Finally Home: Wayhaught

“Morning sweetie.” Waverly giggled softly, stroking her nieces hair and shuffling to sit up more in bed. It was slightly disorienting waking up in her old bed, with Wynonna and her children all around her, knowing Nicole was home in their bed with Ash and their pets. It was especially strange since her room hadn’t changed much since high school, it still had butterfly wallpaper and a fluffy throw, there were still photos of her and Chrissy and Rosita from their cheer days and tickets from movies she’d seen with her sister growing up. The posters had gone though, she’d taken them down after meeting Nicole; instead there were some photos from the convention they’d first met at there.

Doc had moved into the homestead since the twins were born and once they needed their own room everyone had agreed to turn Waverly’s old room into the kid's room.  Now, after the time which has passed, Waverly knew it wouldn’t even be sad to re-decorate so long as they all worked on it together; it was for the twins to make new memories in. Times were changing, but they were somehow more of a family unit now than ever. Nicole and Waverly lived 15 minutes drive away and came over every Friday evening for game night - which mostly consisted of Nicole and Wynonna demanding they kept playing cards because neither of them wanted to be the last loser. Everything Waverly had feared about moving out had been for nothing, she saw her sister just as much at work and on the weekends, whilst also having enough space to live her own, adult life without any interruption from her sister in intimate or romantic moments - for the most part at least. Finally Waverly had managed to find her balance between the two most important things in her life, her loved ones and her need to prove her independence.

“Rise and shine sleepy.” Wynonna teased, moving to sit on the bed, dropping William gently next to his sister.

“Hey hey little man.” Waverly cooed, pulling the young boy into her lap and twisting her fingers through his curly hair. “Have you heard from her this morning?” She asked absentmindedly.

“Yup, Haught stuff is already up and about, probably already broken three things at least in her panic, and can’t find her oxfords without your careful guidance.” Wynonna teased, carefully unwrapping Wren’s tiny hand from her necklace. 

Rolling her eyes, Waverly leant over and pressed her phone to check the time. “My alarm didn’t go off!” She exclaimed with wide eyes.

“No I turned it off last night.” Wynonna corrected. “You did not need to wake up at 5am on your wedding day.”

“I- wait hang on you came in my room last night and went on my phone?” Waverly’s eyes almost popped out of her head.

“Relax, I’m not making a habit of it, I figured it was safe ground since your horny Haughty wasn’t here. I didn’t snoop though, I don’t want to see any of… that.” Wynonna waved her hands down Waverly’s body which, thankfully, was covered by one of Nicole’s long shirts. 

Waverly rolled her eyes, thankful her sister had steered clear of her texts and camera roll. “Still. I wanted to be up early to-“

“To call and check Shorty’s good with the food and make breakfast and arrange your bouquet and do yoga and do your hair and makeup, yeah I know.” Wynonna continued. “I already checked everything and Doc made breakfast - we decided it was safer than me cooking.” She teased and Waverly let out a deep breath of relief, feeling her shoulders drop as she relaxed.

“So get to your yoga kid, because fruit salad is waiting - don’t ask, he said you wouldn’t want something carby because of ‘big day butterflies’.” Wynonna rolled her eyes, but as always, Waverly caught the hint of a smile at the gentlemanly persona of the older man.

“You should do yoga with me, you know it’s really good for you after having a baby.” Waverly lifted her hand in a wave and started to peel herself out of the blanket, lifting William under her arms as she sat cross legged and swayed him gently.

With a snort, Wynonna stood up from the bed, her arms wrapped firmly around her daughter. Bright, piercing blue eyes beamed down at Waverly and dimples popped as the tiny girl laughed at the sudden movement. It never failed to take Waverly’s breath away the way both of the twins looked so like her older sister. “Yeah nice try babygirl, even your wedding day can’t make me do yoga.” She teased, brushing her nose against Wren’s softly. “No yoga for mamma, right?” A grin spread on her face and Waverly shook her head, laughing softly.

“Darlin’, breakfast is served.” Doc’s creaky, rough tones stretched up the stairs and William shifted and started wriggling in Waverly’s arms at the familiar sound.

Slipping out from under the covers, Waverly cradled the little boy in her arms, slipping her feet into her bunny slippers which Nicole had added to her overnight bag after she’d forgotten them. “Let’s just go and eat, yoga can wait.” Waverly smiled knowingly as she padded towards the door with her sister in tow. She had a habit of over-planning everything - especially when the wedding was involved - but right now, the idea of having a relaxed, family breakfast was all she wanted to calm her nerves for the day.

