AN: Yay! Sydney's wedding is here :)
Music for this chapter (on repeat): Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups, In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride, Flying by James Newton Howard from Peter Pan Soundtrack, Canon in D by Pachelbel, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Josh Groban, PM's Love Theme by Craig Armstrong, Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban, Father Daughter by Paul Simon, L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole, It Had to Be You by Harry Connick Jr., Russian Waltz by Dmitri Shostackovich, Unforggetable by Nat King Cole, Celebrate by Earth, Wind and Fire, Brick House by The Commodores, When I Get You Alone by Robin Thicke.
ELEVEN
o
*Chapel of Love*
"Oh, Sweetheart." Irina's breath left her in a soft whoosh when she walked into the room where Sydney was being dressed. She had been in another room with her Ladies in Waiting as they helped her to get ready and now she stood, fully dressed in her own breathtaking off-white gown, tiara, Imperial baby blue sash with the Imperial symbol of the Romanovs, and the Order of St. Andrew and looking every bit the Empress she was. She was carrying Lena, wearing only her Onzie as she would be dressed in her own beautiful gown and tiny tiara at the last possible minute. The baby was extremely active and bouncing in her mother's arms with a big smile, loving the brilliant jewels on her Mama's neck.
Instant tears flooded her eyes when Sydney turned towards her, big smile on her face as she looked down at her white wedding gown and back up to her mother. Never believing this day would come, and especially not with her mother, alive and present to attend.
It was the wedding gown of her dreams, designed especially for her by Vera Wang, who had done her mother's and entirely fitting of a royal wedding. Designed much the same way as Irina's was with slight variations to make it her own, a new style created entirely for them, 'The Romanov Collection.'
She was wearing the same Imperial Jewels her mother had worn on her own wedding day; her long hair had been pulled up and the matching tiara for her jewels adorned her head. She looked every bit the part of a princess.
"I feel like Cinderella." Sydney smiled radiantly; her dimples the deepest Irina had ever seen them. Her childhood dreams were actually coming true; she was a princess about to marry her fairy tale prince wearing the most beautiful gown of her life.
Irina could barely breathe and tried desperately to blink back her tears as she looked at her little girl before her. Lena was wiggling, demanding to be put down and Irina knelt to set her down, her eyes never leaving Sydney as she took in the sight before her. Lena gurgled happily and immediately began crawling towards her sister on the small circular platform, wearing the beautiful dress with the massive train that looked all too tempting to play with.
"You look…absolutely beautiful." Irina took the last steps towards her, holding out her arms with a smile and hugging her, kissing the side of Sydney's face. "I never thought I'd be able to see you on your wedding day." She lost the battle with her tears and one fell silently down her cheek, as she smiled.
"Mom…" Sydney smiled and held onto her mother's hands, not wanting to see her cry and trying to fight off her own tears, her thumbs rubbing nervous circles on the back's of Irina's hands.
"Your wedding is as much a dream come true for me, as it is for you. To be able to see you get married." Irina wiped carefully at the fallen tears, not want to smear her makeup.
"In my dreams, I always wanted you by my side…to have my mom, be my best friend and be with me on the happiest day of my life." Sydney smiled, desperately trying to keep from sobbing as she wiped at her own tears looking into her mother's warm beautiful shiny eyes. "The truth is…this is the third, happiest day of my life." She almost laughed when she saw Irina's flash of surprise. "The first being the actual day I found out my mother, was still alive. Somewhere out there in the world, you were alive." She reached her hand up to brush softly against Irina's cheek, needing to feel her physically. "It didn't matter that I knew you were KGB and that you had faked your death. All my life up until that point, I had wished and prayed for you to really be alive, that it was somehow a mistake and you weren't dead. I always told Francie I didn't care how you came back or what happened, as long as you were still alive, I'd take you back in any way, shape or form; as long as you were alive."
Irina's breath hitched, holding back her own sobs having never heard this before from Sydney.
"God answered my prayers. He gave you back to me." She smiled and sucked in a shaky breath, "Somewhere along the line, I forgot that I'd said, 'any way, shape or form…' and I judged you unfairly when you weren't what I expected or remembered or conjured up in my mind."
"Sydney-" Irina began to protest that her daughter had the right to judge her but Sydney held a finger to her lips, just like she had done when she was little and wanted her attention. The gesture, forgotten by Sydney until this moment, made them both smile.
*In My Daughter's Eyes*
"No, Mom…please let me say what I need to say. You've apologized a million times and more for your part in what happened. Now it's my turn to tell you the truth…my truth." She smiled, and ran her thumb over the back of Irina's hand again. "The woman God gave me back wasn't the one I remembered or had imagined in my mind. You were real and complicated," She laughed softly smiling, "But the reality was, he gave me the 'real' you," She stole her mother's move and lifted Irina's chin to look at her lightly with her finger tips, smiling. "And that is far better than anything I could have possibly imagined. I know I told you that before, but everyday I learn something new about you that just leaves me in awe. You're my hero, Mom." Sydney made sure her eyes were held fast to her mother's dark chocolate ones, looking into her soul. "You're my best friend and I love you more than I could ever say."
Irina smiled and laughed softly with Sydney at her turn in word play, taking some things she had always said to Sydney, and returning it.
"The second happiest day of my life," She sniffled with a smile, and then laughed when she looked down and saw Lena pulling herself up to stand by holding onto Sydney's dress, staring up at her with her beautiful little smile. Sydney dipped and picked up her sister, the baby letting out a peel of laughter being held by her sister who she adored, and standing so close to her mother she could touch them both. "The second happiest day of my life, was the second time, I found out you were alive. When I woke up in the hospital after the Execution," Her tears started again and she reached for Irina's hand once more, squeezing her fingers, "And I saw you laying in that bed. You were still alive. You'd beaten death and you were alive. You'd come back to me, again. Those two days, are the happiest of my life. The days my mother came back to me." She smiled through her tears and Irina was stunned; tears rolling down her face and she closed her eyes a moment slowly, smiling and opened them to stare back at Sydney.
Lena was holding onto one of her fingers and she held her other hand up to Sydney and watched as her eldest daughter's eyes moved slowly to stare at the hand before moving hers up to place against her mother's palm. Irina threaded their fingers and met Sydney's bright shiny eyes.
"I love you to the moon and back, more than stars in the Heaven's and the grains of sands on Earth…forever and always, Sydney…forever and always." She repeated softly, turning her wrist and bring the connected hands towards her mouth, kissing the back of Sydney's hand and then letting it drop to engulf her daughters in a hug. "I love you." She whispered and then pulled back, cupping her face with one hand, and Lena's with the other, looking at both of them, staring into their eyes. "I love you both so much…so much. You're my hero, Sydney Anne, my saving 'grace." She smiled through her tears, looking at them both again. Lena stilled, staring intently back at her mother the moment she put the hand to her sweet little face, absolutely calm. "You are my happiness, my joy…with every breath I take." She shook her head trying not to start sobbing and instead, pulled them both back into a hug. They held onto each other for a few moments in silence. "Now, my beautiful daughter…" She pulled back with her most radiant smile, "It's time for you to get married!" She laughed softly and took Lena from Sydney, kissing the baby and running her fingers down Sydney's cheek.
Sydney caught her hand and held it to her face with a smile.
"I love you, Mommy."
Irina's eyes pricked with fresh tears at the choice of endearment and she smiled.
