A/N: This is it! This is the last chapter of this fic, the epilogue. I have worked really hard on this and i really hope all you have enjoyed it!
For those who usually do not read these kinds, I commend you for getting out of your safety zone and read this. I hope it was worth it!
A WICKED special thank you to Erin and Mary from I-C, who halped me througout this whole fic, Erin proofreading and Mary brainstorming this last one, and proofreading this one.You gys are lifesavers and keep me going!
Special shoutouts once more to I-C where all the Benry shippers go and have some fun! Lets hope season 3 Henry will be amazing!
Also thank you to those who are stil reading this and have shared your kind words and opinons even with the drama that has happened. It really shows that no matter what, and no metter what ship we are, we all know it's all in good fun and its for the love of the show. Thank You!
So without further adu, here is the last chapter and heres to for a better season 3!
Enjoy!
1 Year Later
I sit at the chair with the million bobby pins sticking into my scalp and the gallons of hairspray already itching my scalp.
"Hilda are you DONE yet?" I ask.
"Ay! Yes, just give me a minute! You are almost done!" Hilda says, sticking more bobby pins into me.
"Be grateful that when you get married in a couple of months that I am not the one doing your hair!" I say. Hilda smiles and looks at the ring on her finger. "In speaking of that. Have you and Tony thought of a place?" I ask.
"Yes. We decided on the church down the street from his house, St. Paul's?"
"Oh, that's a nice church. It will be a gorgeous ceremony." I ask.
"Yeah, but I don't think that it will be as amazing as yours!" Hilda says.
"I'm sorry that someone wanted to help me with the wedding." I say.
"I'm sorry that I don't know anyone like Daniel to tell me the sky's the limit on my wedding." she says annoyingly. She gives me a laugh and a smile. She puts in one more bobby pin and sprays the hairspray from the can one last time.
"There. NOW you are done!" Hilda says, taking the bib thingy off.
"Thank GOD!" I say jumping out of the chair and looking at the mirror. She really have improved and I LOVE my hair. Hilda puts on my veil and I start my way to my room, being careful for my hair.
I run up into my room and put on The Wedding Dress. It looks so amazing on me. I feel like a princess, about to marry her Prince Charming. Oh wait, I am!
I finish getting dressed, put on my shoes and make up, and I get into the Limo that is going to the ceremony. As I look out the window, seeing the lights of New York starting to light up the late afternoon, I think of what got me to this point…
We walk out of the hotel and walk to the Taxi depot to get ours to the airport home. We take one last look at some of the sights and food places. We go through the merchants and markets we were in earlier today. We pass by a stand and I see it again. The Dress is still there, no one has bought it yet! A tug from Gio snaps me out of my concentration.
"Hey we got a few minutes. Want to go get an espresso quickly?" he asks pointing over at a bakery.
"Yeah, sure." I say. We enter the bakery and order our drinks. As we sip our espressos, we talk about our highlights from the trip and just talk like we always did. It felt so nice to just talk freely with him and not trying to hide it.
"Listen," Gio starts. "I need to check on something, so can you stay here and watch our things?" he asks getting up from his seat.
"Yeah, sure Gio, just hurry back." I say smiling.
"I will." he says then walks out of the bakery. I sit all the way back in my seat and sip my espresso. This day has been so crazy and now the near future is going to be also. I look out at the markets and I think about The Wedding Dress. How I SO want to get it, but I know its going to cost too much. I barely have enough money left to fly home. How I can picture me in it, the day I will finally fulfill my fantasy. Gio's voice snaps me out of my mind drifting.
"Betty! Can you bring my luggage out? I can't with what I have." Gio says from outside the bakery.
"Yeah sure." I say. I get up from the table, leave a tip, grab both Gio's and my luggage and walk out of the bakery. I see Gio and I drop whatever I had in my hands.
"Gio! How did you-? Why did you-?" I say, lost for words.
"I knew you were eyeing it earlier AND when we were passing it on the way here." He says with a smile on his face.
"But Gio, you really shouldn't have done that. Why would you buy this for me?" I ask.
"Because, I knew that you didn't have enough to get it and…think of it as an early wedding present. All I ask for is an invite." he says, giving me my dress, in the bag, looking slightly defeated. I just look at him.
"Gio. Thank you!" I say wrapping my arms around him, not caring at the moment abut the dress.
"Anytime." he says hugging me tighter.
We break and I look at the dress. Nope, not wrinkled or anything. Phew.
We get to the taxi depot, catch our taxi and drive to the airport. The way to the airport we get back to our conversations and arguments about issues and such. We arrive at the airport and go through the procedures to get on our flight. I do have to admit it was hard at first to give my dress to luggage to get on the plane. I really did not want to let go of it!
