A Different Happy Ending:
A New Beginning – Part Eight
When they arrived at the secluded, picturesque spot, Alena looked out the bug window with awe. Once she opened the door and stood, her hands flew over her mouth.
Rows of white chairs stood out amongst the beach sand. White ribbon entwined with purple orchids cascaded along the ends of the rows, as white and purple draped along the path leading to the altar. Fairy lights hung on elegant white columns that surrounded the beautiful space.
The arched altar also featured fairy lights, along with purple orchids and white lilies. Several feet away, a white tent covered the tables, chairs, and a dance floor that had been set up for the reception.
"Oh, it's more beautiful than I imagined," Alena marveled. With a shake of her head, she then said, "I mean, I know me and Gideon picked it all out, but this is the first time I'm seeing it."
Emma only hummed as she offered her daughter a smile. She then told her, "You probably didn't notice, but I think everyone is pretty much here, so I'm gonna go find my seat."
Alena nodded before the two of them shared a hug. While still embraced, Emma said, "I wish you guys so much happiness." The bride couldn't help but smile as she squeezed her mom's shoulders.
When they pulled away, they shared one final smile before Emma walked to her seat - just as Killian joined his daughter.
His blue eyes welled with tears as he looked at her. "You are so beautiful, love. Even more so because I know how happy you are."
Alena smiled as she told him, "Thanks, Dad. It means so much to me." She paused before she added, "And I don't think I could be any happier. I can't wait for us to be husband and wife."
"I can see that," Killian told her with a smile. He then chuckled and added, "I'm not sure you can see him from behind these pillars, but I think he's rather nervous and excited. I don't know if he's going to stop pacing."
With a giggle, Alena surmised, "That's his way of releasing all that tension. I'm surprised he hasn't worn holes in our floor."
Killian couldn't help but smile and shake his head. He then furrowed his eyebrows as a thoughtful expression formed.
"The lad will be alright, won't he?"
She giggled once more before she reassured him, "Of course! As soon as he sees me, he won't remember why he was nervous," a smile blossoming across her features.
He couldn't help but return her smile. He then quirked an eyebrow and turned his head as the music began.
"That's our cue, love," Killian said as he faced her. She nodded before she looped her arm through his hooked one - her smile only growing.
He kissed her head before he let out a deep breath. He scratched behind his ear as he surmised, "You're the one getting married, but I'm bloody nervous."
She squeezed his arm as she reassured him, "I know, Dad. But I'll never be far away." He offered her a smile in return.
"Shall we?" he then asked as he inclined his head toward the purple and white draping over the sand. She gripped her bouquet as he nodded - he then helped her lower the veil over her face.
The two of them then walked to the end of the aisle. The guests stood as they came to a stop.
Gideon then laid eyes on his bride. He swore his heart skipped a beat, and he nearly forgot how to breathe.
He imagined this day - this moment - since he bought the ring. But in all the ways he'd pictured it, he didn't believe she could ever be any more beautiful.
She then caught his gaze from underneath her veil, and she offered him a sweet smile. In that moment, he found himself in awe.
The love of his life - his everything - was about to be his wife.
As she continued to walk toward him, he was drawn to her every move. Though the occurrence wasn't unusual, this time felt different - and special.
Though they had already shared every inch of their hearts, minds, and bodies - along with a home and their day-to-day lives - sharing a marriage meant everything to them.
It meant a promise to always be there, it meant rings that symbolize forever, and it meant vows that would never be broken.
She then stopped in front of him. They locked eyes, and it was as if they were the only two people in the world. They then shared a smile that only the two of them understood.
Alena tore herself away when she felt her father plant a kiss on the side of her head. "I love you so much, my darling."
She turned to face him before she wrapped him in a tight hug. "I love you, too, Dad." He smiled as he hugged her back.
When they pulled away, they shared one last smile before he placed her hand in Gideon's. He offered the young man a nod before he told him, "I know you already do - but take care of her, lad."
