Today was the day. It was the day that on paper Madison had been planning for the last two months, however in reality it was something that Madison had been planning all of her life. It was her wedding day – or at least as close to her wedding day as she was ever going to get.

She felt as though she was a princess getting ready to meet her prince charming. She stood in front of the large tri-fold mirror in the back of the church. She turned slightly to look at herself from the side. Her gold hair was pinned back in an elegant braided bun and on top of her head was a simple tiara. She had a long lacy veil going down her back that could be lifted over her face. The seamstress had added the longer sleeves like Madison had requested and when she held the flowers in her hands the sleeves fell like ribbons around her body.

Madison sighed a little as she ran her hand down the soft fabric of the body of the dress. The elegant swirls and flowery designs looked even more brilliant than they did weeks ago when she first tried it on.

"Okay just hold still," Brooklyn said as she crawled around on her hands and knees to firmly secure the strap of her heel. She pulled the skirt of the dress down so that it fell into place.

Kennedy was laying the veil flat on the floor so that it all flared out to be see "there we go" she said with a smile.

"I just have to..." Isabelle trailed off as she leaned forward to add a final touch to Madison's lipstick.

"Alright girls" Rebecca laughed as she walked into the room "that's enough fussing now. Madison has never looked so beautiful". She walked over to Madison and took her hands softly in hers. "Can you give us a moment alone?" she asked the girls – who quickly slipped out of the room. "I wanted to say that no matter what happens after this day you are always going to be my daughter in law". Her eyes held a secret twinkle and brightness to them. They looked like the eyes of someone who had seen the future and was unwilling to tell you what they knew.

Madison took a deep breath and nodded "this isn't even a real wedding. But yet I seem to be terrified".

Rebecca smiled "you've got butterflies? I think every first time bride has feelings like that".

"But I'm not actually a bride" Madison insisted.

The older woman gave Madison's shoulders a firm squeeze. "You certainly look like a real bride. Now you need to stop thinking this way. This is your day Madison. This is as much of your wedding day as any other wedding day you would have. You deserve to enjoy it".

Madison took another breath and nodded "you're right. It might be the only wedding day I ever have in my entire life. So I better enjoy it the right way".

"It is an honour and a blessing to have you and your children as Haywood's" Rebecca said beaming at her daughter.

"Thank you" she smiled softly. She reached to the vase that was keeping her flowers fresh and grabbed hold of her bouquet. "Was Madelyn's wedding anything like this?"

"No" Rebecca said, "Madelyn and Brandon marriage was more of a show. We had all the major clients and it had a huge budget. It wasn't family based and it wasn't homey. Your wedding is a piece of you. You have created this day that is straight from your heart. It suits you and Brandon's relationship. There is no possible way that you can compare it to Madelyn. It's far too different".

Madison nodded "thank you. I think I compare myself to her a little too much. Brandon loved her so much. And I want to... I want to give him the kind of happiness he had with her".

"There are things that even Brandon doesn't know about Madelyn" Rebecca shook her head "my husband and I did a lot to protect Brandon from Madelyn's true nature."

"What do you mean?" Madison asked.

Rebecca sighed and tucked a piece of hair behind Madison's ear "nothing darling. It's history now. Nothing to worry about".

Madison nodded as a knock came at the door "its time" Brooklyn called inside.

"Its time" Rebecca leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Madison's forehead. She walked towards the door and let everyone back in.

"Are you ready mom?" Noah walked in first. He looked so grown up in his slicked back suit and shiny shoes. He had really grown into a bright young man.

"Look at you Noah" she beamed. Madison walked over to him and rested a hand softly on his cheek. He wasn't the gangly boy that fell off his school's stage six months ago. He had come such a long way since then. She saw the confidence in him now. He walked with his head a little higher now. He wasn't awkward or shy anymore. He was bold and brave.

"Thank you" Noah said with a half way smile. His mother reached up and tucked a stray hair into place. He chuckled a little and leaned away before she could fuss anymore. "I look fine mom".

