Chapter 67 – Getting married

A/N: so here the last chapter goes. I hope you like it. And with this a long story that started in my teenage years has come to an end. It's crazy, it has been like all of my youth that I have spent on this story with many shorter or longer breaks. But here it goes, it is long, but enjoy!

Time flew by. Amber was growing and was now running around in the Bolton's house. She had turned 5 a few days ago. Her parents had just finished college, and now was the time for them finally fulfill their dream – the vow they had given each other 5 years ago at the cemetery in New York. They were getting married. The wedding was to stand the following Saturday. Everything was set and ready, and the only thing left was waiting. Amber was running around in the house playing with her two grandfathers, Jack and Michael. In the kitchen her grandmothers, Leslie and Maria, were making dinner for the five of them. Amber's parents were on a date, just the two of them having time on their own before the wedding – and they would spend the night alone in their new house a few roads away from their parents. Amber would stay the night in her old room in the Bolton's house.

"Grandma'," Amber called as she walked into the kitchen with her doll under the arm. "Yes sweetie?" Leslie smiled at the little girl. "Can we watch a movie tonight?" the little girl asked getting up on a chair. "We definitely can," Leslie smiled at her, "but first we will have dinner. Can you go get your grandfathers?" Amber nodded and climbed down from the chair again running into the living room, "granddads," she called. Her two grandmothers laughed looking at each other. "How did she get this big?" Maria smiled. "I have no idea," Leslie answered, "time has flown by."

With Troy and Gabriella who had just finished their drinks and now were ready to have dinner. "I can't believe, we are finally getting married on Saturday," Gabriella smiled as they held each other's hand on the table. They were sitting in the corner of the restaurant, where they could sit almost side by side and enjoy their time alone. "Me neither, it still feels like yesterday, when I asked you to marry me," Troy smiled. "I know, but still it is 5 years ago," Gabriella giggled. "That's funny, because I don't think any of us have gotten any older, and you are still just as beautiful, as you were the day, I met you," he said squeezing her hand. Gabriella blushed, "and you are still able to make me feel like the young girl, who blush by your words," she said. Troy chuckled, "I know, and I love how you still blush at me," he said leaning towards her. Gabriella leaned towards him and they kissed each other softly. "I love you, wildcat," Gabriella smiled at him. "And I love you, princess," he smiled. They were interrupted by a waiter, who brought their food for them.

Leaving the restaurant Troy wrapped his arm around Gabriella's waist leading her to their car. Like always Troy opened the car door for Gabriella to get in, and then ran to his side of the car to get in. "I have something, we need to do, before we go home," he smiled at Gabriella, who smiled back at him, "are you going to tell me, or will I have to wait?" Troy chuckled, "what do you think babe?" "I'll wait," she giggled as Troy pulled out of the parking lot. Troy drove off to a very familiar place. The place where they had gotten to know each other, where they had spent so much time together. East High High School. "What are we doing here?" Gabriella asked smiling at Troy. "Come on," he smiled and got out of the car and went around it to help Gabriella out of the car. He took her hand and they started walking towards the school. "I have made an agreement with someone so that we can go inside and take a walk around those halls, where we started our journey together," Troy smiled at her as they reached the big door. "Really?" Gabriella smiled. "Yes, just for the two of us," Troy smiled and opened the door to let Gabriella in.

They walked around in the halls of East High hand in hand, just like they used to, when they were students there, talking about memories from their time in high school. They stopped in front of their old homeroom. "This is the place, where I first noticed you and your sickness back then," Troy said softly as they opened the door. Gabriella nodded, "you saw right through me," she smiled up at him. Troy nodded, "yeah." He wrapped his arm around her. "Thank you," Gabriella whispered. "For what?" he smiled down at her. "Saving me from the sickness and destroying of myself," Gabriella smiled up at him. Troy smiled and leaned down and kissed her softly, "I'll save you forever," he smiled, "and thanks for saving me too," he said. They continued their walk around the school, and then they stopped in front of the door leading up to the roof top. Troy opened the door and led Gabriella up to the roof. "Wow look at the stars," Gabriella smiled. Troy smiled at her excitement, "yeah, it is a beautiful night," he said and wrapped his arms around her. Gabriella leaned against his chest, "I am so thankful that you came to this school," she said softly. "Me too," he smiled and kissed her forehead.

They enjoyed the view from the roof top in the silence. Troy broke it, "I brought you up here, because I have something to confess," he said softly. Gabriella looked up at him, "what is it babe?" Troy smiled at her, "I want to confess that you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle to me on Saturday so that you can be mine forever. Gabriella Anne Montez, I love you so much, and I'm so happy that you'll be marrying me. But just to be sure," Troy pulled out a small black box from his pocket and kneeled down in front of Gabriella, "do you still want to marry me?" he smiled up at her. Gabriella smiled brightly and nodded, "yes," she smiled and leaned down and kissed him softly. Troy stood back up and wrapped his arms around her, "thanks," he said lifting her up and swirling her around in his arms. Gabriella giggled, "you are the best and only man, I could ever dream of," she smiled as he put her on the ground again, while slipping a silver ring with a small heart onto her finger along with the engagement ring from 5 years ago. They kissed each other once again, and Troy could feel Gabriella's arms being cold. "Are you freezing babe?" he asked concerned. "A bit," she admitted. "Come on, let's go inside and then head home," Troy smiled and led her to the stairs that led inside.

