"I can't do this. I feel sick. I can't do it. Oh my God. I can't. I'm gonna hurl."

"Blaine, calm down," Angie says, taking him firmly by the shoulders and then into her arms. "You can do this. You'll be fine."

"Baby boy," Santana coos, fussing over him as he hides in his mom's embrace. "You've been waiting for this for so long."

"I'm not going," Blaine mumbles, clutching Angie even tighter. "I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"Sweetie, I love you endlessly," Santana says kindly. "But if you bail now, I will kill you."

"Knock knock!" Burt Hummel sticks his head around the hotel room door, and Angie gives him a warm and very grateful smile. "How's it all going in here?"

"We have a groom with a few last minute jitters," Angie tells him, and she gently peels Blaine off her and lets Burt take over. "He's feeling a little nauseous."

"I don't want to do this," Blaine moans. "I just want to go home."

"Uh-Huh. And why is that?"

"Because of all those people! Waiting for me to mess up, which I will. And Kurt...what if he doesn't show? What if he's decided he doesn't want to be tied to me forever? What if he stands me up at the altar? What then?"

"That's not gonna happen," Burt chuckles. "He's been dressed and ready since before nine. I've just left him playing Go Fish with Brian."

"Is Brian okay?"

"He's happy, as we all are, that today is your special day. We're all rooting for you and Kurt, kid. Come on. Why don't we step outside? There's a Starbucks at the end of the street, we can grab a coffee and sit out in the sunshine for a while."

"No! Kurt might see me!"

"No he won't," Burt laughs. "Come on. Get some shoes."

"I'm going down to visit groom number two," Santana declares. "I'll make sure he doesn't leave the room, Blaine."

"Angie?" Burt asks, when Blaine is ready. "You gonna join us?"

"No, you two go ahead." She flicks her eyes to Blaine and then back to Burt. "I think this needs to be a father son moment."

Blaine is looking in the mirror, fussing with his hair which is doused liberally in gel, but he notices in the reflection, when Burt moves across the room and takes both her hands in his. He stays stock still, staring, taking in the way his mom's face softens as she looks up at him.

"Come with us," Burt says quietly, but Angie shakes her head.

"He needs you right now," she whispers. Blaine hides a smile, still watching them in the mirror. His mom talks as though he can't hear, but it could well be that she's forgotten he's there. "Take him for coffee, then come back here and we can spend some time together, the three of us."

"It's not that you're not welcome, you know that?"

"I know," she says evenly. "But I also know that if Carl were here he'd want some time with his son too, so go. Cherish it. He'll be a married man in a few hours."

"Oh God. Don't remind me. I'll cry."

"Softie," she teases, then stretches up on her tiptoes and hugs him tight. "Okay. You boys go have coffee. I'm going to do my hair."

"What was that?" Blaine asks, the second they're out of the room and walking to the elevator.

"What was what?"

"You and mom."

"I didn't want her to feel like she wasn't welcome," Burt says with a shrug. "You're her son. I don't want her to feel pushed out on your wedding day."

"That wasn't what I was talking about, and you know it."

"Drop it, kid."

Burt's tone isn't harsh, but it is firm, and Blaine doesn't press the point any further. He links his arm through Burt's as they walk to the end of the block, grab coffees, and then walk into Central Park together. The day is beautiful, bright, sunny and warm, and Blaine is thankful, because Kurt had decided to hold the ceremony on the hotel grounds, which were beautiful and held a gazebo. Blaine had needed a lot of convincing on that, entirely sure that it would rain that day if they chose to wed in the open air. In the end Santana had handed him sixteen different long range weather forecasts, that all said May was due to be bright and dry, and then he'd finally agreed, much to Kurt's delight.

"So, why the nerves?" Burt asks when they're settled on a bench. "You know Kurt loves you, right?"

"Of course I do! That's not an issue. I just...the enormity, of what we're about to do. It's all just hitting home for me. I'm going to promise to love him for the rest of my life."

"Well that's nothing new," Burt smiles. "You told me that way back when you snuck away to New York."

"Yeah. It's not the making of the promise, just the significance, I guess. Having watched Brian with Loic...my mom and dad, and Kurt and you with his mom, I guess I'm just painfully aware that there could be a very sad ending to all of this, and I don't want that to happen. I don't want Kurt to ever be sad, or upset, or hurting, and I can't promise that, can I?"

"Nope. But you can promise that you'll spend every day you have together loving him, and making him happy. I know Loic's death has been hard on Brian, but I also know he doesn't regret one single day. He lost his friends and family too, because he dared to love another man, but he'd do it all again, if he had the chance. Yes, they had a sad ending, but look at all they had before that. That's the lesson you need to learn from their love Blaine."

Blaine pauses, looking straight ahead. "I won't stand in your way," he says quietly. "If you love her."

