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"Hey sweetheart.” Bruce's voice cut through the silence of the room, offering both respite and filling her with dread at the same time. The bed dipped beneath her as he slid in next to her. “How are you doing?”
Cass leaned into his bulk, soaking in the warmth and scent of his soap. He easily wrapped an arm around her, steading her in a way she needed. “I messed up.”
He hummed in acknowledgement, not accusatory or agreeing, just hearing her voice. “Do you want to talk about it?”
She shrugged, “I want to fix it.” It was the simple truth. Talking did nothing, they both knew it.
His next sigh caught her attention, he was really worried and her heart felt like it would burst. She didn’t want to worry him, didn’t want to mess up anymore, upset anyone else. “I can’t really help with words…Should I get Dick?”
A little relief entered her. She was more stressed than she realized if she’d almost misunderstood her father. They usually operated on the same wave length, struggling to articulate the words that filled their hearts. She tilted her face towards him to show her smile. “No, I don't want help.”
Bruce nodded, accepting the words exactly how she meant them, no hurt or misunderstanding between them. The silence filled the room once more, softer and sweeter just for his presence beside her. After a solid few minutes of peace, he spoke again. “These events mean different things to different people.”
“I know,” she replied, her own voice soft. She knew he wasn’t reprimanding her, but trying to explain something he felt important to share.
He continued after a moment. “And sometimes what we need to do to help each other is to first help ourselves.”
She shot him a skeptical look, waiting for him to get to the point.
“What I mean is, you are doing this because it's important to her, but are you considering what's important to you?” He said it slowly and measured, allowing her to read between the words in his heartfelt emotions.
“Her happiness,” Cass immediately answered, though she knew that wasn’t quite what he was trying to say.
He paused for a moment with a soft hum. “And what if she said the same and wanted to call the whole event off for your sake?”
Cass shook her head in denial. “No, that isn’t right.”
The room went quiet again as she considered his words though. Steph had shared her wedding wishes and dreams that she’d had since she was a little girl playing with dolls. Cass knew that Steph wanted the opportunity for a big classic wedding, complete with the perfect dress, fantastic reception, and all their friends and family close. If it were something that Cass were truly against though, they would have found a different solution.
Today’s disagreement though was really Cass’s fault. She thought she was letting Steph have everything she wanted for her big day but really she was creating a situation where Steph was doing everything on her own. Cass needed to show, not just say, that she cared for the wedding too.
Seeing her face and recognizing she’d come to a conclusion, Bruce smiled and once more broke the silence. “I love the idea of this wedding, you know.”
She nodded, sharing a half smile in agreement.
“It’s not that I like the pomp and circumstance or the crowds or attention, same as you… but the moment of showing you and Steph how special you both are, how important you are to everyone is a lovely thought. Your love is truly a treat to witness and I am happy just seeing your happiness.”
She smiled, hugging him tightly, which he returned, wrapping her in his embrace till she felt like a little girl protected from the world; even if it was just for a moment.
“I don't think you need to fix anything,” he offered as he released her. “Steph is out with Tim and Jason dress shopping and they’ll make the best of the day. It's traditional anyway that the brides don’t share the wedding dress beforehand. It’s considered bad luck.”
Cass grinned at the offered excuse, then sighed again before she admitted the truth. “I wanted to go. But I also just don’t understand why it is so important.”
“You don't have to understand, just respect that it is for her,” Bruce shared with a solemn expression. Then he cracked a grin, “how’s that for fatherly advice?”
She smiled and nodded. “I’m feeling better. You are getting better at this.”
He laughed happily. “Well getting old has to be good for something, might as well be advice.”
The comforting silence swelled again as they leaned into each other. Cass pulled out her phone, finally ready to reach out to her fiancé.
I love you. I hope you are having fun and I'm sorry I was mean.
The dots appeared instantly and then Steph’s reply flashed.
I love you too! 💜💜 Sorry too – but Jason said it's bad luck for partners to see the dress before the day. You'll have to be surprised.😜😘
And your brothers are lsoers but they know how to ge tto the front of the crowd. I'm going to get all the best deals.
Cass grinned before quickly replying.
I cant wait to see it. On our day.
“Steph okay?” Bruce asked after a moment.
She nodded, locking the screen and putting it away. She felt content and happy again, knowing that she could move forward.
“Well then, next problem,” Bruce sent her a measured look, “since you didn’t go shopping with them, what are you going to wear?” He paused, obviously considering options, and then reluctantly added: “Should we go shopping?”
She made a disgusted face and shook her head.
He laughed, “Fine, first things first. Suit or dress?”
