2. The Vow
It was so strange to see the convent transformed. The weeds and dead vegetation were gone. Luscious green plants mixed with flowers that Emma wasn't familiar with led the way to decorated chairs placed five yards away and a white runway made its way from the staircase to the end where in place was a specially hand crafted wooden wedding arch that seemed to really match the greenery surrounding the area.
Air caught in Emma's throat as her eyes made their way to where her son and future husband were standing. Neal wore a similar tux to Henry's only with a black tie instead. The minister stood behind her boys or in front of them depending on perspective. It was the same minister that had presided over her parents wedding in the grand hall twenty-eight years ago.
The tempo of the music changed and Emma tightened her grip on her fathers' arm.
"You're not going to pass out on me are you," David asked.
"I'm fine," Emma said nervously.
David chuckled, "Okay. Well that's us."
Emma nodded and the two made their way down the stairs and onto the runway.
All that mattered, all that Emma could focus on was Neal. His smile radiated from his face and he could see the same smile on hers. Suddenly a childlike behavior took over and she wanted to race down the aisle to meet him. The slow progression no longer felt fast enough even though she and David were going at a fairly moderate pace.
Finally they made it to the end of the aisle. Mr. Gold sat in the front row on Neal's side and smiled at Emma but she didn't notice. It was hard to pay attention to anything but Neal and Henry.
Mary Margaret, who had been standing across from Neal in place where Emma would be standing, took a couple steps toward Emma and stood on her left.
"Who here gives this woman away to this man," said the minister.
"We do," David and Mary Margaret both said in unison.
Mary Margaret was the first to hug Emma and whisper, "I love you," to her. Emma whispered it back.
Emma then turned to her father who looked like he was ready to cry. He hugged her tightly and then he placed a kiss on her forehead also whispering, "I love you."
Neal reached out for Emma's hand which David then nodded to Neal before placing Emma's hand in his. He then took his place by Mary Margaret.
The minister told everyone to take their seats and he began the ceremony.
"Family and friends we are gathered here today as we witness the unification of Neal Cassidy and Emma Swan. Love can often be a very complicated thing but what is not complicated is its ability to transcend realms. No matter what world love is always there, it always follows and it always finds those who are truly meant to be together.
Neal and Emma have decided to write their own vows so we will now hear the words they have from their hearts. Neal."
Neal turned to Henry who smiled at his dad as he handed him the ring. Neal smiled at him and then turned his attention to Emma.
"Eleven years ago my life was changed forever. You stole my car and right then I knew you had taken me along with it. From that moment on I never wanted anyone else but you. I spent a good portion of my life running away from magic, despising magic but then I met you and not knowing what I know now, I knew, even back then that you were the purest form of magic there ever was and ever will be. I once said that what I really wanted was you and I say those words again because they mean just as much now as they did back then. I love you Emma Swan and I'll never stop loving you."
Neal gently placed the ring on Emma's ring finger.
Emma was beside herself with tears but managed to compose herself as she turned to Mary Margaret who handed her the ring. She turned back to Neal.
Emma took a deep breath and began.
"I always saw myself as damaged. I never thought I was capable of loving someone because I didn't know how to love, I never learned how to love and then I met you and suddenly loving you felt like something I had always known. Few people have ever managed to break down my walls but somehow you got through. I told you I loved you and I had never said those words to anyone before and yet it felt right. Despite the trials we have faced, you are a loving man and you are self sacrificing. You gave me up once to give me my best chance, to give me a chance at finding those I had once lost. And you gave me the perfect son, a child I never wanted with anyone else but you. I never stopped loving you Neal and I never will."
Emma slipped the ring onto Neal's finger. The two smiled at each other.
"With the power vested in me," said the minister, "from one world to another it is my great honor to pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride Mr. Cassidy."
Neal smiled, "About time," he said.
Emma laughed at his comment and the two of them went in softly but anxiously. In this moment nothing else mattered. The world around them disappeared and the only thing that mattered was the way their mouths melded into one another. Nothing could be more perfect than this moment and nothing could take it away.
People stood up and began clapping.
In the distance they could hear muffled laughter and people trying to clear their throats but they were still too lost in one another to fully pay attention. A minute later and the sounds got slightly louder forcing Emma and Neal to pull back. Emma blushed and Neal smiled. She leaned into Neal letting him hold her and Neal reached back pulling Henry in, the three of them standing there as the family that they had always meant to be.