Once downstairs Waverly slowly lowered William into one of the high chair’s which they had bought together on the huge shopping trip for baby essentials she’d dragged her sister on. Beside them, Wynonna did the same with Wren and Doc leant down to give her sister a peck on the cheek gently.

Since having the children, Wynonna and Doc had stepped up to a new level of intimacy. Still there was this reluctance to label anything, but no one even seemed to care, it was obvious to them both, as well as everyone outside, that they both intended to spend the rest of their lives exclusively together. No matter how many times Waverly saw the tiny, almost invisible domestic moments between them, it warmed her entire body. Honestly, she’d never expected to see this side of her sister, but silently she’d always hoped if she did it would be with Doc who had become like an older brother to her. She’d never say it, but those children were the best thing to ever happen to Wynonna. They promised her the security which she refused to accept before no matter how often Doc assured her.

“How are you feeling love?” Doc asked, placing a few fresh bowls of fruit and some vegan yoghurt onto the table and dropping into a chair with his black coffee.

“Better if you’d made waffles and bacon.” Wynonna grumbled, taking a bowl of blended fruit and a spoon, carefully trying to feed it to Wren without making too much of a mess.

“I was speaking, more specifically, to your sister.” Doc smiled, watching Waverly serve up some fruit with a glimmer in his eye.

Laughing gently, Waverly sipped her water and shrugged. “Excited, nervous, the usual I guess.” She took a bite of a strawberry and hummed softly to the acoustic song filtering from the stereo. Clearly it was Doc’s choice in music, but it was surprisingly relaxing this morning.

“She’s a woman of few words today.” Wynonna laughed softly, wiping William’s chin. “Hey come on kid, work with me here, there’s more on the table than in your mouth.” She groaned and Waverly laughed lightly, picking up kitchen towel and wiping the table, reaching for another spoon to help her sister out.

“Nerves, I believe, are normal.” Doc smiled, brushing Waverly’s hand out of the way to take over. “You should eat something though, lest you feel a world worse later on.” He smiled softly and Waverly relented, handing him the spoon and picking at the fruit in the bowl in front of her.

“Jesus Waves, if you don’t eat it I will, I’m fu- fudging starving.” Wynonna rolled her eyes at the glare the older man gave her.

“Sorry, it’s nice I’m just not hungry.” Waverly leant forward and pressed her forehead into the table-top stretching her hands out in front of her. 

“Uh-oh.” Came a tiny voice to her left and she let out an involuntary laugh at her nephew, without lifting her head up. 

“Uh-oh indeed my boy.” Doc beamed with pride at his son, brushing his long, dark hair out of his eyes with large but gentle hands. “Why don’t you give Miss Haught a call, put both of your minds at rest.” He suggested slowly and Waverly tilted her head up to look at him, narrowing her eyes at the formal name he insisted on using.

Opposite him, Wynonna put down the spoon and snorted, grabbing a handful of grapes. “What and risk demonic possession, home fires or god forbid a broken fairy light.” She teased, placing her hand on her chest.

Waverly scowled at her, leaning back in the chair, about to protest, defend herself or find some other excuse, but Doc cut her off.

“Waverly Earp, do the both of you a favour and call the poor girl, you’ll both feel a world better once speaking.”

“How do you know so much about wedding’s Holliday, you’ve never been married cowboy.” Wynonna rolled her eyes, grabbing his coffee and taking a sip.

“Maybe not my love, but I do remember how I felt the first time I collected you for a date.” He winked and a flicker of a smile passed through Wynonna’s eyes, landing on her lips as she shook her head. The sight only made Waverly miss Nicole even more, one call wasn’t really that risky right? She wasn’t even sure why they were bothering with all of these silly old fashioned traditions to begin with, sure it was romantic, but it was just as romantic to be able to speak to the love of her life on their wedding day.

“Screw it, I’m gonna call her, I’ll be right back. Don’t steal all my strawberries babygirl.” She wiggled her finger towards Wren who giggled softly. Making her way upstairs, Waverly unlocked her phone, grinning at the photo of her on Nicole’s back beside a lake from just a week ago and dialling the number.

She was brought out of her thoughts by a croaky voice beside her. “You’re getting married. I can’t believe you’re like a proper adult now.”

Involuntarily, Nicole let out a snort. “Ash I feel like we’ve been proper adults for at least ten years now.”

“Nope, you’re not a proper adult until you get married.” Her oldest friend replied, shaking her head and rolling onto her side to look at Nicole who turned to face her.

“I thought you didn’t want to get married.” The redhead shot back.

Ash grinned. “Yeah, so I’ll be young forever.”

“Okay single lady.”

“Did you just reference Beyoncé? Woah, marriage has changed you Nicole Haught.” With a gentle shove, Ash grinned, watching Nicole roll back dramatically.

