Hi guys. So here's the chapter I've been excited for - the wedding chapter! I know it's long, but a Finchel wedding - let alone a Finchel White House wedding - is a big deal, so I figured why not go all out? :) Plus, anything to get to write more of this story. All that's left after this are two flashforwards :( Thanks again for all your support. Hope you enjoy and review if I should keep going :)
Chapter 37: White House Wedding
Finn couldn't believe that after today, he was going to be Rachel's husband. The wait had been long, but at least it was finally here.
Finn and Rachel had wanted to wait until Ryan and Emma were older to have the wedding, but at the same time, they didn't want to wait too long. Now was a great time. In November, Ryan and Emma would be two, and they were both walking and starting to talk, so they could walk down the aisle (or they might just ride in a wagon, as they had at Kurt and Blaine's wedding) as a ring bearer and flower girl. Finn and Rachel couldn't believe how big their babies were getting.
The babies weren't the only ones growing. This spring, Finn had graduated from University of Washington DC with his bachelor's degree in education. He was also now working Monday through Friday in the Department of Education's office. Rachel would likely be graduating next spring. She was also still working as an assistant to the president.
They were less than two years in, but the Santos administration had already done great things. A new universal health care bill had passed six months into the administration and an education bill had been passed as well. Unemployment was slowly but surely going down and America was gradually becoming more respected in the world.
Finn looked in the mirror at his tux for the wedding. Kurt had helped him pick it out. Would Rachel think he was handsome? He was sure she was beautiful, no matter what her dress looked like (though he was wondering what it looked like).
"Well, don't you look handsome?" Kurt said, standing at his brother's side.
"Thanks bro," Finn said, smiling at Kurt, then at Ryan, who was holding Kurt's hand. He picked up his son. "Are you ready for Mom and Dad to get married?"
"Yeah!" Ryan said.
"Let's get to the Blue Room with the other groomsmen," Kurt said.
"Okay," Finn said. Maybe being with his friends would help. He was so nervous. He'd been waiting for the wedding since he and Rachel first joined Glee, but now it was really happening. What if he fell down? What if Rachel got cold feet? What if he flubbed his vows? "Were you nervous waiting for your wedding?"
"You were the one who had to calm me down, remember?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah," Finn said. "So I guess it's normal."
"Of course it's normal," Kurt said. "But once you get married, it'll be the best feeling ever."
Finn walked into the Blue Room with Kurt, where Blaine, Sam, Artie, Mike, Puck, Rory, Ryder and Jake were waiting with Burt and Carole. "Finn, you look so handsome," Carole said, getting up and hugging her son.
"Thanks Mom," Finn said. "I can't believe I'm getting married. Hopefully no one will get hit by a truck this time."
"There have to be a million camera crews outside," Mike said.
"All my friends from film school were begging me to somehow get them in to cover the wedding," Artie said.
"Hey, the only photographer we need is the one Rachel and I hired," Finn said. "I'm marrying Rachel, that's what matters."
"Finn, the press is all over this," Burt said. "There hasn't been a White House wedding in like, fifty years."
"Well, White House or Justice of the Peace, I'm just glad to be marrying her," Finn said.
"When's the baby's due date?" Puck asked.
Finn remembered Puck asking him that when he and Rachel got engaged their senior year. "Throwback, huh?"
"Well, are you two going to have a honeymoon baby?" Puck asked.
"Well, we don't want to start trying for baby #3 until after Rachel graduates," Finn said.
"Baby?" Ryan asked.
"See, even Ryan wants another baby!" Kurt said.
"It'll happen," Finn told his friends. "Seriously, thanks so much for coming to DC to be my groomsmen. I know that now that I'm working for the White House, I haven't been able to see you all as much as I'd like..."
"Hey, of course we're here," Sam said. "We've all been waiting for this."
"It's the White House!" Jake said.
"And it's so nice to be back in America," Rory said.
The door opened as Matt came in with Peter and Brayden. "Just dropping off your ring bearers," Matt said.
"You're going to be my brother!" Peter exclaimed to Finn. "I promise I won't drop the rings."
"I am," Finn said. He turned to Matt. "I promise I'll take care of your daughter."
"Hard to believe after today, Finn, you'll officially be part of the First Family," Sam said.
"He's always been part of the First Family," Matt said.
"Thanks for letting us use the White House for the bachelor party, Mr. President," Blaine added.
"Since it was here, Puck couldn't do certain things for the party," Artie said.
Finn resisted the urge to say something. "Like watch R-rated movies?" Peter asked.
"Yeah, like that," Ryder said, clearly what Finn was thinking.
Finn looked at the rings on the pillow. "I can't wait to wear that."
