Julia was up early in order to pick up Leo from the airport. She had spent the night at Piers knowing it would be the last time until Leo, who was flying in today for the wedding, flew back home in a few days. Piers had offered to drive her, but she thought it was best for her greet her son alone. Leo knew she and Piers were together and while he seemed happy for her, she didn't want to flaunt their relationship.

The clock said 5am so she had about hour before she needed to take off. Deciding coffee would help, she walked into the kitchen. The room is dark and quiet, the only light being that from the moon coming through the garden doors. She hears the ripple of water from the pool and walks over to look outside. She smiles at what she sees and after turning on the coffee pot, opens the door. She waits until the man in the pool reaches her end and glances up, "Good morning, Derek," she greets. "Your up early, everything alright?" she smiles.

"Good morning beautiful," he answers leaning up against the pool side. "Are you going to pick up, Leo?" he asks.

"Yes, but why are you up so early?" she asks again.

"Couldn't sleep," his voice betrays his nerves.

Watching the man in front of her, Julia knows she, along with many others will never stop being amazed at the affect Karen Cartwright, has on the great Derek Wills. Derek loves being in control. His ability to keep emotions in check while others crumble is what makes him a great director; but when it comes to Karen, he is vulnerable in every aspect. "Would you like to talk about it over a cup of coffee?" she offers.

He nods his head in the affirmative. "Alright," she smiles "while you get dry, I'll get us some coffee."

A few minutes later Julia hands him a cup and takes a seat next to him. "Thanks," he says.

"No problem," she responds. "You know, everything is going to turn out amazing today," she assures.

"You don't think Karen will change her mind, do you?" Derek blurts out.

Shocked at his uncertainty Julia quickly answers, "No, she is so in love with you that nothing will keep her away today."

"I've never loved anyone as much as I love her. I worry that at some point she is going to realize she deserves more than me." his eyes avert hers.

"Derek Wills, look at me!" Julia says in a firm voice; waiting to continue until his eyes finally lock with hers. "You are not the same man you were a year ago. Everyone can see the change in both of you. Don't ever doubt, you have affected her just as much as she has you. Karen is no longer the naive young woman who walked into that audition. Because of your faith in her, because of your love for her, she is now one of the strongest Broadway Stars to come along. She demands respect when she enters a room or walks on stage. That is because of you," she finishes.

"I don't want to mess this up, I've never wanted something so badly."

"Derek, you won't be completely perfect, no one ever is; but, I know I have never met two people with as much passion for, or more in love with each other, than you and Karen. So don't worry, you won't mess up," she smiles.

"Thank you," he replies. "Regaining your friendship, has meant more to me than I can ever fully express," he says kissing her hand.

"It means as much to me too," she answers, as tears fall. "I better get going," she says starting to stand up,"Leo will be waiting. I'll see you at the church."

He gets up and escorts her to the front door. "Julia," he calls as she steps out, "I'm happy you and Piers are getting along. He is a good man."

She smiles at him and leaves.

Two hours later in the Wills' home, Karen sits on the bed surrounded by her friends. "You don't think he'll change his mind, do you?" she asks.

"Are you crazy?" Marlena asks. "Have you seen the way he looks at you, he wouldn't survive a day without you." she assures.

"Now we should probably start getting ready," Amy interjects. "By the time we all shower and dress, it will be time to head to the church."

Sure enough, Amy was right. The morning has gone by quicker than Karen anticipated. "Well," she turns to face the ladies in the room, "How do I look?"

"Breathtaking," Jessica says.

"Amazing," Amy adds.

"Mom, please don't cry," Karen pleads. "You're going to make me cry and ruin my makeup," she laughs.

"Theo is going to be stunned," Carol smiles.

"Do you have everything?" Julia asks. "You have something old," pointing to the handkerchief Derek's mother gave to Karen. "Your something borrowed," noting the vale Karen's mother had leant her daughter. "Something blue," Karen lifts her dress revealing the garter Jessica and Sue bought for her. "And something new," her eyes looking at Amy and Marlena who were putting the diamond solitaire necklace they gave to Karen around the brides neck.

"That's everything, then." Karen's mom states, I'll get your father so he can walk you to the car.

"Thank you," Karen tells her family and friends. "I wouldn't have made it to this point without the love and support you've given me," a tear escaping her eyes.

Lead into the car by her father Karen and her bridesmaids head to the church. In a little less than an hour, she will be Mrs. Theoderic Wills. The thought alone brings a smile to her face as she looks out the window wondering what Derek is doing.

"Stop fidgeting with your cufflinks, Derek," Tom swipes at his friend's hand. "Do you need a drink?" he asks.

"Can you drink in church?" Derek's voice hopeful.

"I think God will understand," Sam says taking the flask Rupert was passing his way.

"In that case, yes," Derek replies with a hint of desperation.

"Theo, mate, calm down or you are going to pass out." Piers pats his best friend's back.

Not realizing Sam had poured everyone a drink, Derek is about to down the shot in his hand when Hugh stops him. "To the man who captured the heart of the beautiful Karen Cartwright," Bobby offers raising his glass.

