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?" Thank you so much for the reviews! Sorry it took a while, I broke my glasses.
"Please be seated." Jack paused. "When Pacey and Joey agreed to let me perform this ceremony, I was honored and a little overwhelmed. What do I say for two people who have been my friends for so long? I have seen them together and apart and I can assure you that I have never seen them happier than I see them today." Jack smiled widely at Joey and Pacey. "And so we gather, as family and friends, to share their happiness. There are those who cannot be with us but we know their hearts are. And there are others who are with us in spirit."
Joey squeezed Pacey's hand with hers, believing that if she just turned her head she would see them standing there; just like Return of the Jedi. As Jack mentioned their names, memories filled the heads of the wedding party.
"Lillian Potter."
"Joey sweetie, who was that boy you were playing with?"
"That was Pacey, mommy. He says he's Dawson's best friend and that I can't be because I'm just a girl. He keeps pulling my hair and pushing."
"Oh honey, he'll stop that one day."
"John Witter."
"You grew up to be one of the good guys Pacey. I always knew you would. I should have told you that more often."
"Well, maybe I just didn't always hear you."
"Mitch Leery."
"You know what I think? I think that if I were Joey and Bessie, I would consider myself very lucky to have you in my life."
"Why? Everything and everybody that I touch I screw up, alright? You're aware of the Midas touch, right? You've heard of that? Okay, well, the Midas touch, whatever that is, I got the opposite."
"Don't be so sure. I mean, look at you. You're still at it right? You haven't given up. Pace instead of dwelling on everything that's gone wrong this weekend, so far, um…think about what you contributed. You've put a lot of selfless work into this place, right? That is the real question. Listen, that goes to the heart of who Pacey Witter is."
"What?"
"What makes you care so much?"
"Evelyn Ryan," Jack's voice hitched a little.
"You know you love someone when you can spend the entire night sitting by a fire, watching them sleep."
"Sounds like you loved him very much."
"Love is the hardest of woods. It takes a long, long time to heat up, but…when it does…"
"And especially Jen Lindley."
"Joey, Joey, Joey, what am I going to do with you? You're constantly getting into these situations where you jump in with your heart, and then have to jump out with your head. Your heart and your head have just been in constant conflict with each other."
"I recognize a Joey trance when I see it."
"It is definitely nice to have her back around again."
"Do you feel the sparks?"
"Well, you can never really deny the sparks between the two of us. When she's around I feel more…I feel more alive."
Jack continued, "We know they are here with us today, members of our non-traditional family. And they are happy today."
He cleared his throat. "Joey and Pacey have written what is in their hearts today. So, Joey…"
Pacey squeezed her hand as Joey looked right into his eyes and began speaking.
"Pacey, one day you told me that you didn't want to talk anymore and you kissed me by the side of the road. And I thought I would have so much to say today, but I find myself not wanting to talk anymore. I have loved you for so long, and I will love you forever. You are my friend, my Pole Star, my one true love."
Joey smiled as a tear fell down her cheek, which Pacey reached out to brush away.
"Pacey." Jack prompted.
"Joey." He paused as his voice caught in his throat. "There was a time I was afraid today would never come. But somehow you and I always made our way back to each other. Loving you was enough for me then, now it is everything to me. You make my life make sense, and you are my true love."
Joey squeezed Pacey's hand and smiled crookedly at him.
Jack smiled at his friends. "Josephine Lillian Potter, do you take Pacey John Witter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Pacey John Witter, do you take Josephine Lillian Potter to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor and cherish as long as you both shall live?"
Pacey grinned at Joey. "I do."
"Alex?" Alexander stepped forward and offered the rings to his aunt and uncle. Pacey gave him a wink and a grin as he picked up Joey's ring.
"With this ring, as a symbol of my love and affection, I thee wed." He slid the ring onto her finger. She looked down at the engagement ring she had come to know so well, now permanently attached to a slender gold wedding band. They fit together perfectly, just like what they symbolized. Joey reached down and took Pacey's ring from the pillow.
"With this ring, as a symbol of my love and affection, I thee wed." Her eyes never left his as she spoke.
Jack continued, "If there is anyone who knows of a reason why these two should not be married, and there better NOT be, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
No one took Jack's challenge. A moment later he concluded, "Then be the power given me by the state of Massachusetts I pronounce you husband and wife. I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Pacey and Joey Witter."
Everyone applauded.
"Pacey, you may now kiss your bride."
Pacey leaned forward and captured Joey's lips with his own.
