In case anyone is wondering, the title represents through all the shit these characters go through, they always have people who are like their "neon lights", someone to brighten up their stormy nights, whether it's romantic, platonic, or family. Plus, even though some chapters are mostly dark, there is a bit of light/fluffiness!

In the bathroom mirror, Gloria reapplies lipstick for what feels like the fifteenth time today. Lourdes is behind her-both physically and emotionally. Gloria exhales and stands up a bit straighter as she moves her tight ringlets over one bare shoulder. She smooths out her ivory lace off-shoulder gown with a sweetheart neckline, the bottom of her dress fanning out around her on the floor as Lourdes sets the sheer veil on her head. "Oh, Florecita, you're beautiful...¿estás lista? I believe we have to go out there now..."

are you ready?

"Lo sé, Tía Lourdes...y gracias. Lo siento, no puedo besarte ahora mismo porque...I already did, and anyway..." She gestures to her mouth with a gentle laugh. Her heart is fluttering with anticipation. She's been looking forward to this for months, and now that the big moment is finally here, she feels like bursting with impatience because Lourdes keeps fussing over her. "Por favor, can we go now? I don't want Fahri to think I've ditched him at the altar!"

I know, Aunt Lourdes, and thank you. I'm sorry, I can't kiss you right now because

Lourdes turns her around and grins at her tearfully. She cups Gloria's cheek in her palm. "Sí, it's just...you're mi sobrinita. I've always desired this for you...pure and unbridled joy en una relación romántica, and now that you have it, I...I..." Her breathing is shaky and Gloria straightens a crinkle in Lourdes' green dress sleeve.

my little niece; in a romantic relationship

"Keep it together, Tía...you'll ruin your makeup!" Gloria sighs and hugs her aunt tightly. Lourdes returns the embrace, kisses two of her fingers, and touches Gloria's nose. "I can't turn into a blubbering mess, too! I gotta be coherent when I recite my vows, ya know?" Gloria sniffles.

"Sweetheart, I'm so happy for you. That's all I'm trying to say." Lourdes grabs a Kleenex and blows her nose loudly a few times and carefully pats another tissue around her eyes. "Fahri is a good one and I'm glad you've decided to keep him for the rest of your lives."

Gloria lets out a giggle, toys with her dangly gold chandelier earrings, and fixes her red necklace so it's laying perfectly on her chest. "He came into my world at the right moment."

"He sure did! Okay..." Lourdes appears to compose herself and then she adjusts the skirt of Gloria's long wedding dress so it all trails behind her as she takes one step after the other. From time to time, they share a smile. She loops her arm through Gloria's, pats her hand, and together, they go into the church. Everyone gasps once they take notice of Gloria and she beams confidently at her audience. Fahri is dapper in his suit and Gloria can't take her eyes off him.

After chucking her chin, Lourdes backs away from Gloria as they approach Fahri. She sinks into the spot next to Celeste. The two older women join hands and Lourdes rests her head on her wife's shoulder.


"My darling," Fahri murmurs as he meets Gloria's loving gaze. They're holding hands now, intertwining fingers as he presses soft, delicate kisses to her knuckles. Her drop-dead gorgeous face is already flushed, but a deeper blush seems to color her cheeks. "You're a vision in that gown and all the time, really!" They stare deeply into each other's eyes over their joined hands.

"Muchas gracias," she tells him, beaming.

"Yo, get on with the vows and then the festivities already, por favor!" Aleida says and the crowd laughs softly.

Sister Jane clears her throat. "Who gives this woman away to this man?"

"She gives herself, but with my blessing," Lourdes responds. Gloria is grinning so hard that Fahri sees her dimples settle themselves in the centers of her cheeks. He can't blame her; he's just as elated to marry her.

At Diane and Charles' wedding, Frieda gives Diane away. She and Bone are at the front and Alex is Diane's maid of honor while her bridesmaids are Aleida, Gloria, Theresa, and Juliana. Charles' groomsmen are Leon, Fahri, Jim, and Ray. The couple to be married is gazing at each other with so much love. Charles takes Diane's hands in his as Sister Jane starts to speak.

"The couple has chosen to say their own vows," the sister announces. She gestures at Fahri to start.

"Gloria Mendoza, you're the girl of my dreams. You always have been, ever since we danced at the Monte Carlo Room ten years ago. I admire and appreciate you for all who you are...a wonderful mother to your sons and a beautiful lady with a huge heart and a loving, courageous spirit. I adore your gentle soul, your tinkling laugh, your pretty smile that shows all of your teeth, your enchanting eyes when you're excited about something, your sharp wit, the way you carry yourself with confidence, and the strength that you possess, even in the most trying times. I enjoy listening to your lovely voice and cuddling you whenever we both get a chance to relax after work. I have fun playing video games and sports with the boys and really getting to know them...I'm proud to be their father figure and now, stepdad. I'm more than blessed to be your husband and I'm so lucky that you're about to become my wife. You are so perfect to me. From every moonlight, to every sunrise, to every sunset, I'm gonna make you the happiest woman ever! I promise, baby." His voice is thick with emotion.