"I helped pick out some great rings, didn't I?" Kurt asked.
"Yeah, you did," Finn said.
x
Rachel looked at her wedding dress hanging in the Red Room where the bridesmaids would be hanging out before the wedding. Her dress had been in a safe so there wouldn't be a risk of Finn seeing it. She'd been so excited to wear it since the day she picked it out and when she went again last week for her final fitting. Kurt, Kylie, Santana, Helen and Carole had gone with her to pick out the dress, but the rest of her bridesmaids hadn't seen it yet.
"Ready to get into your dress?" Kylie asked as she and Santana stood with Rachel.
Rachel turned to face her maids of honor. It had been tough to decide who would be her maid of honor. Even though Kylie hadn't come into her life until she was almost 23, it was as if the two of them had been sisters there whole lives. They talked on the phone multiple times a week, texted almost every day, and knew all about each other's lives. And of course, Santana and Rachel had come a long way since they first met each other and had so many great times together in New York. So Rachel decided to make both of them maids of honor.
With the help of her maids of honor, Rachel got into her dress and then walked into the main part of the Red Room, where all her bridesmaids, flower girls and mother figure were waiting. "Rachel, you look beautiful!" Mercedes exclaimed.
"Thank you," Rachel said.
"Mommy pretty," Emma said.
Rachel picked up her daughter, who was wearing a little white dress with a sash that was the same shade of blue as the maid of honors' dresses. "Thank you, sweetie! Ready for Mommy and Daddy to get married?"
"Yeah!" Emma giggled.
"This dress is better than the one for the wedding that didn't go through," Brittany said.
"I hope Finn thinks so, too," Rachel said.
"Well, this time, he'll first see you when you walk down the aisle," Tina said.
"Thanks for letting us be in the wedding, Rachel," Marley said. Rachel had asked Marley, Kitty and Unique to be bridesmaids since she knew how much Finn had loved leading the glee club and that he wanted the guys who'd been in it when he led it in the wedding.
"Of course," Rachel said. "I know it was late, but we got to be close."
"Are you excited to marry Finn?" Quinn asked with Beth on her lap.
"Of course!" Rachel said. "It's finally here."
"Please don't cry," Santana said. "You've cried so much through the years..."
"Of course I'm going to cry," Rachel said.
"Hey, you and Finn deserve happy tears today," Santana said.
"Well, there will be those," Rachel said.
"And at least we know you won't pull a Miss Pillsbury!" Kitty said.
"Yeah, I should have been there that day," Rachel said.
"Well, we're all here now," Unique said. "The long term New Directions girls, plus your sister."
"And she's become like an honorary New Directions girl," Marley added.
"Well, I knew I wanted the New Directions singing at my wedding," Rachel said.
The door opened and Rachel saw one of the White House staffers. "It's almost four."
Rachel looked at her bridesmaids and flower girls. "This is it."
Kylie handed Rachel her bouquet. "You're about to be a married woman."
"Yeah," Rachel said, giving her sister a hug.
"I'm glad you and Finn will still live with us," Miranda said.
"Me too," Rachel said. "You'll go over to play with Ryan and Emma while Finn and I are on the honeymoon, right?"
"Duh!" Miranda said.
Rachel giggled as the bridesmaids left to line up. When the bridesmaids were gone, Helen came over to Rachel. "Rachel, I have something for you." She handed Rachel a small box. Rachel opened it to see a necklace with a sapphire the same color as some of the bridesmaids' dresses (the bridesmaids had several different shades of blue). "I wore this on my wedding day, and I was wondering if you'd like to wear it as well."
Rachel smiled as she put on the necklace. It was an unofficial tradition for mothers to give their daughters something they'd worn on their wedding day for the daughters to wear. She always thought that wouldn't be the case with her. But now she knew she truly was part of this family. She reached over and took Helen's hand. "Thank you."
"You know I think of you as and love you as my daughter even though I didn't give birth to you, right?" Helen asked.
Rachel smiled. "Thanks... Mom." She'd never been able to call someone that before. As Helen put on the necklace, Matt came in.
"Wow," Matt said, looking at Rachel in her dress. "You look so beautiful."
"Thank you," Rachel said.
Helen gave Rachel a hug before leaving her with Matt. Rachel knew these were the last few minutes she'd have before going down the aisle. "You okay?" Matt asked.
"I just can't believe this is really happening," Rachel said. "I'm so nervous."
"I was nervous on my wedding day, too," Matt said. "But when you look back, you'll remember this as the best day of your life."
"Yeah," Rachel said. "Thank you." She wasn't just saying thank you for being walked down the aisle, but for everything over the past few years.
Matt seemed to understand what Rachel meant. "Of course. I love you."
