Chapter 54 – Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Christian Grey
Ray's POV
I can't believe this beautiful woman sitting next to me in this outrageously expensive car is my little girl and she is marrying one of the richest men in the world. This happened so fast and it is all a bit overwhelming. But, this is what Ana really wants and I know these two kids are madly in love with each other and Christian is a good man. He will take care of her.
Ana was just nine months old when I married Carla. I raised her and I am her dad. I have never felt any differently about her just as Carrick feels the same about Christian. We have talked about it and we both love these children as though we were their biological parents. My daughter is everything to me. I hope I can get through this without tears. We are holding hands and she is shaking.
"Ana, honey calm down. Are you okay? Why are you shaking?" I feel her shaking and I see goose bumps on her arms. I tell the Sawyer to have the driver turn down the air.
"I don't know. I am so excited about marrying Christian, so don't worry about that dad. It's just what if I screw up my vows? And what if Christian doesn't like my dress? I just want to look pretty for him." She is wearing the handkerchief in her other hand out as she kneads and wads it up over and over again.
"Steele, you're gorgeous. Christian is going to love your dress and probably faint when he sees you." Kate tries to reassure my insecure daughter. I knew when she was just a bit of a thing that she would grow into a beautiful woman. When she was in high school I was relieved she didn't have much interest in boys, she was such a pretty teen that I worried the boys would be all over her. They tried, she just wasn't that interested. There was always some boy or another coming by to study with her or see if she wanted to take a walk or hang out. She just never bothered. She was always happy to hang out with me. When she left to live with Carla and that idiot she married I thought my heart would break. I missed her so much. I was very happy that she came back to be with me, although I wasn't happy about the circumstances. That son of a bitch Morton treated Ana terribly and I didn't trust him around her for a second. I had words with him several times about it and when I picked her up, I almost knocked him out when I saw how scared Ana was around him.
"Daddy, what are you thinking about?" I look down at Ana.
"Oh like any dad ready to walk their little girl down the aisle, just wondering where the years have gone. You know thinking about how I use to take you in the back yard and teach you how to defend yourself against boys. You were a tough little thing. Hmmph. I should have taught you how to defend yourself against rich, handsome billionaires." I wink at her. She knows I like Christian. "Okay pumpernickel, looks like we are here. Look at that would ya?"I point to all the media outside going crazy as we pull down the Grey's driveway.
Kate leans forward. "Yes, you would think that there was a princess in the car or something."
"There is a princess in the car." I kiss her forehead. "Alright, Annie, let's do this."
Julie Powers, Channel 7 News: A Rolls Royce limousine just pulled into the Grey family home driveway here in Bellevue with Anastasia Steele the fiancée of Christian Grey. She was accompanied by her father Raymond Steele and Katherine Kavanagh. We didn't get to see Miss Steele exit the car as it was driven straight down to the garage, but we do have this footage of her as the car pulled into the driveway and you can see her in sitting next to her father. You can also see the stunning, and I mean just gorgeous young woman had a veil in the back of her hair which is in a bun, and we can only assume that this is her bridal veil. I would say it is very safe to say that a wedding is about to take place and Seattle is about to have their own royal couple. Grey House has not officially confirmed that a wedding will take place today but about twenty minutes earlier three large luxury buses carrying about 130 guests arrived to the home. They were dressed in black tie and formal gowns and so we are anxiously waiting news that Seattle's most eligible billionaire bachelor is a married man. We have been told that we will be given a press release at 6:00 pm. So stay tune.
Christian's POV
I look out at the crowd gathered here for our wedding. I see Andrea is sitting with Ros, Gwen, Barney, Welsh and his wife Tracy, Joe and Lorna and Claude. I catch Andrea's eye and smile at her. I see Stephen Trammel my financial advisor and his wife are sitting with Bryce and Patty Dixon, my personal attorney. I nod at my Uncle Mike and Aunt Diana who are sitting with my cousins and their wives. Elliot whispers to me that Scott told him that they were both hurting pretty bad this morning too and received their lecture from Uncle Mike. I see my Uncle Cal, my dad's brother showed up with his wife. My cousin Justin remained uninvited so he isn't here. There is Lance and Janine. I wonder if little Clay is going to be mourning when he finds out that Ana is officially my wife. I smile thinking about how he had such a crush on Ana. I look over and see Jose in place taking pictures. He has snapped a few of me and Elliot, but he looks miserable. If Ana thinks that I believe for one second that Jose only thinks of her as a friend she is really naïve. I know exactly how he feels about her. He has it bad for her and I won't stop their friendship but her days of being alone with him for even a second are about to come to an end. I am not putting up with that shit. I look out and see all of my dad's partners and their wives and a few doctors that work with my mom. I see Mac with a date that I think might be one of my employees. Did Taylor approve that? Not sure who she is but I think she is in HR. A group that must be friends of Ana's are sitting in the middle and I see Gail sitting next to a few empty seats that she must be holding for Taylor and Sawyer. It looks like all the guest have been seated and I look around and see all the security in place and Taylor slip in next to Gail. He gives her a kiss on the cheek. They both look up at me and I nod at them. I think Gail is crying as I see Taylor wipe her eyes. A smile as the wedding hasn't even started yet. I assume Sawyer won't be seated until he sees Ana safely at the altar. He has gotten very protective of her which is good but I hope that is all there is too this. Actually all the guys treat her like a precious commodity, which she is. She has won them all over easily. I notice Ana's Aunt Maggie holding one of the bouquets I saw earlier. She smiles at me. I like her better than Carla that's for sure.