"I love you too, Sugar Bug. Now let's get this little Wild Child ready." She laughed as Lena tried pulling at the shiny diamonds on her mother's neck with an enthusiastic giggle. "Dmitri took Katya, Bella, Carrie and Sophia to St. Isaacs just a few minutes ago. Your father is waiting for us downstairs."
The rest of their guests had already left for the cathedral as well and Vaughn and the rest of the men had gone ahead too, getting ready in the same cathedral that the Coronation was held, to not break tradition and see Sydney before the ceremony. They now anxiously awaited the bride and her parents to arrive in Procession.
Irina handed Lena to one of her Ladies in Waiting with a smile once the baby was dressed her perfect little gown, blue sash and tiara, looking absolutely angelic. The other's helped her to fasten her long purple majestic robe on over her dress, getting into full Imperial regalia. When she was ready she turned to Sydney with a smile.
"Are you ready, Sweetheart?" Irina held her hand out to Sydney and smiled widely when Sydney stepped beside her, taking her hand. The two, held hands while they descended the staircase and the Ladies in Waiting made certain they didn't trip on their long trains.
Jack instantly felt the tears building in his eyes the moment he saw them. Sydney in her white wedding dress was something he wasn't entirely prepared to see and she took his breath away, she looked so much like her mother in that moment, absolutely gorgeous…'his little girl was getting married.'
"You both look… There are no words." Jack shook his head with tears in his eyes and a smile, kissing each of them and then stepping between them to allow each to take hold of his elbows on either side.
Sydney had never seen her father in tears from simply looking at her and she felt her own tears come surging back.
"I can't believe our little girl is getting married." He blinked back tears smiling as they headed outside towards the carriages that would take them to the church. He helped Irina into the Imperial carriage and then handed Lena to her, helping Sydney next. When they were safely inside, his horse was brought to him and he mounted his wild white steed to lead her Imperial Majesty's Life-Guard Cossack squadrons once more.
*Flying*
The bells rang out in St. Petersburg and in Moscow the moment the gates opened and they headed towards the cathedral.
Once again the Russian people by the millions showed up to catch sight of their beloved Imperial Family on this special occasion and thronged to the streets in droves to catch a glimpse along the Processional route from Alexander to St. Isaacs. Massive amounts of security agents were spread throughout the crowds and security was on its highest for everyone's protection.
The Calvary and foot soldiers were also standing guard along the route in strict regulation and discipline held an impressive stance as the family passed the cheering crowds. Irina's Imperial Escorts, the Horse-Guards were leading the way followed again by the Life-Guards led by Jack.
The Imperial carriage carrying the Tsar Irina, and the Grand Duchess' Sydney and Tsarevicha Lena followed them. The Uhlan, Dragoon, Cuirassier, Hussar, and Cossack squadrons and regiments followed next and finally the Military School Cadets. The Procession, not nearly as long as it was for the Coronation was still very impressive and the Russian people rejoiced in pride as it passed.
"Are you nervous?" Irina reached over and took hold of Sydney's hand with a smile while Lena stared wide-eyed at the cheering people along the street.
"Yes." Sydney smiled squeezing her mother's hand and Irina felt it trembling.
"Me too." Irina answered with a smile.
"You? Why are you nervous?" Sydney was shocked; her mother was usually the calm and sane one amongst chaos. That thought made her smile remembering the time she thought her mother was 'insane' amongst the chaos, like the day on the ice rink when she told her she stole all the Rambaldi pieces from the NSA and then wanted to give them, and Sloane's back.
"My child is getting married." Irina blinked back tears again with a smile, holding her daughter's gaze for a moment before turning away to once again wave at her adoring public.
The entire Procession and wedding were broadcasting LIVE all around the world.
"How are you doing, son?" Mikhail came into the Groom's Room to see Vaughn and smiled widely when he saw his nervous child fumbling with his top button in front of a mirror. Vaughn was decked out in his red Imperial Military uniform that he'd worn to the Coronation. Today he would become an Official Member of the Imperial Family and join Jack as a Life-Guard to Her Imperial Majesty Empress Irina.
"I'm shaking so hard I can't button it." Vaughn sighed frustrated.
"Let me help you." Mikhail walked towards, limping only slightly now on his new prosthetic that absolved him of the use of his cane. He came to stand in front of Vaughn and smiled as his fingers took hold of the troubling pieces. "I'm so proud of you. Of the man you've become." He said softly looking into Vaughn's eyes with unshed tears. "No father could be prouder." He finished the button and cupped Vaughn's face with his strong hand, the other to his shoulder. "I'm so thankful, that I am able to be here. To be a part of this special day and standing up with you, Michael. It is such an honor. Thank you. I love you, son."
Vaughn had tears running down his cheeks and a smile lit his face taking hold of his father's neck and bringing him quickly into his arms.
"I love you, Dad." He said softly into his ear as they were hugging, "And I'm so proud, to be your son."
Mikhail's tears fell as he closed his eyes with a happy sigh, squeezing Vaughn more tightly with the words. This was the first time his son had ever said those words to him. They held onto each other a moment before stepping back and Mikhail once again cupped his son's face, looking into his eyes with a smile before letting it slide to his shoulder.
"I won't ask if you're nervous." He laughed softly, "I can see that." He looked down at Vaughn's hands still shaking. "I promise, that once you see Sydney at the end of the aisle nothing else will exist but the two of you."
"I can't wait to see her." Vaughn smiled happily, wiping his tear tracks. "I couldn't sleep at all last night just thinking about her, and how incredibly beautiful she is already. I can't imagine what she's going to look like today."
"Breathtaking." Mikhail smiled and laughed, "Just don't forget to breathe like Jack, when he saw Irina."
Vaughn laughed with him remembering their wedding well.
"Today is a big day for you. Becoming part of the Imperial Family of Russia, an Officer in Her Majesty's Life-Guards and the best part-"
"Marrying the girl of my dreams." Vaughn finished with a smile that matched his fathers. "I knew the moment I saw her, even though I thought she was insane." They both laughed, Mikhail remembering the story of how the two met, "I knew I was going to marry her. Sydney was unlike anyone else, I'd ever known."
"You're soul-mates." Mikhail smiled. "Irina and I were never meant to be. We were the best of friends and still are but it was our children, who were destined for each other. I couldn't be more happy for the two of you."
The loud thundering of the bells and the roars of cheers they heard coming from outside alerted them that the Procession had arrived.
"Come in." Vaughn called out when they heard the knocking at the door and Weiss burst in with an enormous smile. "They're here and you are going to die, Buddy, when you see Sydney."
Vaughn's smile lit his eyes and his heart began to thunder in his chest.
"Let's go."
*Canon in D*
Carrie, Bella, Katya and Sophia had all been waiting for them in their gorgeous blue frost bridesmaid dresses that were also designed as part of Vera's 'Romanov Collection' that hinted at their Russian heritage and were simply stunning as they shimmered in the satiny fabric.
"Oh wow," Carrie gasped with wide eyes staring at the two as they appeared at the bottom of the staircase leading into the church with Lena being carried beside them by Jack. Carrie was already nervous for taking part in such a historical and enormous event and seeing the women in front of her making their way towards them, took her breath away with the reality of Irina's royal status dressed in full Regalia and Sydney beside her, absolutely stunning in her incredible dress.
Sydney had gone to wait in a small room in the back of the cathedral so that Vaughn wouldn't see her until it was time to walk down the aisle and the others organized themselves to begin walking down the aisle.
