Once everyone had made their rounds hugging and congratulating Nick and Julie, Maya ushered them together for pictures around the garden. Henry set up speakers and used the CD's Nick had provided to play music so Doc Robbins and his band could take a break. The songs on the CD were a playlist Nick and Julie had made months ago and included all their favorite songs. Dancing was one of their favorite things to do so they wasted no time swaying along to each song as everyone else joined in on the driveway turned dance floor.
Most of the song's Julie picked were fast and upbeat so she could bounce around and burn off excess energy. Nick often had trouble keeping up with her fast pace but not today. The energy and excitement from getting married fueled them both and he was quick to catch her in his arms, twirl her the way she loved, he even tried to sing along to each song which made her giggle. When he twirled her and spun her back into his embrace, he held on to her this time, not wanting to let her go just yet, swaying with her, playfully kissing her neck and shoulder making her laugh that loud, hearty laugh that echoed throughout the yard.
Getting Julie to sit still long enough to slow dance, however, was a challenge but he managed to wrangle her in for one set to "When I Fall In Love" from the "Sleepless in Seattle" soundtrack. Julie had not heard that song in ages but it was from one of her favorite movies and hearing the music as she swayed slowly with Nick, his arm wrapped around her waist, his fingers gently squeezing her side, relaxed her instantly.
Soon everyone was vying for a chance to dance with her; Morgan and Sara formed their usual circle, fist pumping to "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift as if they were in one of the clubs they frequented for girls night. Russell danced with her to "Reckless" by Martina McBride, wiping away more tears when they finished their last spin. Nick had a chance to dance with Sara and then Tina while Eli and Katie melted hearts dancing to "Uptown Funk"
After a good hour of dancing continuously with her friends, Julie had lost sight of Nick in the chaos. She wandered barefoot around the backyard and garden searching for him, her high heels swinging idly in her hand having taken them off to dance better. When she found Nick, he was seated in the Russell's patio swing which was set further back in the yard for privacy but still had a good view of everyone dancing.
"Hey," she called softly to him as she meandered casually up the stone pathway to the swing.
"Hey beautiful," he called back, reaching out for her.
She smiled, then deposited her shoes in the empty space beside him on the swing before settling in his lap comfortably, tucking the hem of her dress in delicately.
"We did it," she sighed happily of their endeavors today.
"Yes we did," he said grinning, gently making the swing rock back and forth now.
"Everyone had so much fun," she observed of their friends dancing, laughing and being goofy.
"Did you have fun?" he asked, teasingly as if this was just another one of their usual summer parties.
She gave him a smug look, wrapped her arms around him and said "It was the bee's knees" then giggled.
He loved her bubbly spirit, her ability to make him smile no matter what, the way she seemed to glow and radiate positivity at every single moment. Her warmth was contagious, her giggling infectious and her love unconditional. He had never felt happier than he did in this moment with her.
"I love you," he said, realizing that this was the first time he had told her so all day.
"I love you too," she sighed leaning back in his arms, feeling that familiar post coma exhaustion hitting her.
He kept the swing rocking gently to keep them both relaxed, hidden away from everyone within the confines of the garden, safely ensconced in each others embrace. She shivered when a light breeze picked up but that only made him hug her tighter in the hopes of keeping her warm.
Despite their secluded spot in the garden, Eli and Katie managed to locate them and were demanding more dancing time with Julie.
"Aunt Julie, please come dance with us?" they both begged with matching pouts.
"What song did you pick next?" Julie asked eagerly, sliding out of Nick's lap, taking both kids hands in hers, letting them lead her back down the stone pathway and onto the driveway to dance. He watched her go, his heart fill to burst with joy over how precious she was.
The dancing and casual chatting lasted well into the evening. Hodges ordered pizza for everyone as a snack knowing it was Julie's favorite. During down time to eat, Russell stood up from his seat at the patio table, clanging a fork against a drinking glass to get everyone's attention.
"I know today has been somewhat a traditional wedding," he began "and Greg can have the best man speech in a few minutes but I just wanted to say a few words, first off- uh- wow, just wow, there are not enough words to describe how happy I am for you guys, Jules, Nick, this has been a long road for you both to get here where you are but oh boy did you guys take it in stride- I'm so proud of both of you, of what you've both overcome and how you both found solace in each other because that's what matters"
"Jules, we've known each other for a very long time" he continued "and I can honestly say I have never seen you so happy as you are with Nick, I know the world has not been so kind to you but when I see how much you love him and how he just adores you, it hits me, right here (he patted his chest where his heart was) and I know the rest of your life is going to be filled with love and all the attention you deserve, Barbara and I are so happy to have been able to give you both this space for your special day, we love you and we wish you a lifetime of happiness but it already looks like you are there."
He raised his glass to toast to them and everyone followed suit. Julie begun to cry as she rose from her seat, crashing into Russell in a monumental hug of gratitude and love for all his support over the last twenty years.
When Russell finished talking, Greg looked eagerly at Nick waiting for his chance to give his best man speech.
"Go ahead," Nick said.
Greg leapt up from his seat, Morgan shooting him a warning glance before he began to speak.
"Nick and I go way back," he said "of course you all know that, and I cannot tell you how honored I feel to be able to stand here and celebrate him and of course Julie who is the sweetest, kindest person I know, you guys know we see the worst of humanity every day at work but it's moments like this where we can celebrate something wonderful like Nick and Julie, those are the moments that matter, Julie, I see how much Nick loves you and how much you love him and your positive impact on each other is so inspiring, you're the labs new super couple and even though sometimes you are working and living in different states, the love you have is strong enough to keep going and when you reunite and we all see the pure joy on your faces, that's the greatest gift of all, I love you guys."
Morgan breathed a sigh of relief that Greg's speech had not been embarrassing or full of jokes. Julie started crying again as she hugged him, grateful for his kind words. She could not contain her emotions and she too had to speak now.
"I just want to say how wonderful today has been and how each and everyone one of you has made today so special. Nicky and I are so happy and we love you all so much. I never imagined I could be this happy, after everything that happened to me, two divorces, the coma, recovering, it tested me at every turn but I'm alive, and I'm here with you guys, you're the only family I have now, I never thought such happiness was possible but it is, I feel it every day, in my heart and my soul and it's the most amazing feeling, and you guys make it possible so thank you from the very depth of my soul, thank you."
That was all she could manage before having to turn away and sink back down in her seat trying to not cry harder than she already had today.