*Okay, so here is the final chapter and I'm a little sad to see it end, but I think its time. I want to thank you all for reviewing, favoriting, and following this story. It means a lot to me. And now, here is the final chapter of Unexpected Life, Enjoy*
Six Months Later
Rachel
She stood in front of the mirror admiring the beautiful dress that Kurt designed for her. It was fitted at the top with net illusion cap sleeves, beaded lace that adorned the bodice and skirt hem, and a chapel train. Her hair was pulled up into an elegant up do with a silver tiara that held her veil and a few loose strands that were curled to frame her face.
She still couldn't believe that she was finally going to marry Finn. Originally, they were going to have a small wedding in front of the justice of the peace, but their parents insisted on paying for an actual wedding. They said it was because they hadn't really supported their first engagement and wanted to make it up to her and Finn. Thanks to Kurt, it wasn't going to be that expensive.
Rachel smiled as she watched Santana approach her in her baby blue bridesmaid dress. It was strapless with a flowing skirt. Her hair was half up with the rest cascading down her back. "You look beautiful Santana."
"You know it." Rachel rolled her eyes and Santana continued, "You look beautiful too Hobbit, but if you tell anyone I said that I will kill you." The two women laughed and Rachel pulled her in for a hug. She couldn't believe that the girl who had given her hell for most of her high school career was now one of her best friends and maid of honor. She would have had Kurt by her side, but Finn insisted he be best man.
"Where are the others?" Rachel asked, looking around the room.
"They're all downstairs putting on the finishing touches. Kurt wants everything to be perfect."
Rachel laughed. Kurt had done so much for this wedding. He got his boss to help him with the dresses and tuxes by offering to film them in the wedding and giving permission for the footage to be used on the site. That alone saved them thousands of dollars and she was able to wear one of the most beautiful designer dresses she had ever seen. "I can't wait to see it. Knowing Kurt, it's going to be fantastic!"
Finn
He kept expecting to be nervous, but all he could think about was how excited he was. Their last attempt down the aisle hadn't gone very well, but he was determined to make this the best day of their lives. He even made sure that everyone had gotten here safely so that they didn't have a repeat of what happened to Quinn.
There was a knock on the door and Burt stuck his head in, "You almost ready?"
Finn couldn't help but laugh, "I've been ready."
His step-father entered the room and sat in a leather chair near the door, "I'm proud of you Finn, and I think your dad would be proud of you too."
Finn's eyes met Burt's and he gave the man a genuine smile, "Thank you. That really means a lot to me."
Burt nodded and pulled something out of his pocket, "There's something I wanted to give you. It was my fathers," Burt handed Finn the box that he was holding. Inside was a silver pocket watch with gold accents.
"Wow…I can't take this. Shouldn't you give it to Kurt or something?"
Burt smiled, "I talked to Kurt and he agreed that you should have it." Before Finn could say anything else Burt stood, "Come on son, time to get hitched." Finn pulled the watch out and connected it to the inside of his jacket so that it would be safe. He could see the tears beginning to form in Burt's eyes at the action and stepped up to give him a hug. Together they made their way downstairs where Finn would finally say I do.
Carole
Carole sat in the front row with Burt by her side, watching as Kurt fixed Finn's tie for the third time. She still couldn't believe that her baby was getting married, but she was glad that he was marrying Rachel. Finn had been so lost before she came into his life, and now he had become the man she always knew he could be. The ceremony hadn't even started yet and she had tears falling from her eyes.
Music began to play and she turned to see Santana gliding down the aisle with a smirk on her face, which for her was as close to a smile as they were going to get. Next came her eleven year old niece Rebecca walking towards her in a baby blue dress, throwing white rose petals down in preparation for Rachel's grand entrance. When the music changed, everyone in the church got to their feet. Rachel appeared with both Hiram and Leroy flanking her and Carole's tears intensified. Rachel had always been a beautiful girl, but now she was simply breathtaking. She turned to look at her son's face which was lit up like a little kid at Christmas. There were oohs and aahs throughout the church and Rachel's face flushed.
When Rachel finally made it to Finn and the crowd was seated once more the minister began, "We are gathered today to rejoice in the union of Finn and Rachel. I have been asked to recite a passage chosen by our bride from 1 Corinthians: Love is patient and kind, it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offence, nor is it resentful. Love takes no pleasure in others' sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end. There are three things that last, faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love." Carole couldn't hold back the sobs that were escaping her now. She told Rachel that that was her favorite verse from the bible and it meant so much to her that she decided to use it in their wedding. The minister continued, "Finn and Rachel would like to recite their own vows."
He gestured to Finn who took Rachel's left hand in his, "Rachel, I truly feel like the luckiest guy in the world. I have been lucky enough to find a woman who challenges me, loves me without question, and is always there to help me through every obstacle I have ever had to face. You have been my inspiration and I couldn't imagine living my life without you. I love you Rachel."
