Nelle emerged from the elevator with the gorgeous creature who had captured the attention of the entire office. All eyes were on them. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet ... my husband. He's a doctor," she gushed.

John looked at them, flabbergasted, and after several seconds said, "I'm confounded. You're married? How .. when ...?"

Elaine licked her lips as she said, "Wow, a hunk AND a doctor. Some people have all the luck."

"Nelle, you?" Richard chimed in, "how could you be married. I mean .. to a man? You don't even like sex!"

She shot him a dirty look. "I never told anybody this, except Ling, but for over a year now, I've been having an on-line romance with someone unknown to me until recently."

Everyone stood there gaping.

Nelle continued, "Do you remember that charity affair last year, when several of us agreed to be auctioned off?" She looked straight at Richard. She knew that he'd recall one of his clients (Cindy, a woman with a penis), being so upset with him because of his blatant homophobia, that she(he)'d hired a man to bid on him and give him a hard time.

"Well," Nelle continued, "this is the man who successfully bid on me .. or should I say won me, figuratively and literally." She looked lovingly at her new husband. "Actually, he's been in prison until a Presidential pardon resulted in his release two days ago." She stopped, looking at all the dumbstruck faces staring at her. "Anyway, two weeks ago, I found out that he's the one I've been having the on-line romance with all this time and with whom I'd fallen madly in love. So, we arranged for a private wedding ceremony at the prison before his release. It's really as simple as that." Nelle smiled triumphantly and shrugged as if what she'd just said could happen to anyone.

John and Richard exchanged a look of astonishment.

Nelle said, "Uh .. Richard, I wish I could give you more notice, but really I didn't know that he was actually going to be released until a few days ago. And, now that he has been, we'll be leaving tomorrow for upstate New York so that he can resume his medical practice. Hopefully, you can do without me."

"Oh, but Nelle, we have for almost four years," Richard said, "it'll be like you're still here (bygones)."

Nelle ignored him and looked at John, thinking about their brief but oddly satisfying office romance, and asked, "How about you? Do I get congratulations from you as well?"

"Of course," John replied. Hesitantly, he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek and offered his hand to her new husband. "Many happy returns. Really, congratulations!"

John again glanced at Ally's closed door, at Nelle, then back at Richard, and resting his face in his hand, he slowly acknowledged, "This is turning out to be one helleva week."

Ally's mom came rushing into her office, crying. "Oh baby, I'm so happy for you. Your dad should be here by noon."

Everything was happening so fast, Ally suddenly felt sick to her stomach. She sat down and her nerves took over. "Mom, what am I doing? Am I doing the right thing? I mean, it's certainly not that I don't love Larry, I love him more than anything, but all this .. it's going so fast .. I haven't really had time to think. I'm leaving my job .. my friends .. you .. ."

"Ally, " her mother said, "you're not going anywhere. Larry's office is only three blocks away. Renee will still be your best friend. And, you'll probably see all of your colleagues every day. Your dad and I will still live the same distance away. The only thing that's going to change is your name."

"Hmm...yeah ... hmm," Ally's hand nervously played with her mouth as she giggled. "My name. Ally Paul." Suddenly, she whined, "Oh, my god, mom, I'm getting married and I don't have a wedding dress. I don't even have a cake. There's no .. no .. oh, I don't know." Ally rolled her eyes upward, "Was that me who just sounded incredibly shallow?"

"You're allowed," her mother said, "it's called pre-wedding jitters. I think they're mandatory. I'll be right back," her mother said and returned in less than a minute with a box in her arms. Opening it, she handed Ally the contents.

Ally was stunned. "Mom, it's your wedding gown."

"I didn't know if it would be in style, or whether you'd even want to wear it, but with the rush and all, I thought I'd bring it just in case."

"Oh, mom, I love you. I'm touched. It's perfect. Thank you." Looking around, Ally wondered aloud what time it was.

"It's 8:45," her mother said.

"I've got to get to court. Thanks again mom for the dress. I should be back in a couple of hours."

John had opted not to go with her to court for the verdict and she was on her own.

John and Richard were enjoying a cigar in John's secret den hidden behind one of the Unisex stalls. "Well, buddy," Richard said, "change is really in the air, huh?"

"Yep," John acknowledged.

"Have you told Ally your news, yet?" Richard asked.

"Nope." John replied. "I'll tell her soon enough. But, right now, this is Ally's moment. She deserves to savor it."

