On the Rocks: Chapter Thirty-eight

With less than an hour to go before the wedding, Ana remembers to be nervous and texts Christian, "Fuck, we're getting married!"

Almost immediately, Christian calls her back and she can hear the laughter in his voice when he says, "Yes, we are. You all right, babe?"

Reassured by the sound of his voice, Ana sighs and says, "I am now. Why the hell do people put themselves through this stress more than once?"

Christian chuckles and says, "No idea. Maybe you could ask your mom?"

Ana laughs and says, "Perhaps not." They're both quiet for a few seconds and then Ana says, "I miss you."

"I miss you too, babe. But we'll see each other real soon."

"Or we could meet right now?"

After a moment, Christian says, "No. That's one of the big ones. I don't want to tempt fate."

"What happened to not being superstitious?"

Ana can imagine his shoulders lifting in embarrassment as Christian hesitates before saying, "Yeah, well, maybe today I am. I don't want to fuck this up."

Amused and moved at how nervous he is, Ana asks, "Will you be waiting for me?"

"Of course I will."

"Then you can't fuck it up, because you're all I need, okay?"

After a moment, Christian says, "Thanks, babe." With a sigh, he continues, "I'd better go. I'll see you outside. And, Ana?"

"Yes, darling?"

"Don't be late. My heart couldn't take it."

Ana recognizes it as a plea and says, "On time or early, I swear. But, if I were late, you'd wait for me?"

"Forever, babe. And tell Kate that now would be a good time."

He abruptly hangs up after this cryptic message. When Ana looks at Kate, it's to see that she's holding out a Tiffany's jewelry box as she says, "Christian thought this might help your last-minute nerves."

There's a tiny card attached to the top. Ana opens it to read, in Christian's handwriting, "Something blue."

Undoing the bow with slightly trembling fingers, Ana opens the box to see diamond and blue sapphire earrings and a matching choker necklace that will work perfectly with the high neckline of her dress. Daring to touch the exquisite set, she says, "They're beautiful, aren't they?"

Smiling at her friend's happiness, Kate says, "Yes, they are."

"How much do you think this cost?"

Kate laughs and says, "Enough that I knew to be terrified of losing it."

Straightening her shoulders, Ana says, "Well, I'd better get used to wearing stuff like this. Help me?"

They've not had long to admire the full effect before Mia enters, saying, "Wow! You should see what my brother has done out there." And then she notices the jewelry and says, without pause, "Oh, my God, they're stunning, Ana. They match your eyes. Christian is going to die. I bet it was shockingly expensive."

When Ana silently pleads with Kate, she says to Mia, "Hey, do you think you could find Ana's father, Ray? It's nearly time to go."

Mia leaps at the chance, saying, "Oh, of course. Be right back."

When she's gone, Ana says to Kate, "Thank you. She's lovely, but I find her…"

When she doesn't immediately continue, Kate suggests, "Exhausting."

Ana giggles and says, "Exactly."

The sudden knock on the door provokes a guilty startle from both of them and then Carla enters. She's barely inside the door when she stops in her tracks and just stares at her daughter for a few seconds. The love shining from her mother's face threatening to test the waterproof quality of her makeup, Ana says, "Mom, please don't cry, or you'll set me off and I don't want to get married looking like a raccoon."

With a deep, calming breath, Carla embraces her daughter and says, "You look beautiful, Annie. I'm so happy for you." To Kate, she says, "Would you please excuse us for just a minute?"

With a glance at Ana to check that it's okay, Kate says, "Uh, sure."

When they're alone, Ana says, "What's wrong, Mom?"

"Nothing, sweetheart. Before things get mad, I just wanted to ask if this is what you really want?"

Relieved that it's nothing to worry about, Ana says, "Yes, Mom. We talked about this earlier. I was nervous about getting married so soon. But I'm sure now; one hundred percent, okay?"

Apparently satisfied, Carla says, "Okay." And then she nervously asks, "Have you got your something borrowed?"

"No, Mom. You said not to."

Still apparently unsure of herself, Carla removes something from her purse and reveals a small, vintage tie pin as she says, "He, uh, couldn't afford a tuxedo, so he wore his only suit." With a shrug, she continues, "I know that Ray is really your dad, but I thought that, just for today, you might need your father as well."

