𝐽𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑂𝑛𝑒𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑠

𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑊𝑒𝑑𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 2／2

"Vows?" The priest looked from Joyce, to Hopper, and back to Joyce. Joyce cleared her throat and took a deep breath.

"I don't really know where to start... My first husband was abusive and I watched the latest guy I loved get brutally murdered... but you're different. Call me a dumb teenager in love or whatever you want, but you are. Because you're a perfect balance. And you've always been there. You checked on me after my divorce... you helped me grieve Bob. You're my best friend. No one's ever made me feel the way you do. They always say that you don't know what you have until it's gone and that's true. That's SO true. In high school when we grew apart, it hurt. And when I lost you at the gate... I would've felt no different if someone shot me. It wasn't until I lost you that I accepted the fact that I loved you. But you were gone." She cleared her throat once again, sighing, and blinking quickly a few times. "Having El was amazing, because it was like I had a piece of you with me. And it took a lot, but I got you back. And dammit, now I never want to let go again." That earned a chuckle with a hint of sadness form their friends and family. "I love you, and I can't wait to be your wife." She wrapped up her vows, having had her hands in both of his the entire time, her stomach doing a whole gymnastics act while he stroked her knuckles with his thumb, his eyes like a puppy's while he stared into hers. A tear fell down his cheek that he hoped wasn't noticeable.

"Beautiful. Jim?" The priest turned to Hopper who nodded and took a shaky breath.

"Joy... I'm going to start by saying that I love you too. A lot. You've always held a very special place in my heart that I couldn't fill, I could only cover it up. Which is why I always had such an attitude with you. Because I was like a little kid, bullying a girl because I liked her." Laughter. "When I was in that prison, all I could think about was you and El. My girls. I prayed every night that you two were okay. You guys; my family. Kept me going in there. The hope that I would get back to you, be able to go on that date. And hold El in my arms again where I knew she was safe... it was hell. But then I saw you. You were there to take me home. And... you are my home, Joyce." More tears fell down his face, and some on hers that she stopped fighting. They shared a sad smile. "God, I've loved you since I saw my cigarette in between your lips under the bleachers. And I never stopped." The priest smiled.

"Joyce Horowitz, do you take James Hopper, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, through sickness and health, till death do you part?" Joyce took a breath, gently squeezing Hopper's hands. He held his breath.

"I do." She nodded, not to their priest, but to Hopper.

"And James Hopper, do you take Joyce Horowitz to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, through sickness and health, till death do you part?"
Jim smiled, and squeezed Joyce's hands in return.

"I do." He spoke. Eleven sniffled, and Johnathan rubbed Will's shoulder who was trying his best not to sob.

"Well then, with the power invested in me in the state of Indiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. James, you may now kiss the bride." Jim's hands slid up Joyce's arms to her waist, she leaned up and the two's lips connected softly, yet with such passion and love it should not be considered anywhere near soft. They pulled apart, smiling at each other with their gazes, they held hands as they walked down the isle. Together. Husband and wife. Mr and Mrs Hopper.