Hello everyone! I know. I know. It has been a very long time. I've been very busy gearing up for the holiday season at work. I work retail so yeah. It's crazy. But anyway, in case you were wondering, I am doing pretty great. I met someone amazing and that's a new exciting development. Anyway. About the story. This is the last chapter. There will however be an epilogue! Isn't that great? One last chapter for all of you. I've already got a great idea for my next fic. I'm very very excited for that. But more about that later. For now, here's what you need to know. The song used in this chapter is Hold You In My Arms by Ray LaMontagne. You can find it on youtube or on my tumblr. Also on my tumblr I posted pics for Quinn's wedding dress and the bridemaids dresses. You should check them out. Yeah. Ok. Normally I would go through and respond to my anon reviewers from last chapter, but it has been so long and I haven't responded to anyone. :/ Next time. I promise. Alright. Go ahead. I'll let you and before I forget. The vote was so close that I gave you a little of both. Some party stuff, but not a whole chapter dedicated to it.

Much to Santana's pleasure, the Bachelorette Party Extravaganza was a success for everyone except Rachel. Seeing an annoying ex is awful; but seeing an annoying ex fall on her head trying to pole dance is awfully exciting. Needless to say, everyone agreed what was the most exciting part of the night.

Santana, being the one that planned the party, made sure that she was prepared for the first item on the agenda—pole dance lessons. Imagine everyone's surprise when Santana twirled around the pole with much more ease than all her friends. Little did they know she had taken three introductory classes earlier that month. Like always she was prepared. And even though most her friends spent most their hour on the floor everyone else had a good time.

After the class the ladies rode around town in the limo for awhile, feeling like movie stars as the drinks started flowing. When they stopped at their next place, a VIP room in high class dance club, everyone made their way straight in. The girls chatted and danced while guzzling down drink after drink after drink. By the time three bulky firemen graced the room with their bare cheats and pelvic thrusts the ladies were drunk enough to dance freely with the increasingly naked men. Even Santana found herself grinding up on a thong clad butt attached to a Fabio impersonator. When the girls got more handsie and the whipped cream came out Santana retreated back to one of the couches with her beer.

Just in time too. The cops showed up. To be specific, two female cops with their tops unbuttoned and little blue skirts burst in. Santana watched with amusement as the strippers "punished" Quinn by handcuffing her and preceding to give her a very long, and overly exaggerated dance. Quinn giggled along, enjoying the absurdity of it all and feeling absolutely no attraction to the beautiful ladies in front of her.

When the female strippers got bored of just Quinn they made their rounds, taking on girls that weren't being used by the guys. Pretty soon Santana ended up in the corner with both of the underwear-clad women on her lap. Santana's head spun from the alcohol making her sway to the music. She watched as the strippers came in and out of focus. Her skin burned when they touched her. And when the blonde one straddled her and nibbled at her ear, Santana felt that pool of liquid lava pol in her lower stomach. And later that night when the blonde stripper bummed a cigarette outside the club from her, Santana invited her new friend back home with her.

Santana awoke the morning before the wedding in an empty bed that she vaguely remembered sharing with a pretty, tan, tall blonde with light eyes. They weren't Brittany light, but Santana could remember liking them more with every drink the night before. She groaned, pulling her sheet over her naked body even though no one was around to see her nakedness. She stumbled into the bathroom where she hopped into a much needed shower. Her headache cleared and soon she was ready for her day.

By nightfall Santana had managed to finish all the last minute arrangements for Quinn's wedding. She headed over to Quinn's apartment right before bed. The pair fell asleep many hours later after discussing anything and everything. They didn't really say anything of importance with their words, but beneath the surface the ladies communicated all their love and admiration for each other. With every laugh or squeal they spoke of the changing relationship. When Quinn drifted off Santana felt sad knowing her last night with her best friend had ended.

When Quinn's alarm went off at nine Santana awoke to an already distraught friend. Quinn paced the length of her room with a determination that could only be described as religious. Santana tried to get Quinn to stop, but ultimately failed. Any progress she made dissipated when Santana went to shower. When she returned Quinn was sitting on her closet floor digging through boxes of old crap.

"What the hell are you doing?" Santana asked as she took a seat across from her frantic friend.

"Looking for something," Quinn mumbled as her hands tossed a show box to the side. "Where is it?!" she hissed suddenly.

Santana handed Quinn the box closer to her and watched as Quinn ripped the lid off. "Whatcha lookin' for?"