Rachel nodded. She already felt herself tearing up. "I love you too, Dad."
Rachel heard Canon in D being played by the Marine Corps Band. The bridal party was walking down the aisle, and soon it would be her turn. She and Finn had almost done it once before, but this time, it was for real.
The music changed to Wagner's Bridal Chorus and the wedding guests stood as Rachel began walking down the aisle.
x
Finn took some deep breaths as he stood in front of the East Room. Burt and Carole were sitting in the front row with Finn's grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Mr. and Mrs. Schuester were here with their three kids. Coach Beiste, April Rhodes, Holly Holliday, Matt Rutherford, Lauren Zizes, Sugar Motta, Joe Hart and Becky Jackson were sitting in that row as well. Some of Finn's friends from the various sports teams he'd been on and from University of Lima were here as well, as were Kurt and Rachel's former bandmates in New York, Elliott and Dani. Lots of Finn and Rachel's friends from their college down here had come and so had most of their friends from their jobs at the campaign and the White House.
Of course, a White House wedding was a big deal. There had to be media from almost every major media outlet here today. Most of the White House staff was here - Josh was officiating the wedding, since it had been at his wedding that Rachel had caught the bouquet. Many members of Congress and the Supreme Court were here and so were many governors. (The congressmen and governors who'd helped rig the 2016 election were not here though - they were still in prison.) Former President Bartlet had come - his daughter, Zoey, was now Helen's Chief of Staff. Even some leaders from other countries had come in for the wedding.
Helen and Carole had just lit the unity candles, and the door opened for the entrance of the wedding party. Finn was about to see Rachel.
Peter came out first, carrying the rings. Miranda and Beth came out next, pulling the wagon that Emma, Ryan, Brayden and Lily were in. Then came Puck and Quinn, then Mike and Tina, Jake and Brittany, then Rory and Unique, then Ryder and Marley, then Artie and Kitty, then Sam and Mercedes, then Blaine and Santana, then Kurt and Kylie.
Now that all the attendants were here, Rachel would be next.
"She looks amazing," Kurt whispered to Finn.
Josh asked the wedding guests to stand as the music changed and the door opened for the entrance of the bride. Finn's eyes got big as he saw Rachel walking down the aisle in her wedding dress. Kurt had been right - Rachel looked amazing. He just didn't expect her to look this amazing. Rachel had a one shoulder tulle ball gown with lace appliques and a sweetheart neckline. Her veil had similar beading to the dress and she had her hair down with a slight wave. She'd never looked more beautiful.
Finally, Rachel reached the front of the East Room. Matt gave Rachel a hug and shook Finn's hand, giving her away. Finn took Rachel's hand. Soon he was going to be married to her.
Finn could barely pay attention to the readings and songs. All he could think about was how lucky he was to be getting Rachel as his wife. "You look incredible," Finn whispered to Rachel.
"You look so handsome," Rachel said, taking Finn's hands. "I love you."
"Oh, Finn... where do I begin?" Rachel asked. "I love you. I love you. I love you. I love everything about you. I love the way that you make me so happy. I love how you're always there for me. It's so hard for me to put into words how much you mean to me. Before I met you, I was just this crazy short girl with a very big dream... and that was all I had. I thought that Broadway and music and the stage were all that life was. I was convinced I was the most talented person ever and was constantly acting like I was better than everyone else. I guess I was using my talent to cover up my loneliness. Now that I look back, I hate who I was before I met you. Then I met you and I grew so much. You helped me realize that it's okay when other people are just as good or better than you. You helped me become a better team player. You helped me develop social skills. You helped me learn to be more kind and open minded. And most importantly, you taught me how to love. From the first time we met in kindergarten, when someone pushed me over on the playground and you told them not to, I knew you were special, but it wasn't until our first glee rehearsal sophomore year that I knew just how special you were. You support me, encourage me, help me develop my strengths and strengthen my weaknesses, understand me better than anyone, bring out the best in me and have given me all my best memories. I'm so glad that we met in glee and that even after we split up, we met again when we got jobs on the Santos campaign. You and the kids are the best things that have ever happened to me. I love you all so much and I can't wait to see what the future has in store for all of us."
