“Cause I'm keeping you forever and for always We will be together all of our day Wanna wake up every morning to your sweet face—always…” Shania Twain

Somewhere in Statham Island

Storm’s place- Bridal Suite

12:01pm

Kendra and Dean‟s wedding day dawned bright and sunny with no clouds in sight. It was a perfect day for a perfect wedding.

“It‟s going to be an awesome day, I can feel it. It has to be---I‟m getting married in three hours,” Kendra sang merrily, bobbing up and down the makeover station.

“Sweetie, sit still. I can‟t get these pins in your hair if you keep moving like this,” Cassie warned sternly. She was doing everyone‟s hair and Kendra‟s messy up do was a complicated one.

Victoria sat in one of the arm chairs and gazed out into the ocean. She could not stop thinking about Storm‟s wild accusations and their fight the previous morning. She locked herself in her room for the rest of the day and cried herself to sleep. Storm tried to get her to open the door but she would not budge. She was too hurt and too disappointed with him. How could he think that she would keep the truth from him? Was that really what he thought of her, someone with no scruples?

Storm’s Place- Groom’s suite

13:10pm

“What did you do this time?” Dean asked watching his older brother pace the length of his bedroom. Drake and Hugo were off somewhere flirting with the female guests and Storm, being Dean‟s best man, was supposed to help him get ready but as luck would have it, Dean was on his own.

“Huh?” Storm asked, sounding distracted, did not bother to turn around and look at his little brother.

“Can you sit still for a minute and tell me what‟s going on?” Dean retorted.

“Victoria and I---we had a fight and I said some stupid things to her,” Storm broke off, thinking about their fight. He had been brutal and mean to her, and he had realized that almost immediately. When he went back to apologize, Victoria was sleeping and she locked herself in her room for the remainder of the day, missing dinner and only allowing his butler to bring her food.

“So, why don‟t you go and talk to her?” Dean asked sensibly.

“It‟s not that simple. I think I‟ve pushed her too far this time,” Storm wailed sadly. For someone who prided himself on being rational, he realized he was completely irrational where Victoria was concerned and it scared him. He had never felt so extreme about anyone.

13:45 pm

“Here‟s something old,” Victoria whispered, handing Kendra a nicely wrapped gift box. Inside was a wedding veil that belonged to Laurien Mendez once upon a time. Kendra already had her underwear for something blue and her bouquet was borrowed from one cousin or other who had recently gotten married.

“Wow Toria. What‟s this?” Kendra whispered, tears brimming in her eyes.

“I know you were not planning on wearing a veil, but I think no bride should walk down the aisle without one. Besides, it‟s just sitting there gathering dust, so you might as well use it. Mom would have wanted you to have it, or at least wear it on your big day. You know how much she loved you,” Victoria murmured, giving her best friend a teary smile.

“Thank you so much for this…it means a lot to me,” Kendra cried softly, pushing back her tears before her makeup could get smudged. She pulled Victoria close in a warm, emotional hug. This day was bittersweet for both. Victoria was ecstatic for Kendra and the new life she was about to start, but at the same time, she could not help but feel nostalgic. It was the beginning of a new era for both of them. Kendra was about to be a wife and she was about to become a mom. She wanted to tell Kendra about the baby, but she did not want her good news to eclipse her best friend‟s big day.

Somewhere in Statham Island

14:00pm

“Do you have the rings?” Dean asked for the hundredth time. As much as he told everyone he was not nervous about his impending nuptials, he was. He wondered if he would make a good husband and a good father, after all he did not have many shining examples of that.

“Relax. I have everything,” Storm assured him coolly. They were on their way to St. Anne‟s chapel, following closely behind Drake and Hugo‟s car. The wedding ceremony would be over in a little over an hour and his life would go back to normal. He hoped normal included Victoria and their baby. Suddenly he was anxious to see her. He wondered if she had managed to eat anything at all today.

