Disclaimer: I own nothing.

AN: Right, sorry about this. There are a few changes made in this chapter, but they are minor ones. Also, there will be one remaining chapter which I will be posting as soon as I can. I am so sorry for the years that some of you have been waiting for the final chapters.

Thank you for those of you who continue to read this, and I hope you enjoy.

DDM x

WEDNESDAY 14TH DECEMBER 2011

Kirsty

I stared at the piece of paper in front of me. I had repeatedly crossed out a few suggestions which I'd copied off a few sites, but none had seemed right.

'I, Kirsty Webster, take you, Adam Trueman, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.'

I'd crossed out the most traditional vow without a second glance - when I'd married Warren we'd chosen to say that one and look where that marriage had ended…

Then I'd just gotten up and walked away from that idea altogether. I'd walked into the kitchen where Adam was sitting in his usual spot, reading the paper - as usual.

"I'm bored…" I said, and he looked up at me and smiled.

"Have you been dress shopping with Nita and Zoe yet?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Yeah, but you're not seeing my dress Adam Trueman!" I said, and walked over to him, and he pulled me onto his lap.

"Who's got it?" he pried. I turned to look at him, and kissed his nose.

"Zoe and it's under lock and key... So no sneak previews," I smiled.

"What was the colour scheme again?" he asked.

"Purple and silver, we went over this the other day!" I told him, and he kissed me on the neck, making me giggle. "Don't tell me you and Jay haven't got the suits yet!" I asked, and he smiled sheepishly.

"We haven't got the suits... but we are going to today, I swear!" he said, and got out his phone fetching up the texts to prove it.

"As long as you're there getting married to me I really don't care what you're wearing," I smiled kissing him.

He put his hands on my waist and I slipped my hands around his neck, deepening the kiss.

"Eugh, that's disgusting!" a voice cried, making me and Adam pull away in a fit of laughter. "That should be made illegal for people to do that over 30..." she said, and collapsed into a fit of laughter with us.

"Nita, Ad and I have some news. Sit down, love," I told her, sitting next to her on the settee, Adam next to me.

"What? We're moving?" she asked.

"No! No, love. Nita, I'm pregnant," I told her, and a massive grin appeared on her face.

"I'm getting a brother or sister! That's awesome!" she said, hugging Adam and me. Nita had always wanted a younger brother or sister, but I didn't want to have another child with Warren and our 'situation'.

"So you're okay with it?" Adam asked her.

"Yeah Ad, I'm totally fine with it! I'm gonna tell Olivia... can I Mum?" she asked me, and I nodded.

"Sure Nita, I'm so glad you're okay with it," I smiled, and she hugged me again before disappearing again.

"She took it well," Adam laughed. At least the sickening feeling that she'd be angry had disappeared...

Adam

I had walked upstairs to the bedroom after Nita had left, leaving Kirsty to sleep on the sofa; she was exhausted.

I double checked that the list of songs for our dances at the reception were in my jacket pocket, so that I could give them to Jay for him to pass onto the DJ he knew.

I pulled my phone out of my jean pocket and texted Jay, telling him to meet me in town and to bring the list - we'd devised a list of essential things to get and how much, roughly, they would cost.

I grabbed my coat, and slipped my shoes on. Quietly padding down the stairs, I kissed Kirsty on the forehead, trying not to wake her, and wrote a note, pinning it to the fridge with the 'G' shaped magnet.

I grabbed the car keys off the side and went out the door, making sure not to slam it. I unlocked the car door, and drove into town and parked up in the cafe car park, and unusually for him, Jay was standing there waiting.

"I'm impressed; you're actually early for something, that's like the first time ever?" I joked and he went to punch my arm. "Hey, did you bring the list?" I asked him.

"Like I'd forget it, you'd probably murder me." Jay smiled.

"Yeah, slowly and painfully," I held my hand out for the piece of paper and handed him another.

"What's this mate?" he asked, unfolding it and reading it.

"Ad, this is perfect, mate!" he said, smiling. "I never knew Webster was her maiden name."

"Yeah, she told me that she would like to do this that way, instead of using Warren's surname. Nita also wants to change her name to a double-barrel, Trueman-Clements." I told him, putting the paper back into my pocket.

"Ah, that's great. You've just gotta remember them now."

We both smiled, and headed into the café. We went to the bar, ordering two coffees and sat down at a table near a window. We sat in silence for a few minutes, sipping our hot drinks to warm us up, before I spoke again.