"I will. You don't have to worry," Gideon assured him with a nod. Killian gave him a smile before he took his seat beside Emma.
Alena and Gideon locked eyes once more, their smiles radiant. Archie cleared his throat before he chimed in, "I think it's time we get started."
The couple nodded before he raised her veil. She adjusted the bouquet in her hand before she clasped both of his hands with hers.
Archie looked between them before he began the ceremony: "It is such a beautiful thing when two people decide to pledge their lives together. Alena and Gideon have written their own vows to express just how much they mean to each other."
He then nodded toward Gideon, and he took a breath. He then spoke, "Alena, you brought something in my life I didn't even think I needed - a reason to fall in love. Though we started as friends, I knew you were special the moment you returned my heart. I realized it that day at Granny's - we were surrounded by a crowd of people yet I only saw you.
"I continue to be amazed by your passion for life, your insatiable need for adventure, the love you have for everyone you meet, and your often relentless stubbornness. And I fall more in love with you every day. I can't wait to spend all my days with you as your husband. I hope we spend the rest of our lives making memories that we'll cherish forever."
Alena beamed at him as he finished, squeezing his hands as she did so. It took all her willpower not to kiss him right then.
With a giggle, she then told him, "I'm not sure how I'm supposed to top that," earning chuckles from their guests.
He chuckled as well before he offered, "I have no doubt that you came up with something beautiful."
Alena smiled at him before she took a deep breath. She squeezed his hands once again as she began her vows: "Gideon, I spent my life hearing these epic stories about my family, knowing that their legacy is what made me who I am. And knowing it was a huge part of the reason I was chosen to dispel the darkness. Little did I know that my greatest adventure was yet to come.
"Falling in love didn't fall into any plan I had - but I couldn't be happier to have found you. Every day - every moment - with you is magical, and I sometimes still pinch myself to see if I really get to spend my life with my best friend. I know you always say that I help you be your best self - but you're the reason I believe in true love and believe that anything is possible. You're the reason I believe in second chances. If the rest of our lives are like this, then I know we'll spend forever together."
Gideon wiped the tears that began to fall. He then gently moved a few stray curls that had fallen, his hand lingering on her cheek.
Seeing the connection and the bond those two shared reminded everyone why happy endings and true love existed.
Archie then cleared his throat so he could continue the ceremony: "After such touching words from our couple, all that's left is to make it official."
He turned to Alena with a smile and asked, "Do you take Gideon to be your husband, to love and to cherish, for all eternity?"
"I do," she answered with a smile of her own. He matched her smile with one that stretched from ear to ear.
With a nod, Archie then turned his attention to the groom. "And do you take Alena to be your wife, to love and to cherish, for all eternity?"
"I do," he answered, his smile - if possible - only growing. Alena held tight to his hands as hers began to shake with anticipation.
Archie looked back between them, another smile breaking out across his features. He then finished, "I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Applause erupted from the guests. However, Alena and Gideon didn't hear any of it as they gazed into each other's eyes. They then began leaning in, their faces inching closer and closer.
Their lips met in a kiss that conveyed all of the love they held. The passion - as well as the tenderness - remained evident as they wrapped their arms around each other, holding on as though they were everything precious in this world.
When they pulled away, Gideon kept his hands on either side of her waist. With a grin, he then told her, "I'm not sure I want to let you go."
She giggled before she pointed out, "We do have a reception to get to - our wedding is only part of the celebration."
"I know," he resigned as he finally released her. A smile then snaked across his lips as he added, "It is rather nice to share our love with our family and friends."
"Mm-hmm," she hummed before she pecked his cheek. She then took his hand in hers as she told him, "And I think they're just as excited," refocusing her attention.
Faint applause could still be heard as smiles bloomed across the faces of the guests. Snow then called out, "So, I know I'm not much of a photographer, but I've already taken a few pictures so you two could remember this special day."
