"Ah Bug…" Alfie looked at his sister coming down the stairs. "Colt is a lucky guy."

She looked like she should on her wedding day, beautiful and happy. Lola and Mae followed closely behind her. He held out his hand and Iris slipped her hand in his as she took the last few steps. Alfie loved his sisters, he thought they were incredible women but there was just something about him and his Bug. Everyone knew it too.

"You look beautiful Bug." Addy was excited.

"Like a princess." Poppy agreed. "A pretty, pretty princess." She twirled around. Addy and Poppy had been dancing around the room since they'd arrived. They felt like princesses themselves in their matching dresses and Quinn struggled to keep them tidy and under control.

"I don't need to add anything obviously." Alfie chuckled. "They nailed it."

Iris looked stunning. The vintage lace dress made her look like a queen. Her Royal Highness was back in residence. She had no veil, just her dark hair pinned up loosely away from her face and the diamond earrings leant to her by Lola. When Lola gave them to her they both shed a few tears. It was a day full of traditions, heartbreaking as they were but each and every one of them wanted to feel it all.

One of those traditions was Gus, he came over earlier before she got dressed. "Wow Bug, I guess this is it. It's your turn." He held out his hand and showed her the ring. "I can't let you get married without this and without telling you how much I love you, how proud I am of you and how happy I am that you are making this life with a man who adores you as much as your Dad adored your Mom. That's the bar that was set for each of you and I am glad you not only reached it, but smashed it. All of you."

Iris leant forward and let Gus clasp the necklace around her neck. She laid her hand over it on her chest and closed her eyes as he kissed her forehead. She could feel them, every one of them. "This is so you know that wherever and whenever you need me I will be there for you. No matter what hour of the day it is. Always Bug."

"Do you remember him?" Iris asked as she lay her hand on the ring around her neck.

"Who, my Pops?"

"Yeah."

Gus tried to think, it had been so long since he'd thought about his grandfather. He had died when they were young and he barely remembered him. "I remember Mom and Dad being really upset and sad, and I sort of remember that he was larger than life, he'd throw us around and buy us ice-cream but it's pretty hazy now."

"How did this come about? Like the whole wearing of the ring thing?" Iris played with the ring.

"Ohhh, not now Bug." He kissed her forehead again. "Not today. Just know that it means, it's always meant that I am with you always."

"I do know that. We've always known that Bus." Iris smiled at Gus's teary look of surprise, the younger kids called him Bus or Uncle Bus, but no one else really did unless it was needed and this was needed. "I know I don't remember them, but I will always remember you. You've always been here for me. I'm lucky I have you and Rhiannon in my life, you both mean the world to me."

"We've been lucky to have you in our lives too." He leant forward and kissed both her cheeks. "Let's get you married Bug, can't keep a good guy waiting forever. He might wander off."

"Nah, I think he's in it for the long haul."

Iris was finally glad the day had arrived. It hadn't been a pleasant few weeks since they'd announced their engagement. Colton and Iris were happy, as were their families, all except one person and she'd done nothing to make it easy for Iris. It had been a constant struggle, more so for Colton dealing with his mother's demands.

Marchella wanted them to get married in a church, her family church and Iris refused, especially when she told her that considering she didn't really have family it wouldn't matter where she got married. That really hurt Iris.

Marchella argued that it wasn't fair to make Colton get married outside when his entire family got married in the family church. Colton didn't care, he just wanted to marry Iris. His counter argument was it wasn't fair to make Iris get married in a church when the Zoo meant more to her than the Church did to him.

His mother was also disappointed that Iris had chosen to have only the kids with her on the day, just Sam, Addy and Poppy. The others were too little and Marchella thought it was silly to have children as her attendants, she assumed she would have her sisters. "It's not like you are royalty." She scoffed.

"Well I was always called 'Her Royal Highness' so close enough for me." Iris waved her off for what felt like the millionth time while Colton fumed.

His mother didn't like her choice of flowers, sweet peas, they weren't really 'bridal flowers' , Iris just ignored her. She invited Marchella out with her when she was trying on dresses. In reality she had already seen what she liked but did it to make Marchella feel part of it. She would never have the chance with her own daughter. Lola, Mae and Rhiannon came with her and tried to make it as fun a day as possible. Marchella did appreciate that Iris wanted to include her, even letting her pick some dresses that she liked for Iris to try. They weren't her style in any way shape or form but Iris didn't mind indulging her soon to be mother-in-law. It was one day that she actually enjoyed Marchella's company. Iris was hoping it was a turning point in their relationship.

It wasn't.

She wasn't letting it ruin her day though, this may be the best she ever had.