“Dress,” she confidently stated. She liked the way skirts felt when she danced and there was definitely going to be dancing at the reception.
He nodded, pulled out his phone, and fiddled with the screen, pulling different styles of formal dresses up. She smiled, leaning into him as he scrolled, obviously researching what would be the best solution for her.
“The ceremony will be in the garden, the roses will be in bloom,” he mumbled to himself as he studied the information on screen. “We could have a tailor come here and design something unique for you..”
She shrugged, uncaring really of how the dress came into existence as long as she didn’t have to go shopping for it.
“Or you could borrow something,” Dick interrupted from the doorway.
They turned in sync, causing him to laugh at their matching expressions. “Bruce, I have an idea. Why don’t we show Cass a vintage gown?”
Bruce straightened, trying to obviously temper his excitement as he clued into what Dick meant. “Oh yes, if you'd be interested Cass there is, I mean you could, not that I’d want you to feel pressured–”
She laughed, “Why are you nervous? What dress do you have?”
“Martha's wedding dress,” Dick answered with a soft smile. “It’s preserved in the attic and he has her wedding jewelry in the safe. We could see if it suits you.”
She looked at Bruce, who despite knowing he couldn't hide from her, still looked at the ceiling instead of her face. “I’d like to try.”
A few minutes later, Cass finally understood why Steph had been so adamant about finding the perfect dress. The silk and lace flowed across her body like an extension of her very soul. The skirt was loose and flowing with layers of fabric Cass couldn’t begin to name, but she loved the effect they gave. More fabric spilled off the back of the skirt creating a small train. The top was modest, perfect for her size. It accentuated her small chest by coming up to her neck with a lacey pattern and leaving her shoulders bare but gauzy spacious sleeves covered her arms.
She spun in front of the attic mirror, amazed at her own excitement for wearing such a perfect creation.
“Wow, Cass” Dick gasped, "you really look gorgeous. Bruce I–” he stopped as they both looked at Bruce who had his face buried in his hands.
Cass frowned as she studied him then she smiled at Dick as she realized what was happening. “It’s okay, give him a moment.”
Bruce's shoulders wracked with a sob and he finally peeled his face up to show the tears streaming down. “You are so pretty, sweetheart. I can’t believe it suits you so perfectly.”
Dick cleared his throat, also overwhelmed but holding it together better than Bruce for the moment. “We’ll have to get a new veil, but the jewelry should work.” He presented the case they’d retrieved from the safe– a necklace of diamonds and pearls with drop earrings that matched– to her.
She observed the offering happily for a moment, joyous at the special moment, then paused, almost hesitant. “What if–” She paused, unsure how to explain.
Bruce wiped his eyes and watched her carefully as she found her words.
“What if I wear my birthday set instead?” she finally questioned, pulling her hand away from the set.
Dick frowned, confused, but Bruce smiled. “I’d be honored to offer the set to Steph. It is a very classic design and I’m sure it’ll match her dress.”
Cass beamed before launching herself into his arms.
The too big sunglasses took over half of Tim’s face as he slumped beside Steph in the cab.
“Are you sure he’s alive?” she couldn’t help but ask as Jason slid on the other side of her.
Jason looked at the shrimped figure before reaching across her and shoving him hard, jostling Tim to flop over and hit the door with his head. There was a slight groan from Tim but no other reaction.
“Yeah, he’s alive. Just needs fuel,” he winked at her.
She grinned back, “I could eat.”
“You bet! We are making a whole day out of this! You, me, and Timmy’s credit card!”
She laughed at his enthusiasm. “This is what gets you going? Dress shopping?”
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience,” he said with a mock serious tone. “We are hitting all the stores. We have Timbit’s credit card to loosen the way if anyone gives us trouble and then we can always go fight the bargain hunters at the outlet if we get bored.”
“Why is my credit card in the same sentence as bargain,” Tim barely moved his lips as he spoke. “Just buy her whatever she wants already.”
“Appreciate the support Timbo, but it’s all part of the experience. Right, Steph?” He shared another infectious grin and Steph felt her day taking a turn for the better.
“Righto, Captain!”
Tim moaned again, “Let’s just get food, please?”
Steph smiled, trying to push away any lingering sadness from her earlier disagreement with Cass. She'd originally thought this would be an adventure for both of them– trying on dresses, giggling and showing off – but Cass hadn’t been interested in going at all. Steph’s hurt pushed her to shout about Cass not caring for any of the wedding events - she knew it was an overreaction but it just felt so raw, something so important to her was so low priority to her fiancé hurt.
“Hey.” Jason’s hand gripped her chin and tilted her face up to look at him. “She does get it. She cares because you care.”
