A/N:

Hey, guys! This is the last chapter of iPromise You. I know, I know. It's a sad day for me, too. I'll have a longer author's note at the bottom, but all I have say right now is enjoy!

Disclaimer:

iCarly is not mine because it belongs to Dan Schneider. I wish I owned it, though.

"You don't marry someone you can live with—you marry the person who you cannot live without." –Anonymous

"Carly, I'm freaking out here," Sam said, fidgeting in her long, white gown with light purple crystals clinging to the bodice.

Carly sighed and took a step closer to her best friend. She gazed into Sam's ocean blue eyes, which swam with uncertainty.

"What are you afraid of? You love him," she stated softly.

Sam gulped. "I know, but this a big thing. Puckett women aren't really meant to fall in love and stay in love. And I'm trying to break that rule. I'm getting married."

The brunette came even closer, closing the distance between her and the bride. Placing her hands on Sam's shoulders, she stared at her straight on. She knew that her best friend needed a pep talk, and she was the only one who could give it.

"Being a Puckett doesn't mean you have to follow your mom's example. I realize it's a shock to you, but you've practically been married to Freddie your whole life. I understand that you're a bit nervous because today's the official day. But it won't be any different now than it already has been. Please don't feel scared or worried. Just smile, walk down the aisle, say your vows, and enjoy your marriage. Everything will work out because I know you two will make it. If Romeo and Juliet were real, they'd be you guys. No one else in the world has a romance that can match yours."

Sam felt unshed tears in her eyes after Carly finished speaking. She knew deep in her heart that everything her Maid of Honor had said was true. She also knew that no one else could make her feel better at the moment than the girl staring at her. Reaching out, she clasped her in a giant hug.

"Thank you," Sam murmured next to Carly's ear. "I really needed that."

Pulling away slightly, Carly smiled. "I know. You'll be fine. Now we need to get you down the aisle. Standing in the parking lot at this beach is no way to spend your wedding. Plus, I'm already supposed to be down there with the rest of the group. Spencer's going to be here in about a minute to give you away. I've got to go, so you stay and wait for him. Deep breaths, Sam. You've got this."

Carly turned and left, while Sam remained in her spot, clutching the sides of her wedding dress. She could feel her body relax a tiny bit. She could do this. She had been imagining this day for years, so it was going to be perfect. It had to be.

Suddenly, a car drove up and parked next to the bride. Out stepped a figure in a skillfully hemmed tuxedo with his hair slicked back. He gave her a warm smile, walking closer. He held his arms out and immediately, Sam found herself in them. She rested her chin on his shoulder, breathing in his comforting scent of cologne mixed with paint.

"Are you ready for this?" he asked.

She pulled back, grinning. "Yeah. I'm ready."

He laughed. "Good. It'd be bad if you decided to drop out of this last minute."

She punched his arm lightly, giggling. "That's not happening, Spencer. I'm marrying my Freddork today, and nothing is going to stop me."

"Well, I would hope so. By the way, you make a beautiful bride."

Sam could feel heat rise to her cheeks, despite the fact that she was already wearing blush. "Thank you, Spencer. And thank you for giving me away. It means a lot."

"Anything for a little sister of mine. We've pretty much been related since you and Carly became best friends. I had a feeling I'd be doing this job one day, and I'm glad the day is finally here."

Again, Sam's eyes shined with unshed tears. She knew they would have to eventually escape from her eyes, but now wasn't the time. Instead, she smiled in response. Raising her chin a bit, she said, "Shall we get a move on?"

"We shall."

Before Spencer could offer his arm to the lady, he opened his car to grab the bouquet of purple and white roses for her to carry. He handed her the set of flowers, and she took them carefully in her hands. She linked her arm with him a second later. Together, they began a slow march towards the sandy beach.

As they drew nearer, Sam could hear their song. No, it wasn't Wagner's wedding march; it was Running Away by AM. Sam and Freddie had mutually decided on the music because neither wanted to go traditional. They called Wendy, their talented, piano playing friend to come and play at their wedding. Somehow, she was able to drag a baby grand piano to the beach because it was firmly planted into the sand. The melody of the soft song contrasted with the sound of the ocean, creating a musical piece that would be unforgettable.

Sam took in the setting around her. Near the water, there were about one hundred white and purple chairs set up in rows. Everyone stood up when they saw her, smiling cheerfully. Her eyes scanned over all of the familiar faces, taking each one in. They were dressed in amazing dresses and suits, looking their best.

