Vanilla the rabbit was sat in the hospital's waiting room, with Vector sat next to her. She rested her head on his shoulder, and he gently stroked her hair in a comforting manner. Sonic was sat with Amy too, and Cream was sat there with Ashley in her lap, bouncing her gently.

"It's been about a week," said Blaze. "I really hope that he's getting better..."

"I'm sure that he'll be okay," said Vector. "I got to see him myself earlier. They've patched him up real good."

Ashley let out a little cry, and Cream pulled her newborn daughter up to kiss her nose. "It's okay... daddy will be up soon. We can all go home..."

Sonic smiled. "Think we should start with that? Tell Tails about his child when he wakes up?"

"It could work," Vector said. "I'm glad that Conway's helping at the shelter. We needed someone over there to keep things together while we're all here."

Vanilla put her hand on Vector's. "You've done a good thing, Vector."

The green crocodile smiled, but his attention was diverted as he looked up to see a nurse walking over to them. "Hello," she said. "You're with Tails, correct?"

"That we are," Amy said. "Is he okay?"

"He just woke up. You can go and see him, if you'd like," the nurse said.

"I think that we would, yes," said Sonic.

The nurse smiled, waiting for them all to stand up. After they did, they started walking towards the room where Tails was resting up. The nurse held the door open for them to get in, and they all managed to find enough space to give to the two-tailed fox as he looked around at them.

"Oh, hey," Tails said, still drowsy. "How long was I out for?"

The nurse cleared her throat. "About a week."

"It doesn't feel that long..." said Tails. "What happened?"

"Quite a lot," said Amy, "but we'll start with how you got here."

"I'll leave you guys to it," said the nurse, leaving the room.

"Thank you for helping!" Tails called after her.

Sonic chuckled. "As Amy said, we start at the start. You were hit by a car driven by Bugg and his friends. That's how you wound up here."

"Wait, really?" Tails asked, moving up a bit. "Why does that not surprise me?"

"Well, we found him and brought him and his friends into custody," said Silver. "So, there's a silver lining, at least."

"Ah. Well, that's good... I guess." Tails yawned. "I don't remember a car coming. All that I remember is driving home, then I got a call that Cream was going into... labour..." Tails looked around. "Where is she?"

"Here..." Cream said, making her way through her friends. "And... I have someone who wants to meet you."

Tails looked close, seeing a baby cradled in Cream's arms. "Is... is that..."

Cream nodded. "This is Ashley. You want to hold her?"

Tails nodded, sitting up a bit as Cream walked over. The cream and orange coloured rabbit carefully handed over the baby to Tails, who held her softly and looked down at her. He saw her little hands reaching up as she yawned, still crying a little bit.

"Oh... my god..." Tails started to cry himself. "She's... she's so beautiful..." He looked up at Cream. "You did such a good job..."

"Well, it wasn't just me," Cream smiled. "She's our daughter. Yours and mine."

Tails chuckled softly, looking back down at Ashley. "Our little girl..." He rocked her gently, and she let out a little squeak, so he stopped. "Aw... sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you..."

"She'll be okay," Cream said. "If this year has taught me anything, it's that a lot of this has been so worth the wait..."

Tails nodded. "Y-Yeah..." He looked up to Cream. "Come here..."

She smiled and leaned over to kiss him. "I'm glad that you're okay..."

"I am too..." Tails smiled back. "Now... we really need to sort out a wedding date..."

"That can wait," Cream sniffed, hugging him.

The nurse walked back in. "Is everything all right in here?"

Tails gave a thumbs up. "Just fine, thank you."

She smiled. "Good. Now, as much as I really, really hate to break this up, Tails does need some more rest. But it won't take too long."

The yellow fox nodded, kissing his daughter again. "You'll be okay... we'll be back together soon, all right?" He handed Ashley off to Cream, and she hugged her. "I promise, as soon as I'm done here, I'm coming back home..."

"I know..." Cream smiled, still sniffing. "I know..."

She leaned in to give Tails one more kiss before leaving with their friends, all of them wishing him well as they left. After they did, they all went back out into the main hall of the hospital, heading for the waiting room and sitting down for a moment.

