Thanks so much for all the great reviews! Sorry, I had to leave you with a cliffy last chapter. I hope you can forgive me, and that the ending is satisfying.
Credit to John Legend for his song All of Me. One of my all-time favorite songs!
Chapter 24
CPOV"Jason! Get there this second!" I'm screaming frantically, unable to sit still in the car, wanting to get back to the garage at Escala after hearing gun shots. Not just one, but several. I'm officially panicking. We are really only a couple of blocks away, but considering the sudden craziness going on, it takes considerably long to get back. After pushing through some police and news crews that have been staked out front because of the wedding, I see her—Elena Lincoln. She's lying on the ground covered in blood—motionless. Yet, there is still life in her eyes.
Ana, I have to see her, make sure she's okay. "Let me through! I'm Christian Grey! My fiancé is here!" I make my way through the crowd of police and rescue workers until I see Luke standing there speaking to two cops. He looks completely fine. If Ana were seriously hurt, he'd be…and then I hear her. She's laughing; real, heartfelt, hysterical laughter.
What the hell could be so funny about this?
I'm on edge from, well— everything—and my anger is rising in my face, I can feel it. And then I see her, surrounded by John and several police officers, a couple of paramedics, and she's cracking jokes. I don't know if I should choke her or kiss her. Maybe I'll kiss her first and see if I still feel like choking her.
"Ana? Thank God you're alright! What's so funny?" I say as I push past the swarming crowd. I take her into my grateful arms and squeeze her, knowing for certain that I'm not seeing things.
"Christian! Oh honey, I'm sorry to make you worry…" She squeezes back.
I let her go and hold her at arm's length so I can check her over. "Of course I worry! Even though everything was planned out in advance—just in case she did show up today—things do go wrong."
"I know babe, but not this time." She assures me she's fine, and lifts an arm up, and I hear the sound of Velcro separating followed by some big, heavy black thing coming off her body.
She wore a bullet proof vest.
"Holy shit, Ana!" I hadn't noticed in my frenzy to make sure she was okay. I grab it before anyone else does and take a look up close. I see where a bullet would have pierced her, in her abdomen. She may have lived if shot there, but it's an awful, painful way to die if you don't. As I graze my hand over the spot on the vest, the reality of what has happened—of what could have happened—hits me, and I'm shaking uncontrollably.
"Before you freak out…look at me, Christian. I'm fine. I cut my hand, and got some of John's nose blood on me, but otherwise no worse for wear." She takes the vest from me and holds it up to Luke, who's finished his report to the cops. "Thank your friends for me; that was a great idea you guys had there. I'm so glad I listened!"
So that's what's so funny; Ana did what she was told without giving a fight. That and the nose blood thing—that is pretty funny. I shake my head and can't help myself from smiling. John's nose is no longer bleeding, and as he turns his back to me and begins removing his vest, I see three bullets that had hit him—all in the back. I'm dumbfounded. I step forward and can't resist touching the bullets in awe.
"John…you…you blocked Ana from... I don't know how…"
"Yes, Sir! And got a fucking bloody nose in the process of pushing her down! Thanks Ana!" John's Irish/Scottish accent gets stronger the more riled up he gets.
"Ya big baby! Sorry my elbow got you while we were being shot at! Jeez! And by the way, you should warn a girl about those things before you strap one on her; that thing freakin' hurt like hell! I got the wind knocked out of me, and then I saw blood and thought I was a dead woman—again."
"You're welcome, Mo ghile amháin" She hugs him tight and they stand there for several moments in an inpenetrible bond, one that was created many months ago in a taxi cab on a busy Boston street. If it were any other man, I may have been jealous; but this is one relationship I approve of and I'm glad Ana finally has found that father figure she so desperately needed.
Jason disrupts my train of thought. "Sir, I'd thought you should know: Elena was shot in the back by one of the back up security; It's not looking good. As of right now, the EMT's say she has no feeling below her neck."
How am I supposed to feel about that? As much as I loathe her I can't help feel sorry for the woman I used to know—or thought I knew. I'm almost frozen, unsure of what to do or say to this development. But then I see Ana's face; she's become instantly serious. She bends down and picks up the two bullet proof vests, and makes her way over to Elena who is being tended by the EMT's. Her look changing rapidly from serious concern to complete anger. Jason and I hurry behind her, but we're too late.