When she came to the front set of rows, she caught sight of her mother, sitting primly in a navy blue dress. Pam Puckett turned her head to stare at her eldest daughter. Her choppy blonde hair had grown out so that it was past shoulder length, and her blue eyes seemed bright. She didn't look like the slob that she once had been so many years ago. She looked put-together and proud, with a smile on her face that stretched on for miles.

Sam couldn't help but feel happiness swell in her heart. She knew her mom was proud of her for doing this. Pam could never express her feelings through words, but the look she gave her said it all.

Next to Mrs. Puckett sat Mrs. Benson, who gave a curt nod to Sam. However, Sam could tell that beyond the formal exterior of her soon-to-be mother-in-law, lay a gentle-hearted woman. Over the years, Sam had grown a lot closer to Mrs. Benson, proving that she wasn't just some "delinquent." Once Sam had shown her more mature side to Freddie's mom, Mrs. Benson instantly felt better about her son being with Sam. It had taken some time, but it had worked out.

She continued to move along, catching a glimpse of her stunning twin sister. Melanie was, of course, a bridesmaid, standing in her white high heels and knee-length dark purple gown. As Sam passed by, Melanie winked and whispered so only she could hear, "Bonne chance."

She had to suppress a giggle at her sister's words. She knew that meant "good luck," in French. It was something she had picked up from Melanie when they occasionally saw each other when Mel came to the States for a visit. Normally, the slightly younger Puckett resided in Paris, still working with her fashion company. Sam was relieved that her twin could get the time off of work for this. But then again, Melanie did say, "If they don't let me off, I'm going to murder them with a swatch of silk and a sewing machine."

Sam spun her head to the right to look at Gibby. He appeared absolutely dashing in his groomsmen tuxedo with satin purple lining. He gave Sam a huge grin, raising his hands to flash the "thumbs up" sign. She felt a tug at her heart at the gesture, knowing how much the goofball meant to her. It had been a while since she had seen him, and now that she had the chance to, she realized how much she missed him. He would always be "Gibeeh" to her, no matter how many years had gone by.

Finally, she got to Carly. Handing her bouquet of roses to the Maid of Honor, she felt her lips curve into a smile that was only reserved for her best friend. Sam peered into the brown eyes of the one person she could count on for anything. It had been that way since they were little kids. Sam suddenly saw an image in her head of young Carly, on the first day they met. She wanted to laugh because it was a sandwich that had brought them together. She couldn't believe that the elegant woman standing before her was the same one she had seen at school that day. Carly stood gorgeously in the dark purple dress, raven hair flowing in ringlets around her. Her snow white skin was flushed with a light pink color, as her lips arched into a smile in response to Sam.

In a low voice, Carly mumbled, "You can do this. I love you."

"I love you, too," Sam whispered. "Always."

Finally, Sam and Spencer reached Freddie. When the bride laid eyes on the groom, she couldn't focus on anything else. Her breath was taken away at the sight of him in his tuxedo with a single purple rose attached to the lapel. His chocolate brown eyes reflected the warmth that was coursing through him. She had never seen him so utterly handsome or happy. Immediately, her heart soared, reminding her that without a doubt, this was the right man for her. No one else in the world could make her feel the way that he could.

Just like with Carly, Sam had a quick flashback in her head of the day she and Freddie met. She had a hard time believing that man waiting for her was the same little boy who had bumped into her at this very beach. It was the same boy whom she had spent practically her whole life with. The same one who had been her first friend, her first "enemy," her first kiss, her first love, her first real heartbreak, and the first person to mend all of the cracks and bruises her heart had gone through. He was everything to her and she knew that she couldn't live without him.

The next thing Sam knew, the woman helping them get married said something. She wasn't an actual minister, judge, or priest, but she did have a license. Actually, she was a cousin of Socko's. And her name was Mary.

"Who gives this woman to this man?" Mary asked, looking at Spencer, Sam, and Freddie with a kindness in her green eyes.

"I do," Spencer replied softly, almost as if he was having trouble letting go.

He leaned in then, placing a gentle kiss on Sam's cheek. Even though he was extremely joyful at the moment, there was a twinge of sadness in him. He had seen Samantha Puckett grow up right in front of him, and now was the moment where she wasn't just little sister to him anymore. She'd always be close to him, but now she was a strong woman that could definitely stand on her own.