“I’m not married yet.”

“Not long now though.” They lay in comfortable silence for a moment. Just as Nicole was about to suggest they get up and eat something, her phone rang from her bedside counter. “Speak of the devil.” Ash mused, flicking through her own phone, biting back the smirk on her face at the way Nicole got tangled in the blanket, sending CJ leaping and herself sprawling across the room as she desperately grabbed for her phone.

“I’m just- I’m gonna, it could be-“

“Nicole take the damn call you idiot.” Ash laughed heartily watching the panic and excitement spreading across her friends face. Something in the way Nicole behaved with Waverly reminded her of the way Nicole had been in high school, before anything bad had ever happened in her life. There was this vulnerability which had been lost in Nicole in the city, after everything which had happened with her parents. With Waverly she allowed herself to be silly, to look like a fool and risk messing up. She found the confidence for the bold moments of flirty arrogance, but instead of using it as a defence like she did through high school, she meant it, she felt the confidence running through her in those moments, fuelled by the way Waverly looked at her. 28 year old Nicole had finally found the balance between intimate and professional life and the sight of the once gangly, quiet, awkward redhead stumbling downstairs now with her phone clapped to her ear and a high pitched voice filled the blonde’s heart with pride.

“Nicole?” Waverly’s voice was pinched and slightly breathless and it gave Nicole chills as she sank into the downstairs couch of their living room.

“Hey baby, sorry I was going downstairs.” She breathed out softly.

“You were still in bed weren’t you?” The teasing tone in the small girl’s voice wasn’t lost through the phone.

Nicole rolled her eyes, picking at Waverly’s favourite couch cushion beside her. “Well yeah, but I was awake, I was just thinking.”

“About?”

“You.” A part of her wished Waverly could see the instinctual smirk which played on her lips right now, but another part was excited for the first time she’d seen Waverly in a day to be when her girl was in her wedding dress, walking down the aisle to marry her.

“Smooth talker.” Without even being able to see, Nicole knew there was a blush rising on Waverly’s cheeks right now. She knew the little crinkles by her eyes would be there and she could see the way she bit her lip softly in her mind. “I know we agreed not to talk before the wedding, but I missed you and that was a stupid idea anyway.” Waverly giggled softly and Nicole melted a little more.

“It was totally a stupid idea.” Nicole agreed with a breathless laugh. Even through the phone, Waverly could take her breath away.

“Are you nervous? Is it weird that I’m so nervous?” Waverly giggled again and Nicole remembered it was a habit that she had, the familiarity of it giving her goosebumps.

“No I’m nervous too. I don’t really know why though.” She softly ran her hand through her hair, wincing when it tugged a little.

“You’re gonna look so sexy though. I can’t wait for that part.” Waverly cooed and Nicole bit her lip. 

“Yeah, I’m gonna need to lean on Ash hard so I don’t collapse when I see you.” Nicole fired back getting a little giggle from the end of the line.

“I don’t want to get dressed I want to stay on the phone.” Waverly complained and it was Nicole’s turn to laugh as she walked to brew herself a coffee. Before she could reply, Waverly chirped up again. “I know what you’re doing right now.”

“That sounds sexual.” Nicole grinned.

“Nope, I just know that sound. You’re filling the coffee maker, I listen to you do it every morning.” The softness returned to Waverly’s voice and Nicole leant against the counter with a gentle sigh.

“That’s really cute.” Was all she managed in response as she opened the cabinet and pulled out her favourite Garfield mug, reaching again for the mason jar of oats on the countertop.

“Yeah and right now you’re getting the oats. And then you’re going to put it in the microwave for two minutes whilst you make your coffee.” Waverly continued with ease and Nicole bit her lip, smiling gently as she followed the steps out of habit.

Leaning against the counter, she crossed her legs at the ankles and tapped her thumb on the counter softly. “I don’t know if that’s adorable or psycho.” She teased softly.

“Why not both.” Waverly fired back without hesitation. “I just like watching you in the mornings. It relaxes me, makes me feel like I can face the day.” The vulnerability in he voice wasn’t lost on Nicole who knew her fiancé was silently asking for that same comfort without being able to see her.

“Well you’re right. I’m finishing the coffee now and there’s 20 seconds left on the porridge.” She poured the fresh coffee, resting the phone on the counter with speaker on.

“What are you wearing?” Usually that kind of question led to a very different conversation, but today Nicole knew Waverly was asking in an entirely innocent way and she was happy to provide that comfort.

“Sweatpants and my John Mayer t-shirt.” Nicole replied as the microwave beeped and she carefully removed the bowl, cutting a banana into it and adding some peanut butter.