Ana crouches down to Elena so they see eye- to- eye, and she holds up, then drops the vests without care. "You lost—big time." She leans down a little closer, knowing Elena can't move, so there's no physical threat. The medical team continues to work on her, professionally ignoring Ana's presence. "I'm still getting married to Christian, and you'll never see either of us ever again. I can guarentee that after today, we'll never even think of you—you will cease to exist in our world. But you will spend the rest of your pathetic life thinking of us. I do hope you get the best medical care the Seattle prison system can afford, so you can live a long and dreadful life, thinking about us and everything you've lost." She stands back up, picks up the vests, and deftly spits right in Elena's face.
Ana turns and walks towards me and Jason, and I'm shocked. I can't believe she just did that! She hands the vests to Jason and looks at me with an expression that makes me second guess scolding her behavior. "Immature, maybe. Deserved? Abso-fucking-lutely!" She says with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Ana..." I'm ready to speak to her about how she's a better person than to do that, and all the reasons she was in the wrong just now.
"What?" She asks, ready to fight.
I realize she is just human, and after all the shit that she's gone through in life, not to mention what Elena has put her through...well, spitting in the face of the woman who tried to kill her for the second time really isnt all that bad. If I were in her shoes I would've'just beat the shit out of her—paralyzed or not.
She's still a better person than me; I decide to let it go. "I'm just relieved you're safe...and this is finally over." As I reach to embrace her I see her shoulders relax and realization enter her eyes.
"It's over?"
I simply nod yes.
"It's over." It's not a question, but a very solid statement.
"Yes, darling. It's over." I say as I hold her tighter to me. Maybe if I never let go, nothing bad will ever happen to her again. Jason interrupts my thoughts and tells me he's going to contact Elliot, since we never showed up for the family breakfast.
A few moments later, a very calm Ana looks up at me. "She was never going to hurt you, Christian. I was her one and only goal. She honestly thought that if she killed me off, you'd go running to her and actually marry her."
"Well, we know she's delusional..."
"Right before she started shooting, she said that she loved you first. Do you think she actually loves you?"
"No, I dont," I sigh. "Elena has no idea what love is. All she understood was power, control. And the lure of money. I know what love is, what it feels like; Elena would never put someone else's life above her own."
"All very true...and very sad."
"You ready to get out of here? I'm afraid we've missed breakfast, but we can grab a bite still. Taylor contacted Elliot about what happened, so I'm sure they'll wait for us."
"Yes, please! I'm starving!"
And with that, my soon to be wife and I head together, hand in hand, down the street. A good walk is exactly what we need right now.
Two hours later, our bellies full and the days recent events exhausted in conversation, we slowly begin to make our way out of the resturant. Thankfully, I get a phone call interrupting my grandmother Trevelyn from pinching my cheeks and talking about great-grandchildren.
"Hey, Pete! What's up?"
"I heard the news of what Elena pulled this morning, and I just wanted to make sure everyone is okay."
"Oh, that's nice of you; yes, they're all perfectly fine, if not a little bruised. Are you still coming to the rehersal cocktail party- slash- dinner tonight?"
"Of course! I cant wait, I'm very happy for you both and I'm looking forward to spending time with the two of you again..."
I can tell there's more to the story he's not telling me. I really hope he's ok, I'm seriously concerned about him ever since the beating he received from Elena's henchmen. "What's really going on? I know we just reconnected, but I do know you, and something's up."
Pete laughs nervously. "Damn it, I hate that you know me so well. Alright, well I have to ask you something and I'm not sure how you and Ana will take it."
"That sounds ominous..." I can't help but chuckle. "Just spill it man—after today it's going to take a hell of a lot to faze either of us."
"Ok then, I'll just say it: Lucy Bennett and I have been dating for a while now, and I'd like to bring her to the festivities as my 'plus-one'."
My startled face shows Ana that something is going on, and she comes to my side, worry written all over her expression. "Excuse me? How? When did you even meet her?" I can't even look at Ana right now, not until I can compose myself and get more of the story.
"We met at your father's law office. We were both there to give our depositions about Elena, and your father introduced us. We finished up about the same time, and decided to go for coffee, talk about our shared history, and well, we've been seeing each other every day since."
