AN: FINAL CHAPTER :(.... Nah, happy times! Happy Christmas Eve! Here's an earlier present from me to you guys! I hope you all have a blessed and wonderful Christmas. At the start of the New Year, I hope to be in the works of revising an unfinished story, One Ocean View, crossing fingers. Plus I have some other ideas I can't wait to explore, take care!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and all that Jazz everybody!
Much love!
Chapter 30: The Epilogue
Enjoy!
Simply put, Tommy and Kimberly have the wedding of the century, with no holds bars. This time they were going to get things right. No more mistakes. No more promises broken, they would have that magical reunion, as it was always meant to be.
The sun was low in the sky. The day had been eventful with last minute wedding items to complete and be secure. Tommy stood in the spot where in just about 48 hours, he was going to be saying vows, and the final wedding vows he would make to the woman he loves. This was to be the last wedding, both agreed whole heartedly. Divorce will never be an option and because of that commitment, they knew whatever they faced, whatever was pushed at them, they would survive it, together. They had choose the spot where they first had kissed 12 year ago to be the very spot where they would confessed their love at their wedding. Tommy was always keen to this lake; something about this place always brought the best in him, and linked him to Kimberly. Tommy smiled, he felt the love his life close. It was electricity in the air. Kimberly came up behind Tommy, placing her hand on his back.
"Enjoying the view handsome?"
"Extremely." Tommy put his arm around Kimberly holding her waist. He kissed the side of her head.
"Can you believe it, finally back here," Kimberly said looking out. Over the summer break after school was let out, Kimberly and Aisha worked frantically to get the wedding set. At first, it was one headache after the other, since Kimberly kept trying to speed up the process and Aisha warned her to just take the time to get things right. Kimberly felt everything would be all right since they had true love on their side.
Kimberly had wanted the wedding on to be the on the same day that Tommy and Kimberly first locked eyes and knew they were in love. It happened after one of the worst days of Tommy's life, when he lost his Green Ranger power and Kimberly had enough courage to find him and break the iceberg.
"And now, in 2 days, we will be married…. Again!" Tommy let out a chuckle as Kimberly laughed.
"I'm more than ready."
"Good. Are you ready for tonight?" Kimberly asked tightening her arms around Tommy's waist.
"Of course, I just love your father." Kimberly laughed since she heard the sarcastic tone in Tommy's voice. Kim's parents, especially her father, couldn't believe how quickly the couple was back together. Mrs. Oliver, Tommy's mother, took the reunion much better than Kim's parents. Mr. Hart remember calling Kimberly about her summer plans and having the boys come stay with their grandpa for a week, when he overheard about the plans for a November wedding. Mr. Hart thought it was another one of Kim's best friends getting married, and was shocked to hear the wedding was her daughter and Tommy.
"He's just getting used to it, tiger."
"Yeah, with 2 days to spare." Kimberly laughed. "I mean, my mother took it better than your father." They both laughed.
"Well, since I had to deal with an upset parent the first time around, I think it's only fair you get the know the feeling when one parent doesn't want the wedding." Tommy smiled, hugging Kimberly tighter.
"Yes, I guess it is fair," Tommy said.
"Well, it was a tense couple of months at the start." Kimberly pulled away.
"True." Kimberly cracked opened her bottle of Nesquik and took a sip. Tommy looked down at her.
"What?"
"The last time I saw you drinking Nesquik, you were pregnant with Chuck."
"That's not true." Tommy arched his eyebrow at her. "I drink it all the time!"
"Sure Beautiful."
"It's true!"
"We have been having a lot of…" Tommy smirked at her.
"I'm not pregnant!" Kimberly shook her head, but she did think back in her head since her last period. Tommy watched Kim's face with a huge smile as she started counting backwards in her head. "Couldn't be," Kimberly said. When Kimberly was pregnant with Zeke, Tim had picked enormously on her about obsessions with chocolate Nestle. And with Chuck it was her obsession with that new flavor Nesquik at the time cookie-n-crème. Kimberly looked at the strawberry bottle of Nesquik. "Could I?" Kimberly looked up at Tommy.
"We have time, we can go to the hospital…"
"Let's wait… I haven't been having any morning sickness, nor have been tired lately."
"Okay. We can wait."
"Yes, we have all the time in the world."
"Forever Beautiful."
