Chapter 16 – Today I Marry my Best Friend
*Lyrics – 'When you come back to me' Belong to Garth Brooks

Sydney lay in Gage's arms that night in bed, leaning against his chest.

"How come you're so quiet?" Gage asked softly as he stroked her head. "Are you upset because we couldn't make love tonight?" He asked in a soft tone.

"Not at all," she said warmly. "I love just being here with you like this. I was thinking about the fact that we are actually getting married in two weeks at Walker's ranch, just like we had planned," she said with a happy smile.

"I know," he said with a slight frown. "I was almost afraid it would never happen."

"Me too," she whispered. "But it is," she said looking down at the ring on her finger.

"And believe me there won't be any distractions or interference that night," Gage said firmly making her laugh.

"Trust me there won't be," she added. She heard him yawn and knew he needed his rest. "Let's get some sleep okay? We have a lot to plan for in the coming days."

"Sounds good to me," he said as she gently moved off him. "So glad the arm cast is gone. This leg brace is not bad but man I can't wait until it's gone. Doc thinks it should be gone for the wedding," he said with a smile.

"I think it gives you character," she teased.

"Very funny," he sighed. He turned off the light and felt her snuggle close to him, making his body temperature rise even further. Gage's mind was a mix of strange dreams throughout the night as it had been the past week or so.

"How did you sleep?" Sydney asked softly as they sat at the kitchen table the following morning.

"Still having nightmares," Gage sighed. "Ian said it was normal and that they will go away because the source of them has been destroyed."

"Gage that day…remember when you got into the car in such a panic…" Sydney started softly. "You knew then who it was right? That it was Captain Reynolds?"

"Yes," Gage sighed as he leaned back in his chair.

"How?" She asked softly.

"The last time I bumped into him at the hospital I…" Gage started as he looked down. "It was something in his voice. The way he asked if I knew something different. Then he reached his hand out and…I stepped back and said it was habit…"

"Habit?"

"Habit from stepping back from him," Gage said seriously. "Then I knew. Then my mind flashed me back into the hotel room and I saw Captain Reynolds touching me," he said softly. "Then I knew. I didn't say anything because…Syd I had to be the one to stop him," Gage said firmly as he looked back up at her. "It had to be me…or I'd never be free and…Sydney I'm so sorry I put you through all that," he said softly.

"There is nothing to be sorry for," she said gently touching his face. "You're right about it having to be you to be the one to stop him but…well I wish it had been a different way," she sighed. "I was really scared there for a bit.

"Me too," he smiled as he took her hand and held it. "Man Sydney I was so scared that night."

"But you managed to fight back," she said firmly.

"No," Gage said meeting her gaze. "That first night…in the hotel as a rookie…I was so scared…if not for my partner then…I was scared," he said in a whisper.

"Gage that is nothing to be ashamed of," Sydney said firmly.

"But I…"

"Gage," Sydney said touching his lips gently. "You did nothing wrong."

"It was the power Syd," Gage said firmly. "I think it was all the power. Captain Reynolds wanted to be in control and I think it bugged him that he wasn't…he couldn't control me or himself…I remember the way he looked at me…Sydney it was scary…it was like…" he said as his voice trailed off as he looked out the window. "Like the way I look at you," he said turning back. "I never experienced that before from a man…it was…I was scared…"

"I kno…"

"Sydney he touched me again in the hotel," Gage said looking down. "He…"

"Gage's it's over right? You don't have to be ashamed of anything," she said firmly.

"I know," he huffed. "Just still feels so real…I was helpless and…Sydney I was scared…I thought I'd never see you again…our wedding…I remember telling him the first time I was getting married…Sydney he said not any more. Those words…they…they haunted me…I…I was just so scared."

"I would be too," she admitted softly. "He obviously had a problem that went beyond control. It was desire…obsession…it was twisted Gage…Captain Reynolds had a problem that he should have gotten help for long ago. But he chose not to and…Gage he's the one to blame…you're not at fault in any way."