"This is supposed to be about you, not me."

"Nah, I'm all set," Blaine says happily. They stare out across the park together, not looking at each other. "I'm marrying the love of my life. You're right. Our marriage needs to be about how we love, one day at a time. I'd do it all again too, you know. All the hurt, the pain, the stupid arguments. I'd even suffer Spencer and his sons again if it led me to Kurt."

"Lovesick fool."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You will anyway."

"Are you in love with my mom?"

Burt sighs, and sits upright, leaning back against the bench. "Ah, Blaine. I don't know if I'm ready to have this conversation with myself, let alone anyone else."

"Just try."

"Ugh. Look, sunshine, your mom moved to California because she was fed up with people making assumptions about us. Do I miss her? Yes. But I'm also really proud of how well she's doing out there. You know, she's been there four months and already she has so many friends. The climate suits her, she's happy...she deserved it, you know? She deserved to find happiness."

"So do you."

"I have found it," Burt protests. "What makes me happy is seeing you and Kurt about to walk down the aisle. Knowing grandbabies lie in the future. Knowing the business does well, seeing Angie happy. All of that."

"But you deserve your own happiness," Blaine argues. "Not just living vicariously through other people. Just tell me, do you love her?"

Burt sighs again. "Yeah I do, but not in the way you're thinking," he adds quickly. "Look, this is all kinds of awkward for me to try and explain. Your mom and I, we've discussed it at great length and both admitted there's something there but...it's not right, Blaine."

"That's the thing though," Blaine says, turning to face him. "That's what I'm saying. It could be, because I wouldn't mind, anymore, really."

"No, it's not you and Kurt, really. I can see she's a very pretty woman."

"She's beautiful," Blaine says proudly.

"She is. But for a start, she's forty three and I'm sixty three. I'm an old man, she's in her prime."

"Age gaps work."

"Ha! Sure, but women of her age and guys of my age have very different needs."

"Are you talking about sex?" Blaine asks in alarm. "Because please don't. Please."

"Oh calm yourself," Burt laughs, rolling his eyes. "Yes I mean sex, but that's what I'm getting at. Your mom and I just don't feel that pull to each other. At all. I couldn't take her to bed, Blaine,"

"Oh my God."

"I couldn't! It'd feel all wrong. Do I love her? Yes. Do I miss her? Tremendously, but the fact is we can't give each other everything we need from a relationship, so that's that, I guess."

"Hmm. Well, it makes me kinda sad," Blaine admits. "But I see your point."

"We kissed once."

"NO!" Blaine is on his feet immediately, backing away until he nearly trips over a dog. "No, no, no. You have my full permission if you want to get involved with my mom, romantically or otherwise but please, NEVER tell me what goes on."

"You're so funny," Burt laughs, as he gets to his feet and slings an arm around his shoulders. "It's a miracle Kurt ever managed to get you between the sheets."

"Hmm, well, he just had to look at me and my clothes fell off."

"You know, one day, when you've got a bunch of kids and a dog, you'll look back on your time together in New York and be amazed that you even survived having that amount of sex. In fact, there will come a time when you struggle to remember when the last time was."

"Yeah, no," Blaine laughs. He's embarrassed, but he knows his dad is teasing. "That's never gonna happen."

"You ready to get married, kid?"

"Yes, but before we go back, I just want to say something, before I get too emotional, or overwhelmed, or whatever."

"Is this gonna make me cry?"

"Possibly, but the fact is, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. I don't even know if I'd be alive. I consider myself so lucky to have met Kurt, and to be able to marry him today, but I consider myself even luckier that I also found you. I guess I just want you to know that I can never thank you enough, really, for everything. For asking me to work on Bessie, for giving me a home, a shoulder to cry on, but most of all for loving Kurt and I with all your heart, for fighting in our corner, for making sure we never gave up on each other, and for being the best dad you could possibly be. If I can be even half the father that you are, I'll be proud."

"You made me cry in the middle of Central Park," Burt moans, and he pulls Blaine tight to his chest so he can hide his face. "You make me proud, my son. Both of you do, and I love you. Now come on, let's go get you up that aisle."

Kurt sits back in the center of the bed that, tonight, he will share with his husband. Naturally, being Kurt, he had bagged the honeymoon suite to get ready, while he had informed Blaine that he would be in his mom's room on the next floor down. Blaine had rolled his eyes, and told Kurt that he was only giving in without a fight because he had been so good with the whole wedding planning thing.

And it was true. For the most part, Kurt had been relaxed, kind and considerate of Blaine's needs throughout. He'd had his moments, of course, but then he wouldn't be Kurt if he didn't.