Vaughn met them in the back and smiled widely when he saw Irina, waiting for him with an enormous smile of her own as her Ladies removed the Imperial Robe.
"Your Majesty," He took her hand in his gloved one and kissed it with a smile and a slight bow, "You look simply stunning." He would never get over the thud in his heart and the awe he felt seeing her dressed in Full Regalia. It was always an awe-inspiring site to behold.
"Thank you, Michael. You look very handsome yourself." Irina smiled at him brilliantly taking in his appearance. Sydney was truly getting her own Prince Charming.
Carrie and Marshall set off down the long aisle followed by Sophia and Julian.
"All right, my beautiful little Tsarivecha Lena," Weiss smiled taking Lena from Jack's arms and the baby smiled widely. "We're almost up. I've got the most beautiful girl to walk down with." He smiled and Jack helped him to straighten her long gown over Weiss' arm and smiled at the both of them, giving a soft nod at Weiss.
Katya and Sergei followed just after Sophia and Julian and then Bella and Mikhail followed after them. All parting company when they reached the front to stand on each side.
"Show time." Weiss smiled and stepped in line, walking slowly with Lena down the aisle as the entire church continued to 'awe' at just how precious she was and looked. Her dark little soft curls coming out from around her tiara and wearing the biggest smile as she clapped her way down the aisle, entertaining them all with her mere presence and smile. When they reached the front, Weiss handed the baby to Bella.
"Here we go." Vaughn took a deep breath with a smile as everyone turned around and a collective gasp went through the people as he began his ascent up the aisle with the gorgeous Tsar on his arm. When they reached the front, he kissed her cheek and Irina his with enormous smiles and went to take their places.
As soon as Irina and Vaughn had set off down the aisle, Jack rapt softly on the door, "Sydney, it's time, Sweetheart." He opened the door and once again he could not stop the tears that began to flood his eyes. "You look so beautiful." He kissed her forehead softly, bringing tears to both their eyes. "I love you... so much."
"I love you, too, Daddy." She smiled and took his arm. "Let's go."
*Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring*
As the first notes of the song began to play on a single violin in the orchestra everyone turned their attention to the back of the cathedral and waited for Sydney to appear. Like an angel, she stepped into view with the choirs' voices suddenly joining in.
When Josh Groban sang his first words from the balcony above them, Sydney and Jack began their walk; both of them in tears no matter how hard they tried to blink them back.
Vaughn was in tears the moment he saw her appear in the back of the church and the tears now ran silently down his cheeks as he smiled, eyes locked on Sydney's while she made her way towards him.
Everyone in the church gasping softly as the gorgeous young Grand Duchess passed on the arm of her handsome father.
"Wow." Will whispered in awe of Sydney's beauty as she passed him, tears in his own eyes with happiness for her.
They stopped at the front and Jack kissed Sydney's cheek with a smile and turned to Vaughn, taking his hand and connecting it with Sydney's with the same smile. He looked at them both smiling as Irina stepped down to join him behind them, taking her hand in his and waiting for the priest.
"Who here gives this woman to be married to this man?" The priest asked in Russian, smiling at the couples in front of him.
"Her mother and I do." Jack smiled replying in the same Russian, looking over at Irina and squeezing her fingers, both with tears flooding their eyes. They looked back at the priest and waited for his nod before separating and going back to stand in their positions.
The priest went onto read the scriptures and talk of the sacrament of marriage and as Mikhail promised, everything drowned out but the sight of Sydney before him for Vaughn.
"You are so beautiful." He whispered bringing more tears to Sydney's eyes when she saw those in his.
The priest kissed a white cloth and then wrapped their hands together with it, just as was done in Jack and Irina's wedding ceremony.
"She's absolutely beautiful." Kendall felt himself tearing up as he looked at Sydney and Judy smiled at him with tears in her own eyes, linking her arm with him in the pew; both so happy for her.
Lena was getting anxious and wanted her Mama and everyone laughed, as she enthusiastically bobbed in Bella's arms crying, "Mama, mama, mama!" Reaching for Irina in front of them with both arms, her tiny fingers grasping at the air. When she wouldn't stop, the priest paused with a radiant smile as they all watched Irina turn and take her baby who immediately planted a sloppy kiss on her mother's cheek and everyone 'awed' again. They were absolutely enamored with the sight of their Tsar and her baby, their heir, together, especially dressed in Full Regalia. To see their beautiful Empress in the role of both Tsar and mother, at the same time, was breathtaking and a source of major pride to see her fully as Mother Russia.
"Sorry." Irina smiled sheepishly with a whisper to Vaughn and Sydney who were only watching the exchange with the same amusement as everyone else at Lena interrupting with her calls for 'Mama.' Once she was in Irina's arms, Lena calmed immediately and watched with fascination what was happening in front of her, all the while running her little palm softly back and forth over Irina's neck.
"I, Her Imperial Highness: Sydney Anne Ivanova Romanova Bristowva, Grand Duchess of all Russia," Sydney began in Russian with tears in her eyes flooding her sight and smiling, "Take you, Grand Duke Michael Andre Vaughn Vontonavich."
Mikhail gasped softly with wide-eyes having no idea that his son was using his real last name in the ceremony.
"To be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in good times and bad," Sydney smiled more brilliantly at the thought of all the good and bad they'd already stood by each other through. "In sickness and health, for as long as we both shall live." Her voice was quivering and tears were streaming off her chin.
"I, Grand Duke: Michael Andre Vaughn Vontonavich, take you Your Imperial Highness: Sydney Anne Ivanova Romanova Bristowva, Grand Duchess of all Russia," His own eyes were blinking hard with the pooling tears as he smile, "To be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, in good times and bad," His smile widened when he felt he squeeze his hand with the last part, "In sickness and health, for as long as we both shall live."
Their smiles were both radiant and the vows left not a dry eye in the church. The priest unwrapped their hands for the exchanging of the rings and Vaughn turned to Weiss to get Sydney's ring. When he turned and saw the tears coursing down Weiss's cheeks he reached out and hugged him tightly, brothers of the heart. They had been through so much together.
Sydney had turned to Irina at the same time and both let a small sob escape as Sydney reached forward and wrapped her arms around her mother, kissing her cheek and crying before she pulled back, kissed Lena and then took the ring from her mother. "I love you, Mommy." She smiled at Irina again with a scrunched up face and smile trying not to sob again.
"I love you, Sweetheart." Irina leaned forward and kissed each of her cheeks and then her forehead, before giving a soft nod and Sydney turned around.
Sydney smiled through her tears and giggled softly when she slid the band onto Vaughn's finger. When she held her hand to him and he took it gently, sliding her own gorgeous ring up her long finger, his eyes were locked onto hers. He reached up softly with his hand and wiped her tears that brought only more.
The priest anointed both their heads with the sign of the cross, blessing them. "You may now kiss your bride." He announced with a smile and Vaughn slowly moved in on Sydney, kissing her deeply and beautifully all at the same time as everyone clapped.
When they parted, their radiant smiled beamed their happiness and they couldn't take their eyes off each other as they stood waiting for the second part of the ceremony.
Irina had passed the baby back to Bella and her Ladies in Waiting had brought forth her robe, placing it back around her shoulders. Her tiara was replaced with the Imperial Crown and her Scepter and Orb were placed in each hand.
*PMs Love Theme*
Everyone watched in awed silence as Irina moved and the orchestra began playing her song, the Imperial Theme of the Tsar. She smiled at both Vaughn and Sydney as she passed them to take her seat on the throne before them, under the Main Altar. Her long robe and train; winding and pooling at her feet as she took a seat upon the glorious golden and red, regally poised and absolutely gorgeous.