Just as they got inside and down to the empty hall, Troy's phone started ringing. He looked at the screen. "Mom?" he said picking it up, but then sighed in relief. "Hi princess," he said softly as he and Gabriella continued towards the door to leave their old high school. "We are having a good time, but we miss you too," Troy said. Gabriella smiled at him, she loved how Amber and Troy had a special bond, and how Amber always called to say goodnight, when she stayed at either of her grandparents' house. Troy opened the door to the car for Gabriella, who got in, and Troy ran to his side of the car and got in, and then he put the phone on speaker for Gabriella to hear what their daughter said too. "We will pick you up tomorrow, okay baby girl?" Troy said. "Yes, but I can stay here for a long time. I'm having fun the grandparents," their daughter said, and they could hear their parents chuckle in the background. "That's good, sweetie," Gabriella said, "but we will pick you up tomorrow, because mommy and daddy miss you." Amber giggled, "I miss you too," the little girl said. "Now be nice with the grandparents, okay?" Troy said. "I will," Amber said proudly in the other end. "Goodnight baby girl," Gabriella smiled. "Goodnight mommy, goodnight daddy," Amber said yawning. "Goodnight, princess," Troy smiled, and then they hung up. Troy chuckled, "can you stand a night without her?" he looked at Gabriella. "Only because I won't be alone, and you'll be by my side," she smiled at him. "Good, then let's go home," he said, and they drove off.

The next few days passed by and it was now Saturday. Gabriella had been sleeping at her parents' house with Taylor and Sharpay. Kelsi and Ryan would arrive back to Albuquerque Saturday morning, so Kelsi had not been there. Troy had slept in their house with Chad, who would be his best man. And Amber had stayed with Jack and Leslie so that both Troy and Gabriella could get a quite night. Sharpay was doing Gabriella's hair, when the doorbell rang. Maria went to open, outside a guy handed her a present with an envelope and a bridal bouquet in a box, "for the bride," he said, "have a nice day." And then he was off again. Maria went back into the living room that was now turned into what could look like a beauty salon. Maria handed Gabriella the small present and then placed the box with bouquet on the table, "it was for you," she smiled. Gabriella looked at the envelope it said, "for soon to be Mrs. Gabriella Anne Bolton". Sharpay smiled at her in the mirror, "I'll step back so that you can read it by yourself," she said and placed a caring hand on her shoulder. "Thanks," Gabriella smiled at her best friend. "Anyone who needs coffee?" Maria asked out in the room. "Yes, that would be nice," Gabriella smiled at her mother. "We will bring you some, sweetie," Maria smiled and the three of them left the room leaving Gabriella to read the letter.

My dearest Gabriella,

There are no words to explain how happy I am. Today you will become my wife. Today you will become mine forever to love, adore and cherish. I cannot wait for you to come walking down the aisle to me with our little girl walking in front of you and your dad. I promise you, I will try not to cry, but let me be honest, I will be crying like a baby, because no matter what you will be wearing later, you will be the most beautiful bride I have ever seen, because you are mine. My beautiful, lovely soon to be wife. My Gabriella Anne Bolton.

I cannot believe it has been 6 years since we met, and that you have been mine for almost just as long. For every day we spent together, I just fall even more in love with you and your soul. You make me the happiest man alive by being you and by being by my side. I have no words big and strong enough to tell you, how much you mean to me. How much our little family means to me. There are no one else I would ever want to spend my life with than you!

On this special day, the day that lawfully seal our life together, I want to thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for giving me our daughter. Thank you for being Amber's mom – and the best mom in the entire world! Thank you for loving me, even when I do not deserve it. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for giving me so much. Thank you for always being there, when life gets rough. But most of all, thank you for saving me by being you 6 years ago. Thank you!

Do you remember our first slow dance together at the party a few weeks after I arrived at East High? We danced to your favorite song at that time 'Even if' by Sam Conception. That song has stuck with me ever since, even though we have not listened that much to it. But to cherish that dance and our life together I will repeat a few of the lyrics here, because it pretty much sums up how our life is, how I feel with and for you, and what I want you to remember forever.

"Even if the sun refused to shine, even if we lived in different times, even if the ocean left the sea, there would still be you and me. Ever since the start of time, you've had my love. Even before I knew your name, I knew your heart. In the dark of the darkest night, I can see your face. I always knew from the very start; I would find a way.

Even if the world would disappear, even if the clouds would shed no tears, even if tonight was just a dream, there would still be you and me. You've always been, and you'll always be the only one. Until forever the only girl I'll ever love.
One love, now and forever. Nothing can tear us apart.

Even if the sun refused to shine, even if we lived in different times, even if the ocean left the sea, there would still be you and me. Even if the world would disappear, even if the clouds would shed no tears, even if tonight was just a dream, there would still be you and me."

Gabriella, I love you so much! I cannot even explain it, but I will show it to you for the rest of our lives. I cannot wait to spend forever with you!

Always yours,

Troy Alexander Bolton

Gabriella had happy tears in her eyes. She smiled at the letter she held in her hand. She took her phone from the table and called him. "Hi babe," he said picking up. "Hi love," she said. "Are you crying?" he asked concerned. "A bit," she sniffled, "but it is happy tears, I promise!" Troy chuckled, "it better be. What's up my love?" "I just wanted to thank you for the letter," she said softly, "it was so cute, and I cannot say enough to show you how much I appreciate it." "You are welcome," Troy said. She could hear him smile. "Did you open your present?" he asked. "I haven't gotten to that yet," she admitted. "Well, open it," he chuckled. Gabriella placed her phone between her ear and her shoulder and unwrapped the present. It was a black box, she opened it and gasped. Troy chuckled in the phone, "just the reaction I hoped for." Gabriella smiled brightly at the box she was holding in her hands; it contained a golden necklace with a small diamond in a heart shaped locket with the engraving G & T and the date of their wedding. "It is so beautiful!" she said, "Thank you so much, darling," she smiled happily. "Anytime, babe," Troy said softly, "and hey, thank you for the watch. I love the fact that you made an engraving just like mine in it," he said. "You are welcome," she said softly. "Are you having fun with the girls and your mom?" Troy asked. "Yes, I am, they will bring me some coffee anytime now, and then Shar will finish my hair before your mom and Amber will get over here to get dressed," she said. "Good. Chad just finished his shower, so now it's my turn, and then we will get ready," Troy said. "Good, well, then I'll see you later at the altar," Gabriella smiled. "You will, and I look forward to see you and hold you in my arms again," Troy said softly. "I look forward to be in your arms again," Gabriella said dreamingly. "I'll see you later, my beauty," he said softly. "You will," Gabriella smiled, "oh, and babe?" "Yes?" Troy said. "I'll be the one dressed in white," Gabriella giggled. "Good to know," Troy chuckled, "but I would never mistake any other woman for you," he said promising. "I know," she giggled, "see you later babe."

