{Hayden's POV}

(One Year Later; September 1, 2018)

The day had come at last; Astrid and I were getting married in half an hour, and I couldn't wait. A lot had happened in a year, but nothing we couldn't handle. For starters, I was beyond proud of my soon to be wife for coming to me about a personal problem regarding why she withdrew from any forms of intimacy with me. I know that it took a great deal of courage to come forward about that matter, and as I promised, I helped her any way I could. Ashley and I haven't had sex, no, we were saving that for tonight when we began our two-week honeymoon. However, much of the suggestions by Ashley's therapist were to engage in a little foreplay, to get Ashley used to my gentle, loving touch. As opposed to when Ashley was touched by Virgil and the others; Ashley faded out to ignore the pain; she would go into her own little world, and it wasn't easy to break her out of those panic attacks and flashbacks. That was the goal at least; for Ashley to associate my touch with pleasure, not pain, and be able to stay focused without blanking out to ignore what was happening to her. Ashley and I started simple, and worked our way up to everything except intercourse over the last year. About two weeks ago, Ashley said she was ready, and we've kept to our agreement to wait until tonight to go all the way. Also, Ashley finally forgave her mother, and the two spent a good portion of time talking about things, and working on mending their relationship. It still wasn't perfect, but fixed enough that Ashley felt comfortable inviting Asvora and Craig to the wedding.

In other updates; Devon and Skye were now proud parents of a little boy named Conner Bazirk. Skye gave birth March 22, 2018, and the two new parents were working on finishing the plans for their marital union, which would take place in June 2019, on the 28th. Travis and Alicia were getting married in October 2019 on the 12th, but I've heard it won't be a big wedding as they're trying to save money, and make sure their daughter, Trisha, has everything she needs, plus the rent and bills don't fall behind. A genius move, and who needs a big gathering anyway? Mine and Ashley's wedding isn't massive. Eli and Roxanne were married April 14th, 2018; a lovely marriage ceremony and reception, then the two newlyweds took off for a week. In May, just a month later, Roxy learned she was four weeks pregnant. Currently due to give birth in January 2019. Hailey and Ford have a son now; he is named Ozzy Bazirk, after Devon and Hailey's father, Oswald. Ozzy was born April 9, 2018. Hailey was glad she gave birth when she did because she and Ford were able to attend Eli and Roxy's wedding. Seth and Caitlyn had been together almost two years, and I was confident that he was thinking about proposing to her this coming Christmas, but nothing definite yet. I knew that Seth was nervous to ask for Caitlyn's hand in marriage because of Brandon, but last I checked, the biological father was slowly removing himself from the boy's life because of a new girlfriend or something. Seth mentioned the man was skipping his weekends, and when that happened, Seth would take Brandon for ice cream, or to the park while Caitlyn worked. Seth wanted to adopt Brandon, but the real dad being around would make it complicated. I said I would help where I could if legal aid were needed.

I was truly happy for all my friends; settling down, having families of their own. I hoped Ashley and I would have children, and live a long, happy life together. What was I saying? Of course we would because we were thrilled to be with one another, and had so far from the beginning where we met. Speaking of, that's where we are now. Yep, Ashley and I decided to get married at the elementary school in the classroom where we became best friends. It had been my idea, and she loved it, so we made arrangements to rent the room for a few hours. After all, we had a tiny group of people on the guest list. Ashley and I, of course, then we had Asvora, Craig, Gabriel, Seth, Caitlyn, Travis, Alicia, Ford, Hailey, Skye, Devon, Eli, and Roxanne. There was the minister too, but she was only staying to marry Ashley and me. My best man was Seth, and Ashley's maid of honor is Hailey. I was wearing a gray suit with a black tie, and I knew Ashley was wearing an ivory dress, but I hadn't seen her in it yet.

The room was set up very simple. Ashley and I would be at the head of the table, and the others on the left or right of us since we were only using one table to sit at. The food choice was salad for an appetizer, chicken parm with buttered rolls as the entre, and finally wedding cake for dessert. Gabriel was walking Ashley down the aisle because she didn't feel right having Craig do it, and both my dad and hers were gone. Gabriel was a fatherly figure of sorts, or an uncle at best. I mean, the guy is my Godfather, so it made some sense to ask him. Gabriel had been over the moon when Ashley talked to him about it, and of course, he accepted the job right away. Everything else was ceremony proceedings, and fittings. At this point, Ashley and I had been together almost two years; it would mark that November 24th, so about two months away, little over since it wasn't the 24th of September yet, so I guess three months technically. It didn't matter; we were getting married, and today would be the best day of our lives. Well, one of them at least.

{Ashley's POV}

It was here at last! My wedding day! Ah; I couldn't believe today was the day I became Hayden's wife, and surprisingly, it hadn't been such a laborious process to get here. Planning the wedding had been relaxing almost; the two most prominent ordeals I had to handle were the problematic parts. The first situation was getting through the intimacy issues. After I talked to Hayden about things; I felt a lot better, and more confident that tonight wouldn't have significant problems. Was I nervous? Of course. Did I trust Hayden? With my life, and I knew he would go at my pace. It was what we worked on in therapy, which I wasn't going to anymore. After forgiving my mother, I stopped because I felt like I could handle things without a guide. Plus, I had Hayden to help me, like he always had and always would. Well, I had my friends too, but still. Hayden was about to be my husband, and I could confide in him for everything; the guy was my lover, my friend, and that's what we were doing today. I was marrying my best friend in the entire world. Hayden explained that was the purpose of the ring he proposed with. The two hearts represented our eternal love, and our birthstones were for the unbroken friendship we shared. I have no idea what gave him the idea to use that for the engagement ring, but I loved that he chose that design; it held a great deal of meaning to us, just as today did and the place we decided to get hitched for life.

