Here we go. The wedding is upon us. If I've written it right, you may feel a tear come to your eye!

Thank you very much to Jazzola for her wonderful beta-ing. And thank you to all the people who reviewed and favourited. Opening my inbox feels like getting a hug! xxx

1st December 2002 – Gene is 32, Alex is 22

Alex: Today's the day. I'm trying my best to stay calm, but so many things could go wrong. In my mind I can see us standing at the altar and then me vanishing, leaving Gene bereft.

I hear the doorbell ring and I head downstairs. "Please, God. Just let me have today," I pray.

Gene: I have to stay calm. I know that a million and one things could go wrong, but I mustn't think about it. In my mind I keep replaying a perfect scene, but at the last minute Alex disappears.

I hear Ray shouting at me, so I stumble out of the guestroom. "Please, God. Just give her today," I pray.

9:00am

Alex: 2 hours left to go. I lost about 10 minutes earlier. I spent 3 hours pacing frantically around my old primary school, willing fate to send me back. I just hope it isn't an indicator of things to come.

I have several friends fussing around at the moment, trying to get everything organised. They have forbidden me from doing anything, saying I need to relax. I'm more grateful than they will ever know.

"Alex," Annie says abruptly, shaking me from my thoughts. "Shower. Now."

"Yes, ma'am," I reply, mock saluting.

I hurry back up the stairs to the bathroom. Once I'm under the stream of water I feel more relaxed. The tension goes from my muscles and I breathe more easily.

"It'll be ok, Alex," I say to myself. "Just stay calm."

10:00am

Gene: One hour to go. I'm stood in front of a mirror in Ray's flat, surveying myself in my suit. Any other time I'd feel a right nonce for caring, but this is for Alex.

I think back to when she first met me in real time. I hadn't seen her for 2 years, and she turned my world around. This sweet, gorgeous girl just walked into my life and changed the way I thought about everything.

"Gene," Ray shouts to me, shaking my thoughts away. "We'd best get goin'. Don't wanna be late."

11:10am

Alex: This is it. It's like a dream. Every detail is how I have always wanted it to be. My dress is long and flowy. White of course. And with perhaps a little too much cleavage, just the way Gene likes it.

I take a deep breath and stride into the church.

And there he is. Gene. My eyes drink in his features. His bright blue eyes, soft blond hair. His stomach, just round enough to be adorable. He looks amazing in his suit. Classic black with a white shirt. He probably thinks he looks a nonce, but for me it's perfect.

I smile, thinking back to the first time I met him. He rescued me from those drunk perverts. My Gene Genie. My protector.

When I reach him he takes my hand and smiles. "You're perfect," we whisper simultaneously.

It begins.

Later

Gene: And so we are married.

We are cuddled up at a table in Luigi's, listening to Ray finish his speech.

"So, a toast," he declares, swaying drunkenly. "To the Guv an' 'is posh bird."

Everyone laughs and raises their glasses. "To Gene and Alex," they chorus.

"Cheers, Raymondo," I grunt, getting to my feet. I take Alex's hand and gently massage the back with my thumb. "I just wanna say a few words. First, thank you all for coming. It wouldn't 'ave been the same without yer. Thanks, Luigi, fer keepin' us in booze. And thank you, Alex. Just for being you."

She stands up, winds her arms around my neck and kisses me very softly and sweetly. It feels like hours before we break apart.

"Thank you, Gene," she murmurs. "I love you."

Alex: Gene leads me away from the table as our song starts to play. It's one of my favourites – Only You by Yazoo.

Gene takes my right hand in his left and puts his other hand on my waist. I rest my head on his shoulder as we gently sway.

"Alex Hunt," he murmurs. "Beautiful name."

I giggle slightly and mumble into his neck "Certainly is, Mr Hunt."

He kisses my forehead softly. It seems as though there is no one in the world but us.

The song carries on and we keep swaying. Almost before I know it the end is near. I lift my head to look into Gene's eyes. The second I do, I'm lost. I start to cry.

And the only man I've ever wanted is here to kiss it better.

That night

Gene: I feel as though I am floating on a cushion of happiness. I'm lying in my bed with my wife nestled in my arms.

My wife. I'd never have imagined that such an amazing woman as Alex would ever marry someone like me. But here we are.

And she is divine.