“Oh, any reason for that particular shirt?” Waverly teased and Nicole loved the way her voice picked up to a more upbeat, musical melody, reminding her of the way she would answer their old xbox calls.

“Yeah there’s this one really great song, I’ll show you it later.” The Sheriff laughed softly at their own cheesy dialogue. “What are you wearing then, this goes two ways Waves.”

Rolling over on her old bed, Waverly propped her hands into her head, kicking her feet like a teenager on the phone to her crush. She lifted her finger to tell her sister to give her another minute, before replying as sultrily as possible, enjoying the childish game. “Your shirt obviously.” 

Nicole took a huge sip of her coffee, wincing at how surprisingly hot it was. “Well shit.” She breathed out, stirring her porridge to let it cool, tilting her head up as she heard Ash coming down the stairs behind her.

“What was that baby?” Waverly teased, biting the inside of her mouth adorably.

“Uh nothing, I’ve gotta get ready though baby, but I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” She paused, smiling to herself. “At the end of the aisle.”

“At the end of the aisle.” Waverly replied softly, almost breathlessly and Nicole felt her heart jump a little at the words, unable to hide her grin as her friend poured herself a coffee behind her.

“Love you Waves.”

“Love you too Nic.” Waverly replied before the redhead cut off the line, placing the phone on the table and grinning like a child.

Ash sipped her coffee with a grin mirroring her friends. “Jack is on his way, let’s get you ready to marry that woman.” 

“You’ve already seen the dress Wynonna, you helped me choose it.” Waverly shook the compliment off, but smiled sweetly anyway as her sister walked closer. They were wearing opposite outfits, but somehow they looked more alike than ever. Waverly had on a long, lacy, sleeveless dress. The back was open and small ripples of the fabric curved around her biceps and back muscles, displaying her toned arms and collarbone. Next to her, Wynonna had on a dark blue dress tight and fitted, more so than Waverly’s, a long slit cut out of the skirt displayed her slender legs. The off the shoulders style and frilled sleeves mirrored Waverly’s, as they stood facing each other, smiles growing on their faces as they took in the sight of the other one.

Wynonna rest her hands on Waverly’s biceps gently. “I know, and it’s still beautiful.” There was a pause and the taller girl shook her head softly. “God sorry I don’t know what’s wrong with me, it’s just…”

“What? Just what?” Waverly prompted, wiping away Wynonna’s tear with her index finger.

“You just look so grown up. And I knowwww you are a grown woman now, but still, it’s just… I’m so proud of you babygirl.” The words weren’t anything she hadn’t heard before, but hearing them today of all days, with the sincerity of Wynonna not bothering to hide her tears hit her so deeply she felt her own tear drop.

“I love you Wynonna.” Waverly breathed out softly.

“I love you too kid.” Wynonna tilted past Waverly to look in the mirror. “Huh I guess this mascara really is waterproof.” She winked at her sister who let out a soft giggle.

They stood together looking in the mirror for a few more minutes, just composing themselves and soaking in the fact that this day had finally come. Wynonna had children with Doc and Waverly was about to get married to the love of her life. They were growing up, life was changing, but they were doing it together, like they always had.

“Haught is a lucky woman Waves, you’re the best of us.” Wynonna said so softly it was almost inaudible as Waverly turned to look at her sister, not just in the mirror.

As she was about to reply, a huge bang echoed from outside and instinctively Waverly grabbed her sister’s hand pulling her close. “No!” She cried out, her eyes wide and frantic. Wynonna didn’t even have to check to know her heart was racing at a million miles an hour as tears began to form and Waverly’s hands shook like a leaf in her own stronger ones. 

“Waverly, hey it’s just the speaker. Doc is setting up the speaker.” Her hands wound through Waverly’s still loose hair and she looked down with concern at her little sister. It broke her heart the way Waverly still jumped every time she heard a bang, still shivered every time a room got dark or froze when she heard her phone ring in the evenings. “Just the speaker Waves.” She reassured again, brushing her hair back and kissing her forehead softly. “Just the speaker.”

Slowly, Waverly nodded, swallowing and sucking in breath hard and quick, trying to ground herself again. She focused on her sister’s strong hands and her soft words, helping her bring herself back to the moment, the way they always would as children after Willa and daddy passed or Mamma left. “God sorry, I don’t know why… I just-“

Wynonna cut off her wet, sob filled words. “Waverly never apologise for what you’ve been through. Never babygirl.” She pulled her close, trying to hide the hurt in her own face that Waverly had been through any of those things in the first place. Deep down she knew there was no way she could have prevented it, but it didn’t stop her feeling like an awful older sister.

