A.N Well here it is people my final chapter of this story. I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for reading, favouriting and posting your reviews. I've loved writing this story and I'm really proud that it is now complete. Thanks again for sticking with me I hope I will have time to write another story shortly (another angst filled tale most likely!) once I have completed my studying but until then I hope you enjoy this last chapter and goodbye for now!

"God I'm exhausted!"

Piper threw herself down onto the king sized bed her arms and legs spread out like a windmill and Alex just laughed at her fiancee's tendency for over dramatics.

"Oh but surely it's worth it"

Piper rolled onto her back and grinned up at her the smile lighting her whole face, her eyes gleaming with happiness.

"It is, this place is fantastic Al!"

Alex whole heartedly agreed with that statement their room was gorgeous, beautifully furnished, overlooking the bright blue ocean the beach practically outside their front door. It had been money well spent purely for Piper's reaction when their taxi from the airport had finally arrived at the private villa's that stood at the edge of the ocean. It had cost her a small fortune her remaining savings practically nil but she had already planned to resume working once they returned home. Piper was now earning more money from her books than they had ever imagined and technically she didn't need to work but Alex didn't want to be a kept woman. Piper whole heartedly supported her decision and Alex was grateful, she had worried Piper would fret and fuss.

"Can we go down to the beach later?"

Alex nodded eagerly Piper had bought a new white bikini especially for this break and to say she looked good in it was an understatement. In fact Alex was already wondering how she was going to keep her hands off of her fiancée on the public beach.

"I can't believe we're staying here for 14 whole days"

Alex smiled if Piper knew what was really planned for this week Alex was pretty certain her fiancée would combust with happiness judging by her current expression. Today was Wednesday on Saturday they were getting married then having the remaining 10 as their honeymoon. With the addition of Lorna, Nicky along with Bill, Cal and Neri Alex knew they would have a fantastic time.

"What's that smile for?"

Shaking away the thoughts of the wedding Alex looked at Piper with one eyebrow raised allowing her gaze to turn heated as she took in the sight of Piper lying back into the pillows propped up by her elbows, her expression curious.

"You ... Now let's see how many times I can make you cum before we have to leave for lunch"

"Everything set then Vause?"

Alex turned to look through the patio doors smiling to herself as she took in Piper's beautiful naked form sprawled across the double bed half covered by the thin white sheet. Alex had worn her out, four orgasms later and Piper had literally passed out with exhaustion she had barely moved an inch since soft snores emitting from her swollen lips. As soon as Alex had heard her phone ringing she had jumped up from the bed as quickly as she could and made her way outside not wanting to disturb her love.

"Vause you there?"

Alex was snapped from her musings by the irate voice in her ear and she chuckled replying to her impatient friend.

"Yeah I'm here"

"Right well this call ain't cheap so stop ogling your naked fiancée and tell me the plan"

"How do you know Piper's naked?"

Nicky snorted "Please, you've just arrived at your stunning holiday destination I know the first thing I'd be doing if it was me and it certainly wouldn't be unpacking. Plus I can't hear Chapman and I don't think you would have been able to slope off away from her so I reckon she's passed out face down in the bed while you're chit chatting with me"

Alex was stunned "Well Nichols I'm not certain whether I should be impressed or freaked out. You've not got a hidden camera here have you?"

"So I'm right then" Nicky's voice was irritatingly smug "How many orgasms did you give her?"

"I'm not even dignifying that with a response"

Nicky chuckled "So you flaked out after one?"

"No!"

"Two?"

"Fuck off! Now come on while you're too fucking stingy to pay for idle chat why did you phone me?"

"A weather update what do you think?! Is everything set for the wedding of the year?"

Alex laughed as Nicky scoffed she could practically picture the rolling eyes of her wild haired friend.

"Yes it's all sorted are you all set to arrive Friday with Bill?"

"Oh there's been a little development in that area"

Alex frowned, her curiosity piqued "Oh how so?"

