AN: Once again apologies for the delay. Hubby had to have emergency heart surgery, we're surrounded by bushfires and Christmas is coming. Writing kind of took a back burner during all of that. However, this is the final chapter of this fic with the epilogue going up today too. I hope you enjoy how it's all wrapped up.

Epilogue

'James, change of plans, you need to follow me.' Kaidan popped his head in the door as James stared at himself in the mirror.

'What?' Has something happened to Lola?'

The collar of his dress blues no longer choked as fear took hold. Today he was supposed to marry the woman of his dreams even though she was still restricted to the hospital. Her rehab had been going well but she still needed time and work rebuilding muscle and for her skin to heal fully. But she'd been insistent that she wanted to marry him now. Especially after the Normandy returned and the family was back together.

Things were settling down, they were in the early stages of rebuilding, teams were studying the relays in the hope of getting them back up, Earth was safe even with the bickering between those stuck in Sol space. Survivors were turning up every day, coming out of hidden corners but as yet there was no word on Andy's mum. He'd thought she'd want to wait until they found her, but no, she said she'd waited long enough and he couldn't agree more.

'What's going on?' he asked as he rushed after Kaidan.

'Don't know, just got a message that we had to get to the commons.' He pushed his way through the people in the foyer of the hospital heading for the elevator.

'I have to let Lola know,' he hesitated and looked back to where he should be going. 'I don't want her thinking I've chickened out.'

'She knows,' Kaidan stopped long enough to grab his arm and pull him forward. 'Stokes, Tracy and Steve are taking care of it.' His lips quirked up at the corners and James frowned at him.

'What's so important we have to do it now?'

He frowned and glared but allowed Kaidan to pull him into the elevator even though he knew the biotic was hiding something.

'Just come on and we'll find out,' he sighed and pushed the button to take them down.

What the hell? The most important day of his life and it had turned to turmoil. He mentally scoffed, why would today be different to any other, their life seemed to be full of the unexpected. Running his finger around the collar of his jacket, sliding his hands over the fabric on his chest, checking the buttons and running his hands over his freshly trimmed hair he sighed and forced himself to stop fidgeting.

'Stop,' Kaidan chuckled, 'you look fine.'

'I hate dress blues,' he grimaced, 'never fit around the neck and I feel like I'm choking.'

'That's what you get for having a big neck,' Kaidan shrugged and laughed at the scowl he got in return.

'I'm supposed to be getting married, not running off to whatever this is. Knowing my luck we'll get into a firefight and I'll end up covered in muck.'

'Doubt that, at least not today. Besides, you didn't bring a gun.'

Damn, in the rush he'd forgotten to pick one up. He noticed Kaidan wasn't carrying one either, not that he needed to but he always carried one if there was trouble. Which meant this had to be something else.

'You know something,' he scowled at the man beside him who shrugged and gave him what should have been an innocent look but only made him look more guilty.

'Just doing what I'm told.'

'And who gave you the order?'

'No idea,' he chuckled as the elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. He stepped out quickly, avoiding James' stare.

James growled as he stepped out. This was all wrong, he was supposed to be getting married. Kaidan led him through a corridor into a part of the Citadel he hadn't seen before, so much of it had changed, the Keepers had turned it into something more than it had been, as if they'd been held back in their creativity but now had free reign. Stokes met them at a door marked private, failing to cover a grin and James wanted to punch him.

'You made it,' Stokes eyes danced with mischief, which only frustrated James even more.

'What. Is. Going. On.' He pushed down anger but Stokes and Kaidan found his ire amusing. 'If you don't tell me right now one of you is going to end up with a black eye, maybe both of you. Today is my wedding day and this is keeping me from Lola.'

'You're right,' Stokes chuckled, nodded at Kaidan before slipping through the door and closing it behind him.

'What the fuck!'

'James, calm down.' He stepped forward and opened the door.

'Then tell me … .' His words trailed off as he looked past Kaidan who placed a hand on his shoulder and leant in close.

'Let's get you married shall we.' He turned and walked down the aisle.

Music played as he stood dumbfounded in the doorway of a small garden with high, domed windows showing the stars beyond. A group stood beneath, friends and family who should have been in the hospital room they'd planned to use. A path led to the middle, a fountain flowing gently over rocks where Tracy stood on one side and Kaidan stopped on the other. Between them and directly in front stood his Lola. The rainbows from the splash of water made her appear angelic, her white dress perfect in its simplicity, the long sleeves covering scars he knew she was still getting used to, the high neck hiding patches of skin still healing with her engagement necklace sitting proudly on top. It flowed around her feet. She's standing.