St Anne’s Chapel Song: Silhouette by Kenny G

14:30pm

One by one the guests drifted in. Delia, Kendra‟s old housekeeper, wearing a long champagne-colored dress, was in charge of welcoming the guests. She was honored to be included in the wedding ceremony, even if it was in such a small role. The pianist, in one corner of the chapel, played the piano version of Kenny G‟s Silhouette. A small frown of annoyance flickered on Delia‟s wise face when Kendra‟s mom, Darlene Mason, dressed in red dress waltzed in.

“Darlene,” She nodded politely.

“Delia,” the other woman murmured haughtily, pushing past her to take her place on Kendra‟s side of the church. Delia did not know why she still felt stunned by Darlene‟s haughtiness; after all she had known her for over twenty years. Would there ever be a day when Darlene would get off her high horse?

14:45 pm

When the song changed to The Moment, Pastor James led Dean and his groomsmen to the altar and they all took their places and waited for the bridal party‟s entry.

Dean could not contain his anxiety. He just wanted the whole ceremony to be over so he could whisk Kendra off into the sunset.

Storm was preoccupied with thoughts of Victoria and his baby. He hoped the day was not too taxing on her.

Drake could not stop reliving, in his mind, his steamy night with Daniella the previous evening.

Hugo, on the other hand, was thinking about his future with Cassie. In a space of five days, he had grown so attached to her and he knew tomorrow both their lives would be different. She would go back to Strangetown and he would carry on being Statham Island‟s number one architect. As if all that meant anything without her!

14:50 pm

They were waiting outside the chapel‟s entrance for their music to begin. “How do I look?” Kendra asked for the millionth time. She hoped her legs were steady enough to carry her forward. She could not believe it was finally happening. In a few minutes she would be Mrs. Dean Chace!

“You look like a dream,” Victoria gave her best friend a smile of assurance. Before Kendra could say anything else, the song changed to Sentimental and they all knew it was time.

14:52 pm

Cassie walked in first. She walked slowly, pacing herself to the music. Suddenly the length of the aisle seemed much longer than it had been on rehearsal night. She smiled broadly when she finally stood opposite Hugo. Dean and his groomsmen looked gorgeous and for a crazy second she wondered how strange it would be if they all ended up marrying each other!

Daniella followed a few seconds after Cassie. She reveled in everyone‟s stares. She smiled broadly as she heard awestruck gasps from the guests. She was not expecting the picture of perfection that greeted her when she finally stood opposite Drake. Suddenly their fling meant more than that and she wondered how she could bear to part from him!

Victoria stood frozen at the entrance. She had a wild crazy thought that she could not go through with this. She looked ridiculous in her skimpy dress and she imagined everyone could see the barely visible baby bump. Then she heard rustles and whispers amongst the guests and she came back to the present. She would do this for Kendra!

She walked as slowly as she could down the aisle and prayed that she would not faint like she had on rehearsal night. She mouthed a hello when she passed Delia, oblivious to the stares she was getting from the male guests. Storm, waiting patiently at the altar for her, thought she was a vision from a fairytale and he wondered how lucky he could be that this princess was carrying his child.

When she got to the altar she mumbled a quick “Hi,” to Dean and avoided meeting Storm‟s eyes. But, pulled by the sheer force of his magnetic eyes, against her will, she looked up at him. She felt the same timelessness she had experienced at her parents‟ memorial service when Storm had made his grand entrance. No one else mattered except the two of them and their baby. “I love you both,” Storm mouthed at her and flashed a blinding smile. She felt her heart somersault and before she could think of anything to say, Kendra‟s song began and they all turned their attention to the entrance.

14:58 pm

When Kendra heard the strains of Forever in love drifting from inside the chapel, her life began. She stood at the chapel‟s threshold and took in every detail, the look on her guests‟ faces, the decorations inside the chapel, the music and the exultant atmosphere. She wanted to commit everything to memory so that she could remember this day always. Everything was perfect and she had never felt so much joy. She felt abundantly blessed to have so many friends and family present to show their support. She took in huge gulps of air and steadied her racing heart.

This was the moment she had dreamed of ever since she met Dean three years ago. But now it felt surreal…She only wished her father was here to see her. So, on angels‟ wings she glided down the aisle.

