A/N: Sooo sorry for the long wait, I recently had some laptop issues and lost all my files so it took a while in getting this story going again. But I hope you enjoy. There will be one more chapter after this and then an Epilogue and then it will be finished :D
Chapter Forty NineSix months later...
"Lois…I hate to interrupt mommy time but do you think you could maybe give me a hand?" A very frustrated voice said from the bedroom doorway.
"Oops, something tells me Aunt Chloe is getting a little nervous." She whispered to Kaleb, amazed when he giggled back at her.
"I heard that."
"I said it loud enough." Lois sat up, placing Kaleb down on the floor in front of her. He was already able to sit up but she kept his back close her to knees so that he wouldn't suddenly rear backwards. Just in case. "Chlo…relax sweetie you have like…" She glanced at her watch. "Four hours till crunch time."
"And in that time I still have to make sure that the flowers are okay…"
"Done."
"That the bridesmaids are all…"
"Done."
Chloe frowned at her. "That the caterers are…"
"Done."
"Did you just do everything?"
Lois grinned. "Pretty much, and whatever I didn't do, Oliver had someone take care of it. So you can stop worrying, sit down and take a moment to breathe. This is your wedding day Chloe, you can't show up to the church looking like a nervous wreck."
Chloe folded her arms and leaned against the bedroom doorway and Lois could swear she saw her pout a little. "I'm not nervous."
"Then why are you freaking out so early? Martha isn't even here yet."
Sighing, Chloe made her way over to them and sat down on the floor in front of Kaleb, who was now amusing himself with one of his toys. "I don't know, I just want this day to go perfectly."
"And it will. But…" Lois paused, unsure whether to ask while Chloe was in this mood.
"But what…what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I was just going to ask if you're sure that a small wedding is the way to go."
"You think it isn't?"
"Well, it is Oliver Queen. I would've thought that the billionaire playboy getting married would be a big deal."
Chloe smiled and reached for Kaleb, bringing him into her lap. "And that is exactly why it's a small wedding. His choice, as well as mine. And this way feels more…intimate. Just family and close friends to share the happiest day of my life."
"I get it." Lois nodded, and she did. "I can't believe this day has come around so fast."
"I know, seems like months of planning just zoomed by and…here we are."
Their eyes met and both women smiled. "Here we are." Lois replied, quietly.
"It'll be your turn soon enough."
"I know, I can't wait."
"Then why exactly have you yet to book a date?" Chloe said giving her a pointed look.
Lois shifted a little, avoiding her gaze. "Because…we're…waiting for the right time."
Chloe shook her head. "I don't get that. When is 'the right time' to get married? Come on Lois, things couldn't be better for you two right now, you got a promotion, Clark is now known to the world as Superman thanks to your article and this little guy is just perfect. What's holding you back?"
Lois stood up and tightened her robe around her. "Once we make it official, everyone will know…"
"I thought that was kinda the point."
"Well yes but…once I'm known to the world as Lois Kent, or Lois Kent-Lane or whatever. If someone figures out that Clark is Superman…"
"You're worried someone like Romano is going to come along again." Chloe shook her head. "Oh Lois, you can't let that stand in the way. Clark has never, and I mean in the whole time I've known him, he has never looked happier. You and Kaleb, you're all that matters to him."
"I know that. And I want to marry him, there's nothing I want more. I just don't want Clark to be put in that position again."
"What position?" Chloe stood up and started bouncing Kaleb, whose mood had begun to turn a little sour. He grasped Chloe's finger in a tight grip and nuzzled into her neck,
"The position of constantly having to worry about our safety."
Chloe scoffed. "You don't think he would do that anyway? Married or not Lois he's always going to be concerned. That's just Clark; he'd do that even if he was a normal average Joe. You're his family, he doesn't need a piece of paper to tell him that."
"I know."
"What does Clark say about all this?"
"He thinks I'm crazy, naturally. He would marry me tomorrow." A small smile appeared as she got lost in the memory. "He said he'd wait if that was what I really wanted, but he would want to marry me in five days or five years."
"Aww, well he's right. But you don't need me to tell you that, do you?"
"No, no I guess not."
The two women shared a meaningful glance and then looked to the door when a knock sounded and it opened to reveal Martha carrying a large bag.
"Hey Martha," Lois said, quickly wiping her eyes.
"Oh my God, it's time to start getting ready." Chloe said; suddenly back into hyper mode. She handed Kaleb to Lois and then rushed into the bedroom.
Martha chuckled and tickled her grandson's cheek. He giggled and tried to grab her hand. "I guess it's safe to say she's ready."
Lois laughed. "I'd say so."
Martha glanced at her. "Is everything okay Lois?"
Lois smiled. "Everything's great Martha." She watched as Martha took Kaleb and gave him a hug. The little boy clearly loved his grandma very much, but he always had a special smile for Jonathan, who doted on him. "It's perfect."
~~~~~~~
"Oliver? Earth to Oliver."
"Hmm?" Clearly distracted, Oliver flicked a glance at Clark, who was standing beside him at the altar, but his gaze was permanently pinned to the double doors at the end of the small chapel. "You have the rings right?"
Clark tapped his breast pocket. "Yes, they're right here. Relax."
Oliver nodded, blew out a breath and readjusted his tie for the twentieth time in a matter of minutes. Clark chuckled to himself, looking out at the small gathering of family and friends. His parents sat in the place where Oliver's parents would've been had they been alive, but Oliver had asked them to sit there. He could see the happiness in their faces and hoped that one day soon, he would be able to share his joy with them in the same way.
