Forever
The third Saturday of September dawned with beautiful weather. The sky was blue and sunny, there was a gentle breeze, and the birds were singing. And Jo was relaxed. All of the planning and rushing around was done. All she had to do on that day was to get married.
They had rented a waterfront cottage with a large vibrant garden for the wedding. Jo and Katie had spent the night there with Jo's bridesmaids, Callie and Stephanie, and Sofia and Zola, the other two flower girls. The women enjoyed a lazy morning before sharing an early lunch and getting ready for the 2:00 wedding.
Around noon, Alex arrived at the cottage with his 'groomsmen', Meredith and Arizona. Meredith swatted his hands away from his tie as he attempted to tie it while looking in the mirror, "Nervous?"
He met her eyes and tried to hide his smile, "Not at all. I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"Aww," Arizona placed a hand over her heart and sniffled.
In a room down the hall, Callie was smoothing down Jo's hair while Stephanie fussed over the finishing touches of her makeup. When they were satisfied Jo stood and turned towards Katie. "Mama, you look like a princess," the little girl gasped taking in Jo's simple white lace dress and perfectly curled hair with white flowers woven in.
Jo took Katie's hand and stood her in front of herself in front of the full length mirror, "You do too, baby, you do too." Katie grinned at her reflection. The little girl was dressed in a navy blue dress and had a braid with yellow rose buds sprinkled in. "It's not quite as good as Daddy's, but it'll do," Jo said running her fingers down Katie's hair.
Jo's heart skipped a beat when she heard the music start playing. She watched out the window as Alex, Meredith, and Arizona took their places. She twisted her bouquet of white and yellow flowers in her hands anxiously. She couldn't wait to walk down the aisle to Alex. He stood there so proudly looking so happy and handsome.
Stephanie went first, followed by Callie. Jo didn't think anyone had ever walked so slowly. Sofia and Zola went next, each holding one of Bailey's hands to escort him down the aisle to stand with his mother. Katie walked out directly in front of her mother scattering yellow rose petals.
The music swelled, at last it was Jo's turn. She walked out onto the back porch and down the steps. She made her way down the cobblestone garden path towards the love of her life. She felt like she was floating, like her feet never touched the ground.
Her eyes locked with Alex's, and both their faces lit with smiles. All her dreams were coming true. The dreams she had never hoped to dream for herself. Alex took several steps forward to meet Jo. He took her hand and leaned in kissing her cheek, "You are breathtaking," he whispered. She squeezed his hand as they turned to face the officiant.
They recited traditional vows as they pledged their love for one another in front of their friends who had become family. And then the moment they had all been waiting for, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." They gazed lovingly into each other's eyes as their lips met in a tender kiss. The children all slapped their hands over their eyes causing laughter to ripple through the crowd.
They broke apart as their friends erupted in applause. Alex reached down and lifted Katie into his arms, and the new family of three made their way back down the aisle together.
After posing for photos, the wedding party joined the reception already in full swing. Meredith gave the best man's toast enumerating the ways Alex had changed since Jo and Katie came into his life. She ended her speech by saying, "Over the years, I've watched as Alex has gone from a surly intern to a compassionate pediatric surgeon who would do anything for the kids. But it wasn't until you came into his life, Jo, that he reached that same level of growth, maturity, and contentment in his personal life. He has become a loyal, reliable partner for you and dad for Katie. The two of you have made him happier than I've ever seen him. Alex, I'm so proud of who you have become, and I wish you and Jo nothing but happiness." Everyone raised their glasses as Meredith handed the microphone off to Callie.
"When I met Jo, we became fast friends. We bonded over the challenges of raising a daughter while keeping up the busy schedule of a surgeon. Over the last couple of years, I've watched Jo not only blossom as a doctor, but also as a mother and as Alex's girlfriend. She's had her ups and downs romantically speaking, but she has definitely found her greatest up. Who would have ever guessed it would have been with Karev," the crowd chuckled and Alex rolled his eyes. Jo leaned her head over on his shoulder and patted his chest. Callie continued, "But really, you two are an inspiration. Your love for each other and for Katie, your devotion and loyalty to one another, and your commitment through hard times is evident to anyone who cares to pay attention. Congratulations!"
Alex took the microphone from Callie and cleared his throat, "Umm… Before we cut the cake, there is one more thing we have to celebrate today. It's not only mine and Jo's wedding day… It's a very special day for me and Katie, also." He waved Katie, who had perked up at the sound of her name, forward. He continued his speech when she was standing in front of him. Kneeling down eye level with her, "Katie, when I wanted to marry your mama, it wasn't just for her. I wanted to be a family with you too; I wanted to be your dad. You've been calling me daddy for awhile now, and I've been like a daddy to you, but today we make it official. Today I am adopting you. Starting right now, you are my real true daughter same as you are your mommy's."
Katie's eyes widened and a smile broke out on her face, "Really? You can do that?" She didn't know anything about adoption. She didn't know Alex could really truly be her daddy, but she wanted that more than anything else. Tears filled her eyes as she crashed into his arms.
Alex lifted her up wiping a few tears from his own eyes. The same judge who had married him and Jo came forward with the papers for Alex to sign. With the last scratch of the pen, he kissed Katie on the temple and murmured, "It's all done now; you are my daughter." He set her back down on her feet and presented her with a silver pendent with the initials 'KAK' on it, "From now on, you are Katie Karev, just like my last name is Karev, and now your mommy's last name is Karev."
"Oh thank you, Daddy," she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. She was too young now, but one day the connection would mean so much to her.
Jo joined her family as they shared hugs and tears. There was hardly a dry eye in the room. Eventually, they did cut the cake and toss the bouquet and garter. They celebrated with their friends until evening when they made their way back home. That night was no different than many nights before, except everything was different. They had been a family for a long time, but now they were officially and legally a family. And it didn't much matter to them that they have it spelled out on paper, but it felt good to declare their love and intentions to stay together for life. There was something special about publicly making that declaration. They were finally a family, and they would stand for each other through thick and thin. Nothing would break them.
The next morning the Karevs left on a family vacation to Disneyland. They wanted to celebrate with Katie first. Two months later, Alex and Jo went on their honeymoon, just the two of them.
It was the start of a happy life for the family whose bond would only grow closer and stronger over the years. They had found their forever in each other. They had found their safe place to land.
The End
This chapter of the Karevs' lives has come to a close and so the story has come to an end. A huge thank you to you all who have followed my story and given me encouragement through reviews and favorites. Each and every review means so much to me. I did have a request for an epilogue ;) that I am planning on writing. I hope to have it posted early next week.