Managing to fill in the gaps in the explanation, Ana says, "My father was wearing this when you were married?" At Carla's nod, Ana breathes through the need to cry and then says only, "Thank you."

Apparently satisfied that it was the right thing to do, Carla's tense expression melts to one of joy. After a moment's discussion, she attaches it to the inside of Ana's left cuff. They're still embracing when Mia returns with Ray, and there are more hugs. Only moments later Kate enters and says only, "Showtime."

Christian is vaguely aware of Carrick and Elliot's comforting platitudes, but he honestly can't hear the words, because his gyrating stomach, pounding heartbeat and trembling limbs demand all his attention. He knows that Ana won't stand him up. He's never been surer of anything in his life. Still, that terrified little boy he used to be is reminding him that he's not worthy of her; that maybe she'll come to her senses or someone who loves her enough to protect her will have made her see reason and she'll be on her way out of his life. At some point he becomes aware that Brit has said something, so he shakes his head once to indicate that he didn't hear and his friend smiles a little as he says, "Give your watch to Carrick."

Only then does Christian realize that he's been constantly checking the time as the minutes tick down. Mortified that his growing panic is apparently noticeable, Christian pulls the sleeve down over his wrist and straightens his back as he says, "No, I'm good."

With a kind smile, Brit says, "Yes, you are. She'll be here, Chris. Try and relax before you sweat through the tux."

It's enough to make the trembling recede and Christian is about to thank him when the gentle strands of Bach fill the air, and he offers a silent prayer that the pianist doesn't fuck it up. But then his eyes are glued to the now open entrance of the marquee. It seems an interminable amount of time, but can only be a minute or two, when Ana comes into view, escorted by Ray and follow by Kate and Mia. Suddenly nothing else exists for Christian as his bride walks towards him, clad in virginal white, her eyes wide with excitement and a slight flush to her flawless skin. He watches, hypnotized, as her eyes dart around, taking in everything, from the thousands of flowers he's had flown in solely for her benefit, to the stunning ivory grand piano nearby.

Ana returns the smiles of their few guests as she walks towards him, but the gesture appears forced as she nears him and only then does Christian understand that Ana is just as nervous as him. With a trembling, grateful sigh, he relaxes and can't stop himself from taking one step towards her as he offers his hand for the last part of her journey. Now facing each other, Ana almost touches the white iris on his lapel and whispers, "They're my favorite."

Pleased that she's noticed, Christian smiles and says, "I know." He watches in fascination as these two words remove all her fears and then he asks, "Shall we get married?"

With that cheeky grin that encompasses everything he most loves about her, Ana says, "It's about time."

At a gesture from Brit, the music stops and he begins the service. It still slightly rankles when they get to the part where Ray should be giving Ana to him and they've instead chosen the word "blessing", but not enough to put a dent in Christian's happiness. He can't stop himself from glancing at Ana every few seconds as Brit speaks. Once or twice, he sees her shyly peeking back at him, and they quietly smile at each other before returning their attention to the words being spoken over them. Suddenly, Christian realizes that it's time for the vows. He's pleased that his voice holds steady when he proclaims, "I, Christian, accept you, Anastasia, as my lawful wife. I pledge to openly and honestly endeavor to be worthy of that privilege, for as long as you'll permit me. Everything that I am, and all that I possess, I now share with you."

Christian can see that Ana is genuinely moved by his carefully worded reminder of how much power she has over him. She's gazing at him, on the verge of tears, when a gentle prompt from Brit gets her attention and she glances nervously at their joined hands before looking only at Christian to say, "I, Anastasia, accept you, Christian, as my lawful husband. I do so willingly, humbly and gratefully. I am yours, and will remain so, for the rest of my life."

So few words, to contain such promise, such trust. It can't be a mistake that she alludes to ownership, and Christian is almost dizzy with elation at the thought that Ana is seconds away from being legally bound to him. He feels his dick stirring at these tantalizing thoughts and wills himself back to the present before he embarrasses himself. Ana's hint of a smile confirms that she's aware of his arousal. With so many witnesses, there's not much he can do to gain the upper hand. But apparently it's enough to arch one eyebrow, because Ana blushes and lowers her gaze. Warm pleasure floods through him at the thought that, even here, before their friends and family, he can so easily seduce her. He's still lost in pleasant thoughts when he notices that Carrick has passed the rings to Brit, who now offers them on his open booklet. Taking Ana's ornate platinum ring, curved to fit beside the matching engagement ring, Christian can't resist caressing the back of her hand with his thumb, so that her cheeks are flushed again when he says, "Please accept this ring as a symbol of my fidelity." Suddenly moved beyond words, Christian also places a tender, unscripted kiss on the back off her hand.