"Yeah."

"How about you and Jane?" John questioned. "I really think you've got something special there, Richard."

"Whatta ya make of it, John? I mean, she sees something there .. and it's not my money or my Mercedes .. this is .. uh .. really new for me. Who knows, I might actually marry that girl."

John smiled and said, "I never doubted it for a minute."

Larry fidgeted while they waited outside the courtroom for the jury to come in. "Larry, cut it out all right? You're making me an even bigger nervous wreck than I already am." Ally said.

"You haven't changed your mind ...?" he asked in alarm.

"Larry, I've wanted to marry you since the minute I saw you. No, I haven't changed my mind. Now sit down before you fall down!!"

"What if they don't come in until it's time for us to get married?" He moaned.

"Well, then, hell, I guess we'll just have to invite ‘em all to the wedding." Ally said matter-of-fact, giving him a wide eyed look.

Just then the bailiff informed them the jury was in. They each found their respective clients and ushered them into the courtroom. (Ally kept a close eye on Larry to make sure his hand came nowhere near the MODEL.)

Judge Walsh said, "Has the jury reached a verdict?"

"We have, your Honor."

The bailiff delivered the written verdict to the judge who then gave it back to him for return to the foreperson. The jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded compensatory damages in the amount of $75,000.00 and punitive damages in the amount of $450,000.00, plus medical specials.

As they cleared their tables getting ready to leave, Larry asked coyly, "You mad at me for beating you again?"

"Nope," Ally said, "not after I realized that the hefty contingency fee you're gonna get will be going into the Paul & Paul account. Plus, this time I don't have to rub your smelly feet."

Larry, looked at her thoughtfully and then got a silly grin on his face.

"What?!" Ally asked.

"Nothin', just wondering how many people we can dupe into thinking we're therapists by putting Paul & Paul, Attorneys at Law, on our door."

"Mmm ...." Ally smiled. "Hey," she exclaimed, hitting him across the chest, "how come your name gets to come first?"

"Oh, what the hell was I thinking?" he said, feigning repentance " ... Okay, how about Paul & Paul?"

"Deal," she grinned.

They kissed. "See you back at your office in ... ah ... two hours?" Larry asked.

"Yep," she answered. "Uh .. Larry .. you will be there, right?"

"Pleading guilty as charged," he grinned, "and I'll be begging the jury for a life sentence - without possibility of parole!!"

"Well, just in case," she smirked, "I think my dad's bringing his shotgun."

Back at her office, Ally's mom was fussing with her dress. "What time is it, mom?" she asked. "Almost noon," her mother replied.

"I guess I have a little while before I need to get dressed. Um, would you excuse me for a few minutes? I'll be right back."

She found Richard sitting on the couch in his office. He looked up when she walked in and smiled. "Hey, here's the bride. Well, Dorothy, I guess there really is a Wizard in Oz after all."

Ally sat down next to him. "Oh, Richard, my Tin Man, I'm really gonna miss you. I'm sorry there wasn't any sperm trial and I'm sorry about your retainer and I'm sorry we lost to Larry ... well, I'm not sorry about ... oh ... you know. And, I .. um .. I'm sorry about all the changes and that I'm leaving you another attorney short."

"Ally, don't you know it's against the law to be sorry on your wedding day. Besides, change can be good, just look at you! We'll probably see each other every day, just like old times. And, who knows, with everyone gone or leaving, John and I may just make a move - something we've been talking about for awhile now. Maybe this is as good a time as any.."

"A move?" Ally asked, "John Cage and Richard Fish? Where would you go, what's going on?"

"Oh, nothing's for sure. It's just that we've been talking about maybe closing up shop here and moving the practice to California. Jane's homesick and John's got his own reasons, but I'll let him tell you."

"Wow, Richard, this is a shock!"

"Yeah, but, hey, if we do move, and you and Larry ever want to experience the LA scene, you'll always have a home with us." Richard suddenly became solemn, "If nothing else, I hope you'd come to visit. I really do. I'll miss you. Ally, I never told you, but you're one of my favorite people, next to John of course ... and, I .. uh .. I love you. If anyone deserves to be happy it's you. And, I think you've found the guy who can do it."

Ally was truly touched. "You're one of my favorite people, too. Thanks for helping me through a lot of bad times, even though you didn't always know you did. I'll always be grateful. And, uh .. I guess I owe you for my future, too, huh, for conspiring with Larry to bring us back together?"