He placed Sam's hand in Freddie's open one. As soon as he did that, he stepped to the right, next to Gibby. He was the Best Man, after all, so he had to be up in the front with the rest of them.

As soon as Sam touched Freddie, she melted. She had no idea how she was going to get through the rest of the wedding. Right now, all she wanted to do was be in his arms, breathing in his comforting scent, and bringing her lips to his. But she knew that was going to come, eventually. First she had to endure the standard things for weddings.

"I love you," she mouthed to Freddie.

"And I love you," he said, looking at her with so much love and adoration that she had to be careful, or else she'd fling herself at him.

"Ladies and Gentleman, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Fredward Benson and Samantha Puckett," Mary began.

The ceremony went on smoothly, just like any normal wedding. The only exception was that their wedding didn't have too many religious aspects to it because they weren't in a church, and neither were really into that.

When it came time for their vows, Sam swallowed thickly. This was the moment she had been waiting for. She had practiced her vows all of yesterday and this morning. Only she knew what she was going to say; no one else knew. She wanted it to be surprise, so she hadn't told a soul.

Here we go, she thought to herself. She took both of Freddie's hands in hers and gazed into those pools of chocolate that were his eyes.

Feeling her heart flutter, she said, "Fredward Karl Benson, I can't believe we're actually getting married."

A chorus of soft laughs sounded from everyone watching. Sam smiled briefly before continuing.

"I'm not really surprised that we're getting married because we've been through so much together. Most people think that we met when we were 11, when you moved into the apartment across from Carly's. But you and I both know that's not the truth."

Quiet gasps came from most of the people at the realization that the two people before them knew each other a lot longer than expected. Mrs. Benson was the only one who didn't appear to be shocked by Sam's announcement. She remembered the day her son met the love of his life.

"Anyway," Sam pressed on. "We first met at this beach when were 7. Everything that happened that day is still fresh in my mind. It was like it occurred yesterday, but it's actually been 24 years. I thought you were incredibly nubby when I laid my eyes on you, but when we talked, I felt a little spark or something. I didn't know what it meant at the time, but soon found out it was chemistry. That chemistry has led us to both good and bad things. It's true that we argue like cats and dogs, but it's also true that we love each other to pieces. Freddie, I cannot even describe to you how much I honestly love you. You know that falling has been a very difficult journey for me. The reason why it's so hard for me to let anyone in my life goes back to my dad. He was the first male to hurt me, and I guess it kind of stuck with me. But you were didn't do that to me. You healed a part of me that had been broken for a long time. And despite the fact that we broke up at age 17, I somehow knew things were going to work out again. Luckily, I was right and here we are now. We're getting married, and I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to be able to grow old with you, Nub. Forever and always." Sam smiled then, feeling breathless and exhilarated.

Freddie was trying hard not to cry at her words. Everything she had said literally melted his heart. He knew she had a problem with being romantic and voicing her true feelings, especially in public. But she had done an amazing job of that just now. He was about to open his mouth to say his vow, when she stopped him.

"I'm not done yet. I know that was long, but I have to finish," she said, with a slight teasing tone to her voice.

The audience erupted into laughter. They knew that it was such a Sam thing to say. Even on her wedding day, she would find a way to be sarcastic and witty.

"As I was saying, I have one more thing to add to that extremely long vow. Look, we have our tradition of making promises to each other. Ever since the day we met, we've made promises for every big moment we've shared. Freddie, I promise you that I will always be your friend. Through thick and thin, you know you can count on me for anything. I'm far from perfect, but if you really need me for something, I will be there in a second. I promise you that I will tolerate you, even if we are both acting at our worst. We're going to have problems, for sure, because we're Sam and Freddie. We're complicated and as try as we might, there are still going to be fights and arguments. But we will get through those because I know we can. I promise you that I will stay loyal to you. No matter what happens, my heart will only belong to you. No one else can have it because it's yours. It's been yours since we met. And lastly, I promise you that I will never stop loving you. Even if the world ends tomorrow, I will continue loving you. Even if you drive me to the point where all I do is scream at you and threaten that I'll leave, I'll still love you. I wouldn't be the same without you, Freddie. I'm so grateful we ended up meeting the first time, and then meeting again years later. I guess Fate wants us together after all."

At traditional weddings, the audience would stay pretty quiet until the end. But at Sam and Freddie's wedding, everyone burst into applause and rounds of "Awwws!" They understood and were amazed by how much Sam had matured over the years. Today seemed to prove that flawlessly.

