From This Moment
by Lizzie
Part 6 in the series

Disclaimer: I own none of the characters, nor the song.



Joey stood at the back of the church. She peeked around the corner trying to catch a glimpse of her best friend, Dawson Leery, the man that was about to become her husband.

Husband…The word brought a smile to her face and made her heart swell. As Joey waited for her bridesmaids, maid of honor, flower girl, and ring bearer to make their way up to the alter, she thought of the events that got her here.

Dawson and Joey had gotten back together a year and a half ago. Three short months later, Dawson proposed to her. They had both decided to finish school first, which would only take a year. "The longest year of my life," Joey thought. This time, the distance that had once driven them apart, brought them closer, if that was possible. Dawson and Joey both came home as often as possible to be together and to make wedding plans. Now, eighteen months and many expensive phone bills later, they stood in a church surrounded by family and friends, old and new, ready to start their lives together.

Joey jerked back into the present as the wedding march started. She felt a hand grab her elbow and lead her to the aisle. She looked into the eyes of her father, who had told her so many years ago that Dawson did indeed love her. She smiled and mouthed a silent thank you. He smiled back, happy that he was out of jail and able to spend this moment with his daughter. Joey's eyes went to the front of the church. There stood her best friend, the love of her life, her husband to be. He looked wonderful in his classic tuxedo. "How did I get so lucky?" she thought. Their eyes met and spoke a thousand words.

Dawson stared down the aisle at the woman before him. He met the eyes of his best friend, Josephine Potter, the woman who was about to become his wife.

Wife…The word brought a smile to his face and made his heart swell. "She looks gorgeous," he thought. Joey's gown was fairly simple. It was satin with a small floral print etched into the material. It hung to the ground, ending in a short train. The sleeves bunched lightly at her shoulders and flared slightly at her hands. She wore a crown of baby's breath, but no veil, and her hair fell into soft curls at her shoulders. Her bouquet was a cascading combination of white roses, lightly pastel colored tulips, and baby's breath. Dawson's breath caught in his throat as he looked at his best friend, the love of his life, his wife to be. "How did I get so lucky?" he thought to himself as he gazed into her perfect eyes.

Joey and her father reached the front of the church and Dawson. Mr. Potter looked at his daughter, kissed her on the cheek, and sat in his seat. As the wedding march ended, Joey and Dawson joined hands.

Jen and Pacey looked at each other and shared an affectionate smile. They were so happy for Joey and Dawson and were even happier that they had been chosen to be the maid of honor and the best man, respectively.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to celebrate one of the happiest moments in the lives of Josephine and Dawson, for on this day, they will affirm before witnesses of earth and heaven that they believe God has purposed that they should share life in the holy bonds of matrimony. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" the pastor asked.

"I do," her father replied.

"Marriage is an honorable estate. It is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but discreetly and soberly. Into this relationship these two persons come now to be joined. I ask you both that if you know any reason why you should not be joined in marriage, you make it known at this time."

Joey and Dawson stared into each other's eyes and therefore, each other's hearts with love and devotion. They remained silent.

The pastor went on, " I also ask that if anyone gathered today can show reason as to why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold your peace."

Everyone gathered remained silent. Jen, Pacey, Dawson's parents, Bessie, Bodie, Mr. Potter, and friends, old and new, always knew that they would be here one day, celebrating this perfect union.

The pastor begun to give advice to the couple, "Marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, it is also an agreement between two friends. Allow each other to be an individual, respect each other's wishes as well as their dreams. Love is always patient and kind, it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasures in other people's sins but delights in the truth, it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and now abide faith, hope, and love abide but the greatest of these is love. Josephine and Dawson, you are about to make promises to one another. Today, these vows are beautiful words representing even more beautiful intentions. But you will find that as you live these vows over the years, investing your time and your love and your commitment to one another, the happy times of your life will be twice as joyous, because there will be someone to share those joys with. And when life gets tough, it will only be half as bad, because there will be someone by your side to help carry the burden. For those times when life presents all of us with challenges, I would like to offer you the serenity prayer to remember: God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

Tears of joy flow from Joey's eyes. The words hit home to both her and Dawson. They were so true to their lives and touched their hearts.

