Title: Surprise of a Lifetime
Disclaimer: I do not Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Dick Wolf does.
Author's Note: I made up the name Lauren Deia for this chapter and Jacques Francois Bessette for this chapter and chapter 3. Sorry for the long wait! So to make up for it two fluffy chapters!
Genre: Romance/General
Beta'd by: superfelix
Rating: T
Chapter 2: The Planning
The next morning found the two lovebirds asleep covered by double sheeted comforter with Alex wrapped in Bobby's comforting arms. Alex roused first as the sun weakly shone through the curtains. When she looked in Bobby's peacefully sleeping face she smiled and remembered the night before when they made beautiful love.
While still lying in Bobby's embrace, Alex nuzzled Bobby's neck and soon he stirred.
When he opened his eyes up he smiled when he saw his stunning fiancée smiling back at him.
This is one of the best things ever, waking up every morning next to my beautiful Alex… I cannot wait. That is sweet.
After another hour of snuggling in bed, the two lovebirds decided to have breakfast in the cozy rose petal covered bed therefore Bobby ordered room service and had their breakfast delivered. Once that was done they seized the day and started to plan their nuptials by lying out the preliminary plans.
"Bobby have you thought of the day you want to seal our love?"
"I was thinking you can pick first and then we can go from there."
"Ok, hm how about in a month and a half, so on Valentines Day?"
"Might be a big rush but I don't see why not and did you know that February 14th this coming year is also the first day of the Chinese New Year?"
"You know you never fail to amaze me," said Alex as she leaned over and gave Bobby a sweet kiss.
After finishing up the initial details like where to have the ceremony and the reception afterwards and who Alex would ask to be a part of the bridal party and who Bobby would ask to be standing by him, they decide they had laid out sufficient first round plans and went to try out the indoor pool and Jacuzzi.
-x-
As Christmas came and went the planning became hectic for the happy couple and yet they managed to stay level headed; and had gotten in the traditional kiss under the mistletoe, this as an engaged couple.
The day before New Years Eve Celebration with the Eames family Bobby managed to pull of a surprise for his sweetheart.
Liz had mentioned the of well known Manhattan photographer by the name of Jacques Francois Bessette whose customers had to book six months in advance. However, Bobby knew him from his Army days and knew that Jacques owed him one. So he made the call even if it had been a few years since he last talked with him.
"You have called the studios of Jacques Francois Bessette, how may I help you today," answered Lauren Deia, Jacques personal assistant and photographer in-training.
Bobby cleared his voice and asked, "May I speak with Jacques Francois Bessette?"
"May I ask who is calling?"
"Just tell him an old friend of his."
"Okay hold on just a second."
"Hello?"
"What Jacques I am surprised you don't remember me."
When Jacques heard that familiar voice he instantly knew who it was.
"Wait Bobby Goren? The Bobby Goren who I got to know while in the Army??"
"Yep, it's me."
"It's so good to hear from you after all these years…how about have you been?"
"Good, how are you?"
"Well as you can tell great since I am constantly busy with appointments. I am surprised you were able to catch me now."
"I know me too, I have heard."
"What can I do for you today?"
"Well Jacques I am calling today to make an appointment for photography session. Yes I know I should have booked six months in advance but this is kind of urgent. You see I recently asked my girlfriend of three years to marry me and she accepted, Jacques I am getting married!"
"Wow that is great Bobby, congratulations. You know I remember how you were never able to stay with one girl for very long."
"Well as you can tell I have changed because my fiancée is one incredible and smart woman who can kick butt."
"That's great Bobby congratulations; see I told you that you would find the one for you even if you said it probably wouldn't happen. Now for a session, first when is day you two have picked for your day of bliss?"
"February 14th.
"Oh boy, Bobby you do know I only take appointments half a year in advance."
"Uh but I still remember you and how I taught you a few pointers while in the Army. And it's the last thing I want to do is ask for that favor you promised."
There was pause on Jacques's side as he rubbed his forehead. Now he was remembering making a promise to owe it to Bobby.
"Ok because I promised you a favor for teaching me a few things during our Army days and helping me find a connection to launch my career, um let's see ah yes, I had someone who called before you did to cancel her appointment so I can squeeze you in for 2:30pm on Saturday the ninth of next month will that work for you? This way we can do it outside in the park and if you want at the studio."
"Whoa that is awesome. My fiancée is going to love this; she absolutely loves your work."
