I Knew You Were Waiting for Me Part II

by vonanna22

Esse must challenge himself to trust God with the most important desire of his life.

10. Chapter 10

Author's note: Hi everybody, sorry for the delay in posting. My husband is finally back home from the hospital-thank you all for your prayers and support. This was long so please forgive. I will try to return to normal sized chapters now. Thank you for your support of this story. Please forgive my mistakes and please review. Anna

Disclaimer: I do not own Glee or any of its characters. I also do not own the lyrics to the following songs that are found within in this fic:

"Unthinkable" by Alicia Keys ft. Drake

"On The Wings of Love" by Jeffery Osbourne

"There Goes My Baby" by Usher

"So Amazing" by Luther Vandross

and

"Fade into You" by Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio

I Knew You Were Waiting for Me – Part II

Chapter 10

Crystal stared at the folded piece of paper in Rick's hand for a considerable amount of time not saying a word. "Crystal" Rick spoke first seemingly awakening her from the small daze that she had fallen into. "You know what Mr. Raven, I never expected you to be a liar; but I am calling your bluff on this one." Crystal said as she snatched the piece of paper from his hand and began to unfold it. "What is this really? Your 'to do' list for the day?" The paper opened in her hand and she read the first line of its contents which read…. The Clark County Clerk's Office. Crystal quickly re-folded the paper and shoved it back into Rick's hands.

"Now, who was it that you called a liar?" Rick questioned. Crystal began walking away from Rick straight out of the conference room door. "And so begins the chase…..I like this part of the program." Rick said humorously to himself as he placed the paper back into his jacket pocket and followed Crystal out of the door. Crystal was about 12 paces ahead of him as she continued to walk out of the hotel and onto the Vegas strip; Rick continued to follow her until she walked into a Casino and found a slot machine she pulled out five quarters from her purse, inserted them into the slot machine and pressed the button. Crystal stood there laser focused on the five multiple colored lines which were now sliding in a downward but circular rotating motion and a whirring sound invades her ears. Rick had stood behind her watching over her shoulder once he caught up to her. "I am spinning this to find out if my luck has changed all of a sudden in a way that I don't know about." Crystal spoke up. There were lights that were flashing in differing areas of the room and the room itself seemed to hum from all the voices within.

"Does it feel like your luck has changed?" Rick questioned. The lines which were now spinning in front of her eyes seemed comforting to Crystal at this moment; as if she were not the only one who had felt the spinning that clearly was going on in her own head. The first line stopped showing a picture of a bird being struck by lightning (it wasn't just any bird-it was a Raven). The second line spun to a stop and another Raven appeared before her. Rick chuckled behind her head as Crystal shut her eyes and cringed. "I dare you to marry me; if three more ravens show up on this spin!" Rick challenged. Crystal shrugged her shoulders but never faced him "I've been losing at slots since I got to this town so I'll take that bet" was Crystal's confident and defiant response, as the third wheel slowed to a stop only to reveal yet another raven. "Whooop!" Rick screamed. "C'mon Ravens." He shouted again and began clapping his hands. Crystal spun around "Why are you doing this?" She pleaded as she heard the next line slow to a stop behind her.

"You're going to marry me on a dare?" She questioned. "NO, you are marrying me on a dare. I already asked you to marry me; without one, which you gave me no answer to. By the way that last line that you were too afraid to watch stop turned into a raven, just to let you know." Crystal stared at Rick. "Why would you want to marry me?" Crystal asked as she heard the last line slow down and stop but, she didn't have to have him tell her what it was because the machine's lights began flashing, bells began ringing, whistles and alarms began blaring. "Jackpot! Even the slots in Vegas know I'm a catch! Aren't I cute?" Rick spoke again and smiled at Crystal as he pulled her closer to him and people started to crowd around her slot machine which began giving off so much noise, trying to see how much money was won. "She won Ten-thousand dollars!" One person in the crowd spoke. "She got five Ravens in a row" another person spoke excitedly. "Congratulations!" said several other people in the crowd. "She is so lucky" another said.

"Rick, this is not the way that this is supposed to happen… (she whispered) how can I take this seriously?" She continued as she practically buried her head down into his chest. "Why is it so easy for you to believe that I wouldn't want to marry you? What is wrong with me? Why would I, of all people, be immune to the allure of Crystal? Why would I not be fascinated by the fact that depending on what light I catch you in; you illuminate radiance? Why would I not be drawn to all your facets, and your colors, your sparkle, and your shine? The way I see it Crystal, is that, the more love that I get to pour into you the more you're going to glow; shimmering with hints of yellows, blues, greens, pinks, lavenders and purples. The way I see it (Rick began stroking her hair) it might take a lifetime to see all of your colors; but I have a lifetime that I can give to you. I want to marry you Crystal because I have decided, that I don't want to miss out on seeing those colors; not one single one." Rick kissed Crystal then as he removed his lips from hers he spoke into the crowd. "No, I actually think that I may be the lucky one."

It was then that an employee from the casino approached Crystal.