"Well, it got a little boring seeing your long face all the time and ... ugh ... having to deal with those hallucinations. And, when Larry called for my help .... well, you know."

"That was the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me," she said with tears in her eyes. "Thank you doesn't begin to say enough. I hope you find what you're looking for, Richard, here or in California, and .. with Jane. I've watched you with her Richard and she's gotten to you in a way I've never seen. I think she's good for you, and you only have to look at her to see how she feels about you. "

"Yeah," Richard conceded. "She's ... well ... yeah ... maybe .. maybe." "Take care of yourself." Ally said, "And, um, Richard, we'll see you at the courthouse, right?"

"With bells on," Richard said. They stood up and Richard said, "Oh, damn it, come here and let me hug you."

Larry met up with Ally's father in the elevator. "So, you're back. And, now you wanna marry my daughter, hmm?"

"Yes, sir. But, I .. um .. wanna do it right. I'd like your permission to ask for her hand in marriage."

"You've put her through quite a lot, you know. What do you have to offer her?" asked Mr. McBeal.

"Well, I know I've made some mistakes. And .. no doubt I'll make more. But, I do love her .. with all my heart .. and that I can promise to do forever. And .. I will make her happy."

Mr. McBeal studied him for a minute and said, "Ally loves you very much, you know. But she's my only child. Don't you ever hurt her again."

"On that, you've got my word," Larry declared.

Ally's dad considered Larry's sincerity. "Okay, then," he said, "what say we go get married?"

"Yes, sir." Larry said as the elevator opened and he almost leaped out in search of his bride.

"Hey, John," Ally said softly. John was sitting on the edge of his desk looking out the window. He turned and looked fondly at Ally. "Hi wedding girl. It's finally happening, huh?" He got up and walked toward her and they just stood there smiling at each other. Finally, John reached out and gathered her into his embrace.

"John, I'm going to miss you most of all .. I'm really, really going to miss you. Thank's for being my friend and always being there for me. There are times that I wouldn't have made it without you. You're very special to me, you do know that don't you?"

"Without doubt. But, we've been there for each other, Ally. We'll always be there for each other. And, we've really been through a lot, haven't we? Your dream's coming true now, and my heart's full of happiness for you." He was still smiling, mysteriously.

"Okay, John. What's up?"

"Well. Honestly? I spoke to Melanie a couple of weeks ago. She's in California, doing very well by the way with her children's books. And, uh, she wants to give it another try. Can you imagine? She's actually willing to consider marriage and children."

"Oh, John. That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you. I always thought the two of you clicked. It's not often you find that certain someone that 'get's you,' you know? Hm, you will invite us to the wedding, right?"

"You'll be the very first. Always." John said.

"Well, I guess I better get dressed. Larry will be here soon."

"Are you nervous?" John asked.

"Um, I'm getting better," Ally admitted. "Things are falling into place, kinda like everything was preordained, you know. I think there may be something to this destiny thing after all."

John smiled widely, "I always told you that Larry knew what he had in you. You're very dear to me and I wouldn't give my blessing to just anybody. But, I knew from the beginning that what you'd found with Larry was that once in a lifetime thing. God's smiling on you, Ally. Be happy."

"Thank you, John. Take care of yourself, my good friend. And, remember, I love you."

"Me, too, you."

"You look absolutely beautiful," Ally's mother said. Ally looked at herself in the mirror and saw someone she didn't recognize The person staring back at her was blissfully breathtaking, transformed by love.

Ally's dad arrived and could only embrace his daughter because he didn't trust himself to speak. Finally, he said, "Sure glad I didn't have to kill him."

"Oh, daddy."

"Ally," her mother nodded toward the window. "The rain's stopped and the sun is shining." (That's a very good sign, Ally smiled.) "And, oh, my," her mom said, .."look at the window."

Ally turned and perched on the windowsill, in mid-October, she saw a bluebird, a sign of happiness. (John said that God was smiling on me.) Again, she looked upward and said a silent, 'Thank you, God.'

"Elaine," Richard asked, "Did you get the cake?"

"Yes, Richard."

"And, you made arrangements with the bar for them to open early just for us - for the reception?"

"Yes, Richard."

"You called everyone?

"Yes, Richard."

"You're sure? Everything's taken care of?" He wanted assurance, "I mean, this is Ally we're talking about, Elaine, we need to .. have to ... make sure ..."

"Yes, Richard," Elaine interrupted, "I know. I love her, too."