"We have had to make a few amendments"

Alex sighed irritated "Stop being coy and tell me, has something gone wrong? because heads will fucking roll if it has I want this to be perfect"

"Carol's coming"

Alex almost choked on thin air her mouth opening and shutting in shock. When she had informed Bill of her grand wedding plans he had been ecstatic barely able to contain his excitement but Carol had not been particularly thrilled when told. Alex knew it was a combination of displeasure at the fact that she and Piper were actually going to get married and disappointment that she wouldn't get to throw a big family affair for her only daughter. Alex had explained her reasonings, even stating it was what Piper wanted, but Carol had still been unenthusiastic and had not outwardly committed to attending Piper's special day.

"Vause?"

"Yes I'm still here ... I'm just in shock I think, I truly thought she had no intention of being here"

"I can imagine but just think how happy Chapman's gonna be. I know their relationship is strained but no bride wants to get married without their mother"

"Yeah I know"

Alex cursed herself for the pang of want that coursed through her body at Nicky's words. She tried to reason that it was stupid her mother had been dead for years now but she couldn't help but wonder how Diane would have felt over her commitment phobic daughter getting married. Alex hoped that she would be happy for her especially considering she was marrying Piper. Diane had always had a soft spot for the bambi eyed blonde and Alex knew from the minute she took her home it wasn't just one Vause woman who was taken by Piper's charm albeit in different ways.

"Sorry Alex I didn't meant to upset you"

Nicky using her given name snapped her from her musings and she shook away the yearning for her mother clearing her throat as she did so.

"I'm fine honestly, I'm glad Carol's coming"

"It's all coming together Vause just like we planned .., roll on Saturday!"

Alex turned to look at her sleeping lover her heart swelling with happiness. Piper would be so thrilled and Alex felt Saturday couldn't come soon enough.

"You've got that look on your face?"

"What look?"

They had finished their meal in a local restaurant and were now walking along the beach back towards their villa. Piper's arm linked tightly with her own supporting some of her weight for which Alex was grateful for she only wanted to use her crutch if absolutely necessary. Their shoes had been discarded the cooling sand sticking between their toes as the waves lapped over their feet. Piper was smiling serenely and had been since they started walking in contented silence each of them happy just listening to the relaxing sound of the waves.

"Like you're thinking really sappy thoughts"

Piper pouted and shoved her playfully and Alex chuckled before she brought her arm across Piper's shoulders pulling her into to the crook of her body.

"I'm just so happy Al"

The honesty that shone in Piper's words and expression made Alex's heart skip a beat and she felt momentarily overwhelmed. Tightening her hold Alex ran her hand over her lover's side before she gave her a gentle squeeze.

"I know you think I'm a big softy but I just want you to know how happy I am being here with you"

"Well that's what the view of sunset on a gorgeous beach will do for you"

Piper tutted and scoffed but Alex just smiled at her warmly knowing she was cross at her teasing but couldn't stay mad with her for long.

"Do you have any regrets Al?"

The question sobered her Alex felt it was almost a trick question that whatever answer she gave wouldn't be right and she paused. As though sensing her hesitation Piper squeezed her gently around her middle. Trying to buy some time to think of how best to answer the loaded question Alex did what she did best and deflected.

"Do you?"

"No"

Alex raised one eyebrow shocked at the confident reply.

"Not even how our relationship turned out the first time?"

Piper shook her head "No I don't regret it, not anymore, not the travelling or the drug business without it we wouldn't be were we are today"

Piper smiled at her softly before her expression clouded slightly a look of pain ceasing her features and Alex raised her eyebrows in concern.

"Actually I do have one regret and that's leaving you the way I did in Paris. Yes there was no way then I could continue to be your girlfriend it was too much, the fear, the worry I couldn't have carried on the way we were but I should never have left that day, not after that phone call. If I could do it again I would have stayed, helped you organise Diane's funeral and provided you with my full support maybe not as your girlfriend but at least as your friend"

Alex nodded solemnly for a moment feeling sadness creep into her throat at the memory of that awful day and she pressed a kiss to Pipers hairline before she replied.