I feel the plane lift and my insecurities come in again. I feel Gio's hand on mine and I look towards him, a comforting smile on his face. That's why he is such a great friend. I close my eyes and I feel the plane level off. The pilot comes on the speakers and says its ok to move about the cabin, and the seatbelt light goes off. I breathe a sigh of relief and I look over at Gio.
"Thanks."
"Feel better?" he asks.
"Yep. A little. I'll feel better when I am back in New York." I smile. He laughs. The stewardess comes by with drinks, and taking our orders for our meals. As the stewardess leaves, we get back to our conversations, and laugh about things that happened on the trip and people we saw.
The food is pretty good and it at least put something in my stomach. I sit back into my seat and lean it back, just relaxing. I feel my eyes droop and I close them, just resting them for a minute…
I am walking down the aisle in the church, all my friends and family surrounding me, my father holding my arm, walking me. The church is decked out with pink Gerber Daisies and realistic looking butterfly decorations on them. My sister up on the altar, with her maid-of-honor dress, looking stunning and my closest friends as bridesmaids. I look over the other side and see the guys in their suits, looking handsome, even Kenny who actually looks halfway decent. I look over once more and the sight of him takes my breath away. He looks as handsome as ever in his tux, his brown eyes looking at me and only me through his glasses. We arrive at the altar and he raises my veil and gives me a kiss on the cheek.
"Who gives up this beautiful woman?" the priest asks.
"Her mother and I do." he says looking at me then handing me over to Henry. He sits down and I look over at my soon-t-be husband, looking at me lovingly.
"You look beautiful." he says. I simply smile and blush as we face the priest and he begins the ceremony…
I feel a shake from the plane and I open my eyes. I sit up and I rub them. My food and drink is gone and my tray is put up.
"Betty?" Gio says. I look over at him.
"Hey Gio. How long was I asleep?" I say rubbing my eyes again.
"For quite a bit. Actually I was just about to wake you up to say we are about to land." he says.
"Oh!" I say, popping up and smiling. I look out the window and I see the bright lights of New York starting to light up as the sun starts to set. I smile thinking about who is waiting for me, waiting to hold me again.
"Ladies and gentlemen we are beginning our decent into JFK airport. We hope you enjoyed your flight and please come again. Welcome to New York City." The pilot says through the intercom. I make sure my seatbelt is festooned as I feel the plane descend. I close my eyes and Gio grabs my hand, knowing what to do.
The plane bumps and slows down as we get into the terminal and it stops. I basically rush out of the plane Gio closely behind me. It feels like an eternity waiting for my luggage, then I finally see my luggage and dress and grab it. Of course Gio's luggage is the last on off the plane. The moment he grabs it, I grab his hand and I drag him as we arrive at the security gate. As I get closer to the checkpoint, I look into the main entranceway and I see him, looking around and into the security gate.
My heart starts to beat faster, my palms start to sweat. I finally arrive at the point and I get quickly checked, I'm all ok. I walk out of the gate and he spots me. He smiles the biggest smile as he starts to walk towards me. I drop my things and I just run to him.
"HENRY!" I yell as I run and jump into his arms.
"BETTY!" he yells as he picks me up and spins me around and around. He lets me go and I pull his face towards mine, kissing him for the month that I wasn't able to.
"I missed you." he says as we break.
"I missed you too. So much." I say before hugging him.
"Thank you. I know you don't feel comfortable with him, but he really understands now."
"I'm glad, because I don't know what I would do if you still haven't told him." he says.
"I wouldn't know either. In speaking of us," I say taking off my bracelet and handing the ring to him "I think it's about time this ring was where it belongs." I say.
"You are right." he says, loosening the string from the ring and he slides it on my finger. Finally.
"I can't wait to finally be your husband.
"And me to be your wife." I tell him looking up at him. Our faces get closer then we hear someone cough behind us. I turn around and there's Gio who grabbed my luggage and dress, and looks like he is about to drop it. I rush over.
"Oh Gio, I am so sorry!" I say grabbing my luggage and dress, blushing.
"That's ok. I kinda knew you were gonna do that." he said. Henry comes up and shakes Gio's hand.
"Thanks for taking good care of her, and I'm so sorry about this." Henry says.
"It's ok. I sort of knew it all along, I just didn't want to believe it that's all." Gio says, looking at me. I can see it in his eyes that he is still hurt from it, but he puts up a strong front. Henry looks over at the garment bag and motions towards it. He reaches towards the zipper.
"Well well well, what's in here?" he says grabbing it. I stop him."
"No no no. You can't see that. Bad Luck." I say with a smirk. His eyes widen.
"Oh ok." he says with a laugh. Gio looks over at me and Henry and starts to duck out.
"Hey Gio, why don't you come with us to the Suarez's so they know its ok?" Henry suggests.
