A/N: Hi everyone! I hope you have enjoyed the chapters I've posted. We are coming to an end! I cannot tell you how much fun this has been and I am already gearing up for my next fanfic! I will be posting a preview of it at the end of this one along with a bonus scene from this from Tommy's POV. Thank you all for the wonderful reviews, messages and support during this. You are the best people on the planet!
As always, I own nothing and please R&R!
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The reception that followed our wedding ceremony was perfect, everyone having a great time. Zach snag our first dance song, switching it up from what had originally been planned. Boys II Men has never sounded so good to me as it did with Tommy swaying me in his arms. It was everything I could have wanted it to be and more, my mother able to stay on the phone until after our first dance and the battery of the phone died. I told her I would call her later once everything was over and settled. Tommy and I sat at the middle of the bridal party table, waiting for the food to be served so everyone could eat. Zach brought a microphone over, handing it to Trini.
"What's that for?" She asked.
"Give a speech while we're waiting! It is the duty of the maid of honor." Zach said, winking at her.
"A speech?" Trini frantically looked at me, panic on her face. I shrugged my shoulders.
"You got this!" Jason said from behind Tommy. He gave her a wink. "You go then I'll go."
"Fine." She muttered. She rose to her feet, grabbing her champagne flute. Jason clinked his fork against the glass of his flute, the rest of the bridal party following suit. The room fell to a hushed silence, everyone turning to look at Trini. "Good evening, everyone. My name is Trini for those of you who might not know me. Kimberly has been my best friend since we were in grade school. She was this kid on the playground that wouldn't let any boys take advantage or make fun of anyone. It was one of the main reasons why we were friends. When we started high school, we formed our group of friends that still exists today. I was standing next to her when she first spotted Tommy. Some of you might not believe in love at first sight but I do because Kim fell in love with Tommy the first moment her eyes landed on him. I was her first phone call when they kissed, and I got to spend their first date with them at the dance. Of the years, I've watched them grow together, fight obstacles that most don't think they'll need to face in a relationship and defeat all odds. During the time they were apart, I would try so hard to convince her to call or write you, Tommy. But we all know how stubborn she can be. It must be a trait she learned from you because you were the same way."
"Here, here!" Jason said, nodding at Trini. The room laughed, and I smiled at Tommy who gripped my hand under the table.
"I remember when Kim first called to tell me she had decided to come home. I was ecstatic. She kept telling me she was scared and that she wasn't sure how she would face Tommy. I told her we would deal with the issue when the time came. And we did. Well, she did. Most people wouldn't be able to deal with the things she been through and yet, Kimberly does it with so much bravery and grace that no one would be able to tell just how much she's pushed through. There is no other person on this planet that I believe deserves all the happiness in the world and to be with the person who her heart belongs to." Tears welled in Trini's eyes as she smiled at me. "I am so happy to call you my best friend and I am so happy for you two." I stood up, wrapping my arms around Trini in a tight hug as tears filled my eyes as well.
"I love you." I whispered, rubbing her back. "Thank you for everything you've done for me."
"I love you, too." She said, pulling back. Reaching over, she handed the microphone to Jason who pulled himself to his feet as Trini and I sat back down. Jason unbuttoned the top button of his suit jacket as he walked around the table to stand in front of it.
"Can we give Trini a big hand for such a wonderful impromptu speech?" Jason said into the microphone, another round of applause of Trini from the guests. "Let's see. The stories I could tell you about Kim and Tommy…I don't know how much you want to know about Tommy's naked ass." The group laughed, and Tommy shook his head, rolling his eyes. "I met Kim when we were in the first grade. Someone was picking on Billy and she gave them one hell of an ass whooping for it. For the longest time, it was her, Billy, Trini, Zach and me. Then, when we were in the ninth grade, this tall, dark and handsome fellow with an odd love for the color green showed up. I was actually facing Tommy in a karate tournament and we ended up tying. Mostly because of the drool that Kimmy was leaving on the matt from drooling over Tommy while she was supposed to be supporting me." He shot me a wink over his shoulder. "The two of them fit together like a glove. It was something we didn't even question when they announced they were dating. When Trini, Zach and I ended up heading to the peace conferences, I had no doubt in my mind that someday, we would be standing at their wedding. And well…it might have taken longer than I had first imagined but we're here!"
