Chapter 53: This Year's Love
(Author's Notes: Hey everyone sorry for lack of updates lately. I just been extremely busy since I went back to school trying to earn my second college diploma lol. Anyways I finally have time during my Reading Week to update the last two chapters of this story. I'm in the process of working on the sequel to this story which will be posted soon. Anyways I really appreciate the reviews coming in and I like to thank everyone for reading my story and take care!)
(Four Months Later)
"So how does it feel surviving your first year of marriage?" Kat asked fixing the veil on Kimberly's head. Trini, Tanya and Aisha were finishing up the last touches of their hair and makeup while Rosaline tried to get Elena to sit still for a few moments. "Nothing like getting having another wedding ceremony to celebrate your first year anniversary."
"We made our friends a promise to have a ceremony to attend when we defeated Lokar. Though it's hard to imagine that a year has gone by since Tommy and I got married at city hall because we woke up one morning and decided to elope. However, we thought our anniversary was the best way to do this right and we couldn't ask for anything more."
"You're still nervous aren't you after everything you've been through?" Aisha asked.
"Still the wedding jitters and besides this is a renewal ceremony as I like to call it," Kimberly smiled, "I got everything I could ask for: a loving family, my friends, and a man that I love more than anything in this world. They said that sometimes bad have to happen in order for something good to come out of it and I've been thinking. Do you think it had to take our experience fighting against the Source of Evil, the arrival of the potential Rangers, and almost losing Tommy for us to get to where we are today? After he woke up it seemed like everything was falling back into place and somehow the powers that be granted us the one thing we truly desired and long for: a future together."
"If there are two people who deserve to be happy and rewarded for all that they've done it's you and dad," Rosaline assured her.
"Rosie's right mama Kim because you and papa Tommy really love each other," Elena smiled handing her a tissue, "Don't cry be happy."
"Thanks baby girl you know you make a really cute flower girl," Kimberly smiled hugging her adopted daughter. "I'm just a bit nervous despite being married already."
"It's normal and don't worry we made sure that everyone is on time, including the groom himself," Tanya slightly teased. "I assure you we're running on our time, not Tommy Oliver time. Though it's been a running joke for weeks that Tommy will be late for his own renewal ceremony, especially on his anniversary of all dates."
A timid knock came at the door. "Kim, honey, are you just about ready?"
"Come in, Mom," Kim almost sighed. When Melissa Oliver walked into the room, her breath caught.
"My dear, you are beautiful. Tommy won't be able to speak when you walk down the aisle."
"If we can get her to stand still long enough to set the veil," Kat fussed. Melissa stepped over and took over for the very pregnant Kat. With a smooth and practiced move, Tommy's mother swept up her hair and pinned the veil in place. "There we go. Now she's ready."
"Hey do you guys think I can have a moment alone with Tommy's mother?" Kimberly suddenly asked.
"Sure come girls let's get ourselves ready," Trini said as the girls stepped outside giving Kimberly and Melissa a moment alone.
"Is everything alright Kimberly?" Melissa asked sincerely staring at the woman who her son loves with all his heart and the woman she loves as her own daughter. "Hey sweetie look at me there is nothing to be nervous about and besides, we've always consider you apart of this family ever since you were a teenager. I know you and my son are meant to be together."
"It's just I wanted to thank you after all these years for everything. You know I haven't talk to my own parents after when I fell pregnant with Rosaline and they disowned me like I didn't exist anymore to them. There was a time in my life where I thought I never feel a sense of belonging or love from a family. Even when I revealed to you about Rosaline and adopting the twins you and James openly accepted them as your grandchildren and it's needless to say that you two are more of parents to me than my own family. Though sometimes I wish my parents were apart of my life they chose a long time ago and now they're living with their decision. Somehow, I feel things have gotten better despite all the bad things that happen over the years. For that I want to thank you and I appreciate everything you've done for me for all these years."
"Listen to me though we can't change the past all we can do is move forward," Melissa replied, taking a hold of her hand, "You, Kimberly are one remarkable woman and any mother will be proud of the person you've become today. You're never alone in this world and remember you have people who love you. Remember you can always count on us to be there for you and our grandchildren. Families are always there for one another and you my dear, will always have a place in our hearts."