"Dawson, do you take Josephine to be your wedded wife, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Dawson replied warmly, never removing his eyes from Joey's.

"Josephine, do you take Dawson to be your wedded husband, to live together in the bonds of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Joey replied, keeping her eyes focused on Dawson's.

"The couple will now exchange their vows," the pastor said.

"I, Dawson, take you, Josephine to be my partner in life. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep as long as we both shall live," Dawson said with emotion in his voice, bringing tears to the eyes of Joey, Jen, and most of the other women in the church. Even Pacey was seen furiously wiping at his eyes.

"I, Josephine, take you, Dawson as my husband. I thank you for coming into my life. I have waited so long for my heart to be glad, for my soul to be full. We have come so far, against so many odds. I pledge to share my life openly with you, to speak the truth to you in love. I promise to honor and tenderly car for you, to cherish and encourage your own fulfillment, through all the changes of our lives," Joey said, fighting back more tears of happiness.

"May I have the rings please?" the pastor asked. Jen and Pacey walked up to the pastor and placed them on the Bible. "Bless, O God these rings, that he and she who give them, and he and she who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace. Living together in unity, love, and happiness with good purpose to do your will. Amen."

Dawson picked up Joey's ring and took her left hand in his. "With this ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee honor, and all my worldly goods with thee I share," he said as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

Joey held Dawson's gaze as she picked up his ring and took his left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed, with my body, I thee honor, and all my worldly goods with thee I share," she said as she slipped the ring onto his finger.

"These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other, the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that man will find there a friend. And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them. So by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride," the pastor concluded.

Dawson cupped Joey's face in his hands and kissed her with so much love that it made everyone in the church catch their breath.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Dawson Leery," the pastor said.

The whole church rose and erupted in applause. The newlyweds made their way down the aisle and towards the door, still being applauded. Jen and Pacey followed them, arm in arm, followed by some other friends that had stood up in the wedding.

When they got to the church lobby they both stopped. "Hello Mrs. Leery. You have no idea how long I've wanted to say that," Dawson said bringing his lips to hers. They were interrupted by the slew of people piling out of the church ready to congratulate them. A teary Gail and Bessie fought their way to the couple first.

"Oh my baby! I'm so happy for you both!" Gail exclaimed through tears of happiness as she gathered them both in her arms.

As she pulled away, Bessie threw her arms around the couple and gushed, "Oh look at you two, all grown up. Thank you so much, Dawson, for making my little sister so happy."

After many congratulatory hugs and kisses, they got their coats and headed for the reception hall. In the limo, Joey held Dawson's face and said, "Thank you so much for loving me."

"I couldn't help it," he replied as he pulled her close for a kiss.

Jen and Pacey shared the limo with newlyweds. "This calls for some major celebration!" Pacey exclaimed as he popped the cork to a bottle of complementary champagne. He poured the bubbly liquid into four glasses and the four friends held them up.

"To my wife," Dawson said.

"To my husband," Joey said.

"To me and Jen, cuz God knows you two wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for us," Pacey joked.

"Bite me Pacey," Joey said through laughter.

"I'll drink to that!" Jen exclaimed.

It was a slightly intoxicated four who walked into the reception hall from the cold December air. The newlyweds soon found themselves dancing to the first song, forgetting the effect the champagne had as they held each other.

From this moment, life has begun
From this moment, you are the one
Right beside you is where I belong
From this moment on.

From this moment, I have been blessed
I live only for your happiness
And for your love, I'd give my last breath
From this moment on.

I give my hand to you with all my heart
Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true, because of you.

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment on.

You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true, because of you.