"Tell me why I didn't make Billy my best man." Tommy whispered in my ear.
"Because no one but Trini can understand him." I whispered back.
"True."
"When Kim moved back here, I knew that something would happen. It usually does when it comes to these two being in the same room. I am happy that it's this outcome, which reminds me that Rocky and Zach owe me $20. We had a going bet on how long it would take for the two of you to come to your god damn senses. Something, I am so glad you finally did. I've learned a lot from the two of you. A lot about love and second chances. About telling those you love that you love them, even if it seems like the timing isn't right. I guess that's why I am going to ask Trini to come around the table for me." Jason turned, smiling at Trini who looked at him with a confused look.
"Why?" She whispered. I nudged her arm.
"Go find out!" I said. She stood, slowly walking around the table. Reaching out his hand, Jason took Trini's in his.
"Trini, you've been nothing but my rock. My stern and sometimes naggy rock but my rock. You've always been there for me, even when we were kids. And when I told you I loved you, you amazed me beyond belief by telling me you loved me too. I love your intelligence, your beauty and your grace. The way you can kick ass without asking questions and also remind me to keep my anger in check when I want to take on the world. You mean the world to me and there's no one else on Earth I could picture myself with. Which, in all reality, makes this next part a piece of cake for me." Letting go of her hand, Jason reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring box he had shown Zach and me. I covered my mouth as he sank to one knee. Trini's eyes widened, and she let out an audible gasp as she looked down at him. He carefully opened the ring box and held it up. "Trini Kwan, will you marry me?"
"Yes!" She exclaimed, nodding. Our friends and family members cheered as he slipped the ring on her finger and stood to engulf her in a hug. I clapped loudly, happiness making my chest feel full. Jason kissed Trini on the lips, letting her go.
"Unlike our friends here, we will not be getting married today. But thank you, Kimberly and Tommy, for showing us just what it means to follow your heart. Love you guys and best wishes for the future." The sound of glasses clinking filled the room as everyone toasted for us. Leaning over, I gave Tommy and lingering kiss on the lips.
"Thank you." He whispered, giving me a small smile.
"For what?" I asked.
"For coming back to me."
After the reception, everyone went their separate ways. Trini and Jason went home to spend the night together, more than likely celebrating their engagement in ways I was glad to not be there for. Aisha and Rocky offered to let Billy stay with him, but he opted to spend the night with his father. He would be returning to Aquitar the next day and wished to spend time with him before he left. Tommy and I headed back to his apartment where we spent the night together, making up for old times all night long.
The next morning, Tommy and I drove to Billy's father's house. It was a small modular home on the north side of town, a beige colored home with dark brown shutters on the outside. Mr. Cranston was standing on the porch with Billy as we pulled up and he waved as Billy made his way down the steps towards Tommy's truck. Billy gave him one last wave before climbing into the back of the vehicle. "Good morning." He said, sounding cheerful surprisingly.
"Morning, Billy. Is your dad going to be okay?" I asked, turning in my seat to face him. Billy nodded, pulling his seat belt on as Tommy started driving towards the coast.
"Affirmative. He's aware that I will be returning for Christmas." He replied.
"That's great!" Tommy exclaimed, smiling in the rearview mirror at our friend in the back seat. "We will have to work out the details for when you are planning on coming."
"I will communicate with you once I have the plans in motion." Tommy pulled into the beach parking lot and together, we walked down the familiar path Billy and I had taken before during our talk that fateful day at the beach. We walked farther than we did that day until we came up on a piece of secluded beach. I followed behind Tommy and Billy as they walked down the small embankment that led to the sand. Both men stopped a few feet from the water, staring out at the open sea.
"Well, I must say that this has been everything shy of a wonderous adventure." Billy said, turning towards Tommy and me. He stuck out his hand, Tommy grasping it and pulling him in for a hug.
"Thank you for everything, Billy. I'm going to miss you. Take care of yourself, okay? And don't be a stranger over the communicators." Tommy replied, letting Billy go.
"I will try my best." Billy shifted his attention to me and I couldn't help the tears that were building behind my eyes.
"I wish you didn't have to leave." I said, trying to hold them in. "It feels like I just got you back here, Billy."