"Thank you wow this is only a renewal ceremony and yet I'm getting all teary eyed and emotional," Kimberly smiled through the tears. "Thank goodness the girls weren't here to see this."
"It's normal for get emotional my dear," Melissa replied, "Come on I think we delayed this renewal ceremony long enough. It's a beautiful June sunny day and you have a lot of anxious guests seated.
(Angel Grove Botanical Conservatory)
It was a sunny afternoon at the Angel Grove Botanical Conservatory and the perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. Out in the garden area everyone was waiting anxiously for the ceremony to begin. For Tommy and Kimberly to celebrate their wedding anniversary by hosting a renewal ceremony was something they wanted to do in front of all their friends and family. As the wedding march begins to play, Tommy is standing up at the front with the minister watching his friends proceed down the aisle. He smiles when he sees Rosaline walking down the aisle carrying her little brother Gabriel in her arms. Hayden and Elena walk down the aisle as the flower girl and ring barer for the ceremony as they reach their adopted father who is wearing a pale blue suit and looking "chuffed." Tommy's eyes are fixed when Kimberly, in a beautiful gown, walks down the aisle being escorted by his father, James Oliver. Once the procession was finished, the minister began the ceremony.
"We are gathered here today to celebrate the renewal Thomas Oliver and Kimberly Ann Hart," he began "These two people who were joined in holy matrimony one year ago stand before you to share the revival of their union in the name of all that is present. If anyone has any objections to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Tommy and Kim both jerked their heads toward the crowd at the same time which caused a small chorus of laughter to echo throughout the procession. After a few seconds the minister determined that no one had any objections and he continued by asking for the rings. Since he understood the importance of Tommy and Kimberly's ceremony the minister let them even recite their own vows to each other.
"These rings represent a circle which is never ending like the love these two young people share for each other," the minister said, "Now, I understand that you have each written your own set of vows. Thomas, you may begin."
Tommy smiled at the minister as he concentrated on remembering the vows he had written while Kimberly got ready. He had promised himself that he was going to make it through without reading anything but he had a piece of paper tucked in his pocket just in case.
"Kimberly, you truly are my everything. We have had our ups and downs and bumps in the roads or whatever you want to call them but I always knew that this day would come because we deserve this after everything we've been through together. Our first year of marriage has truly tested us beyond our limits. No matter what trials and tribulations we faced against all odds our love prove to be endless. You have given me everything I could ask for and all I want for the rest of my days is to spend a lifetime with you, my love and soulmate and raise the family we dreamed about all those years," Tommy began, "I stand before our family and friends to tell them you have been the only person who has ever made me feel complete. One year ago I took a vow as your husband to always love and cherish you forever and one year later to this day, I still hold true to my word. You make me a better person every day of my life, Beautiful. I love you Kimberly and I always will."
Tommy smiled at Kim as he bent down and wiped the tears from her face. She smiled back and took a deep breath as she tried to compose herself before reciting her vows.
"Thomas Oliver, we have accomplished one year marriage together. I know this first year of our journey hasn't been easy but it only proves that true love can indeed conquer anything life throws at it," Kim said softly "We prove to everyone like most couples marriage isn't easy, along with raising a family. Our first year was full of many trials and tribulations that almost tested our loves in capacities we couldn't imagine. There were days where life wasn't kind to us and where happiness was beyond our reach. But where there is a dark cloud there is always a silver lining to brighten the day. One year ago I took a vow to take you as your wife to respect, love you and be there for you all through it all. I honor my vow, our love and one year later till this day I hold true to the vows and words we exchanged. I love you Tommy, forever and I am eternally yours."
Now it was Kim's turn to wipe tears from Tommy's face as. They both looked at the minister and nodded their heads which told him to continue the service.
"Thomas, repeat after me," the minister said as he handed Tommy the ring. "With this ring..."
"With this ring..." Tommy replied,
"I thee wed," the minister continued.
"I thee wed," Tommy finished, slipping the gold band on to Kimberly's finger.
"Kimberly, repeat after me. With this ring," the minister said, handing Kimberly Tommy's ring.
"With this ring," Kim muttered through tears
"I thee wed," the minister finished.
"I thee wed," Kim finished, as she tried to stop her arm from shaking before slipping the ring on Tommy's finger.