"So, what's next for us all?" asked Blaze.

"I guess that we all just go home," said Vector. "We've got a wedding to plan, we've got work to do... we're going to be busy for a little while."

"I've got to get back to my store too," Vanilla said. "Being a bit behind plus having to make some food for the wedding... it's not going to be easy going."

"It won't be. But that's the price that we have to pay, I guess." Sonic said. "All right, let's head home."

"Wait, isn't one of use going to stay here and wait for Tails?" asked Vanilla.

Vector raised his hand. "I'll do it. It's just for a few days, and the rest of you guys can keep up the work at the shelter without me."

Vanilla kissed his cheek. "I appreciate this a lot. Thank you."

Cream hugged Vector softly. "It means a lot to me too."

"Eh, you just go and take care of yourselves, okay? I'll be fine here." The crocodile shrugged. "He won't be in there for much longer anyway, so... it's all good."

They smiled and nodded, getting up to leave Vector to it. Over the next few days, some last minute preparations were made in regards to the wedding, mostly who was and wasn't going to make it, who was going to sit where, and any other changes such as last minute guests.

Surprisingly, they managed to find a good venue - there was a room in the veterans shelter that was large enough to fit who they needed, as well as some extra witnesses to the wedding. The floor had to be made to look more like dark, laminated wood, so the soldiers there did their best, with Vector helping along the most.

Vanilla helped him with some of the finer design details, as well as the specifics that Tails had pinned down when they were talking about it in the first place. She made sure that more soldiers sat on the right side, and more of Cream's friends were sat on the left side. She also provided the finger foods, using some recipes from her store to help along with the catering.

Vector looked around at the design and smiled. "This looks amazing."

"Well, thank you," Vanilla smiled. "You have to remember, it was all Tails' idea."

"It was also his idea that he doesn't see how the venue looks until the date of the wedding," Knuckles said, moving a chair into place. "Smart move, considering how good this all looks."

"Oh, yeah, we nailed this one," Hooper said, bumping fists with the red echidna. "I'm personally just glad that the soldiers here not only helped, but are okay with this room being used for the wedding."

"Well, we didn't really use this area all that much in the first place," Vector shrugged. "I'm sure that they won't miss it."

"We've still got a couple of weeks until the actual wedding," said Vanilla. "Even if they do miss it, this room won't be like this for long."

"Let's make the most of it," said Hooper. "We've got a lot of stuff to get ready still."

The guests of the wedding spent the majority of their time in between then and the wedding either trying suits and dresses, finding decorations or other foods that they wanted to add, debating what to keep and what to get rid of, and even selecting the music and who was going to sit where exactly.

Back at Tails' house, however, he was having a different worry.

"It's only a few days left until the wedding," said Tails, pacing impatiently. "We don't have a sitter for Ashley."

"What, you're not going to take her with you?" asked Sonic. Cream had left to get her wedding dress and took Ashley with her, so that left Tails on his own.

"I would, but she's not even a month old. That many people in that big room in such a short time... it might not be the best for her."

Sonic shook his head. "Dude, as your best man, it's my job to give you advice. And my advice is this: Take your daughter with you. It could be good for her. She could get to know the family there, maybe she could even make friends with Taryn and Wade's kids since their whole family is going to be there too."

"All right, you have a point," Tails said. "But what about other things? We don't have a minister either."

"What about Vector?"

"He's a groomsman," Tails said. "I don't think it's fair to make him pull triple duty. Not just doing that and helping with the decorations, but marrying me and Cream together... I don't want to put that on him."

"Well, that only leaves one option," Sonic said. "Conway."

"Conway?"

"You know, the guy who led us in the military, who did almost get us killed, but more importantly, he came back in a big way and has been pulling his weight at the shelter?" The blue hedgehog shrugged. "Also, the dude has the gift of gab. If anyone's qualified to officiate a wedding out of any of us, it's him."

"I mean, you're good at talking too," Tails smiled. "You sure that you don't want to do it?"

