Chapter 18.

Miley.

"Miley are you ready yet?"

Lucy's head carefully peaked into the room, her big brown eyes searching around until they fell on me. They instantly widened a little as I looked at her nodding,

"As ready as I'll ever be, do I look okay?"

Luce pushed open the door carefully slipping into the bedroom. I watched my soon to be step daughter waltz in wearing her big puffy princess dress as she kept her expression emotionless. Lucy walked around me inspecting my wedding dress as I slowly slid my hands down it, bitting my bottom lip. I gazed into the full length mirror in a state of shock because after the last failed wedding I honestly didn't think I'd be in this position any time soon, let alone with Nick. Lucy finally stopped circling her head tilting up to stare at me as she smiled,

"You look perfect Miley, are you sure you're ready? Daddy wanted to make sure you had everything!"

"Of course I am ready!" I announced confidently, "I'm wearing my new dress, my mom's old bracelet, Antonio's wife let me borrow her ribbon to tie up the bouquet- I have everything, something old, something new and something borrowed."

Lucy looked at me frowning, "What about something blue Miley?"

"Something blue?" I whispered the words sounding foreign to me. Blue?

I closed my eyes feeling the tension flooding my body. "Fuck!"

I instantly opened my eyes and covered my mouth in regret as I looked at Luce who was glaring at me with raised eyebrows and an open mouth,

"Mommy says that's a bad word and I-"

"Shouldn't say it ever! I know! Luce I don't have anything blue!" I hissed cutting her off, "I forgot about it."

Lucy just shrugged her shoulder not at all concerned, "I'm sure you have something blue Miley!"

"I don't have anything blue Luce."

"Are you sure you-"

"Did you bring your bracelet?" I asked hopeful trough gritted teeth

She shook her head as I let out a huge sigh pressing my hand against my forehead trying to think, "Luce go check and see if you have something blue-"

"Like what Miley?"

"Anything!" I spat, "I'm desperate, I'll take anything blue!"

"But-"

I didn't let her finish as I rushed off towards my own suitcase throwing it open, shit I needed to find something blue, anything blue! I grabbed a handful of clothes quickly sorting through them, red, orange, black, white, yellow- where the hell was the blue? I felt the panic starting to escalate, I mean sure I didn't have to have the blue item but it was an age old tradition and let's face it I didn't need bad luck right now for not having it, I was already eloping that was bad enough! I groaned falling onto my knees, I had purple- that was close? Who was I kidding it wasn't blue!

"Miley I have something blue!" Luce yelled from the other room.

I was instantly up and rushed to the door as I looked at Lucy who grinned holding out...

"Ugg boots?" I murmured staring at her.

Lucy nodded shrugging apologetic, "They are the only thing blue I have, but they have sparkles on them"

I bit down on my tongue, attempting to hold back the anger I was feeling not at Lucy but myself! I should have thought of this sooner.

"Lucy can you go ask Antonio if he has anything else blue for me, please?" I begged.

Lucy nodded staring at me, "I'll find you something blue Miley, I promise!"

She disappeared down the staircase as I took in a deep breath, it was fine, this was just a little hitch I'm sure there was something blue I could wear and it wasn't like I really needed it, why was I so nervous? I frowned thinking about it, why was I freaking out? Why did I care so much about this? It took me a second to realise that I was really scared, not about the wedding or committing to Nick for the rest of my life, but the fear of something else going wrong. The last wedding had broken me and the thought of becoming like that again was terrifying, I never wanted to be in that state of mind again. I just wanted to be happy, and I was at the moment. I suppose that's what scared me my whole life the moment when I was at my happiest something went wrong.

"Nothing is going to go wrong." I whispered to myself my voice quivering, "Nothing."

"No it's definitely not, because I have something blue for you Mi."

I spun hearing the familiar voice as everything in me stiffened, "Nick you're not supposed to see me before the-"

"Hence the blindfold," He cut me off quickly,

I stared at him dressed up in his black tux as I relaxed a little spotting the scarf covering his eyes. "Lucy said you were freaking out," He murmured moving over to me, his hands in front of him as he finally caught onto my hand wrapping his fingers around it, "And clearly she was right, you're shaking,"

I didn't respond as Nick sighed, "Miley nothing is going to go wrong, are you worried about the wedding, us, what?" He murmured confused,

I looked at him, wishing I could see his eyes. "I just don't want anything bad to happen Nick, because something always does and-"

"And like you said nothing is going to go wrong, no meddling family this time-"

"But I forgot the blue and maybe it's an omen that something is going to go wrong, I just, I'm scared because I'm so happy right now and I don't-"

"Shhh," Nick whispered moving closer to me, "I don't want it to change either, and it's not going to alter Miley. Plus I have something blue, no bad omens."

"What do you have then?" I murmured quietly, "I don't want to wear Lucy's uggs on my wedding day Nick."

