Still the One

Title: Still the One

Author: LLE

Summary: Here come the brides…Need I say more?

Pairing: Same couple I always use…Sam/Brooke

Disclaimer: Sam, Brooke and all other “Popular” characters are the sole property of…Well, of whoever owns them these days… The song “Still the One” is copyrighted by Shania Twain and the companies attached to her. (I have NO idea witch ones that would be.) The “vows”, if that’s what they’re called, were borrowed from the TV-Show “Charmed”. (Alright, so I couldn’t come up with anything by myself, so what?)

Distribution: If you want it, take it. Just let me know where it goes.

Author’s Notes: Well, I just got the urge to write a songfic. I decided to take it a few years into the future. So…dun dun dun…we join Sam and Brooke at their hand-fastening ceremony…

Warning: This is extremely sappy. No sadness (well, not much anyway) and no violence, just a lot of sappiness. No graphic smut, but a fair bit of innuendo if I do say so myself.

**…** Indicates a flashback/memory.

(When I first saw you, I saw love. And the first time you touched me, I felt love. And after all this time, you're still the one...)

*~*~*~*

“Sam, Brooke.” The priest looked at the two young women before him. “Please join hands.” As the elderly man saw the love emanating from the eyes of the couple, he silently sent a small prayer of thanks to the Lord for finally letting a woman, and a gay woman nonetheless, be elected President. In his mind it was simple. Love, in any form, should be celebrated and displayed openly. It shouldn’t be kept in hiding just because it happened to be between two people of the same gender.

Ever since her first day of office, President Mariah Thompson had pressed for legalizing hand-fastening ceremonies for homosexual couples in all states. The bill hadn’t been approved until a few months ago, but as soon as it was, almost ninety per cent of the population had voted in favor of it. Finally, in the spring of 2009, Samantha McPherson and Brooke McQueen were allowed to officially confirm their love for one another.

Sam turned her eyes and met Brooke’s gaze with her own. She couldn’t imagine ever getting tired of looking into those eyes. She felt like she could faint at any moment, and she was extremely nervous. They had waited for this day for so long, almost ten years had passed since they first discovered that they were in love. Now, the day had finally arrived, she was finally marrying Brooke, and she was a wreck. Still, she wouldn’t have been anywhere else.

Brooke looked into Sam’s eyes and almost cried at the depth of emotion she saw in those chocolate pools. As eloquent as Sam was, her eyes could always say the things she herself couldn’t seem to put into words.

** “I love you so much Brooke, but it’s more than that. I just can’t seem to find the words…What I feel for you…It’s so deep, so intense…I want to tell you so bad, but I don’t know how.”

“You know how they say that the eyes are the window to the soul?” Brooke asked as she placed her arms around the brunette’s waist and pulled her close. Sam nodded.

“I know how you feel Sammy, believe me, I do.” Brooke softly caressed Sam’s cheek with the back of her fingers. “I know, because I feel it too.” She continued, her voice trembling with emotion. “I love you so much baby. More than words could ever say.”

Sam reached up and placed her hand on Brooke’s cheek, letting her thumb caress the area around the blonde’s cheekbone. “I love you too Princess. I just wish I could tell you exactly how much.” She leaned her forehead against Brooke’s and looked at their joined hands.

“Even if you can’t tell me, you can show me.” Brooke said, gently rubbing the back of Sam’s hand with her thumb. “You just have to look me in the eyes. Because, despite all of your best efforts,” she teased lightly, “your eyes show exactly what you’re feeling. They always have.”

Sam raised her gaze to meet Brooke’s, silently willing her to see all the love she held so deep within her heart.

“I know baby.” Brooke whispered as she brought Sam’s hand to her lips and kissed it gently. “I love you too.” **

Brooke could easily tell that Sam was very edgy. It all showed so clearly in her eyes. Even if it didn’t, her hand, as it reached for Brooke’s, was visibly trembling. Brooke gave her a warm smile and took hold of the hand. As she softly stroked the back of the brunette’s hand with her thumb, she both felt and saw Sam relax.

They reached their joined hands forward.

The priest took a rope and gently bound their hands and lower arms together. “As a sign of your love and affection for each other, I hereby, before God and these witnesses, bind your hands and hearts with this rope. Let no one ever break the bond that now holds you together.”

Sam and Brooke looked deep into each other’s eyes and, smiling, said their words. “Heart to thee, body to thee, now and forever, so mote it be.”

“So mote it be.” The priest repeated. “You may kiss the bride.”

As their lips met in their first, but certainly not last, kiss as a married couple, the entire building erupted with applause.

“Ladies and gentlemen.” The priest shouted over the noise. “I give you Mr... Er, Mrs. and Mrs. McPherson-McQueen.”