"You look more than fine" Madison smiled "you look like a young man".

"Brandon taught me well on how to be a man" Noah answered. He hooked arms with his mom as they walked towards the large double doors "but I still got a lot to learn".

"That's right" Madison said, "You are still my baby after all".

Noah chuckled a little more as the group finally stopped.

"Alright" Rebecca said as she organized everyone in the line. "Caleb and Callum the two of you are going to go first". The two little boys were in identical grey suits and each one carried a small white pillow with a golden ring fastened on. Their hair was brushed back nicely and their face was clean. Both Kennedy and Madison had been worried about them getting into some trouble but the boys remained as well put together as when they arrived.

"Emma and Ella you two are going to go next alright? Each of you will hold the basket of flowers between you and every so often take a handful of the petals and let them fall to the ground".

"Isabelle you'll walk after then girls, then Kennedy next and Brooklyn you'll b last" Rebecca said "now I need to go take my seat. You guys got this" she said and headed inside.

The music started a few moment later to signal that the boys needed to start "behave you two" Kennedy hissed to her sons as they began their walk. She shook her head a little and sighed in relief. When the boys reached the half waypoint the girls were instructed to walk. Before long it was just Madison and Noah standing at the closed doors.

"Hey mom?" Noah asked as he awkwardly shifted from foot to foot.

Madison glanced at him worriedly "is something wrong honey?"

He shook his head "no. Nothings wrong. Something is right. I know you had a hard time when I was a little kid. You tried to hide it but I saw things mom. And I know that you worked so hard for everything that you have given the girls and I. there were times when I saw you sitting at the kitchen table crying".

Madison opened her mouth to deny it but Noah cut her off. "I'm not a little boy anymore. I saw it and it's okay. But I want you to know that you did a really good job mom. And you should be proud of it". He rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He wasn't one to ever talk about his emotions but here he was trying to get it all out. "You did good for Emma, Ella and I. you gave us so much mom. And I mean that".

"But was it enough?" Madison whispered, her mind drifting to the times where all they could afford were cans of soup and when the kids got second hand toys for Christmas.

"It was always enough" Noah said softly "you were the only one who thought it wasn't". Just then the tune of the music shifted and it was time for Madison to take her walk down the aisle.

"Ready mom?" Noah asked as he hooked arms with her.

Madison smiled and leaned over to kiss her son on the head "ready baby". The large double doors were opened to reveal the rows and rows of guests. One by one they all began to stand and turn to face her. She took a final breath and started to walk forward as her grip tightened around Noah's arm. She couldn't see Brandon. Were there too many people blocking him? Or was it possible that he wasn't there? Could he have gotten his memory back and decided not to come?

But her fears were put to rest when she caught a glance at his clear blue eyes staring at her. His smile was warm and welcoming. But maybe – just maybe – it was a little nervous too. He stood with his hands folded behind his back and his chest was proudly puffed out.

She walked forward and kept her eyes firmly locked with Brandon's. And that was why she didn't notice Alexander sitting beside Samantha on the groom's side. But Noah noticed. The boy let out a soft gasp as his grip tightened on his mothers arm. Madison glanced at Noah with slight concern. She followed his glaze and noticed Alex now too. She sighed softly "it's going to be okay" she promised softly as they continued walking.

Noah nodded but he didn't look very convinced. He was still tense and looking over his shoulder by the time they reached Brandon at the front. Brandon held his hand out and allowed Noah to pass Madison over to him.

The pastor smiled as he stood between them "and who gives this woman to this man?" he asked.

"I do" Noah answered his voice nearly cracking. He then stepped away and took his place next to Brandon as his best man.

"We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of" the pastor started the ceremony, but Madison wasn't paying much attention to what was being said. Instead she was focused on one man – and no it wasn't Alex. She didn't even care that he was there. Her complete focus was on Brandon. She felt warm and relaxed now that her hand was firmly being held in his. She smiled to herself when Brandon started to rub his thumb against her soft palm.

