After our wedding ceremony, we are ushered out to take pictures. We do various poses and positions and I must admit, Christian is such a natural. He looks just like a model out of a high fashion magazine. He's so amazingly handsome and beautiful. My husband is perfect for me. Wow! My husband… just saying it sounds so weird, but so right. After we're done with our photographs, it's time to go to the reception. We have a big tent set up with warming fire pits at a few locations, just to keep everyone warm from the cold night air here in Sweden. As we walk up, we keep smiling at each other.
"Ready to party Mrs. Grey?" Christian asks with his mega-watt smile.
"I am sooo ready! And you Mr. Grey?" I giggle.
"Not as ready as I am to get you back to the hotel room to remove this gorgeous dress from your delectable body," He looks at me with desire. My breath hitches. Our moment is broken when we here Elliot on the microphone.
"And here they are, the happy newlyweds themselves; Christian and Anastasia Grey!" Elliot yells and our guests all stand up and applaud and make whistle sounds. This causes me to blush because everyone knows how much I hate having attention brought to myself. Christian, on the other hand, is smiling big and showing me off as we make our way to our table.
We sit down at the head table so we can finally eat. I'm starving. I don't think I had anything much to eat today. I look around at our family and friends and wave at a couple of people. Christian does the same. I've never seen him so warm around people before. Every so often he kisses me on the cheek and tells me how much he loves me. What a beautiful night.
We all dine on a magnificent feast of prime rib that just melts in your mouth along the side of lobster risotto and garden salad. The champagne is light, crisp and sweet. It's Christian's favorite Bollinger La Grande, vintage from 1999. He's pulled out no stops with supplying the best of everything for everyone. As we all start to finish dinner, Elliot stands up and taps his fork on his champagne glass.
"Can I have everyone's attention please?" He says into the mic and everyone immediately quiets down and looks up at him.
Good evening everyone! On behalf of Christian and Ana, I would like to welcome you all. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Elliot, Christian's big Brother. And for those who do know me… my sincerest apologies!" Everyone breaks out in laughter. "No, seriously, I'd like to thank everyone here for attending. It still amazes me how far people with travel for a free meal and some complimentary booze!" The laughter continues. Even Christian is laughing.
"I arrived in Stockholm a few days ago and leading up to today, Christian and Ana were having an issue with the seating plan. Who would sit comfortably in here and who would have to get up and stand during speeches, so we decided to the wedding present list; biggest presents at front and work it back from there. So hopefully you can hear me in the back when I say on behalf of the bride and groom, thank you very much for the oven mitts.
"Apparently the best man's job consists of two tasks: The first being to make sure Christian got here on time, in decent form and sober. It's my responsibility to make sure his face and hair are in order. Personally I feel this is unfair, if God couldn't do it, why should I?
"The second task is taking five minutes to assassinate Christian's character and reveal some of the embarrassing things he managed to get away with in his younger years.
Like most brothers, we've always had our fair share of sibling rivalry, we always used to try to beat each other up, always tried to get each other into trouble and we've certainly had our fair share of ups and downs. I remember back to times when a petty argument would arise from nowhere. Christian would call me smelly and I'd call him stupid, then it would spiral out of control. We'd both end up running home to Mom in tears. But sure enough, the next day, I would be the bigger person and make up because we all know how stubborn Christian Grey is.
When it comes to the bachelor party, we had a lovely dinner at a nice restaurant, shared some memories, and generally had a nice time with people that unfortunately rarely get to be in the same room together anymore… Then we started drinking, much to Christians protests, we just did it.
The memories of our younger years, when the rare moments my workaholic little Brother would allow his hair to come down, came to mind; including a number of people ditching the rest of us in the VIP lounge, a bar that refused us entry because we attempted to bring our own booze, which we purchased at a previous bar. A few guys, which shall remain nameless, sleeping in the hotel hallway, and finally, my sweet baby Brother here trying to bribe a drunken marine in FULL uniform for his "pretty ribbons for my Ana". Everyone is laughing till tears are in their eyes.
"He's lying! I did not do that to a Marine! It was a Navy Seal!" Christian interjects while laughing hard.
"Okay, okay it was a Navy Seal!" Elliot corrects through his own laughter. "But anyway, I remember the first time I met Ana. I thought she was crazy for falling for my Brother. Christian's always had this reputation as a megalomaniac, tyrant who rules with an iron fist. He would eat this precious, sweet girl alive eventually. But it was quite opposite. She's turned my Brother into a lovesick fool. She's brought a lot of light and joy into Christian's life and made him smile, which he rarely used to do.
And all joking aside, Christian and Ana are not only best friends, but a supportive family. We have had many excellent times together, creating memorable moments and I look forward to creating more in the future with my new Sister-in-law. It's an honor to be my little Brother's best man. I wish you both all the happiness in the world and I love you both.
Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you that are still capable of standing, would you now do me the honor or rising to your feet and raising your glasses to Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey!"
Everyone raises their glasses and Christian gives Elliot a hug as do I. What a great speech that was so great!
After everyone sits back down, Kate stays standing so she can do her maid of honor speech.
"Hi! I just need to steal of you beautiful guest's attention again. My name is Kate and I'm Ana's best friend. It's going to be hard to follow my boyfriend Elliot's speech, but I'll give it my best.
Ana's been my best friend for quite a few years now and I love her dearly. She has shown me the true meaning of friendship and sisterhood. Although we're the same age, she's taught me a lot about growing up. She's a great role model to me and is always there to support me in whatever my crazy head dreams up. I can't think of any higher honor than to be standing up here as her maid of honor.
I remember when I found how crazy she was for Christian. I remember her telling me about his rude man that ran into her in front of our favorite coffee shop in Portland and how her iced tea ended up all over her shirt. She was obsessing over this guy after that. When I took her out dancing, she was all in a daze thinking of this guy. I think she was the only person in the world who didn't know who Christian Grey was. I was the bearer of bad news when I told her that she needs to give up that fantasy because he… uh… bats for the other team!" The room erupts in laughter at the whole gay rumor that floated around.
"Come on, we've all thought he was at one point! Anyways, Ana was so sure he was gay and that Elliot was his boyfriend the night we ran into them at that club.
At first, I really wasn't on board with them being together because Christian and Ana are so much like vinegar and water… they just don't mix, but I changed my mind after I seen for myself how much he adores my best friend and how much he loves her. He consoled me when I found out I was pregnant and held me and made sure I was okay until I told Elliot.
Christian, thank you for loving Ana the way you do. Thank you for making sure she's safe and that she's loved. But don't think for one moment that I won't hurt you if you hurt her!" Again the crowd laughs.
My greatest wish for the two of you is that through the years, your love for each other will deepen and grow. I wish you the best in this world and just know I love you both very much.
Please, everyone, raise your glass to toast my best friend and her new husband.
Take each day and cherish your time together. Love one another and stand together. Take time to talk to one another. Put your love and family first; your job and hobbies second. May your love be like the wind, strong enough to move the clouds, soft enough to never hurt, but always never-ending. So here's to love, laughter and happily ever after"
We all raise our glasses and then drink. At this point I'm crying. That was so beautiful. Christian and I both get up and hug Kate tightly.
A/N: The rest of the reception will come in the next chapter. Hope you've enjoyed this joyous occasion thus far!