Four

"Alright, you're all set!" Vanille placed the blush palette onto the dresser and clasped her hands together. "Now for the veil."

"Thank you so much Vanille, you've been a huge help." Serah smiled. She glanced into the mirror to see her eyes looking bolder than ever and her cheeks glowing like a fresh rose.

"It's the least I can do. I'm glad to." Vanille placed the light, laced veil over Serah's bun and smiled at her into the mirror. "Beautiful! Snow is a lucky one."

"Oh Vanille, you're too sweet. I'm sure any man would be lucky to have you as well." Serah smiled with a hint of mischief hidden between her lips.

Vanille opened her mouth as if to say something but abruptly closed it as if she changed her mind.

"Something the matter?" Serah asked as she rose from her chair.

"It's nothing. I just... thought of something." Vanille scratched the back of her head in slight embarrassment.

"You mean, someone?" Serah grinned.

Vanille sighed. "I've missed him a lot. Do you think he'll want to dance with me tonight?"

Serah replied in a singsong tone, "We'll see."

Lightning guided Hope to the back terrace. Night was looming and string lights were dangling from the roof, gazebo, and tent setup. The large concession area was centered with a tall cream-colored cake ornatewith swirling designs. The chairs were half full of people with anticipation of the ceremony soon to begin. Hope scanned the seats for a curly red headed mistress but didn't have any luck.

"I don't see her." He sighed.

"She'll be here eventually. The ceremony is about to start." Lightning reassured Hope.

Hope then began towards Snow, who was anxiously waiting at the end of the aisle under the sparkling gazebo.

"I still can't believe you chose me as your best man." Hope stated as he stood next to Snow.

"I still can't believe you are older than me now." Snow remarked, grinning a crooked smile. Hope just gave him a tired, annoyed look.

"Well get ready, big guy, it's about to begin."

Noel showed up behind the two men. They all subconsciously adjusted their ties and stood up straight.

A ballad began to play, reminiscent of the music that played back on Cocoon. The crowd began to quiet down and turn their heads as a young purple haired girl made her way down the aisle tossing flowers onto the ground. The wind gracefully ruffled her sky blue gown and long, curled hair. Noel was holding back a smile as Hope elbowed him lightly in the side.

Then came the bridesmaids in there matching blue dresses walking with linked arms and holding on to bouquets. Fang and Vanille. They smiled and lightly waved at the crowd as they paced to the soft ballad playing.

Hope stared wide-eyed. Noel mimicked him, nudging him with his elbow. All Hope could notice was Vanille and the light that radiated from her smile and her presence. Suddenly, she caught his gaze and went wide-eyed herself, nervously smiling. Hope mouthed the word "Hi," to her, expression still. Vanille smiled and mouthed "Hi," back. Vanille and Fang positioned themselves by Lightning and turned their heads towards the ivory bride.

At the very end of the aisle was Serah in her delicate, draping gown and veil. Her arm was linked in Sazh's who appeared to have a slight tear in his eye. The traditional "Here comes the bride" chime began to play as they slowly made their way. Snow gaped at his beautiful bride. Serah nervously grinned, holding back tears. Snow gradually smirked as she approached him.

Sazh detached his arm from Serah's and quickly paced over to a spot in the front row next to his son, Dajh.

"Who's reading all the mumbo jumbo and giving them off, anyway?" Hope whispered to Noel.

"Ha-ha, you'll see." Noel replied with a crooked grin. Hope's eyebrows furrowed. Out of nowhere, Noel gracefully strode up behind the podium centered in the gazebo. Hope shrugged to no one in particular. Apparently Noel was the officiant.

"Dearly Beloved..." Noel recited the oaths as Serah stared into Snow's eyes. They seemed relieved and blissful. Noel's voice gradually became a dull hum in her ears the longer she smiled up at Snow. She took hold of his hands. She could already feel the tears of joy stinging at the back of her eyes.

"When did Noel become a priest?" Lightning murmured to Fang.

"Hey, we don't know that. Maybe he's an official of the courthouse?" Fang shrugged.

Noel then gave the cue for Serah and Snow to exchange their vows.

"Serah, I couldn't imagine living a day without you, walking a step without you, or breathing a breath without you. You give me hope and purpose to carry on. You have held all the pieces of me together; without you I would be lost. So please, cherish me, and I will cherish you." Snow grasped Serah's hand tightly and bowed his head down to conceal the glistening of his eyes.

Serah cleared her throat and straightened her posture. "Snow, you are the only person I could give my heart to. You are the positive energy in my life and the reason I keep a smile on my face. You help me believe that everything will be ok, and that we should never give up. Look where it got us today. Sure, you can be a bit reckless," Snow lifted his head and grinned at this. "But that only makes me love you more. Please, stay in my life until the end."

A few subtle whoops and cheers came from the crowd.

Noel clasped his hands together. "Very well, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Snow carefully flipped the veil away from his bride's face. He wrapped his arms around Serah in an excited embrace and lifted her off the ground. She coiled her arms around his neck and pressed her mouth against his. They twirled around as claps and whistles emanated from the audience. The crowd stood up and applauded the newlyweds. Serah broke the kiss and whispered, "I love you," into her husband's ear.

"I love you too," Snow whispered back.