Sonic smiled and pulled a ring out of his pocket. "I've got another responsibility to take care of. It's an enticing offer, but pulling two jobs at once just seems like a hassle."

"And now you know my struggle," Tails chuckled. "I guess that it could be him. We just need to go and ask him."

"He's probably at the shelter right now. If we get a move on, we'll be able to catch up to him."

"All right, let's get to it," Tails conceded. "But remember, keep me away from where the wedding is taking place. I want to save it for the day itself, okay?"

"Dude, there's what, four days left? You can risk a little peek, I think."

"Nope. I'm keeping my promise."

Sonic shook his head. "Well, let's get moving then. See if we can catch up with him."

Meanwhile, Cream was looking at her wedding dress, with her mother and some other friends in tow. They had seen the wedding dress, but they hadn't seen how it would look while Cream was wearing it. Amy looked over her bridesmaid dress that she wore, smiling.

"This turned out looking really nice," Amy said.

Vanilla giggled, cradling Ashley. "Remember, we're here for Cream."

"I know," Amy nodded. "But that doesn't mean that we can't look good too. We are going to be the bridesmaids there, after all."

"And only one maid of honour," sighed Blaze. "You're lucky."

"Well, I guess that it's only right," Amy said. "I'm the maid of honour, Sonic is the best man... it could be me and him getting married next!"

Blaze smiled. "I'm fine with that. Just as long as I get to be maid of honour at your wedding after."

Amy shrugged. "Is that okay with you, Cream?"

"Eh, I guess I can live with it," the rabbit called.

"How's the dress looking in there?" asked Tarin.

"I... I think it's the perfect one... but a second opinion or two wouldn't hurt," Cream said.

"Well, let us take a look at it," said Amy. "We'll decided for ourselves."

The dressmaker came out to see them. "I think that you'll like it," he said. "Are you ready to see her now?"

"Please, send her out," said Vanilla.

The dressmaker walked back into the dressing room, nodding to Cream. He opened up the curtain and smiled as he presented her. "Well, what do you think?"

"Oh... wow..." Blaze said.

"It's so gorgeous!" said Amy.

Vanilla sniffled. "My own daughter..."

Tarin smiled. "That looks so good!"

Cream blushed as she looked down at her own dress, smiling at its design. The crisp, clean whiteness of it, a small plunge in the neckline, the flowing skirt that left only a small trail behind, the embroidered design on the bustier, and the straps that held it up flawlessly... even she teared up at it a little bit.

"Seriously, Tails is going to be knocked loopy when he sees you in that dress," said Amy.

Cream blushed again. "You really think that it looks that good?"

"It looks great!" Amy smiled. "Oh, I have to take a picture of this! I promise not to show anybody until after the wedding!"

"Or," Blaze interjected, "we could wait until the wedding to take the pictures."

The pink hedgehog sighed. "Or that..."

Vanilla laughed, bouncing Ashley on her knee. "What do you think? Does mummy look good?"

Cream walked over and picked Ashley up, and the baby rabbit nuzzled against the material of the dress before letting out a small squeak. Cream smiled and lifted her daughter to kiss her gently before cradling her, rocking her back and forth. She looked to see Ashley let out a yawn, and smiled as she saw her eyes open a little bit.

"Aw... bright blue like Tails..." Vanilla smiled.

"Yeah..." Cream nodded, clearing her throat. "So... uh... that's the bride's dress decided." She turned to the dressmaker again. "Thank you for all of your help."

He smiled. "It's no problem. It's such a good design... your fiance is a lucky man."

Cream looked down at Ashley, seeing her yawn. "Aw... sleepy time. Let's get her back home."

They asked the dress to be delivered to Amy's house for safekeeping, which made sense as she was the made of honour. Back with Tails and Sonic, however, they were at the veterans shelter. They did make a point to switch to some normal clothes as they looked around for Conway.

"Hey," said a soldier there. "You guys needs some help?"

"Yeah, we're looking for Conway," said Sonic. "Have you seen him?"

"Oh, he's in the kitchen, feeding people," said the soldier.