Not only was it a small wedding, it was also at dusk. Iris loved the idea of having it under lights. The Zoo looked magical at night and Iris had always found it the most peaceful. The sound of the animals was so much more relaxing than the constant hum of Chicago traffic. Mae had organised everything, she was in her element and Iris just let her go. String lights and flowers everywhere, followed by a small reception that carried the moody darkness throughout the night and food provided by Andrew's Restaurant.

Gus had also asked her if she wanted him to read her letter or not and after talking to Colton about it she decided she did. Not having any physical memories of her parents it didn't feel as heavy as it did for the others.

'My beautiful Bug,

You were a complete surprise and yet from the moment we knew you were there we realised that you were meant to be, you were meant to join us because you made us better, a better, big and happier family. A perfect family with our perfect little Bug. Watching your mother nurture you and your sisters and brother fall in love with you as you grew was an amazing experience. They delighted at every kick and squirm and belly roll. Then when you were born we loved watching them try and teach you how to smile and laugh and crawl and walk.

The first hands you felt where mine, the hands of the man who will always love you. You turned our world upside down, you made our family complete, our little Aussie. We adored you and loved watching you learn and grow and be loved by our crazy mob.

My heart literally stopped beating the day we thought we might lose you. To see our precious little girl fighting for life was indescribably painful, but you were a fighter. You've always been a fighter and I have a feeling you still are. You were meant for us, for our world and our family.

Iris, I hope today brings you all the happiness in the world. You were a ray of sunshine and you lit up our lives. I hope you are feeling new hands, in yours, the hands of someone who will lead you and follow you, hold you and give you someone to hold, love you and keep you safe. I hope they make you happy.

Today, as I write this you are laughing at your brother while he does a silly dance and that little giggle of yours fills me with so much joy.

Laugh Iris, always laugh. Love and Live.

Remember that I love you and as a Dad, loving your daughter is all that matters in the world. When I first saw you I realised that for reasons unknown to us you were meant to be. The world needed you, our world needed you.

Our precious Bug, Our Queen.

Love you forever

Dad.'

Colton kissed Iris's cheek, resting one hand on the other one he whispered in her ear. "That was beautiful Bug, I'm glad you heard it."

He got up next to speak.

"The Best cup of coffee I ever bought and I didn't get to taste one drop of it. I was in a rush, someone was holding up the line, I had places to be so I paid for it. The recipient of my faux generosity thanked me and today she became my wife." He learnt a lot that day, that if you rush you might just miss out on the best things in life. "Lesson learned, slow down, smell the coffee."

"Like all good coffee, it's gets you going in the morning, can keep you awake all night, calm you when you are on edge, soothe you when you are tired, stressed or worried. It's an ice-breaker, a fence mender and a little bit every day is good for the heart and makes you live a longer happier life. And that's you Iris, my perfect cup of coffee. The love of my life."

"I just want to stop for a moment and comment about how beautiful you are today, every time I catch sight of you I kinda lose my train thought. Also how amazingly beautiful and handsome your little sidekicks are. Sam, you are pure class buddy, man are you going to break hearts; Addy, you bring the sunshine every single day and Poppy; you've always been our little bit of heaven. Thanks for helping your Aunty Bug marry me, we've loved having you with us today."

"The interesting thing about today is I know I am now not just married to you Iris, but to your whole crazy mob. Lola, Mae and Alfie along with Riley, George, Quinn, Sam, Addy, Poppy, Billy, Max and Marlee. Thank you for letting me love your sister and your Aunt, I know how much she means to you. I wish I'd met your parents; they made such an amazing family, I wish I'd met MiMi but I did have the pleasure of meeting Adam, your Pops. What an incredible man and his role in your life was inspiring. Also Gus, Rhiannon, Heidi, Hudson, Andrew and Dylan, they are such a big part of who you are."

"To my parents, thank you for being part of who I am. I am forever grateful for your love and support and I know you are happy for me today, because today my dreams have come true." Now was not the time to remind either of his parents how shit his childhood really was.

"Now, Bug. What a ride? You've taught me so much about life, about me and about the world. You've taught me that your past doesn't define you, heartbreak and tragedy can make you strong, it made you strong and you taught me that giving up is not an option. They are words you don't understand; you don't give up, you have never given up even when the world has done everything to make it hard for you. I've grown so much with you and I know I am a better man because of you and now I can't wait to continue on in life together, whatever we do, wherever our road leads us, it's you and me wombat…. And I can't tell you how good that feels."

He danced with Iris, holding her close and talked to her the entire time, telling her how beautiful she was, how perfect his life felt now and how happy he was. "My wife." He whispered. "My life."

Iris had to dance with her brother, her father in law, her uncle and George and Riley. Gus even made the effort to dance with Marchella.