Finn found himself wanting to kiss Rachel early, but he knew he couldn't. "Wow," Finn began. "I've written and rewritten my vows so many times, but I don't know if I can top that. I remember that day in kindergarten you were talking about. Even though I didn't know you very well, it made me so angry to see someone push you over. I remember our first glee rehearsal and how you just went right into it. I remember the day I first told you I loved you and the amazing duet that followed. I remember our date in New York our junior year. I remember our first time by my fireplace. I remember discovering we'd be working on the Santos campaign together. I remember seeing you catch the bouquet at Josh and Donna's wedding and knowing that meant that we were next. I remember learning that we were going to have our first children. I remember getting engaged and having our babies born after we won the election. We have so many great memories. I have a feeling today will be our best one so far, but there's even better ones in the future. I also remember that before you really came into my life, I was missing so much. I knew that I should be happy, since I was the quarterback and dating the head cheerleader, but something was missing. That something was you. I didn't have someone who truly got me and believed in me and who I could have so much fun with. I love you so much, Rachel. So, so much. I know it's been a long and tough journey to get here, but we're here. I remember your dad telling me shortly after we joined the campaign that when two people are meant to be together, the universe finds a way for it to happen. The universe definitely wanted this day to happen. You've given me so much, most importantly our two amazing kids who I love so much. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together and I can't wait to make more Finchel babies." He hadn't planned these vows, but they'd come out better than any of the ones he'd tried to write. He looked over at Rachel, who had tears in her eyes and the biggest smile on her face. Couldn't he kiss her already?
Peter lifted the pillow with the rings. "Rachel, please place the ring on Finn's finger." Josh said as Rachel took a ring off the pillow and slipped it on to Finn's finger. "Do you take this man to be your lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, till death do you part?"
"I do," Rachel said.
Now it was Finn's turn. It was hard to wait for the instruction to place the ring on Rachel's finger. "Finn, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, till death do you part?" Josh asked.
"I do," Finn said, barely holding in his excitement.
"By the power vested in me by the District of Columbia, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Finn, you may kiss the bride," Josh said.
Finally, he could. Finn leaned in and gave Rachel the deepest kiss he'd ever given her, slipping in his tongue.
"Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Finn and Rachel Hudson!" Josh declared.
Finn and Rachel pulled apart as the room erupted with cheers. They continued to hug each other as they took in the cheers, then reached out to pick up their kids to join them for a family hug. "Yay Mommy and Daddy!" Ryan said.
"Yeah!" Finn said. "We're married now!"
"When I get married?" Emma asked.
Finn and Rachel both laughed. "Not for a long time!" Rachel said.
Mendelssohn's Wedding March began as Finn and Rachel began processing out of the East Room to go to the Green Room so their family could have some time together. "I can't believe we're finally married," Rachel said as they went into the Green Room.
"Me either," Finn said. "You're Rachel Hudson now."
"Rachel Hudson," Rachel said. "I like the sound of that."
"Now all four of us have the same last name," Finn said.
Rachel looked at their kids. "Did you like the wedding?"
"Yeah!" Ryan said.
"Good," Rachel said. She paused and looked at Finn. "Your vows were perfect."
"I felt like there was no way I could top you," Finn said.
"You did," Rachel said. "Has this day been what you imagined?"
"What I imagined and more," Finn said. "You know, now I know why the universe waited so long for us. It wanted us to have this perfect wedding with our kids and our families and our friends."
"Yeah," Rachel said.
x
Finn and Rachel had some more time with their kids before some more photos were taken with their families and the bridal party, and then it was time for the reception to begin. The bridal party entered, and then the MC made an announcement, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Finn and Rachel Hudson and their children Ryan and Emma!"
Finn loved hearing Rachel's name with his last name. Finn and Rachel entered the room as the guests applauded and they and their kids waved.
"And now, it's time for the first dance!" the MC announced.
Finn and Rachel handed Ryan and Emma over to Burt and Carole as the music for their first dance began. There was no question in either of their minds what song they wanted to use. Faithfully. It would always be their song. But they didn't want the original Journey version, their version from the inaugural, or even a new version. They wanted to do their first dance to a recording of them singing from Regionals their sophomore year.
Finn listened to the recording of him and Rachel as the music began and he began dancing with Rachel. "Remember that day?" Rachel asked. "It's hard to believe it was over eight years ago."
"I loved you then, and I love you now," Finn said.
"I love you too," Rachel said. "It feels like that was yesterday."
"I still think we should have won," Finn said.
"Me too," Rachel agreed. "You're a really great dancer, Finn."
"Well, I have been practicing," Finn laughed.
The music came to an end as Finn pulled his wife in for a kiss. He wished he could stay right here, right now, forever. This song really was perfect for them and described their relationship and everything they'd been through. They were forever each other's, faithfully.
x
After Finn and Rachel's first dance, it was time for the father-daughter dance. There was only one thing that Rachel wished had been different about today - she wished that the men who'd raised her and that the woman who gave birth to her were here. She loved Finn and Ryan and Emma. She loved Kylie and Beth. She loved Matt and Helen and Peter and Miranda and Brayden and Lily. She loved Finn's family and their friends. But she still wished that her whole family could be here.
