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Epilogue

Britain sat at the window and watched the sun set. It seemed like only yesterday she had met Dave Batista in that studio. It was the day that had forever changed her life. No longer was she the insecure beauty who allowed herself to be a doormat just so someone would love her. She was a new woman now, she was a woman that had found love, had her heart broken and learned to trust again.

She watched as the day folded gently into night and wondered what Dave was doing. It had been three weeks since she had seen him last, three weeks since they had made love…but even though the time had passed, she was never more in love with him as she was at that moment.

She held her breath as she felt the tears start to sting her eyes. They had been through so much together; if everything they suffered didn't prove that they belonged to one another nothing else would.

"It's time." She heard her father say. She stood up and smiled at him. For the longest time, she thought that he would be the only man in her life that truly knew her worth. For so long he was the only man that treated her like she was more than a pretty face. He held no obligations or expectations for her…he loved her completely. It was the kind of love that before Dave, she thought it impossible to ever feel with someone else. Now she would be leaving him; for good.

Although Johan hated to see her go, he knew it was time. He had done all that a father could. He loved his girl without limits, he taught her right from wrong, and he raised her to be independent and strong. Though he wished she could stay his little girl forever, he knew that he had to let her go to become the woman she was destined to be.

For the first time in hours, everything was quiet. There were no longer the sounds of laughter and conversations filling the small room. It was just the two of them and in this moment; she took the time to tell him how she felt. "I'm scared, Vati." She turned to her father for guidance.

"Britannien, you are stronger zan you give yourself credit. You'll do fine…my girl always will do fine." He hugged his daughter and refused to cry.

It wasn't until she made it to the door that she felt like she was going to pass out. It was too much, too overwhelming. All eyes were on her, they were all expecting her to be great …what if she failed? What if she couldn't make it work? She scanned the faces and settled on one at the end of the room.

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Dave Batista watched Britain and felt his heart skip a beat. He had always thought that Britain was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but today, she was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined.

Although his three girls had walked just before her in their silver spaghetti strap gowns, their beauty paled in comparison to hers. He took in her white and silver beaded strapless gown. She looked like she had just stepped out of a fairytale.

Although her face was covered by a veil, he could see it in all of its flawless glory. So long had the mark from Hunter's hand been gone…all that was left was the shear perfection of his bride to be.

As she walked toward him, he felt the butterflies settle. He had been married twice before, but they were just practice. The third time had to be a charm. And though it was her first marriage, it was the first time that he'd married for love.

He didn't need the big wedding, but he went along with it because he wanted her to have the wedding of her dreams. He would have been happy getting married in their living room, not in a Cathedral of this size…but she wanted it. He would have been happy with just having his mom and his girls in attendance, but instead they paid to fly 45 people to Baltimore for their nuptials.

He had chosen Baltimore because that's where she grew up and it was special to her. Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral was a beautiful, Hispanic church. He wanted her to encompass as many things that made up her heritage on this day. And she had chosen to honeymoon in the Philippines and in Greece, because of his ancestry. But he didn't need all of that, all he needed was her.

As she approached, he could no longer hold in his smile. He knew that she was a bundle of nerves, but he would be strong for both of them. He knew this was right and there was nothing to be afraid of. With all of the restraint he could muster, he stood before her totally still. He watched as her father gently placed her hand on his. He took her hand in both of his much larger ones and squeezed it gently.

"I give you my daughter… be careful with her heart." Johan said before he kissed Britain on her head and stepping back from the couple.

Dave tucked her hand under his arm as they turned to face the priest. "You look beautiful." He said leaning in so she could hear him.

She smiled. "I should. You picked out this dress, remember." She turned to face her soon to be husband. Finally, he had picked out something that actually fit her; that she actually liked. His taste was definitely improving. "But the underwear you picked out are riding up my ass." He watched as her eyes grew wide. "Oh my God, did I just say ass in church?"

He let out a small chuckle. "Yup twice…we're screwed."