"You have already, dear," Gloria whispers. "It's like Heaven, being with you. The way you popped the question was so romantic!"

"Honey, you practically begged me to take you to where you were born for a nice, sunny vacation this past winter." Fahri turns to face their audience. "So, after getting Benny and Julio's collective permission, I knelt down in the sand by the beach in Puerto Rico and asked her to marry me!"

"Of course, I said yes!" Gloria squeals. "My boys were elated."

"Whoo!" Benny does a fist pump and high-fives Julio.

"Diane, I adore you more than words can say," Charles begins. "Baby, you've changed my life for the better; I was jaded, a bitter man before I met you. You are sunshine and joy, you bring light and laughter into my apartment, and your daughter, Alex, is a very sweet girl. I can see where she gets it from and I'm happy to be her stepfather." Diane smiles and her eyes glisten with happy tears as she nods and exchanges a grin with Alex. "Darling, it's your lustrous hair, your contagious smile, your ocean-blue eyes anyone could just drown in, your charming personality, your cute giggle...what am I kidding, I love everything about you. I can't stop. You have such a kind heart and gentle soul...and you raised those rescue dogs who help me catch criminals! When you jump into my arms all enthusiastically and we start kissing like crazy, damn! I think, that's my woman. She's my lovely lady, and I'm her man...the luckiest dude on the planet! You complete me, sweetheart."

"Isn't this beautiful?" Lorna asks through tears. It's silent now otherwise. "It's even better than my favorite song 'It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over'!"

"Oh, yeah," Flaca agrees in an equally shaky voice as Maritza fans herself.

Diane sniffles as she brushes a flyaway curl out of her eye. "I made a list, you know? Of all the reasons why you're a keeper. I wrote like, ten things you did that were extra special, and eleven was that you've never done or said anything bad to Alex. You treat me so well and you're extremely supportive, you always have been, ever since you let Alex and I stay at your apartment when our trailer park was destroyed by a storm. I didn't think that would ever happen in a million years! You also listened to my tragic past with no judgments and are always there for me during my panic attacks. You're handsome, kind, gentle, a hella good kisser, and you've got an awesome sense of humor! The way you cheer me up on my bad days is incredible, and how you make me laugh and tell me you're just taking in my beauty when you snap random photos of me, wow. Like, I'm staring out the window, and you take one...of the back of my head. Probably 'cause I'm havin' a good hair day." Diane and Charles both chuckle, and so do their guests. "God damn it, babe, my heart is bursting with love for you!"

"I love you," Fahri tells Gloria sincerely.

She smiles as her eyes shine with moisture and she tucks a curl around her ear. "I love you, too, Fahri Basara. Never in my life did I imagine that I'd end up...here. Like, actually married, or even engaged! This is the longest, healthiest relationship I've ever had, swear to Diós above." Gloria momentarily glances up at the ceiling, blesses herself, kisses the tiny gold cross hanging around her neck, and then looks back at Fahri. "You really saved me from having any more rotten experiences in the romance department. I love when you hold me after I've been crying from nightmares or a panic attack, or in general, when you just wanna have me in your arms, I love how you make me giggle, or blush, or go weak at the knees, or any combination of those, I...I love how much you worship the ground I walk on, as I do you, and how you treat me like a queen, so, therefore, you're my king. I love how you respect my boys and really gave them time to get used to you. I love your adorable toothy grin, I love when you just stride up to me all sexy and kiss me until I'm breathless and swooning, I love your eyes, the way they light up when you're tellin' me about your day or whatever, and it's..." Her voice wavers and then cracks. She blinks back tears, but one trickles down her cheek, so Fahri brushes it off for her. "It's amazing that we finally get to be husband and wife!"

"I, Charles, take thee, Diane, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

"I, Diane, take thee, Charles, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

They kiss long and hard, and then there's a round of applause.

"With the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Basara!" Sister Jane says. "You may now kiss the bride!"

Then, they grab each other's faces and begin making out passionately as their audience claps at the same time and then erupts into loud, energetic cheers.


The wedding reception starts with a cocktail hour for the adults and Grape Kool-Aid for those under twenty-one while Fahri, Gloria, his parents, Lourdes, and their wedding party get their professional pictures taken. There is assigned seating and Alex, Michelle, Daya, Adarsh, Lorna, Vinnie, Flaca, Maritza, Shani, Nicky, Blanca, Diablo, Karla, Weevil, and Cat sit at one of the tables. A high chair between Maritza and Shani is set up for little Juliana. Everyone is next to their significant others and they're talking while drinking Long Island iced tea and beer. For some reason, Lorna isn't having any alcohol-not even her favorite beverage.