"Jay, could you do me another favour as my best man?" I asked him.

"Sure, what is it?"

"Kirst and I were thinking that because her family aren't going to be here, could you give her away?"

He paused for a moment, thinking but smiled, "Sure man, anything for you." I laughed and patted his back.

"Right, are we gonna get these suits sorted?" He asked, standing up and clapping his hands.

"Yeah, else Kirsty will skin us alive!"

Kirsty

"Afternoon," Zoe said as I opened my eyes. "Nita let me in, don't worry."

"Hi," I said, rubbing my eyes, "How long have you been there?"

"Only five minutes," she said, but grinned. "You talk in your sleep. I don't mind, there's just some details I wouldn't want to hear…" Zoe laughed. I felt my face turn red, and she laughed even more. "Don't worry; your sex life is safe with me!"

"I hate you," I growled, but then fell into a fit of laughter myself. I stopped laughing, as I was hit by another wave of nausea. I stood up suddenly, and hurried to the kitchen. Zoe must've followed, as when I threw up yet again over the sink, she held my hair back.

"Let it all out, sweetheart. You okay?" she asked when I finally stood back up straight.

"Morning sickness... I meant to tell you all together at work, but now you're here..." I said, getting a drink.

"Only just found out?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Six weeks," I told her. She smiled.

"I'm happy for you. You always deserved better than Warren, and you're getting another chance."

"Maybe, I don't know. Oh and..." I looked around, and headed back to the living room, "...and I wrote this just before I dropped off, what do you think?" I handed her a piece of paper.

"It's perfect." Zoe said. She smiled at me, "I didn't know your maiden name was Webster."

"Yeah, that was the only thing that my parents left me really… I don't even know if my dad's still alive; he moved to Canada with another woman after mum died."

"I'm sorry," Zoe said, rubbing my shoulder.

"Anyway - Head Bridesmaid-" I said, smiling, "we just need to arrange the tables now, Adam and I sorted out the guest list." I told her, and walked to the dining table to pick up the list.

There was all the ED staff; some of Adam's old friends and family; a few nurses from St. Mary's I used to know and Adam's ex, Jessica Harrison, her kids and a plus one.

Adam had told me about Jessica. She had two children with another doctor, who she cheated on with Adam; they had a baby boy, Harry, who died; and she had moved to America four years back.

I honestly didn't mind Adam inviting Jess. I wasn't jealous of her, and Adam wasn't jealous of Warren.

I was just a little apprehensive about her coming to her ex's wedding, with the two kids and a 'plus one'. Zoe kept reassuring me that nothing would happen. I was just hoping that she was right.

Adam

"How about this one?" Jay asked me, and he held up the tie to the jacket and shirt he was wearing.

"Err; it's a little too light. That's the colour we need," I told him, handing him a little scrap of sample material from a tailor which Zoe and Kirsty had gotten the dresses from.

"Okay," he put that tie back. "How about..." he fished a bowtie from the rack, "this one?"

"Still no. I'm not wearing a bowtie." I said.

"Fine, but bowties are awesome. What's wrong with them?" he asked, and I sighed.

"I don't know! Kirsty doesn't like them," it was a lame excuse, but I despised the bowtie. Even if my best man was being extremely adamant. "How about this flower?" I showed him a plastic purple flower. I placed it in the chest pocket, but it didn't fit.

"No, too small."

"Okay. How about this one?" I showed him a spray-painted silver one, which fit better, but didn't go with the suit.

"We should have asked Zoe to come with us... Or Charlie. Or even Nick. He would know something." Jay said, throwing another tie back.

"Well ring Zoe then... she's with Kirsty I think, but she should be able to come down here and help," I said, picking another flower to try.

"'K, I'll be outside," he said, taking the jacket and shirt off, before heading outside in his normal clothes.

Jay

"Pick up, Zoe, pick up..." I said into the handset, after three rings.

"Hello?"

"Zoe, can you do me and Adam a huge favour?" I asked her down the phone.

"What do you want?" she sighed loudly, making sure I could hear.

"Can you come and help me and Adam get the suits sorted? We'll only need you for an hour tops..." I said, praying to whoever was listening.

"Jay... I'm at Kirsty's. We're sorting the tables out..." she said, but then started to harshly whisper, "Anyway, you said you had the suits sorted. You pair of liars!"