"Well, ok I guess, what's to lose?" he says following me and Henry out of the airport, feeling like a new person. Nothing to hide, only new things to come…
"Betty. Betty? We're here." Hilda says snapping me out of my daydream.
"Oh ok Hilda thanks." I say. The door opens and I step onto Central park feeling the squishy grass under my heels. I walk across the grass, picking up my dress and onto the paved way. In the distance I see the congregation gathering and the tall figure in the middle, waiting so patiently. The sun setting behind the setting is breathtaking. I see my father walk up in his suit looking very handsome.
"Ok everyone is taking their seats. You ready to take a walk Mija?" he says holding out his arm.
"Yes Papi. I so am." I say taking his. Hilda gives me one last hug before she runs ahead and starts to walk down the aisle. I hear The Wedding March" start and I take one deep breath before me and my dad start walking down the aisle.
I remember when I last walked on this path. It brought back a sad and happy memory all at once. It was here where we first showed our feelings for each other and the moment I knew I was going to marry this man. As I get closer to him, more of his features come out. I see his elegant tux, with the sweater shirt peeking from under it, in the redness of the setting sun he looks like the most handsome thing in the world. I see his brown eyes only on me through his glasses and I'm only looking at him.
I walk on that historic bridge and I finally meet him in the middle, the priest looking at us.
"Who gives up this beautiful woman to this man?" the priest asks.
"Her mother and I do." Papi says, handing me over to Henry who shakes his hand then looks at me. We stand in front of the priest. He leans in.
"You are the most beautiful thing in the world." he whispers.
"And you are the most handsome thing in the world." I whisper back as I just look into his eyes. I know for sure that I want to spend the rest of my life with him.
"Dearly beloved. We are gathered here today to celebrate the love between Betty and Henry. Over a year ago, both of them met on this very bridge, on this very spot, a day which both of these two say changed their lives forever. It was a day that was both sad, but they both say that they knew with one simple kiss that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with each other. After a history of bad timing, they finally have it right, and before all you here, they wanted you to be there to make their love and devotion official. If anyone has just reason why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace." the priest says.
I close my eyes and bite my lip, praying that no one that ever doubted this relationship will try to ruin this one last time. Because, I will not let them. I have sacrificed so much to be with him and I plan on being with him for as long as I love.
"Ok, very well. Henry Alan Grubstick, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to hold and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." He says firmly with a killer smile on his face.
"Betty Rosa Suarez, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love and to hold and cherish, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad for as long as you both shall live?" he asks. I look into his eyes, smiling at me. I say the words I have been dying to say for what feels like an eternity.
"I do." I say smiling.
"The rings please." The priests asks. Henry's mom comes up the aisle with a white carriage with a sleeping Nate in his little tux, the pillow with the rings just laying on his belly. I smile looking at the child. Henry's mom takes the pillow and hands it to the priest. He unties them from the pillow and hands us our rings. He motions me to start.
"As a symbol of their love, they will exchange rings and say their own vows. Betty, you go first." he says. I nod and turn back to him.
"Henry. The moment you turned around at your desk and looked at me, I knew that you were going to be special. And I was right. Since I have met you, we have been through so much and have already experienced the worst things that could happen to two people in love. It could only get better from here. For as long as I could remember, I was never noticed, but I picked you out of a crowd and I saw that you were noticing me back. Whenever I am around you I feel so complete, so loved, so beautiful and I would do anything to keep what we have. You have always been there and have always supported what I do and I can't wait to see what's to come in our future. In this spot our lives changed forever. This place is so special and that is why we chose here. Now here in the spot where we thought our lives ended, it is only just beginning. I promise that to always love you and whoever is in it. I promise to be a good friend and hopefully a mother-type person to Nate and that no matter what I will always be here with you and to always love you. I love you with all my heart and this ring is just a chip of how much I love you. As Long As You're Mine." I say slipping the ring onto his finger. He looks at me.
"Betty. I remember that day so clearly, in a rush trying to please your boss, stealing my coffee and bagel." he laughs. "You can say that you stole my bagel and my heart at that moment. From then I have seen you at your best and worst moments, in awkward positions, in butterfly costumes, and right now as the most beautiful bride I have ever saw. I can't wait to live the fantasies we dreamed about, and now even better with the angel who gave us our rings. I promise to be the best husband I can ever be, the man that will still love you until forever, and that's not long enough. I will always see you as the most beautiful creature on this earth and beyond. I remember when I kissed you on this bridge. It was a sad kiss, now the kiss we will this time will be a happy one, another kiss that will change our lives forever. This ring I hope shows you my eternal love for you and that no matter what, we will never be apart again. Just for this moment." he says slipping the band with the small diamond on my finger.
The sun is almost set and the lights begin to turn on in the park. I smile.