She'd chosen the song she'd selected for the father-daughter dance because there was something in it for all three of her dads. There was a verse in it that reminded her of each of them - in a way, for each of them to be there.
Artie: She spins and she sways to whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing the weight of the world on my shoulders
Blaine: It's been a long day and there's still work to do
She's pulling at me saying "Dad I need you!
There's a ball at the castle and I've been invited
and I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
Kurt: So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Rory: Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
"Daddy!" a five year old Rachel shouted as LeRoy came home from work.
"Hi Rachel!" LeRoy said, picking up his daughter.
"Daddy!" Rachel continued. "I got invited to the Tonys Ball!"
"You did?" LeRoy asked.
"Yeah," Rachel continued. "It's at a really big castle! I'm so excited."
"That's so cool!" LeRoy said, encouraging his daughter's imagination.
"Yeah," Rachel said. "But Daddy, there's going to be dancing... and I need to practice. Will you practice with me?"
LeRoy put down his work files. "Of course I will."
"Thank you!" Rachel said as she leapt into her father's arms as they began dancing around the house.
Sam: She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
Artie: She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
Ryder: So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Jake: Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
After a disastrous junior prom, Rachel knew that she had to make senior prom extra special. She'd known she wanted to go to prom with Finn forever, and now, it was actually happening.
Rachel was getting home from prom dress shopping with Kurt and Mercedes when she saw Hiram. "Hey."
"Hey," Hiram said. "Did you get your dress?"
"Yeah," Rachel said. "Would you like to see it?"
"Of course," Hiram said.
Rachel changed into her prom dress and then went back to see her dad. "Do you think Finn will like it?"
"He'll love it," Hiram said. "You look so beautiful and so grown up."
"Thanks," Rachel said. "But Dad... I need to practice dancing in it... will you practice with me?"
"Of course," Hiram said.
Puck: She will be gone
But she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
Mike: She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away but I need to practice my dancin'
Oh please, Daddy, please!"
The wedding was only a few months away and Rachel had just brought her dress back to the White House. She knew that Finn was out today, so it was safe. She'd had both her mother figures, both her maids of honor and her best friend approve of the dress, but she still wanted her dad's approval. She slipped on her dress and put a robe over it before she walked into the oval office, where Matt was meeting with Vice President Seaborn, Josh, Deputy Chief of Staff Charlie Young and Communications Director Toby Ziegler. "Hey," Rachel said. "Is it okay if I have a few minutes with my dad?"
"Yeah, of course," Josh said as he led the rest of the staff out.
Once Rachel was alone with her dad, she let down her robe. "Wow," Matt said. "Rachel, is this it?"
"Yeah," Rachel said.
"You look beautiful," Matt said. "I can't believe I'm seeing my oldest daughter in her wedding dress."
"You think Finn will like it?" Rachel asked.
"He'll love it," Matt said.
"Hey, I was thinking," Rachel said, her mind flashing back to when she showed another dad her prom dress. "I could use some practice dancing in this dress before the wedding... and of course we'll have the father-daughter dance... will you practice with me?"
"I'd love to," Matt said, coming from behind his desk to practice some dancing with Rachel. "After all, I'll probably get critiqued... but you'll be great, with me and Finn."
Rachel managed to laugh. "Thanks, Dad." She paused. "I mean Matt. Sorry."
Matt looked at Rachel. "You don't have to keep calling me Matt. If you want to call me Dad, you can do it. I'd love for you to call me Dad."
"Thanks, Dad," Rachel repeated. It felt so right.
New Directions boys: So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone
Rachel felt tears in her eyes. She missed Hiram and LeRoy and Shelby. Would they be proud of her today? Would they think she looked beautiful? Would they have fun?
"Are you okay?" Matt whispered.
"Yeah," Rachel said. "I just... I miss them."
"Of course you do," Matt said. "But they're proud of you today, I know it."
Rachel nodded as the song came to a close. "Thanks."
Matt gave Rachel a hug. "I love you."
"I love you, too, Dad," Rachel said.
x
After the father/daughter dance, it was time for Finn's dance with his mom. Carole had told Finn that he didn't need to do a mother/son dance if he didn't want to, but of course he wanted to.
As Finn and his mom took the stage for their dance, Finn thought about how much she'd meant to him through the years. For the first sixteen years of his life, it had just been the two of them. She'd done so much for him. She'd worked jobs that were less than ideal so she could put food on his plate and clothes on his back and a roof over his head. She'd sacrificed socializing and traditionally fun activities so that she could spend time with him. She'd spent extra money on drumming lessons and sports camps rather than things for herself. Most importantly, she'd been there for him as someone to talk to, to lean on, to go to for advice, to look up to, to model himself after, to show him what kind of person he wanted to be.