“Thank you.” Waverly knew her sister was right and there was no point in protesting. Both Wynonna and Nicole helped her whenever moments like this happened. She remembered Nicole’s advice now as she counted the picture frames on her old shelf and the glass ornaments - the ones which she hadn’t taken to her new place. She counted the cushions on her bed and the number of butterflies on the dream catcher. After a few minutes in her sister’s arms, creating an inventory of the room she calmed and stepped back. “Thank you.” She breathed again.

“You’re strong Waves. The strongest. Don’t you ever forget that.” Wynonna asserted with a firmness, pulling Waverly’s hair forward. “Now are you gonna let me do your hair? For old times sake?”

A smile spread on Waverly’s face, quickly the past moment becoming forgotten as she nodded eagerly. Growing up, she remembered sitting on her bed which seemed way too big for a tiny 8 year old, with Wynonna brushing and plaiting her hair slowly, chatting about boys and the newest Busted song. Even back then she’d known Wynonna didn’t care much for her crush on Jimmy or her singing of “Year 3000” over and over, but she knew her sister wanted to be there for her when their parents weren’t. She knew that even if Wynonna didn’t say it, she could loose herself in the individual strands of Waverly’s strawberry scented hair and the same way Waverly lost herself in the safety of her touch. It had always felt like nothing could break through those walls, not the shouting or the hits or the awful news from the man in uniform on the doorstep. This had always been their safe space and right now, as she sat cross legged with her sister standing behind her twisting a few strands into a half up-half down style. Both of them sat singing along softly to songs from her phone on the desk she felt that bubble again, the safeness. And she knew Nicole was in her new safe space, probably drying her hair or fitting her suit or doing her light makeup in the way which made her heart flutter. Nicole. Not long now until she could see Nicole, her Nicole.

"Nicky?”

“Huh?” Her head snapped towards Ash who was leaning against the front door with a smirk on her face. She looked gorgeous in her light blue body-con dress, cut off at her knees and black strappy heels highlighting her toned calves.

“Jesus, is she always this much of a mess now?” Jack teased from the table behind them and Nicole snapped her head towards him now instead, giving him a warning glare.

“Just when Waverly is involved.” Ash teased, stepping forward, her heels clicking on the homestead hard wood floor. Her hands fell against Nicole’s shoulder’s grounding her into the present moment instead of wherever she’d been. And where she’d been was focused on the fact that Waverly was upstairs and every time she heard footsteps she couldn’t help wondering if it was Waverly or Wynonna. She could tell the difference though if she listened hard enough, she knew the rhythm of her girl’s footsteps better than her own heartbeat. Quickly, she shook the thought away though and glared at Ash again.

“Not always, I feel like I can get a break on my own damn wedding day.” She growled, with a hint of love in her voice for her friends.

“Jeez chill out Haughty.” Jack lulled, walking over to them and reaching out his arms dramatically. “Can you believe we’re here?” He asked with wide eyes.

Both girl’s shook their head in tandem. “I can’t believe Nicole Haught is getting married.” Ash breathed out almost in awe.

“I’m so proud of you. Not just for this, but for choosing to take the step, to move here and create this life here.” She added on and Jack nodded alongside her.

“Yeah what she said Sheriff.” He added on with an eyebrow raise. “I knew you’d make Sheriff over here within a year or two.” Playfully he bumped her hip.

The front door cracked open and Doc stuck his head around. “Miss Haught, everyone is here, are you ready?”

Hastily, Nicole brushed down the front of her navy blue suit, straightening her tie against the crisp white shirt, her freshly ironed pants, rolled up and stopping above her oxfords. She sighed out a huge breath and tucked one strand of her short red hair behind her ear. “Yeah, let’s do this.” She nodded as Jack followed Doc out, knowing the cue.

“See you on the other side. Haught-Earp.” He winked, closing the door behind him.

Less than a minute later, she heard the piano instrumental opening of Elton John’s ‘I guess that’s why they call it the blues’ filtering through the speaker on the porch and dropped her hands to her side. Ash stuck out her arm with a smile so big Nicole could have sworn it must hurt her cheeks. She focused for a second on the fact that Waverly was upstairs and she was about to finally see her girl in her wedding dress. The thought caused her smile grow to match her best friend’s as she linked their arms and stepped out of the front door of the homestead.

Over the past few days, everyone had worked tirelessly to set the place up to the perfect, intimate but still special venue for the wedding to take place. To the left of the doorway sat a few round tables in close proximity which Rosita had obtained from the storeroom at work, each with a unique flower arrangement in Navy and Pink that Waverly had chosen. Name tags and fairy lights lay scattered across the white table cloths, wooden chairs circled them and dainty glasses and cutlery were laid out ready. The railing of the archway and fence had been draped in fairy lights and flowers, the same way it had when Nicole had proposed and to the right of the doorway sat the wooden chairs in rows with their friends - family - spread throughout them.