"Betty and Henry has shown their love for each other and made their vows. And as God and you as witnesses, let their love be known. So by the power vested in me, by the state of New York, and God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride" the priest says. Henry smiles as he moves the veil from in front of my face and our faces get closer. All bad memories leave me as we kiss this new kiss on this historic bridge. This kiss is a happy one, one that will change my life forever, for good. We hear the applause and break apart, turning to the congregation on either side of the bridge.
"May I now present for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Grubstick!" the priest happily says as we finish crossing the bridge. Together. I can't help but smile as we walk off and into the tent right by. The stars are lighting up the sky as we walk into the candle lit tent. The DJ smiles at us as we walk to the table with our places and look at the guests file in and congratulate us. Soon, my family and my now In-Laws join us at the table I see some people just wave over, saying that they will meet us later. Amanda comes up with her date and congratulate us, then asked us when the food will be served.
"About 15 minutes Amanda. Go sit down." I tell her. I look over at my husband and he just rolls his eyes. I see Gio walk over and I get up from the table and give him a huge hug.
"I am so glad you came Gio." I tell him.
"Yeah, it was a little tough for me to show up, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't." he says.
"You are just amazing Gio. One day. One day you will be as happy as we are, I promise you." I tell him.
"Thank You." he says then look over at one of the MODE girls at the bar giving a look. "Well, I should get started then." he says with a wicked smile then walking over to meet the girl at the bar. Do they ever change? The music stops and the DJ gives the microphone to my dad.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for those who don't know me my name is Ignacio Suarez, and I am Betty's father. I would like to thank all of you for coming to my daughters and Henry's big day. Now before we get to the fun part I would like to tell you a story." he says walking back over to the table.
"As many may know, I was married to a beautiful woman named Rosa. Yes our courting was…unorthodox, but we overcame that and had two beautiful daughters. At first I didn't approve of Henry because of what he was getting himself into and I didn't want him to break my youngness's heart, then I saw them do the same things that I was doing with my wife, and I saw so much of me in Henry, being determined to be with her no matter what, and I give him kudos for that. Over time I couldn't help but just accept that they are in love and they will do great things. Just like me and my wife did. Betty, I know today your mother is looking down from Heaven and smiling. She knows you made the right decision and that you will be just as happy as she was with me. So lets raise a glass and toast to the happy couple. May your marriage and lives be as blessed and happy as mine is. And that no matter what, we will always love you and support you in what you do. To Betty and Henry." my father raises a glass, as the tears start coming down my cheeks.
"To Betty and Henry." they say before they drink their drinks. My dad comes to us and gives me a hug.
"Te Quiero." he tells me. He comes to Henry and gives him a huge hug.
"Bienvenido al la familia mijo. Te Quiero" he says. The DJ gets the microphone.
"Thank you Ignacio. Now it's time for the bride and groom to have their first dance." he says then motions us to get up. We stand up and walk to the center of the dance floor as the beginning chords of "At Last" comes on. He wraps his arms around me and we just enjoy the feeling of being in each other's arms as we dance together on the dance floor. I lean my head on his chest and I hear it racing, like it always is whenever he is around me.
"I love you." he whispers in my ear.
"I love you too." I say. He dips me then kisses me as the song ends and the people applaud. We sit back down at the table just as the food comes.
The food and desert is great and then the DJ starts the fun music as everyone gets on the dance floor. We sit there as more people comes up to congratulate us. Charlie comes up with little Nate being held my the hands trying to walk. For the past few weeks, Nate has been trying to walk, but can only with help and bounce around.
"Hey Charlie." I say standing up and getting on the other side of the table.
"Hey Nate." I say leaning on my knees and smiling. Nate wriggles from Charlie's arms and takes a few steps before falling on his butt.
"Was that-?"
"Nate's first steps? Yes!" Henry says standing up and smiling at his son. I look up at Charlie and she smiles at me. I pick up little Nate and I give him a hug, spining him around.
"You did your first steps! You can walk!" I tell him, as he smiles and giggles. Henry comes up behind me and steals him.
"Nate I am so proud of you. You made me, your mother and your step mother really happy." he says hugging him. I also give Nate a hug.
"Aw, that's adorable! Can I take a picture of you three?" I hear Marc come with Cliff right behind.
"Yeah." Henry says as he gives Nate to me, and we pose for the picture. I see a flash. Cliff looks at the picture on his camera.
"That is amazing. You want to see it?" he asks.
"Yes." I say. Cliff hands me the camera and I look at the picture.
Little Nate is smiling, leaning towards Henry more. Henry smiles his biggest smile. He looks like he is the luckiest man in the world and I smile the same. As I look at the picture, I noticed something. We are a family. We achieved our fantasies, and I couldn't have asked for anything else…