So, here is the last chapter of this amazing story. I sincerely apologize for the delays in writing because it was never my intention to keep any of you lovely readers waiting. I am thankful that you all stuck with me this far and I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed writing it! This is def. my pride and joy!

A Salvation Called Love

-Chapter 35-

-Love Will Kill and Save Me-

[Annabelle]

My life had changed so much that I barely recognize it. I was so pregnant that I felt like a whale but that didn't matter because today was going to be the happiest I could know… or so I thought.

"Annabelle."

I turned and looked over at my father as he pushed the changing room door open and stepped in. He was dressed in a beautiful black pinstriped tuxedo with a soft gold dress shirt. He smiled at me as he walked forward and I felt tears prick the corner of my eyes. I wrapped my arms around my father and hugged him as best as I could despite a baby hogging most of the space. "I love you, Papa."

My father laughed heartily and pulled back, placing a small kiss on my forehead. "I love you too, Annabelle." He pushed back away from me and peered down at my wedding dress. It had been designed especially for me and made me feel like a queen. "You look just like your mother. She would have been so proud to see you, I'm sure."

I bit my lip to try and stop myself from crying and reached up to pat my father's warm cheek. "Bless you for saying such, Papa. I'm just glad you're here to give me away. I wouldn't want anyone else to."

My father nodded and then hugged me once more before walking out, leaving me to finish getting ready. All that I had left to do was put on my long antique lace veil. It had been in Dominic's possession for a very long time and I was surprised when he'd given it to me the day before I'd went dress shopping. After I put it on, securing it with diamond studded pins I rested my hands on my fat belly and rubbed. Baby Belle was dancing around actively and I knew she was just as happy as me. I couldn't wait to see her.

I took a deep breath and picked up the small bouquet of soft golden Roses, beautiful and elegant Orchids and stunning, graceful Cherry Blossoms. Dominic had promised me the wedding of my dreams and today it was unfolding perfectly. I turned, careful of the train of the dress and opened the door. My father turned towards me and smiled brightly. He offered me the crook of his arm and I slipped my hand through it and rested it on the smooth sleeve of his tux. The music began just as I spied Ashley moving to stand on the other side of my father. She was in a beautiful cream coloured Spanish lace wedding dress. We were both going to be married this day and I was proud to soon call her family. My father leaned down and kissed the top of her beautiful brown curls before stepping forward, leading the both of us out into the massive chapel of the church. The sun was streaming through the windows lighting the stained glass and giving the chapel a beautiful air. Roses and Orchids and Cherry Blossoms swirled around the entire space, filling the room with a beautiful scent. Ashley and I had been in agreement on the flower arrangements so it was both to our liking. Everyone who'd been invited and had filled the pews stood as soon as they saw us and watched as my father led us down the aisle. Standing at the front of the chapel was Dominic in an elegantly cut suit that draped his frame like magic. It was black and gold and shimmered in the light. Opposite him was his son, Baelfire. He was dressed in the twin of his father's suit and looking as handsome as ever. He had eyes only for Ashley and Dominic had only eyes for me.

As soon as my father stopped at the bottom of the steps leading up to the altar the piano, violins, and cellos stopped playing my remake of a song with special meaning. It had originally been written for the band called Trading Yesterday but after I'd graduated I'd finished reworking their song The Beauty & The Tragedy. It had a deep meaning. The love between me and Dominic had changed the both of us. It had given him a new life, a new meaning to live. A reason to change. A reason to be saved.

Tears were already streaming down my cheeks as first Baelfire stepped down to help Ashley up the steps and then Dominic helped me. His beautiful soul-drowning brown eyes sucked me in and I struggled to stay standing as my knees turned to jelly. His hands were warm where they wrapped around my own and I could feel his heart racing against my skin. His mouth moved and formed silent words, "I love you, Dearie."

I swallowed roughly and turned to face the pastor as he started speaking to all four of us. I could barely pay attention to his words as my heart raced and Belle danced. My muscles had been tightening and loosening all morning but I'd pay no attention to it because my thoughts were preoccupied with Dominic. Now I could feel the muscles flexing more but still my happiness masked any pain of would have felt otherwise. The tightening of Dominic's hand around mine pulled me from my thoughts as I looked up at him and then the pastor. I hadn't heard what he'd said so I blushed behind my veil. "I'm sorry, Pastor. I'm afraid I didn't hear what you said."