"Likewise." He grinned, pulling me into a hug. I buried my face into his chest, not wanting to let him go. He pulled away slightly, adjusting his glasses. "Thank you for continuing to be the trusted friend I need. I am genuinely happy for you both and the happiness you've found together again. I am also grateful for the amount of support you've provided me during my time here. I appreciate all that you've done for me in the present and in the past."
"You too." I said, taking a step back. "What happens now back at home?"
"I've spoken to my wife. I've confessed to her everything I have been hiding from her. She stated she would like to work on things and perhaps try seeking professional help. I am hopeful that things will work out between us. The possibility seems positive from this angle, I suppose." He smiled. Behind him, I noticed a blue light beginning to form out of thin air, hovering a couple feet above the surface of the water.
"The portal is open, Billy." Tommy said, nodding at the weird ball. Billy glanced over his shoulder and sighed.
"So, it is." He gave us each another hug, grabbing his bag from Tommy's hand. "Best of luck, both of you. I will contact you shortly in regard to my next visit."
"Sure thing." Tommy said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. Billy waved as he walked down the sand, heading closer to the light. Before he was about to hit the water, he disappeared into the light. It suddenly zipped off, vanishing into thin air. I stared at the place it was, a ting of sadness coming over me. "Hey." Tommy whispered, rubbing my arm. "At least now he can visit whenever he wishes, and we can have open contact with him. That's good."
"It is." I replied, smiling up at him.
"C'mon. Let's head back to the apartment so I can finish packing."
"Alright."
Back at Tommy's apartment, he started to pack his suitcase. Since I had an unused ticket to Paris and he had an unused ticket to London, we had agreed to exchange them for new tickets to France. We would be spending a week with my mother and then another week explore the rest of the country. It sounded like the perfect honeymoon and while we were there, we would get married somewhere my mother could see it with her own two eyes. She was thrilled with the idea when I told her this morning and she said she would look into places we could get it down. I was excited to see her but more excited at the idea of spending two weeks with the man I can sorta call my husband.
"So, when are you going to move your stuff in?" Tommy asked, shoving some socks into his suitcase.
"What?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at him.
"Your stuff. You can't live here if you don't move in, silly." He said, smiling. I grinned back, sitting on the couch.
"I guess we can worry about that when we get back. Unless you trust the guys to move it in while we're gone."
"It can wait." He said, raising his eyebrows. I giggled, glancing at all the boxes. The ones that were labelled Kat were pushed into one side of the living room. Tommy had done this last night when we returned. Tanya had told Aisha that her and Kat would be over to get them tomorrow, once we were gone for our honeymoon. It was probably better this way. I hoped she wasn't too upset. I knew it was silly of me to think she wouldn't be, but I really felt that she would be able to get through this.
"That's what I thought. We could unpack your stuff though. You don't have that much and it's not going anywhere."
"I know. I thought my uncle was going to cry when I told him I wasn't going to do the international circuit. At least I still have time to join the one here in the states." Tommy zipped up his suitcase, setting it next to mine by the front door. Our plane was due to leave tonight, the cab coming to get us in about an hour. Jase and Trini had agreed to watch over Tommy's apartment while we were gone.
"He means well though." I added. He nodded.
"I know. I'm going to grab a quick shower before we climb on a plane for fifteen hours. Want to join me?" He asked, a devilish grin on his lips.
"No way, mister. We need to be ready for the cab when it gets here. You'll spend the whole time doing everything but getting clean. I'll get a shower when we land."
"Fine." He pouted. Giving me a quick kiss, he walked up the hallway towards the bathroom. I heard the door shut and the water turn on a few moments later. Standing up, I walked over to the top box in Tommy's pile and opened it. It was filled the with trinkets and pictures we had taken down the other day. I pulled out the pictures, walking over and hanging them in their rightful place. This is where they belonged and where they would stay.
Behind me, I heard a noise from the door and it suddenly swung open. I stepped back, surprised to see someone walk in. I was even more surprised to see it was Katherine. I could tell she felt the same way, her eyes widening when they landed on me. Her hair was pulled back in a bun on the back of her head and she wore a black t0shirt and blue jeans. We both stood there for a moment, not saying anything as we looked at each other. What could I say? 'Sorry I stole your man and your wedding. My bad?' It really didn't sound all the sincere when you put it like that.