They hung up and Sharpay, Taylor and Maria came into the living room again. Taylor placed a cup of coffee in front of Gabriella, "there you go," she smiled. "Thanks," Gabriella smiled at her friend. "Wow," Sharpay said when she saw the necklace in the box at the table. Gabriella smiled, "yeah, that was kind of my reaction too," she said. "It is so beautiful," Sharpay said. The others agreed. "Okay, we should finish your hair so that you can get some food, and then we will do the makeup afterwards," Sharpay said. "That's fine," Gabriella smiled and let Sharpay do her hair. After eating some lunch, they got ready for the makeup. Just as Gabriella had taken her seat the front door went open and a happy Amber came running into the living room. "Mommy," she squalled and ran to her mom. Gabriella giggled and bent down to hug her daughter, "hi baby girl," she said. "Careful with the hair," Sharpay said. Amber smiled bright up at her aunt Sharpay after letting go of her mother, "of course," she said. Leslie came into the living room, "hi guys," she smiled, "Jack is in the shower, and Amber couldn't wait to see you, so yeah," she shrugged. "It's fine," Gabriella smiled and caressed her daughter's cheek. "Maybe aunt Tay can do your hair, huh?" Gabriella looked at Taylor. "I will definitely do that," Taylor smiled, "come here, Am," she said taking the girl's hand leading her to sit on the other side of the table than her mom. "Then I'll do mommy's makeup," Sharpay smiled at Amber, who nodded. The girls finished up, during the whole time they made sure to take pictures. Jack stepped into the living room, "hi guys," he smiled. "Hi Jack," Maria smiled, "Michael is in the office, maybe you can calm him down a bit, before he has to walk Gabriella down the aisle?" Jack nodded, "I'll go talk to him."

"Okay, so now the dress," Sharpay smiled at Gabriella after helping her with her shoes. Gabriella smiled bright at her two best friends, who had been helping her the whole morning. "I'll go get your father," Maria smiled and hurried to the office to find Michael and Jack. Taylor and Sharpay helped Gabriella get into her dress, while Amber sat with Leslie looking at her mother in amazement. "You look pretty, mommy," the little girl smiled at her mom. "Thank you, sweetie, do you think daddy will think so too?" Gabriella smiled. "Daddy always thinks you are pretty," Amber stated. Gabriella smiled at her daughter. They all got dressed and got taken a few pictures of all of them, of Amber and Gabriella alone, Gabriella and her parents and Gabriella with the girls and then the last picture of Gabriella with her father before they got ready to leave. "We will see you at the church," Leslie smiled as she and Jack went to their car to drive off. Maria, Taylor, Sharpay and Amber got into Maria's car and Michael and Gabriella got into the old, red Ford Mustang Convertible, which Michael had borrowed from a co-worker.

Arriving at the church Jack and Leslie stood outside to greet them. "Troy is inside," Leslie smiled at Gabriella, "he cannot wait to see you." Gabriella smiled, "I cannot wait to see him either," she admitted. "Can I go see daddy?" Amber asked looking up at her mom. "You can go in with your grandmoms, and your grandpa', Jack," Gabriella smiled at her daughter. Amber nodded, "okay." Gabriella bent down and kissed her daughter's forehead, "tell daddy that I can't wait to see him, okay?" Amber nodded, "I will." Jack wrapped his arm around Leslie, and Maria took Amber's hand and they went inside leaving Gabriella with her father, Taylor and Sharpay. "We will just finish you up and then go inside too," Taylor smiled at Gabriella as her and Sharpay made sure Gabriella's veil was in place and that the dress was hitting Gabriella's body right. "Thanks girls," Gabriella smiled and squeezed their hands before letting them go into the church.

By the altar Troy was standing talking nervously with Chad, when his parents came in followed by Maria and Amber. "Wasn't Amber supposed to be flower girl?" Chad asked. "Yes, she was," Troy said as they all got closer. "Change of plans, the little girl missed her daddy," Maria smiled. "Daddy," Amber hugged him around his legs. When she let go, he bent down and hugged her, "hi princess," he smiled. "Mommy can't wait to see you," Amber smiled brightly at her father. Troy smiled and caressed his daughter's arm, "I can't wait to see her either," he said softly. His parents and Maria got into their seats. "Amber, princess," Troy said kneeling down in front of her, "can you go sit with grandma' Maria?" Amber nodded and ran to Maria and sat down with her. And just as Amber sat down, the bells started ringing signaling that the ceremony would start soon.

Everyone stood up and the doors went open. There she was beside her father. Troy's love of his life. Gabriella. She looked stunning in a white, mermaid dress with a small tow. Her dark curls were pulled back and dropped down along the lace back of the dress. She was shining. Glowing like the sun outside. Troy felt tears build up in his eyes as she slowly walked down the aisle with her father, and his smile got bigger for every step she took towards him. Everyone smiled, snapped pictures and some filmed how she walked towards Troy. Finally, she stood in front of him. Troy shook Michael's hand, but he never took his eyes off of Gabriella. "You look gorgeous," he whispered and kissed Gabriella's cheek. Gabriella smiled brightly at him, "and you look so handsome," she whispered back, before they both sat down. The ceremony continued with the priest doing a speech for the happy couple before they said their "I do"'s. After the ceremony ended Troy and Gabriella walked out hand in hand. After taking pictures both outside and inside the church with and without Amber, they got into a limousine to drive off to get taken pictures in the park just the two of them. Amber was with Maria and Michael, who drove off to the place, where the party would be held.