"I know that now," Gage said softly. "Took a long time but I finally know that."

"Think of all the ones that weren't able to stand up to him over…" she started and then stopped.

"What is it?" Gage asked quickly.

"I was just wondering how long he felt that way," she said softly. "I mean for him wanting to…okay that thought really scares me too," she said looking up at him with a frown. "It's over now…he can never hurt you or anyone else ever again," she said firmly. "That's all that really counts."

"And we are getting married," Gage smiled as he kissed her hand. "That's what really counts."

"Yes I agree," Sydney said with a large smile. "I was starting to wonder if it would ever happen."

"Baby even if we had to get married in Vegas," he teased. "It would have happened."

Sydney laughed at his facial expressions and was so thankful that they were able just to sit and laugh together without the fear of Captain Reynolds coming to destroy that in some way.

"You know I think it's so great that you were able to visit the others and tell them in person the good news that Captain Reynolds was the one that raped them and that he is now dead," Sydney said firmly.

"I know," Gage said. "It was hard but I'm glad I was able to give them all a bit of closure. I know it would have killed me not knowing, even after it was over."

"I'm just so glad your instincts took over this time and allowed you to conquer your fear and fight him," Sydney said with a firm smile.

"I was still scared Sydney," he admitted sheepishly. "But I think I just…you know it was when he said it was my fault…"

"He said that?" Sydney asked in surprise.

"Yeah," Gage sighed. "Said I flaunted myself in front of him and other stuff. That's when I got mad…but…but then I froze again Syd…" he sighed once more. He leaned back in his chair and rubbed his sleepy eyes a bit. "That's when he was able to gag me and touch me…it was…damn Syd it was pure hell…but I…I just couldn't do nothing…I had to try right…I mean…" he said and then stopped. "Sydney I knew it might kill me and…and I was willing to take that risk."

"Well at the time that's all you could see. I'm sure Ian would tell you it's quite normal."

"I guess," Gage sighed. "I mean I didn't want to…then when we were fighting…oh man Syd," he said with a slight nervous laugh. "The fight…it was…it was a fight to the death," he admitted softly. "It would be either me or him."

"Glad it was him," Sydney frowned. "But for a bit there…Gage when I didn't hear your voice after the fall…then Walker…oh man Gage I honestly thought you died," she said sadly as she felt her eyes immediately water at the thought of remembering how they found him.

"Come here," Gage said softly. He took her hand and pulled her into his lap and wrapped his arms firmly around her. "It's all over now," he said as he felt her body lightly trembling.

"I know," she said looking into his blue eyes. "I love you so much," she whispered as she took his face in her hands and kissed him firmly on the lips. "So much."

"Keep that up and we'll never get anything done today," he teased, making her laugh.

"You're right," she said pulling away.

They finally finished breakfast and then hurried to get ready for the day. The two weeks past by very fast as they all busied themselves with wedding preparation and finishing up paperwork so they would be able to leave for two weeks without anything hanging over their heads.

Finally the big day had arrived.

"Wow I can't believe how nervous I am," Sydney said as Alex helped her put her dress gently over her head.

"I know," Alex smiled. "I'm nervous for you."

"Thanks," Sydney said dryly. "You're supposed to be my voice of confidence.

"Sorry," she laughed.

Sydney finally got her dress over her head and stood in front of the full length mirror and smiled.

"Wow," Alex said softly. "Sydney you look so beautiful."

"I can't believe today is actually happening," Sydney said softly.

"If you start crying now you'll be in big trouble," Alex warned with a slight laugh. "I mean it."

"Okay sorry," Sydney laughed as she wiped her eyes dry. "Can't help it…I'm just so happy."

"Me too sweetie," Alex said hugging her. "Come on let's get your hair done," she said letting the hair dresser into the large open room.

"I wonder if Gage is as nervous as I am?" Sydney asked as sat down in the chair to allow her hair to be done.

