Against All Odds

Disclaimer: I don't own iCarly

A/N:

Chapter 49 (Finally, Closure)

The court case turned out well, Spencer was impressed by the publicity that had been received. His father had been brought down on his many charges against the family and removed from the military. He didn't appear happy, but the Carlson's did their best to not only protect themselves, but to protect Spencer and his family. Sasha had spent a week with Erin and Candice, a truly emotional week that reignited the friendship that had been lost so long ago. Overall, he was proud of her for taking that brave first step. She'd truly grown and showed herself to be a strong and vigilant woman, something that kept him loving her even more each and every day.

Things were beginning to look up for all of them, and fishing had truly helped become that pastime, that escape they needed, just as Travis and Ken told him when they first arrived in Florida. Now the months had passed, Sasha began college and was doing exceptionally well with support all around, and Spencer was even looking for a place that could become a home. However, his mother was trying to talk him into staying at her place and letting her move elsewhere, handing the family home to the next generation.

Carly did well in school with her new friends, Jeannie and Nat. She remained in touch with Sam, Freddie, and Gibby. All of them were here today, on the wedding day.

It was a warm sunny day, and the wedding was taking place right where the wedding of each generation before him had been, on the lake. Spencer stood with the crisp air blowing against his face, he was neatly dressed in a brilliant black tuxedo, and his hands grasping one another at his waist. Beside him, his best man Socko, and groomsmen, Gibby and Freddie. Sasha's Maid of Honor was none other than Erin, and her bridesmaids were Carly, and Sam. They had not arrived just yet, and the preacher had not made it to the altar. Rather, Spencer and the guys were hanging right where they were supposed to be when the wedding did start, anxious as hell.

Behind them, the brilliant waters rippling in the wind. Before them, rows of white chairs where the guests were beginning to make their way towards. Uncle Kenneth would be the one handing Sasha away to him in place of her father, who still blatantly refused anything to do with her, even after they went out of their way to locate him and tell him about his two grandchildren.

"Why are we still standing here when the wedding hasn't even begun?" Socko asked, placing his hand onto Spencer's shoulder. "I know you're anxious, but you have to relax." Spencer smiled politely, still staring at the trees in front of them, while speaking through his teeth.

"I've finally got her to marry me, Socko. Two children later, a hell of a life later, this woman has finally decided that she wants to spend her life with me. I don't want to wait another minute." Freddie and Gibby smiled at him and shook their heads. He shot a swift glare and cleared his throat. "What? I can be impatient, can't I? I reserve the right to it."

"Well, I guess we can't argue that logic, it has been a hell of a long time hasn't it? So, you spoke with Sasha's pop?"

"Yeah, bastard still wants nothing to do with her. He's off living somewhere in Tennessee, a college dean. He wanted nothing to do with the daughter of a stripper." Scoffing, Spencer crossed his arms and glared off at the lake. "Of course, my mother is a politician. My entire family are into politics, and they weren't worried about their careers, which by the way, are still good."

"Did you tell him this?"

"Yes, but it means nothing to the guy." This was not a subject he wanted to discuss on his wedding day, it was a happy day, not a bad one. Besides, it also brought up the memories of his own father, who so grossly rejected them. Of course, who could count on dads to do anything right anymore? Save the few good ones there are. Either way, Mr. Maxwell Baxter never gave a penny over to his daughter, and he never would. Perhaps Sasha had an easier time accepting this than he did. "This isn't the time to talk about that anyway, Socko."

"Right. Time to celebrate, the happiest day of your life. You're finally getting hitched, tying the not, entering into slavery." Spencer jerked at the joke and glared at Socko, who simply laughed. "Just messin' around bro."

"Well don't." He couldn't help but to be a little amused, but he really wasn't in the mood for laughs. It was hard to do so when nerves were flaring up in every direction. "Sorry, I'm just…really nervous right now. Nothing can go wrong today, absolutely nothing."

"And nothing will. This is yours and Sasha's big moment. The one that not just you, but pretty much everyone else, has been waiting for." Freddie and Gibby murmured their agreements and Spencer felt the blood rush to his cheeks. "Be happy man, I'm proud of you. I am glad I destroyed that computer of yours!"

"You still owe me about five hundred dollars for that." Socko laughed again and Spencer flashed him a smirk. He managed to make a joke, but at the same time, perhaps Socko would owe him this money. "Nah, I wouldn't do that to you man."

"I'll buy you a drink later. How's that?"

"Fine." His mind drifted to the court case that his family had, it was aired on national television. Jessica had been praised while Robert had been severely faulted, the man had a crazed expression throughout the entire case it seemed, but it was understandable that the man was angry. Who wouldn't be pissed if someone he had control over managed to slip through their fingers?