I dont know what to say to him...what will Ana think?
"I'm in love with her, Christian, and she loves me. We plan on getting married when she finishes school."
How the hell can I be upset or angry with either of them? I barely knew the girl, and Pete is a nice guy—I'd never begrudge him happiness. However, having a woman I fucked before at my wedding is treading in uncomfortable territory. I also can no longer put Ana off, as she's standing right beside me and giving me that look and mouthing 'what's going on?'
"Pete, bear with me a moment; Ana is here with me and I want to tell her the news..." I cover the mouthpiece on the phone and look blankly at Ana. I'm not sureif she expects me to be mad or not, so as little emotion shown—the better.
"Ana, It's Peter, obviously. It seems that he and Lucy Bennett met months ago—introduced by my father at his office during the depositions against Elena. They are in love, and he wants to know if it's ok to bring her as his date this weekend." Whew! Deep breaths, Grey.
I'm a little startled by her response of laughing uncontrollably. "What's so funny, Ana? I didnt think this was a humorous matter!"
That makes her laugh harder, to the point of making very unlady-like snorting noises. When she's able to speak again, she surprises me yet again.
"Seriously, Christian? You don't find it even remotely funny?"
My blank stare gives her the answer.
"After this morning…I thought you were going to drop Armageddon on me, but instead you tell me that two other people that Elena Lincoln fucked over—literally—are in love and planning on getting married. That's the best, biggest 'screw you' to Elena anyone could give her! I couldn't have planned it better myself!" She stops to chuckle, and takes a deep breath. "It's fine with me, honey. Really, after what we've all gone through I'm happy they found each other. Come on, Christian; we're happy, and very much in love. Let them have theirs as well. If you're alright with it, then I'm ok with her coming; I really liked her when I met her."
I kiss her deeply and slowly; I'm continually amazed at this unselfish woman. And I'm so proud of her too, for having enough self esteem finally to not let Lucy's presence affect her. I did my job; I made sure the woman I love knows I love her only, and she has nothing to worry about. When we part, breathless, she adds her own spin on rationale. "Besides, between my sisters, my mother, and being shot the weekend of our wedding, I think Pete and Lucy being together is the most sane thing to happen yet!"
I chuckle as I put the phone back to my ear. "Pete?"
"I'm here, man."
"It's official; we are both thrilled for you and Lucy and we welcome her with open arms."
APOVPete and Lucy are in love. Well I'll be damned! Good for them! I'm truly happy for them, and I can absolutely see them together. I like them both; the fact that she slipped up and asked my fiance one out of line question several months ago is beside the point. She's human, and she made a mistake. How many times have I put my foot in my mouth? No, I'm resolved to welcome her warmly and put the past—all of it—behind me. Behind us. And I'll make sure to let Christian know how I feel, as I don't want there to be any awkwardness between them.
I'm so busy I haven't even stopped to realize that by the end of this weekend, I'll be Mrs. Christian Grey. I head back to Escala to meet with the wedding planner one last time to make sure the rooftop is perfect. It's currently ensconced in tents for privacy's sake, but they will eventually come down. It's going to be flawless. I cant wait to reveal our surprises to everyone!
Once I finish up with the wedding planner, I head straight over to the Grey's mansion to get ready for tonight. Of course I'm late after everything that happened, so I'm last to get my hair and makeup done. I think Christian hired an entire team to cater to the women in his life for any occassion! I find the thought a little funny—I almost feel like a beauty pagent contestent!
Once I'm dressed and ready, I head downstairs to the now in full- swing cocktail party. Grace has gone all out, just as we expected. Thankfully, she had spoken with me and the planner about what was considered 'simple elegance' that embraces the beautiful fall weather. They hit the nail on the head; I'm very happy with how everything looks. I'm not a control freak by any means, but every woman knows what they like verses what they consider tacky. And for me, something tacky would be anything grossly flaunting Christian's wealth in a wasteful way. I'm glad his family agreed with me and nixed some of the ridiculous ideas the planner had in exchange for more modest ones; I felt the money could best be used elsewhere to help one of our charities. Who needs twenty or thirty thousand dollars in flowers? I never heard of such a thing! I insisted that be cut way back, and Christian took themoney I saved and put it into further funding of Anna's Homes for the Homeless, like the Ruby Sanchez and Matthew Winstead houses in Boston.
