The Truth of the Matter

Epilogue

A/N: Image above is Emma's wedding gown (silver band instead of bronze/gold).

(One Year Later)

Emma's POV

We had both been promoted. Killian to Lieutenant and myself Sergeant. We had overcome the odds. We overcame what the world threw at us and survived. And through it all, we had each other. Today was the next step in our relationship: marriage.

I was ready for this, something I never thought would happen. I always believed I would be a lost girl, someone who wouldn't matter to anyone. Then the world threw Killian Jones into my life and changed it for the better; and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Ruby and Mary Margaret were finishing up my makeup and hair and telling me to breathe and that everything was taken care of and it would go smoothly. I was not nervous. Not at all.

"Ready?" Regina asks.

I nod, a bit unsure.

"Everything will be fine, dear. Cold feet are natural. He's as nervous as you are, that I can guarantee," she says with a chuckle. "Knock 'em dead."

I chuckle at that as the wedding service begins.

Killian's POV

Henry and I were helping each other get ready. He was more excited than I was, I think. His constant chatter kept me from being a complete nervous wreck. Who am I kidding? It wasn't helping. 

"Hey, Killian?" Henry asks, jerking me from my thoughts.

"Yes Henry?"

"Thank you, for being there for my mom," he says softly, looking me square in the eye. 

I was flabbergasted. He was only a kid, yet he was more mature than most adults.

"Henry, I am honored she chose me to be in her life, and I know you are her rock as well. You have made her stronger, more confident. We are both thankful we found you," I tell him, hugging him gently.

He was my best man, and I couldn't ask for a better one. Emma didn't even know. We wanted to keep it a surprise. Hope was the flower girl, with Mary Margaret's help (who was also the maid of honor) and Liam was the ring-bearer (with Regina's help). Robin, David, and Will were my groomsmen. Regina, Ruby, and Addison were Emma's bridesmaids. All good choices if you ask me.

When I saw her walk towards the ship, I almost lost it then and there. She was breathtaking. David was walking her down the aisle since she didn't have a father. When she looked up at me, I could see what was left of her walls fade away. She was ready to start a new life. As was I.

David kissed her forehead before assuming his position with the other groomsmen. I could tell Emma was surprised, yet happy with the choice I'd made for the man of honor.

"We come here today to celebrate the union of this man, Killian Jones, and this woman, Emma Swan, in the matter of holy matrimony. Any objections?" the minister asks.

The crowd is dead silent.

"Killian, would you like to begin your vows?"

"Emma Swan, the first day I saw you, you were taking down a man as a bail bondsperson. You were the most closed off woman I had ever met, but I took that as a challenge. You tried too hard on your first day as an officer, and got hurt, which terrified me, but it made me realize how fearless you were. For the longest time, you kept pushing me away, but I never gave in. I could tell you had not had the easiest life, nor seemed to have people that stuck around. I wanted to be that person, the one who didn't give up, the one who stayed, because that is who you needed. We've been through so much since that first day. We've both been hurt, we've found Henry, and we've had two children of our own. And I couldn't imagine having this with anyone other than you. You are my forever, Emma Swan. I love you."

Tears appeared in her eyes as I said my vows. I was nervous for hers, if I'm being honest.

"Emma, would you like to say yours?" the minister asks.

"Wow, well, I don't know how I'm going to follow that," she laughs, causing all of us to chuckle a bit. She looks me in the eye before continuing. "That first day we met, you scared me. You weren't like anyone else I had ever met. You knew me better than I knew myself, and that was something I did not want. I kept you at bay for quite a while, but the facade finally came down the day you got hurt, trying to keep me safe. It was my fault and I felt horrible about it. I finally admitted my feelings for you, in the hospital room. I realized that I didn't want to live without you; that you were the rock I didn't know I needed. Since then, everything seems to have fallen into place, and it was all because of you. You are the reason I don't need my armor anymore. You are my forever, and I love you too," she says softly, trying to hold her tears back.

I don't believe there was a dry eye in the room by the time both our vows were over.

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride," the minister says. And I do just that.

The crowd stands and applauds, but we tune them out. It was just she and I, and that's all that mattered.

Emma's POV

This was it, what I'd been looking for my entire life; what I had been denying since, well, ever. I finally completely admitted the truth to myself. I was always worthy of love. I loved my children, my now husband, and I wouldn't trade a day. That's the truth.

The Truth of the Matter.

A/N: This story has finally come to an end, as bittersweet as it is for me. I hope you have enjoyed reading this story as much as I have enjoyed writing it! 

Thank you!