A/N: Last chapter we saw their engagement party and the product launch. They are both happy. This chapter will have them taking the product to the public, but mainly focus on their wedding. This will be the last chapter, with only an epilogue to follow.

Thank again for all the reviews. It's great to see people are enjoying it.

Thanks also to LetsGoRed for his help on getting this chapter suitable for you all to read.

Disclaimer: I neither own Chuck nor make any money from it. This AU is a tribute to the show and it's wonderful characters,

Life After Death
Chapter 14 – Knot tying

Chuck and Sarah's house, six months later

They'd decided not to have a long engagement and the wedding date was now rapidly approaching!

The last six months had been so hectic!

The launch event had been very successful. They had many, many educational establishment orders. Schools, colleges and universities had loved it.

But that wasn't all. The journalists there had been taken with it too, singing its praises. When copies landed on retail shelves, they didn't stay there for long.

Thankfully, they had stock piled a lot, but had had to get the manufacturer to ramp up production to keep ahead.

Then, enquiries had started coming in from abroad. As a result, Chuck and Sarah had to travel a lot. Of course, in most countries, Sarah had had to stay in the background for presentations at shows, hiding in the shadows, ensuring she avoided any unwanted recognition by anyone she crossed paths with from her time as a spy. So, they got other linguists to help there. However, in presentations to education boards and retail conglomerates, she was still a key player.

They'd had to leave wedding planning to the two women who seemed to feel it almost their right, Emma and Ellie. What a magnificent job they'd done.

Secretly, Sarah was glad she hadn't been around much. She had no clue about weddings. She'd only attended one and that was for a mission of Carina's, so not real! She hadn't even told Chuck this secret, but she thought it so harmless that she felt their "no secrets, no lies" policy didn't apply.

Ellie had arranged a girl's night out, her bachelorette party. So, Ellie, Emma, Zondra, Carina, Alex and a couple of the girls from the office had gone out. Ellie had left the kids back in Chicago with friends there and Emma had left Molly at a friend's house. Thankfully, even though Carina was there, she'd not organized anything, but Sarah had still worried about male strippers turning up! Thankfully, that hadn't happened. Instead, they'd had a great night. Emma had left about eleven, to get back for Molly. The rest had stayed and continued the drinking and dancing. All. Night.

She and the girls had the house to themselves when they staggered in. The guys had gone out with Chuck and retired to the office to sleep it off.

Sarah woke and reached across to the other side of the bed, trying to find her bed warmer. Then she realized why the bed was cold. She was surprised she hadn't had nightmares without him. Obviously, the alternative was drinking far too much and passing out in her clothes. She vaguely remembered this remedy from her CATS days.

Groaning, she got up with her head still spinning. She had to lean into the wall to get to the stairs and then hang on to the rail on the way down.

She hoped that Chuck had had a good night, with no strippers, but felt sorry for the guys, sleeping on the office floor.

She finally staggered into the kitchen.

Amazingly, four pairs of eyes and four grins welcomed her into the room.

Carina couldn't resist, "Well, well. Sleeping Beauty has arisen!"

"Gngh!" she groaned.

"Eloquent as ever," muttered Zondra.

Ellie got out of her chair. "Would you like a coffee, Sarah?"

Sarah slumped down into one of the free chairs, "Please."

"Any idea when the boys will be getting here?" Alex asked.

Ellie responded, looking a bit concerned, "Our flight is in two hours, so hopefully not long."

Sarah just managed another groan, putting her head in her hands. She had no idea why she'd let herself get in this state.

Zondra frowned, "Going back to Chicago for five nights, then coming back?"

Ellie nodded.

Zondra's frown deepened, "Why?"

"Kids!" Sarah managed to get out.

Ellie looked a bit glassy eyed, "Yes. My two. I'm missing them like mad."

Both Carina and Zondra shuddered. Neither had any interest in having kids.

Carina had been observing Sarah. "Never thought you'd hook up with anyone, let alone marry, Blondie."