Ana then picks up Christian's wedding band, seeing it for the first time. She pauses for a second, running her thumb over the hammered surface of the dark-gray, platinum band, and she looks up at him to mouth, "Perfect." And then she mirrors his gesture and words with the ring, even down to the kiss on the back of his hand, her lips quirked in that same, cheeky grin. And then there's nothing left but the "I do" part, and they're already moving into each other's arms when Brit formally announces their union and cheerfully gives them permission to kiss.

The marquee has erupted in congratulations and applause when Christian ends the kiss and he smiles down at Ana's dazed expression before murmuring, "You're mine now, Mrs. Grey."

With a blissful smile, Ana declares, "Christian, I've been yours since I fell at your feet."

Carrick is offering them his congratulations. Christian shakes his father's hand, and then Brit's. Somewhere in the middle of this love fest, Elliot has edged closer to Ana and says "Sister," before sweeping her into his arms and dipping her.

Ana shrieks in outrage and Christian only realizes that he's moving to intercede when he feels Carrick's surprisingly strong grip on his arm. He's shocked enough at this uncharacteristic gesture to hesitate. In that moment, Grace exclaims, "Elliot Franklyn Grey, let her go this instant!"

Without looking up, Elliot says, "I'm owed a kiss. It's tradition."

Ana, laughter in her voice, says, "That's only the best man, Elliot, and you're clearly not him."

With a shrug, Elliot kisses Ana on the cheek and lets her stand, saying, "Oh well, second best man then."

Smacking his arm, Kate says, "Not even close."

Almost ready to throttle his brother, Christian is nevertheless relieved that he didn't make a fool of himself and he says to Carrick, "Thanks, Dad."

With a grin, Carrick releases him, saying, "No problem, son. Will you need restraining when I congratulate her?"

Embarrassed, Christian says, "No. It's just…sometimes Elliot pisses me off."

Beaming, Carrick says, "Well, he's your brother; that's his job."

With a harsh laugh, Christian says, "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, for today."

Christian is shocked to see a hint of tears in his father's eyes when Carrick says, "No, son, thank you for today."

Christian loses sight of Carrick then, and even Ana, when the people who love the newlyweds most envelop them to offer heartfelt congratulations. Even as he responds to them, Christian is left with the image of his adoptive father moved to tears at the sight of his son grown and married.

Things have settled down a little when Christian notices the photographer trying to catch his eye, and he remembers something about him wanting a few photos after the ceremony. He motions Taylor over and leans close enough to be heard above the happy chatter when he says, "Photo op time. Find out where he wants to do it and make sure we've got enough men."

Christian soon finds Ana in the small crowd, chatting to Flynn. When he rests his hand on the small of her back, relishing the feel of the bodice laces beneath his fingers, she turns her head to him with a smile on her face and says, "Hello, husband."

He chastely kisses her and replies, "Hello, wife." And then he says to Flynn, "Photos. Help yourself to the champagne. We'll be back for dinner."

Flynn smiles and says, "I'll see you then." As Christian takes Ana's hand, the therapist cheekily adds, "Remember, Ana, you've got my number if you need me while on your honeymoon."

Ana laughs and says, "I won't."

The photo shoot is a trial, though Christian can tell that Ana's friend really is good at his job, so it will be worth the effort. They're posed in a few places around the grounds, with either the house or the water as a backdrop, and then a few with immediate family. Christian notices Taylor talking into the mike at his sleeve once or twice, so he knows that there are attempts to get to them. But, when he looks at the security officer, his concern is met with a subtle shake of the head, so he knows that there won't be any gatecrashers. It's finally over only because the light is waning.

Glancing at the marquee, Christian can see that the caterers have been busy; the sides of the enormous tent are now open, making the "room" look as if it's surrounded on all sides by floor to ceiling windows framed with white curtains. The garden is festooned with lanterns and colored lights, now winking into existence. And the many gas heaters are poised at a safe distance from the canvas, for when the air gets chilly. The long dining table has been set, complete with the ornate floral decorations; copies of Gretchen's efforts from last night. Ana still has that dreamy, apparently permanent smile on her face when Christian says, "Hungry?"

