Chapter 9- Feels Like Home

Author's Note: Here we are, here's the last chapter of the Book and the Guardian Diaries series. It is very fluffy, considering the whole point of this chapter, but there's also some realism and the aftermath of the war hasn't gone away completely.

Thank you all again for following and reading, there is some Spanish used and the translation and explanatory note is at the end. I was going to make this chapter shorter than the others, but that didn't work and I admit that I suck at writing short chapters!

The songs featured are Forever Begins Tonight- Patrizio Buanne and Feels Like Home- Chantal Kreviazuk (though Randy Newman wrote the original, it's been covered a few times).

16th June 2004

A blue and yellow winged maripabird chased its mate across an orchard full of apple, maple and cherry trees. They fluttered and pecked each other playfully on the bright summer's day, having gone on a tasting spree of the nectars of the masses of pollinated flowers that danced in the breeze.

Next to the orchard was a large horseshoe shaped complex that stood proudly over and welcomed the outdoor for the job that it was due to play, casting a shade over the several guests, who were seated in two columns.

Inside one part of Babylon House, a very small boy with jet black hair trotted next to a man with messy floppy hair and glasses. Both wore suits and a tuxedo each; the boy's hair had been bright red a few minutes ago, but now he matched the man's own shade, and in his small hands he held a bouquet full of white jasmines that radiated a sweet fragrance.

"Come on, Teddy, here we are!" Harry beamed motioning to a closed mahogany door. "Knock on there."

Teddy hesitated.

Harry chuckled, before drawing him in for a one armed hug and rapping the door with his hand. The door flew open and Mary Eagle appeared in its place in a purple robe.

"Hello!" she chirped.

"Hey!" Harry said, before looking down at Teddy. "Go on, just like we did. Present for the bride..."

"Present for the bride," Teddy repeated shyly. "Cutsy of the groom." He held out the flowers for Mary, who cooed and laughed.

"That's really nice of you, why don't you come on in and give them to her, yeah?" Mary offered. She gave Teddy Lupin his hand, which he took. "Not you, I'm afraid," she said sharply but teasingly to Harry, who sighed and was left at the door.

"This young man has a present from the groom to the bride!" Mary announced. She led Teddy into a well lit room, where Hermione, Luna, Hannah, Ginny and Dasia sat around a large dressing table with an oval shaped mirror. They were each dressed in either lilac, yellow or orange dresses. But at the table sat a lady in white, who had medium brown hair: the bride.

"They're lovely, thank you Teddy!" the bride said, as her bridesmaids cooed at Teddy's cuteness, after all, there was nothing more cute than a five year old boy in a suit giving flowers. She rose and took the flowers before hugging Teddy and kissing his head.

"You look lovely too," Teddy muttered, his hair turning brown like Marcena's.

"Aww, thank you!" Marcena kissed his cheek; he blushed and wiped his cheek, but smiled.

"Tell the groom that I loved them, please," she said, before Teddy nodded and was escorted to the door by Mary, where Harry was waiting for him. The girls waved him off and turned to each other.

"Very romantic; it may be bad luck to see the bride on her wedding day, but that doesn't stop him doing this!" Dasia commented.

"Actually, it's very bad luck to not see the bride on her wedding day!" Hermione corrected, causing a shriek of laughter from them all.

Marcena sighed, remembering how she and Gallardo had got to where they were, losing herself in a daydream.

She recalled the first time Gallardo had properly met her family for dinner, he had really been nervous about getting along with them all. He already knew and had a good relationship with Marks, so conversing with him had been easy. With Marina Helena, her mother, Gallardo had sought to be as helpful and respectful with helping lay the table, giving her his "New Man" image, which had created a bond of mutual liking. Eduardo and Gallardo had even fought alongside each other at the Battle of Hogwarts, so they were good friends, although Gallardo had once personally assured him of how much his sister meant to him. However, it was Dasia who had made things the most difficult.