"Why tell her thank you and that I look forward to meeting," began Jacques and Bobby filled in for him.
"Alexandra."
"Ah what a beautiful name. So I will see you and Alexandra on the ninth okay? Meet me outside my studio and then we can do your pictures at Central Park. Oh and if you need to change the time let me know okay?"
"Sure not a problem."
When Bobby closed his cell he was feeling happy because he had just made a booking with a photographer who had a long waiting list. He instantly called Alex.
"Hey baby I miss you," said Bobby in a husky voice when as soon as she picked up.
"Awww I miss you too babe," said Alex in a cute voice and added, "I miss being in your arms."
Bobby smiled just at thought of holding her.
"Alex sweetie I have an awesome surprise for you."
"Yeah what is it?"
"You know how Liz made the recommendation for a certain well known photographer?"
"Yeah but how are we going to get an appointment? His customers always reserve half a year in advance."
"Well you might want to sit down because I have something to tell you.
After a few seconds "Okay I am sitting."
"Alex I managed to get us an appointment."
"You WHAT?" screamed Alex to a point that Bobby had to get the phone away from ear.
"I said I managed to get us an appointment."
"No way shut up. Oh Bobby you are the greatest fiancé ever!"
From that moment on he knew the he made Alex's day by making an appointment with a well-known photographer.
The two talked over the next several days and planned out how they were going to wear for their engagement photo shoot.
Alex still couldn't believe that Bobby managed to get them an appointment on such short notice! She knew that she was going to have to wear something make Bobby melt when he sees her.
New Years with her family was especially happy with all of the Eames pitching into help with the wedding plans on top of the celebrating the upcoming new year.
The week leading up the photo shoot went well. They were able to hide their engagement from the Brass, even if the rest of MCS were able to figure out the love between the two detectives and there were no new cases.
Then came Saturday, the day of the photo shoot and Alex was beyond excited. For their engagement photo shoot she had on powder blue belted knit turtleneck top matched with charcoal metallic tweed jacket. She put on the black skinny boot cut jeans that Bobby loved on her and her knee high boots. Since Bobby had told her they were also going to have their picture taken at the studio she brought along a top that she knew she would get Bobby.
By 12:30pm she was starting to get anxious. Bobby said he was going to take her to go to lunch and then their shoot. After Bobby had knocked on her door signaling his arrival she ran and opened the door and felt her heart palpitate when she saw him. He had gone for the tough guy persona with his leather jacket and white shirt with jeans that made his butt even more irresistible.
"Hey baby," began Bobby as he took her into his arms after taking in how amazing she looked before holding her close in his arms.
He then followed the compliment by saying in a low sexy voice he whispered into her ear, "You look absolutely yummy."
As Alex relished being in Bobby's muscular arms she replied in a sensual voice, "Well you look so hot in that outfit of yours my love."
The way she said it almost caused Bobby to want to ravish her right then and there and forget about the appointment but thought better.
"Are you ready for our photo shoot?"
Alex who was still experiencing the shivers and goosebumps from the way they had flirted she nodded.
After sharing a delicious lunch at Heartfelt Diner they were off to meet the photographer.
When they arrived at the studio, Jacques was standing at his car ready with an assistant and waiting for their arrival.
As Alex pulled to the curb, Bobby rolled down the window and called out to the photographer.
"Hey Jacques thanks for meeting us today!"
"Don't mention it is my pleasure," paused Jacque and then asked, "Where shall have the session take place?"
"How about Central Park?"
"We my assistant and I shall follow you there presumably?"
"That is fine with me, is that okay with you Alex?"
"Of course Bobby."
After driving a short to Central Park from Jacques' Park Avenue studio.
When they reached their location and found parking spots rather easily despite it being a Saturday Bobby and Jacques caught up quickly before making the introduction.
"Jacques this lady right here," began Bobby as he pulled Alex into his arms, "My fiancée and the love of my life, Alexandra Samantha Eames."
Then turning to his sweetheart he said, "Alex baby, this is Jacques Francois Bessette."
"It is a pleasure meet the woman who has captured my friend's heart. You certainly are very beautiful."
Alex blushed a bit at what Jacques said and made Bobby only grin broadly.
As they walked to their first location, the ice rink, Bobby told Alex how he got the appointment.
"Sweetie, I bet you are dying to know what I got the appointment."
"You got that right my handsome hunk," Alex responded in her usual snarky response.