"A shirt."

"In a shoe box?"

"It's a momento...AH HA!" she gasped suddenly as her hands ripped an old ratty blue t- shirt out of the box. Some pictures fell out as she did. Santana picked them up, noticing that they were all photos of her ex boyfriends.

"Who's shirt is that?" Santana asked, glancing at all the boys wondering who was the lucky fellow to cause Quinn to panic on her wedding day.

"Mine."

"Who'd you steal it from?"

"It's none of your business." Quinn pulled the fabric in, taking a long sniff of it before hugging it like a pillow.

"You having second thoughts?" Santana asked as she stood to start putting everything away.

"No," Quinn answered with her face still in the shirt.

"Then why are you smelling Sam's old shirt?"

"How'd you know it was Sam's?"

"Lucky guess," Santana answered honestly. It wasn't that hard to figure out. Sam fathered Quinn's daughter. Girls don't just forget that kind of stuff.

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing?"

Santana didn't register that Quinn had actually asked that question for a few seconds. When she did she plopped back down next to her friend. Feeling very sentimental all of a sudden, Santana tucked some of Quinn's blonde hair behind her ear before answering. "I think you love Puck very very much. And I think that he loves you too. I can't exactly tell you whether you're doing the right thing or not. That's all you, Q. But I can tell you this. I've never seen you this happy. Ever. And I've never liked one of your boyfriends enough to allow you to marry them. But Puck...well he's an idiot. But a sweet one. He loves you. And I wouldn't hand you over if I didn't think you were gonna make it."

"You think we'll make it?" Quinn asked as a tear slipped down her cheek. Santana rubbed it away with the pad of her thumb before planting a gentle kiss over Quinn's temple.

"I know you will."

Quinn's eyes dropped to the shirt in her hands. As she fiddled with the fabric her head and heart fought a war all their own. But her heart won out. Santana was right. She loved Puck. And she was going to marry him.

Santana hugged Quinn one last time before finding her spot in line to begin the wedding procession. Brittany sidled up next to her with big eyes and wide smiles. "Oh San! You look so pretty in your dress," she giggled as she slipped her arm through Santana's. Santana could swear she felt electricity racing straight to her heart where their arms connected, skin on skin. She glanced at Brittany, widening her eyes at how cute she looked in her dress. She didn't know how it was possible, but Brittany made the dress look way cuter than anyone else could. And it wasn't just because hers was black with a green sash as opposed to green with a black sash. Brittany was just glowing. She was so beautiful.

Santana whispered a quick thank you before focusing ahead. Her stomach was in knots all caused by Brittany. She was determined not to mess up Quinn's big day by letting her own qualms show. She was determined to make it through the night without messing up.

It was finally Santana and Brittany's turn. They stepped together, perfectly acting out what they had so diligently rehearsed two nights prior. As they made it out onto the center aisle Santana glanced around. It was beautiful. The flowers were all perfect. And Puck had a big surprise for Quinn. Santana's eyes met Gabriella's from across the room. She gave a reassuring smile even though it felt all wrong when having Brittany on her arm. She side-eyed the girl on her right just to see the world's biggest grin. Like always Santana had to smile too. Even after all that time Brittany still had this innate magnetic pull to Santana. It was more than a little troubling.

As Santana and Brittany disappeared around the corner, Quinn turned to her mom. "Thank you, Mommy," she whispered with big glossed over eyes. "For walking me down the aisle."

"You're welcome. I love you, honey. And I am so honored that you would ask me to give you away," she answered. Quinn closed here eyes to hold in the tears when her mom kissed her forehead softly. "You're gonna do great." Whether Judy was talking about the wedding itself or marriage as a whole, Quinn didn't know. But the words washed over her like a blanket of peace. She could do this. She would succeed.

The Bridal March began. Quinn took a deep breath before taking that first step. The first thing she saw when she turned that corner was the ocean through the massive windows. Her eyes worked their way down, finding first the preacher, and then Puck. She barely recognized him at first. His Mohawk was gone. He had actually shaved it for her. Their glossy eyes met across the room and equally large smiles pulled at each their mouth's. Quinn felt a single tear slip out, but couldn't stop smiling. She even let a small giggle fall from her lips. She wasn't walking anymore. Instead she floated up the aisle like she was attached to some tether—a one-sided tug-of-war. Puck pulled her in with his eyes. And suddenly she couldn't wait to marry him.