"I regret naming you, I didn't have to and it was a fuck you moment one that I've had to live with ever since"

"I'm glad you did"

Alex stopped dead and turned to look at Piper fully in the eyes, searching for any hint of untruth, completely stunned at her fiancée's response.

"You're glad I got you thrown in prison?"

"Yes"

Alex scoffed and shook her head "Why? Why on earth would you be glad after what you endured in that hell hole especially with Pensatucky and Kubra's man?!"

Piper just smiled, her serene expression hadn't faltered once during her impassioned rant and Alex was further taken aback when Piper pressed her lips to her own almost reverently.

"Why would I regret it? Yes I was incarcerated in that hell hole but it made me the person I am today. Before prison I was so self centred, a narcissist, living a life that was ultimately a lie all because I was afraid of who I truly was, too worried to upset my mother and her WASPY views"

Alex was taken aback with Pipers confession and she couldn't help but continue to argue although the words almost stuck in her throat the truth in them bringing back the awful memory of watching the woman she loved bleed out on a mouldy bathroom floor.

"You nearly died"

"It brought you back in my life"

The love shone in Piper's voice practically burning with conviction "I went into prison living a lie and I came out with the love of my life how can I feel anything other than at peace with your decision Al?"

Alex shook her head with disbelief and she cupped Piper's face in her warm hands leaning her forehead to Piper's own "Sometimes Piper Chapman I don't understand you"

"Do you regret getting back together with me at Litchfield?"

Alex scowled softly "No, no of course I don't I just wish Litchfield hadn't been the place that orchestrated our reunion"

"But it was. Sometimes I wonder whether we would have met at some other time and place because of how inevitable you feel to me. But then I think what's the point of wondering we're together now and that's all that matters to me"

Alex could feel her smile threatening to split her cheeks and she pulled Piper into a warm embrace as tears pricked the corners of her eyes.

"God I love you ... So much"

Alex felt Piper press her lips to her neck in a chaste kiss before she pulled back her eyes sparkling with mirth.

"I love you too ... Now look who's being a sap!"

Piper sighed heavily as she lay down on the double bed careful not to disturb the towel that was wrapped around her wet hair. Glancing at the clock she noted it was already half past 4 and she made a mental note to not allow herself to relax for too long. Alex had been gone for the last couple of hours and Piper was anxious to know what it was her dark haired lover was up to. When she had awoken that morning she had been treated to breakfast in bed followed by two amazing orgasms before it had even turned 10 o clock. Alex had informed her that she had some things to take care of which would mean she would be gone from early afternoon but that she would be back early evening with a surprise. Piper had pouted and whinged but Alex had not even given so much of a hint to what she had planned. Her phone buzzed on the night stand and she smiled as she read the message displayed on the screen.

'Kid, I hope you've had a relaxing bath now get your hair and make up done, no outfit... I've got a special delivery coming soon :) I love you Xx'

Piper smiled curiously as she read the text and a nervous excitement filled her stomach as her thoughts ran amock trying to imagine what Alex had planned. Humming softly to herself while smiling serenely Piper decided to carefully style her hair so that it fell down in soft curls framing her face. Keeping her makeup light and natural she smiled at her reflection in the mirror pleased with what she saw. She only hoped Alex would be impressed with the effort she had put in.

Just as she had finished there was a soft knock at the door and her stomach fluttered with excitement, as she guessed her surprise had arrived. Making sure her dressing gown was tightly secured around her body Piper opened the door hesitantly and as the person standing behind the door came into view Piper's stomach lurched and her mouth hung open in shock.

"Hello darling"

"Daddy?!"