He stumbled forward without thinking before stopping. She'd wanted to walk down the aisle but wasn't strong enough yet so she'd agreed to a wheelchair. At least that had been the plan. The music suddenly became clear and he grinned. Come and get your love. She loved the old movies and he remembered the scene this was from.

Rolling his shoulders and straightening his back he sauntered down the aisle in time to the music and the smile on her face was worth every heart pounding step. She laughed as he spun and danced down the aisle towards her. What could he say, he was the happiest man alive and he wanted to show her. His palms were sweaty and he wiped them on his pants as he stopped before her. Stunning. How the hell did I get so lucky? He would never in a million years have believed this was possible, but today she became his in every way.

'Andy,' his voice broke as his throat tightened and he blinked to clear away the moisture building in his eyes, 'you look beautiful,' he reached for her hands, which trembled in his.

'You look amazing,' she smiled up at him and warmth travelled from his toes to his head.

'I think we've just created a new trend, having the groom walk down the aisle,' he grinned at her.

'I couldn't walk down the aisle to you, as much as I wanted to, so I figured this was the next best thing. I wanted to surprise you.' She looked down at her legs, 'I've been pushing just to do this, stand beside you on our wedding day.'

'You definitely did that,' he laughed and glanced at Kaidan, 'someone almost ended up with a black eye.'

'Sorry,' she laughed with him. 'So how about it, James Vega, are you ready to marry me?'

'Hell yeah,' he linked his fingers through hers and turned them both towards the celebrant they'd been lucky to find. 'About damn time.'

The celebrant began and he knew he should be listening but he couldn't take his eyes off Andy, the feel of her hand in his, the shine in her eyes as she flicked a glance at him, the blush in her cheeks had him entranced. She'd done this for him. Rehab had been difficult for her, he'd held her while she cried, fought with her when she tried to push him away, cheered when she passed a milestone. She'd pushed herself for him and it made him appreciate how much she loved him. And here they were, proving their love.

'James, I believe you have your own vows,' the celebrant pulled him back into the moment.

'Yeah,' he swallowed and turned to face Andy, he had them memorised but there was a good chance he'd stuff up. He should have brought the written sheet with him. 'Andora Shepard, you walked into my life at a time when I needed you most. You saved me from myself and I love you for that. You trusted me with your life, with your heart and I adore you for it. You let me stand by your side, allowed me to be your strength when you needed it and I thank you for that.

'People have told me to be careful what I wish for, but I wished for the chance to love you and for you to love me in return. I wished for a future with you in it, for a life with you for as long as you'd have me. And you let me love you so I guess my wishes came true because here we are.

'I love you Andy, my heart, my soul and my body are yours until you tell me you don't want them and I hope that day never comes, that you'll be my Lola until the day we have no breath left. I want to grow old with you, spend the last days of our life together, have a family, be your protector,' she grinned at him and he rolled his eyes as everyone chuckled, 'yeah, I know, but I am here for you, I promise to love you always and forever.' He raised her hands and brushed his lips across her knuckles, smiling as she blinked away tears.

She lifted her palm to his cheek and he leaned into it. 'You are such a beautiful man, a warm caring person who makes me feel loved, wanted and special. I asked you once where you'd been all my life and you said you'd been waiting. For me. I am so glad you waited, that you walked into my life when I needed you, that you stood up to me when I was difficult, that you held me when I broke, that you're by my side. I never thought I needed anyone to complete me, but you complete me in ways I never expected.

'You give me strength, you make me believe in so many things, you give me hope, you show me in so many ways what it is to be loved. I love you James Vega. I want to grow old with you, spend the rest of my life sharing moments, raising a family. I am yours, heart, body and soul, always and forever.'

His eyes burned and tears escaped, matching the ones rolling down her cheeks. Her beauty left him breathless, her willingness to commit to him had his heart beating like a bass drum in his chest, his hands shook as they made a promise to each other. The celebrant continued on and before long he was wearing her ring and she was wearing his. The moment came when they sealed their love with a kiss.