As Santana sat at the table and watched Quinn and Puck dance around the floor to I'll Be by Edwin McCain, she glanced at her speech on more time. Brittany sat two empty chairs away looking altogether unfazed about the fact that in under thirty minutes she'd be making a speech in front of over a hundred people. The song ended. The bride and groom returned. Dinner was served.

Santana picked at her food, not actually having an appetite. She talked politely with Quinn and the rest of the bridesmaids when they included her, but mostly her eyes scanned the room. Gabriella smiled encouragingly on the few times their eyes chanced to meet. Even the extra bout of courage couldn't make Santana relax. When Brittany stood and headed out the the floor, Santana actually felt her stomach drop to her toes.

"Hey everyone," Brittany began with the mic in hand. She stood mostly off to the side where she could watch both the guests and the wedding party. Santana had to smile at just how smart her girl—ex-girlfriend—was. "My name's Brittany to anyone that doesn't already know. Some of you were probably thinking wow, Puck's best man looks super feminine and is probably capital G gay. But fear no more. I am a girl. And before Quinn came along I was his best girl."

Brittany pivoted to look mostly at Puck and Quinn. "Puck and I grew up next door to each other. Needless to say, I've watched a lot of girls climb in and out his window." Santana laughed along with the rest of the room at Brittany's jibe at Puck's womanizing past. "For a long time I didn't think he'd ever settle down. I mean up until yesterday he still had a Mohawk." Brittany paused again until the laughter died down. "But something incredible happened. Quinn came along. And I got the call I never thought I'd hear from him.

"He told me that he met the most incredible girl. Now I've heard a lot of adjectives describing girls from Puck. Among his favorites are sexy, fine, hot, and doable. But incredible? I'd never heard that one. In fact, I think the only times he ever described anything with that word before Quinn was in reference to Pizza or the weather. I don't know what that says about Quinn, but something tells me Puck should broaden his vocabulary."

Santana couldn't figure out where this witty courageous girl had come from. Brittany was shining on the floor—entertaining a room of strangers. Santana had never seen her this way. She realized while she watched that she had never seen Brittany in her element. This must be what watching her dance feels like, Santana thought.

"But apart from that, I realized something else. Quinn's the real deal. She's so obviously perfect for him. I've never seen someone understand Puck the way she does. And I have loved watching these two together. There's no one else I'd want to take my spot as best girl. So here's to you Quinn. Good luck with him." The room all raised their glasses in a salute to Puck and Quinn. They raised their glasses back to the room and clinked them together before each taking a sip.

Puck returned his glass to the table before hopping up and running down to give Brittany one of those all-enveloping bear hugs. When he released her he took the microphone. "How 'bout that everyone? Give it up for my oh so sweet best friend." He ruffled her hair gently before kissing the side of her head. "Thanks Brittany. I love you, kid." Brittany mouthed an I love you too back. Puck hugged her one last time and turned back to the table.

"Santana?" he asked, holding out the microphone. Santana gulped, taking a long pull of the champagne before making her way to Puck. He handed her the microphone before escorting Brittany back up to the table. When the room settled again, Santana closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began.

"I met Quinn at cheer tryouts freshman year of high school and let me tell you, I really didn't like her." Santana loosened up the slightest bit when she hear the room collectively chuckle at her joke. She still was far from comfortable though. She could swear the mic was gonna fall out of her grip if she didn't find a way to stop perspiring and do it fast. "She was this beautiful blonde that could dance and wanted desperately to be the first ever Freshman varsity captain. And that scared me. By the time school started up, I was determined to never like her.

"At first it was easy. She was so different than me. Really she was different than everyone. All the boys wanted her...including every guy I ever liked. We were the ultimate rivals because neither of us would back down. I guess that's why I'm so surprised that I'm up here today. Looking back I don't know how it happened—how my enemy became my frienmey, became my friend, became my best friend, and finally my sister. But that's what Quinn is.

She's dated a lot of losers and a lot of boys that didn't cherish her enough. It's made me very very skeptical of the guys she likes. So imagine my dismay when I hear about she and Puck. I wanted so badly to smack her upside that pretty little blonde head. And I wanted to torture Puck's intentions out of him. I was pretty determined not to like this mohawked moron. But once again life took me about the cahonas and picked it's own course. Puck surprised me. Sure, he's still a skateboarding twenty-six year old that up until yesterday had a Mohawk, but he actually really loves Quinn. And dare I say it? He loves her and will take care of her more than I could. For that I hereby welcome you to the family. Good luck, Puckerman." She raised her glass and shot him one of her signature snarky smiles. He laughed and lifted his glass in return. Santana's eyes skated to Brittany. She's gave Santana that smile. You know, the one that makes her feel like she's the only person in the room.