Sydney stepped off to the side and watched as the red velvet covered pillow was placed in front of Vaughn. He was anointed by, the priest making a cross on his forehead.
"You know I see her like this… and I'm blown away every time." Kendall smiled whispering to Judy looking at Irina on her throne in Full Regalia and looking every bit the gorgeous and magnificent Imperial Tsar. "Like I can't believe I'm in her presence... she's like this 'Supreme-Being." His smile widened and he laughed softly, "And now, I am looking at her, and I can't help but flash to the woman in Vegas, doing that dance to Legs… and I realize, they are the same person. Right now, my brain is having a hard time reconciling the two."
Vaughn knelt on the pillow and Irina rose from her throne, coming to stand in front of him with an enormous smile as she saw his happiness and nervousness. She handed her Orb and Scepter to her attendant and removed her crown, touching it lightly to Vaughn's forehead before putting it back on. The blue sash was handed to her and she kissed it before placing it around his head.
"I feel the same." Judy whispered a moment later, laughing softly and thinking about Irina dressed as a Fem-bot and looking at her before them in complete awe. "I think that she is a truly unique and wonderful ruler. A ruler of the people… and someone who wears many 'hats." She laughed softly.
Dixon had to laugh glancing over at Chase; her eyes were bugging out of her head staring at Irina. "It's incredible and unbelievable, I know." He whispered, linking his fingers with hers, "We were so very wrong about her."
The Imperial symbol of The Romanov's and the Order of St. Andrew followed. Irina smiled and summoned Vaughn to stand before her. When he did she smiled at him and then nod. Watching with radiance in her eyes and smiled as he rejoined Sydney.
*There For Me*
Sydney looked back at Irina, smiling happily, unbelievably happy. Irina nodded at her with a smile as they made their way down the aisle with everyone clapping.
"You know the really cool thing about being royal?" Weiss turned to Mikhail whispering, watching as Irina took Jack's arm, making their way down the aisle with smiles. "You can get the original artists to sing at your wedding." He laughed softly looking up into the balcony.
He stepped forward and took Lena out of Bella's arms, and laughed softly when Lena waved at everyone with a smile on the way back down. Everyone was in love with this charming and delightful child.
Mikhail and Bella's eyes met with a knowing smile as they moved towards each other to link arms. Their only child, their little boy, their 'Little Prince' had grown up to become one in real life and they couldn't be more happy for him seeing his tears of joy throughout the entire ceremony.
Sydney rode with Irina and Lena in the Imperial Carriage again, while Vaughn mounted his own white steed as a new Officer of Her Majesty's Imperial Life-Guards and rode on the opposite side of Jack, leading the Procession back to Alexander. Vaughn's horse and the other carriages were brought to the cathedral ahead of time so that they would be ready for the return to the palace. Bella, Mikhail and his mother Talia, followed Irina as the parents and grandmother of the groom and then Katya and Marcelo, Sergei and Julian, Sophia and Weiss and Carrie and Marshall, each in their own carriage in pairs of two.
"I feel like I'm in a fairy-tale." Carrie whispered to Marshall smiling looking at all the cheering happy faces and riding in a carriage wearing a princess dress. This was the most surreal moment of her life. She leaned over and kissed him quickly, making him blush. "My mother's watching this on television. Wave!" She smiled and both she and Marshall started waving to the cameras and people.
Alexander Palace
"Your Majesty," President Bush reached for Irina's hand and kissed it with a smile. "I must commend you on an absolutely stunning party. I was told you were the mastermind behind this glorious setup." He smiled with Laura looking around at the gorgeous gardens decorated for the massive reception; now lit up with millions of tiny white lights and the illuminated white tent awnings in the dark. Even the fountains were lit and timed to 'dance.'
"Absolutely beautiful, Your Majesty." Laura smiled happily. The Imperial titles had come out on such a formal occasion. "And the wedding was so beautiful. The Grand Duchess Sydney is just gorgeous." Their eyes turned to Sydney who was on Vaughn's arm currently talking and laughing with Prince William of Great Britain and his date, Julia, along with their own twin girls, Jenna and Barbara.
"Thank you, President… First Lady." Irina smiled at them and shifted Lena who was asleep against her chest, with her little head on Irina's shoulder, sucking on her pacifier. The reception was just finishing up with dinner and preparing for the dance.
"It won't be long and this 'little one' will be marching down the aisle, too." The President ran his softly over Lena's arm, smiling and laughing softly.
"Oh please, don't say that… I can't bear to think of how fast time flies in regards to my children." Irina smiled and nestled her cheek against Lena's hair. "It goes by much too quickly."
"She was absolutely precious in calling out for you in the ceremony." Laura smiled laughing with the others standing around them in agreement. "What a beautiful baby."
"Thank you." Irina smiled laughing softly. She felt the sudden kicking of four little legs and her smile widened, looking over at Jack. He knew exactly what was going on by the look in her eyes and he smiled back, enjoying their secret. Irina's dress had been altered perfectly in such a way that the skirt covered her belly and no one suspected she was pregnant at all.
"I can't believe how big she's gotten since I saw her last on the show." Oprah smiled, running her fingers over Lena's satiny gown. "I have to thank you both again," She smiled at Jack and Irina, "For inviting me to this fantastic celebration and allowing me to tape parts of the ceremony and private reception today and also next week's show, from here in St. Petersburg. Our ratings were the highest in the history of our show when we broadcast your interviews. Everyone loves The Romanovs. We received so many wonderful emails and letters about your family." She smiled at Irina.
"Yes, they were lovely. Thank you for having them forwarded on to us." Irina returned the smile and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "If there is anything else I can do for you this week while you're here, just let me know."
Oprah was taping a special week long, series of shows in Russia and Irina was going to be giving her another interview about The Romanovs and what really happened with her grandparents and mother and father in the Revolution. She also planned on revealing her pregnancy for the first time to the world, something even Oprah didn't know about yet, but was sure to be thrilled. She would do a public address immediately before the show on the Russian networks, and then immediately go into taping the show with Oprah to let the world know at the same time.
"I can't thank you for allowing me and my viewers a glimpse into your lives here in Russia. I've never been this excited to shoot the show on location and this is my first trip to Russia, ever!" Oprah laughed standing next to Stedmond, her long time boyfriend, "When I received the return call from your Publicist, Annika, saying that it was all right with you to film the show here I called Gail right away and said, 'Girl, you'll never guess where we're going!" They all laughed looking over at her friend. "When I asked her how her Russian was immediately after, she started screaming into the phone. I think I may have suffered permanent hearing loss." She laughed her deep giggle, trading her empty champagne flute for a new one as the waiter with the tray came by.
"I can't help it, Your Majesty, I was so excited! I am still! I don't think I'll come down from Cloud Nine until a few months from now!" Gail laughed with them, "Thank you so much for allowing me to come, too."
"You're very welcome. The best way to experience Russia is with the ones you love and your best friends." Irina smiled in return. Oprah's show with her billions of viewers, worldwide was also good for Russia and Irina was intelligent enough to know 'how good' it could be for Russia to have the world see it in a positive light and in turn, Oprah was donating a million dollars to each of the orphanages. Besides that, her family loved Oprah after meeting the happy woman and being on her show. She was almost as hilarious as Weiss; in fact the two were getting along quite well sharing many laughs. Will was also excited in meeting the woman he, Sydney and Francie used to watch for hours. She in turn, was very excited when introduced to him, after having read all about him in Irina's book, 'Truth Takes Time.'