"So, before this wedding, Michelle and I went to Nevada, because Las Vegas, baby! We hit up all the casinos," Alex is saying.

"Damn, nice!" Nicky comments.

"After the two of us got married, we took a vacay to Argentina. It was so much fun, but the security is hella annoying," Michelle grumbles.

"Yeah, they made me get rid of my moisturizer and since I was wearing flip flops, I felt the sticky, dirty, airport floor on my bare feet!" Alex chimes in.

"Aw, gross, that sucks! At least you had a blast on your trip, though, right?" Flaca asks.

"Sure did, homes!" Michelle responds. She slaps palms with Alex and they grin in unison.

Eva, Lucy, and Armaria pass them to go to the kids' table. "There goes my daughter with her younger aunts!" Daya states.

Maritza chuckles. "That's so weird to think about, yo!"

"Well, it's not as bad as me being in a lot of pain and bleeding through my pad and pants while I was in labor," Daya whispers so the other guys can't hear her.

"Oh, no!" Karla sounds concerned.

"I was real lucky to have survived."

"Yeah, you were!" Adarsh puts his hand over Daya's and skims his thumb over her knuckles.

"It's John Bennett's fault anyway," Daya hisses. "When he first had his way with me, I'd just smoked Menthols. No wonder I was sexually attracted to that jerk, I was high!"

"Jesus fuck, I haven't heard that cursed name in a long time," Alex mutters.

"I know." Blanca turns to Daya. "Your mamí told me once that your baby will never know her father or who he is. It was around the time Armaria was ready to come into the world."

Alex props her elbow up on the table and rests her chin on her fist. "She's lucky. I wish I never knew who my biological dad was."

"She'll get curious...I wouldn't be surprised if she's asked what happened with her father already," Lorna insists.

Daya purses her lips and shrugs. "As far as she knows, Adarsh is her dad. I'm keepin' it that way forever."

Adarsh nods in confirmation. "Damn right. I'll always be there for my girls." At this, Daya beams.

"Well...speaking of havin' a bun in the oven, this morning, I discovered I'm pregnant!" Lorna announces. Vinny squeezes her hand and smiles brightly along with his wife. The other women gasp excitedly and their men give Lorna a thumbs up.

"Yay!" Flaca and Karla cheer.

Lorna's face turns pale and glum. "Oh, no!" she groans. "We had so many tequila shots last night! What's that gonna do to the baby?"

"Relax, doll, you didn't know," Vinnie tries to soothe her, but she sighs heavily while knocking on her temples. He gently stops her. "Don't beat yourself up, okay? You're following the rules now!"

"Hey, look, kid, Marka had martinis every night while pregnant with me, but I'm still here, aren't I?" Nicky asks rhetorically. "While it's true I was fucked up at the beginning of our friendship, I managed to keep myself alive."

Lorna sniffles as a tear develops in the corner of her eye. "I'm just so worried. We're not the richest people on the planet, my sister's house is full, and my mom is too sick to help us."

"Doesn't Franny just have Tommy? What about your parents, Vince?" Nicky asks.

"Why else do you think they have me assisting Gino with his homework? They could only handle one child," Vinnie mumbles.

"Franny's got her hands full with Tommy. Jack goes bowling all the time in the evenings, but she's sure he's cheating." Lorna frowns. "I hope she gets back with Maxsim, they were so good together! She's leanin' towards that..."

"I'll help you, and so will the rest of us! You guys are gonna do wonderfully, you'll get into the groove of parenting pretty quickly," Nicky tells the couple positively. "It's because you two are great."

"I totally agree!" Flaca exclaims and the rest of their friends concur in unison.

"You're lucky you get to have your favorite, a Long Island iced tea," Lorna complains. "Anyway...I've always imagined having children of my own. First I'd pop out Donovan, then the twins, and finally, Frankie, which would be short for Francesca." Lorna rubs her belly and looks down at it affectionately. "If we had a son, though...I think Sterling would be nice."

"It's unique," Vinnie says with a grin. "I like it."

"Maybe you two don't wanna rush into naming your child," Blanca points out.

"Yeah, you got nine months to think about it!" Diablo adds.

Lorna glares at them. "We're just enthusiastic!"

"We planned just like you did...and it turns out we can't have a baby after trying a considerable number of times," Blanca informs her sadly and Diablo rubs his wife's back in calming circles. "I cried in mi Diablo's arms when I found out I was also infertile. It would take a god damn miracle to get me pregnant. Everything about our relationship is perfect, except that disappointing detail. We'll have to be foster parents or adopt."