To Dean, she looked regal and breathtaking. He was humbled by the love he saw shining in her eyes as she walked up to meet him. It hit him then that he had never known what happiness was until Kendra came into his life. When she took her place beside him and they both faced Pastor James everything clicked into place and they both felt complete and fulfilled.

“Welcome all. We are gathered here today to witness one of God‟s unforgettable unions as Kendra & Dean make their commitment to each other. Kendra & Dean thank you for your presence today and now ask for your blessings, encouragement and lifelong support, for their decision to get married,” Pastor James, in a clear baritone voice, opened the wedding ceremony.

Looking at Dean, Pastor James asked, “Do you, Dean, take this woman to be your wedded wife?”

“I do,” Dean replied, his voice sounded firm and strong.

“Do you, Kendra, take this man to be your wedded husband?”

“I do,” Kendra echoed her „soon be husband‟s‟ affirmation.

“In the spirit of the importance of strong friendships to a marriage Kendra and Dean have asked two friends to read selections about love that especially resonate with them,” Pastor James‟ voice startled Victoria out of her daze.

“This passage is from The Passionate Sheppard to His Love by Christopher Marlowe,” Storm cleared his throat and began his recital, all the while gazing into Victoria‟s eyes. He forgot about the other well wishers and focused on her. It was almost as if he was speaking to her alone.

“Come live with me and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures prove

That valleys, groves, hills, and fields,

Woods, or steepy mountain yields.

And we will sit upon the rocks,

seeing the shepherds feed their flocks,

by shallow rivers to whose falls Melodious birds sing madrigals.

And I will make thee beds of roses

and a thousand fragrant posies,

a cap of flowers, and a kirtle Embroidered all with leaves of myrtle…”

Of course Dean had chosen the passage. At first Storm had thought it was a ridiculous idea to read love poems, but now that he was saying it out loud, reciting poetry was not bad at all, all things considered. Victoria was clearly moved.

For a little while after Storm finished his recital, Victoria struggled to compose herself. She tried to formulate the words she had so diligently learned at Kendra‟s insistence but she could not. Then Dean‟s barely audible whisper as he grunted her name shook her out of her daze. With a shaky voice she read her passage, “I‟ll be reading Sir Phillip Sidney‟s „My True Love Has My Heart‟”

“My true love hath my heart and I have his.

By just exchange one for the other given:

I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss; there never was a bargain better driven.

My true love hath my heart and I have his.

His heart in me keeps him and me in one;

My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides:

He loves my heart, for once it was his own;

I cherish his because in me it bides. My true love hath my heart and I have his.”

Kendra and Dean could not believe how swiftly the wedding ceremony was proceeding. They missed half of what was being said because they were so engrossed with each other. Pastor James‟ gentle voice startled them out of their daydreams and they forced themselves to get back into the ceremony.

“Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today. Will everyone please rise,” Pastor James crystal clear voice boomed in the small chapel. “Will you who are present here today, surround Dean and Kendra in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage?”

“We will,” was the reply from the wedding guests.

”You may be seated.”

“We have now reached the point in your ceremony where you‟re going to say your vows but you have chosen to write your own wedding vows. Please read the vows you have written for each other,” Pastor James murmured smiling broadly at the bride and groom. They looked blissful together.

Dean turned to Kendra and words failed him when he saw the love that greeted him when he looked into her eyes.

“Kendra, I never knew what happiness was until you came into my life. I never believed in love and soul mates and forever, but when I met you in that crowded room, I felt the planets shift and everything clicked into place. I didn’t understand it then, but I do now and I know you are my forever, and I am not complete without you. Today, in front of all our friends and family, I’m pledging my undying love for you and my unwavering commitment to our marriage. I love you, forever and always!” Dean whispered with tears in his eyes and he had to stop a few times to keep his emotions in check.

“Dean, I’m honored that you chose to make a life with me. Since I met you, my life has been filled with love, joy, and laughter and I must be the most blessed person I know in the whole world. I always pictured the perfect man to be strong, handsome, steadfast, and caring. In you, I have found all this and more. You always know what to say to comfort me when I feel confused and bewildered. You always know what to do when I feel scared and lost, but most of all, you always know how to make me laugh and smile when I feel sad. Without you, I’m incomplete. In front of our friends and family I promise to love, honor, and cherish you for all eternity. I love you, forever and always.”