A smile grew on Sarah's face.

Carina frowned and asked the question that she'd been thinking about while Ellie had been speaking, "You planning any kids?"

Sarah's smile grew a bit more.

That got an "Ugh!" from both Carina and Zondra.

Sarah was brightening up, the caffeine starting to work. "Got a daughter already."

Carina's jaw dropped. "WHAT?"

Ellie and Alex already knew, as Sarah had confided with both that she and Chuck planned on adopting Molly. Zondra had suspected that might be the case, so she wasn't too surprised. Carina, however, knew nothing about it.

Sarah looked up at her and just said, "Molly."

"Molly? Who's Molly?" Carina almost yelled.

Sarah put her hands over her ears. "Stop shouting!" she begged.

Ellie placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder and took pity on her. "Sarah rescued a baby three years ago. She's with Sarah's mom."

"And she's your kid now?" Carina looked shocked still.

Sarah nodded, but then held her head again. Nodding was not a good idea with a hangover. "Adopt. After married."

Carina looked at Ellie. "Chuckles okay with this?"

Before Ellie could reply for her brother, Sarah answered, "His idea."

Ellie looked proud. "That's my brother."

Zondra chuckled. "Alone to a family within a year! Not bad, Blondie."

Sarah just smiled.

Barsoft Tech offices, same day

His head hurt. His throat hurt. His shoulders and back hurt.

Lying on the floor in his office had seemed like a great idea. "Same as the rest of you guys," he'd said. What had he been thinking?

He'd let Morgan and Devon take him drinking, then on to a karaoke bar. Singing and more drinks. Lots, lots more drinks. And singing. And more drinks.

The guys from the office had headed to their homes after they left, while Chuck, Devon and Morgan had headed here.

Why, oh why had he decided this was a good idea? Morgan had offered for them to go to his and Alex's place, but, oh no, Chuck knew better!

He rolled over and groaned.

"Come on, Chuckster. Time to get up!" Why did Devon have to sound so cheerful?

Opening one eye, slightly, Chuck observed his brother-in-law, who was standing above him in his running gear.

"Not running!" he managed to get out.

"Oh yes, you are!" was Devon's reply. He leaned down and pulled Chuck up.

He could hardly stand. "Nah!"

"I'll help you to the bathroom. I found it has a shower. That's what you need first. Then a coffee." Devon cheerfully told him. Then he almost dragged Chuck through. On the way, they passed Morgan, still crashed out on the floor of the main office.

It was a shock when the water hit his face, but eventually he showered and headed back out, towel around him.

Twenty minutes later, coffee and Tylenol consumed, he found himself pounding down the beach, heading for his house. Morgan was still asleep back at the office, but the security guard promised to keep an eye on him and wake him by ten, if he wasn't up by then.

Chuck's head had mostly cleared, but the pounding headache continued, as he was reminded every time his feet hit the ground.

Never again!

Chuck and Sarah's house, five days later

Today's the day!

Chuck was at the office getting ready. Sarah was sure he'd be fine. She, on the other hand, was in a complete panic. She had always been calm and fully in control on missions. Cool as ice. This "mission," getting married, however, had her in a complete mess!

She knew why she was feeling like this. She knew nothing about getting married. Yes, they'd had a trial run, but that wasn't the same. She felt completely out of her depth. She had never felt less in control!

Ellie, her matron of honor, had been trying to calm her down for over an hour. She was starting to get exasperated with the bride-to-be.

Carina and Zondra, Sarah's bridesmaids, had "stepped out." Cowards!

"Sarah! Stop!" Ellie snapped.

Sarah was surprised at Ellie's tone and did stop, turning to look at her.

"You can do this! You'll be fantastic!" Ellie said, for the umpteenth time.

Sarah noticed the time. She only had thirty minutes left. Her shoulders slumped. "You're right, Ellie. I can. It's just frightening! Right?"

Ellie smiled at her. "Of course it is, but everyone goes through it."