At first she had picked up the little acts of chivalry, like pulling out chairs for Marcena, her or Marina Helena; however, her mother silenced her with a stern look, despite Gallardo not really taking offence. Next she had asked whether Gallardo expected Marcena to cook and clean, which Marcena had scolded her for. But Gallardo had calmly replied that Marcena was a brilliant cook and he hoped to cook for her and learn from her in the future.

However, things got more heated when Marks, Marina and Marcena were elsewhere; Dasia had accused Gallardo passive-aggressively of being old fashioned and below the league of her sister, to which he had calmly but firmly refuted as false; even Eduardo had nudged her to stop. But Dasia still needed to try one more trick: she alleged that Marcena always used to talk about Gary Thoburn but, for some reason, never about him. That just made Gallardo's heart break and his blood boil; resisting the temptation to start a fight with his fiancèe's sister he excused himself coldly. He had confronted Dasia later.

"Have I done something to offend you?" Gallardo approached cautiously. He and Dasia were alone in the lounge after the dinner.

"I don't know what you mean," Dasia answered, avoiding eye contact.

Gallardo took a deep breath. "Look, I know you love and care about your sister, and you know what? So do I! She's the most precious thing in my life and I just want to make her happy, so why won't you give me a chance?"

To his surprise, as he had been expecting a hurl of insults, she burst into tears. "I'm sorry... it's just that I've been a shite sister all this time, and I know that you're a decent guy... she couldn't ask for someone better. It's just that my little sister has found her soul mate and all I've had is hurt and I'm really really-!"

"It's OK!" Gallardo cried, awkwardly sitting next to her infront of the fading fireplace. He slowly reached over and touched her shoulder, which she squeezed back.

"Marcena doesn't think you're a crap sister," Gallardo smiled. "She always has something nice to say about you."

"Really?" Dasia croaked, drying her eyes. "She talks a lot about you too. Too much, even! And now I know why!"

Gallardo let out a chuckle. "Thank you, and don't worry: things will get better for you."

"Thanks, you've got my blessing!" Dasia hugged him. "Welcome to the family!"

Marcena chuckled to herself thinking about that night. Obviously she was angry to find out what Dasia had done, but also relieved that they were getting along. However, she was proud and touched at the patience and willingness Gallardo had shown for her sake.

As Hannah helped her tie her hair in a neat bun, Marcena's mind was cast over the year 2003 had been. The initial plan had been to wed during that year, sometime in April or May, as both bride and groom were expected to be in their chosen careers. While Marcena had found a Healing Intern role and had been in her Foundation year, Gallardo was having trouble with his hunt for a Pupilion in a set of Advocate Chambers. He was lucky enough to scrape by on manual work in Garden Town, but the wages were very low and he would sometimes, unintentionally, withdraw into a solitary reverie and get quite irritable, although he would be apologetic. Marcena realised the extent of his affliction when there were some nights, which they would occasionally share together, where Gallardo would leap awake, breathing heavily and sweating. He would be reliving his ordeal and what he witnessed during the war, including his rage and fear from when he met the Dragon of Alberion and Diablus' final test for him. He would be shaking and in extreme distress; his panic attacks seemed to be more frequent and severe than those of his friends', and the stress really didn't help. Marcena had to admit that she was frightened, but rather than scaring her off it made her love him and want to look after him even more.

One day, he had asked her to meet in Percival Square, under the statue of a knight on an armoured horse.

"Hey, Gallardo," she smiled, as they pecked each other on the cheek and sat down on the bench.

He looked nervous, and was covered in earth and faint bruises, especially on his hands- his strong and honest hands. He had to be honest.

"Marcena, I think that maybe we should... postpone the wedding," Gallardo said, after a bit of small talk.

Marcena looked taken aback. "Um... OK, may I ask why?" Her heart quickened with dreaded anticipation.

"I'm not enjoying this, I'm really not, but I've not secured Pupilion yet, or a job that pays more than peanuts. At the moment, I don't think I can afford it."

"Gallardo!" Marcena laughed nervously. "It's the twenty-first century; you don't HAVE to provide for me."