“May I have the rings please?” Pastor James turned to Storm who silently handed the rings over to him. Turning to Kendra and Dean the pastor continued, “Please repeat after me…”

“I give you this ring, as a token of my love for and the commitment I‟m making to you,” Kendra murmured, repeating after Pastor James, and not taking her eyes off Dean.

Dean, equally mesmerized by his brides beautiful face beamed at her happily and echoed her words, “I give you this ring, as a token of my love for and the commitment I‟m making to you.”

Leading the ceremony to a close, Pastor James continued, “Let‟s all turn to Mark 10:6-9…But God‟s plan was seen from the beginning of creation, for He made them male and female. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two, but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together. Dean & Kendra, I now pronounce you man & wife. You may now kiss the bride."

As soon as they heard “You may now kiss the bride” Dean and Kendra reached for each other and locked their lips in a long, lingering, tender kiss.

“We made it,” Dean whispered against her mouth.

“I know…I‟m so happy,” she murmured hoarsely, tears trickling down her rosy cheeks.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Dean Chace were greeted by a chorus of congratulations from the bridesmaids and groomsmen after their first kiss as husband and wife.

A little while later, having signed the marriage license with Victoria and Storm as witnesses, Kendra and Dean took their fist walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

“I love you so much,” Dean murmured softly for Kendra‟s ears only.

“I love you more,” Kendra smiled up at him.

Victoria and Storm followed closely behind the bride and groom. Victoria wanted to remove her hand from the crook of his arm, but he held on to it firmly, as if he knew what she was planning.

“How are you both holding up?” He asked gently, leaning closer to her. His voice sent shock waves throughout her already sensitive body.

“Fine…Just peachy!” she retorted abruptly, eliciting a dark frown from him.

Woodlands Park – Wedding Party Photo shoot

For their wedding photos, Kendra and Dean decided on Woodlands Park. The park held special memories for them. It was where Dean had taken her on a picnic for their first date.

“Get a room you too,” Cassie teased, when they were all subjected to watching yet another kiss between the newlyweds.

“We will---Later!” Dean shot back, pulling Kendra closer in his arms.

They were now on their way to The Village Guest Lodge at the heart of Statham Island for the reception.

“Please forgive me, I didn‟t mean what I said,” Storm mumbled, not taking his eyes off the road, mainly because he was afraid of the murderous look he was sure he would find on Victoria‟s face. “It was stupid and unfair of me to make such assumptions.”

“I understand why you thought that, but I just wish you would have given me a chance to explain. I would never keep the truth from you. That first time…I was going to tell you when I came back from visiting my parents, but then things spun out of control,” she told him quietly, “I was just as surprised by the news as you were. I love you Storm, and I just wish you would have a little faith in me.”

“Of course I do have faith in you…it‟s just that---Please forgive me?” He begged again, this time his voice cracking with emotion.

“I forgave you from the moment you uttered those words,” she told him gently. She did not know why, but she was in a forgiving and festive mood today. Besides, her mom always told her to choose her battles wisely. Laurien also taught her that one should know when to fight and when to let things go, and this was one of the times when she had to let it go.

Wedding Reception

Somewhere in Statham Island – The Village Guest Lodge

The wedding reception was held at The Village Guest Lodge, one of the elite guest lodges in Statham Island. Kendra‟s events coordination company did the catering and décor.

“Well dear, you‟ve certainly outdone yourself, but I do think lilac would have been a better color,” Darlene Mason remarked waspishly in her high pitched voice. Delia, sitting across from her rolled her eyes in frustration and wondered if Darlene would ever stop being overly critical.

“Mother, let it go please. Don‟t ruin my day,” Kendra snapped at her mom. She was having a fantastic day, until her mom decided to open her mouth. She could feel her anger threatening to spill over, but she forced herself to stay calm for Dean‟s sake.

“Well, it‟s still my opinion…” Darlene, feeling slightly rebuked, retorted rudely only to be cut off by Dean‟s steely gaze.