Her smile widens and she says, "Starving. I forgot to eat lunch." And then she laughs and caresses the sudden frown on his brow with her thumb as she lovingly observes, "Angry Christian."

Of course, it's impossible to stay upset under such ministrations, and Christian's frown melts away as he says, "Not today."

Christian takes Ana's hand to lead her to dinner, but her heels sink into the lawn yet again. She yelps a little in surprise when he suddenly lifts her in his arms. But then immediately relaxes against him, one hand on his chest, and it seems like she's talking about more than being carried when she lovingly breathes, "Thank you."

Wishing that he could just keep going with Ana in his arms, Christian instead deposits her safely on her dining chair. Though not intended as a signal, it's enough that everyone soon finds their seats. Despite being an informal gathering, Christian hadn't been able to dissuade everyone from the idea of congratulatory speeches. Thankfully, Carrick and Kate keep them brief and no one is stupid enough to let Elliot speak.

Christian is watching Ana after the appetizer is served, worried about how little she's had to eat today. She notices his attention and looks right at him as she picks up a piece of smoked salmon with her fingers and bites it. Christian is suddenly transported back to Wednesday night, at her apartment, when they'd not been able to finish dinner before fucking in her bed. Hot pleasure pools in his groin at the memory and he has to swallow past the sudden dryness in his throat. Ana is grinning at him, obviously fully aware of the effect she's having on him. Christian leans over and whispers one word, "Playtime."

Ana's smug look changes to fear and she whispers back, "Not here?"

When Christian only raises an eyebrow, Ana's face reveals her inner battle as she decides whether or not to obey, and then her expression relaxes and she nods once. Awash with gratitude at her faith in him, Christian considers for a moment how best to torment her and then leans close enough that no one can hear him command, "Next time you visit the bathroom, remove your panties and bring them to me."

When Ana's self-satisfied grin returns, Christian wonders what she's plotting, but trusts her to make it fun. When he again arches one eyebrow, Ana retrieves her purse from the table and puts it in her lap. Seconds later Christian feels a scrap of material being passed to him. When he's sure no one can see, he glances down to find an ivory satin and lace thong in his hands. Quickly putting it in his pocket beside his growing erection, he takes a moment to control his body's reaction before whispering to Ana, "When?"

A wide, victorious smile on her face, Ana doesn't even bother to whisper when she reveals, "Just before I joined you."

Realizing that the tiny scrap of material had been in Ana's purse throughout their wedding ceremony, Christian groans and says, "You win this round, Mrs. Grey."

Christian knows that Ana is also remembering Wednesday night when she laughs and says, "Technically, yes. But I don't think there are any losers at this table, Mr. Grey."

Drowning in emotions almost too powerful to contain, Christian tenderly kisses her and says, "I love you, Mrs. Grey. Now eat."

Still smiling slightly, Ana does as bid, saying, "Yes, Sir."

With only one or two minor apparent mishaps, dinner goes well, and Christian stands to offer Ana his hand. With a slight frown of confusion, she accepts, and he says, "Care to dance?"

With a soft smile, Ana says, "I would."

As they make their way to the temporary dance floor anchored to the lawn under the canopy, the pianist starts the intro of the song Christian chose, and he makes a mental note to tip the guy well for his timing. They've done this before, but as they turn together, Christian murmurs, "We should do this more often."

Now almost alone for the first time in hours, Ana smiles and quietly says, "We're always too busy fucking."

Christian smiles and says, "Well, it's hard to feel bad about that."

Ana smiles and then, after a moment, says, "What's this song?"

It's obvious she likes it, so Christian warmly says, "Forever I do."

"Appropriate."

"I thought so." And then he remembers the scrap of material in his pocket and says, "So, when did you come up with the sans underwear plan?"

Blushing a little, making Christian wonder if she'd forgotten, Ana says, "Uh, about ten seconds before I walked out here."

Pulling her close enough that she'll be in no doubt of his arousal, Christian leans his cheek against her temple and gently declares, "Anastasia, you're magnificent." And then he realizes something and says, "That's why you were so upset when Elliot dipped you?"

Ana laughs and says, "Yeah. I hope I didn't scare you?"

Christian chuckles and says, "Only a little. Dad kept me from ripping Elliot's throat out." They're quiet for a while as they move together, and then Christian groans and Ana asks, "Your ankle?"