Gallardo sighed and shook his head. "I don't care if it's the fifty-first century; what kind of husband would I be if I couldn't?"

"Gallardo," Marcena began.

"It's important to me to be able to provide for you and our kids," Gallardo insisted. "It's my duty as a husband, even if you're earning. Please, it's important to me."

Marcena gave light chuckle- he sure was very stubborn and old fashioned, but that was something that was part of him- his quirks. At least he hadn't asked her to stay at home, she thought before seeing the pleading fragility in his brown eyes.

"I'm not saying this to cop out on you. You know I'd never do that."

"I know; OK," she nodded, realising why he needed this. "Let's postpone the wedding, then." She nudged him playfully.

Gallardo breathed a sigh of relief and put his arm around her and kissed her lips. "Thank you," he breathed.

That had been over a year ago; now, she was a Foundation Second Year and he was a Pupil Advocate at Apple Orchard Chambers- thanks to Sufyan Ansari, Gallardo's giddy and quirky mentor of Malaysian descent. A few weeks ago, she had been panicking about if he would postpone again and if this was indeed the best decision for the rest of their lives, whether it would live up to her expectations; however, Gallardo had compassionately and wisely eased her mind, and she knew for sure, all worries sweeping aside, that she wanted him, no one else, to make an honest woman out of her.

"Earth calls to Marcena!" Hannah cried, jolting her back to the present as her bridesmaids giggled.

"Oh, I need to go set up!" Luna said, jumping up suddenly and excusing herself, for she had an important job at this wedding.

"Good luck!" Hermione wished her. "We should probably make our way now too." She and Ginny rose, but Mary, Hannah and Dasia remained seated with the bride.

"Are you OK?" Dasia asked. "You still want to go ahead with this?"

"Yes," Marcena smiled brightly. "I do!"

Dasia nodded and wiped her eyes, and soon all the girls were at least welling up. "I'm really proud of you, little sis!"

There was another rap on the door, followed by a very tall greying man with a face that was slightly creased but full of life. He wore a grey suit and smiled at them all.

"How's my princess?" Marks asked, entering.

"I'm good!" Marcena sang, blinking.

"Stop it, you'll get me started!" he scolded playfully. "You look absolutely gorgeous." Here she was, all grown up. It seemed like it was only yesterday when after professing his love for Marina, he took it upon himself to love the cute brunette little girl like a daughter, like his own. He had tucked her into bed, read her stories, watched her grow from a child into a teenager and into a woman; he was proud of her through all those stages. He reached and met her embrace, as she stood to reach his chest. It broke his heart, but he was happy at the same time. From the day Gallardo had asked for his blessing, he had known that this day would come, and he had eagerly supported it; however, that was nowhere near enough to actually prepare him for this moment, where he tearfully but silently held her.

"I wish you so much happiness, Marcena, and bliss," Marks croaked, breaking apart.

"Thanks for everything," Marcena whispered. "I'm sorry... for growing up too fast."

Marks tutted and shook his head. "You have absolutely nothing to be sorry for. Now, come on, dry your eyes." He took out a tissue and helped wipe away his daughter's tears. A big grin spread across his face, as he flicked a finger on her chin like she was a little girl- for she always would be to him. "The groom is ready, he's waiting for you. Are you ready to get married?"

"Yes, I am!" Marcena nodded, wrapping an arm around his and carrying the flowers in the other.

Across the complex was another room, like a country house study, where Gallardo Eagle fastened his blue tie to his white checked shirt. He looked into the mirror and smiled, before exhaling. He looked over his vows one more time, confirming that he had committed them off by heart.

"You're pacing, that means you're either excited or nervous," Neville, his best man, grinned.

"Would you believe me if I said both?" Gallardo chuckled.

"Totally!"

"Hey, dude!" The door flew open as Ron, Glenn, Dean, Tom and Seamus entered, before giving the groom a man hug.

"You're up in about ten. Are you all set?" Tom asked. His voice became more low. "You're sure that this is what you want?"

"Tom, of course he's sure, or he's just crazy!" Seamus interjected. "I mean he refused point blank to have a stripper for the stag! Either he's deeply in love, or he's mental!"