“Drop it Darlene,” Dean hissed coldly at his mother in law. He wondered how he would be able to spend eternity with the woman.

“You look amazing,” Storm drawled softly. He felt a jolt of electricity go through his body when he took Victoria‟s hand in his. He hated being at the same table with Darlene Mason, but having Victoria next to him made anything bearable.

“Thank you,” Victoria smiled demurely. He looked handsome in his black suit. She noticed how the female guests kept stealing glances at their table.

Not far from the main table, Drake, Hugo, Cassie and Daniella were having a much happier time.

“Say you‟ll stay, just for a little while,” Hugo pleaded with Cassie softly, not wanting his brother to hear their conversation.

“Very tempting,” Cassie smiled, also keeping her voice low, “but I have mega corporations for clients and I‟m sure you‟ll agree they can be very demanding. I can‟t keep neglecting them.” She was a corporate attorney in Strangetown and, as much as her two weeks in Statham Island had been fun and relaxing, she had a lot of catching up to do when she got back home.

A little while later, after lunch, Storm gave his best man speech and toast. He kept it short and simple and avoided making jokes about Dean‟s racy past. Seeing the look of pride and happiness in Victoria, Dean and Kendra‟s faces he knew he had done an excellent job and it was all thanks to Bree for helping him with his speech.

Finishing off his speech, he said seriously, “Kendra, I‟ve seen a huge transformation in Dean since you came into his life, and for that I‟m grateful to you. Welcome to our family. May you both be blessed with unwavering love for each other, strong friendships, and lots of Chace heirs!”

Storm‟s heartfelt speech brought tears to Kendra‟s eyes. She loved her brother-in-law, but sometimes she did not know if she liked him. Right now, though, she liked him a lot because he really was trying to make friends with her and he was also trying very hard to work on his relationship with her best friend. Those two factors stood him in good stead with her today.

Victoria also kept her toast sweet and short, “Kendra and Dean I‟ve watched you grow from your first date to this very moment and if you could see yourselves through my eyes, you would see what a magical couple you are. I have nothing but love and respect for both of you. I wish you eternal love, healthy minds and spirits, and may God bless you with beautiful golden-haired children!” She had no words to describe the happiness she felt for her best friends.

Dean was the happier of the two when the time came to cut the wedding cake. He had a sweet tooth and throughout lunch he kept ogling the cake.

“Open wide,” Kendra commanded in a mock stern voice as she scooped a piece of cake with her fork and stuffed it in her husband‟s mouth. She wished, when she saw Dean‟s tongue flicker on his lips, they could skip all the formalities and go right to dessert…the other kind of dessert!

They danced to Shania Twain’s Forever and for Always for their first dance. It was Kendra‟s favorite song, and now it would be THEIR song. Dean did not have a special song and he did not understand why they had to have one, but whatever made Kendra happy made him happy too. So if she wanted Forever and for Always to be THEIR song, he was okay with that. He was her eternal slave and his job was to make her happy forever and for always. He took his wedding vows seriously!

Victoria smiled when Storm took her hand and led her to the dance floor. They were dancing to Eric Clapton‟s Wonderful Tonight.

“How‟s my baby doing?” he asked softly, pulling her tighter in his embrace. He was so delirious with joy he could not think straight. He had been dreading the day because he had thought Victoria would not want to see him again, but she had surprised him when she forgave him so easily for their tiff yesterday morning.

“I think she‟s sleeping,” Victoria whispered. This day was getting better and better. She drank in his cologne and reveled in his firm embrace. She wanted to be locked in his arms forever. She did not want to part from him, ever!

“She? I can‟t wait to meet her,” Storm drawled. Of course they did not know the sex of the baby yet, but whether it was a boy or a girl did not matter, just as long as it was healthy.

From the onlookers, Victoria and Storm looked magical together. Their chemistry was raw and screamed out from every cell in their bodies. Their movements were perfectly synchronized, and when they moved, the whole room came alive.

Daniella and Drake waltzed past. Drake gave his cousin a thumbs-up sign and winked at Victoria. He was glad things between them seemed great.