I heard Kirsty's voice in the background: "What? Why are they liars? Zoe..." she said.

"Tell Kirsty you need to shoot off or something." I told Zoe.

"I can't!" and then quieter, as if to the side: "Give me a minute, Kirst."

I waited for a few moments before she was back on the line. "I need to get this sorted, and you said you had them at the start of the week."

"Just come down?" I asked. "Please? Please?" I begged.

I heard the shop door open and shut again, and Adam came up behind me. "Jay? Jay?" he whispered.

"Hold on, Zo." I turned to Adam. "What?"

"I've found the perfect suits." He said, with a huge grin on his face.

I put the phone back up to my ear: "We're fine, Zoe. I don't know what you're worried about!" I laughed, and hung up, following Adam back into the shop.

SATURDAY 17TH DECEMBER 2011 – WEDDING DAY

Adam had stayed over at Jay's on the Friday night after his Stag Night, and he awoke to a pounding headache.

"Jay," he said. "JAY!" he yelled.

His best man ran into the room. "What man?"

"What time is it?" Adam groaned, realising where he was and sitting up.

Jay looked at his watch. "Ten in the morning. You've still got two hours. I'm surprised you're up now, with the amount you drank last night, Jesus."

"Get me a couple of paracetamol would you? I've a banging headache..."

"Get 'em yourself."

"Please, man?" Adam half pleaded.

"Okay, but get in the shower, you reek." Jay laughed.

"What happened to the others?" Adam asked.

"Dylan had a lemonade and then left. Charlie and Nick were the next to go home. Noel and Mac got a taxi back. And Jeff helped me get you into the taxi." Jay as he walked out of the guestroom. "On the way there, I'll call yours to pick up your guitar."

"Thanks, Jay."

Adam stepped into the en-suite and turned the shower on. Stripping off, he stuck his iPod on shuffle, and scrolled through it to find the right song to fit his mood.

'Every Teardrop is a Waterfall' by Coldplay came on, and he stepped into the shower.

"I turn the music up, I got my records on,
I shut the world outside until the lights come on,
Maybe the streets alight, maybe the trees are gone,
But I feel my heart start beating to my favourite song,"

Adam let the music speak volumes as he shampooed his hair. Jay was right, he did stink. Whatever happened the night before, Adam thought, better have been worth this hangover.

Turning the tap off, and running his hand through his wet hair, Adam stepped out of the shower, feeling the cold air attack his body. He involuntarily shivered, before grabbing the towel off the radiator and wrapping it around his torso.

Walking back into the bedroom, he wondered how Kirsty's Hen Night was the night before.

He laughed at the thought of Zoe probably booking a stripper, and then pictured Kirsty's face. He'd have to quiz Zoe about what happened at the reception. But for now, at least, he focussed on readying himself for the biggest day of his life.

Kirsty felt something hit her on her shoulder. And again. She opened her eyes, blinking she found what the thing hitting her shoulder was.

"Zoe, what are you doing?"

"Wake up; it's ten in the morning."

Kirsty sat up quickly, but then immediately regretted it as her head started to spin. "Christ, Zo, how much did I drink last night?"

"A lot. We ended up coming back from the club at about two this morning. And then I threw up on Polly's shoes. She went home after that."

Kirsty smiled. "What happened to the others?"

"Well, Tess and Ruth didn't last long, they left at about ten."

"We got there at eight!"

"I know. I think I threw up on Polly at about one. And then everyone started to drift after that. I can't really remember much myself."

"God, I wonder how Adam's fairing up." Kirsty smiled.

"I think he'd be a little worse than you. But Jay's looking after him."

"I'm even more worried now you've said that!"

Zoe laughed, "Come on, let's get you ready." Zoe held out her hand to help Kirsty up off the sofa. "I forgot to ask," Zoe said, "where was Nita last night?"

"She's staying over her mate's; she should be back in a bit."

"Ah, okay. Right; get in the shower, and give me a shout when you're done. I'll come and do your hair."

"'Kay." Kirsty headed upstairs. "Zo," she called.

"Yeah?"

"Thanks for, you know, everything." Kirsty smiled.

"No need, anytime. Now, shoo and get ready."

"Okay, okay, I'm going."

Adam fixed his hair in the mirror for the third time, there was a little wisp of hair that wouldn't stick down, and was driving him mad.

He ran the tap and wet his fingertips and tried to stick it down. Adam's hand dropped back to his side once he'd sorted his hair out, and then he stared at his reflection.