Larry opened the door to Ally's office and the vision of loveliness he saw took his breath away. He could only think that he'd almost lost her.

Ally looked up at him and their eyes smiled at each other. Her dear, sweet, wonderful Larry had rented a tuxedo and was the most handsome sight she'd ever seen.

As he approached her, he was shaking his head in wonder. "I know there's a God," he said, "cause only he could've created someone as breathtaking as you."

She looked at him with such intense love that Larry was paralyzed.

"Um .. I like your tux," she said. "You look .." she lowered her voice and whispered, "good enough to eat." He dropped his head and looked up at her with a sexy grin.

"Hm, hmm," he said and looked around nervously.

Ally's dad said quietly to her mother, "I think they need a little privacy." Ally's mom understood and they both left the room.

Larry maneuvered Ally into a chair. He then got down on one knee and withdrew the little black velvet box from his pocket. He took out the ring and held her hand in his and, looking adoringly into her eyes, said softly, "Ally, I know I can be a real moron at times." Ally opened her mouth to respond, but Larry raised a finger and warned, "Steady."

He continued, "So, I'm just gonna say what I should've said a long time ago. I love you, Ally McBeal. You've stuck with me every step of the way through some really impossible times, though only God knows why. And, I can't imagine my life without you - I don't even wanna try. I need you. Just one lifetime with you isn't gonna be nearly enough - so I want us to do this forever. Marry me?"

Ally's eyes were swimming with tears and she was so overcome with emotion she couldn't speak. She could only nod her head yes, yes, yes. Larry smiled at her tenderly and placed the ring on her finger. Ally grabbed his hand and placed it to her lips.

Larry helped her stand and held her while she cried. He dried her eyes and kissed her. He said softly, "And, I promise to let you dump ice cream on me anytime I deserve it." Ally couldn't help but laugh.

Smiling, Larry whispered in her ear, "Well, are you ready to get married?"

The door flew open and in came an energetic bouncing body, followed by Renee. Ally's mouth opened wide in absolute delight as she exclaimed, "Sam!!"

Sam ran over and leaped into Ally's arms and gave her a big hug. Larry said "Hey, buddy," and embraced his son.

Ally said to Larry, "Oh, my god, I can't believe I forgot all about picking Sam up at the airport. How .. who..?"

"Renee graciously agreed to meet Sam's plane." Larry said. He looked at Ally decisively and declared, "This was meant to be, you know!"

"I know."

"Ally, mommy says I get to come and visit all the time, even in the summer." Sam was jumping up and down, so excited he couldn't stand still.

"Um..yeah, I know. Is that all right with you?"

"It's more than all right," Sam said, "it's terrific."

"Yeah," Ally agreed happily, "you're right, it's terrific."

"Does this mean we're gonna be a family?" Sam asked eagerly.

His question took Ally by surprise. She caught her breath and looked at Larry. His face was scrunched into a silly grin, and he was nodding slightly, waiting for her answer.

Her smile was radiant as she said, to both Sam and Larry, "Yeah. Oh, yes. This most definitely means we're going to be a family."

Ally took Larry's hand, and he took hold of Sam's, and together, hand in hand, they headed for the courthouse.

Everyone was already there by the time Ally, Larry and Sam arrived. Ally joined Renee in a separate room off the main courtroom. "Ally," Renee cried, "I know all brides are supposed to be beautiful, but you're dazzling." Renee hugged her tight using only her right arm, "You're wearin' your happiness on your face. Billy knew what he was talking about."

Ally smiled at her best friend, "Renee, the alternative was always too unthinkable."

Renee brought her left hand from behind her back and handed Ally a beautiful bouquet. "I figured you might need this."

"Oh, Renee, I would've forgotten all about it. I mean, I still can't believe all this, coming together so fast." Ally was truly amazed. "Um, Renee," she said, "is there something you forgot to tell me?"

"Wh-what?" Renee blushed. "What are you talking about."

"That gorgeous hunk you brought with you, that's what. Okay, Renee, tell me, who is he?"

"Well, his name is Matt Harvey. He's an attorney that I met in court one day. We've been seeing each other for about three months, mostly at his place. But, we may be getting serious. He's talking about moving in together."

"Renee!" Ally exclaimed, "I can't believe you kept this from me.

"I didn't want to, but I was afraid to say anything because I thought I'd jinx it." Renee confessed. "You know, love hasn't been my strong suit."