"To be fair, shooting you seems more fun than a stripper," Ron said, causing them all to laugh.

Gallardo grinned, thinking about how when the guys had gone paintballing for his stag, he was sore and bruised; during the break, he had called Marcena, who was having her hen at Alton Towers, and found her cursing! The go carts had been all right, but the roller coasters had unfortunately splashed her, and everyone, with water, which infuriated her. He had listened to her venting, and her apology for the outburst when they met again later that day, but his favourite part was setting her a hot water bottle and soup in bed, earning that tender look of gratitude- he loved comforting her. There was one time when a rogue and mentally ill Wizard had broken into her work place and had held her and several others hostage, with all their wands. Eventually, the Aurors were called and the rogue was arrested. Gallardo had wanted to batter him so hard; he had spent the last few hours in fear, worrying for her life. But when he saw her, covered in a blanket, pale and shaking in shock, his heart caused him to forget about his fury and it melted. For the next few weeks he had willingly looked after her, consoled her after nightmares and stood by her in helping to overcome her fear and being jumpy all the time. Never once, had he complained, because seeing her safe and softly laugh made him feel happy. If this was what the future was like for them then he would gladly embrace it, for it was not painfully quiet and he was not the perpetual war torn hero as he had once feared. Although, she had patiently looked after him through his own bouts of nightmares and panic attacks, which told his heart that this was what he had been looking for, like a key to its lock.

There had been doubts and obstacles: one of them being when Veera had spread a rumour a few weeks ago that they were getting cold feet about each other. This made Gallardo feel really uneasy- the notion of Marcena not wanting to marry him, of her suddenly being not into this as he was. His gut instinct was to doubt their relationship or even end it before he got hurt, but his reason won over.

"Hi, you wanted to talk?" Marcena said. They were in a park of green and sat on a bench underneath the shade of a mighty acorn tree. Gallardo was suited up, and had been given some time off before he had to get back to reading some case files.

"Yeah, I just wanted to talk about the wedding," Gallardo replied. "Are you looking forward to it?"

Marcena nodded.

"Are you feeling scared?"

Marcena opened her mouth but held her breath.

"Want to know a little secret?" Gallardo murmured. "I am."

"Really?" Marcena asked, surprised. "You seem so relaxed!"

"I'm terrified!" Gallardo conceded. "A part of me thinks: ' what if I can't be the husband you need me to be? What if I hurt you or you hurt me? What if things go wrong?'" He smiled and took her hand and placed it on his heart. "But we just have to get over that and have some faith in ourselves and each other."

Marcena smiled back, blinked and nodded, before snuggling up to him. "I'm so relieved to hear you say that! After we postponed last year, and what Veera said, I thought that you were having doubts and I got so worried- I thought that this could be a sign!"

"Marcena, I would never bail on you like that," Gallardo swore, touching her forehead with his. "And, unless you want to, I have no intention of postponing- not this time."

"No, I just really want to be your wife," Marcena said, relaxing with tears in her eyes.

"I know, and I really want to be your husband," Gallardo replied. "Although, we'll have to amend the guest list!"

"Hahaha! OK!" Marcena giggled.

After confronting Veera, it turned out to be best to not invite her, for her own sake, because Gallardo couldn't give her what she wanted.

"I've never been more sure!" Gallardo beamed, answering Tom's question. His friend and former team mate nodded.

"You OK, people?" Harry greeted, as he entered with Teddy, whose hair was now a mousy brown. "By the way, Teddy delivered your flowers and she loved them, apparently."

"Thanks, Teddy!" Gallardo grinned. "I'm glad she did."

The other groomsmen started making their way to the orchard, but the groom and his best man stayed back a while, until Marks entered.

"Thank you so much, for giving us your blessing!" Gallardo croaked, embracing him.

"Thank you for being the man for her," Marks said, patting him on the back. "And now, I get to call you my son!"

"I've always thought of you as a father figure," Gallardo admitted. "And I promise that I'll look after her, and bring her back to you every now and then."