The quartet starts playing What a Wonderful World and I know that means Grams and Gramps are going to be walking down the aisle any second. I smile as I see them walking arm and arm and I step forward to greet them.
"Be happy sweet boy," my grandmother tells me as she kisses me. I am thankful that she seems to be herself today. Gramps told me last night that she has started a new medication that a lot of Alzheimer patients take. This was the first time he has used that word and so maybe it is a sign he has accepted what is the obvious.
"You treasure her now Christian and make her feel loved every moment of her life. You hear me son?" Gramps shakes my hand. They take a seat and next wearing their bow ties comes Riley and Amigo. Elliot and I both start laughing and most of the crowd gets a kick out of it as well. Both dogs obediently lie down and are out of the way. I would have never agreed to this if I thought that they would be disruptive.
The song finishes and the music for the wedding party processional begins with Handel's Air from Water Music. I am smiling but have this huge lump in my throat as I see my parents walking down the aisle. They should be running for congress. Dad stops along the way and shakes hands with some of his partners and points at a few people. My mom rubs the back of one of her closest friends and has a huge smile on her face, but I can see the tears also running down her cheeks. I know they are happy tears but it chokes me up to know that she is so beyond happy for me that she can't contain the tears.
"She won't cry if I ever get married. She will be doing cartwheels," Elliot whispers to me. I step forward and hug and kiss my mom.
"Your bride is breathtaking Christian. Enjoy this day darling." My mom whispers in my ear. I can only nod but I look at her to let her know I heard her. I shake hands with my dad and he pats me on the back.
"You've picked the right one son. She's special." They sit down and I smile but I have to fight back my emotions. I step back and watch as a few moments later Carla walks down the aisle alone. Ana didn't want Bob to walk down as a parent as she really doesn't know him that well. He didn't seem to mind as he is sitting with a smile on his face, turned to watch his wife. I step forward and reach out for her and give her a hug.
"Take good care of her now Christian." I nod and want to smart off and say, "Yea like you did." But of course I don't. She sits down. I know I am going to have to adjust my attitude as she is Ana's mom. When she sits down I smile back at her again and she smiles back.
I get back in place and Elliot is whispering again. I can't really hear him over the music, but then I hold back a laugh as I realize he said, "PITA" He does not like Carla one bit.
I know I have a big smile as Mia comes down the aisle. She is truly my mother's daughter as she walks down smiling at people and stopping along the way to kiss a few people. For god's sake Mia hurry up. I want to see Ana. Finally she gets to where I am standing and she gives me a huge hug. We weren't supposed to greet each other, but Mia the hugger can't help herself. "l love you Christian." She gives me a big kiss and wipes her lipstick off my cheek making everyone laugh. I get back in place and watch Kate who looks quite amazing come down the aisle. She is wearing a pale pick gown that is a halter dress and shows off her best attributes even thought I shouldn't be looking, I would have to stop liking women not to notice. She may not be my type but she looks pretty hot.
"Holy balls," Elliot says in more than a whisper. Reverend Walsh looks over at him. "Sorry Reverend. "I will be taking a short break with that lovely creature straight to the boathouse after the ceremony." Elliot whispers just so I can hear. Christ is he going to talk in my ear the whole ceremony? I turn away from the guest and lean back so Elliot can hear me.
"Will you shut the hell up?" As soon as I say it we both start laughing a little. When Kate gets up to the front and I nod at her and she winks at me and motions a kiss at Elliot. She turns around and stands next to Mia on the other side of where Ana will be standing. God my stomach is all jittery and I feel Elliot massage my shoulder. This is it. I am so excited. I know I have a huge smile on my face and I look over at my mom and she is just grinning at me.
The music from the procession finishes. The music I talked Ana into having for her processional is one of my longtime favorites and I hear the pianist begin the first few notes and then the violins join in. About a minute into this beautiful song the guests all stand and right at the perfect time of Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini I see her turn the corner holding Ray's arms. It couldn't have been scripted any better and time stands still. I see the smiles and tears of everyone that can see her better than I can as she is still about fifty feet. But what I see is like a dream. I have never felt like this in my entire life. My heart is racing and I must gasps and I swear my heart stops beating for a second.