"Much longer handsome. Much, much longer." They kissed.
The morning of the wedding, Tommy was standing in his suit talking with his groomsmen, Jason, his brother and the others. It was early, in the Oliver household. All the men were ready standing in the kitchen having a funny chat about Tommy and Kim's relationship through the years, but the women were coming along slowly upstairs. Tommy was forbidden to even step a foot up the stairs. They were at his parent's house getting ready. They would be taking separate limos to the lake in about an hour. Aisha had felt a tuxedo was best suited the guys, but Kimberly wanted more causal the second time around. Tommy matched Kim's style this time instead of the bridesmaids, with his silk pink tie and 3-button vest. Tommy heard more giggling upstairs.
"We are going to be late," Tommy said looking at his watch.
"When are you ever early, at anything?" David asked. The men roared in laughter. Tommy shook his head.
"I mean, my baby sis used to be fashionably late for things as a girl should be, and then she hooked up with you," Jason said shaking his head. "I don't think she has ever been early since then."
"Ha ha," Tommy said smiling. Tommy could remember all the late nights spent on the phone with Kimberly. He was stuck in his ranger suit, somewhat depressed since he couldn't leave the house or risk the exposure. Kimberly and Tommy would just talk and talk about anything, and everything. Sometimes, Kimberly would just fall asleep on the phone, not that Tommy minded. He could listen to her sleep any day. Oh, how he longed to be in that bed with her. They knew their love would find it's way back to each other. They were both just waiting for the right time. Tommy just loved how Kimberly always ended any talk with him by saying 'Stay strong tiger' or 'Never give up Handsome, never stop fighting'.
Tommy was pouring another glass of water, when he felt his cell phone vibrate. Tommy slipped away from the guys and their stories to answer it.
Come outside, under the tent
Tommy looked around after reading the text. He smiled and slipped outside. Tommy searched the backyard. It was empty.
"Kimberly?" Tommy called out. "Kimberly!" Tommy saw a blindfold. "Kim?"
"Put that one!" Kimberly urged from the cover. Kimberly had snuck out from upstairs, claiming the need to use the bathroom. She slipped Tommy a text to meet her outside. She couldn't wait until the wedding to see him. She had to touch him, kiss him, make sure all of this was really happening.
"Why?"
"Just do it!" Tommy laughed. He shook his head and slid the blindfold over his eyes. Kimberly grabbed his arms, shocking Tommy as she tugged him away from view. "Can you see me?"
"Of course not! Now, why can't I?"
"It's bad luck tiger!"
"This is silly Kim, we have all the luck in the world on our side now."
"I still won't chance it." Tommy shook his head, running his hands down her arms. They were bare.
"You have goosebumps, are you cold?"
"Excited more likely." Kimberly took Tommy's hands. "Nervous too."
"About what, Beautiful?" She placed his arms around her waist, as she locked her arms around his neck.
"I don't want to… I don't know… I just…"
"This is not going to be like the last time. We are much different and everything is going to be much better now." Kimberly smiled. "Remember my princess, you were the first to show me that true love lasts forever."
"I'm so lucky to have you."
"Every princess needs her prince and you found and saved me, Beautiful."
"Love changes everything."
"Yeah, I know. I love you."
"Love is not easy tiger, but it's always worth it," Kimberly said. "I know that now. I mean, I feel that and believe it…more than ever." Kimberly went quiet, as she bit her bottom lip. Tommy's hand ran up and caressed her cheek as he bent down and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"I am following my heart now, literally." Kimberly let out a laugh. "Now, I am the one that should be nervous."
"Why?"
"I have to follow your singing." They both laughed.
"You'll be fine Handsome, besides, you have a nice voice."
"Says the Grammy winner." Kimberly laughed again. "Besides, I have a huge surprise for you."
"Oh really, you have a surprise? Tell me then." Tommy laughed.
"It wouldn't be a surprise Beautiful!"
"Come on! This is my wedding! You can't keep something from me!"
"I can and I have."
"Meanie."
"Wifey." Kimberly laughed.
"Mrs. Kimberly Oliver… hmmm…" Tommy reached down and kissed Kimberly again. "Mrs. Kimberly Oliver Hart!" Tommy and Kimberly laughed loudly.
Zeke was sent with the other guys to find his mother and father. Aisha couldn't believe Kimberly sipped away that fast. Zeke came up outside and found his parents kissing. Zeke smiled. Some things just never will change.