The pastor gave a small laugh. "That's understandable my dear. I was just asking if you and the others were ready to say your vows."

I peeked over my shoulder at Ashley and Baelfire and received bright smiles. Turning back to look at Dominic I found the same. I quickly nodded. "I think we're all ready."

The pastor nodded and began reading the vows, asking first the men to repeat after him and then me and Ashley. I could feel my pulse jumping against my throat as Dominic slipped a beautiful diamond ring on my finger to join the engagement ring. When it was my turn to say my vows I repeated the pastor and then slid the elegant gold onto Dominic's finger. Ashley followed soon after with Baelfire's wedding band and then it was done. We both were Golds now.

"I now pronounce you men and wives. You may kiss the brides!"

At the pastor's last words the entire chapel erupted with cheers and whistles but everything dimmed down to Dominic as he slowly lifted the veil away from my face, tucking it behind me before wrapping his strong arms around my waist and pulling me against him. He lowered his lips to mine and the world exploded with fireworks as he kissed me passionately. My arms tightened around him and I attempted to stand on tiptoe to keep kissing him as he pulled slowly away. He chuckled and gave me a wink. "Easy now, Mrs. Gold. Wouldn't want you to tumble away from me by trying to kiss me more. There's plenty of time for that later."

I gave a small laugh and turned with Dominic to face the crowd of cheering people. My father was beaming up at me, happier than I'd seen him in many, many years. I was just reaching up to wave at everyone when I suddenly felt a cold wetness rush down my thighs. I instantly froze and looked down as the front of my dress became wet and the stairs in front of me did as well. I blinked a few times as everyone became quiet and then I turned and looked up at Dominic. "Dominic… I… I think my water just broke."

A frenzy broke out as my father rushed forward along with Ashley and Baelfire. I was instantly surrounded by the people I loved as Dominic scooped me up into his arms despite the water soaking my dress and the baby in my belly. He was definitely stronger than he appeared. He called for everyone to clear the way as he hurried down the stairs with me clinging to him. He rushed me out of the church and down the front stairs until we reached the wedding limo. The driver didn't delay in opening the door and Dominic gently scrunched down, squeezing into the back and scooting to the far side as my father, Ashley, and Baelfire crowded in after him. As soon as we were all in the driver shut the door and ran to the front, getting into the driver's seat.

As he pulled out into traffic I looked from Dominic's panicked eyes to my father's. "Am I going to be alright, Papa? I'm suddenly scared."

Dominic's arms tightened around me and my father slowly reached out to take one of my hands. "Did you not feel the contractions?"

I shook my head. "I… I felt my tummy tightening all morning but I didn't give it any thought. I just figured it was Belle."

"And you still don't feel any contractions?"

I was going to say no but just then I was doubled over by a sudden pain as a sharp contraction pulled me forward curling me over my bulging belly. That was word enough for everyone and the driver who picked up speed. It wasn't much longer before we pulled up in front of the hospital with a police car quickly braking in behind us. We'd picked him up somewhere along the way to the hospital. As everyone piled out of the limo and nurses and a doctor came rushing out with a gurney the officer marched up to us but stopped when he saw Dominic slide out of the back with me in his arms. I closed my eyes in pain as another contraction hit me and then I was on the gurney being rushed inside. Voices were rushing around me and the nurses were running ahead to prepare a delivery room.

Dominic never let go of my hand as we rushed down the white hall. "I won't leave you, Mrs. Gold."

I managed a slight smile in between contractions and squeezed his hand. My voice was a whisper and Dominic had to lean in to hear. "I know you won't, Mr. Gold. I'd kill you if you did."

Dominic laughed and gave me a quick wink. "Many have tried and failed, Dearie."

I groaned as I was turned suddenly and the world swam for a few seconds. "I… won't… fail." My words were squeezed out between another contraction.

Bursting through a set of doors Dominic was forced to let my hand go as I was moved further in and quickly cut out of my gown. So much for keeping it. After I was free of the soaked fabric they began to hook me up to machines and an IV. It wasn't long before a nurse was talking to Dominic and another asking me if I wanted my husband to remain. I informed them that I wouldn't have it any other way.

When I was all situated and as comfortable as I was going to get Dominic was allowed to come over to me. He gripped my hand as I looked up at him. He leaned down and kissed my now sweaty head. "You look beautiful, Dearie."