Madison glanced up and locked eyes with Brandon's. What was she thinking? How could she ever doubt him? Standing here now before him all she could see was the love that they shared for each other. It was all in his eyes. He had the gaze of somebody who was madly and deeply in love. And if his look wasn't enough then his vows were sure to seal the deal.

Brandon fully turned towards her and took both of her hands in his. He took a breath and he started to devote his love to love. "I used to think love was a lie, a tool and a myth. I used to throw up at the very mention of the word love. I think my entire family can vouch for that" he chuckled a little. "But things have changed now. I used to hate the idea of love simply because I never had it. When I first met you I never had the intentions of falling in love with you. But I guess that's how love always is. It's unexpected and you rarely ever plan it. I can't lay Madison. When we first started talking I was beyond nervous. I was terrified of saying the wrong things or you just deciding to leave me. But yet you didn't leave. You stayed and I think you're the first woman in my life who has ever decided to stay in my life. Things can change but I will always love you. Things change but I will always be by your side. Things change and you might grow old and wrinkly but I will always see how beautiful you are. Things change but we will always be together and I will always want to be with you – you are the only one I want. Things change, and we will too. We will grow closer together and our love will grow for each other. That's what I want things to change into... us. So I say forever and always. How about you?"

By the end of his beautiful and loving speech Madison had tears rolling down her cheeks. She had never had a man speak such beautiful words towards her. Sure she had been with Brandon for six months now and he always showered her with love and affection through the use of kisses or sweet words here and there. But he had never delivered a speech filled with that much love before. Nothing could compare to that.

He chuckled a little and reached up to wipe the tears away "I hope I didn't upset you" he said softly.

Madison leaned into his hand "no, no. I'm not upset I'm happy baby". She rested her hand against his and held it in place against her cheek "now it's my turn". She kept them standing in that way the entire time that she delivered her vows. "Words can't describe how I feel about you. I sat down and I tried to write out all of my feelings about you but I seemed to be speechless. I think that's the best way I can describe it. You make me speechless. I know that I am going to get tongue tied with this but let me give it a try. When I love you Brandon, I know that my love for you is true. When I close my eyes, all I can think about is you. And that thought makes my entire body smile and get lifted up. Sometimes I really question how I can be so lucky to have somebody like you to share my life with. In the past I had been hurt – more times then I thought my heart could heal from. But it did heal and that is because I met you. I don't know what I would do without your love. To me you feel as if you were an angel sent to me from heaven above. You came down to shelter me and lift me back up. You took this beaten down girl and helped her up to become a brave and strong woman. Every day that I am with you I count my blessing. And the truth is you and the children are always my biggest blessings of all. I never thought I would find somebody like you. But yet here you are. And you have done more than you can imagine. You have helped make me into the woman I am today. You have blessed me with three beautiful children and you have given me not just a house but also a home". Madison laughed softly to herself. She leaned more into his hand as her watery eyes looked into his warm ones. "I feel as if I'm starting to repeat myself so I think it is best if I finish with this. I love you Brandon. I love you more than you will ever know. But I want you to know that I am always going to stay with you. So today I make you this promise. I am never going to walk away from you".

Brandon smiled lovingly at her "that was beautiful. I love you". He leaned in to get a kiss but the pastor cleared his throat.

"Almost but not time yet" he smiled. "May I have the rings?" he asked.

Nervously and very carefully Caleb and Callum stepped forward to present the rings. "Thank you" Madison said taking the ring from Caleb's pillow as Brandon got his from Callum.

The pastor turned to Brandon "do you Brandon Robert Haywood take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

Brandon held his brides hand "I do" he stated softly but confidently. He slowly slid the ring into place on her finger.

"Do you Madison Paige Sweeney take Brandon Robert Haywood to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the pastor asked in a clear voice.

Madison looked up at Brandon. Any fears or worried that she had about moving forward with him were gone. "I do," she said in a loud clear voice as she slid the ring on.