“We‟re getting married in two weeks,” Storm told her seriously, tipping her backwards.

“We are?” Victoria asked breathlessly.

“Yes we are! We‟ve wasted so much time running around in circles. You love me, I love you, so why not?” He asked sensibly.

“Yeah, why the HELL not?” Victoria agreed. She was ecstatic and she was not sure if she was feeling heady from love, the atmosphere in the room, or the pregnancy vitamins she had taken. She wanted this night to last forever.

“Big or a small wedding?” he asked gazing into the ocean that was her eyes.

“Small,” Victoria played along, staring at the curve of his mouth. Of course she did not think he was serious. How would they ever pull off a wedding in two weeks?

“Chapel, or a destination wedding?”

“Destination,” she murmured. She was not really paying attention to his questions. She just wanted him to kiss her.

“How many people?” Storm continued with his interrogation.

“Ten,” Victoria replied, bringing her lips closer to his. Of course she just gave him the first number that came to mind. She did not understand the power he had over her. He made her want to tear her clothes off.

“Consider it done!” he growled as the last shreds of his self control vanished and he brought down his mouth on hers in a fiercely passionate kiss.

“I love you more than words could ever explain,” she sobbed softly against his mouth.

“Shhh…don‟t cry... You‟re okay, I‟m okay, we‟re both okay and we‟ll be very, very happy together,” Storm promised. Still kissing her, he brushed the tears from her eyes.

Their kiss was interrupted by the sound of his cell phone. She watched his body stiffen and the fleeting look of anger and anxiety in his eyes. She did not have to ask him who it was or what the call was about because she knew, like she knew why the whole BAU team was at the wedding. Jade was still out there and they were keeping a close eye on her.

“Ladies, it‟s time,” Kendra called out excitedly as she prepared to throw her bouquet. She stood with her back facing the arc of women. This was every female guest‟s favorite part of the wedding.

“Ready? Three, two, one!” she screamed merrily, throwing the bouquet in the air. She heard the women push and struggle to catch it, and she laughed quietly when they all sighed disappointed because the bouquet did not land in any of their hands.

Bree, not paying attention to Kendra‟s throw because she was engrossed in a religious discussion with Pastor James, out of the corner of her eye saw something fly towards her and she raised her hands defensively to block it off, only to have the bouquet land neatly in her hands.

“Woo hoo!” Drake cheered robustly when Dean knelt in front of his wife to remove the wedding garter.

“Take it off,” Hugo added.

“Do we really have to do this?” Kendra moaned, feigning embarrassment. Dean blushed furiously as all the guys cheered him on. His eyes widened in shock when they felt nothing.

“Gotcha boys!” Kendra smiled up at them men, “did you really think I‟d wear a garter?” She asked demurely, her cheeks dimpling slightly as she tried hard to hide her smile.

“Spoil sport!” Drake and Hugo mumbled in unison. Of course Dean had known that she would not be wearing a garter. That whole scene was just a show for his cousins.

At 08:00 pm everyone gathered around for the bride and groom‟s send off. Kendra did not know where they were headed for their honeymoon, all she knew was that her bags were already packed and a limo was waiting outside.

“Can‟t you give me a clue?” Kendra tried yet again to get Dean to disclose the secret honeymoon location.

“Not a chance,” Dean smiled, his eyes twinkled with happiness.

They were out of time and they would change their clothes in the car. “Congratulations,” and “Enjoy” were the last words they heard as they ran outside into the waiting limo.

A little while later, after handing Pastor James the envelope with his payment and writing a check for the venue, Storm went to find Victoria.

“Shall we?” Storm asked as he bent to kiss her lightly on the lips.

“Yeah, let‟s go home,” she agreed. It had been a long, emotional, and tiring day, but she was glad she would be ending it in Storm‟s arms.

“Honeymoon…where do you want to go?” Storm asked suddenly on the way to his car. When they planned their wedding earlier he had totally forgotten about the honeymoon.

Victoria, of course, not taking him seriously because she really did not think they could pull off a wedding in two weeks, whispered, “Surprise me!”