Quickly, the excited chatter died out as Nicole stepped out onto the cracked, homely porch, smiling as she looked at the aisle which she knew Waverly had designed herself. A path had been created between the empty tables for later and their loved ones. Rows of wildflowers and fairy lights marked the edges and the dirt between was scattered with - what Nicole knew were biodegradable - confetti, of pink, white and blue. She walked slowly, but confidently, letting her eyes trace the people to her right. At the front, Doc was perched with William on his lap and beside him, Chrissy with Wren on her own, both of them dressed in a little dress and a tux which made Nicole’s heart flutter that little bit harder. Rosita sat next to Chrissy and behind her, Jeremy sat with Robin and Jack. The next row back sat Mikey, Nedley and Jamie were sat

By the time she had scanned the small audience, she was at the end of the aisle and the piano music faded into something a little more modern. She barely had time to catch her breath before Ariana’s ‘intro’ filtered through the same old speaker and she felt like her skin was on fire at the memory. No one else would understand, but every time Nicole heard the rolling, gentle, high pitched tones of the singer everything faded and she felt like she was back in the bar in Edmonton, quite unable to believe that Waverly Earp’s gorgeous hazel eyes were locked on her’s and that the words leaving her lips were directed at her, for her and her only. Now they were here and she wondered how close to the doorway Waverly was, how long it would be before they promised to be each others and each other’s only, forever.

She didn’t have to wait long for her answer before the door to the homestead pealed open again and she could have sworn she heard a collective inhale as the Earp sisters stepped out. She couldn’t be sure though as she couldn’t hear or see anything other than Waverly in that moment. It was as though the world disappeared for a second, as though her eyes locked focus on the only thing that mattered, the most beautiful girl she had ever seen. Somehow she realised Ash’s hold on her arm had tightened since she had visibly dropped all tension in her body at the sight. The midday sunlight ran across Waverly’s tanned skin as she stepped down from the doorway, lighting her hair up like a halo and Nicole could have sworn Waverly was an angel. As Waverly lifted her gaze, Nicole felt her heart jump so quickly her entire body felt alive with a burning energy.

Waverly’s eyes drifted from her sister to in front of her, instantly finding Nicole’s mesmerised gaze. Usually when someone looked at her with that intensity, her instinct was to turn away shyly, to recoil under the stare, but with Nicole it was different, she was drawn to it with the same intensity. Neither of them could tear their eyes away from one another as Waverly walked arm in arm with her sister toward her love. The outfit Nicole had on had initially taken her breath away, but now the look of love which was written all over the redhead’s face took Waverly to a place she wasn’t sure she’d ever been before. It was love, passion, desire and safety, it was home, but it was for her and it took her to a place where only they were, which only they could feel. An involuntary small gasp left her lips as she stepped onto the small wooden platform at the end of the aisle, next to Nicole and the older officiant.

Wynonna and Ash stepped back slightly behind each of them, Wynonna holding Waverly’s simple white and pink bouquet carefully for her.

“You are so beautiful.” Nicole leant down to whisper the words to Waverly, her breath warm and shallow against the small girl’s ear, causing her to shiver slightly under the intensity of it. Something about the choice of wording gave Waverly goosebumps. It was more than the dress, Nicole was reminding her of everything she felt always, regardless of the day. The reaction she’d seen from Nicole was enough to know how the redhead felt about the dress, but her comment was both comforting and warming. It was such a Nicole thing to do and Waverly couldn’t help the slightly goofy smile which spread on her face.

“You are just, woah.” Waverly replied, breathlessly causing a small, raspy laugh to escape Nicole’s lips.

The moment only lasted a few seconds, and was only heard by the pair of them, even if everyone else could see them whispering and smiling. It was a moment entirely theirs, before they shared the rest of the day with their loved ones.

Letting them have their moment, the man behind them cleared his throat and they both turned to him with quick smiles, feeling their hearts racing.

“So I’m sure none of you need reminding of any of this, but for the romanticism of it all, I’m going to say it anyway.” The older man stated and the audience laughed softly. Most of the town at this point knew Waverly and Nicole’s story, even if they didn’t know them personally. When a strange cop shows up dating one of the most popular girls in town, temporarily in a wheelchair and quickly works her way up the legal structure in a small town, people talk and stories get told.