My admiration of the decor is instantly interrupted when I see my younger sister, Rose. She is dressed in a very short, very tight white dress that shows off not only almost all of her fake breasts, but makes it plain to anyone who looks, that she has no need to worry about visable panty lines. I have to control myself from screaming 'slut' across the room, and from beating the shit out of her. The anger shows on my face, and Gail and Grace make a beeline for me before I can do her bodily harm. But I do have time to rip her head off.
I walk straight up to her, and waste no time. "Are you fucking kidding me? Oh hell no—you're not wearing this or anything like it while you're here!"
"You're just jealous!"
"I assure you—I'm not. There's nothing to be jealous of. You don't have anything I couldn't have too with the right plastic surgeon. Do you have any idea what you look like? How ridiculous you appear to others in this joke you call a dress? Not to mention how rude it is of you." Before she can say another word, the cavalry arrives in the form of Luke, Jason, Gail and Grace.
The mother and healer that she always is, Grace puts an arm around her and tries to reason with her. "Oh honey, you want to leave a little to the imagination! You're a beautiful girl—you should show more respect for yourself. Come with me, I'm sure my daughter has something that will fit perfectly."
Rose starts to object, insisting that she's wearing what she wants, when low-and-behold, our mother enters the picture. "Rose, you will do as you're told immediately! If I had seen you beforehand, you never would have been allowed in here. Now stop making a scene by dressing like a street walker and trying to take attention off of your sister for whatever insecure, pathetic reason you've deluded yourself with and go change. I warned you!" My sister is flushing a bright crimson, desperate to object. And my mother is seriously angry. I'm impressed! Way to go mom! I'm so happy that she finally sees what I've been saying for years. I'm not evil or insane, regardless of what lies my sister tells.
When Rose still hasn't moved after a moment, my dear friend, Gail steps up to the plate. She stands next to Rose, her hand on her arm guiding her towards the stairs. "Listen to me, honey: you get your whoring ass up those stairs, into some underwear and actual clothing this minute, or I will have my fiance, and our friendly former Navy Seal here to remove you from the property—and the rest of the festivities. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
Only Gail can kill you with a huge smile on her face. Nobody knows what the hell she's saying, but I do. And I love this chick. I'm glad she's on my side!
She continues, "Weren't you warned about pulling this kind of shit? You fuck up again, and I'll personally remove you. Go—now!" And with that, my sister tucks her tail between her finally closed legs, and heads upstairs with my mom and Grace.
I give Gail a high five, a hug, and "buy" her a shot.
We spend over an hour enjoying the company of our family and friends. I got to speak more with Lucy, and I can see that she and Peter are indeed in love. She is a lovely, intelligent woman, and I know she has no intentions towards Christian, as anything other than friendship with he and I. I'm quite glad she and I can be friendly. She and Pete make a wonderful addition to the group.
In addition to our family members, our local friends, and a few of his and his parents' collegues, Christian— as planned—flew in Ben and his wife, my former neighbors, and some of my friends from Boston. He also made sure Sophie was here for Jason this weekend, as well as some of his security teams' family and closest friends. We got to meet Gail's sister, college roomate, and best friend. And of course Jason, John, and Luke's siblings, parents, and military friends. It was wonderful to finally meet all these people we had only heard about, although it left everyone a little perplexed as to why we'd invite these relative strangers to our party.
About an hour before the start of dinner, Christian proceeds to explain exactly whats up our sleeves. "Our dear friends and family; we are thrilled to have you all here. I assure you, after the events of this morning, everyone is perfectly fine and happy to have an end to that whole situation. As you all may know, Ana and I have been in the news a lot lately, especially when it comes to our wedding—and the details being leaked—which Ana knew would happen!"
"I called it!" I step up beside him, and he takes my hand, gently kissing it.
"That you did, my love—and you even knew who'd be the one to leak it!"
"What can I say, I'm just that good." I'm obviously joking, which makes everyone chuckle. The sad fact is that I'm almost certain it was my sister Rose who gave up the information. I hope it was worth a nice chunk of change at least.
"With that said, Ana and I have a little something for you all...we will be getting married here—tonight. And tomorrow we will be celebrating the union of two people that we consider family, and not just because I pay them—and very well—Gail and Jason."