Quinn's arms wrapping around her neck distracted Santana from staring. They embraced tightly and Santana kissed her cheek on the way out. "Santana Lopez, everyone!" Quinn shouted, holding up Santana's arm like she just won a wrestling match. Everyone in the room erupted in cheers and smiles and applause. Santana felt that same burst of pride settle into her chest that she used to get when she'd perform. She smiled at the crowd and felt instantly much better.

After the cake cutting, Santana was finally able to go join Gabriella at her table. The dance floor opened up and suddenly Santana was swept up in numerous different dances with different people. She even slow danced one of the songs with Gabriella. But mostly Santana watched Brittany mingle with others across the room. After the bouquet toss (which Rachel and Mercedes caught and proceeded to rip out of each other's hand) some bulky friend of Puck's caught Quinn's garter. The dancing continued some more. And Santana got hot so she snuck out, removing her heels before taking a walk down the beach. The water tickled her toes as she wandered further down the beach. She finally stopped when she was far enough to be away from the festivities, but still able to hear the music clearly.

She took a seat on th sand and peered out on the ocean as her mind wandered. So much had been happening in her life. New opportunities at work. Maybe a promotion. But really her mind was on Brittany. And Gabriella. She was so conflicted. She couldn't understand what she was supposed to feel for either of them. She liked Gabriella, but she definitely was still in love with Brittany. But Brittany was seeing someone. Besides, Santana was fairly confident that Brittany didn't want her anymore. Brittany seemed so much better without her around to mess it up.

Santana's whole body jolted when a voice interrupted her thoughts. She peered to the voice only to find the reason for all her brooding in the first place. "Whatcha doin' way out here?" Brittany asked as she plopped down next to Santana.

"Just thinking," Santana answered. Brittany's shoulder was so close. She could feel the heat radiating of the pale skin. In the moonlight Brittany glowed like a ghost. Her eyes were so dark. Santana couldn't help but forget her train of thought when she peered into their depths.

"It's so beautiful out here," Brittany mused after a second. She focused her eyes on the ocean. "I haven't been out here since I was a kid on one of the family road trips. I bet it's still beautiful though even to you. I bet seeing it everyday doesn't get boring at all."

Santana could tell Brittany was asking a question without actually asking anything. It was also pretty obvious that this was just small talk. Brittany wanted to say something of much more importance. She was stalling. Santana thanked God that Brittany at least seemed nervous about something since speeches couldn't phase her. "It's easy to take it for granted," Santana answered. "But on night's like this I'm reminded of how lucky I am to have grown up here. The ocean is truly one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. It's probably my second favorite sight."

"What's your first?"

Santana knew she had set herself up to be asked this, but that didn't make it any less awkward to answer. She didn't want to seem too forward. Brittany peered at her with an intensity that made Santana's heart race. "Uh...well you," she finally mumbled with her head down. Brittany didn't make a sound, but when Santana looked up from her twiddling thumbs she saw that Brittany was smiling. "Soooo..." Santana began, wanting to get away from that topic. "How's life?"

"It's good. I've been keeping busy."

"Puck told me you're in a relationship. How's that going?" Santana didn't really want to hear about her replacement, but she couldn't bear not to at least know something. Not knowing was definitely worse than knowing too much.

"Puck's wrong."

"You're not in a relationship?"

"No. He just thinks I am because I've been too busy to talk to him as much as he'd like. Plus he knows I'm hiding something."

"So if it's not a significant other, what are you hiding?" Santana asked with the left side of her mouth quirking up into a little grin. It was so easy to fall back into their old playful ways.

"Mm mm," Brittany mumbled while shaking her head in a stern no motion.

"You won't even tell me? I won't tell anyone," Santana teased, bumping her shoulder against Brittany's.

"What about you? The girl you brought tonight, is that your girlfriend?"

"You're deflecting."

"Did you really think I wouldn't ask?"