"I know," Marks smiled wistfully. "One day, Gallardo, you'll have children... maybe a girl, and then you'll understand... how happy and heartbroken one feels on days like this." They hugged once more, before they could break down further.

Marks excused himself, making it just Neville and Gallardo in the room.

The best man had picked up the navy book that Gallardo had been writing in a few minutes before, and turned to the front.

"Journal of a Guardian, by GCH Eagle," Neville read. "Wow, I thought you hadn't written in here for ages."

"I haven't," replied Gallardo. "Until today."

"This is... this is fantastic!" Neville complimented; he had flicked through most of the book that was full of writing, scribbles, observations and sometimes poems and thoughts, but he lingered on the last page and breathed deeply. "Do you mind if I quote this in my best man speech? Just this last bit?"

"Of course," Gallardo said rising. "Actually, you can have it."

"What?" Neville gaped at him.

"I don't need it anymore," Gallardo said thoughtfully.

"Really? OK, maybe I can talk to Hannah, maybe we can look at publishing it?" Neville said.

"We'll see," Gallardo nodded, straightening his tie and jacket.

"Are you ready to get married, Mr Eagle?"

"I've never been more ready, Mr Longbottom!"

Gallardo and Neville walked out into the open air, a flutter of yellow butterflies swooped over them. They made their way to the orchard where two groups of seats flanked a path that was decorated with blue, pink and white petals.

"This way, Ardo, meh boy!" the large figure of Hagrid laughed. "Look at yeh, yer all grown up now!"

They caught sight of Fleur holding Victoire; Arthur, Molly and the other Weasleys. There was also a fair few of the Marteslon Quidditch team, including Penelope, Yulia, Hayley and Michael. He was sat with Nicola, Jason, Marco, Dana and a lot of the Garden Town crew, including Enya and Darius who had grown considerably since they were well into their teens now. The Eagles and the Sempathos, with the exception of Dasia and Mary- the bridesmaids- were seated next to each other and conversing with Dean and Seamus. Eduardo had brought Cho as his plus-one, who was laughing at a joke that Rafael Jardina-Aldiago, Gallardo's cousin, and his girlfriend Bea had told. There were Professors McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout with Legorio and Adrialla, while Andromeda Tonks sat behind them next to Teddy. Unfortunately, not everyone could have been invited and the hosts had to hope that they would understand.

At the front, by a podium, was Bill Weaseley, who the bride and groom had asked to perform the ceremony, as they had got engaged under his roof. Near him was Luna, who was seated on a divan sofa and leaning against a Celtic harp, which was triangular and scented with birch, with radiant strings of various colours. There was an Amplifying Charm attached to the harp.

As Gallardo and Neville walked past, the guests interrupted their conversations to politely nod, which the duo returned. They aligned themselves infront of Bill, before Hermione and Ginny walked into view and signalled. Luna began playing a sweetly soothing melody that outmatched the birds. From the end of the path, Leono Marks escorted Marcena; as soon as she stepped upon it, the guests rose to their feet.

"There's something in your eyes,

Makes me want to lose myself,

Makes me want to lose myself in your arms!"

Marcena smiled at him, more brightly and beautifully than he could remember, and he took a deep breath and grinned.

"There's something in your voice,

That makes my heart beat fast,

Hope this feeling lasts for the rest of my life!"

Marcena's smooth brown hair was tied in a bun while two twin stripes of it lay across her rosy cheeks, and it was secured from the top in a floral tiara. Her dress was a silky white gown to her ankles, with white netted sleeves from her shoulders to her elbows and a turquoise caftan style collar embroided on her chest above the bosoms in a rectangular shape. With her right arm around Mark's arms, her left hand carried the scented jasmine bouquet.

"If you knew how lonely my life has been,

And how numb I've been so alone.

If you knew how I wanted someone to come along

And change my life the way you've done!"

Gallardo and Marcena pondered how they had touched each other's lives and changed them for the better- in each other's company, all loneliness faded to its knees and both felt complete.