"No, babe, it's fine. I just remembered that you're sporting a love heart pointing the way to pleasure and it's currently exposed to the air. When the fuck can we leave?"

Ana laughs and says, "Not for a while yet. There'll be more dancing and then we have to cut the cake. I think any time after that wouldn't be too impolite. And I thought that you're a big fan of anticipation?"

With a shrug, Christian says, "Yeah, well, even I have limits."

With a grin, Ana declares, "Not many." And then she solemnly says, "Thank you, Christian, for making it so perfect. It's almost inconceivable that you could accomplish all this in less than forty-eight hours."

His heart swelling with pride that his efforts have pleased her, Christian tries to keep his hubris from showing when he points out, "Well, I had help."

Ana laughs and says, "You don't do humble very well, do you?"

With a grin, Christian confesses, "Lack of practice."

When the song ends, Carrick is already hovering to ask Ana for the next dance. With a smile, Christian releases her and leaves the floor. Keeping Ana at a respectful distance, Carrick says, "You look beautiful, Anastasia."

Ana smiles and says, "You and Christian are probably the only people who use my full name, and thank you."

With a tiny shrug, Carrick says, "It's a lovely name. Carla's choice?"

"Uh, no. I think that was my father's idea…my birth father. Mom said he loved that old movie of the same name."

Carrick nods and says, "With Ingrid Bergman and Yul Brynner; one of Grace's favorites. I've been made to sit through it many times." They're quiet for a while and then he suggests, "So, your father was an optimist?"

The dance floor is filling up as Ana says, "Uh, I've no idea. Why do you say that?"

"You were named after a Russian princess who was purported to have survived a revolution; the only member of her family to do so. The movie suggested that she not only survived for many years, but also found love."

Ana smiles and says, "I see what you mean."

His voice warm, Carrick says, "It also means that he loved you very much."

Reluctant to get emotional, Ana grins and says, "Or that he was very keen on Ingrid Bergman."

Carrick laughs, a deep, rich sound and then says, "Well, any man my age has been in love with her at some point."

They're again quiet as they move between the other couples, and then Ana quotes, "The poor have only one advantage; they know when they are loved for themselves."

Proving just how smart he is, Carrick winces and says, "He told you. I'm sorry, Ana. I hope you know that I was just…"

Ana interrupts with, "Hey, it's okay. I'm on your side in this. I tried to suggest a prenup, but he won't hear of it." And then she laughs and reveals, "He actually offered me a million dollars, obligation free, when we were only dating. Can you believe it?"

Carrick studies her for a moment, and then says, "Why?"

Ana shrugs and says, "To show how little it meant to him, I think. Uh, we were discussing how much the money freaked me out…God, that was only last Saturday, and he said that the money means nothing to him; even offered to get rid of it, just to ease my fears."

Shaking his head in confusion, Carrick echoes, "Get rid of it?"

Ana laughs and says, "Yeah; you're worried about losing half of his fortune, but I could have made him give it all away." With a shrug, she adds, "Of course, it wouldn't have done any good in the long run; he would have eventually made it all back. I'll just have to get used to it."

Carrick is apparently lost in thought and Ana says, "You okay? I hope I didn't say something wrong?"

Smiling down at her, Carrick says, "No, Anastasia, you said something right. No matter what happens, you won't take his money."

Glad that the matter is apparently settled, Ana vows, "No, I won't."

As the music dies down, Carrick kisses her cheek and says, "Welcome to the family, Princess."

Before her stomach has settled down from the warm feelings generated by Carrick's words, Ana is dancing with Flynn. She smiles at him and says, "Off the clock tonight, I hope?"

He returns her smile and says, "Indeed, though you know that I'm always available for you, Ana."

They both glance at Christian, now dancing with Mia, and Ana quietly says, "So far, so good. I know that a wedding band isn't a cure."

"Wise words, indeed. So many people make that mistake. You and Christian are off to a better start than most, just because you dialogue problems." At Ana's obvious amusement, Flynn asks, "What is it?"

"Sorry. Can't you just say that we talk to each other?"

Smiling, Flynn says, "No. It's a shrink thing."

They finish the dance in similar fashion. Ana dances with a few more people before Christian again finds her, saying, "Having fun, wife."

"I am, though my feet are beginning to complain."