“Today is about celebrating the beautiful, passionate - some may even say rocky - relationship between Waverly Earp and Nicole Haught.” He began as another collective laugh was shared. “History has always told that love is complicated, but when you look at these two I think it’s obvious that true love is the most simple thing in the entire world. It’s obvious that no matter the circumstances surrounding it, true love always finds a way to endure and survive. No one needs a reminder of the ups and downs, but we wouldn’t be standing here today if it wasn’t for the  deep, immovable connection between these two people here.” He gave a warm smile at Nicole and Waverly who were watching him with their own smiles. “Now, enough from me, are you ready to exchange vows?” 

Rolling her lips, Nicole looked back at Waverly and nodded, reaching into the inside pocket of her suit jacket to pull out a list on a small folded, square of paper. Waverly bit her lip to control her smile at the level of preparation Nicole had gone too. Out of the pair of them, she was the planner, but she knew how much care Nicole took with moments like this and how important it was for her to get them right.

“Waverly Earp.” Nicole drew out the words, pausing between the names, as though they were sacred. She lifted her face from the page to look into Waverly’s eyes which were already watery. “If it were up to me I would promise you the world. I would promise you safety and peace and that no one would ever eat another animal again.” They both laughed softly. “I would promise you that you’d never have to worry about anything again, but I know, we both know, life isn’t that easy so instead I’ll promise you this…” Quickly, she dropped her gaze back to the page, more to collect herself than to actually read the words which she’d read over and over the past week to make sure they were enough. After a while though, she’d realised no words would ever be enough to explain her love for Waverly Earp, but that it didn’t matter because she had forever to show her.

“I promise to always be there to teach you the controls for every new video game, to take you to see every Julian Moore film the day it comes out, to never blame you when your sister interrupts our moments.” Waverly let out a little breathy laugh as Nicole grinned over at Wynonna who rolled her eyes dramatically.

Flicking her eyes back to Waverly she continued. “I promise to walk Whiskey when you have to work late and to feed CJ the wet food so you don’t have to. I promise to let you play at least five One Direction songs a week without complaining.” This time it was Waverly’s turn to roll her eyes as a smile twitched at her lips.

“I promise to let you put up as many research boards as you need and help you take them all down at the end. To never complain about the organised chaos of your books and instead spend every day reminding you how smart you are.” Nicole continued, getting more serious now, eyes scanning Waverly’s face as tears welled up in her own eyes.

“I promise to never take for granted the fact you make me lunch every day; to celebrate every small victory with you; to pick up your calls and be there no matter what time of day. I promise to listen to every rant and watch the way your eyes sparkle and get the crinkle at the side and to never, ever laugh at your ideas.” 

She folded the paper again and tucked it back in her pocket, her entire attention on the girl in front of her now. “Most importantly of all, I promise to be your home, to be that space you can be yourself unapologetically so and to love you with everything I have every single day of our lives together, because you deserve that.”

Waverly looked with wide eyes at Nicole, mesmerised by the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight, wet with tears and the way her dimples popped as she smiled sheepishly down at her. There was this grace about the way Nicole had gone from being the sexiest person Waverly had ever seen moments before, walking down the aisle, to the sweetest, most adorable person alive in just moments. She cleared her throat.

“Can I kiss you already?” She joked with a little slightly wet laugh and Nicole returned the laugh, shaking her head softly. “Okay, woah I should have gone first.” She swallowed hard, trying to compose herself to give her own vows. Behind her, her sisters mumbled sexual comment gave her the normalcy to find the words she’d prepared. Unlike Nicole, she didn’t have a sheet, but she had spent the week memorising them and praying she wouldn’t forget them when the moment came.

“Nicole Haught…” she took a deep breath, focusing on Nicole and Nicole only, letting everything else fade away. “I promise to never, ever mess up the alphabetical order of your cassette tapes or books.” She winked and Nicole bit her lip to hide her huge grin. “I promise I’ll always come and collect you when my sister get’s you ‘accidentally’ really drunk.” She didn’t even need the air quotes as they both smiled over her shoulder at Wynonna who shrugged with a grin. Waverly was sure she could even see the hint of tears in her sister’s eye, but she quickly turned back to the front to face Nicole, wanting to deliver each promise, however small, with conviction.

“I promise to let you play COD even when fortnite is so much better-” she continued quickly before Nicole could protest. “I promise not to interrupt you when you’re watching your daily episode of Rookie Blue, to be there to cheer with you for every Maple Leaf’s, Blue Jay’s and Raptors game.” She looked down for a second, losing integrity at the next statement which was exclusively something she reserved for Nicole. “I promise to sing for you whenever you want.” She gave a small smile which made Nicole’s heart melt instantly. 