"Thanks," said Tails. He and Sonic headed to the kitchen, seeing Conway feeding people, as promised.

"Oh, hey," said Conway. "What brings you two here? You want some food?"

"Actually... I have a favour to ask of you," said Tails.

"What is it?" asked Conway.

Tails took a breath. "Well, it came to my attention that we don't have a minister for the wedding, and we want somebody close to us to do it..." He cleared his throat. "Would you... like to officiate mine and Cream's wedding?"

"Oh." Conway's eyes widened a little bit. "Well... I myself am not an ordained minister, so that wouldn't make it exactly fair on you and Cream. But I do know a soldier here who would be more than happy to take care of it for you."

"Sir," Tails said. "I really think that it should be you."

"It... it can't be me," said Conway. "After all that I put you through-"

"All that you've done since then has made up for it," Tails said. "You... you didn't have to show up and start helping at this shelter. But you did. You weren't asked to come and visit me at the hospital while I was in my coma, but you did that too. Now, I'm asking you, get yourself ordained, and be the man who marries me and Cream together."

Conway sighed and nodded. "I guess that I'd have to find a way to get myself ordained. Online, maybe?"

"Whatever works," said Tails. "So, you're really going to do it?"

The colonel nodded. "I will. It could be another chance for me to make things right with you after all that I did."

Tails smiled. "I appreciate it very much, sir. It would be an honour to have you officiate mine and Cream's wedding. And I don't ask you as a former soldier, I ask you as myself. It does mean a lot, so... thank you."

"You're welcome," said Conway.

After that, pretty much everything else was set. There was only a few days until the wedding, and everything was ready. The catering, the seats, the venue, the music, the guests... it was all good to go. Conway even managed to get himself ordained properly so that he could officiate the wedding.

It didn't take long for the day proper to roll around, and Tails was fixing his suit up in his car, as there weren't dressing rooms in the shelter. "How do I look?"

"You look fine," said Sonic. "You've looked fine for the past 20 times that you have asked me that question."

"It's just nerves, I guess..."

"Nerves?" Sonic scoffed lightly. "You're marrying the girl of your dreams. What have you got to be nervous about?"

"I guess that you have a point there," Tails said. "But... I guess that I just can't believe it, you know? Everything that we went through together and here, now, finally... it feels worth it."

"I know what you mean, man," Sonic smiled. "So, you ready to go and get married?"

"I am indeed."

The two got out of the car and walked into the building. They were guided to the venue where Tails and Cream would be getting married, and the yellow fox looked around inside of it, seeing the decorations, the food, the open space, the seating arrangements... he smiled at it all, how perfect it all looked.

"So," said Vector, "thoughts?"

Tails chuckled. "It's perfect. Thank you for putting all of your work into it, man."

"It wasn't just him," Vanilla smiled. "Oh, you look so handsome in your suit!"

Tails blushed. "Thank you... but this is about Cream as well."

"And your daughter," said Knuckles, rocking Ashley in his arms. "I'd sit with her, but I'm one of the groomsmen, so I kind of have to be at the front with you. I'm surprised that she hasn't thrown up on my suit yet."

"I'm sure that she likes you too," Sonic shook his head.

Wade smiled and walked up. "I'll hold on to her. Might have her sit her with her cousin and such and see how they get along."

"That sounds like a good idea," said Tails. "So... how about we have ourselves a wedding?"

Meanwhile, in a separate room with Cream and the bridesmaids, the rabbit was looking down at her dress, checking on the time too. "Oh, this is going to be so exciting!"

"You're happy, huh?" Amy asked.

"That is an understatement, but yes, I am!" Cream giggled. "And a little bit nervous."

"That is understandable," said Blaze. "You spent all the weekend learning your vows, right?"

"I did, yes. That doesn't mean that I can't be nervous, right?"

Blaze smiled. "I guess not."

Taryn sighed. "It does sadden me that Wade won't be a groomsman, but at least he'll be looking after our kids there. They look so cute in their little dresses!"

"I saw!" Amy smiled, showing the pictures on her phone. "They're so adorable!"