"It's the best we can do...we just wish we could have our own hijo o hija who would look like us," Diablo puts in glumly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Karla says immediately. The others also voice their sympathy and give Blanca and Diablo hand squeezes in support.

"Gracias, pero, it's alright," Blanca murmurs. "We'll be able to provide not-so-lucky children a home with love and stability."

"I find it so interesting that like Nicky, you didn't want a little one at first. You had no idea what to do when you held my daughter for the first time, and you mentioned babies were a curse, but now you do want a baby with Diablo! It's so cute...but also hella sad, since you can't..." Maritza trails off awkwardly.

Diablo massages Blanca's shoulders gently. "People change their minds all the time," he says.

"My man tells me I'd be a wonderful mother," Blanca chimes in. "That kinda gives me confidence." She kisses Diablo's cheek and pulls back with a smile.

"I think you'll be the best parents ever to a child who don't have nobody watchin' out for 'em," Flaca comments.

"Yeah!" everyone choruses. Blanca and Diablo send their friends grateful smiles.

Karla glances at Benji and Abel messing around with each other, Julio, and Laronne. "This little conversation made me realize something...if I ever were to get kicked out of America, I'd really love for you and Diablo to have my babies, Blanca."

Blanca pats Karla's hand, beaming. She looks between her best friend and Weevil, her eyes glistening with tears. "I'd take 'em in a heartbeat, but I am so glad you two got fake married so you could stay in the States! It rips me up inside to even think about you being forced back to El Salvador and separated from your sons."

"Me, too. Although the questions about our life together were nerve-wracking, I did it," Karla murmurs. She turns her fond gaze to Weevil. "Thank you for helping me."

Weevil presses his lips to her cheek and her grin gets bigger. "You're welcome, homie."

They're not actually together, but they're good at putting on a show if they need to. She would never replace Ramón, her true love.

Daya spots Lucy and Katie making silly faces at each other and giggling. "Aww, look!" She gestures in their direction.

"They're adorable!" Shani exclaims.

"The two products of second chances at love! How cute!" Lorna gushes. She practically downs her virgin mimosa.

"I know! By the way, I find it funny that both Blanca's hubby and the father of my baby have the same name...Dario is the Latino version of Darius!" Maritza says.

"Mm-hm, what a weird coinkydink," Cat agrees.

"Something else strange is that Tequila...my fish..." Blanca shrugs. "Todavía vivo! Antoni says he's gonna croak soon, but what the fuck does he know?"

Still alive

"Damn, it's been twelve years now!" Weevil comments.

"Sí, he's just hanging out in the fishbowl, swimming around and enjoying his food," Diablo murmurs.

Daya smiles. "I used to have a fish, but he's in Heaven now. Maybe when Tequila gets up there, they could be hella close friends." The group laughs in unison.

"Swimming in the ocean forever," Adarsh chimes in.

"Yep!" Blanca agrees.

"You know what my Vinnie does that's so romantic?" Lorna doesn't pause for anyone to answer. "He sings Foreigner songs to the baby and presses his lips to my belly after each one."

"That's my favorite band!" Vinnie points out. "I gotta teach our kid about their music before they're even born, right?"

"Certainly!" Nicky concurs.

Lorna rests her elbow on the blonde woman's shoulder. "I'm so glad we were each other's loyal maids of honor, and you had Alex as your other one!"

Nicky grins. "Who says we need to stick to tradition? Also, I could never forget you, Allie."

"Yeah, that pork chop thing was pretty wild, huh? We've had a lot of good memories over the years!" Alex smiles widely.

"That one has to be my favorite, though. I'll explain the story," Nicky announces since everyone is looking between the two of them in interest. "So, this happened three years ago. Poussey and Franzi were honeymooning in Germany, so they weren't present." Daya is happy Nicky doesn't mention Flaritza being apart since it would be awkward for them and their friends. "Shani and I went on a double date with Alex and Michelle, right? To...you guessed it, a restaurant where pork chops were being served. Uh...we challenged each other to a pork chop eating contest and our wives were timing us. The winner would get to experience the best fuck of their life...while the loser watched 'em!" she slurs. Aside from Lorna, they're all buzzed right now. "Of course..." Nicky flexes her biceps. "I was the champion!"

Michelle cackles drunkenly. "Alex got ideas from 'em and gave me seven orgasms in a row! So, I'm glad she lost!"

Alex blushes and swats Michelle's arm playfully. "I didn't learn anything from Nicky, I just know how to give good head. I've been doing it since I was fifteen!"

"I'm well aware." Michelle winks at her. "Shall we do a pussy-licking contest next with them?"