"If you knew how much this moment means to me,

And how long I've waited for your touch,

If you knew how happy you are making me,

I never thought that I'd love anyone so much!"

Gallardo's stomach jumped with jubilation as he realised how close she was approaching, and how happy he was that the moment that they had both dreamt about was near.

Marks shook his hand, hugged him, before whispering: "All the best." He joined Gallardo and Marcena's hands, before stepping back with Hermione and Ginny to sit down, but Dasia and Mary went to stand in line with Neville.

"It feels like home to me,

Feels like home to me,

Feels like I'm all the way back where I come from,

Feels like home to me, feels like home to me,

Feels like I'm all the way back where I...belong!" Luna finished, silently applauding herself.

The couple smiled at her before facing each other; in these eyes was the path to home, deep in each other's heart and soul.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen," Bill began. "We are all gathered here today to witness and celebrate the wedding of Gallardo Eagle and Marcena Sempatho, two very lovely people who I've had the pleasure to know. So without any further ado let's begin!"

The witnesses were asked to produce the rings- Gallardo's being silver and Marcena's was a gold band to fit over her engagement ring.

"Now, I believe that you two have written your own vows?" Bill asked.

They nodded.

"Very well, Marcena would you like to go first?"

Marcena took a deep breath and placed the ring on his finger. "Gallardo Eagle, you've grown into a decent and true man, which your whole family should be proud of, I know I am.

"They say that love is blind, but even after knowing you for over ten years and seeing you through the good and low times, I can honestly say that I love you. Despite your humanly faults, you are a good man and I promise to accept you for who you are. I promise to be true to you, honour, protect, appreciate and cherish you with love and tenderness.

"I want us to share everything together; I want you to share your joys and your pain, because I want to make you truly happy!

"No matter where you are, where I am or where we are, just look to me and you'll always feel like you're home.

"You're not just a great man; you're my man, my love, my soul mate, my best friend, my husband... my home." She smiled, wiping her eyes.

Gallardo inhaled, welling up at her words. He looked into her milk chocolate eyes and stroked his thumbs over her delicate hands.

"Marcena Olivia Sempatho, written words just won't describe what I feel today or about you, but I'll give it a go. I want us to go on this amazing journey together as husband and wife.

"I swear to always adore, protect, cherish, honour and be understanding, even when the road gets rough. I swear to do what I can to make you happy, make you smile and be there for you, through the good times and not so good. I swear to look after you and treat you like a good husband should.

"Whatever trials and obstacles we face, we'll face and conquer them together! We'll remember who we are and why we belong together!

"Like I said, words just won't describe how precious and special you are to me, but maybe I can show you for when we start our new life together, as husband and wife."

"With the power vested in me, by the Department of Familial and Conjugal Affairs, I pronounce you man and wife!" Bill announced. "You may seal the union!"

Gallardo beamed and looked into Marcena's eyes, his wife's eyes, and touched her tender chin. "Te amo, Señora De Eagle, siempre y enternamente!" With that he drew her in for a swift kiss on her lips. He felt her arms through the netting on her dress, as he stroked her to giggles and placed the other hand on her waist.

The guests cheered, as the newly weds hugged. A pleasant tingle spread from Gallardo's stomach as his heart yelled that she was his wife now! He kissed her forehead and felt a growing passion for her, especially with her ever beaming smile, but not here in front of everyone- when they would have some privacy and be alone.

They turned to be snapped by multiple cameras that would engrain the memory of these two young people.

Gallardo and Marcena were showered with petals, as they strolled hand in hand and heads held high.

In the wedding reception, in the hall inside Babylon house, Marcena stood in front of the head table for the newly weds and their families, before a group of females gathered behind her. She threw the bouquet.

However, Ron leapt up and caught it with. The eyes of everyone raised up at him; he quickly realised what he had done and pushed the bouquet away, like it was a bomb. It landed in Hermione's hands, while she gave a endearing grin at Ron.

"I was Gryffindor Keeper!" Ron yelled. "Old habits die hard!"

