then it came back her. Pictures. She'd seen them in pictures. "Consella, Arielle?"

    They nodded.

    "How?"

    "Does it matter?" Consella asked.

    "No," Sandy said. She took her ghostly relatives hands. "Thank you for being here."

     The music cut and Nick's voice came over the speakers. "Alright everyone, if you would please clear the dance floor and return to your seats, we have a surprise for everyone, including you Sandy." He winked at her.

     Puzzled, Sandy turned to her ghostly relations but they were gone. Feeling a little down at that, she returned to her seat at the head table. All her bridesmaids followed. Once there Sandy saw her ghost relations hadn't left, but were seated at a table in the back. They smiled at her and she smiled back.

    Danny and his groomsmen took to the dance floor, except for Paul. Paul stood back and once Danny nodded at him, Paul made his way to the dance floor while the others pretended to talk. 

     Paul walked up to Danny, his walk aggressive and when he got to the others he pushed Danny. Nick caught him, but her groom had nearly kissed the floor.

     In an overly dramatic voice Paul yelled, "I won't let you marry her! Sandy loves me."

     The others started shouting at Paul. Nick went to throw a punch but Danny stopped him.

     "No, I've got to do this. You're just her high school ex–boyfriend. How'd you even get here? Go home!" Danny demanded, his manner of acting just as bad as Paul's.

     "I'm your best man," Nick insisted. "It's supposed to be my job to make sure the bride isn't kidnapped or anything. Give me your sword," Nick said in his best dramatic voice which wasn't very good.

     Sandy and the others were trying to contain their giggles as the bad acting when on. The guests' reactions ranged from shocked to amused, but Sandy was having a great time watching the odd skit.

     "He didn't come to kidnap her, he came to embarrass her," Danny insisted. "Ex's truly are the worst."

     Paul rushed forward to try and get to Sandy at the head table, while he expressed deep, true love to her. The other men stopped him and each grabbed a limb before turning Paul horizontally and carrying him away. Danny then rushed back into the room alone and quickly shut the doors.

     In a loud voice Danny said, "Don't worry Sandy, we're such a good match even your ex wishes us happiness."

    The entire room started laughing as the other bad actors came into the reception and took their bows.

     Awhile later Sandy found Betty over by the cake again. Each woman took a slice and they headed for the main table. They watched the dancing taking place, suspiciously well done dance, one would think it was from an older time.

     "Betty," Sandy said, "watching the guys do their skit, I came up with the perfect name for our business."

    Her friend leaned forward eager to hear. "Lay it on me, Princess."

     Sandy grinned. "B.S. Couture."

     "I love it," Betty laughed. "You better not be kidding because we're never going to top that!"

     "I'm not," Sandy grinned. "To the world it'll be B.S. but to us it's Betty and Sandy."

     Betty looked touched and hugged her friend.

👻

    Sandy stood in the bridal suite the next morning. This room didn't have a direct view of the cemetery but part of it could be seen. Danny came up and slid his arms around her waist.

    "What a wedding we had, baby."

    "We sure did," Sandy agreed with a kiss.

    They spent half the day in their room alone, and ventured downstairs around three to find their wedding party hard at work cleaning. They must have been at it for hours, they were nearly finished. They ordered a late lunch and Mrs. Blanchard came to check on them.

     Sandy pulled the older woman aside. "Mrs. Blanchard, the cemetery on the west end of the property, is that a real cemetery?"

    The old woman shrugged. "I can't say darling but I do doubt it. That was there before I was ever the caretaker. Besides the Copper Mansion doesn't own that plot of land, I'm not sure who does. When I first started working here I went over there to investigate and the tombstones are mostly for famous people from the town I know can't be buried here."

    "Right," Sandy. "I saved you some of the wedding cake. I was hoping you'd stop in last night."

    "I would have loved too, darling but I wasn't here last night."

    Sandy offered her the cake and Mrs. Blanchard took it with a smile. "I'm due at the historical society in an hour," Blanchard told Sandy, "send me some pictures once you get them back."

    "I will. If you want any food feel free, grab anything you want from the kitchen. We have tons of leftovers."

    Two hours later, Marty ordered Danny and Sandy to get to the attic in their wedding attire. Marty was bursting with excitement. Sandy took some time to get into her's so Marty had all the time she needed for set up. When she entered the attic she was speechless. The room was filled with rainbows. The stained glass window had been put over the widow with their initials.

    "Isn't it beautiful," Marty asked. "I found it under a tarp. I guess they're worried something would break it if it was left in the window.

    "It's dazzling." The diary entry of Consella hadn't mentioned what the mural on the stained glass was. It was a gallas frame, huge hulking structures that connected to pulleys which brought men and ore up from the mines. The black lines of the gallis frame stood on a hill in the mural, with a beautiful sunrise behind it and mountains in the background.

    "Wow," Danny said behind her.

    "Let's take some pictures before we lose this light." Marty commanded them like a drill sergeant as she posed Danny and Sandy. The woman probably took as manny pictures as she had last night. When she released them all were happy, but exhausted. They carefully put the stained glass mural back where Marty had found it.

    "I'll be right down," Sandy told the others. They left her alone and Sandy spent a few moments taking in everything. Soon she felt the sensation of being watched. She turned slowly to see the transparent man. Swallowing, Sandy took a step toward him. "Thank you, for the other night."

    The man inclined his head. "My pleasure." He turned to leave but not by a door, just straight out the wall.

    "Wait," Sandy said. "Can I know your name?"

    "Manus," he smiled before disappearing.

    Sandy smiled at the spot Manus had been. "Thank you, Manus." Sandy left the attic and joined her husband and friends downstairs.

🎃~👰🏼‍♀️~🤵🏾~🍁~👻~🧵~🏂~🌕~🥂