"Sorry." She said, breaking the silence. "I didn't think anyone was home since the door was locked. I just needed to grab a few things before my flight."
"It's okay." I said. She closed the door behind her, her keys dangling in her hand. "Kat, I am very sorry about what happened. I didn't mean for you to get hurt. Honestly. I didn't set out to break you two up." I said. She nodded, not looking up from her hands.
"I know. Aisha told Tanya everything. I guess out of anyone, I'm the one that owes you the apology."
"Me?" I asked, surprised. "For what?" Sighing, she looked up at me.
"Because I wanted to break you and Tommy up when we were kids." She whispered. "I was the one who told Aisha and Tanya that I thought Tommy liked me. I knew if I did that, Aisha would tell you. I thought maybe if you thought something was going on between us, you would break up with him. And, it worked. I just didn't think it would cause so much trouble in everyone's lives like it did. I was selfish and wanted Tommy for myself. I shouldn't have done that, and I am so sorry."
"It's not your fault, Kat." I replied, motioning to the couch. We both moved to sit down, facing one another. "There was something between Tommy and I that wasn't able to survive the distance. It was something that hurt us long before you tried to. It just added to the flames, that's all. I don't hate you for that. You were just acting on your feelings. I know all about that. I don't blame you for hating me."
"I gotta admit that I did for a while yesterday. I was so angry that Tommy would just leave me for you. But the more I sat and thought about, the more I got to understanding why he did it. Tommy is special to me and I know he tries really hard, but we don't have the connection like you two. There's no love between us outside of friendship, something he tried like hell to fix. You can't make what isn't there though. I even noticed that my feelings for Tommy haven't been as intense as they were when we were younger. They seemed to fade after my time in London."
"After the affair?" I asked. She snorted, nodding.
"Figures you would know. But, yes. It felt natural when it was happening but when I came back, I felt guilty what I had done to Tommy. I didn't want to hurt him, so I told him I wanted to be with him. The truth is though that I never stopped caring about Alex. I fell in love with him and he's all I could think about. It was unfair for me to agree to marry Tommy when I can't get another man off my mind. I never should have asked Tommy to do this."
"You were just trying to save something you thought it was still there. That's perfectly normal and that's what Tommy was doing too. I think the two of you are always going to be connected besides the fact of what happened yesterday. I hope you can find it in you somewhere to forgive Tommy someday." Sighing, she gave me a sad smile.
"I'm not mad at Tommy. Well, anymore. I understand why he did the things that he did. And like my father told me, Tommy saved me from a life where we might have ended up miserable later on down the road. I wish I hadn't done the things I've done to him but at least I know how he felt."
"So, what now?"
"Well, I'm heading to London as planned. Tanya is going to come with me for a bit to help me get settled in. I'm going to work on getting used to being there fulltime and then, I'm not sure. I've got a lot of work cut out ahead of me to be a part of this company and I think the time to work on myself as well."
"What about Alex?" I asked. She grinned, standing.
"I called him last night. We have plans for coffee tomorrow night once I'm back in town." Up the hallway, I heard the bathroom door open and Tommy emerged from the hall a moment later. His hair was dripping wet and he only wore a pair of jeans, his bare chest exposed as he pulled a white t-shirt over his head. As his eyes poked through, he froze when he saw Kat standing next to me in the middle of the living room. Pulling down the shirt, he glanced between us.
"Katherine." He said softly. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, Tommy. I just came to get my things I'll need for my flight." She replied, giving him a small smile.
"Oh. You are still going to London in the morning?" He asked. She nodded.
"Plane leaves first thing. You guys are leaving for Paris tonight, right?" Kat asked. I nodded, tucking my hands into my back pockets. "I hope you have a safe flight. Paris is beautiful. I'm sure your mother is happy you're coming."
"She is. You have a safe flight too, Kat. And take care of yourself." I said. She nodded, moving to head towards her stack of boxes. Stopping, she looked over her shoulder at Tommy.
"Thank you." She said softly. "You're a good man, Tommy Oliver. You've made me realize how lucky I've been these past two years. I hope you two have a wonderful life together. Don't be afraid to look me up sometime in London."
"Sure thing, Kat." He replied, looking astounded by her comment. She opened a box and found a few things. Scooping them up in her arm, she headed towards the door. With one last smile, she left.