The clinking of glasses and the sound of people enjoying themselves resounded throughout the marquee that had been set up outside the Potter B & B. There were fairy lights suspended from every corner and lilies, roses and babies breathe bouquets hanging from the poles that were holding the marquee up. Friends and family had gathered to watch two people get married. It had taken a bit of time but finally they were together. The worry of getting them together was over.
And they were in love.
"Hey wife!" Pacey said coming up behind Joey and wrapping his arms round her wait.
"Hey yourself husband!" She said turning around to kiss her new husband.
Joey and Pacey smiled at people that kept coming up and congratulating them on their nuptials.
"Do you think we can blow this joint?" Pacey asked with a mischievous smile.
"I don't think so; we haven't even had cake yet!"
"C'mon Potter, they won't miss us"
"It's Witter now."
"Oh, you finally married the guy then."
"Well it was either him or the bum that lived on the corner of my street so I figured I'd take my chances. I am a fool in love!" She said with a laugh.
"A fool, huh!" Pacey laughed too. "Did I tell you that you look beautiful today?"
"Several times." She said wiping away imaginary dust from the shoulder of his tuxedo "And you don't look too shabby yourself Mr Witter"
"I feel like James Bond in this get up."
They laughed and looked around the marquee where all their family and friends were. Dawson and his girlfriend Kelly had flown in the day before and Dawson had done the honour of being Pacey's best man. Joey had thought it would have been awkward but it hadn't been. Dawson had done them proud.
Jen, who looked radiant in her red bridesmaid dress and David were standing talking to Audrey who had arrived in a flurry of excitement with her new boyfriend and a new career. Audrey could always brighten a place up.
Jack and his boyfriend were busy showing Lilly and Alexander some tricks with the cutlery. That's not going to end well, Joey thought to herself.
Grams, Bessie and Gale were standing near the kids with champagne in hand talking about god knows what. Joey didn't know how she would have gotten through the past couple of weeks without them.
And there was Pacey's family, over in the corner trying hard to mix with people but somehow they just looked out of place, except for Dougie who had walked Joey down the aisle. She had wanted to ask Bodie but Bodie had insisted that he take care of the catering along with Gale, who offered the restaurant as a base. She had asked Dougie, who was a little overwhelmed but was only too glad to do it.
And so here they were, back in Capeside yet again, celebrating one of the happiest days of her life.
Pacey disappeared to talk to Dawson and Dougie, she was left to stand alone and take in her surroundings. She looked down at the diamond solitaire ring and gold band that now resided on the third finger of her left hand. She couldn't believe it, she was now Mrs Pacey Witter, although she was going to keep her name for work, that had caused a little problem at home but Pacey came round to the idea in the end. She had to keep some of her independence.
Jen came up behind her and handed her a glass of champagne.
"Well Joey, you did it, you finally made an honest man of him."
"I did, didn't I." She said smiling.
"And how does it feel to be Mrs Pacey Witter?"
"You know I've been trying to figure that out. Am I supposed to feel different? I still feel like Joey Potter, but a different Joey Potter. I always felt like there was something missing like a jigsaw puzzle I had this missing piece and you know what he's standing over there." Joey said pointing to Pacey.
"And what a fine piece he is."
Joey looked at Jen and burst out laughing. Joey hugged her tight. "Thank you." She whispered in Jen's ear.
"Your welcome, sweetie. But I'm not sure what for."
"I have a speech to make."
"Joey, are you up to something?" Jen asked suspiciously.
"Me! Nah" Joey smiled and spun her ivory gown around and walked towards the stage.
"Excuse me!" Joey said into the mike.
Everyone turned around and looked at the dark haired girl in the strapless ivory gown and fell silent. Pacey gave her a look that said what are you up too but she never let on.
"Hi there, you may remember me. I'm the bride."
Several people laughed.
"I know it's traditional for the father of the bride and the new groom to make a speech and I'm sure that we'll all hear a lot from Pacey later" more laughter. "But my father couldn't be with us today." She smiled at Bessie. "And I thought that I would make the speech."
"I was asked by a colleague at work how I knew that Pacey was "the one", how I knew that I wanted to be with him always and I said because it was he and because it was I. I stole that from someone but I believe it.
I thought I knew what I was going to say when I stood up here but words fail me now when I look out on everyone that's gathered here. I can't believe that there are so many people that care about us. When I left Capeside five years ago to go to College I had no idea where I was going or what I was going to do. I didn't think it would lead me back into the arms of Pacey. I've made some amazing friends over the years and most of them are here today, Dawson, Jack, Jen, Audrey and Andie wherever she may be, thank you for being there for us, for getting us through the dark times and bringing us into the light to realise that we really do belong together. I thank god every day for bringing you into our lives, you guys were there in the beginning and I hope that you are going to be around for a long time yet.
Pace, looks like we made it. I want to thank you for loving me and believing in us. I love you not only for what you are but what I am when I am with you.
Bessie, my sister. I can't tell you how much you mean to me. You didn't have to come back here to look after a difficult teenager, I know I wasn't easy but you helped me to become the woman I am today. Thank you, Bessie, I love you..
And now a toast. Here's to friendship, family and love."
"Friendship, family and love." Everyone repeated.
Pacey walked up to the stage and gave Joey a long and lingering kiss.
"What was that for?"
"Just cause. Now it's my turn!"
Pacey stood in front of the mike and coughed.
"Sorry about that folks, just before you lower your glasses I would like to say something."
There were groans from the audience. Pacey smiled and continued.
"Yes I know, I've had a lot to say for myself over the past few years. I would like to thank a few people too.
Joey, my wife, has already thanked most of the people that I wanted to say thank you too but I just want to say thank you to my family. I know that I'm not the easiest of the Witter Clan and I don't presume to think that I can fix everything that has gone on with us over the years but standing up here with my new wife and by saying thank you. You are my family and I do love you and you guys have made me into the man that stands before you today.
Doug, my brother, what can I say. Thank you for walking this gorgeous woman down the aisle, if it wasn't for you I'm sure she would have ran a thousand miles in the opposite direction today." The crowd let out a laugh. "Seriously, I love you man.
Friends, you know me better than anyone. Words can't express how much you guys mean to me. I haven't told you enough over the years that you mean the world to me and if you ever need me then you know where I am. I'm proud of you.
Josephine Potter, sorry Witter, you complete me and I was wondering if you would do me the honour of dancing with me."
Everyone cheered and the band started up.
Pacey took Joey's hand and led her onto the dance floor.
"Pacey Witter have you been having dancing lessons."
"Sure have Potter and I have to say Fred Astaire eat your heart out." He said swirling her round the dance floor.
"Pace, I'm Witter now."
"You'll always be Potter to me. Jo,
promise me something!"
"Anything, Pace"
"Love me for the rest of my life."
"Nah!"
"What?" Pacey said shocked
"I'll love you for the rest of mine Pace. It's a common fact that women live longer than men!" She said seriously.
"Is that so?"
Joey nodded and smiled. She couldn't believe how happy she was. Finally she had her rainbow, she was at home.