Chapter 19

Her eyes were closed when she heard the door to her childhood bedroom open. She was in her wedding dress and veil and was examining herself in the full length mirror. She had to admit that Grace and Mia had been correct when they announced that she was ravishing. Ana opened her eyes when she heard someone gasp and she saw her father standing behind her. He was admiring the beautiful woman that his little girl had become.

"Dad." Ana whispered.

"My God, you are beautiful!" Ray declared trying to hold on to his emotions. Before him stood his little girl with her pony-tails, roughed up knees, and her two front teeth missing. He shook his head to see the true vision of an angel in white. She was in white silk and lace that was fitted perfectly to her body showing off her small waist. The bodice was covered with lace and tiny little pearls that caught the light. She shimmered in beauty. He took in the long lace sleeves with the same pearls. The skirt belled out from her hips gently and spilled into a chapel length train behind her. The shimmering delicate veil was fastened into a pearl Spanish Comb that sat in the soft curls that were arranged about her head in an easy half up-do. Her makeup was natural, just a darker tint on her lips. She was breathtaking! "You are the most beautiful bride that I've ever seen." He wiped a tear away. His baby girl was getting married! For a millisecond, Ray's heart felt broken. He was losing her. His hand went over his heart. "My baby girl is all grown up now. I guess you won't need me anymore."

"Oh, Daddy, I will always need you." She went to him, her smile bright even though she had tears in her own eyes. "You are my rock."

"You are my blessing, Anastasia. Any good that I have done in this life is because of you." He wiped away a tear from his eye. "My goal was to be a good father, a good daddy, and a male role model you could look up to and always count on. Now, I am trusting Christian Grey to be the male that you can always count on." Ray cupped her face gently between his giant hands. His thumbs caught her tears. "He will be your husband, your rock, your other half and you will be his safe harbor in a storm … and…" Ray had to give deep chuckle, "you will also be that storm that will keep him sharp. You will challenge him, Anastasia, it is your nature, but remember to listen to him also. He may also teach you a few lessons about life."

"When did you get so wise, Dad?" Ana asked as she snuggled into his arms for the bear-hug that she loved getting from him.

"When I failed as a husband to your mother." He sighed heavily. "She was never happy with me, with our life here in Montesano." He felt that old pain fill his heart again. He never got over Carla nor forgave her for leaving him. "She wanted the big city, she wanted to go out and party and I wanted to stay in and relax with my family. Maybe if I made more money or worked for a big construction firm like Grey Construction," He shook his head. "I don't know. I only know that she was miserable and I didn't have enough money to satisfy her."

"No, Dad, she failed you as a wife, and she failed me as a mother. She chose her needs over ours." Ana looked up at her Dad with love and compassion. "I love Mama, I do, but I also know that her life will always be more important to her than mine will ever be. I guess that's why she didn't bother to rsvp. I am so grateful to Grace for stepping in as a mother-of-the-bride."

"She is an exceptional and delightful woman." Ray said with deep respect. "And, I can see how much she loves you already."

A knock came at the door and Mia poked her head in. "It's time, Ana." She said softly. She opened the door the rest of the way to present the bridal bouquet made of white roses, pale pink roses, and light grey lily of the valleys. It was the perfect size so not to dwarf the bride. Ray offered his arm to his daughter and walked towards the door.

Christian stood in the side yard that sat perpendicular of the altar with Elliot who was tugging at his tux collar. After watching his older brother for a few moments, Christian gave him a rather hard "Gibbs" slap to the back of the head.

"Hey, Ouch! That hurt, cocksucker!" Elliot cried out not caring that the guests that had been seated could hear him.

"Would you shut your damn mouth? Damn, Elliot, you are worse than a little kid." Christian turned his brother toward him and straighten the collar and fixed the light grey necktie that was crooked. "How in the hell do you function in society? You can't even dress yourself."

"Normal people wear jeans." Elliot offered. "Besides this is damn uncomfortable."

"Listen, 'shit for brains', this is Ana's big day. She wanted us in tuxes and by damn that is what she is going to get. If she wanted you to wear a damn pink tutu, you would be wearing one! Now, just calm it down and do what you are told!"

Elliot stepped back and gave little brother some room. "Holy Batman, Robin, have you gone batty or what?"

"Elliot." Christian balled his fists to keep from knocking his older brother on his ass.

Elliot then realized his little brother was nervous. The big bad CEO was nervous! "Hey, sorry, man. I'm just anxious and all. I mean, I'm standing up here in a fuckin' monkey suit and I don't know what to do. I've never been a best man before. What if I drop the ring?"

"You die." Christian said drily making his brother turn as white as a ghost. Christian began to laugh. "Elliot, what do you have to be nervous about? I'm the one getting married."

"Yeah, I get that." Elliot said tugging at his collar once again. "But, what if Kate sees all this and she starts … well, you know…she might want to do the same thing."

"Well, she can't. Once I marry Ana, I can't have a second wife. That's bigamy!" Christian's eyes sparkled as he made another joke. He laughed even harder as Elliot finally caught on to the joke.

"When the fuck did you get funny?"