Kurt: I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
Blaine: And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
Sam: And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin' 'til you find the window
Artie: If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything
Jake: My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Ryder: Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
Rory: And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
New Directions alumni: Yeah, this is my wish
Puck: I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
Mike: I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God's grace in every mistake
Mercedes: And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything
Santana: My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Tina: Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
Quinn: And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
Brittany: And wants the same things too
New Directions alumni: Yeah, this is my wish
My wish for you
Marley: Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
Kitty: You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
Unique: I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
New Directions alumni: Yeah, this is my wish
This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big
"I'm so proud of you," Carole whispered to Finn at the end of the dance.
"I'm proud of us," Finn said. "You did a great job, Mom."
"I love you so much," Carole said.
Finn gave his mom a hug. "If I can be anything as a parent like you are to me, I'll be happy."
As Carole returned to her seat, Finn stayed on the floor, for only he, Rachel, their glee friends and the MC knew what was next. "The bride and groom also want a father/son and mother/daughter dance, so now it's time for the father/son dance," the MC announced.
Finn motioned for Burt to join him on the dance floor as Burt came down. "Finn, what's going on?" Burt asked.
"I told you, I want a dance with you, too," Finn said.
"You don't have to do this," Burt said.
"I want to," Finn insisted as the music began. He loved his mom, but he'd been longing to have a dad as well for most of his life. Once his mom started dating Burt, he realized that even though Christopher Hudson was his father, Burt Hummel could also be his dad. He and Burt could talk about the guy things that he and his mom couldn't talk about. Burt understood when Finn would talk about sports and he understood Finn's girl issues in ways that Carole didn't. He'd also been the one who'd unknowingly helped reunite Finn and Rachel. Finn always had fun with Burt, and while he'd been resistant at first, he was so glad his mom had married Burt.
Artie: When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Sam: Then I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.
Blaine: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
Kurt: I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.
Puck: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
Rory: I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.
Jake: There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
Ryder: But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.
Mercedes: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
Tina: You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
Santana: I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
Quinn: You raise me up to more than I can be.
Brittany: You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
Unique: You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
Marley: I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
Kitty: You raise me up to more than I can be.
New Directions alumni: You raise me up to more than I can be.
"You're an amazing young man, Finn," Burt said. "And I've always considered you my son."
"I really hope I can be as great a dad to Ryan and Emma as you are to me," Finn said.
"You already are even better," Burt said.
x
It was time for the last official dance - the mother/daughter dance. Rachel had a feeling there would be tears now, too. She wished that Shelby was here. While she and Shelby had never had the easiest relationship, she had nothing but love for the woman who'd given birth to her. She'd always craved closeness and she liked to think they'd had that in their own way.
At the same time, Rachel felt like Helen had become her mom, even though she hadn't given birth to her. They'd started to form a bond when Rachel first started working for Matt, but it really started when Rachel became pregnant. Rachel had desperately needed a mom to go with her to doctor's appointments, take her maternity shopping and just be there to talk to. Helen had done all that for her and more.
Mercedes: Mama, you taught me to do the right things.
So, now you have to let your baby fly.
You've given me everything that I will need.
To make it through this crazy thing called life.
Santana: And I know you watched me grow up,
and only want what's best for me.
And I think I found the answer to your prayers.
Tina: And he Is good, so good.
He treats your little girl,
like a real man should.
Brittany: He is good, SO good.
He makes promises he keeps.
Quinn: No, he's never gonna leave.
So, don't you worry about me.
Don't you worry about me.
Marley: Mama, there's no way you'll ever lose me.
Giving me away is not goodbye.
Kitty: As you watch me walk down to my future,
I hope tears of joy are in your eyes.
Unique: Cause, he is good, so good.
And, he treats your little girl,
like a real man should.
New Directions girls: He is good, SO good.
He makes promises he keeps.
No, he's never gonna leave.
So, don't you worry about me.
Don't you worry about me.
Mercedes: And when I watch my baby grow up,
I'll only want what's best for her.
Santana: And I hope she'll find,
the answer to my prayers.
And that she'll say...
New Directions girls: He is good, so good.
And he treats your little girl,
like a real man should.
He is good, SO good.
He makes promises he keeps.
No, he's never gonna leave.
So, don't you worry about me.
Don't you worry about me.
Mama, don't you worry about me.
Don't you worry about me.
As she'd expected, Rachel felt teary eyed at the end of the song. "Your mom and dads would be proud of you today, Rachel," Helen said. "Just like Matt and I are. You're an amazing mother and you'll be an amazing wife."
"Thanks, Mom," Rachel said. "I do have you and Dad to look up to."
