Title: Chances Are

Author: hjmugillecuty

Pairing: Pacey/Joey

Spoilers: All episodes, all seasons

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: The characters and locations in this story do not belong to me, they belong to their original creators and copyright owners, and I make no profit.

Author's Note: This is a sequel to a story I posted a long time ago called "Now What?"

Joey could hardly sleep that night. She wasn't nervous, at least she didn't think she was, after all this was what she'd been dreaming of. But, she was afraid she'd trip or mess up her vows or something. She finally fell asleep around five only to be woken up at eight by Audrey and Andie. They pushed her into the shower and then spent at least an hour on her hair and longer on her makeup. Bessie brought in her dress and they slipped it over her head.

Bessie also brought the camera. She took dozens of photos of the girls getting ready, being joined by Amy, Lily and Gail, who arrived fully dressed. If you looked at the pictures later you could see a mother's tears in Gail's eyes.

Around noon the guests began arriving, filing into the backyard which had been transformed. Bodie passed the other women as they hurried to their places and knocked on Joey's bedroom door.

"Come in."

He opened the door and she turned to face him. Her hair was in a twist, showing off her beautiful neck and shoulders. The dress was simple, a princess waistline with straps and no embroidery. She wore heels and would probably stand equal height with Pacey.

"Joey, you look absolutely beautiful."

She ducked her head. "Thanks Bodie."

"Pacey's gonna faint."

"You think?" She smiled.

"Let's go see. It's time Joey." He held out his arms for her to take.

She kissed her cheek. "Thank you for everything Bodie. Thank you for being my brother."

"It's an honor."

They left the room.

Joey finally heard the music begin as she waited with Bodie at the side of the house. She watched as Andie, and then Audrey made their way up the aisle, followed by Lily and Amy. Lily was taking her responsibility very seriously, sprinkling the petals very carefully in the center of the walkway, while little Amy just picked up clumps and threw them haphazardly. Joey giggled what more could she expect from a 2 ½ year old? Finally it was their turn. Bodie took Joey by the arm and gave her a smile as he led her around the corner.

Joey looked at the crowd that had gathered, and then allowed her gaze to drift to the front. She saw Dawson smiling widely in her direction, Doug looking like he was struggling to hold back tears, and Jack attempting a solemn expression. But she truly only saw Pacey, watching her with his deep blue eyes, standing in front of her dock. And memories began flooding her mind.

Joey sat crying on the edge of the dock when Pacey appeared in Dawson's boat. He sat on the dock next to her as they talked.

"Of all the people to see me like this, it had to be you."

"Hey, it's a new year. Who knows, we might even become friends."

"I'm upset enough as it is."

---

Joey sat on the dock husking corn as Pacey came up behind her and covered her eyes with his hands.

"Guess who?"

"Well, let's see…it can't possibly be my boyfriend because we aren't supposed to see each other until tomorrow. He...he was growing sick of me.

---

"Joey, I know you're wondering why I brought you to your dock. It's because this is the place where we really first became friends, and I'd like it to be the place where we become something more." Pacey reached into his pocket and pulled out a velvet box. "Jo, will you marry me?"

"Yes!" Joey through her arms around him tightly.

---

Joey came out of her reverie to find herself at the front of the aisle. Bodie kissed her cheek as Pacey took her hand and led her to stand in front of Jack.