“I want her to care because she cares,” Steph fired back.
“Cass never puts herself first, but she isn’t putting herself out either,” Tim finally sat up and fully joined the conversation. “She wants this wedding too, how she gets there is what's different.”
“Look at you coming to life,” Jason teased. He turned his focus back to Steph though. “Anyway Steph, it's bad luck for the partner to see the bride's dress before the wedding. This is for the best. We are going to find you the most amazing dress that fulfills all your childhood dreams and it's going to knock everyone's socks off.”
Stuck in the middle seat as she was, it was far too easy to wrap an arm around each of them and bring them in for a choking hug. “Thanks guys.”
By the time they’d fed Tim and were at the first store, Steph’s day had completed a full 180 with Cass’s text. She was ready.
Tim eyed the bargain store distrustfully. “I don’t understand.”
“We have the style Steph wants picked now from the fancy store and this place will have it at half the price,” Jason replied, already pushing up his sleeves in preparation.
“But we don’t need to save money,” Tim stated, almost fearful as he stared at the darkened windows. “We can just buy the dress at the last store. The price included alterations.” His voice was nearly pleading.
Steph handed Tim her purse and sunglasses as she ignored everything he said. “Make yourself useful Timmers and hold my bags.” She looked to Jason with a serious expression. “You ready for this?”
“You literally sound like you are preparing for a dangerous mission,” Tim once again interjected.
“Exactly,” Jason stated, nodding solemnly at Steph. “Hold my glasses too,” he directed towards Tim.
“It’s a store and you aren’t wearing glasses!”
“It’s a store filled with brides needing a dress,” Steph stated, stretching her neck side to side.
“Desperate women taking desperate measures,” Jason added as he bounced on the balls of his feet, clearly readying for war.
Tim gave a confused groan and then the doors opened to pure chaos. Steph and Jason dove into the fray of shouting women, leaving Tim shell shocked on the sidewalk, holding all the bags.
Inside Steph glued herself to Jason’s back as the crowds mostly parted before his bulk and they were able to move quickly to the back racks where Steph’s size hung. A few times a stubborn person would refuse to move and Steph would slip and arm around and shove them out of the way so they could continue.
They reached the designated area and Steph released her hold like a remora abandoned a shark and dived into the racks. Jason stood at her back and protected her from encroachers as she rifled through the dresses, knowing the one she needed should be here. It took a few moments but then she excitedly snatched it off the rack with a triumphant shout.
“Hell yeah!” Jason cheered, lifting her up above the throng of people. “Let’s try it on!” He continued to carry her so the dress stayed held above the masses while they maneuvered to the slightly less crowded dressing room area. He finally set her down and she slipped inside the changing rooms as he proudly stood back.
Tim reappeared, still holding the bags, just as Steph slipped out of the dressing room with a twirl. The skirt was large, full of tulle and ruffles, flowing out of the fitted top for a perfect princess silhouette.
“Wow,” Jason grinned. “Now that's a dress.”
“It’s perfect!” Steph cheered, spinning on the raised dais and observing herself in the mirrors. She felt like her smile was going to split her face apart as she observed the perfect fit. It would barely need alterations at all. She spun again, a joyful laugh bubbling out. “I can’t believe how perfect it is!”
“It’s just missing the veil though,” a young woman said from the side. “Here this one is the matching set.” She stepped up next to Steph who ducked down to let the girl attach the veil to her blonde ponytail. “Now it's perfect!” She stepped back with a bright smile up at Steph.
“Thank you!” Steph’s own smile grew impossibly brighter as she turned back to the mirror to see the full effect. “I wasn’t sure where the veil was!”
The girl gave a soft smile. “And I wasn’t sure where the dress was. It’s perfect for you though.”
Steph’s attention turned back to the young woman with a frown. “Oh you were looking for this dress too?”
“Is there not another on the rack?” Tim asked curiously.
Jason answered first, “No, the store only had one according to the online inventory.”
“It’s okay!” The girl flapped her hands quickly, turning red. “I can’t afford it anyway!”
Steph dived off the platform, ignoring the girl’s panicked shout to drag her into the dressing room. They reappeared a few moments later, Steph back in her street clothes and the young woman in the dress, still red faced but clearly having given up fighting the powerhouse that was Stephanie. She stepped up on the platform in front of the mirror as Steph placed the veil in her hair.
Tears built in her eyes as she swished the skirt softly, admiring the fit of the gown. “Can you take my picture please?” she asked, handing her phone to Steph. “I just want to remember.”
“When's your wedding?” Tim asked as he and Jason stood to the side of the women.