"Me versus you, Shani," Alex murmurs. "Since we all know you can top Nicky like no one has ever been able to before." She winks at the Egyptian-American lady. The friends at the table let out a chorus of chuckles and Nicky's cheeks turn pink. Shani presses her lips together, her face a bright red.

"Okaaaaay, TMI, even if I'm a horndog, too." Shani giggles and points to Flaca and Maritza. "Anyway, they were my two matrons of honor in mine and Nicky's wedding a few years back!"

"Damn good at it, too!" Flaca cheers and high-fives Maritza.

"I've got a hankering for a cheesy chicken casserole, I really hope they serve one for dinner!" Lorna states.

"Mmm, sounds delicious!" Allison says from the next table over. She's sitting with Hassan, Taystee, Trance, Poussey, Franziska, Odette, Pennsatucky, and Nathan. They raise their mini bottles of champagne in agreement.

"Yo, I bet you two are gonna have little Juliana sharin' makeup tips in no time!" Taystee gestures at Maritza and Flaca.

"Her mommies and her auntie Lorna are gonna be so proud of her!" Maritza says happily. Lorna beams and claps a few times.

"We'll train her well," Flaca chimes in.

"I can see that!" Cat exclaims.

"You'll be damn good at it!" Poussey tells them and they smile.

Pennsatucky waves at Blanca. "I still can't believe we have the same dad. Fuckin' Chad!"

"I know, right? What a goddamn idiotic jerk, two-timin' both of our mamas and being so nasty to you! I distanced myself from him because of it," Blanca murmurs. "I tried to encourage him to be nicer like he is with me, but he didn't listen."

Pennsatucky sighs and grins at her. "It's cool. Who needs him?"

"Right on, babe!" Nathan presses his lips to Pennsatucky's cheek and she smiles brightly.


"¿Quieres volar?" Lourdes asks Juliana. The baby girl just displays a cute, toothless smile as Lourdes picks her up and swirls her around in the air until she gets to Maritza. Juliana seems to giggle as she is placed into her mother's lap. Maritza squeezes her tight and kisses her forehead. Lourdes goes to Celeste and the two older women share a short but sweet peck on the lips.

Wanna fly?

Then, Gloria and Fahri arrive hand-in-hand and with their wedding party. Everyone cheers jovially for them, and then Flaca and Maritza start singing the lyrics to Love by Nat King Cole. They sound trashed, but they're having fun, and that's all Gloria cares about.

"L is for the way you look at me...
O is for the only one I see...
V is very, very extraordinary...
E is even more than anyone that you adore and..." Maritza belts out.

"Love is all that I can give to you...
Love is more than just a game for two...
Two in love can make it, take my heart and please don't break it...
Love was made for me and you..." Flaca croons dramatically.

"Get it? 'Cause that song played in the beginning of The Parent Trap, and you two met on Annie and Hallie's birthday, October eleventh!" Blanca laughs hard and leans into her husband.

"Congratulations, you made it!" Diablo shouts.

"¡Gracias, y'all!" Gloria responds, beaming.

"Yeah, thanks!" Fahri tells them just as enthusiastically. The newlyweds take their spots at the sweetheart table. Isla skips alongside Elena while holding her mother's hand as Ceci goes with them to where Tricia, Mercy, Marco, and Pedro are sitting. Aleida, Diane, their husbands, Theresa, Yuri, Red, and Pavel join Poussey's parents, Margarita, RJ, Claudette, Jean, Norma, Debbie, Nita, Maritza's mother Juliana, and Ray Nichols. Nita is whispering something to Debbie's swollen stomach while smiling and then she kisses it. Apparently, Debbie had gotten artificially inseminated.

"Hey pretty lady, how about a glass of rosé?" Fahri pours some wine into Gloria's glass and then his own.

She smiles up at him. "Gracias."

"¡De nada!" They exchange a liplock, clink their glasses against each other's, and take a few sips of wine. After a few minutes, they visit all the tables and give their guests hugs. Gloria ruffles her boys' hair and they groan in embarrassment while ducking away.

"Mom, not in front of Christina!" Benny complains.

"Laronne had to see that, really?!" Julio chimes in.

"I'm gonna love on you until the day you die, mijos," Gloria insists, smirking.

"Aww, your mamí just adores you!" Christina teases Benny.

"Ain't no judgment here, hon!" Laronne throws his arm around Julio and grins at him.

Fahri smiles. "Good! You guys ready to dance?"

"Yeah, whoo-hoo!" Farah and Emiliano cheer at the same time and the other kids join in.

As they're walking back to their table, Fahri takes Gloria's hand and swings it back and forth between them. "Guess what I plan to order on our honeymoon, sweetie?"

Gloria closes her eyes and reopens them. "Room service?" She shrugs with a chuckle.

