The newlywed couple were in the carriage headed over reception. They were enjoying the ride. It was official they were husband and wife.
Right now their guests were over at the Stable Loft which was part of the Biltmore House & Gardens.
There the guests were enjoying their choice of hors d'oeuvres. Gerald spared no expense especially when it came to the food. It was after all the 4th of July. The guests had a choice of Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Mini Beef Wellington, Bacon Wrapped Scallops, Curried Vegetable Croustades, Smoked Salmon on Crostini, and Honey Almond Chicken Bouchee. In addition there were cheese and veggie trays as well as grilled vegetable platters. They also had their choice of Premium Wine.
Meanwhile the couple pulled up to the South Terrace of the gardens where Karen thought was a perfect location, because of the view. Two large white tents were up that were adjoining each other. The guests would be able to enjoy the view of the hills, forests, and blue mountains as a backdrop.
Karen was with David waiting for them. Fitz smiled. He was grateful that everyone embraced their request include their daughter. He still couldn't get over how beautiful she looked. Other than her mom she was the bell of the ball.
Fitz helped her down. David kissed her cheek, "You ready to see your reception?"
They nodded.
David took them over to the tent and opened it for them to walk in. What they saw blew them away. Olivia was floored. Seeing their ideas come to life was ten times better.
So the first tent was decorated with lavender washed reception walls. The room was lighted with a canopy of lights and crystal chandeliers.
The tables were covered with two different linens. One was a silver rose and the other was called Billie's Roses Violet.
Olivia smiled and whispered to Fitz, "Do you like the tables?"
"Love them?"
"Your daughter picked them."
"She learned from the best."
The tables alternated centerpieces. One was sprigs wind up in tall vases filled with purple orchids and plum mini calla lilies. The other centerpiece included orchids, hydrangeas, and gerbera daises in a tall glass vase. Also at each table were different pictures of the couple. At some tables it was the three.
They had a white customer dance floor with their initials monogrammed in purple. There was an area for the band which was the Bull City Syndicate who would be performing for the first part of their evening.
Olivia loved everything that she saw thus far and was read to get the party started. David radioed to his assistants.
David took the family over to the rest of the bridal party. Once they left out David went over and removed a curtain and smiled at the surprise.
The guests were finding their seats which was fine. The couple was enjoying spending time with the bridal party. They had requested their parents, grandmother, and Olivia's brother be introduced. When Debbie went to sit down Fitz & Olivia stopped her.
Fitz smiled, "Where are you going Debbie?"
"To find my seat."
"You probably won't find it since Livvie & I moved you to the family table beside your son. Your will be introduced. Livvie & I are not taking Harrison without you. It is not out of pity. We aren't them. You have a place in this family. Gone are the days where you struggle alone."
Harrison smiled. It was no coincidence that today he had felt the best he had physically in a long time. His sister and brother and law were great people. He was beyond happy to have a relationship with his sister. He couldn't wait to get better so he could move on with his life with his family, and the fact that his mom was accepted as part of that made life that much sweeter.
Olivia looked at Debbie and nodded her head to confirm she supported what her husband just said. Wow, her husband but yes he was.
Debbie went over and hugged them. She was a woman of faith. She could only be thankful for what was happening.
David came over to get everyone lined up. He took Fitz aside. Olivia looked at them, but he was only straightening his suit.
The party was introduced. Finally the newlywed couple was introduced and the applause was loud and long. It made Olivia giddy to hear that she was now Mrs. Grant.
Early on they had decided that their first song would be "All of Me" by John Legend. What Olivia didn't know was that Fitz had a little twist to their first dance as husband and wife.
The lightening was on the couple so when the crowd gasped she assumed it was because of them. Until she heard the piano start playing and a second later lighting revealed Mr. John Legend.
What would I do without your smart mouth
Drawing me in, and you kicking me out
You got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down
What's going on in that beautiful mind
I'm on your magical mystery ride
And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright
My head's underwater
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
Fitz didn't hide things from Olivia, but this hidden talent he did. Fitz could sing. When Nana secured John Fitz had flown to practice serenading his wife during their first dance. He wanted to make sure it was something she would never forget.
