Charmed... the other way around Chapter 34:
Early Autumn 2002 Part 2

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After all the official stuff was finally done Andy and I finally were able to sit down. You have no idea how relieved I was to be off my feet. Everyone was seated and ordered drinks. Everything calmed down. Kinda preparing for the real party which would follow in just a little while. Every now and then there was heard the clinging of metal on glass, 'forcing' Andy and me to kiss.

Andy and I didn't sit long though. It was time for photo making. The guests for sure weren't bored, as they were chattering about, drinking and looking at the pictures all around the recital place.

We had an appointment several weeks earlier, where we took pictures of me and Andy all dressed up like couples in all kind of centuries. Even an Adam and eve costume was along the many pictures.

Andy and I posed for the three cameras for what seemed like forever. Sure I nowadays know the whole suffering actual had a good outcome but back then, no one could fully convince me, I'd be one day happy about this.

There were tons of pictures taken only of me and Andy but later the rest of the VIPs of the wedding followed. It simply was exhausting. I don't know if I had survived the whole procedure without Andy by my side. It was like, I was the strong one till the ceremony and he was after it.

After the photographers were done with taking pictures of us, Andy kept me outside in the little park some more. We kissed and he just tried to make me feel better. He must have felt I needed a break. He told me a billion times how amazing I looked and he continued to make bad jokes. But each time he back then in these few minutes called me misses Trudeau some kind of pride shone on my face.

I thought about three times a second about telling him the big secret, but I just felt like it wasn't time yet.

He led me to some small bench and we sat down. Well he did and pulled me onto his lap.

"And you're sure you're fine?" he asked me for the twentieth time.

"Yes. I just... couldn't really sleep last night and when I finally fell asleep I had to get up again to let my hair be done and... My back hurts and my feet hurt and I'm tired and..."

He stopped me by kissing me gently

"How about we go inside and sit down? You take off your shoes and that jacket... and I rub your back a little while we have a little something to drink?"

"To be honest... I right now would like to stay out here for some more. Just you and me and not those billions of people, wanting something from us..."

"Okay" he answered and with that I moved my upper body closer to his, leaning my head on his shoulder and neck. He held one of my hands and the other gently rubbed circles on my back.

I just gazed down at our entangled hands. Each with a ring on one finger. He noticed how I looked at our rings as he followed my gaze

"Don't you dare take that off ever again, cause that truly shows, you belong to me, misses Trudeau" he told me and kissed my forehead I smiled slightly and pulled a little away from him to look at him

"Same is true for you, my dear husband" he smirked and kissed me once more

"There you guys are!! Everyone's searching for you already!" Brian said, stepping up behind us

"Why, what's up?" Andy asked looking at him

"Well they've got the food ready and Sarah said we'd better start toasting"

"Tell them to go t..."

"That we're coming..." I finished for Andy, as I forced myself back onto my sore feet. I must have screwed my face as Brian looked at me worriedly

"You okay?"

And a second later Andy's "want me to carry you?"

"I'm fine, guys, really, not the first time I had sore feet and certainly not the last" I told them, forcing a small smile on my face.

"Come here" Andy said gently and placed his arm around me, leading me back inside. We barely sat, as the clinging of the glasses and silverware started again. I couldn't help but stifle a tiny laugh. I so was getting tired of it... why couldn't I just kiss my husband when I wanted to instead of when everyone else wanted to? We kissed anyway and then the toasting started.

Brian started. It was kinda one big joke about Andy's life... and how he 'fell' into me. Many laughter sounded through the room and that permanently.

After the soup we had ordered as first course our parents continued. Andy's mom and dad were talking about our future ahead and about our soccer team of kids.

Dad and Claire almost got me to cry, expressing how their house now would turn silent again. Not exactly because it was true, but because maybe, they were wrong after all, since there soon could be a little child running around the house. It somehow got to me even more than the direct mention of the kid growing inside of me.

The main course was delicious. Andy pretty much looked at me oddly, every time I reached for more. I don't think he ever saw me eating that much. After the main course, it was mine and Andy's turn. And since these little speeches are impossible to just say in a few words, I'm gonna share it with you.