"The Croque Madame! I'll share with you!"

She points at him. "You better!" They laugh together and sit down. "Hey, remember when I said Valentine's Day is just a day invented to make single women feel bad about themselves?"

"Yeah..."

"Well, that's still kinda true, but since you're my forever valentine, I'm a lot less cynical about the holiday!" Gloria smiles as she scoots closer to him.

"I'm so happy about that, my darling valentine!" Fahri puts his free hand on her cheek and strokes it with his thumb while kissing her forehead and then fully on the mouth. Her beam gets bigger and then they embrace tightly.

After a delicious dinner of vegetable fajitas with rice, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, bell peppers, carrots, corn, and peas, Aleida and Leon decide to do their toasts. Since there is no official maid of honor or best man, anyone who wishes to, can volunteer to speak for all of their closest friends.

Aleida steps up to the microphone first and Leon is right beside her. "Hola, mi gente," she greets the crowd. "So, um...Gloria is one of my very best friends. Una de mis mejores amigas. Everyone knows how I'm a manicurist, but she is one of the few people who are aware of how hard I worked to get there. I didn't get a job in the nail salon right away because the woman, Mei, was offering me only twenty dollars a day to pay me to train for two weeks. Yo, I don't need that shit, but whateva. Glo and my man helped me study once a week for eight months while I took classes at both the Queens Adult Learning Center, thirty-five Jackson Avenue, Long Island City in Queens and the Bronx Adult Learning Center...three-four-five-oh East Tremont Avenue in the Bronx, in case anyone needs lessons there, too.

Hello, my people. One of my best friends

"Gloria's support means so much to me...I dunno where I'd be if it weren't for her. She invited herself into my place and made me a better woman. You wouldn't have recognized me over ten years ago! She really turned mi vida around and she's like, the best tía ever to my kids! Fahri, you're super lucky that she's in your life. She's one of a kind and I'm so glad that my daughter and her amigas set you two up to become an item, because damn! Y'all are on fire with your romance and sweetness toward each other! Have fun in that honeymoon bed, bath, and beyond, bitches!"

Her speech brings applause from the crowd and Gloria whoops and hollers. "I love ya, chica!"

Aleida does a silly dance and blows her a playful kiss, and then it's Leon's turn.

"Now, Fahri's a pretty cool dude! He told me that he always made sure to give Gloria a special Valentine's Day and I feel that way about my lady, too. Respecting women is our thing! He's one of my greatest buddies and Gloria's like a sister to me. They make a perfect match! He's down with her kids, he gives 'em great advice, and most of all, he's got a loving heart and spirit. I remember one time, this guy...well, we've been through a lot of shit, especially in two-thousand five, but he was hella protective of those who he cared about. Always has been, really. He and Gloria deserve each other! I wish I'd known Fahri since childhood, I really do...but I met him when we went on a triple date with our girls and our pals Diane and Charles. The funniest stories happened after the trauma was over. Not much to laugh about when danger was goin' on...but he's gonna be a doctor and I'm sure there will be a lot of awkward moments that I'll find hilarious to make fun of him for!" The audience chuckles in unison. "So, Fahri and Gloria, I wish y'all the best in these many years to come! To the happy bride and groom!" Leon raises his champagne flute and everyone claps and cheers.

As soon as they're finished, it's time for the first dance. The guests gather in a circle with Gloria and Fahri standing together in the middle of them all. "By Your Side" by Sade begins playing as Gloria slides her arms around Fahri's neck and he holds her close to him, his hands on her lower back. They start swaying to the lovely, romantic beat.

You think I'd leave your side baby
You know me better than that
You think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
I wouldn't do that

I'll tell you you're right when you want
And if only you could see into me

Oh when you're cold, I'll be there
Hold you tight to me

They're just slow dancing, pressed up against each other. Gloria rests her head on Fahri's chest as everyone watches them and takes photos and videos. The people surround them, hands on hearts and probably swooning at the love emanating from them. Flaca and Maritza follow them with cameras as they glide around the space.

When you're on the outside baby and you can't get in
I will show you, you're so much better than you know
When you're lost and you're alone and you can't get back again
I will find you darling and I will bring you home

And if you want to cry
I am here to dry your eyes
And in no time, you'll be fine

You think I'd leave your side baby
You know me better than that
You think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
I wouldn't do that

Fahri moves his hand so it rests on Gloria's crown and he tenderly strokes her hair. She gazes up at him, mesmerized. He leans down to connect his lips to hers and they canoodle as they make out. They're soon breathless and have to come back up for air. She loves how he makes her feel so alive, warm, and safe. "I can't wait for our first night as husband and wife, honey," he whispers flirtatiously in her ear while brushing his knuckles up and down her jawline.