Freddie really had to contain the tears that were about to spill from his eyes. He had to suck in a breath of air, so he could talk without a wobbly voice. He was incredibly proud of Sam for doing this, but now wasn't the time to tell her that. He was looking forward to the after-part of their wedding, where they could be alone.

He opened his mouth once more to say something, but nothing came out. Damn it! He thought to himself. She's made me speechless again.

Everyone, including the woman standing next to him, could see that he was struggling with his words. Sam smirked, realizing that she was the cause of Freddie's silence. She would have enjoyed it a bit more, had it not been for the fact that speaking was kind of vital at the moment.

He was able to snap out of it a few seconds later. "Sam, I really don't know what to say after that."

Another chorus of laughs came from the viewers of the wedding.

"Seriously, you are the only one that can make me speechless. And it drives me insane because I want to say a lot of things right now, but I can't since it's not enough. What you just said completely blows my words out of the water. I worked on my vow for weeks, to make sure it would be perfect for today. But I'm pleasantly surprised to find myself not needing to use what I had planned to say. Instead, all I'm going to tell you is that I love you so much that it hurts sometimes. No one else in the entire world has a hold on me like you do. I may have your heart, but you have mine. You're the only one I trust to keep it safe. God, I love you, Sam. Forever and always," he finished, beaming with true happiness.

Once again, each person said, "Awww!" because the moment was too adorable. Even Mary had to hold her hand to her heart because she was touched. Never had she seen such a sentimental, beautiful wedding as this one. She knew what was next, so she gave a brief nod towards a person sitting in a chair in the back row.

A little boy with dirty blonde hair and brown eyes in a well-fitted suit hopped out of this seat, grabbing the purple pillow that lay next to him. His name was Benjamin and he was Freddie's ten-year-old cousin. He started walking towards the front, clutching the object in his hands tightly. When he got to the couple, he held out the pillow, smiling enthusiastically.

Sam couldn't help but giggle. She bent down to peck his cheek, whispering in his ear, "Thanks, kid. I'll treat you to a big ice cream sundae later, okay?"

He nodded, flashing her a toothy grin.

Without further ado, Mary asked, "Do you, Fredward Benson, take Samantha Puckett, to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?"

He didn't hesitate to respond. "I do."

He took one of the gleaming silver rings sitting on top of the pillow and slid it onto Sam's fourth finger on her left hand.

As soon as he completed the task, Mary asked Sam the same question. "Do you, Samantha Puckett, take Fredward Benson, to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as you both shall live?"

Sam could feel tears well in her eyes. She knew that it was time for them to escape. "I do," she choked out, reaching for the ring to place it on Freddie's finger.

Mary smiled at the next part. Turning to the rest of the people, she said, "I now pronounce Mr. and Mrs. Fredward Benson." She returned her attention to Sam and Freddie. "You may now kiss the bride."

Before Sam could register anything, she was in Freddie's arms. His arms clutched her around the waist, as his soft lips crushed against her own. She could feel him pouring his heart out into this kiss, saying everything he couldn't earlier. She kissed back gleefully, but knew that if they didn't stop soon, they would continue kissing for ages. And that might disturb some of the people watching.

She pulled back reluctantly with tears of joy running down her face. Freddie reached out to wipe some of them away. They both turned to their friends and family, finding that the large group all stood up and were clapping.

"Are you ready, Mrs. Benson?" Freddie murmured.

Sam understood the double meaning of his words. Of course he was asking if she was ready to leave, so they could start getting ready for the reception. But he was asking if she was ready to face the world with him, to honor the real meaning of forever and always.

"I am," Sam answered, grabbing her husband's hand, as they made their way down the aisle.

The reception went wonderfully, much to Sam and Freddie's amazement. Being them, they thought there were going to be some complications here and there, but it was all smooth sailing. The food was tremendous (the couple picked the best seafood restaurant in town), the music was fabulous (they decided to have a DJ come and spin their favorite songs), and the speeches made by their friends and family caused them to laugh and smile the entire night. Neither wanted it to end, but eventually it did.

The couple was now back at the beach, holding hands as they walked along the coast line. The place was deserted except for them, which they were grateful for. They were just enjoying each other's company, soaking in the familiar feel of the warm sand between their toes, the peaceful sound of the waves crashing and rolling, and the strong aroma of salt in the air.

"I'm glad I'm finally out of that dress," Sam laughed softly. "It was pretty and all, but I don't do formal."