A knock on the door then occurred, and Vanilla stepped in. "The groom is here."

Cream walked over to the door, looking through the window to see Tails. "Oh... he looks so dapper in his suit there."

"You still nervous?" asked Amy.

"Not in the slightest." Cream shook her head. "Let's get married!"

Vanilla looked at her watch. "It is almost time. I'd better go and get the music ready."

"Oh, could you get Vector in here too?" asked Cream. "I... want him to walk me down the aisle..."

Vanilla nodded, smiling. "Of course."

Cream smiled, watching as Vanilla left to the main hall. The mother rabbit got the people to sit down in their seats. As she did, she got a good look overall of the people there, smiling up at those on the altar and noticing how nervous and excited they had appeared as the bridesmaids walked over to take their spot on the side opposite to that of the groomsmen.

As for the rest of the guests at the wedding, it wasn't just the seating arrangements that they were made aware of, but also the dress code. The bridesmaids for the wedding were Taryn, Blaze, and eventually Vanilla, with Amy as the maid of honour, while the groomsmen were Knuckles, Silver, with Sonic as the best man as Vanilla went over to Vector to whisper in his ear, getting a nod from in reply as he left.

Both sides stuck to their dress codes accordingly as they were sat. Those on the side of the groom mostly wore more military-themed attire and suits, as most of those were veterans of the war, with Vector being the only one to have a black tie amongst them. Those on the side of the bride were mostly female and all wore cutely coloured dresses, all ranging in design but all wedding appropriate.

"It all looks good to me," said Knuckles.

Vanilla smiled at him before addressing the room. "Thank you all for coming along to the wedding. The bride will be out here soon. But before we get the pair married, our minister, Colonel Tyson Conway, wants to say a few words."

The Colonel walked over to Vanilla, thanking her before clearing his throat. "So, ladies and gentlemen, you have probably heard a lot of stories about me and the things that I have done. But today is not about any of those things, but rather the start of something new. Tails the fox was indeed a fine soldier. He went above and beyond the call of duty to help a fellow soldier, and I have not a single regret about having him on our side. Today, he embarks on an entirely new mission as he marries one Cream the rabbit. I never got to meet her until recently, under the more tragic circumstances of Tails' recent accident. But, once again, this is about the future. Tails and Cream have one beautiful daughter in Ashley, and I'm sure that their future years will bring more happiness, more joy, and more fulfilment. To Tails and Cream!" The crowd cheered at that, as did the people at the altar, and Conway chuckled lightly. "Now, what do you say that we get these two married?"

More cheering was heard, and Vanilla smiled. "That's my cue!" She went over to press the button on the radio, playing some wedding music.

Conway went over to the altar, waiting as Tails stood there, looking down the aisle. At the end of it, Vector appeared with Cream on his arm, dressed in her wedding gown with the veil over her head. Tails' eyes almost watered at how beautiful she looked, and he sniffled a little bit as she walked down, smiling back up at him. She got to him at the altar, Vector letting her go up to it, and she started to tear up on her own, with Tails following suit.

"You look so handsome," Cream blushed.

"You... you're perfect..." Tails blushed back.

Conway smiled, clearing his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to join Tails the fox and Cream the rabbit in holy matrimony. If there is anyone who has any objections, speak no or forever hold your peace." Nobody spoke up, and Conway nodded. "Good. That makes this easier. And since I already said what I needed to earlier... Tails, Cream, your vows."

Tails nodded. "I'll go first, if that's fine." The audience laughed a bit at that. "Cream... it's safe to say that we've been through quite the journey to get to where we are today. But every part of it was worth it if it meant coming back home to you. Your letters, your love... they're what kept me sane when I was fighting. And from this day forward, until our last day together, I promise to keep fighting for you and for our daughter. I love you, Cream."

Cream blushed, her tears leaking underneath her veil. "Tails... ever since we first met, I counted myself lucky to have met you at all. When you proposed to me the night before leaving... all that I wanted was for you to come back to me. And I kept that hope with me for so long. I was scared, but knowing what was waiting when you came back... we brought a new life into this world, and now there's more love in it. And I am going to show you and Ashley that love from today until our last day. Tails... I love you so much."