Without a word, Christian adjusts his grip and lifts Ana, holding her against him as they move to the music. Helpless with laughter at his antics, Ana eventually manages to protest, "Put me down, Christian."

Gently letting her feet again touch the ground, Christian smilingly says, "Some people are impossible to please. I hope you're not going to be this difficult all the time, now that we're married?"

Beaming up at him, secure in their love, Ana says, "Only as difficult as you like."

When someone taps her shoulder, Ana glances back to see Brit and he says, "Mind if I cut in?"

Christian magnanimously gestures that Brit can dance with Ana, but she laughs and points out, "Darling, he's talking to me." To Brit, she says, "Assuming he's willing, go ahead; my feet are killing me."

Curious to see how Christian will cope with this unexpected development, Ana hovers nearby for a moment. Christian is staring at Brit, his expression darkly brooding, and then he grins and says, "Fuck it; you're on, but I lead."

Ana thinks that she could have scripted Brit's reply when he says, "My dear boy, I wouldn't have it any other way."

Heading back to her chair, Ana notices Carrick at the table with a concerned gaze centered on Christian and Brit. Wondering just how big a problem it is, she says, "Christian's not gay. You know that, right?"

As if noticing that she's beside him, Carrick says, "Huh? Oh, sorry. It's not that; just…Mr. Hertz made certain claims about Christian…I'm surprised to find that they're friends."

Remembering Brit's explanation for why he encouraged the rumors about Christian being gay, Ana paraphrases, "When I asked Brit about that, he confessed that he did it to mess with the rumormongers who should have known better than to discuss Christian's private life."

Frowning, Carrick says, "Admirable, perhaps, but I don't see how his actions could possibly have helped."

With a shrug, Ana says, "They couldn't have ended the rumors…I doubt they'll stop even now. But knowing that Brit was torturing those gossiping about him would have helped Christian keep his cool."

Ana sees Carrick hear her, and then he says, "I guess so. Thank you, Anastasia."

With a grin, Ana says, "Actually, if you don't mind, I kind of liked being called Princess."

Carrick smiles and says, "Okay, Princess."

When he then leans over and kisses her cheek, Ana smiles and asks, "What's that for?"

With a dazzling smile, Carrick says, "Everything."

Ana is still chatting pleasantly with Carrick when Christian rests his hand on the back of her neck, sending sparks of pleasure through her body, even with the lace between them, and he says, "Time to cut the cake."

His voice is almost a caress and Ana knows that her husband has finally had enough of sharing her with friends and family. After excusing herself from Carrick's presence, she lets Christian lead her to the covered cake. With such a small crowd, all it takes is for the music to die down and everyone returns to their seats. A couple of waiting staff wheel the cake table onto the dance floor, so that everyone has a front seat. The cake is unveiled to reveal what looks like a stack of large books. Surprised, Ana looks at Christian, to see that he's nervously watching her reaction. Ana looks again, to see that there are even titles on the spines; Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre, Love in the Time of Cholera, Wuthering Heights, North and South, Dangerous Liaisons, Our Mutual Friend, Rabbi Ben Ezra and The White Company. Her heart swelling with love, she looks at him to say, "Christian, these are all romances."

Smiling his pleasure at her appreciation, Christian says, "So I'm told. The top book is open."

Irrationally nervous about what she might find, Ana clutches Christian's hand as she approaches to see, written in icing, the full quote from Oscar Wilde. One page reads, "Every saint has a past..." with the next page proclaiming, "every sinner has a future."

Actually shocked that Christian would put the last part in writing, her gaze flies to his and she says, "But you don't really believe that."

His face shining with happiness, Christian says, "I do."

It's the second time today that he's said those words, but somehow this time it means even more to Ana and, in an awed whisper, she asks, "Because I married you?"

With their joined hands, Christian picks up the knife as he says, "Yes."

Author's note: The tunes mentioned are; "Air on the G String"-J. S. Bach (unfortunate name, but, if your heart doesn't swell with love on hearing it, you may not have one) and "Forever I Do"-Bradley Joseph.

Okay, the next chapter is seriously the last. And, bad news; it will be entitled "Epilogue". Before you blast me, I fully intend to return to the characters, but...well, for one thing, they're no longer "On the Rocks", are they? So their tale will continue as separate stories. Thanks, for coming with me. I've enjoyed it.