Neither had noticed the others returning, who, in unison, replied, "I won't!"

Ellie glared at them, "Not helping!"

Sarah sat down and said, "Last preparations, then we have to go!"

Ellie bent down to Clara, dressed as a flower girl, grinning. Ellie grinned too. Nearly there, little brother!

Barsoft Tech offices, same day

"I'm getting nervous, Morg."

Morgan, the best man, looked at his friend. He'd known him most of his life. He'd seen Chuck at his lowest and, recently, at his best. He did look a bit nervous. A bit. However, Morgan knew he'd be confident when out there on the beach.

"You'll be fine, Buddy. Just fine."

"You'll be more than fine, you'll be awesome," Devon boomed, while pacing up and down, jiggling Liam. He looked at his son, "Won't he?"

Chuck nodded, grateful for the two guys.

He looked at his watch. "Time to go, guys."

Beach by Chuck & Sarah's house

Standing in front of the minister, waiting for Sarah, Chuck felt his nerves returning. Will I get the words right? Will I drop the ring? Do I look good enough for her?

He felt like a mess, all of a sudden.

Then the music started.

He looked back and watched Clara scattering rose petals as she walked the red carpet "aisle". Ellie followed her, grinning at her brother and with a proud look at her daughter. Then the two bridesmaids, Carina and Zondra. All of them looked fantastic, but he really didn't pay them much attention, his eye waiting for someone else.

Then walking with her arm in her mom's, an angel appeared, walking towards him, all in white. Her teeth, and that megawatt smile, just as white.

His knees felt weak, but he knew he could make it. He beamed back at her.

Sarah knew he'd look fantastic. He always did when in a suit, but she'd never seen him so happy. She had never felt so happy herself. It was really happening!

Somehow, she managed to control her speed. Well, she knew how really. Her mom was holding her back!

Eventually they reached Chuck. She let go of her mom's arm and Chuck took her hands in his. They were both grinning at each other.

Looking down, Sarah was glad to see both her rings and Chuck's single one on the table in front of them. Thank God those hadn't been misplaced. She looked back into those golden eyes, the ones she often felt she could get lost in. All she could see was love. She knew he'd be able to see the same in hers.

Chuck just felt euphoric. Holding her hands and looking into those azure eyes full of love. Both his eyes, and he could see hers too, were a bit tearful, but these were tears of joy. Could there be a better day than this?

It was like a dream. The minister guided them through the ceremony. Both gave the responses while still grinning.

Chuck repeated, "I, Charles Irvin Bartowski, take you Sarah Lisa Walker, to be my wedded wife." He placed the wedding ring on her finger and looked back up to her. Her tears had started, but she grinned so much.

Now it was Sarah's turn, "I, Sarah Lisa Walker, take you, Charles Irving Bartowski, to be my wedded husband." She placed the ring on his finger and grinned at him. He grinned back, with a tear running down his cheek.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss each other."

Somehow, they'd managed to just hold hands until that point, but the words were hardly out of the minister's mouth, before they dove into each other's arms, kissing passionately.

Wedding reception

For Chuck, Morgan's speech had been painful to listen to. All those stories of crazy, childish things they'd done! Thankfully, the stories stopped at the point Chuck had started up Barsoft Gaming, but still, he'd been twenty-four by then! Chuck shook his head.

Sarah had loved it! She lapped it up, grinning and giving him those loving looks. Almost made it seem worth suffering. Almost.

When Morgan sat down after passing the microphone to Ellie, Sarah pulled Chuck to her and gave him a breathtaking kiss. Okay, it had been worth it!

= ! =

Ellie stood and surveyed the room.

"I'm here in two roles today. Matron-of-honor to the bride, now my sister-in-law," she looked over and grinned at Sarah who was beaming at her. "And as mother, or at least surrogate mother, for the groom, that unruly guy sitting next to my best friend!" Chuck laughed, then noticed the stern look his sister was giving him. God, I remember those!