The mention of Karen's name making a smile instantly appear on his face. His thought interrupted by the knock on the door. "Can we come in?" Roger asks peeking his head in.

"Mr. Cartwright, of coarse," Sam replies.

Karen's father enters the room followed by Leo. Everyone waves at Roger and offers a kind hello to the young man behind him. Approaching Derek, Leo extends a hand, "Let me be the first to say how much I envy you; she looks beautiful."

Everyone laughs as Derek turns beet red and for the first time in the day his expression is one of true bliss.

Twenty minutes later everyone is told to take their places. "Are you ready mate?" Piers asks.

"I've never been more ready in my life," Derek answers as Sam opens the door. "Roger," Derek calls "I promise you, I will spend the rest of my life doing everything I can to keep your daughter happy and safe."

Walking back to where Derek is standing, Roger embraces the man before him. "I know you will son, and that's what makes today a little easier." he smiles as he pulls back. "Now we better get out there, if I know my daughter, she is getting anxious."

The music starts and Derek and Piers walk out from the side vestibule. He watches as Hugh escorts his mother down the aisle, followed by Leo and Karen's mother. The bridesmaids and groomsmen make their way to the front and Derek's breathe catches as the wooden door closes. The music changes to the traditional wedding song and he can feel his heart begin to race. Piers leans close. "Relax mate."

The door opens and the moment he sees her, his heart skips a beat. Derek can see Karen's father lean in and whisper something in her ear and instantly she breaks into a soft laugh. They begin to make their way down the aisle and he whispers to Piers "am I dreaming?"

"No mate, she is very real and very beautiful," he laughs.

About midway down the aisle their eyes lock and in that moment he falls in love all over again. Her dress and the way it hugs her body, is mesmerizing and her porcelain skin glows with a radiance that is almost blinding. He finds himself drowning in the love thats reflected in her big brown eyes and the smile that graces her stunning lips make him weak.

Karen can't hide her happiness and instantly blushes the moment their eyes lock. She can see the love Derek has for her in the intensity of his eyes. Those piercing green eyes tell her everything she needs to know. And those lips that are now curled in the most beautiful smile he saves just her makes her breathe catch. His lean muscular body hugged by the fitted black tuxedo and his oh so perfect tousled hair takes makes her dizzy. She grabs her father a little tighter. "Are you alright, sweetheart?" her father whispers.

"More than alright," she smiles, now just a few feet away from the man she loves. Never losing eye contact Karen sees Derek stepping towards her until they are finally face to face.

"Who give this woman to this man?" the priest asks.

"I do," Roger says, kissing Karen's cheek and placing her hand in Derek's.

Derek nods his appreciation and directly facing Karen, mouths "you look beautiful."

Karen smile grows bigger and feeling Derek's pulse racing, she gently rubs the base of his palm with her thumb. Facing the priest the first half of the ceremony for Derek is nothing more than muffled sound as he finds himself distracted by the perfume Karen is wearing and the soothing circles her fingers are making. At last its time for the exchanging of vows and Derek knows in just a short time, he will be the luckiest man in the world.

The priest explains to the congregation that the couple have written their own vows and asks Derek to begin. Taking a deep breath Derek's turns to face Karen.

"Karen Marie Cartwright, from the moment I first saw you; I knew you would change my life as a director; but never did I imagine you would change me as a man. With your fierce strength and undying optimism you captured my heart. You have not only shown me how to love unconditionally, but also how to accept in return. I promise you today, as God as my witness to be faithful to you, to provide for you and to love you all the rest of my life. You, Karen Marie Cartwright, hold the key to my heart always and forever," he finishes, his voice slightly cracking.

"Karen, you may begin," the priest states.

"Theoderic James Wills, before I met you I was a woman struggling to find herself. I was living life afraid to take risks and I thought being in love meant having to give up a part of yourself to fit the needs of another. But then, I walked into that audition and you changed my life. You constantly forced me to see things in a different way and assured me it was okay if I failed because you would be there to catch me. You saw the real me before I even knew she existed. Your unconditional faith in me showed me that real love doesn't take away dreams but helps you reach them together. I promise you from this day forward I will be faithful to you and I will support you and love you for the rest of my life," she finishes with tears falling freely.

"We will now exchange rings."

"Karen Marie Cartwright, do you take Theoderic James Wills to be your husband?"

"I do."

"Theoderic James Wills, do you take Karen Marie Cartwright to be your wife?"

"I do."

"Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride."

The couple tilts their heads and in the kiss they share, each can feel all of the emotions their words failed to fully express. Pulling away they turn to face the congregation "It is my pleasure to introduce you Mr. and Mr. Theoderic James Wills."

The music starts and the newlyweds make their way down the aisle. A smile gracing each of their faces.

Thirty minutes later pictures have been taken and the couple enters the waiting limo. Once inside they face each other. "I love you Mrs. Wills," Derek says kissing Karen's lips. "And I love you Mr. Wills."

The couple relishes the time alone as the car makes it way back to the home where the evening festivities will take place.