Holding her tight against him he could feel her waning even though her lips sought his with a hunger matched by his own. He could have stayed right there, in that moment where he kissed his wife for the first time, where they made silent promises to each other. But he wasn't going to let her fall, let her get to the point of exhaustion. Grinning he scooped her up into his arms and carried his bride into the waiting arms of family and friends. She laughed as her arms wrapped around his neck but she allowed him to be her strength.

There followed an endless stream of hugs, Hackett, wishing them both well and handing them a key to a still intact, small beach apartment in Australia to use for their honeymoon. Chakwas gave them a teary hug, even Bailey sounded hoarse and blinked rapidly as he wished them well.

'Thought this day would never come,' Garrus said, giving them both a gentle squeeze. 'I'm glad it did, you deserve some happiness Shepard.'

'And I don't,' James raised his eyebrows, 'damn Scars, I thought we were friends.'

'You get to make her happy,' Garrus chuckled, 'hope you're up to the task.'

'I'll do my best,' he grinned as Anderson stepped forward.

'Knew you two would get along,' he chuckled.

'Never knew you were a matchmaker.' Andy said as James lowered her gently and she hugged the man who was the closest thing she had to a father. 'Thank you,' she said softly and he held her.

'First time, might need to think about making it a full time job.' He laughed and she rolled her eyes. 'Congratulations, you look perfect together.'

'Hey sis,' Tracy pushed in for a hug, 'you look beautiful. And yes, James, you look good too.' She hugged him and whispered, 'take good care of her.' He nodded and she released her hold.

'Who would have thought James would get over his nerves and make a move,' Buckner chuckled as the team gathered round.

'There was a time there where I thought he was going to let her slip through his fingers,' Reigler nodded.

'Always thinking he was not where he was supposed to be,' Zahedi said.

'Yeah, I was sure he was going to walk away at one point,' Stokes laughed, sliding his arm around Tracy as she leant against him. 'Guess he came to his senses.'

'He did get bloody knuckles,' Andy said, then kissed his cheek as he scowled at them all. 'I'm sure that punching bag was relieved when you stopped beating the shit out of it.'

'Hey, it was partly your fault.' He grinned at her.

'Guilty as charged.' She leaned in and kissed him. 'Wouldn't change a thing.'

'I hope not,' a dark haired, solidly built older man stepped forward, 'never seen him so happy.'

'Tio,' James choked on the lump in his throat as he was pulled into a crushing hug. 'How?' He stepped back and wrapped his arm around Andy's shoulder, 'Andy, my uncle Emilio, tio, this is Andy, my wife.'

'You don't say,' Emilio laughed along with Andy, 'I did just watch you get married.' He pulled her into a gentle hug as James shook his head and grinned. 'Welcome to the family, there are lots of cousins, aunts and uncles waiting to meet you.'

'I look forward to meeting them all,' she said, leaning on James who wrapped his arm around her.

'How did you get here, how did you know?' He pushed down the stab of guilt at not thinking about finding him so he could be here.

'You have Kaidan and Steve to thank for it, they found me and brought me here.'

'Thought you might like family here,' Kaidan shrugged as he and Steve stepped forward, arms around each other. 'Sorry we couldn't bring them all, resources being what they are.'

'Thanks,' he pulled them into a hug, 'means so much.'

A door opened and James looked up to find Charlie grinning in the doorway. Scooping Andy up he glanced at Joker who led the way into the room behind.

The pilot chuckled, 'we did say we should let Charlie cater your wedding.' He stopped long enough to kiss Andy on the cheek and pat James shoulder, 'congrats, it's good to see you both happy.'

'Thanks. You were serious, about Charlie's catering.' James laughed.

'Hell yeah,' Joker shrugged, 'never even thought of anyone else.'

'Don't blame you,' Andy said as James carried her through the door and gently lowered her into a chair. 'I'm happy to have Charlie's noodles as a wedding dinner.'

'That makes me very happy,' Charlie said as he hugged them both. 'Nothing but the best for my two favourite people. Congratulations.' He patted James on the shoulder before heading back to the food table.

James chuckled, glancing around the room. Tables sat in a cluster so no matter where you sat you could see everyone else, a banquet of various dishes were laid out on a long table at the end of the room, lights hung from the ceiling and dropped down the walls creating a curtain broken by large pots of flowers.

'Where did all this stuff come from?' He glanced from Joker to Kaidan.

