The first three years are the hardest. Balancing jobs, personal obligations, and global travel are only the tip of the iceberg. Spending a month apart is common. Even so, it isn't the distance or scheduling that proves the most difficult.

Rose doesn't know how to trust. Neither Rose nor Dimitri know how to open up to another person. They try to make the relationship work and fail more than once.

The first time they break up, it's her. She leaves in the middle of the night and takes a plane to the other side of the world. She doesn't say why. She just sends a text saying that it's too much.

For Rose, dating relationships have never been easy. None worked out. The longest relationship was with Adrian Ivashkov, which ended horribly. The rest were just a string of short lived flings with Moroi and dhampir men who didn't understand her. She doesn't even know how to have healthy friendships or family relationships. So, when Dimitri begins to get inside the walls of her heart, she gets scared and runs away.

Their friends push them back together. Lissa, Christian, and Ivan would take all the credit (individually) if asked. In truth, it is a group effort, which includes Rose and Dimitri's families. They force Rose and Dimitri into the same room and lock them inside.

The pair refuses to share the details of that meeting, but they were dating again by the end of that week.

The second time they break up, it's him. He can't handle her drinking. He knew, in the back of his mind, that it was an issue from the beginning. But, like most people falling in love, he thought he could fix her.

For Dimitri, her behavior starts to remind him too much of his father. She isn't abusive. She doesn't hit or throw anything. It's the fact that more often than not, when she is within wards, she is drinking.

A few months later, after an intervention and rehab, they begin their relationship again.

The next years are easier. They don't break up. They manage their schedules. They discuss their fears. They learn to trust.

"Stop fidgeting!"

Rose freezes, then glares at Lissa. "Did you really have to use compulsion?"

Lissa shrugs, guiltily. "Sorry." She runs the brush through Rose's hair. "You're just constantly moving and I want your hair to look right."

Rose smiles, though she is still fidgeting anxiously. "I know. I just… what if this is the wrong thing?"

Lissa sets down the brush and sighs. Stepping around the chair where Rose is sitting, she kneels and takes Rose's hands. "After everything you have been through, do you really want to run away again?"

Rose shakes her head. "No."

Lissa squeezes her hands. "Then take a deep breath, and let me finish getting you ready."

Rose does as she is told.

In another room, Dimitri is pacing. Tired of watching, Ivan snaps. "Would you stand still."

"Huh? Oh. I was just thinking."

"So I gathered. What are you thinking?"

"Is this a good idea?"

Ivan snorts, amused. "Dimka, you should have thought of that eight years ago. Or given up somewhere along the way. This idea was yours and hers." He smiles. "And it's a good idea…. Which you already know."

Dimitri nods, smiling a little. "It's just so hard to believe."

Rolling his eyes, Ivan laughs. "Really? Hard to believe passed long ago. You started dating Rose shortly after Lissa and Christian's eldest daughter was born. Rhea is eight now. Why you're nervous is beyond me."

"It's a big step."

"Not really. You're just celebrating in public the relationship that you've been in for years, and signing a paper."

"I'll be sure to tell Irina your opinion of marriage."

He shrugs, amused. "Marriage is more than the ceremony and the paper. Marriage is the commitment to another person no matter what. It's hard work. The two of you have made it through eight years worth of trials, and both decided to make a public commitment to one another."

"We broke up twice."

"And then worked it out. You haven't broken up in ages. You barely fight anymore. And you both light up when you are around one another. You wouldn't be here today if you weren't sure."

Dimitri's half smile is confirmation of Ivan's words. "I guess you're right. I was just wondering if she would run away again."

"Nah, she's too invested to do that again."

A few minutes later, there is a knock at the door. Christian is grinning when he enters. "They are finally ready."

Dimitri is convinced that Rose is the most beautiful woman in the world. All of his worries vanish as he sees her enter the chapel on her father's arm. She is radiant.

He no longer sees their friends and family who fill the rows of the chapel. He only sees her, and the way she looks at him as their eyes meet.

The words of the priest seem too long. The vows Dimitri and Rose say barely register in Dimitri's mind as they says them. He doesn't see the joy of Lissa and Irina as they stand behind Rose.

He only sees her and the love in her eyes.

Rose stares at the ring she wears. For a moment, she is alone at the reception. It is a symbol of their love and promises. He hasn't given up on her, and she knows he never will.

She can hear the laughter of their friends and guests. Children are playing a game on the dancefloor. They are Dimitri's nieces and nephews, Lissa and Christian's daughters and sons, and Ivan and Irina's sons. Rose loves them all- her family and friends. She loves this life that has been forged with Dimitri, her husband.

"You're so beautiful," he says.

She smiles. "You should thank Lissa for the hair. It took hours."

"I will. It looks incredible."

With a very light touch, Rose traces the intricate braids Lissa wove in her hair. The braids wrap around her head like a crown and are laced with white roses. Half of her hair hangs loose around her shoulders.

"Can you believe that she actually got me to wear roses?"

He laughs. "Did she threaten you?"

"Coerced." She stands, leaning into him with a contented sigh. "Today is perfect."

He wraps his arms around her. "It is."

And they lived happily ever after.

The End

AN: I'm not as happy with this chapter as I am with the previous two, but there were demanding readers. :) Thank you all.