She is looking down and our eyes have not met yet. Finally she looks up, cocks her head a little to the side and smiles looking only in my eyes. She is sending me a message and I smile back looking at her. Yes, baby, this is our moment. I know I have a smile on my face and I want to run down and get her as the music goes into its crescendo. "She is absolutely gorgeous." Elliot whispers more to himself than to me. I haven't moved or blinked because I don't want to miss a thing. She holds Rays arm and carries her bouquet in the other. She smiles her beautiful warm smile all the way down the aisle and the closer she gets I am so over whelmed by how breathtakingly beautiful she looks that I find I have a single tear coming down my cheek. I love her so much.
When the music hits its second crescendo I step forward and shake Ray's hand. "I will take care of her Ray, I love her." I lean down into his ear so only he can hear.
"Thank you Christian. That is all I ask." He turns and places both of his hands on Ana's face and kisses her softly on her forehead. She leans into him and lets his kiss lingers for a few seconds while she tells him softly, "I love you daddy." He reaches over and places her small hand in mine and we turn together to face Reverend Walsh as Ray takes a seat next to Carla and Bob.
"You have taken my breath away, you're so beautiful." I lean down and whisper to Ana. My god she is exquisite. Her dress is amazing and shows off everything I love about her perfect body, and I notice the way the dress accents her neckline and I can barely keep from bending down and kissing her. She looks up at me shyly and she is holding my hand so tight. I think she is shaking so I stroke her hand with my thumb. I don't want her to be nervous. I whisper, "I love you Ana." She smiles. The music stops.
"Please everyone be seated. Welcome to the marriage celebration of Anastasia Rose Steele to Christian Trevelyan Grey. I had the pleasure of spending some time with Ana and Christian last month to talk about their wedding and marriage vision. It is always revealing and somewhat stressful when a young couple comes to me and I ask them to share their hopes, dream and what they want from their marriage. Often they see the world and their future differently and more than often they realize for the first time during this meeting that marriage is about compromise. Ana and Christian were no different than any other couple when it came to responding to the questions I asked. They learned a lot about each other that day didn't you." He looks at us and we both laugh remembering the fight over the vows and my candid response to how often I expect to have sex each week. I look at Ana and she is blushing and I know she is thinking the same thing. I wink at her.
"What sets Ana and Christian apart from most young couples that I marry is that they have had to endure the eyes of the world on them. People want to find the flaw in what appears to be the perfect couple. Christian you are one of the most successful young men in the world and Ana you are marrying a very prominent man. Your marriage will be full of challenges as people will try to take the very strong love you have for each other and scrutinize every move you each make. When you're off shopping and Christian is at home the media will question why you're not together; when Christian has a meeting with colleagues in a restaurant and you're not there, the press will speculate. And thus because of whom you are, I suspect that your marriage will face unwarranted scrutiny. But I want to remind you both today of what you wrote down about each other, that confirmed to me that your love for each other is so strong and unbreakable that I know you will survive the challenges and whatever lies ahead.
Christian I asked you to write down what about Ana was special. You wrote down some notes and then as you will recall you emailed me a three page letter a day later telling me all the reasons you were so in love with Ana." I smile and Ana looks up at me like I must be crazy. I hear the guests behind me laugh. "Yes, three pages, don't worry, we want to get these kids married today, so I won't read the whole letter. But in summary, Ana, Christian said you make him laugh, feel loved, have taught him how to forgive and be understanding. He said you make him see light where he only saw darkness before you came in his life. And what stood out to me, he said, that ever since you, Ana came into his life the colors of the world are more vibrant, I quote, "I can breathe easier, I see the beauty of the world around me for the first time in years and in some instances ever. If it was possible I would say Ana has reached in and touched my heart making it truly beat for the first time. She has given me hope and more. I love her deeply." Reverend Walsh looks at me and smiles. "You are truly a man in love Christian and it gives me great satisfaction to be here to oversee this union." He turns slightly to face Ana and I keep rubbing her hand.
"Ana, I asked you the same question. And you responded, 'Christian makes me feel cherished, beautiful, loved, protected, nurtured and like I am more important than anything else in his life. I miss him when I am away from him for even an hour. His smile and his eyes tell me more than words can ever say. I know he loves me deeply and I love him more by the hour, minute and second. The world doesn't know my Christian, but I can only tell them that he is all that is good and kind and he is my everything. I am drawn to him like no other and I know we are meant to share all that life has to offer together. From the very beginning he captured my heart and I will love him forever." I would say that Ana, you are deeply, deeply in love with Christian.
