Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of "Pirates of the Caribbean", the only character I own is John Kevins.
A/N: Well, the story is reaching its end. Hope you will like this chapter and the next one which will be the last. And if it not too much a bother for you, please review, so that I know what you think of it. Shouldn't be this difficult, don't you think?
Chapter 8: I Thee Wed
Soon the Bullet reached Port Royal, and without Beckett and Norrington, Weatherby Swann regained his position as Governor, while Elizabeth and Will could finally celebrate their wedding.
This time no one was going to interrupt them, and Will was growing nervous while waiting for his wife-to-be.
"Hey, lad, there's nothing to be nervous about, ya know" Jack said, while drinking some rum. Both him and Captain Kevins had been added to the list of the guests, as well as the whole crew. They had all become part of Will and Elizabeth's lives more than the young couple could have imagined that faithful day they met Captain Jack Sparrow for the first time.
"You make it easy because it is not you who's going to get married in minutes" Will replied, wrapped in his elegant blue and gold dress, the same he had when he was arrested by Beckett's minions.
"He's right, ya know, Jack" Kevins intervened, adjusting Will's dress just a bit, then winking at him. "But just think that she loves you and you know it, lad, savvy?" he added then as an afterthought.
Soon enough, but for the groom it seemed an eternity, the wedding march was played, and everyone looked at the doors of the church, where the bride was making her entrance.
Will's eyes met hers, and he grinned, every trace of nervousness forgotten the very moment he saw her, beautiful as an angel. His angel.
She walked slowly down the aisle, smiling shyly at him, a bouquet of white roses in her hands.
The ceremony then started.
"We're here reunited to celebrate the union in the sacrament of marriage of Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann" the officer announced. Then he proceeded with the ritual.
"Who gives this young woman away?"
"I, her father, do" the Governor said, visibly touched. His baby was going to get married, finally.
The ritual continued, till the moment of exchanging their promises.
"Will, Elizabeth, you may now pronounce your vows"
"Elizabeth, since the first time I've seen you I've thought you were an angel on Earth. Growing, we became the best of friends, but for years I hid my real feelings about you, because I was just a blacksmith, and you were the daughter of the Governor, so how could you love me back? But destiny brought us together, and through thick and thin our love lasted, and I dare to say it grew stronger. I know it has, on my part. So, I tell you once again, Elizabeth, that I love you from the deep of my heart"
"Will, as you remembered we grew close but there were still social barriers between us. I'm glad we managed to overcome them because I've loved you for a long time in secret, and it pained me to not be able to express it to you the way you deserved. I love you, Will, and I'll always do"
Then the rings were brought, and with trembling hands the two young lovers exchanged them.
"Elizabeth, with this ring I thee wed" he said, while gently sliding the ring on her finger.
"Will, with this ring I thee wed" she repeated, mimicking his actions.
"They're so cute" Ana Maria gushed, while Jack rolled his eyes. "Women" he muttered, earning himself a nudge in the ribs.
"Ouch" he said.
"Serves you right, mate" Gibbs grinned, while Kevins rolled his eyes at them. And speaking of eyes, Ragetti was desperately searching his wooden one, while trying not to create havoc during the ceremony.
"You'll pick it up later, now sit and be quiet" Pintel chastised him.
Bootstrap Bill instead was silent, enjoying his only son's happiness, at last. He had missed so much in Will's life, but at least he was there for this huge step.
Finally the ritual moved toward its end.
"Will, Elizabeth, I declare you husband and wife. Will, you may kiss the bride"
He didn't need to be told twice, and eagerly lifted her veil, claiming her lips in the sweetest of kisses, while thunderous clapping of hands ensued in the small church.
The banquet followed, and Jack was more than happy for that, because he could finally find something to drink. Something alcoholic, of course, although not his beloved rum.
When the feast was finished, they all reunited on the docks to see the crew leave on the Bullet, and it was not without an hint of sadness from Will that they said goodbye to the pirates, a kind of people they had been taught to despise and in this case had instead become friends with.
Once at their new home, a big flat the Governor had gifted them for their wedding, Elizabeth and Will finally let reality catch up with them.
"We're married" she whispered, looking at him grinning.
"Aye, we are" he said, spinning her around and making her giggle, something that always put him in the best of moods.
She then claimed his lips hungrily, and he complied all too eagerly. Never breaking contact they managed to reach their bedroom, and Will shut it behind them, just to be sure they would not be disturbed.
This time no one was going to rob them of their wedding night.