Santana couldn't help but regret inviting Gabriella. It was easier to bring her along when she thought Brittany was seeing someone. But now it actually made her kind of nauseous. "Remember how I told you about Gabriella?" Santana asked after a second. Recognition filled Brittany's eyes as her mouth fell open.

"You're dating her now?" she sounded none too please. Santana would be lying if she pretended that reaction didn't make her stomach do all kinds of gymnastics.

"We're not dating. Just friends. I invited her tonight so that I wouldn't get hit on all night by Puck's idiot friends." It wasn't a complete lie. Santana had thought about that before inviting Gabriella. She just was gonna leave out the part about wanting Brittany to see her moving on to make her feel how she felt when she thought Brittany had moved on to someone new.

"I guess I won't hit on you then," Brittany teased. She was the one to shoulder bump Santana this time. The girls giggled together just like they used to. The laughter died and then it was just two girls sitting on a beach listening to the ocean waves crash into the wet sand and the shouts of joy and celebration from behind. They sat in silence, thinking their own thoughts about each other—both wishing for the other to say something.

"Will you do me a favor?" Brittany finally asked. She was getting up, standing and rubbing the sand from her dress.

"Of course," Santana replied, looking up at her biggest regret. She'd do anything for Brittany. She would give anything to Brittany if she had something worth giving.

Brittany extended her hand, palm-up and shot Santana a nervous grin. "Will you dance with me?" Santana fixed her eyes on Brittany wondering she had heard right. Brittany didn't repeat herself. Instead she continued to give Santana that hopeful little smile. Finally Santana put her hand in Brittany's and let the taller girl pull her to her feet.

"I love this song," Santana commented as Brittany's hand tucked itself softly over her hip. It was still the beginning, no lyrics yet. Brittany held tight to Santana's hand as she led them in a simple dance. The lyrics started and Santana couldn't help but sing along to her Brittany.

When you came to me with your bad dreams and your fears

It was easy to see that you'd been crying

Brittany pulled her closer as the song progressed. By the end the girls were hugging and swaying together, not really dancing. They just held each other tightly. Santana had so many questions—so many things to say. "Britt Britt," she began without breaking the embrace. "Is this your secret? You're dancing again?"

"Surprise," Brittany exclaimed quietly. "I wanted you to be my first dance partner."

"How long?"

"Since you sent me that letter."

"What made you change your mind?"

"You did, San. I realized that I this isn't the life I was supposed to have. And that Dylan would be sad to know that I was letting all the good things pass me by. So I decided to give this a try. And it's working, Santana! I'm even moving to New York soon!"

Santana pulled away so she could look at Brittany while she processed what she was just told. Her hands remained around Brittany's neck, but her body stilled. "New York?"

"Yeah! Mike's opening a dance studio with the help of one of his Julliard professors. And he's willing to let me work and practice there until I can audition for Julliard again."

"Good for you, B," Santana exclaimed with a genuine smile. She was so happy for Brittany. It felt good to know that the girl she loved was doing something, even if it was apart from her. "I am so happy for you."

"I'm glad, San. I was worried you wouldn't like it."

"Why wouldn't I want you to go after your dreams?"

"It's just...I didn't come here for you," Brittany mumbled, looking out past Santana's head.

"Hey, B. Look at me," Santana said. She placed her hand on Brittany's cheek and urged it down. When their eyes met Santana stopped in her tracks. Her hand fell back to Brittany's shoulder. When she regained a normal breathing pattern, she continued with what she wanted to say. "I'm not mad at you for the choices you made. Our life isn't over. Maybe we'll get another chance. Who knows where our roads might pass again. But I want you to take every opportunity you get. Even if they lead you further and further from me. I want you to be happy."

"I am happy," Brittany whispered.

"Then so am I." Santana felt her eyes well up so she pulled Brittany back into a hug, this time burrowing her face into Brittany's neck. She inhaled deeply memorizing the scent that her mind already recognized as home.

"I miss you," Brittany whispered into Santana's hair.

"I miss you too."

"Do you think we'll see each other again?"

"I know it," Santana answered. It was a promise—her promise to Brittany. Her way of saying that their story wasn't quite over. "Come on, B. We better get back before they think we disappeared for kinky wedding sex."

Brittany giggled as she pulled away, but a few tears escaped anyway. Santana leaned in without thinking and kissed each of them away. The salty solution was such a familiar taste is startled her back. But Brittany was smiling. And just like always Santana had to smile back.

As always reviews are really appreciated. I can't wait to hear from you guys.