Jack chatted softly with the Presidents of France and the United States as well as the Prime Minister of Britain and Japan and their wives but Irina was lost in looking across at her eldest daughter, glowing with laughter and happiness. Her eyes immediately began to tear up thinking about what Sydney had said to her earlier that afternoon.
Sydney felt eyes on her and turned to find her mother watching her with a smile, her sister sleeping on her chest. The group around them chatting but her mother's attention, she clearly held. She reached for Vaughn's hand and excused herself from her guests, smiling as they headed towards her parents, now joined by Will, Weiss, Sophia and Julian. "Hi Mom." She smiled radiantly looking at her beautiful mother, now out of her Imperial robes and crown and back to the more comfortable tiara. She leaned in and kissed her cheek seeing the unshed tears in her eyes and smiled, dropping a light kiss to Lena's arm. "She's so tired." She cooed looking at her adorable sister.
"It's a big day for her." Irina smiled looking between her two daughters. "She's had so much fun though." She laughed. "I think she's smiled and waved at every single person here. A thousand smiles and waves would wear anyone out." They all laughed.
"She's absolutely beautiful, Your Majesty." Will smiled, tilting his head to admire the sleeping baby. "I can't believe how much she looks just like you."
"She's Mom's Mini-Me." Sydney smiled proudly, kissing Lena's arm again. "How are you doing?" She asked softly, looking into her mother's eyes, careful to not reveal anything but worried that her mother had been on her feet so much today with no rest.
"I'm wonderful, thank you for asking, Sweetheart." Irina reached out and caressed Sydney's face with the back of her hand. "How are you doing?"
"Fantastic." Sydney smiled radiantly and wrapped her arms around Vaughn's middle.
"Your Majesty, we're ready to begin." A man approached them with a smile, looking at Irina.
*Making Memories of Us*
Vaughn and Sydney took the dance floor first, swaying and spinning slowly, holding each other close as they danced together.
"They are so cute." Carrie cooed with a smile as they sat watching them.
"I just can't stop thinking about the day they met." Weiss smiled feeling himself tearing up again and blinking them back.
"Are you crying?" Carrie teased him, loving the fact he was emotional. "You are!"
"I can't help it." Weiss shrugged with a smile and blurry eyes. "That day Sydney came into our office, beat all to hell, bleeding out of the mouth, her teeth were gone, face swollen and that wild red hair… her determination. Mike and I both thought she was crazy." He laughed and everyone else did. "But I could just tell… by the way he was studying her as she wrote out her debriefs that he was completely in love with her from the moment she stepped into room."
Jack smiled thinking back to those years and remembering how far he and Sydney had come. He looked over at Irina who was fingering Lena's curls with her own smile watching the two dancing and hearing the story of how they met again.
"He made her happy again." Will smiled, remembering her smile when she'd come home from work and not knowing 'who' had caused it in the beginning. They all sat quietly a moment remembering how much Sydney had been through and what she lost to finally find her happiness.
"It took forever to get them together." Weiss laughed, shaking his head watching the two dancing with forehead's pressed together. "They were both afraid to break the rules, so they said… but I think its because they knew how entirely 'right' they would be together." He turned his smile to Irina, "Mike told me that it was you, Your Majesty," He addressed her and she cocked her head to the side with a smile, listening, "That pushed him to tell Sydney how he felt about her when you were in our custody."
"Really?" Judy turned her smile to Irina as well. Fascinated to learn this information.
"I just hated to see my daughter unhappy and I could see the longing in both their eyes. Even from behind the glass." Irina smiled with her famous grin and beautiful eyes when everyone chuckled softly.
"Yes, I can admit now it annoyed the hell out of me that she spotted their connection after spending a half hour with them over three months and I didn't see it until she pointed it out." Jack laughed, moving his hand to pick up Irina's and kiss it when everyone laughed.
"Apparently, there was a lot about me that annoyed you back then, Jack." Irina smirked and gave him her deviant eyes when everyone laughed again knowing what their relationship had been like.
"It will certainly be entertaining to watch that time frame in the upcoming film." Ann smiled widely, only hearing excerpts from Irina's return.
"Oh yes, it will certainly be interesting." Weiss smirked looking at Irina and Jack, "I, for one, am looking forward to finding out what really happened in Panama. You know… how it all went down." He made the dramatic hand gestures and everyone died in sudden laughter looking at them and the baby against her chest. Jack and Irina just looked at each other smiling. "See! There you go thinking about it again!" Weiss pointed, smiling and laughing, "You can see it in your eyes every time you're thinking about it!"
"I heard Bangkok was pretty interesting as well." Kendall smirked and they all laughed again. "I still can't believe these supposed clandestine missions are now going to be seen on the big screen." He shook his head laughing.
The CIA had to find a way to explain to the world why they executed the Tsar of Russia, and the only way to do that, was to tell the truth and let them see how events unfolded. They weren't really concerned about the missions being exposed now, with Irina's celebrity and the public's already, vast knowledge of her life and the Bristows. Cuvee kidnapping them recently had to be explained, as well as the reason she was arrested when nine months pregnant after the magazine released photos of her after being kidnapped by Sloane.
"Well, when you 'see' the mission to Bangkok and what she was wearing combined with the high adrenaline rush of watching her in action, you'll know why my ship during that mission began sinking and all out sunk in Panama." Jack tilted his head to the side holding out his glass of champagne with a sexy smile and knowing eyes while they all laughed.
"You know… the CIA is also partially responsible for my pregnancy in Panama." Irina smiled enigmatically, pausing a moment to gauge their reactions. "When I turned myself in, I was denied my prescriptions for almost a year." She saw the instant recognition in the faces of the female agents but it was lost on the men including Jack who had no idea what she was talking about.
"Well, of course you're not going to be allowed to take any kind of drugs as a prisoner." Kendall shook his head with an amused smiled though not understanding. "What the hell kind of prescription did we take away that made the CIA partially responsible?"
Before she even answered, Judy, Carrie, Vicki and even Chase were laughing softly. Even the women who weren't in the CIA had a very good idea 'what prescription' Irina was denied if it had to due with pregnancy.
"My birth control." Irina answered with a deviant smile and laugh, kissing Lena's head and Weiss and Marshall both spit their drinks out and Kendall burned bright red with embarrassment, even Devlin was chuckling. "Not that it all didn't work out for the best in the end; as we now have a beautiful baby I couldn't imagine my life without." She smiled, rubbing her nose softly against Lena's hair.
"Well, hell… damn it!" Kendall floundered embarrassed, "We didn't have any idea that Jack was going to sleep with you! You were a prisoner for Christ-sake! You shouldn't have needed it!" His response only made everyone laugh harder and Jack burn bright red with embarrassment. First, by Irina's sudden reveal she had been on birth control when she turned herself into the CIA, that fact making him flinch internally knowing that if she was on birth control, she was obviously having sex and lots of it... with a 'steady partner.' Dubey suddenly popped into his head and the kiss with Irina on the beach made him cringe all over again and the second, with Kendall's response.
"Actually, thinking about it now and even back then," Ben smiled at Jack, thinking about the crazy couple, "I am surprised Jack waited ten months and didn't find some way to loop the monitors and seduce her in the cell even with their history."