"Thank you, Grandma. We really appreciate it," Alena told her with a smile. It then changed to a grin as she added, "You're probably one of the only reasons our plans became reality."
Henry then piped up, "I think she's right, Grandma. You're like everyone's wedding planner."
Chuckles erupted at that. Snow then shrugged as she spoke, "I'm just trying to make sure everyone's wedding is everything they imagined and more."
The newly married couple - as well as Emma and Killian, Robin and Regina - shared a fond smile. Henry offered a small smile of his own.
The teenager then spoke, "Can we go over to the reception now? I'm starved."
"I can't say I'm surprised," Alena commented with a giggle - her family soon joined her. She then scrunched her nose and questioned, "How much of our food did you eat?"
Henry rolled his eyes. He then crossed his arms and pointed out, "Just a little bit - Grandpa was watching me like a hawk," cutting his eyes toward Rumple.
With a wry smile, he defended, "I know your appetite, and merely made sure you didn't eat them out of house and home."
Henry shook his head while the others laughed. He then asked, "Can I go eat now?"
Emma and Regina both opened their mouths to reply when Snow interrupted, "Not before we get some pictures."
Zelena couldn't help but roll her eyes. She then quipped, "Well, I'm not part of the Brady Bunch, so I'm gonna head over to the reception - especially since Robyn - and Neal - have ran off."
"We told them, as well as Roland, they could go with Granny - most everyone was starting to disperse," David placated as he gestured between himself and Robin.
Zelena ignored him before she stalked off toward the cluster of tables and chairs.
Snow then directed her family for the picture - with Alena and Gideon in the middle and their parents and Henry on either side.
Once she snapped it, she pulled back her phone and looked over it. With a smile, she commented, "Oh, this is a great picture."
Before anyone could ask to see it, she began giving instructions for the next picture. She continued to do so for the next several minutes, with the photos ranging from ones of the happy couple by themselves, with their parents, with their in-laws, and with the unofficial bridesmaids and groomsmen.
As Snow began scrolling through the various photos, Rumple pulled Alena aside.
She looked at him with curious green eyes until he spoke, "I just wanted to say that I'm happy that you're officially part of our family."
Alena beamed as she replied, "I am, too. So incredibly happy," her gaze wandering over to her new husband, who held an animated conversation with Henry and Robin.
Rumple then cleared his throat, causing her to jump slightly. "Sorry," she apologized, "I got distracted."
"It's quite alright," he assured her with an easy smile. He then took a breath and continued, "You had to possess a fair amount of patience - along with your mother's wit and your father's determination - to deal with the obstacles you two faced. And I believe you two will be rather happy."
"I believe they will be," Belle chimed in as she joined them, slipping her arm through Rumple's.
With a smile, she then surmised, "And I'm glad that you," nudging her husband's shoulder, "and Killian were proven wrong."
"Well, I suppose that even the Dark One can't always be right," Rumple commented with a wry smile. Belle shook her head while Alena let out a chuckle.
Gideon then strolled over and spoke, "I thought I recognized my wife's lovely chuckle," slipping an arm around her waist. She smiled as she snuggled into his side.
Rumple and Belle smiled at them before he gestured behind her and said, "It seems your grandmother is headed back this way - likely for more pictures."
Alena and Gideon couldn't help but chuckle before they waved them off. Snow then sidled up next to them.
With a smile, she told them, "The pictures are so beautiful. I can't wait for you guys to see the wedding album."
"Oh, Snow, you don't have to do that. You've already helped so much with the wedding," Gideon told her as he gestured around them.
She waved a hand in dismissal as she said, "I want to. I'm just so happy that this day came for you two, and I want you to have forever memories."
She then offered them a warm smile before she pulled them in for a hug. They hugged her back just as tightly before they let go - returning her smile.
Alena placed her hand on her hip - being mindful of her bouquet - as she said, "I know I teased Henry earlier about how much he eats, but now I'm hungry, too."