After filling out all of the forms and receiving her check for her winnings Crystal spoke to Rick. "I think I would like to go rest for a while in my room; it's been a long day." Crystal walked silently with Rick back to their hotel. During their walk Rick could still feel the tension and fear radiating from Crystal she had something on her mind and he was hoping that she would actually share it. When they made it back to her room they entered inside and it was only then that she spoke.

"Rick I have something that I have to tell you and you might as well hear it right now…." Crystal did not look at him she was still facing inside of the hotel room and he was standing behind her. "I might as well hear what?" Rick asked. "I am not An-jella!" She spoke sharply. "What?! I know that…why would you? Why would you even bring her up at all? Trust and believe I am quite pleased that you are not her." Rick added but Crystal began again. "I know it will be impossible for you not to compare us once….once we….I know that you did…..with her (her words faltered but then she spoke up again only this time she blurted it out quickly)…but you need to know that I've got it from a pretty reliable source that I am no good when it comes to sex." Rick watched as her head sunk lower in front of her body and her shoulders tightened. "What did you just say?" He asked. "Don't make me repeat it-it was hard enough saying it the first time." She said. "Why would you say that?" Rick questioned he was puzzled and slightly concerned.

"Because Parker…..Parker said so...Parker Davis was the first man that I had really strong feelings for in my first year of college. I couldn't stop thinking about him, I couldn't stop daydreaming about him, I was simply fascinated with him so imagine my surprise when he finally spoke to me after my sociology class one day. He asked 'If I would share my notes with him because he had been late and missed some things.' I almost couldn't even drink the coffee that he bought for me; while he had copied them. The next thing I knew we were study partners and for a brief moment in time he was interested in me too…." She walked deeper into the room and sat on the sofa. "He was much, much, older and returned to school for a second degree. He was a resident adviser in one of the male dorms." She continued. "Parker Davis? That was the name she used for us to pick up Sam's marriage license." Rick thought to himself. "I really thought that he liked me but I guess I was just fooling myself; only I didn't know it at the time….he was my first…I tried so hard to please him and do the things he asked for but….I guess I did everything wrong because he gave me some lame excuse and left before we even finished, before I could even apologize for upsetting him."

Rick could not believe how uncomfortable he was feeling at even hearing this story just the thought of her with someone else was making him angry. "What do you mean, upsetting-him?" Rick's voice turned colder. "He was angry and disappointed, I guess" Crystal said as she pulled her feet up underneath her onto the sofa and held onto her knees. "I called him when I thought that he was back in his dorm room, just to talk, but he sounded different; he was obviously drunk by this point and that was when he said that he didn't think that we would work out anymore. He told me that I was, and I quote, 'The fattest and worse lay he had ever had.'" Crystal's obvious humiliation as she recounted this story left Rick with a sadness in his heart as he replied. "He said that to you?" "You know that I was so foolish that I actually thought that I must have misheard him but I didn't mishear him there was so much noise in the background and he knew it was my first time….I had already told him that, but the noises that I heard was laughter; he had already begun sharing his disappointment of me to the guys in the dorms – so no, he didn't say it to me, he said it to them and I just heard him say it and they were all laughing about it-and laughing at me." Crystal was unable to prevent her fair skin tone from becoming a pink hue of shame. "Needless to say my college experience had left a lot to be desired after that."

Rick stood in the room as he watched Crystal share this obviously painful story "How long ago was this?" he questioned. Crystal thought for a few moments "Eight years ago." Rick couldn't understand why this was so hard for him to ask, and yet he wanted to know the answer "Have you been with anyone else since then?" "Once or twice but usually with Parker's words still ringing loudly in my ears it made those times awkward and uncomfortable as well." Rick was far from unrealistic but he couldn't help but wish that he never heard about these encounters. Despite what she was saying and the effect she may have thought this conversation was having on him, the only thing that truly worried him at this moment, the only question that he needed to ask, the only one question that he had on his mind. "If this guy was such a jerk to you, and it was so long ago, why would you use his name for Esse to pick up his marriage license?" Crystal sighed. "I use his name for lots of things to remind me not to lose control. I was going to be traveling with you, and I care about you…. It was to remind me to get my own room; it reminds me to sleep alone." She hung her head down in silence.

"Crystal you cannot spend your time in our relationship thinking about other people. I am not thinking about An-jella, AT ALL, and you should have forgotten this Parker guy as soon as he left your room that night-he's an idiot!" Crystal quickly spoke up "But I don't want you to be disappointed as well…you had a right to know so that you could…" But Rick interrupted her. "So that I could what?! Change my mind? Crystal my mind is not the one that needs changing- it's yours. You need to start believing that you have the right to your own happiness and stop hiding behind the opinions of those who are obviously intimidated by you like An-jella, or in Parker's case too stupid to value you." Rick spoke harshly. "My proposal is on the table but you have to be willing to pick it up on your own." With that said, Rick turned around and walked out of Crystal's room and shut the door.

Rick walked back to his own room and the whole time Rick was hoping that his abrupt departure and harsh tone would not have the reverse effect on Crystal. More than anything he wanted to hold her and comfort her, he wanted to let her know that she did not have to be afraid, and that he couldn't care less about what some jerk thought but instead he wanted her to be concerned, he wanted her to be strong, he hoped that it would stir up in Crystal a fight to keep what he already knew to be hers – himself.