Freddie put his hand over to Socko's shoulder and cleared his throat. "Hey Socko, it's time for us to get back with the girls. Remember we have to come out the aisle with them?" The order was to be Freddie and Sam coming down the aisle, followed by Gibby and Carly, then finally Socko and Erin. After that, Sasha would come out with Ken.

"Okay. Spencer, we'll see you in a few." Spencer nodded and watched the guys depart. The wedding was finally underway. It felt like a dream, too perfect. The guests began filling the seats, it was a simple, yet classy wedding which was open only to those on the guest list. Although, it seemed the place wasn't hard to find, people had been showing up to congratulate Spencer and Sasha for a few months now.

The preacher stepped in the center beside him and gave him a nod of approval. Wedding music started playing from a stereo nearby, and ushers led the relatives to their seats.

Spencer watched anxiously as the flower girl and ring bearer came walking up. Blake was seated in his grandmother's lap, clapping his hands in the air. The bridesmaids and groomsmen came out, arm in arm, then finally the Best Man and Maid of Honor. Then behind them, a vision which stopped the world. Everyone rose and Spencer's heart thumped in his chest.

Sasha stood with a bouquet in her hands and her cheeks red with blush. She had a snow white veil which fell from a crown of white flowers. Her wedding dress was pleated from the waist to her heels, and her chest piece was adorned with embroideries and pearls. She wore white arm warmers that ran all the way to her bare shoulders. Her hair flowed out to her back and her eyes were as bright as her smile. She outshined everyone there.

He took a deep breath and watched as she slowly walked the aisle with Ken moving next to her. The man was wearing the same grey suit that his father was wearing, with a silver tie atop a blue dress shirt.

As they were halfway down the aisle, they heard someone call out, interrupting the flow, much to Spencer's annoyance. "Pause the wedding! Wait!" Everyone groaned and turned back to see an older man with silver hair and a black suit. He had a mustache and beard, as well as shades. Spencer didn't recognize him at all, but Sasha did a double take. Beside the man was a woman with amber hair and a soft, yet stern expression, scolding him for interrupting a wedding when they could have just sat down and waited.

Behind them, a twenty-year old man shook his head and ran his hand carefully through his chin length brown hair. A young girl, Carly's age, came pulling a short round kid through the trees, sputtering as she picked the leaves from her golden hair. "Seriously Dad? You couldn't have rethought the plan? Instead you choose to not only embarrass us, but rush us through all those trees without thinking to avoid the branches? Honestly!" They were all dressed in formalwear, each apparently ready for the ceremony.

The dad rolled his eyes and slowly stepped forward, meeting Sasha's bewildered gaze. "Sasha…"

"D-Dad?" Spencer's jaw dropped and Ken lifted his eyebrows up as Sasha cleared her throat and straightened her back. "You have a lot of nerve showing up here on my wedding day. After all the rejection, after all the hate…I hope you don't expect me to just forgive you. If that's what you're looking for." The man frowned and his eyes dipped to the ground for a moment.

"I know, and no, I don't. I do know I couldn't stop hearing it from Abby and my children, begging me…and I gave some thought to it, and I realized…they're right. You are my daughter, whether or not I acknowledge it. You exist, and while I'm sure you hate me, and you have every right to, I do want to be a part of that life." He looked over to Blake and smiled with a hint of pride. "Plus, I have grandchildren…I wanted to see my grandchild at least, to see you as well." He returned his gaze to Sasha. "Spencer was right, you really have grown into a beautiful woman. I know of the struggles you've been through, and to survive all of that…you really are strong, and I couldn't be prouder…I'm sure your mother would say the same."

"Yeah…but I thought your career as a Dean was more important than having a daughter birthed by a stripper?" Her voice was laced with bitterness, and the affect showed on Maxwell's face. He put his hand over his chest and sighed. "Also, if you're looking to buy yourself into my life, that's not going to happen."

"No, I wouldn't. I don't even deserve the notion of being your father. I know I've been an asshole to you, and I know I could have helped you, and I should have. I don't deserve to be a part of your life, but I want to be…I do."

Spencer could tell he was serious, the look in his eyes was genuine. It came as a shock to him, but at the same time, he was happy that the man was making an effort. Sasha's eyes started to grow misty, and her arms lowered about an inch. He knew she probably wouldn't forgive the man right away, but if she gave him a chance, she might be able to eventually accept him into her life. "Why did it take you so long, I mean, just because you were afraid? Where was a dad when I needed one? Where were you when mom died, or when I was on the streets?"

"I was busy…being a stubborn idiot. I should have been there, I know that now. There's nothing I can do to change it all, as much as I wish I could, but…everything you've gone through has made you into a great woman."

"I never asked for that life. I hated every minute of it, up until I met Spencer, my life was shit…and you could have changed that for me!"