"Well when I was back in the Army Jacques there was new a bit of a loner, and being me I felt sorry for him so I befriended him and helped him out teaching a few things I learned on my own. As I was getting ready to go home I give him a number to a photographer I knew to jump start Jacques career. With that Jacques became ever more grateful and told me he owed me a favor."
When Jacques heard Bobby's account he smiled as he knew if it hadn't been for Army Sergeant Robert O. Goren he wouldn't be where he is today.
With that when they reached the ice rink they started the shoot with Jacques doing the photo shoot himself.
The day of the shoot the day itself was beautiful as the snow that had just fallen the night before making the surroundings in Central Park picturesque.
During the shoot they decided first to have their shots while ice skating around which they were lucky to find the rink relatively empty. After that they found a fence and had their picture taken with Bobby leaning on the fence and wrapping his arms around Alex's waist and Alex had her right arm around Bobby's waist while her hand on Bobby's chest with the ring showing and sparkling vibrantly in the crisp winter sun. This was followed by a few pictures of them pressing forehead to forehead and smiling blissfully.
All throughout the shoot Jacques was amazed in how flawless all the pictures had been.
He smiled and thought what these two have is real genuine love.
The outside photo shoot had concluded they headed back to Jacques' studio for the indoor shoots.
As soon as Alex had stepped out of the dressing room wearing the top that she had picked, a gray sleeveless metallic sequin top that hugged her curves nicely and complimented her toned arms, she noticed the look on Bobby's face.
I knew that this top would get to him!
She was right and Bobby just couldn't keep his hands off of her.
"You look absolutely scrumptious in that top," Bobby said in a low rousing voice into her ear which once again caused to get goosebumps feeling.
Before long they were surrounded by artificial snow blowing around them while Jacques was taking the pictures. This time around Bobby held Alex in his lap; in most shots they were either smiling or laughing; and in one shot he managed to sneak in a kiss.
The final shot they did was them in wedding attire that Jacques had ready in his studio.
Jacques thought, this was the easiest photo shoot he has done. The two of them are so photogenic.
As their session wrapped up and they were back in their usual clothing, Jacques said to them, "Okay you two I had a pleasure taking your photos. I will have the pictures to you in a week AND I am giving you guys a major discount, 40% off."
When Bobby and Alex heard Jacques' generous offer, they jaws dropped.
"Oh Jacques you didn't have to," said Bobby still flabbergasted.
"Oh yes I do. If it hadn't been for you teaching me a few things while in the Army, well yeah my experience would have been a whole lot different. Plus, it's my wedding gift to you."
Finally after overcoming the shock Bobby and Alex looked at each other made a quick decision.
"Jacques, Bobby and I were wondering if you would be the photographer for our big day."
This time it was Jacques to be bowled over.
"I would be honored to be the photographer for your big day."
After giving Jacques all the details he needs they were on their way to dinner and then back to Alex's place.
The moment they reached her place at Forest Hills, Bobby pinned Alex against the door and began to ravish her like the way he wanted to before their photo shoot. Alex didn't have much time to think let alone react quickly enough when Bobby surprised her like that; but when she was able to get her brain working she gently pushed him from her but then quickly pulled him towards the bedroom as they gave into another sensuous night.
-x-
True to his word Jacques send over the photos from their shoot and all of them were absolutely breathtaking.
When it came time to mail the invitations they picked the one fitting photo include with the invites, the one of Bobby leaning on the fence with Alex in his embrace. After that Alex and Bobby went over one last time the guest invite lists.
"From our mutual friends there's Captain Ross, ME Elizabeth Rodgers, Megan Wheeler, Mike Logan, Carolyn Barek, Ron and Theresa Carver and their two boys Benjamin and Eric."
"Check."
"From SVU we have Olivia Benson, Elliot Stabler, John Munch, Fin Tutuola, Captain Cragen, George Huang, Casey Novak, and ME Melinda Warner."
"Got it."
"Then from Homicide, Lt. Anita Van Buren and Jack McCoy."
"Ok."
"Finally it is Jimmie and Angie Deakins and their two girls Eliza and Caroline, and of course Lewis and his family."
"Ditto."
"I guess that covers it and that is," Alex paused and counted, "Twenty six people, how about we put the cap at forty people total?"
"Okay that is a good idea," said Bobby.
Alex then added, "Bobby I know everything will be just perfect for our day we become one."
A/N 2: Your reviews are appreciated!