Bill laughed loudly but Piper didn't move an inch still too stunned that her father was actually standing outside her Villa in Mexico as if he had just popped around to her place in New York.

"Are you going to let me in?"

Piper stood back from the door shaking her head as she did so. She was quickly pulled into a warm embrace and as her father's arms wrapped around her, her brain finally seemed to realise that this was not in fact a dream and was actually happening.

"What are you-.. Who are-.. No wait let's try that again. Why are you here?"

Piper stared bemusedly at her father he did not seem surprised at her reaction continuing to smile a smile so bright it could have lit up the room.

"Well I've been charged with delivering a very important gift"

Piper only now registered the large white box Bill was holding but she was not curious as to the contents she was more interested in why her father had made the five hour flight to be standing here in front of her.

"No Daddy why are you here in Mexico?"

"Well Alex asked me to come so I did, now take this box into your room and get ready I don't think you have long"

Her father's evasive answer did nothing to curb her curiosity but Piper reluctantly did as she was told. Once in the room Piper slowly placed the box onto the unmade bed, carefully she began to untie the ornate ribbon, feeling silly when she noticed her hands were shaking with excitement. Opening the lid Piper carefully pulled back the tissue paper immediately spying a small note bearing Alex's signature hand writing, each word carefully printed in neat block capitals.

'I really hope it fits ... You're going to look stunning, see you soon Kid. I love you Xx'

Not being able to contain herself any longer Piper ripped the tissue paper and pulled the garment from its box. Looking at the beautiful delicate white dress now held in front of her understanding suddenly dawned bright and clear and Piper felt her heart lurch and tears of happiness prick the corners of her eyes.

"No it can't be..."

"Yes, do you still want to become Mrs Vause?"

Bill had appeared in the doorway smiling at her softly and Piper struggled to hold back the tears a small sob escaping her lips as she rapidly blinked trying not to ruin her carefully applied makeup.

"More than anything"

Bill crossed the room and took her in his arms cuddling her tightly and Piper in that moment had never felt more loved her head struggling to come to terms with the fact that Alex had planned a surprise wedding all for her.

"I'm so happy for you darling and I'm so proud of Alex for planning this wonderful surprise"

"She's so amazing daddy"

Bill chuckled "That she is, now come on get dressed we have a wedding to get to!"

Bill headed towards the door and then he paused handing her a pair of white flip flops smiling when Piper frowned curiously "Oh and put these on you're going to need them!"

"Why do you look like you're going to pass out?"

Alex tried to smile at Nicky's teasing but she couldn't. She was nervous, unexplainably so, but it was causing her stomach to churn and her palms to sweat.

"You don't need to be worried Chapman's gonna love this"

Alex looked around taking in the wondrous sight of the sun slowly beginning to set hanging lower in the sky. The few select guests were sat in white chairs that had been placed in a line facing the white wooden arch entwined with flowers that Alex was now standing nervously under with Nicky by her side keeping her upright. The minister who would perform the service had already informed her of what to expect and was now patiently sat talking to Carol while they waited for Piper to appear. Alex looked at her silver wrist watch and sighed Piper was running late and although this was a common occurrence it was not helping Alex's sudden bout of nerves.

"Stop looking at the time she'll be here she's probably freaked out with excitement and Bill's calming her down as we speak save her running down the beach shrieking like some sort of escaped lunatic!"

Alex snorted laughing at the visual image Nicky's words conjured up and she smiled appreciatively at her friend.

"Thanks for being here Nic I don't think I could have done this without you"

"Course you could, granted it probably would have been a wedding in a chapel in Las Vegas with two hookers as your witnesses but hey it still would have been a wedding!"

Alex pulled Nicky into a warm one armed hug her gaze settling on the waves calmly lapping at the shore and she let the soothing sight calm her frazzled mind. Feeling Nicky tense in her arms she pulled back knowing how her friend felt about physical affection not wanting to prolong her torture. Seeing the look of awe and affection on Nicky's face she quirked an eyebrow "What?"