"I'll start with my little brother. Morgan has told us how much of a nerd he always was, so I don't need to add to that, just that he was hard to control sometimes, usually when that little devil came round. But even on his own, his brain always spun off in seemingly random directions taking his body, sometimes, but nearly always his mouth. Some of the things he came out with!

"I remember him rambling on for several days about the idea of him downloading a computer into his brain, full of the secrets of world governments, and how spies were after him. He'd been dreaming about this and the dreams seemed so real to him! He thought about writing it as fiction of some sort, or even writing a script to take to film or television show producers! Thankfully, he didn't. It was a crazy idea, no one would have wanted to see or read that!"

She looked over at the bride and groom. She could see Sarah frowning and asking him why he hadn't mentioned this. He was shrugging.

Ellie took a deep breath and continued, "Thankfully there were also times when we worked well together as a team. Chuck and Ellie against the world. We had it tough growing up without our parents. We both had to get jobs as teenagers to be able to afford to eat, and often didn't. We got through those hard times though, together.

"We both eventually got scholarships to go to college; his, a full scholarship. That's the other thing about him. He's brilliant. I'm not just saying that as a sister-cum-mother, he really is! What he's done with Barsoft Gaming, and now Barsoft Tech, shows just part of that!"

She looked over at him. "Proud of you, Little Brother."

Chuck just nodded, but she noticed Sarah hugging him with a big grin on her face.

"Stanford was both a great time and, near the end, a terrible time for him. Great because he learned all the things he'd need going forward. The terrible time was centered around friendships that weren't really so.

"He'd always been a very trusting soul and friendly with everyone. You'll struggle to find anyone with a bad word about him.

"When a 'so-called' friend took Chuck's girlfriend, he was heartbroken and almost just gave up. I remember him coming home dejected, and talking to him long into that first night. However, as the weekend progressed he gradually, 'toughened up,' you could call it. He decided he would carry on with his degree. I remember Devon and I going back there with him, proud that he wasn't going to let that set back change him.

After getting his degree, he was still heart-broken about a girl who just didn't deserve him (never had in my opinion), but he just threw himself into his work, starting up what would become Barsoft Gaming. He did seem to withdraw into himself, but outwardly seemed the cheerful Chuck from before.

"I tried to get him to date, but was never successful and I eventually accepted he was content just on his own."

She took a drink from her wine glass and looked around. Everyone still seemed awake, so she hadn't lost them yet. The next part would be happier. She looked at the happy couple. Chuck was smiling slightly, so that was good. Sarah, on the other hand, seemed enthralled.

Ellie smiled at them, "Now I can talk about the woman who saved him from his loneliness." She grinned at Sarah.

"Our start together was a bit bumpy." She heard Sarah snort. "Here was this breathtaking blonde who was making him happy. She wasn't a gold digger; I could see that. However, as we talked, my protective instincts still kicked in!"

Sarah burst out laughing at that point, nodding furiously. Ellie shook her head.

"Once we got over that little hurdle, I could see how much these two loved each other, even after such a short time together. I could see that I could let go of the protective reins. There was someone with him even better able to look after him."

She paused and took another sip. Sarah was beaming at her and Chuck grinning too.

"Sarah is the most amazing person I have ever met. Yes, she's so beautiful, but she doesn't flaunt it, almost tries to hide it sometimes. And, yes, she's tough. Her time as a government agent crafted one scary lady! But for Chuck, how happy he is now, is all thanks to Sarah."

Chuck was nodding furiously and Sarah, flushed, looking a bit embarrassed.

"But, that's not all. She's also brilliant herself, a perfect match for Chuck. She navigated him through setting up their company and ran it for him, leaving him to what he was good at. I've heard her presentation when they launched the product was amazing. Barsoft Tech may have joint ownership and be based on his great ideas, but have no illusions, this is HER creation, her company!"

Sarah now looked stunned, but Chuck was grinning like a Cheshire cat!

"I give you, Sarah Lisa Bartowski!" She raised her glass and all the rest did, too.