"Mom, Dad…" Zeke whined, having watched his parents kiss for years now. Each time, it doesn't get any less gross for a kid. Kimberly and Tommy quickly pulled away, Kimberly wiping her mouth. "You two have a lifetime of kissing to come, must we be late?" Tommy laughed with Kimberly. "Auntie Sha is flipping out Mommy. She says you had better not have messed up your hair or make-up with Dad."
"See you down the aisle, tiger."
"The one in white, right Beautiful?"
"Yes." Kimberly kissed Tommy's cheek and walked away. Tommy went to remove the blindfold.
"Wait!" Zeke yelled halting his father from seeing his mother before the wedding. Kimberly had finally slipped back inside the house. "There, no chance of bad luck."
"Son," Tommy said removing the blindfold. "Your mother and I have had enough bad luck for the both of us. It's all good luck from today on." Tommy placed his hand on Zeke's head. "Now, let's go."
Angle Grove Lake provided the perfect setting for Kimberly and Tommy's wedding. Kimberly always said if she ever was to be married, she needed it to be in the place where their love blossomed first. And Tommy always felt a beach feel wedding would be great. The lake was simply decorated with the white chairs and pink bows, pink roses scattered about the grounds and on the white aisle and the surrounding forest made the most beautiful venue. It was one of the most magical weddings for the ages.
Tommy stood tall as the wedding march started. He was in awe of the sight of Kimberly. She walked, holding her father's arm in the most gorgeous asymmetric A-Line ivory, with Halter neck gown pink features illusion midriff, beading and embroidery, and chapel train. The actual wedding went by oh so quickly. It wasn't long before the vows. Tommy went first.
"Only once in a lifetime, do we find love everlasting. Because of you, I laugh, I smile, I dare to dream again. I look forward with great joy to spending the rest of my life with you again, caring for you, nurturing you, being there for you in all life has in store for us, and I vow to be true and faithful for as long as we both shall live." Kimberly had tears in her eyes. She nearly forgot her vows because Tommy's speech was so filled with love.
"Our love, is set in stone. I always knew our love would find its way back. God has given us another chance at happiness. I come today to give you my love, to give you my heart and my hope for our future together. I promise to bring you joy, to be at home with your spirit and to learn to love you more each day, through all the days of our lives. My love for you is endless and eternal."
"Repeat after me Tommy…" The priest interrupted.
"I take you Kimberly, to be my wife. My lover and my friend. The mother of my children, and my companion throughout life's journey. I offer you my strength and my need for your support, my willingness to cooperate, to be patience and to listen. I promise to be loyal, honest and communicate fairly with you. I will always try to understand you, and respect your ideas, beliefs and guidance. And though we cannot know what life will bring to us, but I do know I will share it all with you. And I will remember how lucky we are, and the joys you bring to me." Kimberly smiled. She laughed a little. It was her turn.
"I take you Tommy, to be my husband. My lover and my friend. The father of my children, and my companion throughout life's journey. I offer you my strength and my need for your support, my willingness to cooperate, to be patience and to listen. I promise to be loyal, honest and communicate fairly with you. I will always try to understand you, and respect your ideas, beliefs and guidance. And though we cannot know what life will bring to us, but I do know I will share it all with you. And I will remember how lucky we are, and the joys you bring to me." Tears rolled down her face. Kimberly wiped away some tears, with help from Tommy. The priest took the rings from Tommy's brother.
"Tommy and Kimberly, the wedding rings are an outward and visible expression of your inward and spiritual commitment of your love created from two people. May your rings always recall to your mind, the power of the promises and the love you two share and have made today and will share forever."
"Kimberly, I give you this ring as a token of the covenant of love we have made today. And know that wherever I go, I will return to you. Whatever I have, I will share with you, for our lives are joined in love and trust." Tommy took the gold band and placed it on Kim's finger. He struggled with pushing the ring to the top of her finger. Kimberly laughed. She helped him push the ring onto her finger, as a few people watching, giggled loudly as well.
"Tommy, I give you this ring as a token of the covenant love we have made today." She smiled as slid the ring to Tommy's finger looking into Tommy's eyes. "And know that wherever I go, I will return to you. Whatever I have, I will share with you, for our lives are joined in love and trust." Kimberly took had problem with sliding the ring properly on his finger. It was Tommy's turn to laugh. She had to use both hands to push the ring to the top. "I don't recall it being this difficult the first time."