Crystal's eyes focused on the door as it closed behind him. "What was he thinking of her now?" She wondered. She took off her shoes, walked over to her bed and laid down. She didn't know what to think of Rick's immediate departure. She never thought that she would say this but at this moment she missed An-jella. She needed someone to talk things over with, the only thing is that, Rick had now become her best friend, she spoke to him now more than anybody. An-jella was gone, and she would've never have felt comfortable speaking about this with her anyway; not with Rick being An-jella's ex and all.

She would have loved to discuss it with Mercedes but she is completely off limits and off the grid for the next few days. Since Rick was her new best friend he was going to have to help her without his knowing it. She reflected on everything that Rick said to her. "The allure of Crystal" she thought to herself and she began smiling uncontrollably. "Was she allowed to feel this giddy on the inside; it was dangerously close to a loss of self-control and she knows a lot about how that feels." She thought. "But what if it is not a loss of self-control though? Could it be just happiness?" She questioned herself again. "Did she dare allow herself to feel this hopeful again? Or this encouraged? Rick was dangerous because he was really making her believe that she was valuable to him-no, that she had value period." She wanted to feel this feeling, she liked feeling 'special' she liked the way that he looked at her when he spoke these words "Illuminate radiance." She never even knew that she had any allure or radiance.

Crystal rolled up in a ball on her bed clinching her knees to her chest as she lay on her side. "She felt surges of energy burst through her body from the top of her thighs up to her heart just from thinking about Rick." She had never thought "about doing anything this spontaneous before, or this big for that matter." "It's ludicrous, it's….. It's…." Crystal buried her head under her pillow.

XXXXX

Rick sat on his bed and waited and waited to hear something from Crystal but there was nothing. He looked at the time and it was almost midnight and nothing. "What is she thinking? Why hasn't she called? Why hasn't she come over?" Rick continued to think within himself. "All I want is to marry this girl and she doesn't believe me; maybe I am not loving her in a way that she can understand it…..I need to step up my game." He thought. Rick wanted to talk to Esse, he needed some advice. Rick looked at his phone laying on the nightstand. "He… Would… Kill… Me." Rick thought. Rick laid down on his bed in frustration. "What would Esse do?" Rick thought but he realized that he already knew the answer. Rick closed his eyes "Dear God, please help me, I know that this may seem kind of fast but the truth is (and you know that I am just as surprised as you probably are but) I love her so much, I don't want to lose her. Please Lord, give her the courage to trust me, to trust in us, and to marry me. Don't have her give up on us, you can use me to show her how special she is-if you'll let me. I know that I don't necessarily deserve your help but why should I let that stop me from at least asking right-you know me lord, ain't I cute? Well anyway, I pray all these things in your son Jesus' name-Amen."

Rick laid there hoping that God would answer his prayer and that Crystal would have faith in their relationship when he drifted off to sleep. Rick sat up in his bed and looked at the time on his cell phone it was now 4:27am as he awoke from his sleep. His cell was ringing and he had slept for little less than four hours. "Hello?" Rick answered as he sat up in his bed. He didn't hear any response. "Crystal?" His room was dark but then he finally heard music playing into his phone it was Alicia Key's and Drake singing "Unthinkable".

Moment of honesty

Someone's got to take the lead tonight

Who's it gonna be?

I'm gonna sit right here and tell you all that comes to me

If you have something to say, you should say right now

(You should say right now) You ready?

You give me a feeling that I've never felt before [Rick smiled]

And I deserve it, I think I deserve it [Rick nodded his head up and down]

It's becoming something that's impossible to ignore

And I can't take it

I was wondering maybe, could I make you my baby? [Rick quietly sighed a sigh of relief]

If we do the unthinkable will it make us look crazy?

[Crystal was holding her cell phone to the speakers hoping that this wasn't as crazy and childish as she was beginning to feel that this was.]

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready) [Rick licked his lips and settled back onto the bed]

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

I know you have said to me.

This is exactly how it should feel when it's meant to be.

Time is only wasting so why wait for eventually?

If we gonna do somethin' bout it,

We should do it right now

(We should do it right now) Bae, unh

You give me a feeling that I never felt before

And I deserve it, I know I deserve it ["Yes, you do" Rick whispered.]

It's becoming something that's impossible to ignore ["And you shouldn't…" Rick continues….]

It is what we make it

I was wondering maybe, could I make you my baby? ["Without a doubt."]

If we do the unthinkable will it make us look crazy? [Rick shrugged his shoulders "Who cares?"]

Or would it be so beautiful? Either way I'm saying

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready) ["Me too."]

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

Yeah, yeah, sing

Why give up before we try?

Feel the lows before the highs

Clip our wings before we fly away (fly away)

[Rick took his opposing arm and folded it over his head while resting back on his pillow.]

I can't say I came prepared,

I'm suspended in the air

Won't you come be in the sky with me?

I was wondering maybe, could I make you my baby?

If we do the unthinkable would it make us look crazy?