"Then, by the power invested in me by law and the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife...once again. Thomas, you may kiss your bride," the minister said.
Tommy leaned forward as he cupped her cheeks in his hands and gave her the softest and most passionate kiss he could come up with.
"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce to you, once again, Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Oliver," the minister finished. The crowd erupted into a thunderous applause as Tommy and Kim turned to face them. Everyone stood up and smiled at the renewed married couple as they made their way back down the aisle, with their friends and family following behind them.
(Reception Party)
After taking an absurd amount of pictures the couple, it was time to move the festivities into the banquet hall. Once the reception started, everyone ate their dinner inside. Zack's brother Curtis was in the corner playing music when Jason stood up and clinked his fork against his glass. Curtis stopped the music as Jason loudly cleared his throat trying to get everyone to settle down before picking up a microphone.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name is Jason Scott and I have the honor and privilege to call these two people some of my best friends. We're here to celebrate the one year union of this happy couple who have been through hell and back. I want to congratulate them and tell them that they are truly an inspiration to what we call true love," Jason began, "I already made my speeches last year when we found out these guys eloped so to save everyone time instead I want to make an announcement. Actually, this is more of a gift for both Tommy and Kimberly. My wife, Katherine and I want to name you two the godparents of our baby because there is no two people in the world better at this than them. And also, it gives these two an excuse to spoil our kids. Tommy, Kim once again congratulations and hope you enjoy the present."
Tommy and Kim both smiled as they stood up and gave hugged Jason. A chorus of laughter broke out between the three of them when they noticed that they all had tears in their eyes.
"Thank you, Jason. It will be an honor for Tommy and I to be godparents to you and Kat's new baby," Kim said quietly as Tommy nodded his head in agreement.
After another half hour Zack got up from the table and jogged to where Curtis was standing and he began to whisper to him. Curtis nodded his head as turned off the music, pulled out a microphone and handed it to Zack who tapped on it to get everyone's attention.
"Can we please have the renewed couple make their way to the dance floor, now," he said as Tommy got up and extended his hand for Kim to take "Since you finally commentated your wedding with an actual ceremony in front of your honor family and friends we thought to grace you with the traditional first wedding dance. I'm eying you bro, you know that you're long overdue for this."
Tommy glared at Zack as he put his arms around Kim's waist who wrapped her own arms around his neck. Curtis found the song he was looking for on his computer and began to play "This Year's Love" by David Gray as the couple started to dance.
"See I promise to dance with you to our wedding song on our special day, Beautiful," Tommy smiled.
"And you hold true to your word Handsome," Kimberly smiled kissing him back, "Happy Anniversary Tommy, one year later and we're still going strong."
This years love had better last
Heaven knows it's high time
And I've been waiting on my own too long
But when you hold me like you do
It feels so right
I start to forget
How my heart gets torn
When that hurt gets thrown
Feeling like you can't go on
Turning circles when time again
It cuts like a knife oh yeah
If you love me got to know for sure
Cos it takes something more this time
Than sweet sweet lies
Before I open up my arms and fall
Losing all control
Every dream inside my soul
And when you kiss me
On that midnight street
Sweep me off my feet
Singing ain't this life so sweet
This years love had better last
This years love had better last
So whose to worry
If our hearts get torn
When that hurt gets thrown
Don't you know this life goes on
And won't you kiss me
On that midnight street
Sweep me off my feet
Singing ain't this life so sweet
This years love had better last
Everyone soon enjoyed Tommy and Kimberly on the dance floor but unknownst to Kat she didn't notice the water dripping underneath. Her and Jason were too distracted enjoying themselves and relishing in their friends' newfound second lease on their marriage. Jason didn't notice until Kat's face changed from a smile to a look of pain and discomfort. She bit her lip down as her breathing increased and she leaned quickly headed towards the nearby corner clutching her stomach worrying Jason. Tommy and Kimberly noticed Jason and Kat heading towards the corner and followed the couple.
"Okay something tells me by that look on Kat's face it's a something is going on look?" Kimberly replied, "Kat, are you alright?"
"Kat? Babe are you alright?" Jason turn to his wife worried out of his mind as Kat's face told him something was up. "Kitty-Kat what's the matter?"