"I learned from the best." Christian declared with a smile making Elliot stand taller in pride. "Dad is a freakin' hoot!" Elliot's mouth fell open and Christian was pretty sure that a bug flew in! He was about to comment on Elliot's little snack as the big man began coughing and sputtering about when he heard the music start. He knew it was time to approach the altar. This was it. He turned to Elliot who was still a little green and smiled. "It's time."

Theodore Trevelyan proudly escorted his wife of over 60 years down the freshly paved aisle to their seats. Before they were seated, Christian met them. His grandmother received a warm hug and a kiss on the cheek, all the while the grand-dame of the family was very vocal of wanting great-grandchildren. Elliot was snickering knowing that Christian was about to faint at the thought of children. Theodore smiled down at his wife then offered his hand to his grandson, but Christian only looked at it.

"No, Pops…you deserve a hug. You have always deserved a hug." Christian wrapped his arms about his grandfather and squeezed. Peace settled upon Christian and Theodore was openly weeping. His grandson had hugged him without being prompted. It was a real hug, not one of those manly back thumping hugs, but a real hug.

"Son, you have just made this old man so very happy." Theodore took another hug then sat down next to his wife. The couple held hands but their tear filled eyes lovingly stared up at their grandson.

"Butt-kisser." Elliot whispered to Christian as he stepped up to his brother. "Just had to do that didn't you?"

"Will you shut up?"

Elliot was all smiles as he stepped back. "I'm shutting up. I know when to be quiet. You don't have to tell me twice to shut up. I'm not saying a word. My lips are zipped. No sirree bob, I'm as quiet as a church mouse. You won't hear from me."

"Elliot!" Christian turned to his brother and made the cut-off sign across his neck. How in the hell could Elliot be the older brother? Their birth certificates must have gotten mixed up or something! Christian's attention reverted back to the aisle as the music changed once again to accompany his parents down the aisle. Once again, Christian met them with hugs and kisses. He wiped his mother's tears away with his own handkerchief that if motioned her to keep it. "I love you, Mom, so very much." He kissed her once again then led her to her seat. Christian shook his Dad's hand then gave Carrick a big hug as he did with his grandfather. There was not a dry eye among the small gathering of guests.

Roz, who was Christian's other attendant and who insisted that she be allowed to wear a tux also wiped away a tear when she witnessed the tender scene between her boss and his parents. She offered her arm to Tara and escorted her down the aisle then took her place beside Elliot. He smirked at her and her choice of footwear. Roz only shrugged. She might be gay and a little butch, but she loved her Jimmy Choos!

Tara took a deep breath when she looked about and saw Luke Sawyer standing off to the side which was the bride's side in a dark suit. His stance told her that he was on duty. His eyes were searching the area, always moving and observing. He caught her eye, gave a smile then returned to scouting the area. Opposite of Sawyer, was Jason Taylor who was doing the same thing. Tara's attention went to the Maid of Honor who was in an identical dress as hers but it was light pink whereas, Tara's dress was a light and shimmering gray. As Kate gracefully made her way down the aisle by herself, her eyes were on Elliot. She blushed a bit when her thoughts ran to the idea of someday being married to the elder Grey son. She bit her lip when his eyes went up and down her form with appreciation. He gave her one of his lopsided smiles and a wink. A giggle escaped her before she could stop which made Christian smirk at her and raise that eyebrow of his in question. Kate took her place and turned as the guests stood waiting for the bride!

Silence filled the air as the last strains of "Ode to Joy" played, then the music changed. It was a soft melody that drifted upon the breeze. Raymond Steele proudly escorted his little girl down the aisle with the words of "Love of My Life" being sung by the original singer, Sammy Kershaw. Christian spared no expense and wanted a live performance of the song that seemed to tell his side of their special love story. He watched with bated breath as his bride walked toward him with her blue eyes sparkling with joy and love. He had to hold himself back so he wouldn't rush down the aisle, pick her up and carry her to the minister so they could say their vows. He had to calm down and let Ana shine in her moment! And, how she did shine! She was radiant! Christian was lost in her very being, and feeling every word of the song playing. She was the love of his life!

"And, who gives this woman to this man." The Minister asked breaking Christian from his thoughts.

"I do." Raymond Steele proudly said. He raised her veil just enough to kiss her cheek. "I do, proudly." Ray kissed her small hand and gently gave her over to Christian Grey.

"I love you, Daddy." She whispered as a tear escaped and gently rolled down her cheek.

Ray nodded and then took his assigned seat. Beside him, Gail Taylor sat for support and as a stand-in for the missing mother of the Bride. Gail patted his arm letting him know that he was not alone.

Within moments, they were proclaiming their intentions to marry, saying prayers, and then exchanging vows and rings. Another song was played, "I Choose You", and during that song, Christian and Ana lit a unity candle and then they gave roses to Grandmother Trevelyan, Grace, and Gail as a symbol of the steadfast love they had for these mothers, and in Gail's situation, a mother figure. Gail was in tears since she did not expect this or even know that this was going to happen. She looked to Taylor who nodded at her with a knowing smile.