Or would it be so beautiful? Either way I'm sayin',

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

If you ask me I'm ready (I'm ready, I'm ready)

Rick listened until he heard the music fade into silence and then phone disconnected. Rick smiled again. "That's my girl." Rick whispered proudly and then hung up the phone.

XXXXX

Crystal's room phone rang at 8:00 am exactly "Hello" She answered. "Enjoy your day baby, I'll see you in a little while." Crystal heard Rick's voice say but before she could answer him he hung up the phone. A knock came upon Crystal's door she went to open it and it was the concierge of the hotel who were surrounded by women "Miss Waters?" She said. "Yes" "I have a message from Mr. Raven for you." "What is it?" Crystal asked still looking at all of the women who were standing with her in her doorway. "He said, and I quote, 'The sky's the limit….Happy Wedding Day!'" With those words the several women rushed into the suite.

Some were there to give to her the croissant, bacon, and eggs breakfast, including seasonal fruits and a Mimosa's; some were there to provide her with a spa treatment including massage and facial; some where there to give her a mani-pedi; while still others were there to do her hair and makeup; but it when it came to the women who were now entering her room who were bringing her several options of wedding gowns, shoes, veils, floral arrangements, and lingerie to choose from that made Crystal scream with laughter and quickly cover her mouth with her hands. Especially, when the videographer introduced herself "As Janice, who is simply the one who was responsible for storing her memories of the day." "Rick truly does know how to make a girl feel special." She thought to herself as the women descended on her to make her perfect for her day.

XXXXX

Rick had picked out rings and had a Tailor come to his room and fit him for a new suit that he purchased and had sent over for the occasion. "I really have to thank Crystal on showing me how to get this done." He thought reflecting back on when she helped him pick out a suit for the 30th anniversary party at Mr. Pettway's home. "I really am grateful for that day it changed everything." He thought. "What were you pondering just then" the second videographer (Alex) asked as he was recording Rick (Rick wished Esse could be there but this would have to be the next best thing.) "I'm thinking that I can't wait to marry my girl." He said then he did his signature move of flapping his arms up and down and then soaring.

XXXXX

Crystal was keenly aware of her trembling as she lifted up her wedding gown and stepped into the limousine that was awaiting her downstairs in front of the hotel. Crystal wished that she had a small football herself to hold onto as she tried to smooth out her beautiful delicately beaded white gown; her nerves were frazzled but the excitement continued to force its way to the forefront of her heart. The ride was not long as she only drove a few hotels away up the strip. She had not seen or heard from Rick at all the whole day and now the night sky was again causing the strip to glow with the vibrant colors of the casinos, show marquees, and restaurants. Janice who sat in the limo opposite Crystal had always been in contact with her partner Alex and so they knew exactly where they were to meet up this evening.

The limo stopped and Crystal felt herself slowly breathing in and out she looked like she had been preparing for a Lamaze class or something but instead she was just trying not to faint from fear at the whole prospect.

When the door to the limo opened Janice stepped out first and surveyed the area, then she saw the perfect place for Crystal so that she could get the full effect of this surprise from Rick. "Alright, Crystal…" Janice spoke after getting her camera ready and recording. Janice checked the time. "You can come out Crystal." Janice spoke again.

Crystal took another deep breath and tried to regain her composure when she stepped out of the limo and she saw that she was standing right in front of the Bellagio Fountain. There were tourists everywhere and they all started pointing to the woman in the wedding gown, smiling, and taking their own pictures of Crystal. She had attempted to smooth down her skirt again which was large and full and had a tremendous train which trailed behind her, her bodice shaped into the form of a heart, and her lace sleeves made her look as if she was the epitome of what a bride should be.

When Crystal scanned the area she didn't see Rick which made her even more nervous, especially when the crowd kept looking at her and looking around to see who might have been the groom. "Oh, God please don't let him stand me up here, not like this." The thought quickly flashed through her head but then she heard a loud noise behind her and turned around to face the fountain itself.

The water shot itself up 30 feet into the air in fifty straight streams and stopped so the remaining water dropped straight down again into the fountain. Then an announcement was made "Please let us all celebrate the wedding of Rick Raven, and Crystal Waters with our fountain show created exclusively for them; please enjoy the show "Raven-Waters!" The water shot up into the air again and bright lights lit up the water while the music began to play it was "On the Wings of Love by Jeffery Osborne"

Just smile for me and let the day begin [Fifty streams of water shot into the air boldly]

You are the sunshine that lights my heart within

[The light coming from under the water was golden in color]

And I'm sure that you're angel in disguise [The water shot up in such a way to form wings in the air]

Come take my hand and together we will ride {Crystal was speechless at the huge display}

On the wings of love

[The water streams shot 20 feet into the air and then crossed streams to become wings as the water fluttered by dipping and then resurging again and again.]