The words had barely left Devlin's mouth before Weiss, Marshall, Dixon, and Kendall were rolling with laughter they tried desperately and failed miserably to hold in.
Jack sighed heavily and covered his eyes with his hand as flashes of his broadcast production with Irina in her cell and a slow smile spread across his face with the happy memories of that in spite of its publicity. 'They still had yet to watch that tape.' He remembered with a smile.
"Apparently we all missed something." Director Chase eyed her boyfriend with a curious smile and then to the others who were left out of the loop.
Irina rolled her eyes with a smile at her luck and was thankful they were saved from any further discussion when the song ended and it was Jack's turn to dance with his daughter. He stood and took her hand from Vaughn with a smile when they came to the table.
*Father and Daughter*
Vaughn came and sat beside Irina and took Jack's vacated seat with a smile.
"Oh, I love this song." Judy smiled, her hands folded under her chin watching them dancing.
"He used to dance with her to this, all the time when she was little." Irina smiled, feeling tears in her eyes remembering and watching them now.
"I love the idea of having a combination wedding reception, mixing the Imperial formal with informal." Silvia smiled. "It's so much fun this way."
"That was Sydney's idea. She wanted both and I think it's more fun this way, as well." Irina smiled watching them on the dance floor. "The ceremony was so formal we wanted the reception to be more laid back… where everyone could 'let their hair down,' as they say." She laughed softly.
"It's fabulous." Silvia smiled brightly. They watched them in silence for a few minutes when she grasped Katya's hand on the table with a smile. "I think that my daughter and your son… are falling in love." She nodded in the direction where Sergei and Princess Madeleine were sitting on the side of the fountain, away from everyone else and talking and laughing quietly together; radiant smiles on both of their faces. "She's completely smitten with him. He's all she talked about since our trip to Las Vegas."
"And Sergei of her." Sophia smiled happily joining in on watching her brother and the beautiful Swede off in the dark. "You say her name and he can't tear the smile off his face."
"He's such a handsome young man." Silvia admired her daughter's choice, "Those eyes of his…make any woman swoon." She laughed softly with Katya.
"Thank you for everything, Dad." Sydney pulled back to look her father in his eyes and was surprised to find tears there. "I honestly never thought this would ever happen; you and I sharing a Father Daughter dance at my wedding." She added softly, tears in her own eyes thinking about the great distance between the two.
"When you were little, I used to think about this day, your wedding day, the day when we'd dance to this song." Jack replied smoothly, looking into her beautiful brown eyes flickering with gold and unshed tears. "When you got older and we had grown considerably apart, I realized that we would never have that Father Daughter dance I had pictured in my mind when you were little. Sydney," He paused collecting himself as the tears threatened to fall, "After your mother left, I was a terrible father to you and for that, I am so very sorry."
"Dad…" Sydney began, tears coursing down her cheeks.
"No, Sydney, I need to say this." Jack reached up and wiped her tears with a smile, "There could never be a father loved his daughter more then I love you…' I love you, Sweetheart, today, tomorrow and always. From the moment your mother told me she was pregnant with you, I've loved you. Even when I was watching you from the shadows as you raised yourself, I loved you." He smiled, a single tear making its way down his own face. "It is I, who want to thank you for allowing me this opportunity to make it up to you, for giving us this Father Daughter dance but more importantly, for just being you. You brought an immeasurable joy into my life that had not existed, until you did. You are everything good about my life." He reached up to brush the new tears from her cheek, "I love you, Sydney."
Sydney could barely breathe so overcome with emotion listening to him.
"I love you too, Daddy." She smiled through her tears and threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as more tears and small sob escaped.
When the song ended and the orchestra struck up a new song for everyone to dance to, though in following with formal tradition, they waited until their Tsar took the dance floor first.
*L.O.V.E*
"May I have the pleasure of the first dance, Your Majesty?" Jack bowed as ever the gentleman in his handsome white uniform, holding out his hand to Irina with a gorgeous smile everyone 'awed' their cuteness again. He helped her to stand with Lena against her chest, and the three of them took the dance floor. Jack was holding both of them with laughter and smiles against him.
"You're so beautiful." He smiled staring intently into Irina's eyes as the rest of the world melted away for a moment. "You both are." He bent his head down to kiss Lena's little forehead. Within moments, other couples scurried onto the dance floor from all sides with laughter and smiles.
"Hey, you two crazy kids… stop undressing each other with your eyes. You're making me blush." Weiss and Sophia danced beside them and laughed. "Your Majesty, I just have to tell you how incredible you look this evening." Weiss smiled, giving her a slight bow. "I get the next dance with you, ok?" He smiled and winked at Jack and made them all laugh.
"Then I will have the opportunity to dance with the beautiful Grand Duchess Sophia." Jack smiled radiantly at his niece.
The song ended and Jack kissed Irina on the lips with a lingering gaze as he stepped aside and took Sophia's hand, kissing it.
*It Had To Be You*
"May I have this dance, Your Imperial Highness?" Jack smiled his beautiful grin and Sophia laughed.
"Of course Uncle." Sophia stepped into his arms.
"Your Majesty," Weiss gave her a slight bow with a smile before taking Irina and Lena in his arms.
"You look very handsome this evening, Eric." She smiled at him and made him go weak in the knees. "And Sophia certainly looks beautiful."
Their gaze turned and fell to where she and Jack were currently spinning around the floor laughing.
"She's gorgeous. She's always gorgeous." Weiss smiled happily and Irina studied his face.
"You're really in love with her, aren't you?" She asked and saw him blush when he nodded.
"She's my own little 'Wild Thing," He smiled with his eyes on Sophia who was laughing at something that Jack said apparently. "I'm sure they're laughing about me. Not that I mind. I am always cracking jokes at Jack's and your expense." His eyes darted back to Irina's with serious concern, "You're not upset with me for that are you? I don't try to be, it's just you two give me so many opportunities I just can't help myself." He mumbled nervously and Irina laughed.
"Of course I don't mind. I love your sense of humor… in fact it reminds me a lot of Jack when we first got together." She smiled brilliantly at his as they swept around the dance floor.
"He was pretty funny in that first film." Weiss laughed thinking about Jack's approach to women and stalking them. "So you're ok with me being a 'joking jackass?" He gave her a cute smile.
"Absolutely. I wouldn't want you to be anything but what you are. If ever you cross the line, you'll know." Irina cocked her eyebrow at him with a dangerous smile.
"And leave a horse's head in my bed." Weiss added and they both laughed at the 'Godfather' reference again. "Have you felt any activity?" He whispered in such a way that Irina couldn't help but laugh at him again.
"Yes." She nodded with an enormous smile. "Last night we felt them both kick." She whispered back and his eyes went wide. "They're doing it now."
"Damn it!" Weiss cursed softly under his breath, knowing he couldn't feel them now, with everyone watching and no one knowing she was pregnant yet.
"Before we go to bed. I promise if they're still awake, I'll tell you." Irina flashed another brilliant smile, loving the fact he was so eager and excited about it.
"Oh my God," Weiss gasped looking over Irina's shoulder suddenly, "Who is that goddess?" He turned them so Irina could see who he was talking about and saw the beautiful woman approaching in the moonlight.
"Ash!" Irina whispered with an enormous smile, taking Weiss by the hand and casually leaving the dance floor to greet her.
"Isn't that… you know her?" Weiss asked softly with wide-eyes, recognition floating in as he followed beside Irina walking towards the beautiful brunette.
Irina's eyes were scanning the area for Julian and found him dancing with Katya blissfully unaware his world was about to be rocked.