He wasn't really worried, he knew that he and Lois would get married, he just didn't know when. But she obviously needed time and he was willing to give her that. Besides, he had all he needed. Lois was happy; Kaleb was happy, healthy and growing fast. He had what he wanted. But he couldn't wait for the day when he would get to call her his wife.
There was silence as the background chatter faded and the soft tones of the music started to play. The double doors at the back of the room opened and at the forefront was Lois, holding Kaleb, who looked adorable dressed in his tiny little tux. As she started walking slowly, Clark had to fight to stop his jaw dropping. She was beautiful, dressed in a maroon coloured, shoulder-less gown, carrying their son who wore a maroon coloured flower in the lapel of his tux. My family
Then she looked up and her eyes met his and there was a moment where something seemed to pass between them. Almost like an electrical current, Clark could feel it tingle in his skin. She threw him a wink and whispered to Kaleb to look at daddy but the little boy was too busy playing with his flower. Handing him to Martha, Lois moved to stand opposite Clark and then the traditional wedding march began to play.
All eyes went to back of the room as Chloe appeared, on her father's arm, looking as if she would burst from happiness. Slowly they walked towards them, and Clark found himself looking at Oliver, at the awe on his face, and he couldn't imagine a better match for his best friend. After what seemed like forever, Chloe finally reached them and Oliver took both her hands in his.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Oliver Queen and Chloe Sullivan…"
The words of the minister seemed to fade into the background as once again, Clark's eyes met Lois'. Her smile was so bright and infectious, he couldn't help but smile back. Then she whispered. "I love you." Knowing that only he would hear it. He mouthed the words back, and then glanced at his parents as Kaleb started cooing happily. Martha was trying her best to keep him quiet but obviously his son had other ideas. It seemed like even he wanted to join in on the day.
Chuckling quietly to himself, Clark turned his attention back to the ceremony.
~~~~~~~
Early that evening, the reception was in full swing, with more guests having arrived for the party. If she was honest, Chloe only knew about half of the people in attendance, with some of them being Oliver's colleagues and people he'd known before he met her. But she didn't care. Right now she was in the arms of her new husband, dancing their first dance as a married couple.
"You okay?" Oliver asked, his eyes shining as he looked down at her.
"Never better." His hand slid a little lower on her back, and she could feel the warmth of it through her dress. "Thank you Ollie."
"What for?"
"For today, it's been…perfect." And it really had, she thought. Aside from all the butterflies and panic before the ceremony, she had gotten to the church on time and everything had gone smoothly.
"Well if it's one thing us Queens know how to do, it's throw a good party." He laughed when Chloe jabbed him in the shoulder, then turned serious. "My God you're beautiful. And you're my wife. I love being able to say that now."
"Me too. I didn't actually think I would be anyone's wife."
Oliver frowned and smoothed some hair away from her face. "Why?"
"I don't know," she shrugged. "It just didn't seem like I was destined to marry anyone."
"Well you didn't marry just anyone, you married me. And I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you that you made the right decision when you said 'I do' okay?"
Not knowing how to reply, she smiled and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. Across the room, she saw Clark and Lois dancing, and from the look on Lois' face as she looked up at Clark, she knew that it wouldn't be too much longer before she was at another wedding.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Clark asked as he and Lois swayed softly to the music.
She looked away from the happy couple to her fiancé and smiled. "Just a penny? They're a little more expensive than that nowadays."
Clark chuckled, a low rumbling sound that turned her insides to mush. "Good thing I'm heading for a promotion too then huh?"
Lois stopped and stared at him. "When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because Perry only told me about it yesterday, he basically told me I have it already but he has to go through the proper channels," He paused. "And because…well it's a promotion, but I'll still be working closely with someone."
Lois rolled her eyes. "Doesn't he realise that you're a brilliant reporter? You don't need someone holding your hand anymore, well…" She grinned. "Not unless it's me."
Clark started swaying her again, wrapping his arms around her waist, bringing her body flush up against his so that she could feel the heat of him.
"Well I'm hoping my new partner will be okay with it."
"He'd be crazy not to. Wait, who is it? Not Ron, I swear that guy is so lazy, he…"
"Lois, it's you."
"Huh?"
The confused look on her face was so adorable, he thought. "Perry is going to partner me with you. He wants us to work together, from the same office."
For a moment, Clark was sure she was going to rant because the look on her face was anything but happy. He wondered if maybe them working together wasn't such a good idea. But then she grinned and smacked him in the shoulder. "Well if you're going to be working with me, you gotta learn to keep up."
"I'm sure I can handle you Lois."
"Oh I'm sure…" she replied, then caught the hidden meaning behind his words. As well as the darkening of his gaze. "Oh…"
She didn't have time to think of anything else because his lips were suddenly on hers, kissing her with a passion that left her knees feeling weak. Good thing she was already holding onto him.
And then it all clicked. Everything she'd been feeling, every tiny little apprehension, just faded away.
"I want to marry you." she whispered in his ear.
"I was hoping so, that's kind of why I asked." He said with a light chuckle.
She pulled back and looked him straight in the eye. "No. I want to marry you. Soon."
For a moment, Clark was speechless. "Are you sure?"
"I have never been more sure of anything in my life. You gave me Kaleb, I love you with all my heart, and I want to be your wife."
Clark blinked in shock. Then he smiled. "Then let's get married."
To Be Continued...