Everyone was there. Josh and Lily. SD and Mary Cherry. George and Carmen with children, and Harrison and Nicole with their oldest son as well. Sam smiled at the last couple. She was positive that no one ever saw THAT one coming. Then again, aside from some whacko lunatic [=)], no one had ever pictured her and Brooke together either.

Brooke was glad that all of them were here. They had been the ones standing by them when times were rough. When she and Sam had dealt with name-calling and obscenities from their fellow students, the gang had stuck by them. They had been there when Brooke’s mother threatened to disown her, and they had been there when Mike had thrown them out of the house. Every time something bad happened, the gang was right there with them. But most importantly, they had also been there for the good times. When Mike and Kelly finally realized that what she and Sam had was the real thing, the gang had thrown a massive party to celebrate it, and when the bill came through a few months ago, they had almost been more exited than Brooke and Sam themselves.

“I guess it’s true.” Brooke thought with a smile as she and Sam turned around to face the room. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

*~*~*~*

Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

*~*~*~*

“Need some help with that Princess?” Sam asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes as they sat in the limousine.

“Would you please remove your mind from the gutter Mrs. McPherson?” Brooke scolded playfully as she continued to pick grains of rice from her cleavage.

“I don’t see why.” Sam said in a low tone as she leaned over and kissed Brooke’s neck. “I have the sexiest, most beautiful wife in the universe. Can you blame me for desiring her?” She continued to kiss her way up Brooke’s neck, gently nibbling on a tasty earlobe and smiling as she felt Brooke’s breath quicken.

“Now, Sammy…This really isn’t the…Ooh, that’s nice…But the driver…” Brooke protested half-heartedly.

“Can’t hear us. Soundproof.” Sam muttered breathlessly as she kissed along Brooke’s jawline, rubbing lazy circles on the blonde’s torso with one hand.

“The windows…”

“Blackened. Can’t see inside.”

“But the reception…Our guests…We’ll be there in…Oh God…”

“Half an hour. At least. Not much time, but it’s gonna have to do.” Sam stopped her ministrations for a moment and looked at Brooke, her brown eyes sparkling with mischief. “Think of all the stories we can tell our grandchildren.” She grinned. “How grandma and grandmamma consummated their marriage in the back of a limo.”

Brooke’s eyebrows practically shot off her forehead as she broke into a fit of the giggles. “You, my dear wife,” she snickered, running her hand up and down Sam’s arm, “are nothing short of amazing.”

“I know.” Sam replied with a broad smile on her face. “That’s why you love me so much.”

“Yes I do.” Brooke said, placing a soft kiss on Sam’s lips. “Now and always Sammy.”

“Penny for ‘em?” Sam said as she noticed the thoughtful expression on Brooke’s face.

“It would be a pretty hefty memory, wouldn’t it?” Brooke smiled as she used the tip of her index finger to slowly trail the distance between Sam’s cleavage and collarbone.

“It would.”

“The stuff legends are made of.” Brooke eased her hand up the side of Sam’s top.

“Uh huh.” Sam mumbled, having a little trouble forming coherent sentences at the moment.

“A moment to remember.” Brooke said, softly kissing the pulse point on Sam’s neck as she pushed the brunette back onto the seat and lay down on top of her.

“I thought…that I was…supposed to…be the seducer…in this…relationship.” Sam panted, feeling her body give under Brooke’s soft caresses.

“Sammy?” Brooke lifted her head and looked into her wife’s half-closed eyes.

“Hmm?”

“Shut up and kiss me.”

Sam pressed her lips to Brooke’s, happily succumbing to the wave of emotions her beautiful wife stirred deep within her soul.

*~*~*~*

(You're still the one)
You're still the one I run to
The one that I belong to
You're still the one I want for life
(You're still the one)
You're still the one that I love
The only one I dream of
You're still the one I kiss good night

*~*~*~*

As Brooke let the driver help her out of the limousine, she noticed a knowing smirk playing at the young man’s lips. She looked at him quizzically for a moment, and received a wink. Realization dawned on her, and she clasped a hand over her mouth as her eyes saucered.

“Oh God.” She groaned, grabbing Sam’s hand. “I thought you said it was soundproof!” She whispered frantically.

Sam eyed the driver. When she too received a wink and understood what Brooke meant, her entire body started shaking with pent-up laughter.

“Well, I’m glad you find this amusing.” Brooke huffed, feeling the color rise to her cheeks.

“Actually, I do.” Sam grinned and looked at her wife. “I didn’t know anybody could turn that red without an internal bleeding of some sort.”

“Shush.” Brooke glared at Sam and swatted her on the arm.