This was the biggest day of his life. Well, not counting the day he found out Harry was his, or when he married Jess, no. This would be a new start for him; a family of his own. And a beautifully perfect wife and step-daughter. And also not forgetting his and Kirsty's unborn child.

It had only just dawned on him that he was going to be a dad. He'd been a dad before, but not for long. Adam hoped this time he would be able to have a son or daughter who would outlive him, and not the other way around.

He straightened his silver tie, and brushed off loose hairs from his shirt, which was a brilliant white. He walked back into the bedroom and pulled on his blazer jacket, a deep grey which matched his trousers.

He walked over to the bedside table and pulled out a plastic bag from the top drawer. He took the purple box from the bag and opened it, revealing two crisp, white flowers, one for him and the other for Jay.

He inhaled deeply, and took one of the artificial flowers from the box, and slipped it inside the breast pocket of his suit. "Jay, get up here, man!" Adam called out of the door.

"What for?" Jay shouted back up the staircase.

"The flower, idiot," Adam's response was met with an 'Oh' from Jay, as his best man ran up the stairs to greet him.

Adam handed Jay the flower as he walked into the bedroom. Jay was in an almost identical suit to Adam, but Jay had a charcoal grey tie, unlike Adam's lighter toned one.

"You nervous yet?" Jay asked Adam, who shrugged.

"I dunno. I feel different to what I did with Jess, and I'm glad about that. I just hope today goes better than that day did." Adam sniffed at the memories, but then shook his head as if to expel the thought from his mind. "Anyway," he said, looking at his watch, "We better be off."

"Yep. Oh, we need to pick up Nick. Zoe's going with Kirsty and Nita." Jay said as he left.

"Oh, okay." Adam followed and shut the door.

"Ow, ow, ow, careful!" Kirsty groaned as Zoe tried to put her hair in a bun.

"It's not my fault you have a mane that you call hair which won't stay where it's put."

"Well, try not to tug so hard."

"Sorry," Zoe said her voiced laced with sarcasm.

They had ended up in the bathroom, the only room with a decent sized mirror. Kirsty was stood in front of Zoe, who had now got her hand tangled in Kirsty's unruly curls.

"For God's sake, Zo."

"Not my fault. Hang on..."

"Ow, ow, ow. Watch it!"

"Almost..."

"Ow, Zoe!"

"Got it! Stay still!" Zoe scolded as Kirsty shifted slightly. Zoe pinned the last hairpin in place, and she stood back, admiring her work.

"And voila!" she said.

"Wow, Zoe. Thank you." Kirsty turned around and patted down her dress. It wasn't white, but a light grey, nearly silver. The bodice curved in at her hips and then straight down, fanning out at the bottom. Around her middle was purple and silver embroidery, nothing too garish, but what complimented the dress perfectly. Her hair was in a bun at the back, a few curls escaping here and there, but that was what made her unique.

Zoe had her hair straightened by Kirsty; she could never do the back herself, and then had a purple clip, restraining her fringe. Her dress was purple, knee-length and strapless. There was a silver belt around her middle, matching her dress to Kirsty's. Nita had the same dress as Zoe, but without the silver belt.

"We'd better get a move on," Zoe said, looking at the clock on the bathroom wall.

"Yeah," Kirsty agreed, moving swiftly to follow Zoe, shutting the door.

"He's late."

"It's Adam, what do you expect? They've got to pick up Nick as well, you know."

"I know, but I want them to hurry up. I'm the one who's allowed to be late!"

Zoe sighed, and walked through the church doors again, looked around, and re-entered the church.

"I don't know where they are. Nick's house is only about ten minutes from here."

"Phone them." Kirsty said. "It's bad luck if I talk to him." Kirsty leant against the wall. Nita popped her head around the corner.

"Where are they?" Nita asked. Kirsty shrugged.

"I don't know Nita. I mean the traffic can't be that bad."

"Don't worry, Mum. He's probably throwing up in a bush somewhere."

"Thanks for the bout of confidence, Nita." Kirsty smiled at her daughter's joke. Kirsty pulled Nita close, and stroked her shoulder. "Thank you, darling. For everything."

"Don't mention it."

"They're here, and Adam looks as white as a sheet." Zoe announced, and walked back over to Kirsty, ushering her around the corner.

"Hide, Mum!"

"Make sure Ad's alright for me, Zo?"

"Sure."