Finn came on to the center of the stage at the end of the dance. Rachel let go of her mom before going to join her husband. There was one more little thing she and Finn had planned. Holding Finn's hand, she let him speak. "Thank you," Finn said. "Thank you all so much for being here today. It means so much to me that so many people care so much about me and Rachel and our children that you'll share this special day with us."
The crowd applauded as Rachel kept speaking. "I'm sorry to disappoint you, but we have one more thing for you, then the toasts, and then you can eat. Most of you know that Finn and I met in glee club in high school. In addition to a first dance, we wanted to have a first duet as a married couple." Finn had suggested this a while ago and Rachel loved the idea. After all, it was singing together that had brought them close together. They each had a list of songs they were disappointed they'd never gotten to do in glee club and when comparing their lists, they discovered one song was pretty high up there on both their lists. They immediately decided: this was the one to do for their first duet.
Finn: See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Rachel: Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait, without you
Finn and Rachel: With or without you
With or without you
Finn: Through the storm we reach the shore
Rachel: You give it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you
Finn and Rachel: With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you
Finn: And you give yourself away
Rachel: And you give yourself away
Finn: And you give
Rachel: And you give
Finn and Rachel: And you give yourself away
Finn: My hands are tied
My body bruised, she's got me with
Rachel: Nothing to win and
Nothing left to lose
Finn: And you give yourself away
Rachel: And you give yourself away
Finn: And you give
Rachel: And you give
Finn and Rachel: And you give yourself away
Finn: With or without you
Rachel: With or without you
Finn and Rachel: I can't live
With or without you
Oh
Finn: With or without you
Rachel: With or without you
Finn and Rachel: I can't live
With or without you
With or without you
Finn and Rachel had just had their first duet as a married couple and they knew it wouldn't be the last. As the crowd applauded, Finn and Rachel returned to their seats for the toasts. Kurt went first. "Hello, I'm Kurt Hummel. I'm Finn's brother and best man, and I'm also Rachel's best friend. I've known Finn and Rachel since elementary school, but like them with each other, I really started to get to know them our sophomore year of high school, when the three of us joined the glee club. At the time, I had the biggest crush on Finn because he would defend me from bullies, and I just thought Rachel was this loud, annoying girl who was obsessed with solos. But when I got to know them, my relationships with them got better than any of us could have imagined. Finn and I started getting close shortly after I joined glee, when I wanted a tryout for the football team and then when we were partners for a glee assignment. Then I introduced my dad and his mom on parent-teacher night and he ended up being the best brother I could have asked for. Rachel and I started bonding our junior year. She and I got to sing on a real Broadway stage together that year and we also lived in New York together for two years - two of the best years of my life. And when you're as close to Finn and Rachel as I am, you learn that they deserve each other so much. They make each other so happy, they compliment each other, they complete each other... they're going to be great spouses to each other and they're amazing parents to Ryan and Emma. Finn, Rachel, I love you both and I wish you nothing but happiness together, and let's all raise our glasses to Finchel."
Santana took the microphone as the guests clapped for Kurt, who was hugging Finn and Rachel. "Hello. I'm Santana Lopez. I'm one of Rachel's maids of honor and she's one of my closest friends. Like Kurt said, I really met Finn and Rachel our sophomore year of high school in glee club, and I must say, our relationship didn't have the best start. What matters though is what it became and now Finn and Rachel are two of my dearest friends. Even though I wasn't always the nicest to Finn, he was always nice to me. When I was on a diet for the cheer squad once, he noticed that I looked hungry and got me some snacks from the cafeteria. Once when I sat in a chocolate cake, Finn followed me around the rest of the day so no one would think I had an accident in my pants. Rachel and I lived together in New York, and we had some great times hanging around our loft and working at the Spotlight Diner together. Finn and Rachel are the type of people you love to have in your corner. If you're feeling bad about yourself, they always know a way to make you feel better. They always listen and they never judge you. I'm so happy for them finally getting married because even when they were with other people, I knew they were meant to be together." She picked up her glass. "To Finn and Rachel!"
Again, the guests clinked their glasses together as Finn and Rachel thanked Santana and Kylie took the microphone. "Hi, I'm Kylie Nichols, Rachel's half sister and the other maid of honor. Rachel and I are sisters through our biological mother and for most of our lives, we didn't know each other. After our biological mother's death, we were connected through the biological parents of her adoptive daughter. Since then, it's felt like she's always been in my life and we've always been sisters. She's always been there for me over the past two years and she's always the first person I call if something happens, good or bad. I've also spent a lot of time over the past two years with Finn, Ryan and Emma, and I'm so glad my sister has found such a wonderful man, so kind, so sweet, so supportive, to spend her life with and have children with. I always look forward to my visits to DC or their visits to New York. Finn, Rachel, I love you both and wish you nothing but the best. Everyone, raise your glasses!"