They couldn't stop laughing, especially when the priest asked them quietly if they were ready to begin. After they both nodded, the ceremony began with a High Mass in Latin and Spanish. Though Dave could have done without all of the fanfare, the look of happiness on her face was enough for him to go through with it.

Dave looked at his daughters who stood behind Christina in the bride's party, and then with a nod and a smile from them all, he spoke. "Britain…I don't know where to begin. You are more to me than a lover and more than my friend…you're my mentor, my confidant, my voice of reason, my ego checker…you're my everything. I don't scare easily and I have a hard time showing emotions, but I can tell you, I've never been more afraid than when I thought I lost you forever. I cried everyday and I didn't care who knew it. I realized when we were apart that I needed you to breathe." He took her hand and held it over his heart. "I need you in my life and I promise that I will try to make you love me half as much as I love you."

All she could do was place her hand on the side of his face as she looked over at Ric, Randy, John … and Hunter. Even though they had argued about him being in the wedding, not even he was going to spoil her day.

"David…I love you. I love everything about you. I love how loyal you are to your family, how much you care about your friends, even when they screw up royally and I wouldn't be bothered with them anymore." She looked at Hunter and rolled her eyes, causing Dave to laugh, because he knew exactly what she was referring to. "But that's what I need. You've taught me how to trust. I've never met someone who loves as deeply as you do and that's something that I want to spend the rest of our lives learning how to do. It's funny, because just when I think that it's impossible to love you anymore than I already do, everyday I find myself falling deeper in love with you. Today, I love you more than I did yesterday, but not half as much as I will tomorrow."

Although he knew that he was suppose to wait for the priest to give him permission to kiss her, he couldn't resist. He placed a small kiss on her lips, making the church laugh. "Sorry. I had to do that." He said with a big smile.

The wedding held traditions from both of their cultures. At the rehearsal dinner, they shared the German tradition of braking dishes. Although no one really knew why they were destroying perfectly good china, it was fun.

Before the matching platinum and diamond wedding bands were blessed, Dave reached in his pocket and gently laid 13 gold coins in Britain's hand; each coin was a promise to her, something that was traditionally done in the Philippines. "I will take out the trash. I will pick my clothes up off the bathroom floor." He tried to lighten the mood and was happy when he heard her laugh at his promises. "Seriously…I will ask for your input on decisions. I will consider you in all things. I will respect you. I will never take you for granted. I will treat you as my equal. I will share everything that I have and that I am with you. I will never hurt you again. I will be a provider and protector to you. I will never lie to you. I will always be faithful. I will love you forever." As he closed her hand around the coins he gently bent down to kiss it.

Finally, after all of the vows were said and the rings were placed on their hands; the couple knelt before the priest to receive the joining crowns of flowers to be placed on their heads. This was the part of the ceremony that Dave's mother was most happy about. It was a Greek tradition that symbolized that two people had now been joined and would never be separated.

As they arose, they turned to face the audience. "Ladies and Gentleman…I give you Mr. and Mrs. David Batista, Jr." The priest said, over the loud applause and standing ovation from everyone in attendance.

There was only one thing left to do. "Ready?" She asked him smiling. And in unison, they followed the old African tradition of jumping over a large decorated broom that was placed at their feet.

It was done. The wedding that was a Hodge-podge of cultures and traditions was as beautiful and fun, just as the two people who were united in matrimony. And finally that the hard part was over, what better way to reward their efforts than with a serious party?

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The Gramercy Mansion was decorated beautifully, but the expensive décor of the facility was not going to determine the reception. Everyone kicked back and enjoyed themselves. The Dom flowed like water as did beer, tequila and every other type of liquor under the sun. The music was loud, why John had been in charge of the music was still an enigma to both Dave and Britain; but all of the guests were having a great time.

"Britain looked so beautiful." Chase said as she danced with her father. "I hope my wedding is a beautiful as this one."

Dave looked at his daughter and raised his eyebrow. "I gave you permission to leave UCLA and transfer to Duke…I even let you move in with your boyfriend. Talking about marriage…now you're pressing your luck."