Andy took a big breath and looked at me, before placing a tiny kiss on my lips and finally getting up

"Well, well, it seems like it's already my time to stand up here and get this speech over with. You all know that I talk a lot and the most of it... you should just ignore and that's why I also refused the idea of Prue to write down our own vows. I can babble all day long and still... there comes nothing right out of that mouth of mine. And sooo... not to randomly start babbling again - as I'm already doing by now – I have written some things down." He said and earned some laughs already now, he then unfolded some kind of tiny billion times folded paper and starred down on it

"First on my list is thanking Brian, for being a great best's man. Well, I think I changed my mind about that after that speech of yours! But, as I know you already for a good share, I noted this possibility down. I wrote here... I quote: 'if he's getting dirty, make sure he knows it's payback time as soon as he gets married'. So, man, you know what's gonna come, be prepared! But, let me be serious for a second... I owe a lot to him. He's one of my best friends. He's organized a great bachelor party and even as I started to freak out this morning he knew what to do. Like I already said, I hope I one day can pay you back!"

"Well... too bad, that you warned me, Andy... now I'm seriously gonna consider choosing David instead!!" Brian yelled from his place and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Mom, dad. I surely not always behaved the way you wanted your son to behave and yet, I think you did a more or less good job at bringing me up and to this point. I know, for the first time in my life, that what I did was 100 percent right and I know, that you guys think so too. My thanks to you guys I want to end in a little wish... keep out of my and Prue's apartment while we're gone. It's too late to find out about her little dirty secrets now!" I rolled my eyes and hid my face. Why did he constantly have to make comments about me? Thought I kinda also loved that little quip. I noticed how Julia threw him and me a kiss through the air though and I smiled at her, catching it.

"Victor, when I first took your daughter out for a date, she was completely worried, you'd freak out. She was scared you wouldn't want her to leave the nest already. And I told her back then, that you didn't have to worry about anything, for I'm only gonna steal your princess to make her my queen. I can't believe you gave up smoking just so Prue would go out with me..." he started and then looked towards Sarah and nodded. I narrowed my eyes as I watched Sarah pull out a little wooden box and walked over to dad. I looked closer as dad opened it and one single cigar was lying inside. I glanced at Andy and would have loved to hit him right now

"That is now a little less than 6 years, and I think it's time you get a good puff once more. I know, Prue and Claire will want to kill me for this, but I owe you a lot and you're not breaking your promise towards Prue, since you didn't buy it. It's the best I could find. Enjoy it." Andy glanced back at me and I threw him an evil look

"Claire – before I get murdered here – I don't know how I can thank you for all that you have done for me and Prue. You from the first second on supported our relationship. You gave us ways to meet, while Victor still was uncomfortable with the whole idea and you so often played the mediator between the two of us or gave us little titbits on how to get our relationship to work again. You did an amazing job as step-mom and I'd be glad to have you as a step-grandma and relative parent every now and then for our future kids..." I looked at Claire and saw her crying slightly. I got up and hugged her from behind, kissing her cheek softly

"There are not many more I have on my list here... but two women for certain. One of our best friend's Janny and our wedding planner Sarah. This whole thing is entirely your work. I don't think Prue would still sit here and enjoy the party without your guys' help! Thanks!!

Now, ladies and gentleman, I'd like to thank you for listening to my random babbling – I at least Hope you caught the important parts – and naturally for sharing this day with us. You all are a part of our lifes and got us to what we are today." I looked at Andy horrified and stood up straight again

"Chee..." Andy didn't finish as he playfully send a glance my way, then hit his head gently "oh my god! I almost forgot someone..." he smirked and held out a hand to me. I shook my head, not believing him, as I moved up to him and took his hand. He looked at me as he continued

"Here's to my wonderfully bride. I still can't believe you agreed to marry me stupid little boy. Even if I was turned down the first time around, I'm glad you did, because I don't think there could have been better moments between the two of us. It was definitely worth the wait."

I looked at Andy and he softly raised my hand to kiss it...

"Seeing you today, walking down the aisle after not having you seen for real in a week was amazing. That's what you are. Amazing. But you also are... intelligent, supporting, kind, funny, caring... Sorry honey, I can't read your writing, what does that word say?" he asked, as he pulled me even closer and shows me the card he holds.