"And now" the pastor smiled and looked at Brandon "you may kiss your bride".

Brandon smile became a fully-grown grin. He took her face in both of his warm hands. It was nothing like Madison had ever felt before. She had kissed Brandon hundreds of times over the months she has known him. But there was nothing like this. This kiss was passionate and undying. It was warm and welcoming. It made Madison feel not as though she was melting into his embrace but as if she was becoming one with him. It felt as if they were being fused together to become one unbreakable bond. His lips were soft and loving. They were the lips of a husband.

The guests all in the church stood and started to clap for the couple as they moved down the aisle hand in hand. Their children followed after them with large smiles.

"Thank you" Madison said as she shook the hand of another wedding guest that she had never met before. She looked at the long line that was still waiting to wish the newly weds a happy marriage. The moment she left the church it was go, go and go. She was rushed off to sign official looking papers that would announce them as 'husband and wife' and she was positioned and posed for dozens – if not hundreds of wedding photos. She had taken ones with just Brandon, other ones with her three kids, several with her friends, Brandon had one's with his parents, and of course a large family photo. She had been on her feet all day and she just wanted to take a break and sit down for a moment.

"I need to go to the washroom," Madison whispered to Brandon as her hand rested gently on her belly. When he nodded in understanding she slipped away. She was walking down the hall hoping to find a door outside when she heard the voice of a teenage boy trying to be braver than he should need to be.

"You need to leave. No one wants you here" Noah said from behind a closed door.

"Oh? You didn't want to see your old man? And here I was thinking you'd be ecstatic" Alex gave a deep mocking laugh. "'Don't go dad. Please don't go' I believe that's what you begged the last time I saw you wasn't it?"

"That was seven years ago. A lot has changed since then," Noah said.

"Nothing is going to change the fact that I am your dad. Your real dad".

Madison was about to open the door and interrupt them but it seemed that Noah didn't need her help

"No. You're a sperm donor. You don't have the right to talk to me in any way like that. You're not my dad. Brandon is. He is the one that has taught me how to play baseball. He takes me to school everyday. He helped me talk to girls for the first time. And best of all he makes my mom and sisters happy. You are half the man he is".

"You got a lot of nerve their buddy," Alex said.

"It's called confidence" Noah said, "When you left I was seven. I am literally not that little boy anymore".

"Hey is this the way to the bathroom?" Kennedy's voice sounded from down the hall. She was holding the hands of both Caleb and Callum as she walked towards Madison with a beaming smile.

"I uh" Madison wasn't sure what to say. She was caught off guard. Of all the times for things to come falling apart it had to be now at her wedding. Because of course in perfect timing as Kennedy reached her door opened and Noah stepped out.

"Oh mom" Noah said in surprise "hey there".

"Madison" Alex smiled and shoved his shoulder against Noah to get out of the room "great to see you. I guess a congrats is in order".

"Alexander?" Kennedy asked in a soft voice as she walked up behind Madison.

"Oh it's you" Alex said with a frown "hey there". He looked down at the two little boys. "Who are you?"

Kennedy pulled her sons behind her protectively. And Madison couldn't be more than proud of her son when he stepped forward. "Come on Caleb and Callum, I'll take you to the bathroom". He grabbed their hands and walked away with them. But she could see the twins looking back at Alex and she heard Callum ask, "who was that?" she wasn't sure what Noah answered but she knew he wouldn't tell her the truth.

"What is he doing here?" Kennedy asked crossing her arms over her chest. She looked Alex up and down with a very unimpressed look.

"I was invited" Alex said with a smirk.

"He was a plus one" Madison mumbled.

"I think I might just go and talk to Brandon. I mean all that love stuff he talked about? He needs to learn the truth" Alex smirked "plus I think I have two little boys that I need to get to know".

"Don't talk to my sons" Kennedy hissed.

"Our sons" Alex laughed "I do believe I helped to create them".

"You have nothing to do with them," Kennedy said firmly.

"You need to leave" Madison said "I don't want you here".

"I got invited".

