Starstruck *Matt Smith* (Editing)

Epilogue

I stare at Matt from across the aisle. I know, by the glow in his eyes, this is the choice I'm ready to make. I clutch Mom's arm as I walk down the aisle.

I think of my dad; I think of how proud he would be of me. I really miss him, so much. He passed when I was 8. This year is the 21st anniversary of his death.

But I shake away the thought; I'm about to get married, for Christ's sake. Another nine months passed after the babies were born, so I'm 29 now, and Matt's 32.

I look down at the gorgeous gown my mother gave me. She said, and I quote, "my little girl must look amazing as she grows up." It's run through my family, so that means that Bria will wear it when she gets married. I'm also happy with my choice of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen. I'm personally happy with our man of honor and our groomsmen; Matt didn't tell me until the last minutes because he knew I'd freak out. Matt's best friend from grade school; the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch. The other groomsmen are Tom Hiddleston (oh my god dying!) Arthur, and Ronnie. My Maid of Honor is Bria (of course) who's not over-the-moon excited to dance with Benny (Matt said I can call him that). And my other Bridesmaids are Stacy, Karen, and Laura (who doesn't want to dance with Ronnie that much, but she doesn't have much of a choice.) I'm not being bridezilla, right?

Anyway, I'm excited for the ring bearers; Lydia and Christian. They just learned how to walk, which is good because they're fast learners.

A June wedding is okay; we're in Matt's parents house in Northhampton, which was quite the drive, but we still loved it. The backyard is decorated beautifully. White, pink, and blue flower petals and other decorations look beautiful in the backyard.

Karen sends me a goofy grin from the altar, which takes me a lot not to laugh.

I finally stand next to Matt. I almost ignore the entire service. I don't know exactly why; weddings are my favorite! But for the entire 30 minutes that is the service, I stare at Matt, and he stares back at me. From the minute I first saw him, I was in love, even if I didn't know it yet. This is my third year being with Matt, and I know that it wasn't all I wanted it to be. I overcame disorders, I had children, I'm getting married! Which means I should probably pay attention to the rest of the service.

"Stella, I love you so very very much," Matt begins his vows as his bright hazel eyes twinkle. "We have two beautiful children, and we made great friends, and I'm so glad that I have you in my life. I wouldn't be where I am now. We've been through everything; good and bad, happy and tragic. I love you. And I can't wait to have a lifetime of happiness with you." Christian approaches with the first ring; I never had a chance to look until now. It's gorgeous; the entire thing is diamond encrusted, made of silver with a large blue gem in the middle. It is the most beautiful piece of jewelry I've ever seen in my entire life.

"You know when I said I knew little about love?" I ask Matt, beginning our vows. "That wasn't true. I know a lot about love. I've seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching our world bearable. But when I understood the way that mankind loves... You could search to the furthest reaches of the universe and never find anything more beautiful. So yes, I know that love is unconditional. But I also know that it can be unpredictable, unexpected, uncontrollable, unbearable and strangely easy to mistake for loathing, and... What I'm trying to say, Matt, is... I love you. Is this love, Matthew? I never imagined I'd know it for myself. My heart... It feels like my chest can barely contain it. Like it's trying to escape because it doesn't belong to me any more. It belongs to you. And I'd wish for nothing in exchange - no gifts. No goods. No demonstrations of devotion. Nothing but knowing you loved me too. Just your heart, in exchange for mine." He embraces me, holds me close, and I feel as if we are one person. We can do anything. As long as we're together. We're a team, I understand that now.

Lydia passes the pillow to me so I can slip the silver ring onto Matt's large giraffe fingers. He kisses me, and I kiss back. Of course, we weren't shoving our tongues down each other's throats, because that's disgusting. But it was a tender kiss, one worth watching.

At the reception, I hand Karen a small pen. Watching Sherlock, I know the signs when I see them. She was always tired, and had suddenly disliked the food and wine. She glares at me, but she takes it anyway. She returns after 20 minutes, grinning and glassy eyed. I hug her, knowing this was the first step. Matt and I made Karen and Arthur the children's godparents, so we know that it'll be us in return. Karen drags Arthur onto the dance floor during a slow song, and whispers in his ear. I see him pull away for a second, but I can see a smile creep onto his face.

Of course, this isn't where the story ends.

Well, it may be, but it's just the end of the beginning. A whole new chapter in our lives is starting. A chapter worth reading.

Matt has completely captured my heart. But I know I captured his as well.

And you know what?

Love is beautiful. It's something you can depend on.

And it's flawed. There are ups and downs. But there's something that love does to me:

It makes me completely and utterly

Starstruck.