= ! =

Ellie passed the microphone to Emma and sat down. Devon gave her a big hug, but then was pushed away by a blonde who pulled Ellie up, wrapping her arms around her for a bone crushing hug. Ellie smiled. She wasn't often on the receiving end of those!

When Sarah finally went back and sat down, her mom started, "For those that don't know me, and there might be some, I'm Sarah's mom. We've not had the closest of relationships, have we, Hon?"

Sarah shook her head and looked regretful.

"I don't really think it was either of our faults, to be honest. I see it as her being stolen away from me by her dad, but I didn't fight hard enough. Then she reappeared in my life nearly twenty years later with her current name, not the one she was born with, but the one she's used for years now. I now had a beautiful daughter, but one that couldn't stay. The life she led wasn't conducive to that, but she left a little bundle of joy with me."

Looking down at the smiling three-year-old sitting by her, Emma smiled too, "I was suddenly able to relive the early years that had been so wonderful to me. The time with my daughter."

Mother and daughter looked at each other, smiling and both starting to get tearful.

"Then, three years later, I got a call from her telling me she was coming to visit and bringing someone with her. Imagine my surprise when that person was a tall, dark, handsome guy, one who obviously adored my little girl!"

She looked at them. Chuck was smiling and a tearful Sarah wiping her eyes carefully, beaming at her, nodding.

"It didn't take him long to win me over. He's charming, kind and totally selfless. I could see he'd do anything for Sarah. And Sarah, she obviously adored him and would do anything for him, too. They are, as Ellie said, perfect for each other.

"So, I now have my lovely daughter back in my life. One that is never going back into the darkness. One that now can bask in the sunlight and shine. As she had been doing, since she met her husband. A man who has brought her out of her self-imposed shell."

Emma could see Chuck now blushing, looking embarrassed. These two! Sarah, however, was nodding and had started grinning after giving her husband a kiss on his cheek.

She raised her glass. "I give you Chuck Bartowski, Sarah's savior."

She walked over and gave Chuck the microphone.

=! =

Chuck started, "Before you have to suffer me…" You could hear chuckles around the room, "I think refills are in order." He grinned at them all.

Once everyone was topped up, he stood again. "In case you don't know me…

"I'm the luckiest guy in the world!" He looked down at Sarah grinning and she did too, blowing him a kiss.

"Thank you Morg, El and Emma for those kind words." He paused and looked at Morgan, "Well some of them were kind!

"Yes, I was a nerd and yes I was completely wrapped up in my work. Then an angel appeared before me!" He looked at Sarah again. Her cheeks were turning pink. He grinned at her.

"I remember I was on a run with Devon, finally trying to get fit. We had just turned the corner around some hedges in the park and a beautiful blonde was running towards us. I stumbled, which I think made her laugh. Then she was gone. After that day, Devon and Ellie left and I was running on my own, but I followed the same route and the same time each day after that, hoping to see her again, And I did! After a few days, she even grinned at me!"

Sarah was grinning now.

"Then something terrible happened!" He paused and looked around the room. Most were looking expectantly, waiting to hear bad news.

"She didn't appear for two days!"

Everyone groaned, apart from Sarah who laughed out loud. She knew what was coming, but enjoyed how he was playing his audience.

"I went to a gym Devon had recommended." He looked over at one of the bridesmaids and pointed at her, "Zondra's gym. It's really good, make sure you go there!"

Zondra grinned, a rare sight, and nodded.

"I was just settling in, still feeling disappointed, by the way, when the angel sat next to me. She hadn't spotted me yet, but how could I miss such a vision!"

Sarah grabbed his hand and grinned at him.

"And then…" He paused again for dramatic effect, "She talked to me!" He gasped and smiles filled the room.

"To be honest, she could have said anything and I would have been over the moon!

"What she actually did, when she saw me, was smile at me. I lost my rhythm and had to put my weights down. They were too much for me!"

Sarah snorted.