He feels incredibly calm today. He's certain of marrying Blaine, he knows he wants this, and he knows it's not only right, but it's the best decision he's ever made. He also knows Blaine will be panicking. This was only confirmed by Santana, who had arrived in his room, raided his minibar, and told him that Blaine was being forced out for coffee with his dad. But he knows Blaine is only worrying about messing up in front of the guests, or of Kurt suddenly having a change of heart. He's not doubting his own decision to get married, so Kurt is fine with that.

"Do you think Blaine and I argue too much?" he asks Brian, who sits in an armchair looking out at the view of Central Park.

"No. Gosh, you should have heard Loic and I going at it. He was worse than you. He used to throw things. Typical hot headed Frenchman."

"I still can't imagine him like that," Kurt says with a smile.

Since Loic's passing two months ago, Kurt and Blaine had spent many hours with Brian, talking about Loic and also their own relationship. Brian liked to hear about it, and they like to reminisce together, dissecting every detail, laughing over shared memories. Though it hurts Brian to know Loic isn't here to share in it all, he is still so eternally grateful for the love and support of these two young men who he now thinks of as family.

"I told you. He used to trash his art room on a regular basis. He was so fiery."

"Wow."

"Yeah, but the sex was good."

"Brian!"

Brian laughs, and dodges the cushion Kurt throws at him. "Anyway, no, you don't argue too much. You bicker all the time, but you know what? I love hearing that, I love watching the two of you, because it always follows the same pattern. I think people who don't know you would imagine you're the dominant one, and Blaine always gives in, but truth be told, he knows exactly how to play you, and he has you wrapped around his little finger."

"Yeah, he does," Kurt sighs. "Cause he knows when it's best to give in, or just let me rant or whatever, but he never lets me get the better of him."

"You'd be unbearable if you did."

"I'd be like I used to be."

"Exactly."

"Don't ever let that be known, okay? That Blaine has the power. Don't even tell Blaine himself, cause he doesn't realize it."

"Ha! I won't say a word, but you're a total idiot if you think Blaine doesn't realize it for himself. He's a boy genius."

"How's my son doing?" Burt calls, throwing open the door. "One hour to go!"

"Sheesh, an hour?" Kurt cries. "That long? Can't we move it forward? I'll bet the guests are here already."

"There's a few starting to arrive," Burt tells him, as he pours champagne into three glasses. "I had to hide Blaine from a group of your work friends. He seems to think no one is allowed to see him before the ceremony, not just you. Oh, and that girl he tutors? She's here, with her girlfriend."

"Amy brought Toni?" Kurt asks, delighted. "She asked her out then. Blaine's been trying to convince her for months. She came out to her mom and dad a couple of weeks back, so Blaine and I figured it would work well for her to be her plus one."

"Yeah, well Blaine did stop to talk to her, cause she saw him and flung herself at him. He was pleased though. You know how he gets. All pink."

"He should be really proud," Kurt says happily. "He's been amazing with her."

"Angie looks good," Burt says casually, missing the look that Brian and Kurt share.

"She's dressed already?"

"Well, no, she was still in her robe. But her hair looked pretty. And her face," he adds quietly, then goes to hide in the bathroom, pretending to look in the mirror.

"Of course she does," Kurt declares. "She's Blaine's mom. Have you seen Blaine? He's like...like a God."

"This is going to be a really long hour," Brian moans to Burt, when he passes him his champagne. "Kurt's been going on about all things Blaine since six this morning. I mean, I love the boy to death, but there's a limit."

"Has he gelled his hair, dad?"

"Yeah."

"Boo."

"I think Santana's onto it though," Burt says with a laugh. "He's incredibly nervous, and we all know he flattens his hair when he's scared."

"Why is he nervous? I'm not nervous."

"Yeah but you're you and Blaine is Blaine."

"He doesn't want to go through with it?"

"Don't be silly," Burt scoffs. "He's nervous because he's marrying you! The love of his life. Now, before we get ready to marry you off, a toast!"

"Okay?" Santana asks, straightening Blaine's already straight bow tie for what must be the hundredth time that day.

"Yeah."

They stand in the hotel lobby together, hugging, and Blaine refuses to let go until Angie returns. "Blaine? Sweetie? Kurt's waiting for you. I'm going to go take my seat."

"Ooh, oooh, this is it," Blaine says, attempting to breathe. "Right. I can do this. I can."

"Good luck," Angie whispers, kissing his cheek. "This will be wonderful, Blaine. Be a good boy now."

She hurries away, looking up at the ceiling as she tries to keep her tears at bay.

"She always says that," a rather emotional Blaine tells Santana. "She used to say it every day before school."

"As if you'd ever misbehave," she says, then holds her hand out. "Ready?"

"Yeah."

They walk down the corridor toward the double doors that will lead them outside. Blaine gives Santana's hand a little squeeze as they round the final corner, and then, standing by the doors with the sunlight streaming onto him, Blaine sees his groom.