"Andy!!!" I whisper-yelled at him and hit his chest gently. He just moved his arm towards my waist and pulled me closer and while everyone else still was laughing, kissed me. He pulled away and smirked at me before clearing his throat and turning back to the crowd

"Seriously though, since you have stepped into my life I'm a better man and I dunno where or who I would be today, if it wasn't for you. You're my everything and I'm glad you'll stay that forever and ever and ever and ever... oh sorry... I'm rambling again! To the bride!! Cheers!" he finished and grabbed our glasses as we clinked glasses, then kissed me again.

"You just wait" I whispered into his lips and he laughed and kissed me again. I waited several minutes, trying to redo the speech in my head and leaving the guests some time to chat a little.

"You'll do great..." Andy whispered into my ear, biting it gently. I tilted my head a little and smirked

"You don't know my speech... I think... I'm gonna break down after like the half..."

"I'll be there to back you up" he told me. I smiled and turned towards him, just kiss him passionately once more, and then standing up myself

"The word that I have heard most over the last few days – or better ever since the invitations are out – has been CONGRATULATIONS.
The word that I have said most is THANK YOU!
And I guess that's how it's gonna go on..." I took a big breath, looked around the room and then continued

"I'm not gonna repeat everything Andy already said... I think all of you know what you did for me, for Andy or even for the both of us. I want you to know, that most people who are celebrating here today with us, got me to be who I am now. Though, the one having the most work with me probably was Andy, my husband, as I can now proudly say." I said in a very confident voice and glance back at Andy who seemed ready to jump at me any second...

"When we first met, I was somewhat shy and pulled back into my own little universe. I was scared of the world, since I knew what evil was out there. I can remember how Andy and I were like black and white, when he stole my parking spaces from me... more than 6 years ago. Though I was pissed at him, I was attracted to him right away. Andy, I gotta tell you a little secret today... I thought about you the whole day and what I imagined about us, I never dreamt of with someone else..." I felt his glance fall from me and as I glanced over, I saw him looking down and smirking.

"He stuck around ever since... and though I was a real pain in the... can brides swear?" I asked, just to assure the fact

"Definitely!!" I heard someone yell at the table most of our clique was sitting and I still would bet all that I posses away that it was Jason. I stifled a small laugh

"Well... I guess since I can swear... I can say it without any doubts... I was a pain in the ass... and shrugged him off ever so often. I didn't admit to him that I was falling more and more and I still am. Today however is a special date for us and not just cause we're getting married, but because today six years ago, we for the very first time kissed." I said and looked down swallowing several times to get the lump in my throat to move. It did eventually and so I looked up again

"Over the years black and white disappeared and were replaced by grey. I grew from an innocent kid to a grown woman and you, from a little boy, who has nothing in his head but his own amusement to someone I think I one day can leave without any fear our kids to.
You conquered me more than once. No matter if it was on our first meeting, our first kiss, my virginity, my place, my life. And though, like you said already, I turned you down the first time, you asked me again..." again I try to get my composure back and after a small fight I forced myself to continue with a quivering voice.

"Considering it from the point of view I have today, I didn't say no to you back then at the swimming pool because it was the wrong timing, but I said it because I wanted to give you one last chance to back out. I'm a handful... but I Hope you know a smile on your face and a 'Yes darling, anything you want.' On your lips, is the best key to handle me..." I let out a small laugh myself and that's when the tears finally fell. Andy smiled at me and took my hand, stroking it gently

"I think we all praised now enough the people which really are here, but no one has yet mentioned the people who can't be... there is one person in particular... who I..." my voice faded out. And I closed my eyes, continuing to cry. Andy got up and placed his arms on my waist. I immediately leaned back into him a little

"Want me to continue?" he whispered into my ear. I just shook my head slightly and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear

"Who I would dearly have loved to be here today to see me getting married. She's certainly been in my thoughts today, as she is every single day of my life." I said and placed the paper in my hands on the table and I tried to pull tears away, but new ones were coming constantly. When I gave up Andy took my hands and stroke them

"On that note I would like to propose a toast to absent friends." I said still crying pretty much as I collected my glass "Cheers!"