Nick smiled chuckling and squeezed my fingers as he put his hand into his pocket, "I planned to give you this after the wedding but clearly it's needed now. On my parents wedding day dad gave mom a blue diamond necklace, Luce saw it a few years back and demanded that she wanted one too which resulted in the sapphire bracelet to compensate. But you on the other hand..." Nick murmured pulling out a black box, "Are receiving the same present my dad gave my mom, and they're still together, even if they do fight they still love one another and I think it's a good omen for us too."

Nick opened the box as my eyes widened, Holy shit

I felt my mouth dry up as I tried to speak but couldn't because I'd never seen a blue diamond in my life let alone one this big and gorgeous.

"Miley?" Nick murmured, "I can't see your reaction so..."

I heard a giggle behind Nick, "She loves it daddy, her eyes are the size of bowling balls! I think she's in shock."

Nick sighed in relief, "Okay then I'll put you in charge of helping her put it on Luce, and I will see you," He announced squeezing my hand, "When you walk down the vineyard aisle and become my wife." Nick kissed my hand and held the box towards Luce's general direction while I just stood there,

"It's so pretty, daddy can I have-"

"No," He announced walking out of the room, "Nice try though,"

Lucy huffed and turned to me, "You okay now? We have something blue..."

I nodded feeling better, "Yeah I'm good."

Lucy held up the necklace, "Let me put this on for you and then you'll be ready to-"

I grinned leaning down for her, "Go get married."

Luce nodded looking at me as she pulled the necklace around my neck clasping it. I stood up excited knowing that this was it, yhis was the moment I'd been waiting far too long for...

Nick.

"Everything okay?" Antonio asked looking at me concerned.

I nodded walking out of the guest house into the thick snow giving a small smile, "Yeah she's just nervous,"

"About the wedding?"

"No, Miley has a tendency to consider all the bad things whenever her life is feeling too perfect. She just needed reassurance and a good luck omen."

Antonio smiled looking at me all dressed up his suit ready to be our witness. "That is not a negative aspect of her Nicholas but surely a very honest one, it will keep her grounded. It's when they start taking everything for granted and forget all the possible implications that you end up with these...what do you call them? Air headed trophy wives?" He proclaimed and I laughed nodding, knowing those type too well and definitely agreeing with him.

"Miley will never be an air headed trophy wife that's for sure," I replied simply gazing back towards the guest house.

Antonio chuckled, "So are we ready for the proceedings to begin?"

"I think we are, is everything set up?"

"Yes I think so, I hope this is to your liking."

Antonio motioned for me to follow which I did as we walked around the main house heading towards the vineyard. We couldn't have picked a more perfect day if we tried, the weather although below freezing wasn't uncomfortably cold and last night the vineyard had received another sprinkling of fresh snow making everything a bright clean white. I'd only just turned the corner as I felt a smile consume my face,

"Is this set up okay we can-"

I looked at Antonio and grinned thankful, "No it's absolutely perfect," I murmured looking around.

It was picturesque really, a postcard view of the vineyard with the dark bluestone patio staircase and pathway providing the perfect aisle for my surely dazzling bride. A few chairs were placed strategically at the end along with two large bouquets of flowers declaring the spot where the nuptials would be undertaken. It was exactly what we wanted, simple yet still elegant. A winter wedding in all of it's beauty.

"Patrick can you please tell pastor Fredrick that we are ready to begin?" Antonio said slowly in English adding a few hand motions to assist.

I gazed at Antonio's grandson with hesitant eyes, a camera around his neck looking almost like a teenager. "I hope you don't mind," Antonio stated stepping into my view as I pulled my eyes away from the boy who seemed to have my daughter under his charm, "Patrick has taken upon himself to be photographer, I promise he takes wonderful photographs and I'm sure you'll want to keep these memories."

"Oh, I think Luce wanted the job but-"

"I'm sure they can share, would your daughter like to stay in the main house tonight?"

I turned towards Antonio with weary eyes glancing at Patrick disappearing inside, only to hear the old man chuckle.

"Don't worry separate rooms on the opposite side of the house, I just thought you and your soon to be wife would like privacy, it was my wife's idea actually."

I considered it for a moment knowing well enough the predicament I was in if I didn't allow Luce to stay in the main house,

"Fine," I murmured shortly, "I'm sure Lucy would love too."

"Wise decision Nicholas," He responded smirking, "Don't want to upset your wife on the first night of marriage."

I shook my head, "No I don't,"

Antonio suddenly grinned, "Nicholas here I'd like you to meet Fredrick he will be the one undertaking the ceremony for you,"

I turned and offered my hand to the small french man who grinned taking my hand pleasantly.

"It's a pleasure, thank you for doing this on such short notice."

"Love knows no time or place." He responded in a thick accent.

I looked at him and nodded, "That it doesn't,"

"Shall we get into position then?"