His announcement has left everyone dumbfounded, but extremely happy. Jason was in on it from the beginning when I thought of it. Gail however, had no idea about tomorrow. All she knew was that we would be getting married tonight. So she's completely confused and full of awe and questions.
"What on earth? You can't do that—it's supposed to be your weekend! We can wait a bit longer."
"Nonsense, Gail. We both know that the idea of the rooftop wedding was yours because it's what you've been dreaming of yourself, but didn't think would be possible. And I can do whatever I want—I'm practically invincible…just ask Elena Lincoln!"
My bad joke results in some chuckles but mostly in a resounding, 'Oh, Ana! That's terrible!'"
"What? Too soon?" They quickly wave me off and begin speaking quietly between themselves. "So Gail, tomorrow morning you can choose from what we picked for your wedding dress, or you're free to go pick one out yourself. Everything else is done. The planner and I put it all together."
"Ana, Christian…this is why you invited my family and friends; so they'd be here for our wedding tomorrow." She's become teary eyed and on the verge of a full on girl cry. "That is just so kind of you…" Thankfully Jason has come over and is holding her while she sobs, but Christian doesn't help things.
"Gail, you must know what you—all of you—mean to me." He gestures to his long time security staff. "You've all stuck by me, when I truly didn't deserve your loyalty—let alone your friendship. With Ana's help, I finally admitted to myself what you all are; and that's family. Jason and Luke are like two more brothers, but ones who give much better advice. Sorry Elliot!"
"Screw you! And I say it with love—Bro!" Elliot responds with good humor, as always, bringing us all a much needed laughter break.
Christian continues, "Gail, you've been like a big sister or an aunt; so patient, kind and understanding, always taking care of me even when it wasn't a part of your job description. You always had your own way of putting me in my place without me realizing that's what you were doing, until Ana came along and I learned some things from her. You're my family—plain and simple, and I love you all."
Christian's admission caused several of us to cry, and many hugs to be given out.
"Would you care to explain why the sudden change in plans? I mean, I'm sure I'm not the only curious one." My mom asks honestly.
"Well, basically it started with the paparazzi and the media circus. We knew we'd get no peace once the wedding was leaked. Let's face it—it's next to impossible to keep such a big secret from prying eyes that are more than happy to pay for information. Besides, I think a laid back and relaxed atmosphere is more like us. So, I talked to Christian, he and I spoke to Jason and then the three of us spoke to Grace and Carrick. Everyone agreed it was a fabulous idea. And when the media finds out the wedding tomorrow isn't ours, they'll go away! Once we leave for the dedication of the remodeled properties in Boston and then on to our honeymoon, Christian's PR department will release a statement—and a picture— to the press. Problem solved."
"That is incredibly smart and logical thinking…you get that from me, honey." My mom and I laugh as we embrace. "Just so long as you're happy, and I have a strong feeling that you are…come on, let's go get you ready!"
Just before we were going to get started, Elliot showed up in the guest room that was nicknamed "The Bridal Suite" with a surprise for me from Christian. It was a real four leaf clover in glass that was turned into a pendant to wear as a necklace. The note attached was hand written by him and said:
"And I'd choose you, in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality. I'd find you and I'd choose you. –The Chaos of Stars. Ana, thank you for loving me and agreeing to be my good luck charm for eternity. I love you with all that I am, and all that I have. I can't wait for our life as one to begin."
"Thanks, Elliot, now I have to have my makeup redone!"
"Mission accomplished! Just so you know—your gift to him made him very happy and brought him to tears too, although he'd never admit it."
I couldn't help smiling at the thought of having touched Christian on such an emotional level. He must love me, and this isn't just a dream…
"I'm so thrilled…thanks for your help with it, El, and for keeping our secret." With hugs and some touching moments, Elliot heads back to the guys and leaves us girls to finish getting ready.
It was going to be a beautiful, peaceful and elegant wedding. Grace outdid herself completely just as much outside, as she did inside. When the tents and fabric were moved, I could clearly see what a fantastic job Grace had done. She took the few thoughts I had given her and created from there. I was amazed that she could hit the nail so precisely on the head. I was completely awe struck. We wanted more of a gathering of friends, and not a traditional, stuffy wedding. I was relieved that neither of our mothers objected to our omitting the garter and bouquet toss, as I find them a bit pretentious. However, I do love cake, so we kept that custom.