Working through the intimacy problems had not been simple by any means. Hayden and I would start with kissing, going into making out, then we began with light touches on the arms or leg. Once I was okay with that, we moved into Hayden being able to lay me down on the couch, then making our way to the bed. So on and so forth, we worked at something more passionate leading up to the moment of intercourse. Hayden and I had to work through him touching me with clothes on, then slowly removing them until we were both nude. Hayden and I indulged in foreplay so I could get used to his touch, and not fade out from the real world. Hayden would have to talk to me, and I had to look at him to see it was him so I would revert back to thinking I was being hurt. The therapist said it would help to see the face of who is touching me, and know the touch associated with that face, knowing his voice if my eyes were closed. As I said, it wasn't easy, but eventually, we managed to start at kissing and both get through an orgasm while naked on Hayden's bed without me freaking out. I knew there would be some hesitation when we got to the intercourse bit during the honeymoon, but Hayden already assured me that we would just take it slow as we had with all the other steps to get me past the fear. Hayden didn't mind that I was scared, and I think that's one of the things I loved about him; how understanding he is.

Forgiving my mother had been another chore, but I could say now that we were in a better place. My mom has been drug and alcohol-free and clean for eight months now, and I was proud of her for getting help, and letting Craig help her. I wasn't sure if I'd ever see that man as my step-father, but I knew he loved my mom, and that was enough for me to accept him as part of my life. I invited them to the wedding, and it was a good feeling to know mom was there. Though, I felt terrible for Hayden because he didn't have either of his parents present for today. I guess he was making due with their pictures set up in the front row with stands. I had one for my dad too, and it made all the difference to see their faces and know they were with Hayden and me in spirit today as we said our vows and bound our two lives into one in matrimony. I was ready.

{Normal POV}

There was a knock on the door of the girl's restroom, which was just down the hall to the Pre-School room where the wedding was being held. Hailey opened it a little to see Gabriel.

"Is the lass ready?" Gabriel asked.

"She is. Is Hayden?" Hailey wondered.

"Excited and anxious like a little kid on Snoggletog mornin'," Gabriel chuckled. The door opened fully as Hailey helped Ashley out. Gabriel offered his arm as Ashley held the bouquet with her other hand, then linked her arm to Gabriel's. Ashley took a deep breath as Hailey headed inside first when the music started, and then Ashley and Gabriel were next. Hayden laid eyes on his fiance, and he almost cried at how beautiful she looked. Ashley wore a simple ivory dress; it wasn't extravagant, or riddled with attributes. The dress was a Sheath/Column off-the-shoulder sweep train lace; and it hugged her every curve perfectly without revealing too much. Ashley's hair was down, in the braid that hung over her left shoulder as always, and there was a thin, ivory headband to match the gown. Ashley didn't wear earrings, or a lot of makeup, but Hayden didn't think she needed that either way. Ashley was led down the aisle to Hayden stood on the left of the minister.

Gabriel kissed Ashley's cheek before taking her hand and joining to Hayden's, and then Gabriel took his seat. "Are we ready to begin?" the woman, Gwen Elders, inquired softly.

"We are," Hayden nodded.

"Thank you to the friends and family that are here today to celebrate the union of Ashley and Hayden! This occasion not only marks the beginning of their marriage commitment together, but it is a commemoration of the love and friendship nurtured and shared between these two. Together, they embark today on a new life together, built on the foundations of trust, compassion, and mutual respect," Gwen announced as the greeting to their guests. "If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace," After hearing nothing, she smiled, and prepared to continue. "At this time, before proceeding with the bonding ceremony, I would invite the couple to share their vows. Ashley, would you please deliver yours first?"

"Today I take you as my husband. I love you now as I've always loved you, and as I always will love you," Ashley recited softly, smiling at Hayden.

"And now Hayden, would you deliver your vows?" Gwen invited.

"Today I take you as my wife. I love you now as I've always loved you, and as I always will love you," Hayden repeated gently; his eyes never leaving Ashley's.

"As you've already joined hands; we can move right along. Ashley, do you take Hayden as your cherished husband, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by his side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?" Gwen asked.

Ashley stared into Hayden's green orbs. "I do."

"Hayden, do you take Ashley as your cherished husband, in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by his side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?" Gwen questioned.

"I do," Hayden replied gently.

"The wedding rings perfectly symbolize the never-ending love you two have for each other. By exchanging these rings, you solidify a lifelong commitment to one another. The rings serve as a welcome and constant reminder of the bond you've formed with your partner," Gwen said as she held her hand out and Seth handed over the two gold bands to her. Gwen handed a thicker one to Ashley, then the smaller to Hayden. Please repeat after me, Ashley; Hayden, I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the band completes itself, so you complete me,"

Ashley held Hayden's left-hand ring finger, then began to slide the band in place. "Hayden, I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the band completes itself, so you complete me,"

"Now you, Hayden?" Gwen insisted.

"Ashley, I give you this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the band completes itself, so you complete me," Hayden recited correctly while placing the ring on Ashley's finger.

"In front of these witnesses, you've pledged your vows and exchanged rings according to the laws of this island. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!" Gwen smiled broadly while closing her book. Hayden used one arm to snake around Ashley's waist, then he drew her close and kissed her deeply. The room erupted in applause for the two. The kiss broke as the two faced their guests. "Ladies and gentlemen, I now have the privilege of presenting for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley and Hayden Haddock!" More clapping and cheers for the newlyweds. It had been a long time coming, but Hayden and Ashley were finally married as Mr. and Mrs.