"Daddy, you promised." Chase said giving him a dimpled smile.

All he could do was shake his head. He had really been trying and even making some progress when it came to Jeff and Chase's relationship. That whole moving in thing would have never occurred if it hadn't been for Britain laying the smack down on in his interfering.

"What? I've been good. I didn't even say anything once about that painting of you hanging in his living room." He thought about the painting Jeff made of a half naked Chase on Thanksgiving. "I still don't want to know how he was able to paint that."

Chase looked in her father's eyes. "I posed for it."

"No…please. Let me just live in ignorance. Let me believe that you're in the guest room." He held Chase's head to his chest, like he did when she was a little girl. "Let me still think that you're my sweet, little Princess."

Chase held him close. "I'll always be your Princess, Daddy."

Before he could retort, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned and looked Jeff Hardy in the eye.

"Can I cut in? I wanna dance with my girl." Jeff held his stance, but smiled when he saw Chase smiling back at him.

Dave shook his head and let reluctantly let Chase go. As he watched Jeff take her in his arms, he noticed his other daughter Madison dancing with Randy Orton, smiling it up. "I swear, you two are going to give me a heart attack." He said before he turned to find Britain.

"He's not so bad." Jeff said to Chase.

"Yeah. Just don't let him find out about the interesting things you do with finger paints and you two will get along great." She flashed her dimples forcing him to kiss her.

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Britain made her way over to the table that Stephanie and Hunter occupied, carrying a small gift.

"This is for Aurora. We won't be back before her birthday." She said handing the present to Stephanie. "Just tell her that her Godparents love her and wish her a happy first birthday."

As she started to leave, Hunter stood up. "I just wanted to say…I'm sorry about everything."

Britain stood back and surveyed the scene. She had a choice to make, she could tear into Hunter, or she could let it ride and enjoy her day. With elegance and poise, she spoke to Hunter so he could clearly understand.

"You're only here because for some reason Dave still wants to be your friend. I agreed to be your daughter's Godmother because I like your wife and frankly I feel sorry for that kid having you as a father. But make no mistake, you are nothing to me. So unless it involves Aurora or if Dave needs a kidney transplant…you and I have nothing to say to each other." She put a smile on her face as the other guests walked past her. "And know this; if you ever try to hurt me or the people that I love again…this shit will blow up like the Godfather."

Stephanie couldn't help but to smile. She admired how strong Britain was. She wasn't afraid of anything. It was something that she wished she could do. But she had to admit, Britain was the catalyst that brought her husband back to her. There relationship had never been stronger…and now that their second child was on the way; things only seemed to be getting better.

Dave stood far enough away from Britain to hear what she was saying, but not make it seem like he was trying to protect her. He knew that this was something that she needed to do on her own. He wanted her to know that he trusted her and he believed in her strength. He had to smile. She had balls…and from the look on Hunter's face, he too knew she meant business. And before she had a chance to tell Hunter a little more about how she felt, he interrupted.

"Everything ok?" He asked running his hand down the back of her neck.

She turned to him and smiled. "Everything's great. I was just giving them Aurora's birthday present."

Dave looked at Hunter, who was shaking his head. It was amazing how much he changed over the year. In the past, he would have put her on blast and cursed her out for threatening him. But today, he was calm…and quite frankly he found her bravery amusing.

"Is it ok if I dance with my wife?" He asked Hunter and Stephanie. And before either of them had a chance to answer, he led her across the room to the middle of the floor.

Britain looped her arms around his neck and smiled. "Don't step on my toes. These shoes are killing me enough as it is."

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"First I'd like to thank everyone for sharing in our special day. There were some times when I thought that this day would never happen; mainly because Dave screwed up." She turned and smiled at her husband. "But to everyone that has listened to me cry, whine and scream about how much I love him and how frustrated he makes me. I'd like to say thank you.

To my Ma, I'd like to say, that I want to be like you when I grow up. Lord knows how you put up with Vati, being so optimistic and nonchalant, all these years. But you make marriage look easy and above all, you make me believe that it's beautiful. I will take your example and try to be as good a wife and mother as you are.