"Yes. Very well." Irina smiled with her eyes locked on the beautiful young woman. "Ash!" She reached her and immediately embraced her carefully, mindful of Lena.
Ash was startled having never hugged or been hugged by the woman before, this side of Irina was new to her.
"Irina… I mean, Your Majesty." She laughed nervously not knowing what to call her when she stepped back to look at her, "You are absolutely gorgeous. It's been so long…" Her English heavily tinted with the British accent making her all the more exotic. "Is this Lena?" She peered at the sleeping baby. "Oh, she's absolutely beautiful." Her eyes looking up from Lena to the man standing beside Irina, "I'm so sorry I'm later then I expected. Our shoot ran long in Delhi and then my flight was delayed out of Mumbai… you know how it is." She shared a knowing smile with Irina.
Weiss was absolutely awe struck with the exotic woman before him, her piercing green eyes and flawless features.
"Ash, you are more beautiful every time I see you." Irina cupped her face with a smile taking in her graceful exotic beauty. "How is your mother?"
"She is great. She told me to say Hello and to ask when you were coming back to India for a visit?" Ash held onto Irina's hand, staring back at her with adoring eyes and loving this new warmth she saw in Irina's eyes; having always adored and admired the woman but always saw the fierce barrier which held anyone away from getting too close to her. That barrier was apparently gone and she relished the contact with the mysterious woman who had always intrigued her.
"Soon." Irina smiled, knowing that if her plan worked out, it would be very soon. "Ash, I would like to introduce you to the Grand Duke Eric Weiss, Lena's Godfather, a great friend and by extension," She smiled at him, "Family." Making him blush. "Eric, I'd like you to meet-"
"Aishwarya…the reining Queen of Bollywood, the World's Number One Box Office draw, international face of L'Oreal and Number Two on the list of the World's Most Beautiful Women, just behind present company." Weiss smiled at Irina, already knowing exactly who she was. "I saw your performance in Devdas… Fascinating." He smiled awestruck at Ash. "You are even more beautiful in person."
"Thank you." She smiled at the charming man who was blushing intensely.
"How… do the two of you know each other?" Weiss looked between them curiously. Wondering how the two could possible know each other, living such very different lives up until this last year.
"Ash's family owns a farm next to mine in India. I've known her since she was six years old." Irina smiled proudly at the beautiful woman before her. "She was usually at my house playing in the gardens or swimming in the creek." Irina remembered the two muddy children who looked positively scared to death when she caught them making mud pies in her flower garden. They were both only six years old.
"Julian and I used to get into quite a lot of mischief." Ash smiled even as her eyes took on a sudden sadness at the flash of the name and memory.
Irina saw it immediately.
"Come." She took her hand, pulling the beautiful Indian woman beside her. "I know someone who's going to be very surprised to see you." She said softly with a mischievous smile.
"Let us dance." Irina smiled zeroing in on Jack, "You two can start as a pair." She softly pushed Weiss toward the beautiful woman. He could tell by the look in Irina's eyes, she was up to something but nevertheless offered his hand to Ash and the two started dancing.
Mikhail and Bella were sitting this one out with Talia and as Irina breezed by spotted them sitting at their table.
"Would you mind terribly, watching Lena while I dance with Jack? I don't think I can waltz with a sleeping baby in my arms." She asked politely, kissing her child's head.
"Of course not." Mikhail held out his hands with a giant smile and carefully took Lena from Irina, transferring her to his own shoulder where she nestled in and fell right back into a deep sleep, sucking happily away on her pacifier. Irina smiled at Bella before joining Jack.
"I'm afraid I don't know much about this waltzing." Ash smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear as she stepped into Weiss's arms. "Bollywood films have never required this type of dancing." She smiled and they both laughed.
*Russian Waltz*
"Just follow my lead, My Lady. I won't steer you wrong." Weiss smiled and they began to sway to the favorite Russian Waltz.
"Where have you been?" Jack asked with a smile to Irina when she joined him, "Or maybe the better question is, 'what have you been up to?' I can see that naughty gleam in your eyes, My Love."
"I want your help." Irina looked around the dance floor trying to find Julian. She saw him dancing with Sydney at the far end and he obviously hadn't spotted Ash yet. "When we switch partners," She immediately jumped into her plan, her eyes scanning the floor and making Jack look at her curiously with a smile. "I need you to start dancing with Ash, see that beautiful young brunette with Eric?"
"Yes." Jack's eyes darted to the couple a few feet away. "She's very beautiful. Is that-"
"Yes, she is." Irina's smiled widened proudly looking at the beautiful young woman.
"Well since I doubt, very much that you, my wife, are trying to match make me with a woman who's old enough to be our daughter. What are you doing?" Jack looked down at her with a knowing smiling.
"When we switch I am going to step in with Julian. When we switch again, I need you to be near me so that Ash and Julian end up together." She smiled coyly.
"Are you trying to play match-maker?" Jack laughed softly watching her deviant eyes sparkle.
"Yes." Irina smiled, "They were once very much in love… and four years ago I forced Julian to make a choice. I told him that he could not be in my organization and stay with Ash; it was too dangerous for her. She was not of our world, Jack." She looked at him with sad eyes. He nodded in understanding. "He knew I was right, it was too dangerous for her and so… he broke up with her without any real explanation. They used to play together as children and she was essentially, his best friend. They were perfect together, Jack. I'd never seen him happier… than when he was with her." She talked fast, knowing they didn't have a lot of time.
"And now that he's out of that life, you are hoping that their connection will still be there?" Jack asked softly with a smile. She nodded and it grew. "You are a such a romantic." He kissed her lips softly, "I'll help you."
When the time for the switch came, Jack stepped in with Ash and Irina turned to step in with Julian.
"Hello." Jack smiled at the beautiful green-eyed brunette who was slightly stunned to be dancing with the Emperor Consort.
"Hello, Mama." Julian smiled, taking her into his arms.
They danced quietly for a minute before Irina timed it down to just seconds before the switch before she spoke, her eyes darting to Jack's to make sure he was keeping Ash's back to Julian's and ready for the switch.
"Julian, do you remember when I said that your real birthday gift would arrive in a couple of weeks?" Irina looked up at him with a dangerous smile.
"Yes..." Julian asked slowly looking at her knowing she was up to something with the look in her eyes.
"Happy Birthday." Irina kissed his cheek and turned him for the switch the same time Jack turned Ash and the two fell into each other with wide-eyes.
Julian was too stunned to move and stood there staring into her beautiful green eyes. Ash was equally stunned, not prepared to meet him like this. Both of their hearts began to race and they stood stone still, just inches from each other while everyone danced around them.
Jack cleared his throat loudly beside them as he danced with Irina and when Julian looked over, both his parents were making head gestures at him to dance with her. Julian snapped out of it and held up his hand and Ash took it; he pulled her body closer to his and the two began to dance silently, looking into each other's eyes.
Jack and Irina both were watching them intensely. When the dance was over, they stood back from each other and clapped along with everyone else but not taking their eyes off each other.
"I think you may be right about that connection, Mama." Jack smiled watching as the two looked at each other as if they were the only ones there.
*Unforgetable*
Julian stepped forward once more, holding his hand out to her as the next slow song started. Hesitantly, Ash accepted and fell into his arms. They danced silently together again and Julian pulled her closer, his cheek resting against the side of her head, both lost in thought. She couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes trying hard to blink them back, unable to look at him as her heart felt like it was breaking all over again as they dance and listening to the lyrics of the song.