I looked at them both and nodded, my chest tightening a little nervous but in a completely good way. After a few minutes we had moved into our assigned locations, as Antonio's wife Rosa came out and proceeded to fix my tie and hair before taking her seat. Antonio went to see if the girls were ready as I found myself yet again staring at Patrick who was now vigorously moving around taking photos everywhere,

"We are ready to begin," Fredrick suddenly announced,

It took every single piece of will in me in that moment to not turn around and watch Miley walk down the snow filled aisle, but I knew like all other traditions I had to wait until she was at the alter. I watched the pastor instead his face bright with a smile as he tilted his head watching cheerfully. It was the longest ten seconds of my life until finally I felt a presence beside me and I turned finding Lucy instead to my right who grinned at me,

"You ready daddy?" She whispered to me as I looked at her,

"Of course I am princess,"

She nodded her eyes sweeping to my left as I felt my breath hitch. This was it. I was about to get married.

My head turned slowly as I found the one person who had made my often chaotic world perfect. Miley looked at me nervously her teeth biting down on her shiny lip but a small delicate smile on her face. I felt everything in me well with a sense of pride, she looked so unbelievable beautiful and a true image of the girl I fell in love with. My mind drifted back to the moment we met and how so much had changed yet still her bright smile that had captivated me from the start made me feel weak in the knees. It took me a moment to even think of something to say, because there wasn't a word to describe how unbelievable thankful I was at this moment. I offered Miley my hand as she smiled taking it gently, her expression instantly relaxing once our fingers were interlocked.

"You look beyond beautiful," I whispered quietly to her,

Miley's cheeks flushed a tinge of red, "You look charming too," She responded her eyes looking at me, "My prince charming."

We both turned to the pastor who gave a large grin as I nodded.

"We are gathered here today in the face of this company, to join together Nicholas Gray and Miley Stewart in holy matrimony,"

I contently split my time between watching the pastor diligently and gazing at my fiancé whose fingers every so often would squeeze mine, her expression becoming more and more relaxed by the second. I couldn't help but stare at Miley for the majority though, thinking of all that we'd been through and to finally be here today it felt life a gift from the heavens. Specifically one little boy's wish for us, I looked up at the cloudy sky realising who I had to be thankful too. Frankie was the reason we'd met, he was the sole component that had initially brought us together and helped our relationship along with Miley's former guilt for her mother's passing to recede. He was the reason I was here today and I made a note as I looked back to Miley that when we got home it would be my little brother's grave that would be our first venture as husband and wife so that I could tell him of the wedding he sadly had missed.

"I, Miley Stewart, take thee Nick Gray to be my lawfully wedded husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love." Miley stated slowly her eyes beginning to sparkle a bright blue, the tears in them from happiness I hoped.

"I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to ahcieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

That's when the first tear rolled down her cheek and I couldn't help but reach up and gently brush it away as she gave a small embarrassed giggle,

"I'm sorry," She whispered.

"Don't apologise I hope they are happy tears," I murmured squeezing her hand,

"They definitely are,"

The pastor looked at me as I turned staring directly at Miley forgetting about everyone else around us, "I, Nick Gray, take thee Miley Stewart to be my lawfully wedded wife," I said as she smiled her face glowing, "I give to you in the presence of God and all those in attendance my pledge, to stay by your side as your faithful husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and the bad."

Miley grinned at me as we both eagerly turned to pastor who nodded,

"Therefore in the eyes of those in attendance and God you can now be pronounced husband and wife. You may kiss your bride,"

Miley looked at me expectantly as I raised my eyebrows at her and decided it was clearly me who would be taking the lead in this kiss. I grabbed her waist gently pulling Miley's small frame towards me as she giggled and I leaned down as once again she bit her lip,

"I love you Mi," I whispered pressing my nose against hers closing my eyes,

"I love you too Nick."

With that I sealed the deal and I kissed my gorgeous bride. There weren't any fireworks or sparks just a recognition of familiarity and how kissing Miley evoked the same unconditional feelings of love in me every time I grazed her lips. I knew in myself that this feeling would never alter or change, no matter what happened to us I would always love her with all my heart.

I wanted to deepen the kiss, I had all intentions to do so, but when the clapping started and Miley hastily pulled back I realised now was not the place to be having a full on make out session. I smiled at her as she moved her hand up gently touching my cheek,

"Nothing went wrong." She whispered relieved grinning at me,

"And it won't," I responded, "This is our day and nothing will interrupt it."

Miley pecked my lips, "So Mr. Gray what are we going to do now?"

She looked at me with raised eyebrows and a smirk as I smiled, "I have a few ideas Mrs. Gray, but we have all night for that. I reckon we celebrate French style!"

I turned only to be hugged, one arm looping around my waist another one tangling around Miley's body.

"We're finally a family!" Lucy announced laughing uncontrollable,

"That we are," I announced wrapping my arm around Miley kissing her again, "And we always will be."

A/N: I know this took a while, I had to build up my motivation to write this haha! Anyway wedding scene over now onto the aftermath and soon the end :) Hope you guys enjoyed it xx