“Smack me all you want Princess, I still think it was more than worth it. You still mad at me?” She pouted.

Brooke looked at Sam and smiled. “Aww honey. I could never stay mad at you. You have the sexiest pout I’ve ever seen.” She put her arms around Sam’s neck and pulled her in for a kiss.

When they broke apart, Brooke glanced down quickly and grinned. “Would this be a good time to tell you that your top is on backwards?”

*~*~*~*

Ain't nothin' better
We beat the odds together
I'm glad we didn't listen
Look at what we would be missin'

They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong

*~*~*~*

After a quick trip to the bathroom, Sam and Brooke entered the room in which their wedding reception was held. They stood quietly at the door for a moment, smiling as they let their gazes wander over the assembly of loved ones. The silence, however, didn’t last very long.

“Auntie Brooke!” A three-year-old toddler with thick blonde hair and glittering brown eyes raced across the room as fast as his short legs would carry him.

“Nicky!” Brooke crouched down and caught the little boy as he ran straight into her arms. “I’m so glad to see you kiddo.”

“I missed you Auntie Brooke.” The little boy said with a frown. “Why didn’t you come see us?”

“Oh I’m sorry baby.” Brooke said as she stood up, holding the boy on her arm. “I’ve been very busy lately. Tell you what.” She added, ruffling his hair. “We’ll both come see you in a few weeks, ok?”

“Ok.” The boy nodded and threw his arms around her neck.

“Easy there Nick.” Harrison said with a smile as he and Nicole walked over to them. “You don’t want to bruise your Auntie Brooke, do you?”

“No Daddy.” Nicky smiled and pulled back a little.

“Hey Squirt.” Sam grinned and waved at the little boy. “You’re not gonna say hello to me?”

Nicky quickly crawled from Brooke’s arms into Sam’s and hugged her too. “Hello Uncle Sam.” He said seriously.

Brooke, Nicole and Harrison all bit their lower lip in attempt to hold back the laughter at the look on Sam’s face.

“So you’re the one who sent all those boys off to Vietnam.” Lily joked as she and Josh joined the little group. “Why I oughtta…”

“Very funny Mrs. Ford.” Sam scowled. “When did I become the masculine part of this relationship?”

“Personally, I think it was around the time you blankly refused wearing a dress on our wedding day.” Brooke smirked and plated a soft kiss on Sam’s cheek.

“I stick out my tongue in your general direction.” Sam said, and she kept her word.

“Don’t show off that thing unless you intend to make use of it.” Brooke purred in Sam’s ear, sending shivers down the brunette’s spine.

*~*~*~*

Sam held Brooke close as the two of them danced slowly to the soft tunes of Shania Twain. “Still the One” was their song in every way. It had played in the background during their first dance, their fist kiss, and when they had made love for the first time. And today, it fit perfectly.

Gazing lovingly into Brooke’s hazel eyes, Sam could tell that they were both thinking of the same thing.

** “Tonight has been absolutely wonderful Sammy. I can’t ever thank you enough.” Brooke said with a warm smile as their fingers entwined.

To other couples, the events of this night might not seem so special. It had been just like any other date after all. But to the two college Sophomores currently walking on the sandy beach of L.A., it had filled an important hole in their relationship.

Up until now, their dates had consisted of things like a trip to the bowling alley, the ice rink or going out for ice cream. But tonight had been different. They had had dinner at a romantic restaurant, gone to see a movie at the local cinema and then gone dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

Now they were strolling along the shoreline, letting the calm waves wash over their bare feet, comfortably chatting about this and that while exchanging pecks and kisses. Tonight had been perfect, and they were both high on love.

“No Princess.” Sam smiled as she placed her arm around Brooke’s waist. ”I’m the one who should be thanking you.”

“Oh? For what?” Brooke asked.

“For loving me.” Sam stopped and pulled Brooke close to her, caressing her face. “I swear, I don’t know how you put up with me sometimes.” She grinned.

Brooke pretended to contemplate the statement before answering. “True, you can be a bit of a handful at times.” That remark earned her a mock-scowl as well as a playful swat on the arm.

“Hey! Be nice.” Sam growled and placed a tender kiss on Brooke’s soft lips.

“Actually I was.” Brooke grinned. She ran her fingers through Sam’s long dark tresses, loving the silky feel of them.

“Ooh, you’re in a witty mood tonight.” Sam smiled. “I’d watch my tongue if I were you though.”

“You mean like this?” Brooke purred and pulled the brunette in for a passionate kiss, her free hand rubbing light circles on the small of Sam’s back.

As they broke apart, Brooke looked at the woman who held her heart, something akin to awe on her face.