"Me either," Tommy said. Everyone laughed. Tommy took her hand and squeezed it. A white candle was brought out. Tommy and Kimberly were to light the unity candle together as final symbol to the wedding of the love, their love. They did so.
"Now that the candle has been lit, from hence more, Kimberly and Tommy have made this solemn covenant of marriage before God and all of us here of their confirmed love and commitment. I therefore declare you two to be husband and wife, I now pronounce to you all again, Mr. And Mrs. Tommy Oliver. Tommy, you may kiss your bride." Tommy smiled. They kissed. Tommy cupped her face and kissed her passionately.
"Wow," Kimberly said as Tommy pulled away only to go back in for another kiss. Kim's arms went around his neck tightly as Tommy lifted her up, spinning them around. Everyone still clapping and cheering.
"Mr. And Mrs. Oliver everyone!"
Just across the way, where Tommy and Kimberly's reception was held inside a circus like tent, with huge black and white balloons hanging all around. White chairs with black tables tops all around to go with the black and white checkered dance floor. There were tan netting plate mat, white square large plates, white silverware, using sea shells all around, large shells for name placing, black and pink goblets all around, and white napkins to complete the look. On the table before the bride and groom arrived, their white wedding cake. It was a mermaid inspired cake to complete the lake feel with starfish, shells and heart shaped top.
At the reception, instead of exchanging vows and toast like normal newlyweds do, Kimberly and Tommy decided to sing to each other. Both were extremely excited, until Tommy realized that it truly meant he was singing in front of everyone. To ease some tension, Kimberly went first.
Tommy and Kimberly walked slowly to the stage, with Kimberly having the pull Tommy most of the way. Kimberly pulled down the microphone as the band was playing soft music since everyone was finishing their dinner meal.
"Hello everyone, so my darling husband actually requested that since this was the second time around for us, we were going to go about things differently. Instead of vows, we would sing to each other." The crowd erupted in awes. Kimberly turned to the band with a smile as she held Tommy's hand looking at him. "So, to my husband, the love of my life, I guess the saying is true, the third time is a charm. But, don't worry, this time is forever. And this is because of your love." The music started.
Would I be standing here
After all these years
Among the stars above
Maybe not, if it wasn't for your love
Smiling faces all around
Like when a king that just been crowned
A battle has been won
That I'd have lost
If it wasn't for you love
A fairy tale unfolds
More true than stories I've been told
At last my chance to shine
And all in perfect time
The life I once dreamed of
Who'd have thought
If it wasn't for your love
Kimberly and Tommy stood with their foreheads pressed together staring deep in each other's eyes, with one of Kim's arm around his neck, as Tommy held her by the waist close to him. Tommy smiled as if he never smiled before. That was so Kimberly, so beautiful.
Ooooooo (love) ooooooo
And oh the wonderful surprise
To have a light so bright it blinds, it blinds my eyes
And finally I see, how it feels to live a dream
But would I have touched the sky
Ever flown so high
No not I, if it wasn't for your love
Your love
Tommy stroked Kim's face as she finished her song with a smile. He kissed her passionately as everyone around them clapped loudly. Kimberly smiled pulling away.
"Your turn Handsome." Tommy took the microphone. But instead of staying on the stage, Tommy took Kim's hand and led her to the dance floor. Tommy looked back at the band and nodded. The band started up slowly, playing to Tommy's song. Tommy took a deep breath into the microphone as Kimberly giggled a bit. Kimberly laughed, recognizing the song immediately. Neither had told which song they would be performing.
Always and forever each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me that somehow came true
And I know tomorrow will still be the same
'Cause we've got a life of love that won't ever change and
Kimberly was very impressed. Tommy looked so natural singing to her. Tommy and Kimberly were slightly swaying to the song.
Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you
Forever, forever
There'll always be sunshine when I look at you
Something I can't explain just the things that you do
And if you get lonely phone me and take
A second to give to me that magic you make and
All of sudden, the real band that sings the song, Heatwave, appeared on stage. Kimberly looked back to see them singing the song to her with Tommy. She covered her mouth in total surprise. Tommy just had to go all out for their wedding. Tommy smiled, as Kimberly laughed and hugged Tommy immediately.
Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we'll share tomorrow together
I'll always love you
Forever, ever
Kimberly couldn't help but laugh at Tommy's fake beautiful voice, even when he faking the high notes, he never looked better. Kimberly's arms flew around Tommy's neck as she cut him off with a long kiss. Tommy picked up Kimberly, spinning them around. Tommy let the real singers finish the song as since Kimberly's lips locked with him.
Loving you is the thing that I plan
For a very long time
Me and you, you and me, we as one
Love together
For a very long time
Loving you, you, baby
Always, forever love you
Always, forever love you
Always, forever love you
I said, "Forever love you, love you"
Ever and the day and one day
Loving you, you, you, you, you
Forever, tomorrow's tomorrow
Ever and a day, ever and a day
Ever, everyday, yeah, you
Loving you forever, ever, you, you
Forever
And that's the very, very long time
You.... very very, very long time ahhhhhh
Forever loving you, oooohhh
I said forever, ever loving you
Forever
9 Months Later….
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"
Tommy groaned, as Kimberly's grip on his hand was stronger than ever. Here they were, back in the hospital to delivery their third child. It turned out Kimberly was pregnant, and yep, and it's a girl finally. Kimberly couldn't forget the day she found out she was carrying a girl. Kimberly couldn't remember crying so hard that day, Tommy gleaming with delight. Tommy couldn't be happier to have a little girl, a littler girl to be the spitting image of his beautiful wife. The grandparents had to drag the boys out the waiting room, though Zeke wanted to stay and help.
"I can help Mom…"
"Get out!" Kimberly screamed, scaring everyone from coming within 10 feet of the hospital room.
Kimberly was moaning and groaning on the bed as the contractions were hitting her hard. Very hard. They were coming back to back now, feeling like just minutes apart. The doctor had to rush away when another woman was ready to deliver and now it was almost time for Kimberly to deliver her baby.
"Just breathe in and out, Beautiful…"
"Oh you breathe in and out!" Kimberly snapped back. Tommy tried to wipe the sweat away with a damp cloth, but Kimberly shoved his hand away.
"It's going to be okay, Beautiful, the doctor will be here in a minute and we'll move to the delivery room and have our daughter."
"Oh, you make it sound so nice and pretty! Why don't we have you carry the next baby for 9 months and see how fucking nice and pretty you'll be! Ahhhhhhhh, I want the drugs now!" All of a sudden, the doctor came into the room.
"Well, well, I see we have another baby ready to come. Let me check you out," Doctor White said getting new gloves.
"Maggie, I need more drugs…"
"Oh Kim, you know you have already had your epidural. I can't give you another one..."
"I don't care, give me two! I will pay for 2! How much is it? Tommy get your wallet!" Tommy struggled to pull his wallet out.
"That won't be necessary, you are 10 cm, let's go." Dr. White nodded to the nurse to get another tech for transfer. Dr. White covered Kimberly up. Kimberly grabbed Tommy by his shirt and pulled him to her roughly.
"It will be a cold day in hell before you ever touch…ahhhh…." Another contraction hit.
"Let's get a moving before we have this baby in an elevator."
A few hours later…
"She's so beautiful." Kimberly kissed Tommy while holding their daughter in her arms.
"Just like her mother." Tommy took his daughter from Kim's arms. "Welcome to the family Trinity Rose Hart Oliver.
"I love you Tommy."
"I love you too, always and forever." They shared another short kiss.
"I want to hold the baby!" Chuck said.
"No, me first! I'm the oldest!"
"But I asked first!"
"I want to hold the baby first!" Adela yelled.
"I should hold the baby first," Kim's mother said. "I am the grandmother."
"I'm the grandmother as well," Mrs. Oliver, Tommy's mother, interrupted. Tommy and Kimberly looked at everyone arguing over who should hold the baby next. Tommy and Kimberly shook their heads. Their family was now going to be just a bit more hectic with another Oliver in the family.
Songs Used: Heather Headley- If It Wasn't For Your Love and Heatwave-Always and Forever(ones of the greatest love songs around)
Thanks to everyone! My dear friends, PJ and Mili who helped in the process, and to the many fans and reviewers who continued to support the story, couldn't do this without you. Until the next time! Here's a quote to live by:
*Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, laugh uncontrollably... and never regret anything that made you smile!*