My heart was pounding so hard it felt as if it would jump right out of my chest as I looked at Will, somber and dashing in a tuxedo, standing at the altar waiting for me. As the music began to play, I took the first step down the aisle. All our friends and family members watched in awe as I strode slowly and purposefully toward my destination. Jean-Luc and Beverly were ever so regal and stately as best man and matron of honor. As I approached Will to stand at his side, I could sense that he was every bit as nervous and excited as I was.
The music stopped and a hush fell over the crowd as the minister began to speak. At last this day is finally here, I thought to myself. The day that Will and I will finally be joined together as one, for life.
I remembered all the times over the years I had remembered his touch, his kiss, and his loving words. I remembered the pain in my heart every time I had seen him with another woman, how badly I had wished that it were me instead of her. But Jalara Falls had been so long ago. He had changed, I had changed, life had changed. It was all just water under the bridge now, wasn't it? I was afraid to probe too deeply into his thoughts, afraid of what I might find. Several times I thought of simply asking him how he would feel about renewing our relationship, but as far as I could tell, he seemed to be happy with the way things were, and in the end I wasn't able to summon the courage.
It had gone on that way for fifteen years. Fifteen long years. And then one day everything had changed.
"I do," Will said in response to the minister's question, no hesitation whatsoever in his voice.
How long I had waited to finally hear those words! Now as they fell from his lips, they filled my heart with happiness. My dream of becoming Mrs. William Thomas Riker was finally coming true, and it was the happiest day of my life.
"You may kiss the bride," the minister was saying now. I felt Will's strong, caring arms around me as he lifted my veil and softly kissed my lips.
I heard Will's mind speak to my own. This time it's forever, Imzadi.
Forever, my mind echoed as tears of happiness filled my eyes.
As the music began to play once more and our friends and family rose to congratulate us, Will took my hand and we began our new life together.