Before she could respond, Elaine came rushing in. "Ally, Larry asked me to give you this note."

Ally thought she was going to faint and fell back against the wall. She gasped and tried to catch her breath. "Oh, dear God, no, NO!" she moaned. "I can't .. I can't ..." she could barely whisper, "Renee, you do it."

Renee opened the note and, after reading it, she handed it to Ally and said softly,"Read it."

Ally was nervously pulling at her eyebrow and violently shaking her head no. Renee forced the note into her hand. "Read it," she ordered.

Through her forming tears, Ally saw what Larry had written:

"No more goodbyes, only hellos.
I'm waiting, so what the hell's taking you so long?"

Ally heaved a big sigh and began laughing and crying simulataneously.

There was a knock at the door. Her dad poked his head in and said, "It's time, sweetheart."

"Are you ready?" Renee asked.

Ally took several deep breaths and said, "Renee, I've been ready for this all my life."

The only two people she saw were Larry and Sam. Sam looked so grown up and he gave Ally a toothy grin.

When she reached Larry's side, he took her hand. He leaned in and whispered, "You okay?"

Ally whispered back, "Just .. stay close to me."

Their eyes met and the understanding between them transcended words. They were lost in each other and barely heard what the judge was saying.

"Mr. Paul? Mr. Paul?" the judge repeated.

"Hmm?" Larry said.

"Your vows?"

"Oh, right."

The judge announced to everyone that rather than the normal recitation, Larry had chosen to say his own vows.

Ally thought Larry would add his usual droll humor to his vows, and was completely unprepared for the beautiful, touching, and loving words she heard.

Larry gazed into her eyes and began. But, he got choked up and had to stop. It took him a few moments to regain his composure and then he said:

"Ally, for all that you are, you bring out the best in me. Your belief in me makes me not doubt myself. You lift me when I'm down. You make me believe that we can overcome any obstacles life puts before us. You give me your goodness to hold onto in my despair. Your strength sent me out on my own so that I could find myself. You're the light that sees me through the darkness. And, for all you've given me, I promise to always be your best friend, to care for you, to share your joys and sorrows, to laugh with you or hold you if you need to cry, to be understanding and patient, and to be there for you when you just need someone to talk to. I give you my unconditional love forever. And .. for loving me enough to trust me with your happiness .. I promise not to fail you. For now and always my arms will be your shelter and my heart will be your home."

Ally was transfixed, unable to pull away from the look she and Larry shared and the bond that now existed between them.

"Ms. McBeal?" the judge asked, "do you also have vows you wish to recite?"

"Um..um.." she said, "Yes." She had no idea what she was going to say, but somehow the words just found her. Her voice was trembling with emotion,

"Larry.. You've made me realize that it's possible for two people in this world to be destined only for each other. You've shown me a love so deep that it can last beyond forever. For all you've given me, I promise to see you at your darkest and never turn away, to pick you up if you stumble without judging, to lend you my strength at your weakest, to always stand by your side, to defend you against injustice, to encourage you through disappointment, to provide you a hand to hold onto, to become one with you while allowing you to remain yourself, to join my life with yours whether in good times or bad, to be your best friend now and always, and to give you my unconditional love for as long as I live. And, for now and always, my arms will be your shelter and my heart will be your home."

Everyone in the courthouse was crying. Judge Walsh dabbed his eyes and cleared his throat.

"Lawrence Paul, will you take Alison McBeal as your legally wedded wife?"

"I will."

"Alison McBeal, will you take Lawrence Paul as your legally wedded husband?"

"I will."

"Then by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

The judge leaned over and murmured to Larry, "Looks like that non-existent personal matter got resolved, hm? Well, congratulations, this is where you kiss her."

Ally and Larry shared a look of forever before sharing the first kiss of their married life. "You happy Mrs. Paul?" he whispered.

She nodded, "Just pinch me, I wanna know I'm not dreaming," she said breathlessly in his ear. He laughed and they kissed again. Then they turned, beaming, to face their friends and family.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the judge said, "I introduce to you, for the first time, Lawrence and Alison Paul."

The courtroom erupted with cheers, applause, and congratulations as Larry lifted Ally in his arms and kissed her again and again. He spun her around and neither of them could stop grinning.

Richard said, "Okay, everyone, it's time to formally honor the bride and groom. So, follow me - let's get started!" And with that, he led the way out of the courtroom to the revelry prepared to greet the newlyweds.