Sam’s face was slightly flustered, her eyes were closed and her full lips parted sensuously. The look on her face was one of utter happiness and complete contentment as the gentle night breeze played with her hair. Right there, with the light of the silver moon on her features, Brooke knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that Samantha McPherson was the most breathtaking creature ever to walk this Earth.

“Um…Uh…” Sam stuttered, desperately trying to remember that English was her native tongue. “Technically, that wasn’t watching, but I don’t really care. Ms McQueen, I like the way you think.” She smiled.

“Well, somebody has to do the thinking around here.” Brooke teased. “You obviously got the Beauty, so I’ll have to be the Brains.” She grinned and backed away slightly.

“Ooh, now you’ve done it.” Sam grabbed for Brooke, but the blonde simply danced away from her reach with a playful glimpse in her eyes.

“Come here.” Sam beckoned with her finger. Brooke, still grinning, merely shook her head and took a few more steps backwards.

“Oh I see.” Sam all but growled as a wide smile spread on her face. “You wanna play huh?” Brooke nodded and dropped her jacket on the dry sand.

“I think that can be arranged.” Sam stated as she too removed her jacket. “Ready. Set.” She took off. “Go!”

“You cheat!” Brooke exclaimed before turning on her heal and bolting.

Sam knew with certainty that she was the fastest runner of them, but Brooke’s long legs kept the odds even. She wouldn’t catch up to her by simply running, so she’d have to use strategy as well. It didn’t take many minutes until she saw the opportunity.

Brooke thought that they had gotten far enough from their jackets, and had decided that it was time to head back. She inched her way a little further into the water with every step, hoping that Sam wouldn’t notice.

Sam had seen it, but kept running on the sand, waiting for her chance. When Brooke made the U-turn, Sam immediately turned 90 degrees. Sure enough, she reached the blonde just in time to grab her and make them both fall over in the water.

“Gotcha.” Sam grinned, very satisfied with herself.

“I let you catch me.” Brooke pouted.

“Oh really?” Sam said in a dangerous voice, her hands traveling up the blonde’s sides.

“Really.” Brooke replied with a tiny hint of panic in her voice.

“You sure about that?” Sam smirked, cocking her head to one side.

“Positive.” Brooke gulped.

“Well then…”

“No, no-no-no-no-no…. Sam, please…Stop!” Brooke laughed, helplessly trapped beneath the brunette. Squirming and shrieking with laughter, she half-heartedly tried to free herself from the tickling fingers.

Satisfied with the result, Sam wrapped her arms around Brooke’s waist and captured the blonde’s lips in a searing kiss. The waves washed over the young lovers as they lay in the water’s edge, soaking their hair and clothes. Sam and Brooke however, could care less.

*~*~*~*

“Let’s sit up there.” Sam said, pointing to a bench on top of a sand dune. “We’ll be able to see the sunrise better.”

Hand in hand, they climbed the dune and sat down on the small wooden bench. Sam put her arm around Brooke shoulder and pulled her close. Brooke leaned into the embrace, reveling in the feel of Sam’s body against her own.

“You know what today is Princess?” Sam asked softly.

“August 15th.” Brooke smiled. “Three years ago today, we told each other how we truly felt.”

“It’s a special day.” Sam murmured, burying her face in Brooke’s hair.

“Very much so.” Brooke agreed, holding Sam’s hand a little tighter.

“I want it to be more special.” Sam whispered.

“What do you mean sweetie?” Brooke could tell that the brunette was nervous about something.

Sam turned Brooke’s face towards her own and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “Brooke, I…No, I’m going to do this the right way.” She pulled her arm free, stood up, and dropped to one knee in front of a somewhat startled blonde.

“I don’t remember the exact date when I realized that I was in love with you.” Sam said softly. “But something tells me that I always have been. I remember our first day in kindergarten. You were wearing the cutest little pink dress, and your hair was pulled into two little braids, one on each side of your head. I didn’t realize it until much later, but from that moment on, you held my heart Brooke. You still hold it, and I want you to keep it, forever.”

Sam paused as she pulled out a small box and opened it. Inside the bow was a beautiful gold ring with a small, white diamond in it.

“What I’m trying to say is this.” Sam took Brooke’s hand in her own and looked into the misty hazel eyes.

“Brooke McQueen, the Queen of my heart, body and soul. I love you. Will you marry me?”**

“And I said yes.” Brooke whispered holding up her hand so Sam could see that very ring resting on her finger.

“I know you did Princess.” Sam smiled. “And you made me the happiest woman in the world.”

*~*~*~*

“I love you Princess.”

“I love you too Sammy."

*~*~*~*

So glad we made it
Look how far we've come my baby