'Funny thing,' Joker sat down beside Andy, 'we were talking about how we could make your wedding special, knowing you didn't want to wait, and Shepard said she really wanted the whole aisle business.' He waved his finger from him to Kaidan, 'we got a message to come here.'

'We have no idea,' Kaidan clarified.

'Does it matter,' Andy said, reaching for James' hand and looking up at him, 'it's perfect.'

'Yeah,' he crouched down and cupped her cheek, 'just like you.'

'Charmer,' she grinned at him. 'How about you get your wife some noodles.'

'Anything for you,' he kissed her softly and was about to move away when the temperature in the room dropped and Andy paled and sucked in a breath.

Goosebumps rose and he stood, placing himself in front of Andy, Kaidan beside him as around them everyone stopped talking. Stokes and Tracy moved closer, Tracy standing behind Andy as Stokes took his place beside James. Well trained senses kicked in as shoulders straightened and hands reached for weapons that weren't there. Kaidan and Zahedi stepped forward, as biotics they could offer some protection, beside him Stokes fiddled with his omnitool and a drone appeared.

'What the hell?' Joker went to stand but EDI placed her hand on his shoulder and he sat down.

'Leviathan,' EDI and Andy said together.

A man stepped into the room, his clothes clean but torn and threadbare, his hair messy and his eyes glazed. He looked around the room but James was sure he wasn't seeing them. Stepping closer he stopped as a biotic barrier appeared before him. Turning towards Shepard he held out his hands palms up.

'Shepard,' the room felt colder with every word as he spoke. 'You have succeeded where others failed, you solved a problem we could not. For that we thank you. But know this. Our time here is done and we leave you to your fate as we expect you to leave us to ours. Do not search for us, do not get in our way. We will be watching.'

The man collapsed and the room suddenly felt hot. Chakwas hurried over to see to him but James couldn't bring himself to care as he spun to check on Andy.

'Are you okay?' He crouched before her, his hands reaching for hers.

'Yeah,' she nodded, giving him a weak smile and wrapping her fingers around his. 'Guess we've been told.'

'Guess so,' he nodded, glancing around as everyone relaxed and the noise level rose. 'Think we've seen the last of them?'

'Who knows,' she shrugged. 'Right now I don't care,' she breathed deep and grinned as he stared at her. 'It's our wedding day and your wife is hungry.'

'Well,' he chuckled, running his fingers gently over her cheek, 'what my wife wants my wife gets.'

'Remember that later,' she leaned in and kissed him.

Wife. It would take some getting used to. I'm the luckiest bastard alive. He was still chuckling and shaking his head as he moved to get food for them both. Hackett came up beside him, helping himself to food and he glanced over his shoulder at Shepard before looking at James.

'Everything good?'

'Yeah,' James nodded, 'this has been a crazy day, good, but crazy.'

Hackett laughed, 'is there any other kind around Shepard?'

'Nope,' he grinned, 'wouldn't have it any other way.'

A short time later everyone was handed a glass of what appeared to be champagne. James would have preferred a beer and Andy scrunched her nose up but they both accepted the drink. Kaidan stepped forward and raised his glass.

'I'd like to make a toast to my best friends, to two people who deserve happiness and freedom from having to fight for it. I wish you a long, happy life, lots of kids and laughter.'

Everyone joined in and he took Andy's hand in his.

'What do you say to half a dozen kids and we make Uncle Kaidan and Uncle Steve priority baby sitters.'

She laughed at him and shook her head. 'You haven't taken any notice have you.' He looked at her through narrowed eyes. 'Be careful what you wish for, James.'

'If wishing for you, a happy life and kids is not being careful then I have no regrets about being careless. I got everything I wished for and I wouldn't have it any other way.'

He kissed her with all the love in his heart and as she melted against him his life was complete and the future had never looked brighter. He wouldn't change a thing.

AN: And that concludes the story of James and Andy. I hope you like the ending.

For everyone who has stuck by me through this, it's been a long haul, I appreciate every moment of your time, your wonderful reviews and if I've made you smile, brought tears to your eyes, left you wanting more and cursing me for a cliff hanger then I have done my job. Thank you for making it all worth it.

I'm taking a short break to recharge so if you want to be notified when I post anything new make sure to follow me. Not sure if there will be any James and Andy, maybe some one shots along the way, but there will be more ME fics. Thanks again for giving me the incentive to keep going and a sense of pride in my work.