“Oh, I still have three months! Plenty of time to save up some more or find a cheaper one. I might just borrow my sister's old prom dress, but it’s still fun to look.” She turned back to the mirror, admiring her reflection again.
Tim frowned, sending a pointed look to Jason who huffed and smiled in response. “Steph?” Jason looked at the blonde.
As if she already knew, she smirked back at him. “Yeah?”
“I’m not buying you the dress,” Jason stated with a grim frown.
Her grin brightened in response. “Oh?”
“I’m buying her the dress,” Jason added, pointing at the young woman. “Timberly will buy your dress from that other store. So sorry.”
The girl on the pedestal gasped, “No! You can’t give up your dress!”
“I’m not,” Steph smiled. “It’s your dress. I’ll still have the same one. And you heard the guy, they’re buying - Don’t worry about it.” She winked. “They can afford it.”
The girl twisted her hands together, still concerned. “You can’t let your fiancé buy my dress.”
Steph laughed louder. “Those are my brothers-in-law. Make them buy your shoes too!”
“Yeah,” Jason grinned, helping the girl down. “I’ll buy your shoes too.”
“You're using my card," Tim snarked.
Jason sniffed dramatically, “shoes are important.”
Finally gathering her courage the young woman looked hopefully at Steph. “Really?”
“Absolutely,” Steph answered, "you deserve to have your dress too.”
“And Jason loves playing fairy godmother,” Tim added. “You’ll be doing us all a favor by letting him have his moment.” He swiftly dodged Jason’s swipe, cackling as he danced out of the way and ducked into the crowd to escape.
“Don’t worry,” Jason said as he turned to the girl. “I’ve already swiped his card, we can go all out.”
The music swelled through the garden and the crowd stood in acknowledgement.
Cass looped her arm through her father's and they stepped out on the aisle. Her smile beamed as she took in the set up she’d helped design with Steph. The roses accentuated everything perfectly, giving the arched trellis a perfect romantic look. Bruce’s eyes watered with happiness as he escorted her down the aisle to where the official waited.
Barbara sat on Cass’s side with Tim behind her. On the other side Jason and Damian were standing proud. Bruce kissed her cheek, offering one last proud smile, before he stepped back and took his seat.
Dick appeared at the end of the aisle, his eyes puffy and redrimmed from obviously crying, and then Steph stepped as the music once again filled the air. She linked arms and Dick straightend proudly as he escorted her down the aisle.
Steph looked every bit the princess she was. Her hair was twisted up and covered by a lacey veil and the Wayne heirloom jewerly offset her classic ballgown dress perfectly.
Their eyes connected and Cass could see the pure delight cross Steph’s face; a reaction to Cass’s chosen dress. It was a reaction that Cass understood perfectly because she felt the same about Steph’s appearance. The love reciprocated between them as they basked in one another’s beauty.
The ceremony passed in a blur of repeated words and exchanged promises while Cass couldn’t look away from Steph’s excited and happy face. At some point Barbara collected their bouquets and Damian handed them their rings but the soft feather light kiss as the official declared them married was all that mattered to Cass.
The crowd cheered and together, hands clasped tightly and laughter bubbling out, Steph and Cass raced back down the aisle.
“Are you sure?” Bruce shifted awkwardly but Cass smiled so Steph followed the cue of her wife, – her wife – instead of her gut reaction of hurt.
“If you dont want to, I understand,” she offered, keeping her tone neutral.
“I–” Bruce began again, but seemed to lose his words as he floundered to explain.
Steph’s initial reaction would have been frowning – fear of being excluded once again – but Cass’s steady face shared what the problem really was.
“Bruce,” Steph looked him in the eye. “I am asking you to escort us both. Cass thinks this will be fun and–” she hesistated, but a squeeze from Cass’s hand gave her the strength to continue. “This way no one is left out. It’s important to me.”
He smiled, a hint of tear in his eye. “I’d be honored. For both of you.”
Steph returned the smile, gratitude and happiness filling her, before signalling the band on stage.
The lead singer tapped the microphone to gain attention. “And now announcing the Father-Daughter dance.”
The music began and they stepped out to the dance floor – as a trio.
They hadn’t rehearsed it. It was an impromptu decision to even include the tradition, but as Bruce escorted them, Steph on his left arm and Cass on his right, the whole crowd cheered loudly in support.
It started a bit awakward, like a childish circle of swaying movement, but then Cass laughed, twirling out on her father's arm while Steph spun in the opposite direction, moving closer. Cass's ability to read the movements paired with Bruce's training and Steph’s trust, all flowed together for a rather silly, but ultimately sweet, and memorable dance.