We both look at each other and I want to kiss her so much right now. I reach over with my right hand and run my thumb over her cheek. I don't know if I am supposed to touch her yet, but I don't care, I just need to let her know how I feel. She squeezes my hand.
"The words form Ana and Christian are a powerful testament to their deep love. Their bond is strong and again, as you face the very public world you live in, remember always these words you shared with us today in front of your friends and loved ones. Don't let the outside world ever make either of you doubt this incredible love you have for one another." Reverend Walsh looks out then asks in a firm voice.
"Who gives this woman, Anastasia Rose Steele to be married to this man, Christian Trevelyan Grey?"
Ray stands up and I wait for him to say he will share her with me, but he just states, "I do." I hear the catch in his voice. I didn't know how this was going to play out. Ana was determine to keep her mom out of this and told me last night that she wanted to let Ray know that she loved him for raising her and to show him respect she wanted him to officially give her away. I am really glad he kept Carla out of it.
"Christian and Ana please face each other." We both turn and I gently pull her closer to me and I place one hand on her waist while holding the other hand. "Christian please state your vow of marriage commitment to Ana."
I look at Ana's beautiful blue eyes and speak out in a loud firm voice. I want everyone to hear what I have to say and there are certain things I want people to know and hear without any doubt. "I solemnly vow that I will safeguard and hold dear and deep in my heart our union and you. I promise to love you faithfully, forsaking all others, through the good times and the bad, in sickness and in health, regardless of where life takes us. I will protect you, trust you, and respect you. I will share your joys and sorrows and comfort you in times of need. I promise to cherish you and uphold your hopes and dreams and keep you safe at my side. All that is mine is now yours. I give you my hand and heart, and my love from this moment on for as long as we both shall live." Ana looks at Reverend Walsh and he nods.
Her voice is soft and I know she is shy about speaking in front of so many people. But she lifts her small shoulders and speaks out.
"I give you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, to stand by your side in good times and in bad, to share your joys as well as your sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals and dreams, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, to share my hopes and dreams with you, and bring you solace in times of need. And to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."
Reverend Walsh looks at Elliot and asks for the rings and he hands them to both to him.
Christian please place the ring on Anastasia's finger and state your vow.
"Ana, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your finger I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day." I slide the ring on her finger and wait for Ana. She has a tear running down her face and has to take a breath.
"Christian, I give you this ring as my gift to you. Please think of me as you wear it and always know that I love you." She slips my ring on my finger. I reach over and wipe her tear.
Reverend Walsh calls Maggie up to read.
"A reading from the book of Mark 10:6-9
From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
The quartet plays Always and Forever and a local singer gets up to sing the words that Ana and I felt was appropriate for us. I really don't listen because although Reverend Walsh has not officially said anything, I realize that Ana is now my wife. I squeeze her hand again and she looks up at me. "Mrs. Grey I whisper. She leans into my arm and we both finish listening to the singer. The song is completed and I see Gramps making his way to the front. I know what he will be reading and I am sure that this will be what breaks me if anything.
Ana and Christian, my dear grandchildren please face each other and take each other's hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you. Gramps stops and holds back, I know this last line is so hard for him. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. These are your hands. Gramps looks at my Grandmother and then at both of us and nods his head. I hear sniffling behind me and I wipe my own tears. Ana is crying as well. The last line really got to me. I close my eyes and once again pray that Gramps and Grams have more time together.
Reverend Walsh takes steps back in front of us and holds his hand over ours.
"With the powers vested in me, I bless this union of marriage in the State of Washington and in the eyes of the Lord, you are now pronounced man and wife. Ladies and gentleman may I introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey. You may kiss the bride."
Ana beams at me and I whisper in her ear as I pull her close into my arms. "Finally, you're mine" and I give her a soft chaste kiss because I am pretty sure I won't be able to control myself if I give her the kiss I would like."You look beautiful, Ana. Don't let anyone take that dress of but me; understand?" I smile at her and run my fingertip down her cheek. I hear her take a breath and I know I better not kiss her again until we are alone for a second. I won't be able to stop. I shake hands with Reverend Walsh and then I am pretty pumped because I hired one of Seattle's well know R& B singers Moselle McKinney to sing At Last which she sings just like Etta James and we take our time walking down the aisle hand in hand as Moselle starts belting out the song that tells how we both feel. We stop three times to kiss each other and of course our parents. We both have huge smiles on our faces and when we get back to the French doors I hear Moselle sing the last verse:
ooo yea
you are mine
you are mine
at last
at last
at last
at last
I pull Ana in my arms and kiss her with all the passion and love that I have in me. Ana is mine.
Next and last chapter The Reception. I hope I did the wedding they way you all wanted! .