Up and above the clouds [The lights underneath turned bright white]

The only way to fly

Is on the wings of love

On the wings of love [The lights turned red as the water streams began swirling and dancing]

Only the two of us together flying high

Flying high up on the wings of love

You look at me and I begin to melt [The lights changed quickly to red, then blue, green, and yellow]

Just like the snow when a ray of sun is felt

And I'm crazy 'bout you baby can't you see

[The lights became orange and red and seemed to radiate through the mist and water droplets left behind and the water dropped again from the air]

I'd be so delighted if you would come with me

[The water in one circular form of streams shot up 50 feet and the lighting changed from red to golden]

On the wings of love

Up and above the clouds

The only way to fly [The water forms wings again with a lavender hue]

Is on the wings of love

On the wings of love

Only the two of us together

[The lights became read a several circular streams burst into the air across the entire length of the fountain]

Flying high, flying high upon the wings of love

[The water formed wings again – the crowds screamed, clapped and cheered]

Yes, you belong to me

{Crystal's eyes turned from the spectacle scanning the crowd in the hopes of finding Rick but she couldn't see him}

I'm yours exclusively

Right now we live and breathe each other

Inseparable it seems, we're flowing like a stream [The water swirled again, and again]

Running free, trav'ling on the wings of love

On the wings of love

Up and above the clouds [The water streams shot up into the sky 50 again]

The only way to fly

Is on the wings of love

On the wings of love

Only the two of us together flying high

Together flying high! [The water became blue and purple wings flapping]

On the wings of love

Up and above the clouds {Crystal's heart nearly burst from happiness}

The only way to fly

Is on the wings of love

On the wings of love

Only the two of us together flying high

Flying high upon the wings of love….

Of love [The water streams formed a giant 50ft heart in the air, above the fountain, with a vibrant red glow then the water and music stopped and it was dark again as the water dropped and clouded at the fountain's surface.]

There was rousing applause and whistles from the crowd and Crystal was now ruining her makeup with her tears. Janice told her not to cry because someone was still waiting to see her and that is when Rick was seen standing on the opposite side of the fountain with the minister and a floral archway. A young girl came out of the crowd and handed Crystal a bouquet of flowers, while another girl from the crowd came holding a basket and stood in front of Crystal she began dropping rose petals around the circumference of the fountain and Crystal began to follow the trail which had been leading her straight towards Rick.

It was then the music started again "There Goes My Baby" by Usher and the people in the crowd began clapping all over again.

Yeah, right

Okay… yeah, man, right….

There goes my baby [Rick pointed at Crystal and smiled]

(Ooooh girl look at you)

You don't know how good it feels

To call you my girl [Crystal was walking towards Rick in time with the music]

There goes my baby [Rick pointed at Crystal again and smiled a devious smile]

Loving everything you do

(Ooooh girl look at you)

Bet you ain't know that I be [Rick was nodding his head up and down]

Checking you out [Crystal lowered her head in embarrassment]

When you be putting your heels on

I swear your body's so perfect baby [Rick crosses his own heart]

How you work it baby? Yea

I love the way that you be poking it out

Girl give me something to feel on [Rick began licking his lips again and rolls his eyes]

So please believe we gone be twerking it out

By the end of the night baby

I've been waiting all day to wrap my hands

[Rick is extending his hands out pretending to hold her waist]

Around your waist and kiss your face

Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing

Not even for a minute [Rick wags his finger 'no' and then points to his watch]

And I'll sit here long as it takes [Rick pointed to the archway]

To get you all alone

But as soon as you come

Walking my way

You gon' hear me say

There goes my baby (There she go, there she go, there she go) [Rick started mouthing 'There she go']

(Oooo girl look at you)

You don't know how good it

Feels to call you my girl

There goes my baby (There she go, there she go, there she go)

Loving everything you do

(Oooo girl look at you)

I get the chills whenever I

See your face

And you in the place girl

Feel like I'm in a movie baby

I'm like oowee baby oh [Rick mouths this line and rocks back and forth]

Lie waterfalls your hair

Falls down to your waist,

Can I get a taste girl?

No need to keep this baby

I ain't ashamed of calling

Your name girl.

I've been waiting all day

To wrap my hands around your waist [Rick extends his hands outward to embrace Crystal]

And kiss your face

Wouldn't trade this feeling for nothing

Not even for a minute

Girl I'll sit here long as it takes

To get you all alone but as soon

As you come walking my way [Crystal meets Rick at the floral archway]

You gon' hear me say. [Crystal gives her bouquet to a woman in the crowd]

There goes my baby (My baby) [Rick takes both of her hands into his]

(Oooo girl look at you)

You don't know how good it (You don't know) [Rick smirks while staring in her eyes]

Feels to call you my girl

There goes my baby (My baby)

Loving everything you do

(Oooo, girl look at you) [Rick opens his hands and looks Crystal up and down]

The music fades and the crowd screams, applauds, and takes pictures again.

The minister began "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the nuptials of this man and this woman in the bounds of holy matrimony. Rick Raven and Crystal Waters do you stand here with clear presence of mind to dedicate your lives to one another." "We do" they both said. "Do you have rings?" The minister questioned. Rick reached into his pocket and brought out two white platinum bands and gave them to the minister who prayed over them and then handed them back to Rick who in turn gave one to Crystal.