Adam stood facing the Minister of the church, Howard Davies, who was a tall man, but friendly-faced. He nodded at Nick, who was sitting near Charlie, who smiled.

He inhaled deeply, nervously smiling at Minister Davies, who nodded in encouragement, as the groom tried to at least slow his heart rate a little. The music striked up, 'Pachelbel's Canon in D,' and just as the music reached the climax, Adam turned to face his wife-to-be.

She was stunning. The dress fell perfectly, her hair was in a tight bun, some loose curls here and there, but that was what made Kirsty look like Kirsty, and Zoe and Nita's dresses complemented Kirsty's magnificently. She was herself. She was stunning.

Jay led Kirsty down the aisle, followed swiftly by Zoe and Nita. Once they reached Adam, he reached out his hand for Kirsty's. Jay placed her hand in Adam's, and moved to Adam's left. Zoe and Nita to Kirsty's right.

Adam turned so he was facing Kirsty and vice versa. He smiled at her, "You look amazing."

"So do you." She smiled. The music died away, as Kirsty and Adam turned to face the Minister.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God - and in the face of this congregation - to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.

"Into this holy estate, these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

Adam and Kirsty made eye contact, while the Minister waited.

"Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. But more importantly - it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

"Through marriage, Adam Trueman and Kirsty Webster make a commitment together to face their disappointments - embrace their dreams - realize their hopes - and accept each other's downfalls. Adam and Kirsty will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together - through mutual understanding - openness - and sensitivity to each other.

"We are here today to witness the joining in marriage of Adam and Kirsty. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now I will join you together in one of the holiest of bonds.

"Who gives Kirsty in marriage to Adam?" the Minister asked.

"Myself and her friends gathered here today do," Jay responded, as Kirsty's escort.

"By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Adam and Kirsty from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are meaningful for us, for what greater thing is there for who human souls than to feel that they are joined together - to strengthen each other in all labour - to minister to each other in all sorrow - to share with each other in all gladness.

"This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all, for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love - for love, it it finds you worthy, shall direct you.

"Now, the exchanging of the vows. Adam," the Minister beckoned Adam forward.

"Today I, Adam Trueman, will marry my best friend, the one I will live with and love. I take you, Kirsty Webster, to be my wife. From this day forward I will cherish you, I will look with joy down the path of our tomorrow's knowing we will walk it together side by side, hand in hand, heart to heart. Kirsty," Adam continued, taking a hold of Kirsty's hand once more,

"I think I fell in love with you the very first time I saw you. I love your kindness and your passion to do what you think is right, even though you might be overstepping a few rules,"

Nick and Charlie chuckled at Adam's speech. "And I love the way you put your while being into doing the things you love, whether it be working at the ED, or at home with Nita and me. I love you for that."

"Now, Kirsty, your vows, please," the Minister said.

"I, Kirsty Webster, take you, Adam Trueman, to be my husband. To have and to hold from this day forward. I give to you my unending love and dedication. I promise to be true to you, to treasure you, and to share my thoughts, hopes and dreams with you. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, my best friend. I will love you forever.

"You have helped me through a rollercoaster of events, and you've always been my rock. I love the way you dedicate your whole person to your family and things you do the best. I love you too."

"Now," the minister said. "Do you, Adam take Kirsty to be your wife for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Adam replied.

"And, Kirsty, do you take Adam to be your husband for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." Kirsty responded.

"What token of your love do you offer?" The minister asked, and then to Jay: "Would you place the rings in my hand?"

"May these rings be blessed as a symbol of this affectionate unity. The ring is an endless circle: a symbol of the covenant you are making here today. Adam, as you place the ring on Kirsty's finger say: 'As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours.'"

Adam took Kirsty's ring from the minister's hand and held it just before Kirsty's fourth finger on her left hand. "As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours." He placed the ring on her finger.

"And Kirsty, as you place the ring on Adam's finger say: 'As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours.'"

"As I place this ring on your finger, I pledge myself to you. I am yours," she placed Adam's ring on his finger.

The rings were plain gold bands, but had the Latin words 'Aeternum et semper' engraved around the band.

"Let us pray," the minister finished, "O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life: send Your blessing upon these servants; this man and this woman, whom we bless in Your name: and that Adam and Kirsty will live faithfully together, so long as they both shall live. Amen,"

"Amen," the congregation echoed.

A/N: the last and final chapter shall be with you all shortly.

DDM x