"Trust me he's more nervous," Alex laughed. "He has Walker and Trivette helping him," she said making Sydney laugh with her.

"True," she smiled.

"Walker you're not helping," Gage sighed as he tried to tie his bow tie on.

"You're doing it wrong," Walker smiled.

"Well it's because…" Gage said as he looked over at Trivette. "How come his is perfect?"

"Because I'm the master," Trivette boasted.

"Yeah right," Walker sighed as he rolled his eyes. "It's a clip on."

"A what?" Gage asked in shock.

"Walker…" Trivette moaned.

"Is it really?" Gage asked quickly.

"Yes it is," Trivette huffed.

"Can I have one?" Gage asked making them all laugh.

"See told you I was the master," Trivette boasted again. "I can easily sway men's minds."

"I thought you liked women," Gage teased.

"Funny," Trivette said dryly. "Be nice to me or I won't let you have my extra one."

"Trivette today he's getting married. He's allowed to be any way he wants," Walker smiled at his partner.

"Yeah now give me the phoney bow," Gage said firmly.

"Phoney," Trivette huffed as he slapped into Gage's hand.

Gage just laughed as he clipped the bow tie in place and then stepped back and smiled. "Can't believe I'm getting married today," he said softly.

"No one has earned it more," Walker said gently touching him on the back. "I'm proud of you Gage," Walker said firmly. "You never gave up and when it counted the most you knew what to do."

"I honestly thought at the beginning this day would never come," Gage said with a sigh. "I was so scared Walker."

"We all were Gage," Walker said firmly. "For both of you. You could have easily given up like the others, but didn't. Be proud of that fact."

"I am," Gage said with a smile. "Very proud."

"Now let's finish up and get outside," Walker smiled.

"Do you think she'll be late?" Gage asked with a frown.

"She's a bride right?" Walker countered.

Gage turned back to the mirror and stared at his reflection. He only had slight bruises left on his face and he wasn't going to use the cane today. His leg was healing much better and he'd only have a slight limp. He tried to look for traces of a different man on the outside but found none. All that stared back at him was the same reflection that had everyday since he was born. He was different though, on the inside. The part no one sees, he sighed to himself. That was the part that was still a bit unsure and apprehensive. But he knew with his friends and Sydney's love that he would be able to push the tragic event to the back of his mind where it belonged. Not because he couldn't deal with it or face it, but because he had already and won. He no longer needed to face those demons to know he could. That battle was over, new ones lay ahead. As he felt Walker touch his shoulder, signalling him to head outside he knew he would never be alone.

"Let's go," Gage said softly as he slowly followed after Walker. "I wonder if she's this nervous?"

Walker just laughed and looked at Trivette. It was so good to finally have Gage wondering about things that were really important and not hovering around fears he couldn't control. The events with Captain Reynolds would haunt him for some time but as they would lessen Gage would forget, not what he endured by the reason for it. For in the end that was the true fear, the not knowing.

Gage reached outside and stared at the small group of his friends before him and felt some of his tension leaving. They were smiling at him, not out of pity or worry for what happened, but because he was about to get married. They were proud and happy that he faced his fears and won. Now the real test began, that of providing for a family and taking on a new role. That's the real challenge, Gage told himself. The other stuff was just part of the job. And as he told himself that over and over again, Captain Reynolds ugliness started to diminish. He turned and looked up the road as the white limousine started to slowly drive down the driveway and felt his heart start to race. Sydney hadn't even exited the car and he was already smiling broadly. I can't believe I'm getting married today, he said happily. Wow.

Sydney felt her nervousness starting to grow as the white limo neared Walker's front porch. "I can't believe how nervous I am," Sydney said softly. "Wow. Were you nervous?"

"Honey every bride is nervous," Alex smiled warmly. "But once you say, 'I do', you'll feel immediately more relieved."