After Rachel and Finn thanked Kylie, dinner began. All three toasts had been perfect, and dinner was perfect as well. There was seafood for an appetizer, then salad, then pasta, salmon and vegetables for the main course, and finally the wedding cake. After dinner, Finn and Rachel made their way around the room with Ryan and Emma to greet their guests.
"So you two finally made it to the altar," Mr. Schue said, hugging Finn and Rachel. "Congrats!"
"Thanks," Finn said. He looked at Mr. Schuester's kids. "Your kids are getting so big!"
"So are these two!" Mrs. Schuester said. She looked at Emma. "You know, you and I have the same name."
"That's cool!" Emma giggled.
"Yeah," Mrs. Schuester said.
"I'm sorry I wasn't at yours," Rachel said.
"Hey, don't worry," Mr. Schue said.
"At least we could finally get a glee reunion now with just about everyone who was ever in it," Finn said.
"None of us would miss this," Sam said, leading the New Directions over to Finn and Rachel.
"We have something for you guys," Artie said. "What would you think about another dance, with a New Directions alumni song to go with it?"
"Yes!" Rachel exclaimed. She wasn't going to miss a chance to dance with her husband.
"After all these years, we all still love singing together," Mercedes said.
The glee club went back to the stage as Finn and Rachel took to the floor once again and the New Directions began to perform.
Kurt: What day is it? And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
Blaine: I can't keep up and I can't back down
I've been losing so much time
New Directions alumni: 'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
Mercedes: All of the things that I want to say just aren't coming out right
Sam: I'm tripping on words
You got my head spinning
Mercedes: I don't know where to go from here
New Directions alumni: 'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
Kitty: Something about you now
I can't quite figure out
Artie: Everything she does is beautiful
Everything she does is right
New Directions alumni: 'Cause it's you and me and all of the people with nothing to do, nothing to lose
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
And me and all of the people with nothing to do and nothing to prove
And it's you and me and all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you
What day is it?
And in what month?
This clock never seemed so alive
At the end of the song, Finn pulled Rachel over for another kiss. Both of them realized they were in the same position they'd been in from their famous kiss on the stage at Nationals junior year. They'd finally gotten their happy ending. They didn't have to pretend anymore.
x
Tonight could have gone on forever, but sooner or later, Finn and Rachel had to leave for their honeymoon. Of course, they were looking forward to their honeymoon. Air Force One was flying them to the Outer Banks in North Carolina for a week at the beach. All their friends and the other guests had left, leaving Finn and Rachel with their parents and siblings.
"You two had a lovely wedding," Carole said.
"Thanks," Finn said. "And thanks to all of you for all your help with it."
"We love you both, you know that," Burt said.
Finn looked at Ryan and Emma. "You guys will be good for your grandparents and aunts and uncles while we're gone."
"Yeah," Ryan said. "I'm tired though, Daddy."
"I bet," Rachel said. "It's way past your bedtime."
"We didn't have to wait another four years to stay up super late!" Peter pointed out.
"Well, we're not letting you stay up this late until the next election night," Helen said.
"I think the White House wedding lived up to the hype from the media," Kurt said.
"Nah, I think it exceeded the hype," Rachel giggled. "Finn and I should probably get to our honeymoon."
"What are you guys going to do when you get to the hotel?" Kylie asked with a smirk. "Break another bed?"
"There are young children here!" Rachel reprimanded her sister.
"Guess we'll never live that down," Finn said.
"You won't," Blaine said.
"We'll be careful," Rachel said. She gave her kids each a hug. "I'll miss you guys. Promise me you'll be good?"
"Yeah!" Ryan and Emma both said.
Finn and Rachel said goodbye to their families before they boarded the plane. "I can't believe we're actually married now," Finn said.
"It's crazy, but I'm so happy," Rachel said.
"Me too," Finn said. "At this time four years ago, I never would have predicted this was where we'd be now."
"Me either," Rachel said. "I always hoped this would happen some day and I'm so glad it's actually happened."
"Me too," Finn said. "The wedding was even better than in my wildest dreams."
"It turned out pretty good," Rachel said. "And since the wedding was better than we imagined, I have a feeling our future will be, too."
"Sometimes, dreams do come true," Finn said. "The past few years have been proof of that. I know things won't always be this perfect, but I know ultimately, things will be good, because we'll be going through it all together."
"Yeah," Rachel said. "I love you, Finnegan Christopher Hudson."
"I love you too, Rachel Barbra Berry Hudson," Finn said.
Both Finn and Rachel smiled at the sound of Hudson being Rachel's last name. It had been a long time coming, but finally, Finn and Rachel were married.