"I can't take my eyes off of you," Troy smiled at her. Gabriella blushed a bit, "you are too sweet," she said as she took a sip of her champagne. Troy kissed her cheek, "how does it feel to be Mrs. Bolton?" Gabriella leaned her forehead against Troy's forehead and smiled even bigger, "it feels perfect to be your Mrs. Bolton," she said and kissed him softly. "I love you so much," Troy whispered caressing her cheek. "And I love you so much too," Gabriella smiled at him.

Soon after they arrived at the park, where they got taken a bunch of pictures together and of them separately. "Okay, I have a few funny pictures, I'd like to take of you, if you are up for it?" the photographer smiled at them. "Let's do it," Troy smiled wrapping his arms around Gabriella. "Okay, could you pick up Gabriella and put her over your shoulder?" the photographer asked. Gabriella turned in his arms and Troy lifted her up, "like this?" he asked. "Yes, that's perfect," the photographer said and snapped a few pictures and then bent down to take pictures from another angel. They continued with a few fun pictures before the photographer looked at them and asked if they had any pictures, they thought they were missing. "I have one picture that would be fun for us to have," Gabriella said. "Let me hear," the photographer said. "The first time we talked outside school was on my balcony at my parents' house, Troy climbed up the tree to the balcony, because he saw me crying. Could we maybe go there and take some pictures, if Troy can climb the tree in the clothes?" Gabriella looked from Troy to the photographer. "I'm in," Troy smiled, "that's a brilliant idea, babe." The photographer smiled, "well, let's go take those pictures then," she said as they walked towards the limousine.

Arriving at Gabriella's old home they talked about how they could take the pictures. Gabriella got inside and up to her old room and out to the balcony, the photographer followed her and snapped a few pictures of her on their way towards the balcony. Gabriella found her spot on the balcony and the photographer snapped a few pictures of her at the balcony, and then she ran outside again to take pictures from the garden of Troy climbing the tree. Once Troy had gotten into the tree and almost had reached the balcony the photographer ran inside to snap pictures from the balcony again. She snapped another bunch of pictures. "Okay, so any more pictures we need to take?" the photographer asked. Troy looked at Gabriella, "I think we have it all covered for now, right babe?" Gabriella nodded, "yeah, let's go to the party to get all of the pictures with the guest taken," she said. They left the house and drove to the party.

At the reception they got taken pictures of all of their guests, of them with the gang and with their families, and then it was time for the dinner. Chad, who was toastmaster, got everyone's attention. "I heard a bird sing about food," he said, and everyone laughed, "so if everyone will go to the next room and find their seats, then we can get this party going," he said and gestured towards the next room. The headwaiter held Troy and Gabriella back, because they should be the last to enter. As the last guests had entered the room, the door got closed. On the other side of the door the gang was handing out songs to the guests, and Kelsi had taken place behind a piano. "Okay, so we will sing, and then you join in," Sharpay said. Kelsi started playing and Sharpay nodded to the waiter by the door to tell him to open the door again. Just as the door opened, they all started singing "Can't take my eyes off of you" as Troy and Gabriella started walking into the room and to their seats. Walking towards their seats they looked into each other's eyes and sang along. "Thank you for helping us with the entrance of our best friends, Mr. and Mrs. Bolton," Chad announced. After getting to their seats the gang sat down, and then Troy stood up again to take the word.

"Wow, thank you so much for that welcome," he said. "Thank you all for being here to join us on our special day. I'll save all of my special words for later, so for now, thank you for being here, and thank you for the gifts, we are looking forward to opening them. The headwaiter will now tell you about the food that will be served today." Troy sat down beside Gabriella again and took her hand. The waiter told about the food and then the first dish was served. After the first dish Chad stood up, "so I was told that the toastmaster has to give the first speech of the evening, but I'm in the situation, where I'm also the best man, who will speak after the groom, so I've split my speech into two parts. So, you'll be listening a lot to me today, so be prepared." Everyone laughed.

"Well, here the first part goes," Chad said and took out his paper. "Gabster, my best friend since forever, and Troy, another one of my best friends, who came into our lives 6 years ago. I can't believe it. What a journey it has been those 6 years. Gabriella, my Gabster, we have known each other since kindergarten, and some even predicted back then that one day it would be you and me in the end, but let's be honest, we would never be a match, because I have my Taylor and you have your Troy, and we are more like brother and sister, which most people actually started to think we were later in our lives. I still remember Troy's look in the first PE class on his first day at East High, when I thanked him for saving my sister, when she was about to trip in the gym. I'm not sure if it was fear or amazement that I could have a sister like you. I know now that it was not exactly fear, but more a question of how I could look like this," Chad pointed to himself, "and then have such a gorgeous sister." Everyone awed and clapped. "And on that day, I did not know that I would be standing here, at your wedding day. My own little Gabster, I could not be happier for you! I have seen how you have grown along side Troy, and how you two have grown together, and it makes me proud to be your best friend. I simple cannot say it enough, but to me, you two are the perfect couple, and I am amazed how you two are holding up on everything, and how you've come through every hard part of your lives together. I know you both miss some people here today," Chad took a deep breath and looked at both Troy and Gabriella. "Gabs, your grandparents are not with us anymore, and I know you dreamed of them being here, but I'm sure that they are all looking down here, approving your marriage with Troy, and how you two live your lives together. And Troy, my man, your sister, who died 7 years ago should have been here along with the girls to be Gabby's brides maid, unfortunately she could not be here, but I know she is with us here today, because I know you take here with you in everything you do. You two even named your daughter after her, which is the most beautiful gesture that we, in our little gang, could ever think of. I still remember, how you guys told about Troy's proposal at Amber's grave in New York, how the last rays of the sun broke through the clouds, like Amber was approving your proposal, and I think she was. I believe that just as much as you two miss your loved ones, who are not here to celebrate your wedding, they are watching over you. And who knows, maybe they have all found each other in heaven and are throwing a huge party up there? Knowing Gabriella's grandparents, they are celebrating it very well." Gabriella nodded and turned her head to look at Troy, who smiled at her and squeezed her hand. "Gabster and Troy, thank you for being who you are, thank you for always being there for all of us, and most of all thank you for always saving each other. I love you, and I'm proud of you, both of you! Once again congratulations on your wedding, and I'll be back with more later," Chad rose his glass to make a toast for the couple, and then they all had a short break, before it was time for the speech from the bride's father.