"And now you are uninvited" Jonathan came around the corner with Rebecca following close behind him. He crossed his arms over his chest "I do believe my wife and I took care of your demands months ago. And I am not about to allow them to begin again. If you'll come with me, I am going o show you to the door". When Alex didn't follow John cleared his throat "that wasn't a request. It was an order".

She shook her head at the concerned look Kennedy gave her and she walked away. She walked down the hall and looked side to side to be sure no one was watching her. She then pushed the back door open and headed out to the freezing winter garden.

She wanted to run her hands through her hair but reframed herself from doing so in order to not ruin her elegant hair. She rested her hands on the front of her dress and took a few deep breaths. Madison dusted the snow off and took a heavy seat on the stone bench. Her face went down forward into her hands and nearly let out a whimper.

"There's the blushing bride" a male voice called from behind her.

Madison's head snapped up at the sound. Her entire body froze and she was expecting for it to be Alex. She felt so tense and didn't even want to turn her head towards the noise.

"Everyone is wondering where you've run off to" Matt took a seat next to her on the bench. She breathed a sigh of relief realizing that it wasn't her ex but instead was Brandon's friend.

"What are you doing out here?" she asked with a side-glance.

Matt held up a pack of smokes "smoke break" he said with a shrug. "But what about you? Isn't this your day? Shouldn't you be excited to be out on the dance floor and all that jazz?"

She gave a small shrug and looked down at her shoes. She gave a little shiver. Although her adrenaline got her outside she hadn't realized how cold it was until now.

"Here" Matt took his suit jacket off and placed it around her shoulders. But she simply nodded her thanks. "Look I don't know what's going on here but you do seem a little down". He watched her closely "so I guess I'll give you a quick little talk. Here goes nothing. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".

"Eleanor Roosevelt said that" Madison said softly.

"That she did" Matt stood and shrugged "and it's true. You better head back inside soon" he then headed off in the snow to around the corner.

Madison sighed a little and looked at the footprints in the snow. Maybe it was time for her to head back in. she stood and walked inside to the dinning hall.

"There you are baby" Brandon's single smile could make Madison feel better even if she was having the worst day of her life.

"Hey" Madison walked right into his out stretched arms and rested her head against his chest breathing in his scent.

"I've been looking all over for you my love" he gently stroked her hair lovingly.

"I just needed a breath of fresh air, and than I ran into Matt" she said softly, careful not to give too much away.

"Uh oh" Brandon chuckled a little "what did he want?"

"Just giving me a warning," she teased him "if I hurt his best friend than he'll hurt me".

Brandon shook his head playfully "after all this time that we spent together and he's still worried?" He leaned forward and rested his forehead against hers "you mean everything to me sweetheart. I couldn't imagine my life without you."

"I know what life was like without you" she said softly "and I didn't like it. It was dark and filled with sadness. I felt so alone Brandon. It was so unsafe" she shook her head and looked down as tears began to fill her eyes. "I didn't have anyone to rely on. I was always on my own. But with you, I got a partner; I had someone I could lean on and a place to go when I needed to feel safe. For the first time in my life when I entered your arms I felt safe".

Gently he reached under her chin and lifted her face to look him in the eyes "you have a partner for the rest of your life now baby. I will never leave you alone, you'll always have my support and a place where you can feel safe".

"I know" Madison wiped her eyes and looked at him adoringly "I know for the rest of my life that I get to share with you I will feel safe and loved".

"Oh there you are" Alexander smirked as he approached the couple "I've been looking all over for you".

Brandon glanced at the other man "something my wife and I could help you with?"

"Actually it involves your wife" Alex smirked glaring at Maddie.

Maddie felt her stomach sink. She wanted to vomit – in fact she just might. She hated the way just the look from Alex made her feel on a daily. She felt like she was back seven years ago when she needed to watch her words and actions in fear that he'd get angry.

Brandon wrapped an arm around her shoulder and tugged his love close to his side "I appreciate you coming with Samantha, but I'd appreciate it much more if you returned to her side and left my wife and I alone".