There were lots of rich, deep and dark autumn inspired colors like black, dark purple, rich reds, lush greens, browns as well as the expected metallic and neutral colors. It was a true feast for the eyes. Flowers to match the décor, feathers and jewelry mixed in as well—any way to add some sparkle, they did it! They hung chandeliers from trees, put candles and little white lights everywhere, a string quartet, plush and inviting furniture set up in certain areas as a lounge. She added a coffee bar, lots of wines, Italian cookie platters, a DJ with a dance floor, and my favorite; the "altar" was set up under a tree, with pillows, candles, books—namely Jane Austen—and sheer fabric draped elegantly from the trees' branches. It was set up to look like our proposal spot in Boston as much as possible. It made me quite emotional.
The girls chose to wear different style dresses in black. They looked stunning! I must say, they did a great job of agreeing on a single color and finding what worked for them. It could've been a disaster, but I knew deep down it would be perfectly fine. They were all topped off with some more jewelry from the Ruby Sanchez Collection, courtesy of me—all diamonds. The mothers of the bride and groom truly impressed in their stunning gowns; they both decided on a neutral grey. My mom chose a gown she found from the nineteen-fifties that fit her like a glove. Grace's gown is elegant and regal, and absolutely perfect for her. Christian and I also gifted them with diamond jewelry.
I entered our 'intimate-ish' ceremony wearing a breathtaking nude and champagne organza Jenny Packham one shouldered gown. Long, straight and encrusted in crystals, it was modest elegance that didn't scream 'bride'. Carrick walked down with Grace and my mother, followed by Mia and Luke, Gail and Jason, and then lastly by Kate. Elliot stood by Christian, and Doctor Flynn who was to perform the ceremony. I asked John to give me away, which he proudly did as the father I never had. I was holding back my tears the entire walk towards my love. There he was; in his stunning black suit, tears in his eyes, and the biggest smile I've ever seen.
Christian and I said our own vows and as soon as he spoke, my damn burst. I was very glad I made that last minute decision to have the florist put a handkerchief into my bouquet, just in case. Our pledges to each other were part serious, and part humorous. I began first.
"Never in a million years did I expect to meet the man I would marry while waiting tables. I imagined we'd encounter each other in a bar or online, like how normal people do it. I vow to believe you when you compliment me. And I promise that in return I'll only use sarcasm when necessary. I promise to love you, respect you, support you, and above all else, make sure I'm not just yelling at you because I'm hungry. I promise not to nag, and to never doubt your love for me; to believe you when you tell me you're not going anywhere."
I have to stop here, as I can't continue. All I can think of is my father, and every other man that has left me. The feeling is overwhelming, and I just crumble. Christian simply takes my handkerchief and dries my tears before embracing me and whispering to me that everything is all right, and he will make sure I never feel that way again. After a few moments, I compose myself and am able to continue. Our guests however, are still bawling their eyes out. I take a deep breath and finish up.
"You've single-handedly shown me that I am lovable, and worthy of being loved. Christian, I promise to remember that neither one of us is perfect. But will strive to remind myself of the ways we are perfect for each other. You are my vow—I'll keep it by continuing to love you every moment of every day. Today seems like it's the start of a new journey, but I already belong to you. It feels like we're finally going home…"
Then it was Christian's turn to make his vows to me.
"I promise to you, Ana, that even if we were to lose everything, I'd make sure you were taken care of. You'll never be homeless, hungry or alone ever again. I promise to let you sleep in sometimes, and to show you the world. I will stand by your side, in sickness and in health, in an apocalyptic scenario or during a zombie invasion. I vow to continue playing movie trivia till death do us part, and to 'Shatner' until I can no longer speak or walk of my own accord."
After the laughter died down a little, the mood significantly lightened and he continued.