"Wow," Michael said and looked at Gabriella and Troy, "so 6 years ago, we got a new neighbor in the Boltons, and little did we know that it would change our lives just as much as it did. We, Maria and I, were out on one of our many business trips, leaving our little girl alone way too much, but we got a new neighbor, who got a son named Troy. He turned out to notice a lot of things about our girl that we did not notice, because we were not there to notice it. Troy, I'm glad that your parents decided to move in next to us that day those years ago. Leslie and Jack, I'm thankful that your son has been raised as he is, and that you took our daughter in and helped here, when we were not there. There is no one, Troy, who I'd rather give my daughter to, than you. I know for sure that you'll never let my little girl down, and I know that you'll stand by her forever through it all." Troy nodded to Michael. "As you all know it has been 5 years since Troy proposed to Gabriella, it's a long time, but they decided to finish college and get ready for an adult life, before getting married. But before the proposal, I had found a very nervous looking Troy at the park, after he had texted me to meet him. It was almost right after we were told that Gabriella was pregnant, so I was prepared for the worst… that Troy would be leaving my little girl, letting her down. I was prepared to yell at him, but instead he looked at me and asked for my permission to marry Gabriella. Just another thing that amazed me with this young guy. He stood up for his actions, and he was serious about my daughter. I liked him, not from the beginning, but soon after I met him, I actually started liking him, because he was so good with my daughter, and that counts big time in father's book." Michael took a sip of his water and then looked at Gabriella.

"Gabby, my little girl," Michael smiled down at Gabriella, "you look stunning today, my beautiful little daughter is now for sure a grown-up woman, who is now married to the man of her dreams. And yes, we were a few who thought that you'd end up with that curly head you call your best friend, Chad," he pointed towards Chad, "but as I saw you with Troy, I knew that it would never happen, because you have never been more yourself, happier or more strong than you are with Troy by your side. And I'm happy to see you like this. I know he has saved you; I know he has helped you grow, and I know you have done the same to him." Michael took a sip of his water and continued, "Gabby, seeing you grow as you've grown the last 6 years with Troy has been amazing. You two are perfect for each other, and you have helped us, your mother and I, to retrieve our love and take care of it. When I see you two with Amber, I see how I always wanted our life to be with you – it was not like that, but I'm so happy to see that you are giving it to your daughter." Michael smiled at the couple and then at Amber, who was sitting with Jack. "I owe a big thank you to Troy's parents for taking care of my daughter, for taking care of my granddaughter, and for taking care of my family. Thank you for taking us in, just as if we had known each other forever. We are so pleased that Gabriella is now a Bolton, and that we got a new couple of close friends in you two, Leslie and Jack." Leslie and Jack smiled at Michael. "Gabby and Troy, I could go on forever about our memories together from the last 6 years, but that would kill the party, and this party is yours, so for now I'll finish my speech with telling you that I and Maria love you two and our little Amber so much, and we cannot wait to see where time and life will bring you in the future. Congratulations on your wedding," he finished. Everyone clapped and made a toast again. And then Chad stood up giving the word to the headwaiter who told about the next dish they would be eating.

Troy leaned towards Gabriella as they were eating their main course. "Is it as you imagined it?" he asked caressing her hand. Gabriella nodded, "it is, it is even better now, when the whole thing is happening," she smiled at him. "Yeah, same here," he smiled. "I am still feeling like this is all a dream," Gabriella whispered. "I know how you feel, babe," Troy smiled, "but I promise you that it is not a dream, because we are living our dreams together." She smiled at him and took his hand, "yes, we are, and we will always do so," she promised. They sat back holding hands watching all of their guests eat and talk. Then Chad stood up and took the word, "well, now it is time for one of the speeches that I've been looking forward to, and also one of the speeches that I've heard mumbled the last few weeks in the locker room, when he did not know that others were there," Chad chuckled and looked at Troy, "sorry dude, but I think you are doing a great job, and I'm sure that my little sister will be glad for your every word. The speech of the groom," Chad announced.

Troy stood up and pulled out a paper from his pocket. "Gabriella Anne Bolton, wow, I've been waiting for 6 years to call you that, or I've called you by that name for some time, but now it's official, that's your name." Troy smiled excited at Gabriella, who giggled. "Never in my wildest dreams I could have imagined that I would have met you 6 years ago, when I moved to Albuquerque with my parents. But I did, and I could not be happier. The first time I saw you was on the day we moved in. I drove up in front of our house, when you came out and you were about to go out for your run, and then that night I saw you from my room, which was across from yours. We smiled at each other, and then both draw the curtains. None of us probably even thinking that in 6 years we would stand here… married to each other." Troy took Gabriella's hand. "The next day we met at school, I was placed beside you, and that was how it all started. I saw something in you, and that evening I saw you at the balcony. There was no doubt, you did not feel well, so I climbed down the tree in our garden and ran to yours and climbed your tree and got onto your balcony. And from that evening our friendship grew and it soon became a relationship. Things went fast, really fast according to some people around us, but it felt so right with you by my side, so why listen to the people around us? We have had each other ever since that evening, and our parents and friends have supported us in all of the things that we have done. And I'm so thankful for that!" He looked at their parents and their friends.