I gave a small growl at him. "I doubt it and if you argue with me I'll like to squeeze your hand off."

He just laughed and held my hand tighter. The doctor came back in and started talking to me, instructing me to do what he says when he says. I just grunt as I struggle through another contraction. The doctor who introduced himself as Dr. Whale peeked down between my legs and informed me that I was perfectly dilated and it wouldn't be too long before my precious baby would be born. Somehow I felt lucky because I knew some mothers were in labour for hours.

Dominic frowned down at Dr. Whale asked a curious question. "Do pregnancies usually go this fast the first time? My… my first wife struggled with my son for almost a day before he was born."

Dr. Whale looked up at my husband and answered. "Usually they don't go this quickly as you've said, Mr. Gold, but I believe your wife has been in labour all day."

"How could she be in labour all day without knowing it?"

Dr. Whale gave a small shrug. "Maybe the excitement of getting married caused endorphins to block out the pain of the contractions and after all the nervousness of the vows her water finally broke. That's the best guess I can give at the moment but I do believe Mrs. Gold will do fine."

I was slightly comforted by those words and smiled up at Dominic as his beautiful brown eyes twinkled down at me. Our daughter would be born soon and I knew she would be perfect, just like her father was perfect.

[A Few Hours Later – Dominic]

Annabelle's room in the paternity ward of the hospital was quiet as her and our baby Belle slept peacefully. After only an hour of labour after the wedding, Annabelle had given birth to a perfect baby girl with bright blue eyes and a thick patch of auburn hair. I gently shifted Belle in my arms as I found a more comfortable position in the chair beside Annabelle's bed and smiled as she gripped my finger tighter and pursed her lips before settling into the blanket again. I was extremely blessed.

There was a soft knock at the door and my son poked his head in. I made a shushing sound but jerked my head to show he could come in. Bae walked over to where I was sitting and knelt down in front of me. He gently pushed Belle's blanket down so that he could look at her beautiful face. His voice was soft as he spoke. "So this is my sister."

I smiled down at him and nodded. "I have two beautiful children now."

Bae peered up at me for a few seconds and I watched as a million emotions played across his face. He finally gave a small smile. "I'm glad you found me again, father. I was so lost."

I shifted Belle in my arms and freed one of my hands. I reached out and cupped my son's cheek. "You should thank Annabelle and Belle. They were the ones who found you first."

Bae gave a small nod. "Does Belle look anything like your Belle?"

I chuckled. "Of course she does, son. I believe she's the spitting image of her."

"I'm glad you found Annabelle, father. I'm glad you found someone to love you."

Annabelle's voice startled both me and Bae as she turned her head towards us. Her eyes remained closed though but a smile grew on her beautiful lips. "It was actually your father who found me."

I rolled my eyes. "Liar. I distinctly remember you finding me."

"Only after you kidnapped my father."

"He stole from me."

"I thought you forgave him."

I grinned and winked at Bae. "I did."

When I turned to look at my beautiful wife she was watching me hold Belle. "I'm glad."

I nodded. "I regretted my actions as soon as I realized I was falling in love with you and I apologize for what I did to your father."

Annabelle shifted up on the bed and smiled brightly. "He's already forgiven you and so have I. You're now the father of our daughter and my wonderful husband. I want and need nothing more. The past is the past and the future is now."

I slowly stood up and handed Bae his tiny sister before walking over to Annabelle. She scooted slightly to allow me to sit next to her and I leaned down until I could feel her breath against my skin. "I love you so much Annabelle Gold. Your love will be the death of me and my continued salvation." I pressed my lips against hers and devoured her lips until she moaned softly.

I pulled back then and stood, mischievously grinning at her and she glared at me. "You just wait until I get out of this hospital, Mr. Gold. I'll make you pay for that."

Before I could say anything back to her Belle started to fuss behind me and I quickly moved to the side so that Bae could deposit his baby sister into her mother's arms. Bae quickly took his leave and Annabelle quickly maneuvered Belle to her breast so she could greedily feed. I moved back to my spot on the bed and smiled down at two of the three most precious people to me. "Thank you, Annabelle, for being my salvation."

Annabelle looked up at me for a few seconds and smiled beautifully. "You're most welcome Rumplestiltskin Dominic Alexander Gold. Always."