Well, here it is. The end. The final chapter. There might be one or two epilogues eventually, but I've always envisioned this fic ending with this scene and this dialogue. To me, it's where it needs to end. I want to thank Sandra, the rum allergy to my goat milk, for encouraging me over and over to write this and being there every step of the way, fighting charminators off this fic. J And my beloved beta, Jess, who has read and re read every bit of this and helped me make it better.
And to all of you for your reviews, comments and kind words. They have meant the world to me. See you in the next one, hopefully! (I am working on a new multichapter, but it will be a while until I post it. Be on the lookout!)

Chapter 37 - The Wedding

When I'm feeling blue, all I have to do
Is take a look at you, then I'm not so blue
When I'm in your arms, nothing seems to matter
My whole world could shatter, I don't care
Wouldn't you agree, baby you and me got a groovy kind of love
A Groovy Kind of Love, Phil Collins

Killian paced around the backyard for what felt like the umpteenth time.

"Would you please calm down?" Henry sighed at him. "It's not like she is going to run away, you know? And there is no curse that will take us this time."

Killian sighed as he looked at Henry sheepishly… "I am three centuries old and I am fidgeting worse than a lad, aren't I?"

Henry clasped Killian's shoulder as he shrugged, "It will be ok. I'll go see my mom now. Stop pacing around."

"Aye." Killian watched Henry go as Vinnie came to him, a satisfied smile on his face.

"What do you think?" He asked proudly as he pointed at the tulip flower arrangements in yellow, red and orange.

"Looks great, mate. Thank you."

"And for the final touch…" Vinnie said as he carefully secured an orange tulip bouttonniere on the lapel of Killian's simple black suit. "Perfetto."

Vinnie stood next to Killian as they both turned around to assess the people gathering in the backyard. It was only a moment before Killian felt Vinnie's hand on his shoulder as he muttered almost breathlessly.

"Killian, who is the redhead and please tell that she's single…"

Killian looked in the direction of Vinnie's eyes and he smirked briefly before turning around to talk to Vinnie.

"Her name is Ruby. She is as deadly as she looks, her grandmother can shoot a crossbow with deathly accuracy and I am not sure if she is available." He noticed Vinnie's disheartened stare and he quickly reassured him. "But I'll check."

Killian made his way to where Mary Margaret was standing; putting together the final touches to the flower arrangements.

"Killian…" She smiled softly at him as she straightened the lapels of his jacket. "You look very handsome, if I may say so."

"Thank you, Majesty." Killian bowed his head at her. "I have a question for you… Is Ruby still seeing that wretched doctor?"

"No, they broke up… why?" Mary Margaret looked at him intrigued.

"You see..." Killian started. "It seems that Vinnie has noticed her." He raised a hand towards Mary Margaret "Granted, I know that he has his reputation; I helped build it after all… but he is a good lad, milady."

Mary Margaret beamed softly at him "I know he is. I've worked with him putting all this together. He is a sensitive soul, Killian…" She gave him a mischievous look. "What are you suggesting we do about this?"

Killian bit his lower lip before reaching for Mary Margaret's hand. "I'll leave that in your capable hands. It's your area of expertise, milady. And I'll be somewhat occupied in a few moments marrying your daughter." He finished before pressing a soft kiss to her hand and winking at her.

She rolled her eyes, remembering his mannerisms in the Enchanted Forest all those years ago. "Go. I'll take care of it."

A few moments later, Ruby approached Mary Margaret and hugged her enthusiastically. "I can't believe they are finally getting married!" Ruby was almost jumping up and down with excitement. "Where should I sit? Is left the side of the bride?"

Mary Margaret waved her hand dismissively "Oh, we are not being that traditional today; everyone can sit wherever they want. Let me find someone to help you." She turned around and locked eyes on her prey. "Vincent!" She called sweetly and Vinnie was by her side in an instant, a flashing smile on his face.

"Vincent, this is my dear friend Ruby," Mary Margaret said as she beamed at the both of them. "Would you be so kind to escort her to a free seat? Thank you…" She finished with a satisfied smirk as Vinnie rushed to take Ruby's arm and escorted her to a free seat, sitting next to her.

/-/

Killian was smiling at the sight of Vinnie leaning to whisper something to Ruby when he felt a clasp on his shoulder and turned to find Mac smirking at him.

"Your bride is ready. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider that?" He pointed to Killian's left arm.

Killian lifted his arm, smiling at his old brace and hook. "No. I was wearing this when she met me. I am going to wear it when I marry her."

Mac nodded before standing next to Killian. "Let's do this, sunshine."

Time froze for Killian the moment he saw her walking down the aisle holding her father's arm, a simple white gown and her hair in a semi bun, blonde locks cascading down her shoulders. Simple. Elegant. Fierce. His Swan.

They smiled at each other as she stood by his side and he briefly nodded at David before reaching for Emma's hand. His voice shook at little as he pronounced his vows to her, his hand slowly sliding her ring one more time to her finger. Her eyes filled with tears as she pronounced her vows, her hand shaking a little as she slid his ring to his finger before holding his hand and hook and looking into his eyes with a bright smile.

And then he leaned in to kiss her softly, and it wasn't the end. And it wasn't the beginning. It was them, just them, choosing to be each other's happy ending.

She leaned in to whisper in his ear as they walked down the aisle holding hands.

"Killian, can you explain to me how Vinnie ended up sitting next to Ruby?"

"Aye… that… well… he noticed her when she arrived and well…" He trailed off embarrassed.

"Did you set them up?"

"Oh no, Swan, I would not dream to meddle in such affairs." He replied in a serious tone before giving her a mischievous smile. "I asked your mother, love."

She rolled her eyes at him before letting him pull her into another kiss.

/-/

They were slowly dancing on the middle of the dance floor, his arms snaking her waist and her arms on his neck, her head pressed against his chest and shoulder, his chin resting peacefully at the top of her head.

"You know what this means, right?" Emma asked as she lifted her head to meet his eyes.

"What?" He asked slowly.

"You are now a prince, Killian." She smirked at him and he laughed lightly.

"I'll never be truly a prince, Swan. Perhaps a pirate prince. Can you live with that, love?" He asked as his hand reached to caress her cheek, before slowly leaning in.

"I think I can…" She replied before meeting his lips.
/-/

Mac was standing by the end of the dance floor, looking at Emma and Laura chatting by the dessert table, when Killian approached him, his old flask in his hand.

"Rum?" Killian asked and Mac smirked at him as he grabbed the flask and took it to his lips, drinking. He gave it back to Killian, who took a small sip before manipulating with his hook to put the cork back in and pocket it inside the jacket of his suit.

"Mac?" Killian asked as he followed Mac's eyes to Emma and Laura.

"Yes?"

"Thank you, mate." Killian said earnestly.

Mac turned around to look at him "I told you that you'd thank me one day." He replied smirking. "You're welcome. Now go dance with your wife, sunshine."