"Well, okay, there weren't that many weights there. But then she spoke to me and her first words were…" He looked down to Sarah. She was grinning, she remembered. He nodded.

Grinning, Sarah said, "Do you always lose control around me?" She burst out laughing and so did most there.

"Come on! She was talking about me losing control of the weights!"

Once the laughter died down, he continued, "Anyway… we talked for some time after… that!" He faked a glare at his wife, who just laughed again.

"Over a coffee, I summoned, and I really had to dig deep for this, the courage to ask her out on a date!" He bent down and did a drum roll on the table.

"Well, after that everything was easy, obviously. I'm such a catch!"

Sarah grinned and called out, "Are you calling me easy?"

That caught him out. He looked down at her, shocked at what he'd said and was going to profusely apologize, when she burst out laughing, just about getting out, "YOU'RE easy!"

He huffed. "Anyway. We really hit it off. Almost straight away, well to be honest, it had already happened, I fell in love with this amazing woman next to me. How could I not? She's super smart, super deadly, and I'll get to that in a minute, a brilliant linguist, a brilliant business woman who, as El pointed out, made our company what it is today, her company, she laughs at my jokes and, I don't know if you noticed, is absolutely gorgeous."

Sarah slapped him on the arm, but she was blushing and beaming at him.

"The super deadly thing really came home to me, when she saved me from three men that had forced their way into my home. Three armed men who had already stabbed me. She crept in and took all three out, without even breaking into a sweat! Two of them with one kick!"

He then looked out at his audience and pointed, sweeping his finger around, "So, don't mess with her!" he said in a gravelly voice. Then he brightened up, "I know I don't! I know my place."

Sarah snorted and was heard by all, "Yeah! Right!"

When the laughter died down, Chuck grinned and then finished, "She's made me so happy already. I can't imagine living without her, and thankfully now I don't have to!"

He leaned down and kissed his wife, who wrapped her arms around his neck, got up and continued the kiss.

= ! =

Sarah then took the microphone.

"How do I follow that?" She shook her head.

"I'm not a big talker." That got a huge laugh from Chuck, Carina and Zondra.

"Hey! I do talk, now!" she glared at all three of them.

"I guess they're right though. For years I was the silent type. I never saw any point in talking, unless my job required it.

"For me, I feel my life didn't start until I left that job and moved to Los Angeles. Even then, I was still hiding from people, really. I'd joined Zondra's gym. Yeah, there's my plug too!" She grinned. "Zondra was one of my few friends. We'd known each other for a long, long time. Had our ups and downs…" She smiled at her friend and Zondra snorted. "But we did occasionally talk. You're not a great talker either, are you?" Zondra grinned and shook her head.

"Other than that, I kept to myself while I tried to decide what to do with my life. Then I saw my stalker!" She grinned at Chuck, who barked a laugh.

"He was that stumbling mess he described that day! He made me smile. He also interested me. He looked at me differently than most men and that intrigued me. I did the same as Chuck. I always ran there at the same time each day, but I started to look forward to seeing him too.

"When we met at the gym, he was a goof," she smiled down at him, "But also charming. I guess I was hooked, too.

"He then proceeded to turn my life around. I'd say upside down, but that would be a disservice. He helped me from that day forward, with finding an apartment through to finding work, with him, and finally finding true love.

"Love was something that could never happen to a government agent, but this man thawed my frozen heart, and freed it, really."

She looked down at him with tears forming in her eyes. "I love you, Chuck, with all my heart." She held out her hands to him and he grasped them. She pulled him up and kissed him with tenderness, initially, then firmer.

When they finally broke apart, they looked at everyone else, both blushing. Chuck grinned, "I guess that's the end of the speeches. On to dancing and drinking!"

A/N: So, I hope you liked the wedding reception. Most stories focus a lot on the wedding ceremony, so I decided to take a different approach. This is the last chapter, but a short epilogue will follow.

Please leave a review with your thoughts on this chapter. I really appreciate them.