"I'm aware of that," Freddie chuckled, glancing at his wife. She was currently wearing white shorts, a turquoise flyaway cardigan, and brown tank top underneath. He looked down at his outfit, which consisted of a pair of khaki shorts and black polo. "I'm glad I'm back to wearing normal clothes, too. Tuxedos aren't the most comfortable things in the world."

"But you sure looked good in it." She smiled, swinging their joined hands back and forth.

"Thanks, baby. Although, I'd say you were the one that looked incredible. Mel and Carly did an awesome job of helping you pick out your dress."

"It does help to have an OCD best friend and fashion obsessed sister."

"I suppose it would."

"Can you believe we're actually married, Freddie? That we're officially husband and wife?"

"Don't act so surprised, Princess." He rolled his eyes, gently knocking his shoulder against hers. "I feel like I've been married to you for 24 years."

"That's funny because Carly said the same thing to me earlier about us. She mentioned it was like I had been married to you my whole life. I guess she's right."

"She is right. What is a bit surprising is that we're the first of our friends to get married. I mean, we're in our thirties, and we're still first! I always thought that either Carly or Melanie would go before us, but apparently not. What's up with that anyway?"

Sam giggled. "Carly's got some guy in New York. They've been hanging out a lot, but they aren't an official couple yet. She talks about him now and then, but I think she's good with being friends for now. She's busy with her job, so guys aren't on her list of priorities at the moment. As for Mel, didn't you see the way she was looking at Gibby today?"

Freddie's eyes widened dramatically. "Gibby and Melanie?" he gasped.

"Uh, yeah. C'mon, dude. Please don't tell me you were too blind to see them staring at each other during the ceremony and the reception."

He slapped his free hand to his forehead. Groaning, he replied, "I guess I am that blind. But now that you mention it, they would be kind of perfect for one another. Except, she lives in France and he lives in Florida. How are they going to make it if they're in two different countries?"

A twinkle appeared in Sam's eye. "Well, we could help them by playing matchmaker."

He knew the look she was giving him was trouble. "Oh, no. We are not meddling in your sister's and my best friend's lives. This is not happening."

She pouted in response. "Oh, come on, Freddie. Please? It'll be fun, and since we're married, it's only fair that we have to get the others going. You know it will be worth it."

He gazed at her skeptically. This was a bad idea, and the rational side of his personality was telling him to not give into her. However, the part of him that wanted to do anything to please her was stronger, pushing his rational thoughts aside. Surrendering with a groan, he agreed.

"Fine. We'll help them."

"Yay! Thank you, baby." She unwound her hand from his to throw her arms around his shoulders. Leaning in, she placed her lips against his, kissing him with as much passion as she could muster.

He drew away after several moments to catch his breath. "I think we need to get home. It is our wedding night, after all." He smirked, waggling his eyebrows.

"I couldn't agree with you more. Let's race to the car, though. The winner gets a massage from the loser before we start."

Freddie rolled his eyes again. "Are we really back to being 7, Sam?" he sighed.

"Yeah, we are. You just don't want to run because you'll know you'll lose."

"That is not true! I'm perfectly capable of beating you in running."

"We'll see about that. You in or out?"

He grunted, nodding his head. "I'm in, but only to prove that after all of these years, I can actually win this time. I was planning on giving you a massage anyway."

"Well, thanks. But you are so going down. On the count of three."

"One," Freddie began.

"Two."

"Three!"

And just like that day twenty-four years ago, Sam shot straight out in front of Freddie. It was only a few short minutes later when she reached the car, brushing her fingertips against it. Freddie continued to trudge along, until he got to her. He was completely out of breath, bending over with his hands on his knees.

"How the hell do you manage to do that, Sam? I've been working out since high school and yet you still beat me!" he wheezed out.

"I told you, I'm a ninja." She winked, patting his back. "Maybe you should do a few laps in the gym. That way, maybe you can beat me someday."

He narrowed his eyes. "I hate you, Sam Benson."

Her smile lit up her face as she said, "I love you, Freddie Benson"

"Forever?"

"And always."

A/N:

Thank you all so much for reading and reviewing this story. It has been my absolute pleasure to write it and I hope everyone has enjoyed it. I would like to give a special thanks to my great friend, Moviepal. He's been my biggest supporter through everything. If you guys get a chance, check out some of his work. He's an awesome writer, but more importantly, a terrific person. You definitely want him on your side.