She giggles and shivers in anticipation. "Me neither, babe!"

I'll tell you you're right when you want
And if only you could see into me

Oh when you're cold, I'll be there
Hold you tight to me
Oh when you're low
I'll be there by your side baby

Oh when you're cold, I'll be there
Hold you tight to me
Oh when you're low
I'll be there by your side baby...


The song melts into a fast one, "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" by Whitney Houston. Everyone dances with Gloria and Fahri, and Aleida, Leon, Diane, and Charles groove near them. Benny twirls Christina and dips her to kiss her lips softly; he's learned some smooth moves from both Leon and Fahri. Julio and Laronne pirouette around each other. Emiliano lifts Farah in his arms and spins her around while carrying her. The younger couples who Gloria and Fahri knew as teenagers bump and grind.

Clock strikes upon the hour
And the sun begins to fade
Still enough time to figure out
How to chase my blues away
I've done alright up 'til now
It's the light of day that shows me how
And when the night falls
Loneliness calls

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me...

The chorus repeats. Aleida notices Eva and Lucy talking and laughing with Katie, Anna, and Armaria. "You know...gracias a Diós that I got the dominant gene over that monster. Eva looks mostly like me with her darker skin and Latina features," she murmurs. "I was so scared I wouldn't be able to love her, but I figured it aint her fault that something terrible happened to make her born! Plus, I see a bit of Daya and Christina in her, too. I guess Lourdes blessing my belly really did work! Still, though, I can't help but wish all my kids came from you..."

"Is that your way of saying you would've rather met me sooner?" Leon asks gently as he wraps her in his arms.

She nods. "Mm-hm," she mumbles quietly, leaning against him. "Yo, at least we had Lucy together."

"Damn right! I love you and our five kids so much." He keeps holding her securely and they don't let each other go.

"We all love you, too," Aleida says emotionally. They step around Red and Pavel.

"I heard from my sons that Dmitri has moved on with another woman, but at this point, I don't care! I've got you, baby!" Red tells her husband of nine years.

"That's right, and I'll never leave you again!" Pavel's tone sounds promising and Red smiles hugely.

I've been in love and lost my senses
Spinning through the town
Sooner or later the fever ends
And I wind up feeling down
I need a man who'll take a chance
On a love that burns hot enough to last
So when the night falls
My lonely heart calls

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

Somebody who, somebody who
Somebody who loves me
Somebody who, somebody who
To hold me in his arms, oh

I need a man who'll take a chance
On a love that burns hot enough to last
So when the night falls
My lonely heart calls

Meanwhile, Diane and Charles gyrate around the floor like they're doing the waltz.

"Continue that list, please, baby," Charles practically begs Diane as they move as one.

"Twelve. You stayed with me after mindblowing sex...that's when I knew I wanted to marry you," Diane responds, grinning. "Thirteen...our second baby has asthma, but you didn't give up on fatherhood...you just kept going like a real man!"

Charles spins her and then captures her lips in between his own. "It's because I love you and our beautiful girls," he murmurs and then kisses her hair.

She beams. "I love you too, Charlie." Later, she watches Katie get in between her and Charles and their youngest daughter starts dancing with them.

"I'd like another kid," Diane informs him. "It would be nice for Alex to have a baby sibling, and seeing Gloria and Aleida with their little ones makes me want children to play with again. It would also help me feel younger and not so lonely when Alex moves out and you're working. We would only plan for a second child if you and Alex were okay with it, of course, but what do you think?"

"I'd love that! It would be amazing to make babies with the woman I adore."

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

Oh, I wanna dance with somebody
I wanna feel the heat with somebody
Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody
With somebody who loves me

Oooh
(Dance)
You know, baby
(Dance)
Woo, yeah
(Dance)
Now get with this
Woah

Don't you wanna dance (dance) with me, baby?
Don't you wanna dance (dance) with me, boy?
Hey, don't you wanna dance (dance) with me, baby?
With somebody who loves me...

The song continues and Diane remembers Alex's touching graduation speech upon seeing her being so intimate with Michelle. It was for extra credit, but it came straight from her heart and made Diane cry with pride and happiness that day.

"Up until I was fifteen in late September, I thought my dad was awesome...but it's my mom who's the cool parent. She's been there for me since day one and she's my best friend. My eternal hero!" Alex does a fist pump and everyone congratulates her while looking between her and Diane.


After a couple of hours of dancing, Gloria throws the bouquet and it lands in Elena's hands. Her youngest looks absolutely delighted; she holds it up victoriously and whoops. "Somebody better wife me up soon!" she shouts giddily, and Tricia, Mercy, and Ceci gather her in a group hug.

"¡Yaaaaaay, Mamí!" Isla jumps up and down and Elena scoops her up. She dances with her daughter a bit before setting her back on the floor.