"Jason...don't blow a lid if I tell you that we're about three weeks a bit early..." Kat started breathing hard as she felt what was happening to her the second time around, "Babe...I...my contractions are ten minutes apart...and...I...my water just broke...right on your nice dress shoes hun."
"Wow I guess that we're getting our wedding present a bit earlier than expected?" Tommy replied as he, Kimberly and Jason tried help settle Kat down. "I guess D-Day came a bit too early."
"Well congratulations you guys I'm in labor and this is one wedding you two get to remember!" Kat was struggling to stay on her feet as she got hit with another contraction and Jason looked at his wife with worry. "Oh god! I think that was another one babe...oh god Jason third time's a charm...oh dammit! Why so soon aw!"
"Hey don't worry you'll do fine I promise you I'm with you on this," Jason replied as he helped his wife as their friends soon saw what was happening. "Just relax breathe in and out like the doctors told you and Trini is calling the ambulance right now. We're going to get through this Kat just hang in there."
''Telling by the sweat and labored breathing she just hit another contraction." Rocky commented as Kat glared in distress at her friend, "Oh I see...probably should layoff on the labor pain jokes."
"Yeah judging by my wife's safe maybe take it a tad down a bit," Kat said breathing in and out, "Hey Tommy, Kim...sorry about halting the reception but you know about the unexpected."
"We've been friends for years we're always getting hit with the unexpected," Tommy smiled, "And don't worry we're going to be with you guys and let us handle the crowd while we make sure our friends get to the hospital."
"Can you guys take care of Aaron and Claire for us? Judging by the look on Kat's face the third delivery is going to be memorable," Jason demanded as the EMTs and ambulance arrived and wheeled Kat out of the reception and outside to take her to the hospital. Once she was loaded inside and Jason followed in, he took hold of Kat's hand and smiled. "Alright babe just hang in there we'll be there soon I love you."
"Always my sweetheart...oh another contraction." Kat half-smiled through another contraction. "I love you too...dammit another one! Maybe we should cap lock on the three children quota for now."
(Angel Grove Hospital)
After being in labor for eight hours since she was first admitted, Kat was in more pain by the second knowing it was time. She was shrieking and probably by now everyone in the hallways of the hospital could hear her screaming but with Jason by her side it seemed to ease the tension. Kat had a death grip on her husband's hand as she pushed and breathed in between contractions and at times Jason thought he felt his fingers cracking. The pain wasn't as bad compared to what his wife was going through.
"How bad does it hurt?" Jason asked, still worrying.
"On a scale of one to ten? A six. But considering that my threshold for pain isn't amazingly high, it hurts," Kat sighed, "But it doesn't compare to how it was when I first gave birth to Aaron. Claire was okay, this one...it's a toss up." The contractions were getting closer together and more unbearable each time.
"It's ok," Jason soothed, taking a cool cloth to her forehead and continuing to hold her hand, "Just think, in a few moments, we'll be parents for the third time."
"I know," Jason cracked a smile for the first time in over an hour, "I can't wait… for us to be parents and to get this little one out of me."
"It's almost over," Jason whispered, running his thumb soothingly across Kat's fingers with her hand in his.
"Ahh!" she shouted.
"C'mon, sweetheart," Jason fortified her efforts, "You're almost there, just a few more pushes and our baby be in your arms."
"One more push Katherine," the doctor instructed, "Almost there. I see the head. It's almost out."
"Jason…" Kat breathed weakly.
With an expression only describable as sheer exhaustion, Kat grabbed both of Jason's hands and pushed with every drop of energy she still had left. Her howling shriek could be heard throughout the entire hospital. Then the sound of a baby's cries filled the room. Kat exhaled and let herself fall back onto the bed.
"Congratulations...it's a girl," the doctor grinned, "Mr. Scott you can cut the umbilical cord if you like."
"Kat...she's beautiful we finally did it," Jason smiled with pride as he picked up the scissors and carefully severed cord. "You did great sweetie." Jason rejoined Kat at her bedside. "God, she's beautiful," he mused, eventually turning back to look at his wife, "She's perfect." Kat just looked at him with a wide smile.
"I love you…" she said softly.
"I love you so much," he whispered, leaning in to kiss her.
When they broke the kiss, both watched as the nurses and the doctor made sure everything was going smoothly with their daughter. One nurse wrapped the baby in a pink blanket and picked her up. Kat took a deep breath as she knew she was about to meet her daughter for the first time.