Snow and Gideon chuckled before he teased, "I can't have you famished, now can I?" She rolled her eyes at him.
He kissed her cheek before he squeezed her waist. Snow offered them another smile before they made their way to the reception.
They received more scattered applause, bright and genuine smiles, and hearty congratulations. Their emotions swirled between overwhelmed and elated.
Soft music played from the surrounding speakers. A ballad began to play, and Alena's eyes lit up as she turned to her husband.
"Dance with me?"
He cocked his head to the side as he questioned, "Now? You don't want to wait?"
She smiled and shook her head. She dropped her bouquet on a nearby table before she took his hands in hers.
With a giggle, she pulled him to the other side of the buffet table. The spot was nestled close to the sand dunes and barely covered by the tent.
Gideon chuckled before he said, "I suppose you wanted to get away from the many eyes on us."
Alena nodded before she confirmed, "I love our family, and I love that we're celebrating our love with them - but I really wanted a moment with just us."
Gideon kissed her forehead before he slipped an arm around her waist and kept hold of her hand with the other.
He then led them in an elegant waltz - their steps in sync. Alena slid her free hand around his neck, a smile erupted over her features.
He smiled back before he released her waist and spun her out. She giggled as the skirt of her dress twirled around her.
Gideon chuckled as he spun her back in, his arm sliding back around her waist. She then rested her head on his chest, letting out a contented sigh as she did so.
He ran his hand up and down her back. He then asked, "I thought we were waltzing?"
Alena hummed before she told him, "We were - but I just wanted you to hold me." She then looked up at him with a bright smile.
"I still can't believe we did it. We're husband and wife."
"I know," Gideon agreed as he rested his forehead against hers. He then smiled and added, "And with both our fathers' blessings."
With a giggle, she then surmised, "I guess that's the power of true love." A curious look then passed over her features.
He noticed her change in expression and questioned, "Something on your mind?"
She took a deep breath before she asked him, "I know we've talked about this, but now that we're here, I have to know - would you change any of it? All of the glares and extreme overprotectiveness and the steering clear? And how much harder it made things for us?"
Gideon considered her words as a thoughtful expression appeared. After several long moments, he took a deep breath and answered, "No, I wouldn't. Even though your father's dislike of me and your mother trying to be a buffer, we still fell madly in love. And we built something more amazing than we could have imagined."
He squeezed her waist as he finished, "And between us getting engaged, moving in together, and saying our vows, we've only fallen more in love."
Alena smiled before she pressed a kiss to his lips. They shared a sweet moment before they pulled away.
She clasped his hand once more as she told him, "And we'll keep falling in love because we have the rest of our lives together."
Gideon rested his forehead against hers. With a smile, he said, "And I can't wait to see what it holds for us."
Alena smiled as she draped her arms around his neck. She then began swaying to the music once more. He encircled her waist and rested his hands on the small of her back.
The music, the lights, and the crowd faded as they became lost in each other and the moment, their eyes fluttering closed.
From across the tent, Killian's eyes drifted over to his daughter and her new husband. He found himself smiling.
His life completely changed when he realized he was falling in love with Emma. And that moment was only the beginning of a love story that defied odds, crossed realms, outlasted curses, and overcame death.
And in the small corners of Storybrooke, he had been reminded of true love's power when this pirate's daughter fell for the Dark One's son. Kindred spirits whose love grew in the simplest of ways - and remained strong for that very reason.
He watched them dance for a few more moments before his blue eyes wandered among the family and friends gathered.
Dozens of different stories existed among them, with true love manifesting in different ways. Yet, the magic and the light remained the same.
As his gaze drifted back over to Alena and Gideon, he - and they - knew true love would always be the most powerful magic of all.
A/N: Thank you for reading, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed this story :) If you've been reading The Clash, you can be looking for an update soon! Until next time :)