Julian was afraid to breathe and make her disappear, his gloved hand playing softly with her fingers as he held them, his nose inhaling her intoxicating sent. "I'm afraid if I breathe," Julian finally spoke in a whisper, directly into her ear, "That you will disappear."
Ash closed her eyes and couldn't stop the single tear that escaped.
"Then why did you push me away?" She whispered into his ear.
"To protect you. I loved you too much… to lose you." Julian whispered, feeling his own eyes building with tears unshed, and he nuzzled his nose against her silky brown hair further.
"That doesn't make any sense, Julian." Ash reached up to wipe a tear and her knew she was crying. "Why didn't you just tell me what you did?" She knew now after watching their lives unfold on television and the news, what he had done for a living.
"I could never live with myself, if something happened to you then, because of me, because of what I did. It was too dangerous for you… to love you then, for you to love me." His heart was breaking all over again thinking about their separation now. "I wanted you to have a happy life without living with the threat of dying and danger looming over your head. You deserved so much… everything the world had to offer… I just wanted you to be safe and happy."
"I was happy with you. I felt safe with you." Ash whispered back, not trying to stop the tears coursing down her cheeks now. "You hurt me, Julian."
"I am sorry." He whispered, feeling his heart burning with her tearful voice in his ear.
"You broke my heart." Ash whispered with a soft sniffle, reaching up to wipe her cheeks.
"Let me fix it." Julian nuzzled his face into her, his lips just beside her ear and pulled her hand in his between their hearts.
They both fell silent after that, holding onto each other. She turned her face more into his and closed her eyes, reveling being in his arms again.
Irina's eyes were filled with tears watching them dance and Jack nuzzled his own face against hers.
*Celebrate*
"Woo-hoo!" Sydney yelped when the song changed and the bodies and the on dance floor immediately started jumping around and dancing wildly with laughter.
"Oh God, Jack!" Irina laughed at the song even though they were both dancing along. "I haven't listened to Earth, Wind and Fire for years!"
"Neither have I but hell, do as the song says, 'Celebrate good times come on!" Jack laughed, and pulled on her arm twirling her under his and dancing like they hadn't since their own wedding, both singing with the song.
"Do you remember Sydney in the car, singing along with the 'woo-hoos' from the backseat?" Irina asked him laughing when she whirled by, seeing her daughter singing along with them now.
"Yes!" Jack laughed, remembering his toddler enthusiastically throwing her hands up in the air singing along, "What was she? Three?"
"Yes." Irina nodded and they both looked over at her now, in her wedding dress going crazy with Will and Vaughn laughing. "Where did the time go?" She asked quietly, taking on a certain sadness, in her eyes even with her smile that her little girl had grown up so quickly.
"I don't know." Jack sighed, and shook his head thinking the exact same thing. He suddenly burst out laughing when he looked over and saw President Bush dancing with his daughters, his twins… wildly and smiled thinking about the fact he still had two on the way. "Come on!" He tugged on her hand and they went over and joined with the younger ones in 'celebrating.'
Barnett was enjoying herself immensely and laughing with Kendall as they danced when Jack and Irina cutting across the dance floor caught her eye. Her smile widened when she saw them dancing and laughing with Sydney and the others, once again astonished by just how much this family had changed.
*Brick House*
"I think I'm going to sit this one out." Jack laughed, "You guys have fun dancing!" When the song changed Jack looked over to see Lena was awake and went to relieve Bella and Mikhail so they could dance.
"For Francie!" Sydney grabbed Will's hand with a smile and unshed tears, knowing how much their friend loved this song.
"For Francie!" Will smiled with his own tears and they began dancing their hearts out for her.
They formed two lines and two by two, people began to dance down the center, getting wild and putting their best alcohol induced moves out there. Will and Oprah went down the middle together followed by a hysterical Irina and Weiss whose facial expressions and moves as they sang along with the song demanded attention.
"I danced with Oprah to Francie's song!" Will smiled excitedly at Sydney when they rejoined the line. "She's got to be smiling down from Heaven watching this. Next time, you and me… and we'll give it all we've got for her!"
Sydney smiled in return, blinking back her tears with a raging smile. And they did, bringing down the house with applause and whistles.
*When I Get You Alone*
Irina was having a blast dancing with Sydney and her family and friends, laughing and smiling and thoroughly enjoying her self. Julian and Ash also seemed to be smiling and laughing as they danced with everyone else, allowing her to breathe a little easier knowing things were going in a positive direction with them and Jack, was having fun laughing at them from the table.
"I had no idea Irina Derevko had such moves." Chase smiled amused watching the mother-daughter duo on the floor tearing it up.
"You should have seen her in Vegas!" Kendall cocked his eyebrow with a smile and laughed with the rest of the table who were there to witness it. "That woman's got moves I've never seen before!"
Jack smiled shaking his head watching them on the dance floor. His wife and daughter were absolutely enjoying themselves, together.
"See… this is one of those times my brain has a hard time remembering she's the Tsar of Russia, if not for the Imperial dress, regalia and crown, watching her dancing and laughing out there. It's just incredible to think of the transformation from the woman, the Empress on the throne today and the ceremony with Vaughn, into… this wild woman and the one in Vegas!" Kendall shook his head bewildered and everyone at the table laughed.
"Irina is… 'extraordinary." Judy replied softly, looking at Jack and sharing a knowing smile, vividly remembering his own use of that word to describe the woman that day in his office, who could 'disarm' anyone with her charm.
"Yes. She is." Talia nodded with a beautiful smile. "She is her mother's daughter. Anya must be looking down at her from Heaven with such a glow, such pride in her child. Both her children." Tears began to fill her eyes as well as Sydney and Katya's when she looked at them. "She only had a few years with Irina, but it was a love that was enough to carry her a lifetime."
Jack once again felt a wave of sadness for never having the privileged chance to meet the astounding woman and mother of his beautiful wife and also the irony in Talia's word in reflection to Irina's relationship with Sydney. That Irina's love for Sydney was powerful enough that when she left, six years of that love was enough to carry Sydney for another twenty-one and probably a life-time if she had never found out about who her mother really was and began to doubt that love.
Katya also felt a pang of sudden sadness, realizing now in this moment, how short of time her mother and sister really did have together as her sister left home to America a teenager. Just sixteen years old and never saw their mother alive again.
Chase still couldn't get over the fact listening to them, hearing them speak of motherly pride, that Irina's mother was Anastasia Romanov.
"I think it's fabulous." Silvia smiled, enjoying her new friends more with every encounter. Her own family's lives had changed considerably since meeting The Romanovs, especially her relationship with her own husband after Vegas. Finding the simple joys in each other they had once loved and forgotten over the years. "Irina knows what its like to live… really live."
"That's because… she knows what its like to die." Katya smiled at her sister with a sobered expression remembering vividly the Execution, softly rocking the baby in her arms, as Lena's eyes grew heavy with sleep again. "Irina said, that she knows she's living on borrowed time now and making the most of it." She smiled more brightly, adding, "And this is Irina we're talking about, she's always been, the life of the party. The person who lights up a room just by being in it, a burning ball of energy." She laughed with them.
"My burning ball of energy." Jack smiled watching her dance and eagerly anticipating the end of the night so they could go out with a 'bang'.
"My God, Jack. I had no idea you were such a romantic!" Kendall looked at him astonished and laughed, remembering the stone cold man he'd known just a year ago.