Rick could feel Crystal's slight trembling as he held onto her hand. "You may say your vows to one another." The minister said. "Crystal, you have so many beautiful and strong qualities, you're smart and you know how to get the job done; but I have been watching you and it is the things that you fear, that you are afraid to show people about yourself. It is the things that you are insecure about that I love the most about you, I want to love away all your fears and insecurities. I want you to know that the things that you think will drive me away from you are actually the very things that are drawing me closer to you. So anytime that you are feeling shy, scared, or intimidated by our relationship, don't trust those feelings, because I want you to know that it is in those times that I am loving you with all of my heart."

Crystal felt her legs buckle but Rick's firm arms kept her steady. "Rick, I love you, you have made me excited about life, and about my future-our future. I find myself at a loss for words because this is just something that I could not have imagined in my wildest of dreams so I am in no way prepared for it. Rick, I could describe you as so many things: you are so special, and loyal, and kind, you're surprising, and fun, you're loving, and you're straightforward; but the best description I am going to have for you is that of my husband and true friend. You have been a true gift in my life, l really do love you."

"Rick place the ring on Crystal's finger and answer my questions." The minister said, then continued. "Do you Rick Raven take Crystal Waters to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward; will you love her comfort her, honor, and keep her; will you cherish and inspire her to rise up to be a better version of herself due to your love? Do you promise to take care of her in sickness and in health and by forsaking all others cling only onto her for as long as you both shall live?" Rick winked at Crystal and placed the ring on her finger. "I do" Rick answered.

"Now Crystal, place the ring on Rick's finger and answer my questions." The minister spoke again, then continued. "Do you Crystal Waters take Rick Raven to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold from this day forward; will you love him comfort him, honor, and keep him; will you cherish and inspire him to rise up to be a better version of himself due to your love? Do you promise to take care of him in sickness and in health and by forsaking all others cling only onto him for as long as you both shall live?" Crystal put the ring on his finger. "I do" Crystal answered.

"By the power vested in me by God and the state of Nevada I now pronounce you two husband and wife; you may now kiss your bride." Rick took a step closer to Crystal and lifted her veil and then said "Nice to meet you Mrs. Raven" Crystal blushed as she smiled and said "Nice to meet you too Mr. Raven." Rick leaned in and kissed his bride.

The music started again it was "So Amazing" by Luther Vandross.

Love has truly been good to me [Rick stopped kissing Crystal]

Not even one sad day

Or minute have I had since you've come my way

I hope you know I'd gladly go

[Rick ran behind Crystal grabbed her train and placed it over his shoulder]

Anywhere you'd take me [Rick circled her and extended his hand to dance]

It's so amazing to be loved [They began dancing down the path of rose petals towards the limo]

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above

Ooh…ooh…ooh….ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…I'd go

Got to tell you how you thrill me

I'm happy as I can be

[The crowd applauded them as they danced around the semi-circle of the fountain]

You have come and it's changed my whole world [Rick kissed Crystal again]

Bye-bye sadness, hello mellow

What a wonderful day

It's so amazing to be loved

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above [Rick said "I love you"]

Ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…ooh…I'd go

And it's so amazing, amazing

[Rick began spinning them around and around as the moved closer to the limo]

I could stay forever, forever [They spun around over and over again to the cheer of the crowd]

Here in love and no, leave you never

'Cause we've got amazing love

Truly it's amazing, amazing [Rick spun her faster and faster]

Love brought us together, together [The crowd laughed and cheered and clapped some more]

I would leave you never and never

I guess we've got amazing love ["You're a showman" a dizzied Crystal spoke in his ear]

Ooh, so amazing and I've been waiting [They began dancing toward the limo again]

For a love like you ["No, I'm a show-off" Rick smiled]

It's so amazing to be loved

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above

Oh, and it's so, it's so

It's so amazing to be loved [Rick danced her right into the open doorway of the limo]

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above

[Rick leaned into her trapping her into the hinges of the open door]

And you know, it's so

It's so amazing to be loved [Rick planted another long, deep, and lingering kiss on her lips]

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above

Hey…hey…hey…yeah…it's so [Rick then helped her into the car and waved to the people]

It's so amazing to be loved

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above [Rick entered the white limo from the opposite door]

Hey…hey…yeah…hey…yeah….yeah….hey…it's so

It's so amazing to be loved [The limo drove off up the road with the music still playing behind them]

I'd follow you to the moon in the sky above

XXXXX

Crystal had – had the perfect day, but the night was still to come and she would be lying if she said that Parker's words still didn't weigh heavily on her mind. She prayed with all her heart that Rick would allow her to undress herself (preferably alone in the bathroom) so that he wouldn't see all the heavy artillery she needed to wear to give the illusion of a decent shape in her dress but now it would be time for the big reveal and she just didn't want to see any hint of disappointment in his eyes it would crush her and she knew it.