"With that said…Ana, from the moment our paths crossed you've surprised me, distracted me, humbled me, educated me, captivated me, and challenged me in a way that no human being ever has. I've fallen in love with you again and again, countless times, without reservation, and I still can't believe that today I get to marry my best friend. I promise to be true to you, to uplift and support you, to frustrate and challenge you, and to share with you the beautiful moments of life. Someday, if the stars align, I might even let you win an argument. No matter what trials we encounter together or how much time has passed, I know that our love will never fade, that we will always find strength in one another, and that we will continue to grow side by side. When you came into my life, I realized that what I had always thought was happiness couldn't compare to the joy loving you brought me. You are a part of everything I think and do and feel, and with you by my side, I believe anything is possible. I will love you always, with every beat of my heart."
He was trying desperately to hold it together and not break down. I handed him my now well-worn handkerchief, which made us all chuckle a bit and again added some humor to a very somber moment. It wouldn't be 'us' if we didn't do something not so serious. I really wanted to just yell "Shatner!", but felt it wouldn't be exactly appropriate at the moment.
After the ceremony, we got right into the reception. Bottles were popped, more tears shed, pictures taken by the wonderfully talented Jose, laughter, love and of course—lots of food! We decided to keep the intimate, family feel throughout and had dinner served family style; an Italian feast from the first course to the last. Christian suggested serving Italian food as a nod to the place we met, as well as a nod to part of my heritage. And then Christian surprised me—all of us, really—by having John Legend arrive in secret, and sing a few songs for us, including our wedding song—All of Me. We danced embraced in each other's arms, Christian holding my right hand in his left, cradled to his chest. As we danced under the stars, he sang softly in my ear along with the song:
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
Got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every move
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing, in my head for you
My head's under water
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all, all of you
Give me all of you
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all, though it's hard
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
I give you all, all of me
And you give me all, all of you
We then enjoyed our chocolate wedding cake, with chocolate icing, and silver detailing. I had to add some shine to it and added some cake jewelry – three flowers of differing sizes, instead of some typical bride and groom topper. It was simply perfect and everyone laughed at my obsession with anything and everything sparkly. Christian started calling me 'kitten' because when I see anything glittery, I pounce like a cat chasing a light that they can't seem to catch.
We stayed late into the night, enjoying the company of our friends and family, before making our exit via boat, where we stayed until Jason and Gail's wedding the next evening. How happy I was when I found out Jason escorted Rose off the property at our wedding for coming on to a couple of older gentlemen—including his father. Serves her right, and I'm more than happy to exclude her from my life. I've found the love of my life, my best friend, and my lover. He loves me unconditionally, and I am his wife.
I am Mrs. Christian Grey.
CPOV
After our surprise weddings, we all flew back to Boston for the dedication of the shelters. I've never been prouder of my wife. She was a study in poise and eloquence. She started off speaking of her earlier life on the streets, being poor, hungry and without hope or direction. She had made a promise to herself that when she was better off, she would help those who find themselves where she was as much as she possibly could. This then lead to a brief mention of the attempt on her life, which resulted in Ruby and Matthew's deaths—a fact that had already been national news. She finished up with how our charity, Ana's Homes for the Homeless, came to fruition, followed by the official announcement that we were indeed now married—and expecting our first child. A huge surprise she revealed to me with a wedding gift given to me by Elliot before the ceremony; a positive pregnancy test.
After a couple of days in Boston, I whisked her off for our official honeymoon to Ireland, Scotland and England. And I promised her, on our one year anniversary, we will start visiting a different state in the USA until we see all fifty of them.
And after fifty years, we will start all over again…
A/N: Whew! This chapter nearly killed me. As my wise beta said: "There was a monumental amount of shit in the way during this one, and you really stuck by this piece and made it happen."Truer words were never spoken. But it wouldn't be completed without her help, so thank you beta queen! Lol I seriously want to just add a bunch of grammar errors here just to mess with her…hehe
My health is still not good. I'm meeting with a neurosurgeon soon for cervical spinal stenosis. Hope I don't need surgery, but if it will help…so with that said you can see I've been a bit overwhelmed. I plan on returning to my writing. I really want to work on my original piece (it's not erotic). But I may churn out a few one-shots from the two stories I've written on here. If you're following me, you'll definitely get notification! Thanks so much to all of you for reading, enjoying, reviewing…I write because I enjoy it, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wrote them for you all to take pleasure in, not really for myself. I enjoyed hearing the feedback. I will keep you all posted if you'd like, and you can find me on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Don't forget to check out my board for this story!
Thanks again, love to you all.