To my Vati, Ich liebe dich. Du bist der stärkste und meiste leichte Mann, den ich überhaupt gekannt habe. Mich beigebracht du hast, daß was Liebe wie glaubt und ich weiß, daß ich sie gefunden habe. Aber, egal was, ich immer meinen Vati benötige und ich bin immer dein kleines Mädchen. 'I love you. You are the strongest and most gentle man I've ever known. You've taught me what love feels like and I know that I've found it. But no matter what, I will always need my daddy and I will always be your little girl.'

To my brother Croix, you're a punk, but you being there for me has meant so much. You're a good guy and right now, it doesn't suck to have you as a brother.

To Christina, Seremos siempre hermanas. Si podría encontrar a alguien para amarme, sé que puedes. Como ti me dijo que antes, la licencia tú mismo abierta y él sucedan. Significas que todo a mí y yo no sé lo que haría sin ti. 'We'll always be sisters. If I could find someone to love me, I know you can. Like you told me before, leave yourself open and it'll happen. You mean everything to me and I don't know what I'd do without you.'

To Ric, Randy and John, I never met three guys who stuck their necks out more to try to keep two people together. You three are not only Dave's friends, but I'm proud to say that you're my friends too.

To my new step-daughters… I'll love your dad everyday that I'm alive and I will try my best to make him happy. I love you girls, you accepted me from the beginning and I promise not to take that lightly. I'm proud to be a part of your family and I hope that our relationships will continue to grow. Today, I didn't just marry your Dad, I married you too.

And to you…" She turned to Dave. "I don't have words to tell you how I feel about you. This is going to be journey and no matter where life takes us, I'm glad we'll be doing it together…side by side."

She turned back to the crowd and raised her glass. "Salute."

Dave raised his glass to speak. "I'm not that great with words and I definitely don't talk as much as she does." He nodded his head toward Britain, getting a swift pop to the back of the head from her. "But, to my girls, I love you. It means a lot that you are accepting of Britain and have welcomed her into our family.

To my mom, what else can I say but I love you.

To my boys, y'all are my boys. Thank you for everything you've done.

To the Weis', especially Johan, I promise I will take care of your daughter. I'm glad that you have taken me and my children in as your own.

And to my wife, we have the rest of our lives for me to show you how much I love you."

Although his acclimation was short and sweet he meant every word of it. They're promises to their friends, family and each other was sealed by a kiss, getting hoots, hollers and whistles from those who witnessed it.

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Perfect, now that's an interesting word. Usually it means devoid of flaw, but flaws are what make things special. If it weren't for all of the obstacles they had to face, none of them would be where they were on this day. If Chase hadn't been smothered as a child, she would have never reached out to Jeff. If he hadn't been an addict in the past, he wouldn't be a changed man, eager to learn to love life again. If they hadn't been forbade to see each other, then they wouldn't have had to fight to make their relationship, which was stronger than ever, work.

If Hunter hadn't been a dick then Dave and Britain may have never broken up. And if they hadn't, neither of them would have realized just how much they needed each other.

No, nothing about their relationships was perfect…not in the traditional sense of the word. They were as messy as they were harmonious, they were as complicated as they were simplistic, they were as unpleasant as they were beautiful and they were as flawed as they were perfect.

All of these things made them all strong…and that made it just perfect for them.

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Author's Note: This epilogue has been so hard to write! I must have written it about 10 times doing different things with it. Although it's not the best thing I've ever written, I think it summed it up. I'll be working on the sequel soon. Right now I'm concentrating on my other stories, Miscommunication and The Edge of Reason, but I promise, it's not the last you'll hear from Jeff and Chase nor Dave and Britain; there's even a little X and John drama thrown in too. I got a few bumps to throw their way; so stay tuned.

Thank you to everyone who has stuck this out with me. You guys rock and I am completely in awe in your courage for reading and you're confidence in me as a writer. I promise the sequel will be so much better.

Until then as always,

Be Easy!

Shannon