The moment she heard John stop singing and realized her husband was singing to her told him that surprise might not be the right word. For a moment they had stopped dancing as she looked at him. It now dawned on her that David wasn't fixing his suit. He was putting on a MIC. Fitz lightly grabbed her waist and moved them around the dance floor as he sang to her.
How many times do I have to tell you
Even when you're crying you're beautiful too
The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood
You're my downfall, you're my muse
My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues
I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you
My head's underwater
But I'm breathing fine
You're crazy and I'm out of my mind
'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you, oh
Give me all of you, oh oh
When Olivia thought it couldn't get any better it did. The two of them finished the song together.
Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts
Risking it all though it's hard
Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you
I give you all of me
And you give me all, of you, oh oh oh.
Tears were streaming down Olivia's face. Everyone watched as Fitz took care of his wife. It was like they were watching a real life movie.
Before she had a chance to say anything she realized it was time for the father-daughter dance. Olivia had chosen "Unforgettable" by Nat King Cole. John was kind enough to sing the song for the couple which was a surprise to Fitz, but not Nana. Fitz had told her how much dad loved his music. Gerald and Karen came onto the dance floor.
Unforgettable Like a song of love that clings to me,
That's what you are,
Unforgettable
Tho' near or far.
How the thought of you does things to me.
Never before
Has someone been more...
Unforgettable That's why, darling, it's incredible [interlude]
In every way,
And forever more
That's how you'll stay.
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable, too.
Olivia smiled, "Thanks again dad for everything. This is beyond my expectations."
Gerald smiled, "Well like I told my son and like he tells me so was meeting you."
She hugged him.
Karen looked up at her. "Thank you daddy for loving me enough to find me a great mom and you a great wife."
"That's my job as your daddy. You and mommy are my wife."
"Until mommy has a baby."
"Then they join the happy party."
"I like that."
Unforgettable That's why, darling, it's incredible
In every way,
And forever more
That's how you'll stay.
That someone so unforgettable
Thinks that I am
Unforgettable, too.
After the dance was over there was not a dry eye in the room. The couple went over and thanked John. They cleaned Olivia's face real quick so they could take some pictures.
Afterwards they were taken to their sweetheart table. Once seated Olivia turned and looked at her husband. He looked at her and said, "What?"
"So you keeping things from your wife already?"
"Livvie..."
"Honey, so that came out wrong. I'm sorry."
"No, I'm not but I wanted today to be special for you. I know I have money, but I wanted to give you more than monetary gifts."
Olivia leaned over and kissed her husband. She pulled back and caressed his face, "Well you did and I am so happy and thankful. I loved it by the way. Seeing John Legend at your wedding is huge, but how many women get to say their husbands serenaded them with John Legend."
Fitz laughed. He looked at his wife. The glee in eyes always made him smile. She looked like a little girl with those big brown eyes.
It was time for dinner.
The first course was a Caesar salad, rolls, and butter.
For their entree the guests had a choice of Medallion of Beef & Stuffed Shrimp, Pan Seared Sea Bass, or Crusted Lamp Chops & Stuffed Chicken.
For dessert the couple had their five-tier lavender and white wedding cake. The cake was iced in purple butter cream and decorated with a delicate white lace pattern. The cake sat in the middle of the table and was surrounded by other desserts.
The guests could choose from mini-cakes, sugar pearl cookies, mixed berry pies, apple cobblers, and tea cookies.
Premium wine was served. They also had a champagne bar set up. The backdrop was a Intertwined Hearts ice sculpture.
The band played during the dinner hour and for a little bit afterwards. Then it was time to turn the party up.
Before the guests were brought over David took the couple over to the lounge area which Olivia allowed David to have free reign to design. He did not let her down. It felt like a combination of a hip/hop jazz club. The tent had lounge furniture with Kaori Purple Decorative Pillows and Varese Crocus Elegant Throw Pillows.
There were bar tables and chairs. It was very relaxed. In the corner was DJ. Alex Arthur.
There was a Brownies, Cookies, and Milk bar, Mini-Hot Dog & Fries Bar, and a Pizza Bar. Also there was a Martini Bar that the martinis flowed from a custom ice sculpture of their initials. There was also a Margarita & Premium Liquor bar. That bar showcased a hand engraved double ice luge ice sculpture.