As they entered the elevator at the hotel Crystal reached out her hand to press the button for their floor and paused as she caught a glimpse of the wedding band on her finger. Rick reached out and pressed the button himself. "Rick that's not our floor." Crystal said with a puzzled look on her face. "It is now Teddy." Rick spoke as he moved closer to her in the elevator and began tickling her mercilessly. Crystal began laughing uncontrollably. Rick didn't stop until the elevator reopened into a penthouse honeymoon suite. "You have got a great laugh." He told her "I want to hear that every day from now on." He continued. "Rick this place is beautiful." "You've got this place beat by miles and miles." Rick complimented her as he grabbed onto her hand and twirled her around into his arms. "Did I ever tell you how proud I am of you that you took this chance on our future together?" Rick said. "You're proud of me?" Crystal smiled. "Baby, you have no idea." "Are you sure that you just don't think that I am crazy? What kind of woman in her right mind gets married after.….(She took Rick's arm and looked at his watch) five….no, six whole days of being in a relationship?" "My kind of girl." Rick's eyes scanned her face in admiration. "Rick, I want to thank you for such a beautiful experience and I want you to know that even if it doesn't last I will be forever grateful for what you've given me today." "Why wouldn't we last?" Rick questioned as he began to slowly pull her zipper down which was located on the back of her wedding gown and he felt Crystal tense up and tremble briefly.

"Your mentor just got married, maybe you're just inspired but not really in love and I can accept that I just don't want you feeling bad about it when you decide that you want out; that's all." Rick let go of her zipper and took a step away from her but watched her closely. "Crystal, you talk too much." Rick took her hand and turned her around he reached for her zipper again and began undoing it. Crystal noticed the bar at the far end of the room. "Would you like a drink? You know something to help you to relax." She said nervously. "I don't need one, I am already relaxed." He said as he slipped his hands inside her gown from behind and wrapped it around her waist slowly moving one hand up to her breast and the other down between her thighs. Rick then whispered into her ear "This room only has one bed Crystal, and I think it's about time that we use it."

"I need a drink to relax!" Crystal pulled forward but Rick didn't let go and gripped her tighter. "No, you don't—I am going to make you relax." Rick countered as he pulled her towards and into the bedroom and closed the door behind them. Rick released Crystal from his grip and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Take off your clothes." Rick spoke authoritatively. Crystal felt like a deer caught in headlights as Rick never took his eyes off of her. She looked around and saw the entrance to the bathroom and began to walk toward it. "No, take it off right here." Rick spoke again. Crystal froze. Rick leaned back on the bed and crossed his legs. "I'm waiting."

Crystal's fear was beginning to mount and she made a last ditch effort to control this situation as she looked over briefly at the light switch in the room and then back at Rick who spoke up immediately along with the shaking of his head "Did I ever tell you that I was afraid of the dark?" He smirked. "I'm still waiting." "Crystal's fear was subsiding as her defiance began to show through. "He wasn't going to make this easy on her was he….the smug look that he had on his face was making Crystal angry." "FINE…. (She found herself shouting) I'll do it!" Crystal moved closer toward him as she began to rant and rave. Crystal pulled at the edges of her sleeves and pulled herself from within the bodice of the gown and took it off. "You just can't wait can you, you just can't wait, to see everything, well alright her is everything!" She spoke to him but she was angrier at herself for needing it all. Rick's facial expression never changed as she stepped out of her wedding gown which revealed her wearing several layers of clothing underneath. Rick's eyes scanned her up and down but he never spoke and his expression never revealed any thoughts in his head.

Crystal unhooked her waist cincher and dropped it on the floor. Her eyes had become like fierce and she locked on to Rick's eyes like a laser beam as she undid the straps of her open bust mid-thigh body shaper and pulled it down off of her body. This action was not as smooth as she would have liked it to be with her being nervous and trembling, also her sweating from the heat of a Vegas evening; it was then that her lower girdle began to catch at her inner thigh and began to roll into itself rather than simply drop onto the floor. So with more a little more work and a lot more embarrassment she finally freed herself from the contraption as he hit the floor in the form of a pretzel. Next, she removed the control top panty hose and the next thing to go was her, more so, granny's secret rather than Victoria's secret bra that she wound up having to wear for actual support rather than for style. Once she unhooked the bra her ample yet sloping bosom took their rightful and normal place where gravity seemed to have deemed their home. It was then that she removed her high-waisted brief where in her mind 'normal girls" would have had delicate little panties and dropped them on the floor as well. She finally took her eyes from his as a small tear streamed from her left eye and she turned her head only to catch her full body image in the full length mirror through the door to the bathroom. She saw her sloping breasts, her unevenly distributed backside which had been full at the top but flattened down to nothing on the bottom. She saw the muffin-top above her waist and the cellulite that crinkled her thighs and she felt totally ashamed and completely exposed.

The room was quiet and yet seemed hotter as Crystal was fanning the flame of rage in her own heart. This is what An-jella had been warning her about the whole time and she could never get it together and now when it really mattered, when she had a man that she really cared about this is what she had as an offering; she could hear Parker's words loud and clear in her head once more and she felt that she was even worse now than she was then.

Rick still never spoke but he stood up and walked around her looking and scanning her body up and down taking in every inch of her. Crystal's insides tensed as he made this lap around her body and then he did it again. "TWICE REALLY?!" She thought to herself as her breathing became more labored. Rick sat down on the bed again before he spoke. "Do you need to put it all back on so that you can do it again?" He asked. "WHAT?" Crystal shouted. "Would you like to try again this time without the trembling and the tears?" "You're a bastard!" She said. "I'm your bastard-aren't I cute?" "NO!" She shouted again.