"You've been claimed by Ana." Raymond whispered to Gail. "She is a fine daughter to have."

"I am honored." Gail softly said.

"As a called and ordained Minister of the Gospel, and in the power invested in me by the Father in Heaven and the State of Washington, I pronounce you husband and wife." The minister looked to Christian. "Mr. Grey, you may salute your wife, in your good time."

Christian turned to Ana and gently picked up her veil. He smiled as he took in her beauty. He let the shimmering material fall back over her head as one hand slid over her waist pulling her close and his other hand held the back of her head. "I love you, Anastasia Grey." Their lips melted together in their first kiss as husband and wife. The guests began to snicker as the Minister threw up his hands when their kiss went on and on. Christian released her sweet lips.

"I love you, also, Christian." Ana softly replied with love glowing in her eyes for him. They turned to face their family and friends who had witnessed this grand occasion. Kate handed the bouquet back to the Bride.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the pleasure to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey! What God has put together may no man put asunder."

With their family and friends clapping, the newly married couple walked the aisle as the photographers documented this beautiful day in their lives. Every smile, every tender look was captured on film. Christian and Ana had decided before the rehearsal last night that they would sign the Trevelyan Wedding Register that was in the Trevelyan Family Bible in private after the wedding in the living room of Ray's cabin, which gave them a moment to catch their breaths, and time for Kate and Elliot to sign the Wedding License as witnesses. After signing their names and date, Ana hugged her husband. She was no longer Anastasia Rose Steele, she was now Anastasia Rose Grey. She looked down to her wedding rings and she started to cry.

"Why the tears, honey?" Christian was concerned. Was she not happy?

"Years ago my Dad put rings on my mother's finger and she promised to love him always. We know she broke that promise over and over again. Today, I have made the same promise, but unlike her I will keep that promise, Christian. Nothing will keep me from loving you. Nothing!" When she lifted her face to see him tears streaked down her face. "She didn't even bother to call or acknowledge in any way our Wedding Day. What kind of mother does that?"

"You don't have to worry about that anymore, my love. My mother is now your mother, and you made Gail your mother today. She loves you as her own."

"You must think me silly." Christian shook his head no. "But, I am being silly. I have a handsome husband who loves me, a loving and faithful father, and a new family of characters who will always have my back. I struck the motherlode in family!"

Christian picked his wife up and kissed her. "We are blessed wife. Our family will always stand with us, that I have no doubt. Now, let's go celebrate before Elliot starts complaining that we are starving him to death." He put her down and started to lead her to the back yard for the wedding photos. "Ana?"

"I just want a few more moments alone with you. Elliot can bellyache all he wants, this is our wedding day." She returned to his arms and celebrated in his warmth. "Thank you for not giving up on us."

"I had to win you back. I can't survive without you, Ana." He kissed her softly. "I would have done anything to prove my love and devotion to you. Thank you for believing in me."

They stood together in their embrace in the middle of the living room. They started to hum together the song that played as Ana walked down the aisle, and then slowly danced together. They were in their own little bubble and did not notice that Mia had entered the room. Mia silently walked out backwards to give them their privacy. She bumped into Elliot who was looking for the newlyweds.

"Not now, Elliot. This is their time." She said in a low voice and crossing her arms over her chest. "There are sandwiches already available for a quick snack in the tent. And, don't make a mess of yourself, we still have photos to take."

"Yes, General Grey!" Elliot saluted her then turned on his heel and marched away making his baby sister laugh. She watched him as he made his way to the tent and to Kate Kavanagh, his latest lady. Mia suspected that this one was the one! If she was correct, there would be another wedding to plan in the future! Oh, happy day!

A/N: I hope you have enjoyed this story. This is the final chapter, the Lord and Master had redeemed himself and won his ladylove. Thank you for your patience and for being supportive as I healed, as I dealt with my husband's health issues and my mother's Alzheimer's. Below is the words to "Love of My Life" as sung by Sammy Kershaw. I felt that these lyrics really touched on how Christian felt about Ana and their love. It is a beautiful song.

Love of My Life Lyrics

By Sammy Kershaw

You are the love of my life

And you are the reason I'm alive

And baby, baby, baby

When I think of how you saved me

I go crazy

I've never known love like this

And it fills me with a new tenderness

And I know, I know, I know

You're in my heart, you're in my soul

You're all I can't resist

And I need to tell you

The first time I held you

I knew you are the love of my life

I spent a lifetime waiting

Always hesitating, until you

I was lost, so deep inside my shell

'Til you came and saved me from myself

Now all I really know is I need you

And you are the love of my life

All the joy and tears that I cry

And baby, baby, baby

You don't have to say a word

I see it in your eyes

As we stand together

I promise forever

'Til the day that I die

You are the love of my life

I spent a lifetime waiting

Always hesitating, until you

I was lost, so deep inside my shell

'Til you came and saved me from myself

Now all I really know is I need you

You are the love of my life

And you are the reason I'm alive

These Lyrics are informational only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content. User assumes all risks of use. MetroLyrics assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from such use. All lyrics are property and copyright of their owners, and provided for educational purposes only.