The best moment for them though was Colton and Iris dancing hand in hand with Sam, Addy, Poppy and Billy. Colton was holding Max and Iris had Marlee. If they couldn't have their own children they had this mob.

The photo of that moment was perfect.

The other perfect moment was just four of them. Charlotte, Mabel, Alfred and Iris standing hand in hand at their tree. No one else, just them and their parents, no photos, no noise, just a peaceful heartbreaking moment in time. They'd come so far and they were still together and they still missed them.

Iris took Colton to Australia for their honeymoon. He wanted to see where she was born. Addy had given him a list of things he 'had to do' when he was there which included seeing where she was born. If he was going to see where Iris was born he would also have to see her place. He had to go to the zoo, that was top of her list and she wanted photos.

"Bug came and got me with my Daddy and they took me to the Zoo. That's where Ed was born." Addy was very earnest in her instructions. "Will you go? And maybe you could buy me a present?"

"We will. I think Bug has that on the list."

"I wish I could go with you." Addy lamented.

Colton promised to send her lots of photos. "And bring Bug back." He assured Addy they would be back soon, she was fretting a little about Bug leaving.

He loved Australia and Iris loved showing him around. She didn't remember anything about Melbourne, where she was born and only remembered Perth because she'd been back here a couple of times now to visit Alfie when he lived here and also when she came with him to meet Addy.

They spent a week in Melbourne, doing a few day trips before heading across the country to Perth, visiting the Zoo and then heading up North for a couple of days on the beach before heading home. They could have stayed longer and after the pressure of the build-up to the wedding it was a perfect way to relax. Somewhere in the back of Iris's mind she hoped the relaxation, the lack of stress and pressure would perhaps let her body do what she was desperate for it to do, sadly it did what it had always done…absolutely nothing.

One thing they did have to do while they were in Perth was attend a fundraising dinner for the Perth Zoo's. It was the first time Colton had been representing the family, in the past he was just Iris's plus one.

He was just finishing putting his shoes on when Iris came out of the bathroom. "You know I love everything about you..." He eyed her up and down. She looked as gorgeous as ever. Her navy blue full length skirt and tailored white satin shirt were stunning. He held out his hand and Iris used him to steady herself as she slipped her shoes on. "…But this blows me away."

"What does?"

"This amazing thing you do, that you all do to keep the memory and legacy of your parents alive." He'd seen her at the BraveHearts Ball and now she worked for the foundation but this was the first time he'd seen her with regards to her father. Alfie usually handled that side of the work, Iris would sometimes go with him but she'd never been all that involved. Tonight she was front and centre.

"Awww. You are sweet." Iris kissed his cheek. "Stand up."

"Seriously Bug, blows me away." Iris tied his tie; he'd learnt that early on too. It was what her Mom always did and Iris had watched her MiMi do it for Pops, Lola did it for Riley and Mae for George so she did it too.

"I am shitting myself."

"Why?"

"I've never done this before. I feel like a bit of a fraud. I have to pretend that I knew him."

"Bug, you did know him. I've see you talk about your Mom, this is no different."

"I know." Iris held both his hands down beside her and leant on her husband. "I'm glad you are with me. I like you."

Colton chuckled. "Good to know, especially since, you know…" he shrugged. "…we are on our honeymoon."

He was blown away, not only by watching Iris speak but also by the feeling he got every time someone talked to him about her. That was his wife and he didn't expect it to make it feel with way it did. The sense of pride he felt knowing he was now part of that family and that legacy felt good but being with Iris was what inspired him the most.

Iris had decided that perhaps this was her path in life. That she could step up and be the face of the Foundation, get more involved while the others were busy raising their families. Perhaps this was her purpose and everything happened for a reason. Or perhaps she was desperately trying to find something, anything to fill the void.

"Bug, Bug, Iris." She heard the voice before she saw them. Hurtling towards them was Addy, leaving her sister in the dust. Addy flung herself at her Aunt and Colton was left to scoop up Marlee as she struggled to run all the way towards them. Her blond curls bouncing as her little legs pumped hard, she'd only started walking recently and seemed to bound from wobbly walking to running in the blink of an eye. "I missed you so much." Addy gasped breathlessly. "I'm so glad you are home."

"We missed you too Addy, you and Marlee."

"Did you have fun? Did you see my Zoo? Did you see where I was born?" Alfie finally caught up with them. It was cute watching them swarm over Iris and Colton. Addy's bond with Iris had never wavered.

"We did, I showed Colton everything on your list. He loved it."

"Did you buy me a present?"

"We did." Marlee had dived into Iris's arms and Colton swung Addy up for a kiss. "But you have to wait until we get home."

"Let's go then."

"Bug?" Adelaide held onto her Aunts hand as they headed to the car park. "Don't go away again. Me and Marlee missed you too much."