From this moment, as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment.

I will love you
I will love you
As long as I live
From this moment on.

-From This Moment
Shania Twain and Bryan White

"There's one thing wrong about this song," Joey observed as they swayed in each other's embrace.

"What's that sweetheart?" Dawson asked affectionately.

"I loved you from the moment I saw you, not just from this moment. I promised myself when I was only eight years old that someday, I'd tell you, did you know that?" Joey asked.

"No, but I can tell you this. When we were little and played house, I never wanted Pacey to be your husband and I always hoped that someday, it would be for real. I love you so much," Dawson replied.

"Me too," she smiled as she kissed him.

Across the room, two other people were enjoying the moment. Jen and Pacey were in each other's arms and looking into each others eyes.

"Um Pacey, what's happening?" Jen asked nervously.

"I'm not so sure myself blondie, but I think I like it," he replied honestly as he lowered his lips to hers.

As the music changed to a fast paced oldie, both Jen and Pacey and Joey and Dawson stayed locked in each other's embrace, still kissing. The room erupted in applause for the newlyweds. Dawson smiled and spun his bride around as they danced.

Dinner was served about an hour later. Glasses were banged upon about every two minutes, interrupting the couple's dinner for a kiss. They happily obliged. Towards the end of dinner, Pacey stood up and hit his glass, in preparation to begin his best man toast.

"I have four words to say," Pacey began, "I told you so! Yes, that's right ladies and gentlemen, I knew it all along. I'm sure most of you did. When we were little, we used to play house. Dawson never let me be Joey's husband, he always had to be. Well, I guess that was the first that that tipped me off." Joey and Dawson chuckled and grinned at each other, rmembering their conversation on the dance floor. "Through the years, I watched them fall in love. They were oblivious to until we hit puberty. However I, the intellectually superior one, knew it all along. Joey and Dawson have been my best friends for about sixteen years. I've watched them laugh, cry, fight, and make up. All of it was building up to the inevitable, which is why we're here today. So to Joey and Dawson, I love you guys and wish you the best of luck in your marriage, family, love and most of all your friendship."

Joey and Dawson applauded with the rest of the guests and wedding party. They went to Pacey and all three hugged through their tears. Pacey waved Jen over as she joined the hug.

After dinner, more dancing followed. Joey and Dawson had many different dancing partners throughout the night. Joey shared dances with her father, Mitch, Bodie, and Pacey while Dawson shared dances with Gail, Jen, and Bessie. In between dances, they always came back to each other.

It soon became time for Dawson to take off Joey's garter. All the bachelors gathered in a circle around the newlyweds. Joey lifted her gown up slightly as she sat on a folding chair. Dawson grinned at her as he ran his hands up the sides of her leg. Reluctantly, he found the garter and slipped it off. He kissed Joey and flung it into the air. After a mad dash, Pacey came up from the pile of men triumphantly swinging the garter around his finger with a cocky grin on his face.

The single women gathered in a circle shortly after that. Dawson covered Joey's eyes and spun her around until she tossed the bouquet into the air. The bouquet was caught by a very happy Jen.

As an awed Joey and Dawson looked on, Jen and Pacey walked arm in arm to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing. It didn't take long for them to start kissing either. Joey and Dawson smiled a knowing smile and followed their friends' example.

A few dances later, Dawson whispered in Joey's ear, "What do you say Mrs. Leery, shall we bag?"

"Definitely Mr. Leery," she responded eagerly.

They made their departure be known and the crowds gathered at the doors. They waved good-bye to the family and friends and got into the limo, hand in hand.

"I love you Joey," Dawson said as soon as they were in the limo.

"I love you too Dawson," she replied as she kissed him. They were finally happy and finally starting their life together as husband and wife.

Author's Note: Well what do you think? I want feedback! I don't know if I'm going to continue this series or not, so let me know how you like it! Sorry for any typos that I missed. I got sick of typing after awhile.

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