"And yes, I've been rehearsing this speech for weeks in the locker room, in the shower, on my runs and everywhere, where I was alone. Or at least thought I was alone, Chad…" he chuckled. "I rehearsed it, because I want it to be perfect for you, because I want to give you everything, because you make my life perfect by being in it." He looked down at Gabriella. "The truth is that there are no words that can ever explain how I feel about you, because you mean everything to me, and trying to explain how much I love you or how much you mean to me, would be an impossible task. Yet, I'm trying to find the words to give just a hint of how important you are to me. I spoke to my grandpa' a few weeks ago, because he is the man I go to for advice, when my own dad is not enough. My grandpa' told me to always be honest and always tell you that I love you – and I will do that every day of our lives. To me, the I do, we have given each other today means that we will continue to love and cherish each other, like we have done until now. It means that I will love you every day even on the days, where everything is a mess and we might not get along. Yes, those days actually happens to us," he said looking around at the guests, "but we keep them to ourselves, because that is how we handle it. Together." He squeezed Gabriella's hand. "My I do means that I will continue to put you and our family first, I will think less of what I want, and more about what you and our family want and need. I will continue to laugh with you, and never at you. I will support you; I will stand by you and support your every step and every goal. I will help you through it all. I respect you so much, and I will continue to treat you with respect, just as you treat me with respect in everything you do. You are my only one, my one and only, and I can't wait to grow old with you and watch our family grow." He looked from Gabriella to Amber, and then back to Gabriella, "I will hold your hand, when we turn 80 and say, "we made it". We have been through so much already, and I am sure that there is nothing that can ever come between us. Because every struggle has made us stronger together. Gabriella, my Bella, I owe you everything. I owe you the biggest thank you ever, because you are who you are. You are the best girlfriend, the best wife, the best friend, the best mother, the best lover in the world. There is no one in the world that I would spend my life with, but you. I love you, and I will love you forever! I vow to help you love life, to always hold you with tenderness and to have the patience that love demands, to speak when words are needed and to share the silence when they are not."

He once again squeezed Gabriella's hand and looked into her eyes. "Gabriella, 6 years ago, I could never have imagined I would be this place. A place where I look into the eyes of my best friend and pledge to you my love. You are the sweetest, most loving, caring and kind person I have ever known, and I have no doubt that you make me a better man and father. You believe in me and have shown me how to love with unconditional acceptance and every day you reaffirm that you are my soul mate. Together we are an unbreakable pair bound by our love. I'm sure that a lifetime is long enough for me to return all that you have given me, but I promise to spend my days by your side. To inspire you, laugh with you, cherish you, confirm you, share your dreams and grow with you. I believe in what we are, and I will always love you with every beat of my heart. I love you, and I can't wait to spend forever with you." He squeezed her hand and then looked up to their guests, "will you all raise and help to make a toast for my beautiful bride, Gabriella Anne Bolton?" Everyone stood up and raised their glasses to make a toast.

Gabriella and Troy clinked their glasses and took each a sip of their wine, before Gabriella leaned in and kissed Troy softly, "thank you so much for your words, babe," she smiled at him. "Anytime baby, I will continue to tell you those and words like them forever," he promised her as they sat down close together. Amber came over to them, "hi princess," Troy smiled and lifted her into his lap. "Are you having fun?" Gabriella asked caressing her daughter's cheek. Amber nodded, "yes, but I'm tired." Troy chuckled, "it is starting to get late. You can lay down over in the corner, where grandma' Leslie has placed a mattress and a blanket for you." Troy pointed. Amber nodded, "but can I sit here a bit?" Troy nodded, "yes you can," he said, and Amber rested her head against her dad's chest. Gabriella smiled at Troy, "you are the best dad in the world," she whispered and kissed him softly. There were some of chattering, before Chad once again stood up to take the word. "Well, now it is time for my best man speech, so be prepared."

"Well, as you all know I am Gabriella's best friend since kindergarten, which would have made it natural for me to be her brides maid, maybe even maid of honor, but since I'm a guy, and I really like the man she has married today, I am the best man instead." Everyone laughed. "To be honest, this has been a bit hard to prepare, because how do you make a speech to two of the most important people in your life? I have googled a bit, and somewhere I read that the perfect best man speech should last as long as it takes for the groom to make love – and since I have no idea about how long that it, or is in the need of knowing since Troy is with my sister, I'll just give it a shot." Everyone laughed again and Gabriella and Troy looked at each other and shook their heads. "We all know that Gabriella is a wonderful woman and deserves the perfect man. Unfortunately, you don't always get what you deserve, baby sis," Chad chuckled at Gabriella. "Troy, my man, this is the day I feared all through my childhood and my teenage years with Gabby. She is my little sister, and I never thought any man would be good enough for her, but I never expected my Gabster to fall in love with what ended up being my best friend. I have to admit it, you are worthy of my sister. If anyone is, it is you. And you know that I will haunt you down to the end of the world if you ever do anything bad to her." Troy nodded at Chad and chuckled. "Gabster, you look as beautiful as ever. You shine brighter than the sun, and that's what you have done for those 6 years with Troy. So, thank you, Troy, for making her shine again. I owe you one on that. And speaking of owning people one, Gabster, I owe you lots. You have shown me just how strong a woman can be. I have always admired you for your love of others. For the easy way you make friends. For how smart you are. When it comes to anyone, man or woman, you are one of the best humans I have ever known. And you deserve the very best, and I know that Troy will do anything to give it to you!" Chad smiled at the happy couple and continued, "Love isn't perfect. It isn't a fairytale or a storybook, and it doesn't always come easy. Love is overcoming obstacles, facing challenges, fighting to be together, holding on and never letting go. It is a short word, easy to spell, difficult to define, and impossible to live without. Love is work, but most of all, love is realizing that every hour, every minute, every second of it was worth it because you did it together. And that is what I see, when I look at you. You two has been inseparable since that very first day Troy entered our school, and even though we sometimes thought you got a bit too cutie-cutie and a bit too much, there is no doubt that we all loved watching you two grow into love with each other. Troy, I owe you big time on coming into my sister's life and turn it around, when she needed it the most. And with you coming into her life, you changed all of our lives, because you were there. I know that it is said that you don't marry a person you can live with, but you marry a person you can't live without, which is exactly what Gabriella and Troy have done today."

