Aside from a few smiles and claps on the back in congratulations, Unique and Ryder's newfound union was treated as a non-issue by their friends. They were happy for the couple and that was that. Ryder spent most of the night with his arms wrapped around Unique, and when he was separated from her, his eyes always sought her out. It amazed him that only a few days ago she was just a friend whom he paid attention to no more, no less than he did anyone else. (Well except for occasionally noticing how her eyes sparkled, and her smile made his stomach flutter.) Now she was all he could focus on.

When everyone had crowded into booths for dinner, Mr. Shue stood up and tapped his glass, garnering everyone's attention.

"I just have to say that this is the happiest night of my life." He turned his gaze lovingly upon his new bride. "I have been in love with this woman for so long and just knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life loving her and growing old with her, well it makes me the happiest man in the world. Emma, you are my everything and I love you so much." He leaned down and kissed his wife, her eyes shining with joyful tears.

She cupped his face. "I love you, too."

Everyone cheered.

After dinner, everyone began mingling and couples took to the dance floor. Ryder and Unique spent the rest of the evening swaying to the music, arms wrapped around each other, talking softly. Conversation came as easily now as it had online, only this time no one was hiding behind a screen name. They were face to face, and their connection felt that much stronger.

Unique was absolutely beside herself. This entire night felt so surreal. So many things had happened and her emotions were all over the place. Ever since she had begun her own journey towards self-acceptance, she had never felt more real, more accepted, more feminine than she did tonight. Performing on that stage with her closest friends, in her true form and not having to play the part of "Wade," felt so natural, and that was just the start. Having Ryder hold her and show her his feelings, believing her truth, talking to her like she was worthy of love, that ment more to her than she thought her heart could take. And the fact that her friends didn't even bat their eyes at her and Ryder as a couple? That was just the cherry on top.

All too soon the night came to an end and people began dispersing. Ryder's truck was still at the school, so Jake and Marley dropped him and Unique off at the student parking lot. Once the couple was seated inside the old blue Ford pick-up, Ryder was loath to start the engine. Unique only lived a few blocks away, and he wasn't quite ready for this night to be over. Unfortunately, his curfew was fast approaching and he was already on thin ice with his dad over staying out too late several nights ago. He started the truck.

They rode in comfortable silence, both lost in their own thoughts, though their joined hands lay on the seat between them. When they arrived at Unique's house they made plans for breakfast the next morning, then spent the next ten minutes kissing. When the porch light flickered on, Unique knew that was her cue to say goodnight.

She broke away from Ryder and smiled. "That would be my parents. I should probably get inside."

Ryder touched her face tenderly and gave her one last kiss before she left. He watched her disappear into her house then turned the truck around and headed home.