"I hope so," she said with a slight frown. She looked at Gage's bike and smiled to herself. I'm finally getting married, she said inside. To the man I knew the minute I met him. The limo came to a stop outside the front door and Sydney slowly climbed out of the car and smiled at Trivette who was waiting to waiting to walk her down the isle.

"Sydney…" he said with a smile. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Sydney said with a smile. "I wish I wasn't so nervous."

"Well just hold onto my arm and I'll try not to let you fall," Trivette teased as he held out his arm for her.

"Funny," she said dryly.

Sydney took his arm and they started to walk slowly after Alex who had already headed for the pathway to the alter. Sydney heard the music start up and immediately felt her heart start to beat a bit faster. She watched Alex walk ahead of her and then took her position at the end to wait to walk. She looked up at Gage and smiled at him. He was the most handsome man she ever knew. Strong and brave and he loved her. She loved the way his black tux complimented his blond hair and hugged the right parts of his body. But most of all she loved the fact that he had faced his fears and wanted to assume his normal life again. She looked at his face and locked eyes with him and actually felt a small measure of tension lifted from her body as she started to walk towards him.

Gage heard the music start up and immediately felt his heart start to race and his system display nervous features as he balled up his fists at his sides. He tried to relax his breathing and felt his chest start to breathe a bit more slowly. He watched Alex slowly walking towards them and knew Sydney was next. He caught a glimpse of white as she rounded the corner and felt his heart stop when she came into view. Oh…my…god…he said in happiness. Wow, she's beautiful.

"Wow," he whispered, making Walker look at him sideways and smile.

Gage, however, did not look back. His eyes were transfixed on the beautiful woman that started to slowly walk his way. The woman I knew I loved the minute I locked eyes with hers, he told himself. He watched Sydney walk towards him and knew his smile was taking up most of his face, but he didn't care. He had more than earned it and the small gathering of his friends knew that.

Sydney and Trivette walked up to Gage and Trivette kissed her on the cheek, shook Gage's hand and then went and took his seat behind Gage. Gage took Sydney's hand and held it while they turned to face the minister. Neither could hear a word the man before them was saying as the beating of their hearts was drowning out anything audible. They sat through his sermon, the vows and the ring exchange. It was finally time to kiss the bride.

Gage gently cupped Sydney's face in his and tasted her lips. "I love you," he whispered as he kissed her firmly but passionately.

Sydney heard his words and smiled as she whispered back, "I love you too."

After they had signed the papers to make it all legal and the pictures were taken there was a quick break before they would sit down to supper. Gage took Sydney by the hand and led her to Walker's small garden gazebo.

Gage took Sydney by the hand and led her to a small, secluded terrace. "Something wrong?" Sydney asked quickly as he turned to face her.

"Sydney I just had to say…" he started with a frown. "I mean I have seen you looking beautiful before but…" he said making her really blush. "You look amazing…I…man words can't describe how amazing you look right now."

"You look pretty good yourself," she smiled back.

"I just never thought this day possible for me," he said looking out the window. "Even today I didn't even believe it. Captain Reynolds…and what he said…I just never thought…But when the music started…and then you started to walk down the isle…" Gage said turning to her. "Sydney I felt my world stop and then start again and I realized that my dream has finally come true." He picked up her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "I love you Sydney Cook-Gage. Always."

"Gage when I was driving over it too seemed very surreal for me. I never thought I'd feel such happiness ever again, especially after what happened with you and all…but when I looked up and saw your face at the end of the isle…waiting…I realized that dreams do come true. I love you Francis Gage," she said kissing him back.

Always."

"Hey you two," Alex said walking up to them. "Time to start supper."

"Okay you can both breath easy now," Trivette said as the MC when they were seated for supper. Gage and Sydney listened to Trivette's light jokes and then chatted casually during the wonderful romantic dinner the caterer's put on. After the dinner it was time for a few speeches and the dance. Alex said a few heart-felt words and so did a few others Then much to their surprise Gage watched as Walker got up from his chair and headed for the podium.

"Was he scheduled to say something?" Gage whispered to Sydney.