David made sure there was a candy bar. It was something that Olivia wanted for Karen, and he made sure all of her favorites were included in the bar which made Olivia smile that he remembered.
The final surprise was for Fitz from Olivia. It was Groom's Cake. The case was designed with an old Camaro. He loved it.
It was time to get the party started. And party they did. Olivia got to see friends that she hadn't seen in years. Most were at one point clients who she remained connected too. It didn't matter. Everyone kept thanking Fitz.
It was the wedding and reception they both wanted. When the fireworks show started which was a surprise for their guests it was an end to a perfect day. Once again Gerald had spared no expense so the guest didn't get a couple fireworks. It was an event. The Grant wedding would be talked about for some time. Not only was it a classy event where the guest were given the best, but it was filled with love. Lots of tender moments. It was something that they were all glad that they witnessed.
As a final gift all the guests were given monogrammed floral sugar cookies, stemless wine glasses, turning leaves bookmarks, and square favor boxes filled with goodies.
The couple began to say their good-byes so they could leave for their honeymoon. It was late, but Olivia was going along with her husband.
She hugged her brother and promised him she would take care of everything. When she got to Nana she assured them she would take care of Harrison and Debbie until they got back. She would get him into Duke. Enjoy their honeymoon. They hugged their parents and thanked them again for everything. Teddy shared a long embrace with Olivia. He didn't realize it, but he was really excited that Olivia was his sister. Especially because she was that cool sister that you could come to for anything, and because she gave him Quinn.
They went over to their daughter who was surprisingly calm. She was headed to camp on Monday. She hugged her parents.
She looked at them, "I'm fine guys. You have fun. You are sending me somewhere to learn something I want to learn which is fun. Besides I have a family now it doesn't get much better."
The couple smiled. They shared another embrace and I love you before heading to the limo where David was.
They thanked him again and told him that for any big events they wanted him. They would rather change their date. They were one of only a hand full of clients he felt the same way about. Anytime they called he would find a way to take care of them.
The couple got into the limo and were on their way. Olivia realized they weren't headed to the airport.
"So we aren't flying out tonight."
"No, I thought we would enjoy a night in Tennessee before we fly out. It has been a long day."
"Yeah, but the best day ever."
"You are right about that Mrs. Grant."
She could only smile.
She saw him looking out the window in thought.
"A Penny for your thoughts."
"I want to tell you, but I don't want to ruin the mood. We just got married. We are starting our honeymoon."
"Yeah, but I know something is on your mind. I can't enjoy our honeymoon if I'm concerned."
He nodded.
"Let me say this first. Whatever you want I want. Please know that okay."
She was nervous but nodded.
"Tonight when I saw you with your friends I saw a side of you that I had never seen. Not in a bad way. Some of them were your clients or you guys worked together, and the light in your eyes is something I can't get out of my head. I know that your original dream was to be a doctor until your dad forced you to change. I'm glad you came to North Carolina to pursue that dream, but is it really your dream Liv? What I mean is..."
"No.."
"What?"
Olivia lightheartedly laughed, "We have to stop thinking alike. The night before the wedding I was talking to Tiffany. When I told her about Mellie & having to deal with my dad that deep down I was beginning to realize that it was my dream, but that I actually really enjoyed being a lawyer and crisis manager just not working for my dad. Tiffany suggested I talk to you. Use the space to open up my own firm. Maybe I could partner up with Teddy. There were clients at the wedding that I could contract with. Not only that I want a family. By that I mean more kids. I don't want to wait years. I know you would wait, but I don't want to. I don't want Karen almost in high school with her first sister or brother. She would love them, it is already going to be a large age difference. I don't want it to out there."
Fitz was stunned. "Wow so you have really thought this through?"
She climbed in his lap, "I have baby. This is what I want for me and for us."
"Okay, then we will make it happen when we get back. I want you happy. You are my wife, and I feel it is my responsibility to help you do whatever you need to do to make you happy."
"Well being your wife makes me so very happy. We are a family now. No one is coming between us. So now that we have got the elephant out of the room. Let's enjoy our honeymoon."
Fitz smiled, "I like the sound of that."
A/N-Did you see that surprise coming there at the end? Her going back to her old job. When I first started the story she was going to become a doctor, but I changed the outline after the confrontation with Mellie.
Up next is the honeymoon.