"Oh but I thought you'd like to hear about how Madison and I were once together" Alex maintained the smirk as he continued talking. He tugged an old photograph from his pocket and handed it over to Brandon.

Maddie gasped and tears formed in her eyes. Was this it? Was her make believe perfect life finally up. She felt like she had the rug torn from under her feet and she was in for a large fall. "Brandon" she begged him weakly "its not what you think I swear" she cried out.

Brandon held the photo for several moments with his brow furrowed and a frown formed on his face. Eventually he handed it back over to Alexander and shrugged slightly. Wait why was he shrugging? What was going on here? Madison watched him nervously. He didn't look mad, shouldn't he be getting upset by now?

"Everyone has past relationships they don't want to talk about" Brandon explained calmly "so what? You two dated in high school? I had girlfriends in high school too that I certainly don't mention every moment of my history to Madison".

Madison glanced at Brandon for a moment stunned, high school? Did he say high school? She reached forward and snatched the photo free from Alexander's hand. Brandon was right. She knew exactly when this photo was taken - her high school prom. And it was clear to see, she looked young and by the formal dresses, there's nothing else it could be.

It made sense actually. Alexander hated having his photo taken; he found them to be clutter and would get rid of them. And what little photos Madison had taken over the years they were together she had taken with her when she left him. The only reason he'd have any photos from high school would be from his parents – and even those would be limited.

"I think it would be if you left now," Brandon suggested calmly.

"Excuse me?" Alex opened his eyes wide stunned "you're kicking me out?"

"It seems to me you've come here only to cause problems. And maybe even take another chance at blackmailing my wife" Brandon was clearly starting to get a little worked up.

"Blackmail?" Madison looked up at Brandon with her mouth slightly opened. "How did you..." she trailed off.

"I handle all of Telling Tales financing, I have records of the money transfers into a mister Alexander Morgan's account. And I certainly didn't authorize anything like that. It wasn't hard to put two and two together after seeing the way you treated my wife" Brandon said crossing his arms sternly.

Had Brandon's parents done that on purpose? Did they purposely take money from the account knowing that Brandon would see it and wanted to know how he'd react? This could've ruined everything though. They wanted this to continue – so they wouldn't have done something like that – Madison was sure of it.

"It is time for you to leave. And to permanently leave my family alone" Brandon argued.

Alexander tried one last angle. If Brandon wouldn't believe him about Maddie than maybe he would listen about Noah being his son. "Well explain how Noah-"

"Do not bring my son into this" Brandon hissed. "I don't care what you have to say. Family is family. And I am here to care for my kids and my wife. You need to leave now or else".

Alexander's nostrils flared in anger.

"Leave" Brandon hissed again. He waved towards security and insisted that they escort the other man out. 

Madison leaned against Brandon and snugged into him. She watched as the guards removed Alex from not only the reception but also what she hoped was also from her life.

"Do you feel alright?" he asked worriedly.

"I just feel a little sick," Madison explained.

He stroked her hair softly "do you want to turn in early?" he offered.

But Madison shook her head "I haven't gotten a chance to even dance with you yet" she insisted.

Brandon chuckled a little "then lets have our first dance". He nodded towards the band and led her towards the dance floor. The music softly began to play as Brandon spun his new wife into his arms. He held her against his chest and slowly the couple began to sway. Madison rested her head on his chest and listened to his heart beating against her ear.

His arms tightened around her and he tugged her close to his body. He leaned down and softly began to sing into her ear "L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very, very, extraordinary. E is even more than any one that you adore can love".

Madison smiled and lifted her head off his chest so that she could look right at him. "Love is made for me and you," she sang softly.

"I love you" Brandon whispered to her sweetly.

Madison had to hold back the tears that wanted to come. She had heard it hundreds of times from Brandon this past few months. Yet nothing could prepare her for hearing it on her 'wedding' day. She held on closely to Madison "I love you Brandon. I love you so much".