Rick stood up and walked to Crystal and began taking off his clothes piece by piece. "You need to see how this is done Crystal." He took off his tie and then his suit jacket and tossed them on the floor he looked into her eyes as he continued to speak. "You never take off your clothes as if you are ashamed of yourself-you are who you are-don't you know that you have to sell yourself, you have to have confidence in yourself!" Rick stepped out of his shoes and pulled off his socks. Rick undid his belt and unbuttoned his trousers. "I bet the whole time you were getting undressed you were thinking about something An-jella said to you or Parker RIGHT?!" "He seemed angry…" Crystal thought "He had the nerve to be angry." "RIGHT?!" He shouted again. "Right" Crystal responded. "You know what, that is what makes me angry….that is what makes me disappointed." Rick spoke as he took off his shirt and his undershirt revealing his six pack abs which made Crystal shake her head and turn her eyes away from him in the of-course knowledge she had now verified. Rick then pulled down his pants and stood in his underwear. He pulled down his gray briefs over his chocolatey sculptured thighs and stepped out of them as they lay on the floor; his erect penis on full display.

"What disappoints me is not you or your body Crystal." Crystal turned and looked into Rick's eyes almost believing that he had to have been lying but then he spoke again. "What disappoints me is that no matter how beautiful I tell you that you are-you are going to give their words more credence, more significance in your head than mine; and that Crystal, I am not going to stand for." Rick took Crystal in his arms and began kissing her.

Rick moved her towards the bed as they kissed and forced his tongue into her mouth. Crystal's emotions were all screwed up. She was angry, she was happy, she was scared, and yet she was excited; the firmness of his penis pressing against her body was issuing a promise that she wanted to cash in on but…him. "What if she couldn't please him?" She began to think but her thinking was interrupted when Rick scooped her up from standing on the floor and placed her body on the bed and then got on the bed next to her. "I have something to tell you about me that you don't know." Rick said. "I'm good at reading minds and I know Crystal….I know that you are still worried about not pleasing me." "Damn him." She thought "Why is he always in my head." Rick just smirked as if he knew a secret. "There is something else that you don't know about me." He spoke again. "There are a lot of things about you I don't know." Crystal spoke up. Rick smiled "One thing is that I like country music." "You do?" She questioned. "Oh yeah…" Rick spoke again. "There is one song that I hear that reminds me of how I feel about you every time that I hear it." Rick spoke again. "Are you going to sing to me?" "No, I am going to tell you the lyrics, you know like a poem- now listen to what it is that I'm saying to you."

Rick began speaking these words to Crystal but his hands continued to explore her body as he spoke:

"If you were the ocean and I was the sun

If the day made me heavy and gravity won

If I was the red and you were the blue

I could just fade into you

If you were a window and I was the rain

I'd pour myself out and wash off your pane

I'd fall like a tear so your light would shine through

Then I'd just fade into you

In your heart, in your head, in your arms, in your bed, under your skin.

'Til there's no way to know where you end and where I begin

If I was a shadow and you were a street

A cobblestoned midnight is where we'd first meet

Til the lights flickered out, we'd dance with the moon

Then I'd just fade into you

In your heart, in your head, in your arms, in your bed, under your skin.

'Til there's no way to know where you end and where I begin

I want to melt in, I want to soak through; I only want to move when you move

I want to breathe out, when you breathe in…

Then I want to fade into you

If I was just ashes and you were the ground

Under your Willow they laid me down

There'll be no trace that one was once two

After I fade into you

Oooh…oooh… oooh…

Oooh….oooh…oooh…

Then I'd just fade into you

Oooh..oooh…oooh…

Oooh…oooh…oooh…

Then I'd just fade into you

Then I'd just fade into you

Then I'd just fade into you"

"You think of me when you hear those words?" Crystal asked excited about the prospect and transported into a much more desirous mood. "Yes, I do—all the time…" He reassured her then he continued speaking. "And I also know Crystal….I know that you are still worried about not pleasing me." "Damn him." She thought "Why is he always in my head." She thought again. "But there is something else you need to know about me which is more pertinent to the moment." He spoke again. "My pleasure comes from pleasing you—not the other way around." "What do you mean?" She still didn't know what to think or how to feel about this unconventional marriage and now honeymoon. "I am saying that you can do whatever you would like to me and I pretty much guarantee that will enjoy it but most of my pleasure comes from hearing you enjoy me. You're breathing when it becomes faster…" (He kissed her lips) "When you're body starts to move uncontrollably…" (He took his hand and slid it right down to her clit and her body reacted to his touch) Rick's eyes closed and she watched him inhale with pleasure as he took it all in.

"When you moan because you can no longer speak coherent words; when your insides moisten and you're thighs tremble when my lips kiss yours right here…" He stroked the lips of her vagina and licked his lips. "Teddy, I expect to receive a great deal of pleasure from you during this honeymoon, which means, I've planned on dedicating myself to thoroughly pleasuring you." Rick spoke as he then placed his head between her legs.

By the time their honeymoon was over Rick was a very satisfied young man.

Author's note: Thanks for reading and please review.