"Yeah, congrats, sis!" Ceci gives Elena a low-five. "Seriously, what an amazing fiesta!"

"You got that right!" Maritza giggles. "God, I love wedding parties!"

"Me, too, chiquita!" Flaca cries. A few tears slide down her cheeks as Gloria and Fahri cut the wedding cake together, revealing chocolate under all the vanilla frosting that's decorated with pink icing flowers. They feed each other a piece. "Aww, damn, I always get emotional at these special occasions, even if I've seen it done, like dozens of times!"

"Oh, sweetie, you're just overwhelmed!" Maritza fans her wife's face. "You've done a lot, and so have I!"

"I know..." Flaca sniffles and bats Maritza's hands away. "It's just...they got this far, and I'm so overjoyed!"

"Who knew they would even reach this point?" Lorna asks, but she doesn't expect an answer.

"I sure didn't," Blanca murmurs anyway, and their friends concur.

Later, under floating bubbles, Gloria and Fahri get into a limousine so they can leave for Paris. Everyone waves them off excitedly and then they kiss their significant others.

"Quite a spectacular way to wrap things up!" Ceci states.

"Mm-hm, this kinda feels like the end of every cheesy rom-com out there, though. Don't get me wrong, I live for those!" Elena says after snapping a selfie of her and Isla.

"Oh, honey, I do too, but our life has been much more than just a silly rom-com if you count September, October, and November from the year two-thousand-five," Aleida informs her. "A lot of horror and drama were mixed in there, like the shows Pretty Little Liars and Lucifer."

"I know, we saw your predators on the news in the past," Elena murmurs. "I'm just happy everyone's all good now."

"You can say that again, sis!" Ceci agrees.

After the festivities, Lorna, Alex, Daya, and Flaca spring for an evening coffee and a fast food dinner. Four cups of Coke sit in front of them. It's a bit late, but they don't care. It's a Saturday night, so they can afford to stay up until all hours. They leave their loved ones at home, promising to be back soon.

"Yo, here we are again," Flaca announces after taking a bite of her cheeseburger.

Daya slurps her Coke. "We've had good times, huh?"

"Yes, and we will continue to!" Alex says elatedly, sipping her coffee.

Lorna sniffles. "It's like the end of another huge chapter in our lives. Gloria and Fahri finally got married, and now...what's next?"

"Daisy and Maritza's ex Darius, hopefully!" Flaca murmurs. "So he can get over Maritza and find true happiness. Also, Blanca and Diablo adopting their first child would be adorable!"

"You make good points! I really hope that's what's in store for us," Daya states.

"Mm-hm, and nothing to do with Piper, ever again," Lorna mutters. She pats her belly affectionately. "I've got a baby on the way, can't be worryin' about that cooze!" She glances in Alex's direction. "No offense."

"It's fine. Seriously, I'm so over her." Alex rolls her eyes. "All she brought to our clique was drama, and I'm relieved she's done."

The four of them laugh in harmony, raise their coffee cups, and tap them against each other. "Cheers!" they chorus while giggling. They continue to talk for the rest of the night. Even though they've found their soulmates and have their own individual best friends besides each other, they have a pure, unexplainable connection that can't be severed, no matter what happens.

They're bonded for eternity.

Oh my goodness, it's over. I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I loved writing it! I dedicate this story to a pen pal of mine (thecharmedwerewolf) who started to read but then got sick, so she couldn't, but we continue to be online friends. She's such an awesome and strong person. Love her. Caitlin, thank you for being my beta as long as you did and then continuing to help me when I really needed it (like if I was on a particular scene I was struggling with). Sorry for so many questions! I'm also happy we're Twitter buddies :D To my regular readers who review every single chapter (Juliette, Amy, and Johanna) I heart you, thank you so much! Xoxo, muchas gracias amigas. To people who gave up because the story was getting too long, I understand, it was fun having you along for the ride while you lasted. To people who came into the middle and stayed til the finish line, I applaud your dedication to catch up on about thirty or forty long chapters in just a few months. To people who I lost way back in the beginning a few years ago, it's still okay. The story seems like it lasts forever, I don't expect people to stay the entire time. Coincidentally enough, this chapter and the last one happen in 2016, the same year I started this story! lol. I am moving onto other projects after this one and False Expectations will be my last big OITNB story, unless I do oneshots for y'all's birthdays! If you're into the following: Twilight, Ratched, Sex and the City, and even Lucifer, I am writing fic and drabbles for those on Tumblr and I have a Twilight story in the works. Don't worry, though, I'm not dropping out of the OITNB fandom but I think in general, I'm burnt out on huge fics. I think you'd say the same if you worked on something for four and a half years and it was 95 chapters haha.

Peace out, kids!