"No, he said it would be too hard," Sydney smiled warmly. "But I'm sure he'll do fine."

"Gage I have known you for some time. You have been more than a friend to me, sometimes closer than a brother. I love you like you were my own. Sydney there is no one in the world that I would want to marry Gage and together I know the two of you will be able to meet any challenge head on and win. There is nothing the two of you can't accomplish together."

Gage and Sydney held hands and listened and both of them felt their eyes water watching Walker attempt to get through his small dedication.

"I am usually not the kind of person who does this but when I heard this song I immediately thought of the two of you. You have both faced so much in your lives and yet to be able to come together and love one another is the living proof that dreams do come true. Although it took a lot of hard work and perseverance you have both shown that with hard work comes fulfilment. You both weathered life's rocky storms and were the lighthouse in the dark guiding each other back to safety. And I know at times you both probably wanted to just walk away and call it quits but didn't, demonstrates that whatever tests you'll face in the future you'll face them together and be stronger for it. This song I dedicate to my best friend and the woman who has made his life complete. Sydney, Gage this is for you," Walker said warmly.

Walker looked at Alex and smiled as he gave the signal to the DJ who put the song on. Walker walked back to his seat and looked at Alex. "Whew, glad that's over," he said with a frown.

"You did great," Alex said kissing him on the cheek.

"Well they deserve happiness," Walker said firmly.

"And speaking of happiness," Alex said taking Walker's hand and placing it on her tummy. "I have some happy news of my own."

Walker looked down and then back up at her with a stunned look. "Are you…I mean…we…are we…"

"We are going to have a baby," she smiled happily.

"Alex," Walker said hugging her tightly. "I love you."

"I love you too," she said happily. Walker took his wife's hand after kissing her once more and together they watched Gage and Sydney walk hand in hand onto the makeshift dance floor.

Gage took Sydney by the hand and led them to the small dance floor that was laid out under the tent on Walker's ranch. They both heard Walker's warm words and waited in anticipation for the song to start. When it did the lyrics played with their memories from when they first started to draw together during this ordeal and knew everything Walker had stated had been heartfelt and the truth. Gage held Sydney firmly against him as the music started to sway.

There's a ship out
On the ocean
At the mercy of the sea
It's been tossed about
Lost and broken
Wandering aimlessly
And God somehow
You know that ship is me
'Cause there's a lighthouse
In the harbor
Shining faithfully
Pouring its light out
Across the water
For this sinking soul to see
That someone out there
Still believes in me

"You know there was a time I believed that none of the would happen. I honestly thought that this kind of happiness wasn't meant for someone like me," Gage said softly. "Especially after what happened to me. The blame, the guilt…I honestly thought you'd leave."

"I had just as many doubts Gage," Sydney said softly. "Maybe more. That you would turn away…that wouldn't' love me like before."

"I mean all the things I have gone through and…well I wouldn't have survived if you weren't there to help me through, guiding me to the other side. The right side. By you," he said warmly. "All the way. You never left my side and I can't thank you enough."

"And if not for your courage and love I never would have thought a second chance possible for us," Sydney smiled.

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again

There's a moment
We all come to
In our own time and
Our own space
Where all that we've done
We can undo
If our heart's
In the right place

"I keep thinking back to the time I first encountered Captain Reynolds," Gage said softly. "I told myself then that I would be alone forever and that the mistakes I made then would one day come back to haunt me the rest of my life."

"We all make mistakes Gage. I have too," Sydney said softly. "We both have and both will yet. But as long as we can work through them together then we will be able to make it. We won't fail, we can't. Walker's right…together we can do anything."

"I thought for sure Captain Reynolds's had ended my dreams of a happy future. And then when he attacked me again and the fight at the end and…I honestly thought this day was just a dream for me."

"It is a dream Gage," Sydney smiled. "And it just came true. For both of us."