Chad turned to look at the parents of the couple. "I also want to thank you, Maria and Michael, and Leslie and Jack. Maria and Michael thank you for letting me be best friends with Gabster since forever. Thank you letting us get memories and grow together. Leslie and Jack, thank you for moving to Albuquerque with Troy 6 years ago, thank you for making him attend East High so that he came into our lives." The parents smiled at Chad, who now turned back to the couple, "you two have been raised by loving and caring parents, who has raised you to be who you are. You two are perfect for each other, because you stay together hand in hand through it all, and that is important. When you choose a life partner, you're choosing a lot of things, including your parenting partner and someone who will deeply influence your children. And before you even had chosen each other forever, we all learned that our little princess Amber was on her way, and you did a great job. She is a loving child, who makes all of us proud. And you two are doing a great job on raising her." Gabriella and Troy smiled at each other and at Amber, who was half asleep in Troy's arms. "But when you choose your life partner that is the one who will be your eating companion for about 20,000 meals, your traveling companion for about 100 vacations, your primary leisure time and retirement friend, your career therapist, and someone whose day you'll hear about 18,000 times, according to the statistic. But Gabriella and Troy, before I finish, I'd like you to turn to face each other," he said, and they did as he said. "You're now looking into the eyes of the person who is statistically most likely to murder you." Chad chuckled and took his glass, "but oh well, statistics are just numbers, I know you'll never kill each other. To the bride and groom!" he made the toast, and everyone clapped.

Gabriella waved him over to them to thank him for the speech. "Thank you Chaddy," she said and hugged him. "You are welcome, Gabster," he said. "Yeah, thank you," Troy chuckled, "I'd hug you, but the princess is sleeping," he said referring to the sleeping Amber. Chad nodded, "it is hard being witness to your parents getting married," he chuckled. "Yeah, I'll just put her onto her mattress over there," Troy pointed to the corner. Troy stood up and walked over there placing their daughter on the mattress, wrapping her in the blanket, and then came back to Gabriella and wrapped his arm around her. "I love you," he whispered. Gabriella smiled and leaned her head at his shoulder, "I love you too," she whispered.

"If I can have everyone's attention," Chad said and stood up, "we still have some speeches left before the dessert, and I heard it will be a good one, so let's get those speeches on. Jack Bolton, father of the groom, go ahead." Jack chuckled and stood up, "thank you Chad, I'll try to make it short, so that you can get dessert soon." Jack pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.

"Gabriella and Troy, Troy and Gabriella," he started, "we can't say one of your names without saying the other's. And it has been like that for more than 6 years now, and it will be like that for the rest of your lives. We, Troy's parents, are thankful to see this day, because 6 years ago, we didn't expect that it would ever come after we lost our daughter, and we witnessed how our son was falling apart. Then we moved here, and he met you, Gabby. His savior. I know he saved you, but you saved him too. You saved each other. And we are pleased to officially welcome you to the Bolton family – now also by name. We love you, Gabriella, never forget that!" Jack smiled at the couple. "Son, you have been one of the sweetest blessings of my life. You are kind and gentle and generous while also being strong and responsible and courageous. I am so thankful that we managed to raise you like this. You have chosen a beautiful young lady as your bride. The truth is that you chose her from the very first day that you laid your eyes on her, you just did not see it yourself, but your mother and I saw it. You were in love, and you still are in love with your Gabriella. Your Bella. I could not be happier to officially welcome her to our family today. She is truly special in every way, and I know she makes you stronger, and that you do the same to her."

Jack pulled out something from his pocket and held it up, "this is a keychain that I got from Gabriella this morning," he said and read out loud what it said, "Thanks for being an example of a loving father and husband. I'm blessed to marry your son. Love, Gabby" he read, "and Gabby, my girl, I'm blessed that you'll marry my son. I remember the first time we met you. You were kind of shy, but soon you became relaxed around us, and we got to know you. When we learned that you were pregnant with Amber, we got nervous. How should it all work? But we decided to support you, because we believed in you two. And I never doubted our decision, not even a bit. You came into our lives and changed it for the better. You changed Troy's life for the better. And you just fit into our family as you had been there forever." Jack smiled at Gabriella. "When you went with us to my parents' house the spring before Amber was born, it was the first time you'd meet Troy's grandparents. They were so happy to see you, and as the most natural thing you just fit in there too. My father who has never been a man of many words looked at me the first evening and said "I like her. I understand why Troy will marry her" and with those words said, you were accepted as a real Bolton." Gabriella smiled at Troy's grandparents, who were sitting next to Jack and Leslie. "Troy and Gabriella, may you have faith in each other and always be faithful to the vows you are taking. May you feel hopeful for your future and experience more joy than you can imagine. May you grow in love and realize all you dream of together. May you prosper in health, wealth and happiness. And to quote my father on what he said to us, on our wedding day: a husband and wife must function like two wings on the same bird. They must work together, or the marriage will never get off the ground. So, work together on everything that life throws at you! We love you, and we will always be right here to support you and your Amber." Jack ended his speech and looked at the rest of the guests, "to the beautiful couple, Troy and Gabriella!" They all made the toast and then clapped.

