By the time the ceremony began just before sunset, the beach had been transformed. Votive candles lined the walkway down onto the beach and lanterns hung from posts that had been set into the sand. As the guests were seated, there was an air of anticipation. Finally, the ceremony began. Nick and his brother Mike took their places at the front with the pastor who would perform the ceremony and waited. Two of Nick's nieces, Clara and Emma, scattered rose petals on the pale runner as they walked up the aisle. His nephew Brandon carried the rings on a pillow. Chloe walked up the aisle to join them and then the moment they had all waited for was upon them.

Sara stood at the edge of the beach on the arm of her father. As they made their way up the aisle, the sight of her took Nick's breath away. She was a vision.

As Sara approached, all she saw was Nick, standing there waiting for her. She didn't notice the candles, or the flower girls, the guests, or even the sound of the waves crashing on the beach behind them as the sun set. All she saw was Nick.

They turned toward each other, holding onto each other's hands as they exchanged their vows. They had some sort of recollection that the pastor was saying something about the importance of the vow of marriage and that the rings they exchanged symbolized an unending love, but they only had eyes for each other.

There was a ripple of laughter through the crowd when for the second time the pastor had to ask Nick to kiss his bride. They had been so mesmerized with each other, they hadn't heard him the first time. Nick grinned and leaned down to kiss Sara in a soft passion infused kiss.

As they turned to face the crowd of their family and friends, the pastor announced them. "It gives me great pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time Mr. and Mrs. Nick Stokes. The ceremony is over, let the celebration begin!"

They made their way to the reception, and as everyone gathered around the dance floor, Nick and Sara stepped out to take their first dance together as husband and wife to the strains of 'Amazed'.

Every time our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take
Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away

I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams
I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life

With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do

Baby I'm amazed by you

"Oh, Sara, I love you so much." Nick whispered as he held her close.

"I love you." Sara whispered back.


The smell of your skin
The taste of your kiss
The way you whisper in the dark
Your hair all around me
Baby you surround me
You touch every place in my heart
Oh it feels like the first time every time
I wanna spend the whole night in your eyes

"I can't wait to be with you tonight." Nick's voice was husky.

"That's when you'll get the rest of your present." Sara smiled. "Remember what I bought the last time we were here? I thought I'd model it for you."

"Mmmn." Nick leaned down and kissed Sara softly.

I don't know how you do what you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you

"You are so beautiful, Sara." Nick searched her eyes.

"We just got married." Sara grinned, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Mrs. Stokes." Nick grinned back.

Every little thing that you do
I'm so in love with you
It just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life
With you by my side
Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Oh, every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you.

As the song ended, Sara danced with her father and Nick with his mother. Other couples slowly drifted onto the dance floor. As Nick and Sara sat down to take a break, they noticed something taking place on the dance floor that caught their interest.

"Do you think he knows what he's getting himself into?" Nick queried Sara as he gestured toward Greg.

Sara giggled. "He could be good for her. She's not a bad person, I mean, look what she did for us." She pointed toward Kelly.

Greg and Kelly were dancing up a storm and seemed to be totally absorbed in each other.

Sara leaned toward Nick and whispered. "What do you think about trying on them what Chloe and Ben did to us?"

Nick chuckled. "I like the idea. You just make sure she catches the bouquet, and I'll make sure Greg gets the garter. Then we'll just let tradition take its course."

"I like how you think, Mr. Stokes." Sara grinned conspiratorially.

"I like how you think, Mrs. Stokes." Nick melted when he looked into her eyes. "I can't believe I get to call you that. We're married."

Sara leaned over and softly kissed him. "I know. I'm so excited to be your wife."

The DJ announced it was time for Sara to throw the bouquet. Nick winked at her as she stood up and made her way out onto the dance floor. As the single women gathered, Sara took note of where Kelly was standing and aimed the bouquet directly at her. Kelly squealed in delight as she ran over to Sara and hugged her. After posing for a picture with Sara, Kelly made her way back to her table.

A few moments later, the DJ announced that it was time to toss the garter. Nick knelt down on the dance floor as the single men gathered and pulled Sara's foot onto his thigh, discretely sliding his hand up her dress to retrieve the garter. As he stood, he leaned over and softly kissed her. "I love you, babe."

Sara beamed at him.

Nick glanced over his shoulder to see where Greg was standing before flinging the garter in his direction. As Greg caught the garter, Kelly squealed. It seemed that Nick and Sara's plan was going to be easier than they thought.

Greg and Kelly posed for a picture with Nick and Sara and then Sara pulled a Chloe on them. "You have to kiss her Greg. It's tradition. Then you two have to dance."

Kelly giggled and Greg just grinned as he leaned in to kiss her.

The DJ put on a slow sentimental song and the dance floor filled with couples as Nick and Sara disappeared to take a walk on the beach.

*~*~*~*

A/N: The song "Amazed" is by Lonestar.