There were some happy tears shed together from the people around them, with even the colonel bowing his head. "The rings."

Sonic sniffled a bit and handed the wedding rings over to Tails, and the yellow fox handed one of the bands over to Cream while holding the other band himself. He slid the one that he held onto Cream's finger, and in turn, she slid the band onto his as well. The two held hands as Conway kept speaking.

"I feel like I shouldn't even need to ask, but Cream, do you take Miles Prower to be your lawfully wedded husband?" asked Conway.

"I do," Cream nodded.

"And Tails, do you take Cream the rabbit to be your lawfully wedded wife?" asked Conway.

Tails nodded. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Tails, you may kiss the bride."

Tails smiled, lifting Cream's veil away and pushing his lips against hers softly. She smiled and kissed back, and the crowd cheered for the two. The pair broke from the kiss, and they hugged each other before going back into the crowd together, getting pats on the back, group hugs, and encouraging and excited words from their family and friends. They were given their wedding gifts as well.

Later on, Sonic gave a funny and only slightly embarrassing best man's speech, getting laughs from the crowd for one, and also getting cheers as Tails and Sonic shared a brotherly hug, the blue hedgehog wishing his best friend the best future. After that was the dancing, with Vanilla providing the music. Tails and Cream got to dance together, and Vector got to dance with Cream while Tails danced with Vanilla too. Blaze even danced with Jaime-May to an adorable response.

Tails and Cream got to the wedding cake too, taking pictures as they ate it. There was even a shot where they had a forkful each and linked arms, looping them around each other and eating, getting some laughs from the others there. They shared the cake with others, obviously, and other foods and drinks were had as well. Cream even tossed the bouquet, and surprisingly, Blaze caught it, blushing at Silver.

Soon, the day was winding down. Some people were going home, others were staying as there was still work to do at the shelter, and things were being packed up. Everyone congratulated the newlywed couple once more, with Wade and Taryn being one of the last to leave.

"We really should arrange that play-date," Wade smiled.

Cream, rocking Ashley, smiled. "I'll hold you to it. You two drive home safely, okay?"

"Will do!" said Taryn.

Jaime-May reached and petted Ashley's head. "Bye-bye, cousin! You be good!"

Tails and Cream waved at the two, and looked at each other, sharing another kiss before the fox spoke. "So... ready to go home?"

Cream nodded, rocking her little girl again. "It is getting pretty late... let's get going."

"You two have fun being married now," said Amy. "I could have sworn that we'd be next..."

Sonic smiled. "The bouquet isn't a be all and end all. And besides, good for Blaze and Silver."

"Thank you!" said Silver.

Tails chuckled a bit. "We'll see you guys in a few. I think we've earned a vacation. Possibly a honeymoon."

"Take care!" said Blaze.

Tails and Cream waved one more time, seeing that the dark was starting to settle in. They put Ashley in the car seat in the back and drove back to their home. They decided to take a shower when they got back, and when they were done, they headed to bed, taking Ashley with them.

Tails looked down at his ring, smiling and taking Cream's hand in his as they lay in bed. "We're married... my lovely wife..."

"My brave husband..." Cream kissed Tails gently. "Mm... it's time for bed..."

Tails nodded, kissing her back. "Goodnight. I love you."

Cream smiled. "I love you too." She then looked down to Ashley, kissing her gently. "And we love you too."

Ashley let out a squeak and snuggled up against Tails, who also kissed her. "Let's get to bed, sweetie."

And so, the family went to bed, with Cream and Tails holding hands as they slept next to each other with their baby daughter nestled between them, snoozing softly on her own.

And that's it for this story! Love And War is finally, finally finished! And what a ride it's been for our adorable fox and rabbit couple, no? I had fun writing this one, and I'm glad that it's over. But all good things must come to an end. I hope that you all enjoyed the story. Next, more More Toys, then I have one-shots and other stories to write... fun times. Until then, take care of yourselves, and if I don't see you sooner, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.