"Oh wow," he whispers, completely in awe of Kurt's beauty.

His suit is maroon, with black lapels and he wears a black tie to match. It's not the suit though, it's Kurt. Because Kurt looks more stunning than Blaine has ever seen. He radiates confidence and calm. He's looking out across the garden, and Blaine knows he will be able to see the gazebo and all the guests assembled and waiting.

Burt, standing next to him, gives Kurt a nudge and he turns, his face breaking out into a wide grin.

"Amazing," he whispers, as Blaine slowly walks toward him. "Just breathtaking."

Blaine stands shyly on the opposite side of Burt and offers a little smile. It's strange, but in that moment, Blaine feels as if he's standing in front of Kurt anew. It's as if they're meeting for the first time and neither one knows what to say.

He offers a quiet "Hey," and he's happy when Kurt beams.

"I've never seen you looking so handsome," he says, then tries to backtrack. "I mean, I have, because you know, you're you, and you're gorgeous but... right now you just...you're so beautiful, Blaine."

He is right. Blaine's tux is classic black, with an elegant bow tie and a flower in his buttonhole. It had been hideously expensive, but only a fraction of the cost of Kurt's. He had wanted traditional, Kurt had wanted to show his flair. They had argued for hours, until Santana pointed out there was no rule to say they must match. Things had been much better after that. Blaine looked like Blaine and Kurt looked like Kurt. Different but very much together.

"And I like your hair," Kurt adds. It has product in it, but it still curls gently and it looks as though it's just waiting for Kurt's fingers to tangle there.

"I can't believe we're getting married," Blaine admits with a small giggle. "This is insane."

"You still want to though, right?"

"He damn well better," Burt mutters. "All this money ain't going to waste."

"Of course I do!"

"Good," Kurt smiles. "Because I love you."

"I love you too."

"Okay, let's get this show on the road," Santana declares.

"I was just gonna kiss him," Blaine moans.

"Not allowed until you're wed," Santana snaps, then kisses his cheek. "You do look amazing. And I love you. You too, Kurt," she says, crossing over to fuss over him.

"And I love you both," Burt says gruffly. "And I can't say anything else because I'll cry."

The music starts, a small string quartet whose gentle playing seems to soar on the late spring breeze. Burt offers his arms, kisses each of his boys in turn and together, they follow Santana down the aisle.

Blaine knows Brian is talking, thanking everyone for coming and declaring that they're all here to watch Kurt and Blaine join in matrimony. It all passes in a blur, however, when he takes Kurt's hands in his and looks deep into his eyes.

He is surprised to find Kurt's hands are shaking, and he looks just as terrified as Blaine does, but then he smiles, Blaine smiles back, and everything feels right.

"Blaine, I never thought I'd find anyone who loved me for who I am. I didn't think marriage would ever be an option for me, because it wasn't allowed, and yet here I am. You love me and we're about to become husbands. You have turned my life upside down in the best possible way. You have helped me to find who I am, who I want to be and you've shown me true happiness. I promise I will love you, cherish you and protect you for as long as I live. I will always be your biggest supporter, your strongest ally and your greatest friend. I love you."

"Kurt, you are crazy," Blaine starts, pausing when everyone laughs. He doesn't care that he's crying, or that Kurt is too, just looking up to see him beaming back at him is everything.

"You are. You're this amazing, incredible heady mix of strong willed, witty determination and...let's face it, you're borderline psychopathic, but I love you for it. I love your feisty side. I love your sweet, caring and loving side. I love that you show me a side to you that no one else in the entire world gets to see. I love that you love me so openly and honestly and I love that in your arms I feel like I am home. It's been a wild ride, the five years that I've known you, and I know it will continue. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you, Kurt Hummel, with every single bit of my heart. You are my best friend and I promise I will always care for you, protect you and hold your hand as we navigate our future together. I will always support you, cheer for you, lift you up and hold you close and I will love you, forever."

It is two sets of trembling hands that slide rings onto fingers, before looking up at Brian with a massive sigh of relief.

"Blaine, Kurt, it has been my honor and privilege to marry you today. And so, as your friend, and by the power invested in me by the internet... I now pronounce you husbands. You may, and I'm sure you will, kiss one another."

A loud cheer erupts as Blaine frames Kurt's face with his hands and they kiss. Kurt slides his hands onto Blaine's waist, but it's not enough, he needs to be closer. Deepening the kiss, he pulls him tight to his chest, his arms wrapping tightly around him.

It is with some reluctance that they part; more passionate kisses can come later when they are alone, but for now, it is enough that Kurt pulls back, his eyes shining with happiness. "My husband!" he says happily. "You're my husband!"

"I am," Blaine murmurs, unable to resist kissing behind Kurt's ear. "And I have never been happier than I am right now."