Rachel had to wipe the tears that were falling from her eyes. After taking a moment she cleared her throat so that she could speak and began, "Finn, you make me so happy. When we first met, I was so focused on my dreams that I didn't even realize how lonely I was. You came into my life and showed me what it was like to love someone. You taught me that it was okay to take a step back, that I didn't have to always be the star. You taught me how to be a friend and how to care about others before myself. I am so grateful for everything you do for me and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you."
Carole saw a tear roll down Finn's cheek, and turned to see tears streaming down Burt's face. The minister began again, "May we have the rings?" Puck stood up with baby Ethan who was holding a little pillow. The rings were in Puck's pocket of course, but Finn and Rachel really wanted Ethan to feel included. Once Finn had the ring in his hand the minister gestured for him to start.
Finn looked deep into her eyes:
"With this ring,
I give you my promise that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone.
May my heart be your shelter
And my arms be your home.
May God bless you always.
May we talk together through all things.
May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are.
May you always see your innocence in my eyes.
I give you my heart.
I have no greater gift to give.
I promise I shall always do my best.
I feel so honored to call you my wife.
I feel so pleased to call you mine.
May we feel this joy forever.
I thank God.
I thank you and I love you."
Rachel cleared her throat once more and began:
"With this ring,
I give you my promise that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone.
May my heart be your shelter
And my arms be your home.
May God bless you always.
May we talk together through all things.
May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are."
Her voice cracked and she had to take a deep breath before beginning again:
"May you always see your innocence in my eyes.
I give you my heart.
I have no greater gift to give.
I promise I shall always do my best.
I feel so honored to call you my husband.
I feel so pleased to call you mine.
May we feel this joy forever.
I thank God.
I thank you and I love you."
The minister closed his bible, "By the power vested in me by the state of Ohio I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride." Finn pulled Rachel in for a gentle kiss that soon deepened, earning cat calls from their friends. When they broke apart they were laughing.
Rachel
She watched Puck stepped onto the little stage in the reception hall with Kurt, Artie, Sam, and Blaine. She turned to Finn who winked at her and held out his hand as music started to play in the background.
Yeah…Yeah…Oooh…
Sam took the lead to start:
I open my eyes
I see your face
I cannot hide, I can't erase
The way you make me feel inside
You complete me
Girl that's why
Somethin' about you makes me feel
Baby my heart wants to reveal
I'm down on my knees
I'm asking you
These three words I want to hear from you
All of the boys joined in:
Yes I will
Take your hand and walk with you
Yes I will
It's these three words that promise to
Yes I will
Give you everything you need
And someday start a family with you
Yes I will
Take your hand and walk with you
Yes I will
Baby I promise you
Yes I will
Give you everything you need
And someday start a family with you (a family)
Oh yes I will (oh baby)
Puck started the next verse:
This is no ordinary love
And I can never have enough (I can't enough of)
Of all the things you've given to me
You're my heart, my soul, my everything
Rachel's tears had begun anew as she pulled Finn closer as they danced their first dance.
Every night I thank you lord (I thank you lord)
For giving me the strength
To love her more and more
Each day I promise her
As long as I hear those three words
The boys voices blended together perfectly:
Yes I will
Take your hand and walk with you
Yes I will
It's these three words that promise to
Yes I will
Give you everything you need
And someday start a family with you
Yes I will
Take your hand and walk with you
Yes I will
Baby I promise you
Yes I will
Give you everything you need
And someday start a family with you (a family)
Oh yes I will (oh baby)
Puck continued:
I stand beside you
In everything you do (yes I do)
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
Baby I'll be there
Oh baby I'll be there (I'll be there for you)
Blaine took over:
As God as my witness (God as my witness)
I will carry this through (I will carry this through)
To kept to what's promised
What's promised to you
(I promised you)
All five boys came together to finish the song off:
Yes I will
Take your hand and walk with you
Yes I will
Baby baby baby I promise you
Yes I will
Give you everything you need
And start a family with you (oh I will)
Yes I will (oh yeah)
Yes I will (oh yeah)
Yes I will
I promise you
That everything's gonna be alright (it's gonna be alright)
I will
There was thunderous applause as the song came to an end. Rachel was so overcome with emotion that she leapt on stage and began hugging her friends. The rest of the evening went by so quickly that before she knew it she was in the limo, heading to the airport. Her fathers had paid for them to have a small honeymoon in Florida. Carole, Burt, and her fathers had even fought over who would watch Ethan while they were away before deciding that they would split the time. It all seemed a little surreal to her. She was married! She lay her head on Finn's shoulder and released a contented sigh.
Finn's voice broke through her reverie, "Is this at all what you expected from your life?"
She laughed, "Not at all, but I think that's the best part. Ever since I was a little girl I had a plan for my life and nothing has worked out the way I expected, but that's what makes it so amazing. I wouldn't change anything."
He kissed her lightly on the lips, "Me either."
**The song is Yes I will from the Backstreet Boys which I don't own. I also don't own the bible which is where the verse from 1 Corinthians came from.**