Harry and Gallardo chuckled to each other, before Harry motioned for Gallardo to take the floor.

Harry turned on a jukebox and an exotic, warm and Meditteranean melody echoed, as Gallardo held out his hand for his wife and twinkled for their first dance. It would be slow, sensual and intimate.

"We made a pact to take the time,

To get to know each other deep inside,

It may be a little old fashioned but it felt so right...!"

It was done! Gallardo thought, gently swaying with his arm around her waist, his chest leaning against hers, feeling every beat of her heart, as she felt his. He felt close to her, as the guests watched on, but he seemed obliviously in bliss. The only light in the room fell upon them gently like a blowing breeze.

"So, where's our honeymoon?" Marcena asked cheekily. They had narrowed their choices to three breathtakingly wonderful places, but Gallardo wanted to surprise her, so she let him pick any one of the three.

"Well, my love, we're taking a trip to Tarifa." Gallardo adopted a Spanish accent. "The southern most part of the Andalusia and Spain, where the sunrise blesses her viewers with a breathtaking moment of amazement; and into the horizon, you can see Tangiers in Morocco- a beautiful scene!"

"Don't be afraid turn down the light,

Baby move in closer it's gonna be all right,

This is the moment we'll remember for all our lives,

Forever begins tonight!"

He would remember that exact moment when she smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder, exposing the back of her neck to his view. Gallardo subconsciously stroked her back, wanting to hold her and protect her as she rested on him, trusting him completely, and he would honour and trust her.

The song ended with a cheer, as Gallardo and Marcena danced with Miranda and Marks respectively. Miranda told him that she knew that he would make a good husband and father, and his wife was right- Miranda couldn't be more proud of the man he had become.

"So you enjoy your life together, especially starting from tonight. You've earnt this."

Gallardo's eyes flared with shock and his skin flushed the more he thought about her apparently sweet comment. "Mama, for goodness sake, please, never talk to me about this again!"

Miranda giggled embarrassingly. "Oh no, I didn't specifically mean the actual-!"

"Mama!"

"OK..."

After a few minutes, they all sat down. Gallardo was flanked by Marcena and Neville; the latter rose and tapped his glass with his wand and all eyes and ears fell on the best man.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I'm not going to tell you a long winded story of how I met the groom and the bride, despite them both being very good friends of mine," Neville declared. "I'm not going to tell you a whole list of their foolish mistakes and all, there are way too many!" He grinned at the chuckling hosts and audience.

"I can tell you that I know Gallardo well enough to say, without doubt, that he is a man of his word; he meant and will honour every word he said when he took those vows.

"As will Marcena, mainly because she's a bad liar!"

Marcena faked insult and pouted, before grinning with everyone else.

"The truth is Gallardo and Marcena have always completed and complimented each other, and they are proof that love isn't just a feeling or chemical reaction in your brain, but it's an action- a constant act." A deep smile was beaming in Neville's eyes. "They give us hope, and remind us, or at least me, to give hope a fighting chance! They are proof that even after the bitter bite of that war, a marriage like this is still possible. And here's how!" Neville cleared his throat, as the guests eagerly waited in anticipation. Holding one another's hand, Gallardo and Marcena's hearts flooded with warmth as they looked from Neville to each other.

Neville had opened a navy covered book. "I know now that while those we lose are irreplaceable and unforgettable, our wounds don't have to be unhealable. So remember the moments that matter and cherish those you love, especially the One you love. If you do that, you have found something your heart can truly call home."

Spanish Translation:

Te amo, Señora De Eagle, siempre y enternamente!-I love you Mrs Eagle, always and forever!

In Spanish speaking countries, people have two second names. If Tom was the son of John Smith and Mary Jones, he'll be called Tom Smith-Jones. If he marries Sarah James-Williams, she officially keeps her name, though unofficially she can add "De Smith" to show that she's married, so she can refer to herself as Sarah James-Williams De Smith.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! It has been a real honour. I'm still going to be writing on here though. There are two projects to look forward to- details will be on my profile shortly.

Please read and review.