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again
And again I see
My yesterday's in front of me
Unfolding like a mystery
You're changing all that is
And used to be

On a prayer, in a song
I hear your voice and
It keeps me hanging on
Raining down
Against the wind
I'm reaching out till
We reach the circle's end
When you come
Back to me again

When you come
Back to me again

"I love you Sydney," Gage whispered as he tenderly kissed her lips as he held her around the waist, close to him. "No matter what you never gave up on me. Your love and your strength made this day possible."

"I love you too Gage," Sydney said kissing him back. She felt his strong arm around her waist and smiled as the song continued to play. "And I never will give up on you because I know you'd do the same for me. Your love and your courage made this day possible."

"No matter what happens Sydney I promise you now we'll get through it together."

"No more going it alone," she whispered back.

"No more being alone," he whispered to her.

"Together," they both said at the same time. "Now and forever."

Sydney and Gage enjoyed the rest of their intimate wedding with their close friends until it was time to leave, not soon enough by their standards. They had laughed and cried with family members and friends, shared stories and tears, and drank enough to last two lifetimes. Now it was time to finally leave and enjoy the love of each other.

They sat in each other's arms on the ride back to Dallas, towards the hotel they would spend the weekend in. After they were settled in and put a few things way both stood in the middle of the hotel room in front of the modest fireplace just lookin at each other with happy smiles.

"I don't know why but for some reason I'm a little nervous," Sydney said softly.

"Whew," Gage laughed. "I thought I was the only one. I mean shesh it actually feels like my wedding night," Gage said firmly. He watched Sydney frown and immediately knew he said something wrong. "Oh man I mean…Sydney I didn't mean it like that," he said in a panic. "It's just well…you and me…I mean dressed like this and…" he said in a fluster and then completely stopped. "I'm just going to stop now," he said firmly.

"Good," she said softly. "Just relax and be yourself okay?" Sydney said softly.

Gage looked at her with a serious face. "I love you so much," he whispered firmly. "You have made today possible. Not Dr. Adams, not counselling, not Walker, not even luck. It's you Sydney, you helped me through it all. I owe you my life," he said leaning in and kissing her on the lips.

Sydney wrapped her arms around his neck and started to respond in full. Soon they were slowly undressing each other from their formal wedding attire. Gage slowly unzipped the back of Sydney's dress while she started to unbutton his shirt, exposing his muscled chest.

"Man my heart is racing," he whispered as he continued to gently devour her neck and then moved lower. He lowered them to the floor in front of the warmth from the fire and gazed lustfully as the warm glow started to temp him with the curves of her body. Sydney looked up and sighed happily as Gage's muscled flexed as his body moved closer to hers. He kissed her once more and then pulled himself back up. "Wow," he said softly.

"What?" Sydney asked with a slight smile.

"Tonight I get to make love to my wife, still amazes me," he said with a large grin.

Sydney wrapped her arm around his neck and pulled him back down to her. "So come here and show me what it's like already," she teased. "Husband."

Gage moved himself into position over her and did indeed show her much he loved her. In fact it wasn't until the wee hours of the morning that they finally made it to the warm bed and were sleeping, wrapped in each other's embrace.

A peaceful calm washed over them both. Embracing them in its endless arms. Wrapping them in serenity. And watching over them with a careful eye making sure they got the rest they both needed and deserved. And tomorrow would come. The future was theirs to share together. But for now it would have to wait.

~~Today I married my best friend, my love, my life~~

THE END!

**Dear readers. Male rape is a thing that is becoming more and more prevalent in the world today. 1 in 4 rapes committed is on a man. And only a very small percentage of those incidents occur in jail (common misconception) and not all are homosexual rapes. This topic while sensitive and disturbing at times is one that needs to thought about more as more people realize it's not just a crime that happens against women. I want to thank everyone for the wonderful support and even more for those that left reviews. Your open support means more than you'll know with a story like this. I firmly believe in happy endings for fanfic (although in real life it happens less and less). I hope you all liked the ending and please review if you did and for the overall story. Thanks again everyone!**