"Congratulations, Mr and Mrs. Scott," the nurse smiled.
"Thank you," they smiled as Kat sat up in the bed. "She's so adorable...our little baby girl. So sweetie, it won't be too long now till you meet the rest of the family."
(A few hours later)
A few hours passed since Kat went into labor. Tommy and Kimberly stayed true to their word and remained at the hospital waiting with the others and looking after Claire and Aaron while Rosaline stayed home to look after her brothers and sister at home with Tommy's parents. Once Jason came out to announce the birth of him and Kat's new daughter he lead everyone to Kat's hospital room to greet the new edition to their long extended family. Once Trini gave them the heads up that Kat was settled in with the new baby everyone joined the Scott family and sat in the room with their friends while Aaron and Claire welcomed their new baby sister.
"Your husband was right to say that this is a wedding Tommy and I wouldn't forget," Kimberly smiled as they stared at Kat sitting up holding her daughter. "She's really beautiful Kat."
"Thank you and I'm really sorry about ruining your renewal ceremony after everything you two have been through all these months," Kat replied staring at her baby. "But unfortunately this little angel wanted to make her presence known and picked your godparents wedding renewal ceremony to come out. She was a little impatient than usual."
"She looks like mommy," Claire smiled staring at her little sister, "Wow I got a little sister to play with."
"More little sisters to deal with I was hoping for a brother," Aaron said to his dad, "But she's cute and at least I'm still the big brother right daddy?"
"That's right little man you got two little sisters to look after." Jason smiled sitting next to Kat as the kids continued to marvel at the new baby. He smiled and looked up at his best friend who was standing next to his little sis watching them. "Hey bro, you have to admit that I did get my best friends the best wedding present ever."
"Okay if you two lovebirds are done staring doodling eyes at our baby after being in labor for over eight hours I think your new goddaughter would like some bonding time here." Kat smiled as she handed her daughter over to Kimberly as she held the baby in her arms. Tommy smiled as he gently stroked the baby's cheeks as she let out a small gurgle.
"She's really beautiful bro," Tommy smiled staring at Jason. "What did you guys name her?"
Jason looked up at Kat before looking at their friends. "We decided on the name Sophie Marie Scott." He replied as he gave Kat a kiss. There were tears of joy being shed among the friends as Kimberly continued to hold Sophie in her arms. Both of Sophie's parents continued to stroke the baby as their best friends stood next to Kat's bedside. "Kat and I knew that the best present we could give you is the chance to be Sophie's godparents. You two have been through so much together and for you guys to spend your wedding night waiting for us admire and respect you two even more." Jason told them as Kimberly placed the baby back in Kat's arms before Tommy and Kimberly gave both of them a hug.
"You know we love you guys to death right?" Tommy said as the two nodded. "Kim and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for all of you, especially you bro."
"We couldn't ask for better friends for life than all of you," Kim smiled.
"Same here you two." Kat replied as Aaron and Claire held their little sister's hand. "See you two, your little sister Sophie is saying hello." The baby opened her eyes staring at everyone surrounding her. When she gazed upon Tommy and Kimberly, she smiled at her godparents as Kat and Jason looked at their newborn daughter. "Hey Tommy, Kim promise us that if anything happens to us that you make sure this little girl gets into Yale willl you promise that okay?"
"Hello there Sophie," Kimberly smiled through the tears looking down at the baby. "Wow...you really are your mommy and daddy's daughter aren't you? You're lucky to have them in your life just like I am to have your godfather Tommy in my life. You know you're the best wedding present we could ask for." The baby cooed staring at them.
"So Sophie you want to go to Yale?" Tommy cooed with his wife at the baby. "You want to know a secret? That was your godfather's safety school but don't worry. I could get you into MIT with one phone call although I promised your daddy Yale will be on the top of your list. Welcome to the family kiddo the whole is about to begin just for you."
Tommy smiled as he kissed the side of Kimberly's head watching Kat and Jason and the Scott children look at the newborn addition to their family.
"Everything's perfect," he murmured.
"Very perfect," she agreed. "We're finally here and we made it.
She placed her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. "I love you," he whispered. Kimberly smiled.
"I love you too," she answered.