"I know. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to be a father to you now. The truth is, I've always felt this emptiness, like I was missing something, and now I see what it was. I know you can hate me, I know you probably would turn me away right now, and you can, but I'm here begging you…give me a chance to make things right. Give me a chance to be your father…"

"It's going to take a while…"

"I know." In that moment, Spencer saw something moving behind him. He was stricken with fear as he watched his own father emerge from the trees, an angry expression spread across his face. Robert stepped beside Maxwell, glaring daggers at Sasha and Jessica, both of whom froze in their places. "Excuse me, but who are you?"

"Robert Shay, and I do not agree with this wedding." He pulled a gun from his sports jacket, causing everyone to scream out in fright.

"Hey! I am talking to my daughter here!"

"Like I care." He aimed his gun directly at Sasha and growled, Spencer froze, unsure of what to do. If he ran towards her, he might not be able to reach her in time! "First you, then the bitch ex-wife. You're the reason everything screwed up, some whore my son knocked up. Then he's got the balls to move in with Jessica, who gets me discharged? I don't think so. I'll take you all out."

"You do not talk to her like that!" Maxwell grabbed Robert's wrist and narrowed his eyes as he twisted behind him, yanking Robert's arm backwards over the shoulder. Robert screamed out in pain and dropped the gun, causing it to fire off into the trees. "I recognize you now, from the news a while back. The Carlson's had that case against you? Well save your damned revenge for another time, because you are not controlling this situation!" Maxwell curled his arm and shot his elbow back into Robert's neck, knocking him unconscious. Everyone stood speechless, amazed at how quickly he put him out. Two of the Carlson bodyguards ran up and lifted Robert up. Sasha pointed and stuttered before letting out a full sentence.

"How did you just…what the hell…just happened…"

"Had some backyard wrestling when I was a kid. Three older brothers. You learn to handle yourself. Also was drafted into Vietnam during its final years, there's a lot you don't know about me."

"Well…" Spencer looked to his father, feeling the anger growing inside of him. He could deal with Maxwell interrupting his wedding, but his own damned father? God he hated this man! Plus, the guests looked shaken up. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, calling out for everyone's attention. "Maybe we should take a few hours to relax? Continue this wedding off right?" Many people agreed, and it would give Sasha some time to breathe with Max's family here.

Within a few hours, they had returned to their places. The excitement was over. Robert had been carted away to jail, a broken man, who obviously was still in shock that someone else controlled him. All his life he'd been used to being the one controlling everyone, commanding attention, and this was the first time someone else dominated. It definitely won brownie points for Maxwell.

Spencer got to talk to him with Sasha, and he was truly grateful to be there. He enjoyed spending time with Blake, and it was great to see his eyes light up like Travis's whenever he was around his grandson. Maybe Spencer would one day enjoy that same pride and happiness when holding his grandchild.

Watching the aisle closely, this time Ken was sitting with Regina. While Maxwell didn't think he deserved to, Sasha convinced him to be the one to hand her away. It was possible, one day, the two would be close as fathers and daughters should be, but of course, that would take time.

When she made it to the altar, the preacher spoke his first proud words. "We are here to join Spencer Shay and Sasha Rodriquez in holy matrimony. If there is anyone that does not believe a union between these two must be fulfilled, speak now or forever hold your peace." Spencer slowly looked back, as though daring anyone to say anything. He might punch them down if the stood up. He got a chuckle out of the fact that his mother had completely soaked his grandparent's formal clothing with her tears. When no one rose, Spencer looked back at the preacher. "Who gives the bride away?"

"Her father," Maxwell said with a subtle smile. He and Sasha turned to Spencer. "Maxwell Baxter." He extended his hand and Spencer shook it, gripping firmly and gazing strongly into the man's eyes. "Take care of her."

"I will." Max told him earlier that he was impressed with Spencer's strength, to have the courage to call him up the day he did and say all the things that he did. It was a wakeup call, almost, and one that he'd been needing for damn near thirty years.

Sasha would go on to have a girl, they were naming their daughter Rachel, after her mother. The family home on the lake was now theirs, and financially, they could take care of themselves without any trouble. Carly and her mom would move into an apartment near the community college where Carly would, inspired by her mother, start taking courses for the political career track.

Finally, the struggle to survive, was over. They fought against all the odds placed against them, struggled to keep above ground, and to thrive in the financially stressing times. The love they had for one another, and Carly as well, was what got them so far.

The minister spoke his final words, sealing them together forever. If they could survive hell together, then they could survive anything. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Spencer and Sasha Shay. You may kiss the bride."

Then, they leaned in, the emotions flaring up as their lips met and drowned out the applause around them. After this, wherever the world took them, the sky was the limit.

Ah yes, the closure they all needed. Well, the epilogue is next.