“Someone write that down.” The redhead breathed out softly, giving Waverly her confidence back. With a small giggle, she continued. “I promise not to criticise the way you wash the dishes and to be there every day when you get home to ask about your day.” Nicole tilted her head to the side and Waverly saw her entire expression soften for a second.

“I promise to make you fresh lemonade and cookies for when you volunteer to mow half of the town’s lawns. I promise to travel the world with you and buy you magnets in every place for your ever growing collection.” Waverly continued, taking a deep breath for the last few which were serious and deeper than the surface level, domestic prior ones.

“I promise to uh, to always tell you how I’m feeling and listen when you do the same. I promise to never take for granted every small thing you do for me; to hold your hand through the nightmares and do the same in the proudest moments. I promise to share with you every part of me and to keep leaning new things about you and the world through your eyes… just like I always have done.” She spoke the last few slightly quicker and quieter in a way which indicated to Nicole the seriousness and conviction within the words. When she blinked, looking away quickly before flicking her gaze back, she noticed a tear slip down the redhead’s face and felt her own do the same.

“I-“ Nicole shook her head, swallowing hard. “Thank you.” Behind Nicole, Waverly saw Ash wipe her eye and looked down at the floor with a small smile. Whilst she did that, Nicole took the chance to look back at Wynonna who gave her a small smile and a nod, wiping her own eye quickly.

The older man stepped forward again, to continue the ceremony. “The rings?”

Knowing the process already, Doc lifted William up and Chrissy did the same with Wren, walking slowly towards the two girl’s. Gently, Doc dropped the ring into the small boy’s hand, watching intently to make sure he didn't drop it. He didn’t. William instantly stuck out his hand toward Nicole who grinned and took the ring from him, bending down for a second and whispering to him only. “Well done little man.” She ruffled his hair and Waverly couldn’t help the new tears which dripped onto the floor.

Doc stepped back beside Ash as Nicole turned to face Waverly, holding the ring in one hand, she reached for Waverly’s with her other. The brief, simple contact felt electric against both of their skin, realising this had been the first time they’d touched in almost 24 hours and under such intimate, powerful circumstances. The contact shot through them like fire, flickering in their hearts and making their skin come alive. Looking up from their hands, they connected eyes and both felt instantly breathless. Thankfully, Nicole had a moment to compose herself as the older man started to speak again.

“Do you, with this ring, take Waverly Earp to be your wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish until death do us part." 

Nicole reached out and slid the ring on Waverly's finger with slightly trembling hands. Once it was all the way on, she looked up to find Waverly's eye. "I do." She said with all of the convinction she had, this was the most certain of anything she had ever been in her life. Nothing could ever stop her spending the rest of her life with Waverly Earp.

Waverly beamed back at her, not removing her eyes until she saw Chrissy out of the corner of her eye, step forward and hand the ring to Wren carefully. Waverly beamed at the tiny girl as she took the ring. “Thank you darling.” She said softly, so only those on the platform could hear her. 

The man recited the same speech beside them. Waverly was sure she didn't even hear the words until he was finished. 

Slowly, she slid the matching, plain gold band onto Nicole's finger, settling it next to her engagement ring with a smile. "I do." She nodded, a huge grin spreading on her face. "I do." She said again, just for the sake saying those words after so long.

Finally, they looked away and back at the man who smiled fondly at the young couple. "You may now kiss the bride." He stated and Nicole quickly reached up to cup Waverly's cheek, both of them stepping forward.

"Not too much, the bride is my sister." Wynonna mumbled behind them and Waverly giggled before pushing up onto her toes and wrapping her arms around Nicole's neck, completely ignoring her sister as she connected their lips hard and held onto Nicole tightly. Behind them they were acutely aware of their friends standing up and clapping, the sound of cheers echoing around them as they stood entwined, lost entirely in each other and the moment. 

Finally they pulled back and found each other’s eyes, both sparkling with tears. Nicole let her thumb trace Waverly’s cheek, ending on her chin with a huge grin now. Every time Waverly thought she had fallen as far as she could, Nicole smiled at her, or kissed her again and somehow she fell further and further. Little did she know, Nicole was feeling the exact same way in that moment.

Ignoring the cheering still, Nicole reached out her hand to find her wife’s, her wife. They were married. The thought of those words alone made her grin as Waverly’s hand slipped into her’s, fitting perfectly.

“DRINK TIME!” Wynonna had stepped up beside Waverly, reaching to punch Nicole softly in the shoulder, looking down to give Waverly a little wink who was just beaming a smile which took up her entire face.

“Come on wife, let’s celebrate.” Waverly grinned, tugging Nicole’s hand gently toward aisle again.