Nicky just nodded her head, her eyes sparkling "Why don't you turn around and see for yourself"

"What do you think?"

Piper stood hesitantly in front of her father the beautiful white dress fit her body perfectly it was simple yet elegant with a sweetheart neckline and ornate silver beading at the waist. She had loved it the moment she had seen her reflection in the mirror but she wanted a second opinion.

"Piper..."

Bill's voice caught in his throat and his eyes became misty as he smiled softly. Feeling her own tears beginning to build she shook her head at him gently.

"Don't you dare cry because then I'll cry and my make up will be ruined!"

Bill laughed and wiped at a couple of stray tears that had escaped there confines and made there way down his cheeks. He pulled her into his strong embrace before he leant back gently grasping her chin in his warm hands.

"You are breathtaking my darling I'm so proud of you, my little girl all grown up and it just makes me so happy"

"I can't believe Alex has done this for me"

"She loves you Piper, she loves you so much. When she told me of her intentions I was so excited I know how much it means to you and I know how much it means to Alex making you happy"

Bill pulled back and pressed a tissue into Piper's hand.

"Now dab at those eyes and follow me we are going to be late if we stand here nattering for much longer"

Piper gave a husky laugh her throat still thick with emotion but she did as she was told and followed her father as he made his way left out of the villa heading down the narrow trail towards the beach. As they rounded the corner Piper gasped her eyes filling up once more there perfectly situated on the beach front was a wedding arch the chairs around occupied by Lorna, Cal and Neri, the latter sporting a tiny baby bump and her mother.

"Daddy..."

"We all didn't want to miss your big day darling"

Piper's gaze was drawn once more to the wedding arch, first she noticed Nicky who was sporting the biggest grin she had ever seen and then her eyes fell onto the person she was supporting, the one person who meant more to Piper than anything else in her world. Alex looked radiant her gorgeous bright green eyes were full of emotion her beautiful smile on full display and Piper had to control the urge to just run and throw herself into Alex's arms. She too was sporting a white gown and Piper was certain she had never looked so beautiful and she was suddenly grateful for her father's steady hand on her arm as her knees went weak at the breathtaking sight. Tearing her gaze from her love trying to steady her emotions Piper caught her mother's eye and when she saw nothing but admiration and acceptance in her mother's gaze a fresh wave of emotion passed over her and a tear escaped running slowly down her cheek.

"It's all going to be fine"

Her father's warm words whispered in her ear and Piper turned to him smiling contentedly "I know"

As they reached were Alex was waiting patiently Bill took her hand and placed it into Alex's inclining his head as he did so and Piper smiled as Alex returned the gesture her face serious.

"Hi"

"Surprise"

Alex said the words softly almost hesitantly and Piper clutched the hands in her own tightly.

"Thank you, thank you so much for this. I can't even begin to imagine how much thought and care you've put in to organise this beautiful day"

Alex smiled at her softly before she winked in Nicky's direction "Oh you know it's been easy I've had help"

"It's all me this Chapman!"

Everyone laughed at Nicky's teasing including her mother and Piper felt a warm glow settle over her body as she looked around at her nearest and dearest.

"You'll never know how much this means to me, I love you so much"

Alex smiled broadly as the minister gestured to them softly that it was time to begin. Before he started however Alex lifted her hands to her face and Piper leant her head into the familiar touch.

"You are my reason for everything, I love you too more than I can ever put in into words"

As they turned towards the minister Piper let out a contented sigh and she thanked a god she didn't believe in for the woman that stood beside her. They had conquered more than she ever thought possible, a bitter break up, prison, cancer but still they had come through it stronger than ever and still firmly at each other's side and Piper in that moment wouldn't have changed a thing. If this was their reward for the hardships they had endured then she could accept the struggles they had been given and now she couldn't wait to begin the rest of their lives together as Mrs Alex Vause.