A bit of time went by and then Chad again took the word, "and now for the final speech before the dessert," he said and looked at Gabriella, "so Gabster, could you please hurry with your speech?" Everyone laughed as Gabriella stood up shaking her head. "Chaddy, I promise you that you'll get your dessert, but I won't promise to hurry through it." She was handed her speech from Sharpay, who had, had it in her purse.

"Troy, my husband, my man, my love, the father of my daughter," Gabriella looked at Troy, "we have both been looking forward to this day for 5 years. It is more than 5 years since you proposed to me, the first time. Since then you've proposed to me at least once a year, and you did so again Tuesday night. Every time I've said my most heartfelt yes. And today I finally said "I do" with all of my heart. From this day on, it is even more you and me against the world, than it has ever been. It has been you and me against the world for 6 years now, and I'm sure we will be able to sit together hand in hand, when we are 80 and say, "we made it", because that's how we are." She smiled at him. "So, where do I start with Troy? Well, for starters, he's handsome, he makes me happy and he makes every day perfect." She smiled. "Troy, I love you. I love you because you are happy and adventurous and strong. I love you because you love your family and friends just as fiercely as I love mine. Also, I love that your family has become mine and my family has become yours. You are my best friend and I am so happy we are on the same team. You are the love of my life and you make me happier than I could have ever imagined and more loved than I ever thought was possible. You make me unbelievably proud and I promise that I will make you proud as your wife. I vow to listen to you and learn from you. I vow to laugh with you and cry with you. I vow to value our differences just as much as our common ground. I vow to put all of my effort into strengthening our marriage and giving you the best version of me. Troy, on good days or bad days, rain or shine, I'll love you forever. I'm so lucky you're mine." She squeezed his hand.

"Troy's family became my family the moment I stepped into the Bolton's house the first time. And for every member of the Bolton family I met, I got a new family member. I have never felt wrong in your family, and I am proud to officially being a Bolton now." She smiled at her now formally family in law. "Leslie and Jack, thank you for taking me in, and treating me like your own daughter. Thank you for opening up your home for me, when times were hard, and help med and Troy out with everything. Thank you being great friends to my parents. But most of all, thank you for raising Troy. I'll never forget the day I met him. Soon after I figured that he had to be the one for me. And he is. He is the man I want to grow old with. He is your son, and you raised him to be strong, yet gentle and loving. So, today on our wedding day, I just want to thank you for raising such an amazing man with whom I will share my life. I love him more than words can say, and I love you two." She smiled at Jack and Leslie, who smiled back at her.

"Mom and dad, you two have always been my biggest fans. I am forever thankful for what you have done for me – even the times you left me alone, because on one of those nights I met the love of my life. Daddy, I've always been your little girl, and I could always count on you, to love, support and guide me in everything I'd do. The years has passed so quickly. And here on my wedding day, I have many memories that I'll forever hold dear. Thank you, mom and dad, for everything. I'll always be your little girl, I promise." She smiled at her parents, and then she turned back to Troy.

"Troy, you are my dream come true, you are my world, you are the joy in my heart, the laughter in my voice, and the smile on my face. We complement each other so beautifully and together we can face anything; we can be comforted in knowing that we will never have to face it alone. The first time you kissed me, I knew, we shared something special, and it wasn't long after that I fell in love you and realized that you are the one that I was meant to spend my life with, I could see it in your eyes. I could feel it in my heart. You are the most incredible man I have ever known, and you make me feel amazing every single day. I am so excited and completely elated to be standing here with you today. You are the love of my life, my best friend, my soulmate, my everything, and I promise to you that I will love you always with my whole heart. I promise that I will always be there for you, in good times and bad, may we always laugh together like we do now, and may the stormy days we encounter and the trials we face only make us stronger." She squeezed his hand and continued. "I promise to be your best friend. To have your back no matter what. To let you fight your own battles, but I will tap in when you need help. I promise to share the covers and make sure I leave some hot water for you. To love your family as my own. I promise to make sure I'm not just hungry before I yell. To hold your hand every chance I get."

Gabriella smiled at him again, "I can't promise you that dark clouds will never hover over our lives or that the future will bring us many rainbows. I can't promise you that tomorrow will be perfect or that life will be easy. But I can promise you my everlasting devotion, my loyalty, my respect, and my unconditional love for a lifetime. I can promise you that I'll always be here for you, to listen and to hold your hand, and I'll always do my best to make you happy, and make you feel loved. I can promise that I'll see you through any crisis, and pray with you, dream with you, build with you, and always cheer you on and encourage you. Troy, no words can explain how much I love you, but I will do my very best to show it to you for the rest of our lives. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together, and I'm looking forward to making our family even bigger together." She took her glass and looked at their guests, "to my husband, my savior, Troy Alexander Bolton." They made a toast, and everyone clapped as Troy and Gabriella met in a sweet kiss.

"Thank you, babe," Troy smiled and caressed her cheek. "Thank you for saving me back then," she smiled at him. "Thank you for letting me save you," he said and kissed her softly.

After the dessert was served and eaten, Chad announced that it was time for the first dance of Mr. and Mrs. Bolton. Everyone gathered at the dancefloor, even Amber had woken up and stood between her grandparents. The music of the song that they had, had one of their very first dances to started playing as Troy slowly pulled Gabriella into his arms and started leading her around the floor. "Even if" was their song, and here they were, together. Planning on their own future. They had a bright future waiting for them. They had saved each other from death that they were both on their way into, when they first met.