Epilogue

The wedding was a quiet affair, attended by only close friends and family. Jack's parents and brother came from the US, and John Smith accompanied them, happy to see Jack finally being able to move on with his life. Jack was more than pleased to see him, knowing that it had all started from his generosity giving him a chance to start over.

During the past two years, Jack had been able to get on good terms with his family again. Therapy and Ianto helped a lot, and he was able to talk to all of them again, forgive himself for abandoning them, and overcome the idea that he was a disappointment to them. They'd never thought that, but Jack had needed some time to be able to believe it – and to allow himself to feel their love and acceptance again.

Ianto had only invited his family and Tosh. There was no one else he'd wanted there. Ah, except for Dr. Harper. He wanted to thank him for the support he'd offered them, invaluable in helping Jack get over his problems, and the relationship they'd held over the years permitted them to interact as more than doctor-patient, meaning that he was there as a friend. Jack insisted that they break even more protocol and invited Dr. Jones. She'd been essential to Jack's recovery and they wanted to share this important milestone with her. Jack felt like nothing would ever be enough to really thank her for everything she'd done. She'd been paramount in helping him overcome all the hurt, trauma and damage John had caused, and he felt clearly that his and Ianto's relationship was moving more smoothly than ever because of her help. She'd helped him open up and truly accept Ianto's love and give back the love he felt for Ianto.

They'd also seen fit to invite Gwen and her husband, Rhys. They had a daughter by now, a sweet girl named Anwen. Gwen had been the only one to believe in them, and they wanted her there to witness what she'd helped happen.

Both Jack and Ianto were happy to see their family and friends getting along. Even if they'd always be separated by an ocean, it was nice to know that both sides approved of the union. Not that they wouldn't have gotten married if they hadn't, but it was a nice touch to have the blessing from all of them.

It was nearing the end of the party, and Jack and Ianto couldn't wait to leave and start their honeymoon. They'd thought that a nice trip around the UK would please them – well, mostly Ianto, but Jack would do anything for him – to see castles, and ruins, and get a chance to see all the history Ianto had studied up close. He'd been offered a permanent position in Jack's company right after the whole affair with John was over. Jack's boss, well, their boss now, had been so pleased with the work Jack and Ianto were doing together, which was not only guaranteeing the loyalty of the usual clients, but gaining them more, that he decided that losing Ianto was not a risk he intended to take. He'd offered Ianto a full time position with the 'condition' that he went back to Uni to finish his studies – financed by the company, obviously. The day Ianto got the news, he had been beside himself. He couldn't contain his excitement, and it took him three attempts to be able to give Jack the news in a way that was actually understandable. When Jack finally got it, he opened their most expensive bottle of wine, and they celebrated all evening (and late into night). Now, he was even considering going for his Master's and Ph.D., wondering if in the future he could become a professor after all. It didn't seem like such an impossible dream any more.

They moved in together not long after Ianto started work officially, but considering that now both their wages gave them some leeway, they decided to buy a new place together. The final arrangements had been made a little over a year before.

They were now sitting at a table in the corner of their garden, enjoying the simple pleasure of seeing all their loved ones having fun. They were holding hands, Jack's head on Ianto's shoulder, both of them too tired, full and plain satisfied to move. That didn't stop Ianto from noticing something happening across from them. He tapped Jack on the shoulder, and pointed to Tosh and Dr. Harper, who were having a very lively conversation, apparently enjoying themselves tremendously, not minding anything that was happening around them. Later Ianto found out through Tosh that they had a date for the following Friday.

"So tell me, Mr. Harkness-Jones, how do you feel now that it's all over?" Ianto asked Jack, who had resumed his position leaning on Ianto's shoulder.

"Why, Mr. Harkness-Jones, I can say that I'm delighted with how it all turned out." Jack lifted his head, so he could look at Ianto. "But who said it's over?" Jack had lifted his hand now, to stroke Ianto's chin, gazing lovingly into his eyes. "I have this feeling in my heart that the best days of our lives are all ahead of us."

"Do you now? And why is that?" Ianto asked with a playful smile on his face.

"Because I just married the man, nay, the person I love the most in this world, and I feel so lucky that the most amazing human being that ever existed agreed to spend the rest of his life with me. Honestly, I don't know what could be better than spending my life with him." Jack kissed Ianto softly, intending to keep it short, but both of them quickly lost themselves in the kiss, and it took them a long time to pull apart. When they did, all the playfulness had left Ianto's eyes, and his whole expression was filled with happiness and love.

"I love you, too, Jack." Ianto said unnecessarily, because his eyes already told Jack that. "And I couldn't agree more with you." He leaned in for another kiss, but stopped only a breath away from Jack's lips. "On second thought, I have to disagree with something. I think I married the most amazing human being that ever existed."

Jack laughed and pulled Ianto closer to cover the final distance between them. "Shut up and kiss me, Ianto."

A/N: HUGE thanks to everyone who's favourited, followed, reviewed or even read until the end. You all have made me truly happy!

I hope you liked what you've read. If you have a minute, leave a review letting me know what you thought of the story as a whole. Remember, reviews are love and they make authors keep writing. ;) Also, today is my birthday and getting loads of reviews would be an AWESOME present. :P

I already have another story in mind, but I've barely started writing. As I did with this one, I'll only start posting when it's done (and beta'd this time). It might take a while, it might not. Who knows?

I hope I see some of you still here when I come back. :)

Thanks for reading!