Hey, guys, thank you all for being so patient for this update. I know it's been a while, but I hope what happens in this chapter makes up for it. I'm planning for this fic to be about 60 chapters total, so we're coming to the tail end of it. I look forward to your comments. Enjoy!
Chapter 55: Tie the Knot
As soon as Oliver heard Lucky's wild barking, he knew something was wrong. He shared a glance with Tommy before they bolted out of the solarium and ran down the hall. Connor's cries mingled with the dog's growls, and Oliver quickened his pace. Finally he found the source of the chaos: Anatoly stood in the doorway of the living room, taking in Felicity—who held a distraught Connor tightly to her chest—and Thea.
Shit, he cursed to himself. There would be no talking his way out of this development.
Oliver noticed the gun in Anatoly's hand and, without a second thought, he charged at him. He slammed him up against the nearby wall, pinning him by the neck and forcing his hand with the gun down.
"What the hell are you doing here, Anatoly?"
"There is much you have been hiding from me. I came to talk to you man to man," he replied, his voice strained from Oliver's tight hold. "I want you to look me in the eye and tell me you did not betray your oath to the brotherhood."
"What are you talking about?"
"Isabel," he replied with fire in his eyes.
"What's going on?" Dig questioned. He was accompanied by Mei and Sara, who were also armed and pointing their weapons at Anatoly.
Oliver kept his focus on Anatoly. "What has she done now?"
"She's dead."
His eyes widened in shock. "What?" He hadn't been in contact with Anatoly or anyone in the Bratva after Felicity's abduction, so this was news to him.
"She was killed in a car accident."
"I didn't know. I'm sorry for your loss." It was difficult to muster sympathy. After what Isabel had put him and Felicity through, she wouldn't be missed. But it was different for Anatoly. He'd always had a soft spot for Isabel; she could be cold and vindictive but she'd been loyal and served him well.
"It was a hit and run. She was targeted. Someone wanted her dead, and he succeeded."
"And you think it was me," Oliver surmised.
"As I said, I want to hear the truth from your own lips. Tell me you did not give the order to get your revenge."
He met Anatoly's gaze, unflinching. "I did not give the order."
Anatoly's eyes shifted over to Felicity, who was trying to listen while comforting Connor."You swear on the life of your child," he challenged.
Oliver bristled, his protective instincts flaring. "Felicity, take the baby upstairs and stay there. Tommy, Thea, go with her."
"What, Ollie, no—" Thea began to protest.
"I'm not leaving you," Felicity also objected.
"Please." He gave her a pointed, pleading look. Connor's presence and Anatoly's not-so-veiled threat weren't helping him to keep his composure or think straight. What he really wanted to do was crush Anatoly's windpipe and neutralize the threat to his family altogether.
As if Anatoly could hear the murderous thoughts in Oliver's mind, he said, "My men are waiting for me on the outside. If I do not contact them within the hour, they have orders to attack."
"How did you get in?" Oliver demanded. If there had been a disturbance or someone missing at his post, his men would've reported it.
"Your father revealed a few of this mansion's secrets to me years ago."
The tunnels, he realized. "Dig."
"On it," his partner replied and took off to check the hidden entrances. Mei went along with him.
Sara, meanwhile, ushered the others toward the foyer. Felicity lagged behind a moment longer, silently urging Oliver to be careful, before disappearing with Connor up the stairs.
"I am waiting for your answer."
"Do not bring my son into this," Oliver said, his tone taking on a threatening edge. "I swear on my honor as a brother that I did not have a hand in Isabel's death."
Anatoly stared at him long and hard. He must've believed the truth and conviction in Oliver's words, because his glare softened. "Do you know who could have done this?"
"Yes." There was no reason to lie anymore. The Russian had already seen too much. "We can discuss this in the study. If I release you, do you promise to put away the gun?"
Anatoly nodded and, once released, slid the gun back into the holster beneath his suit jacket. Oliver led the way to the study, keeping pace with the older man. He didn't feel comfortable turning his back to him just yet.
"I used to meet your father in here for meetings quite often," he commented and took one of the seats across from the desk. Oliver leaned against the front of the desk and crossed his arms. "Now you, too, are a father. Your renewed loyalty to H.I.V.E. makes more sense."
"My loyalty is to my family, first and foremost."
"Your blood," he assumed.
"Yes." Oliver walked over to the table of liquor bottles and poured them both some vodka. It was a small gesture that would go a long way with Anatoly.
The man nodded his thanks and took a long sip. "All those years ago, on the island, I hoped it would not come to this."
"Come to what?"
"Being at Darhk's mercy. I knew then the Bratva would suffer at his hands and here we are—our men dying, our resources squandered, all for that bastard's greed."
"You're not just talking about Isabel." Although his pain over Isabel's death was clearly raw, the resentment ran deeper.
"The Bratva used to be one of the most powerful and feared organizations in the world. Now we are nothing more than a joke to our enemies—seen as mere lapdogs awaiting the next command from our master." He scoffed. "It's disgraceful."
"If Darhk heard you speaking this way, he'd probably kill you—or at the very least send you back to Lian Yu for insubordination and treason," Oliver pointed out.
"You will not tell him."
He wasn't wrong, but Oliver asked anyway, "How do you know that?"
"You did not get permission from the council to bring your sister in, nor did you reveal that you and Felicity have a child." Before Oliver could interrupt, Anatoly added, "Moments ago, I heard Felicity and your sister speaking of a deal you made with Waller. They do not want you to go through with it. I sense this is not part of your cover and something Darhk has no knowledge of."
This was worse than Oliver thought. If Anatoly used this information against him, their entire plan could be blown.
"I am relieved to know the truth," he revealed, swirling the clear liquid around in his glass. "It changes things."
"What do you want?"
"I have no intention of outing you, if that is your concern. I want us to be honest and work together. But first, I must know, who ordered the hit on Isabel?"
"I can't say for sure but most likely Darhk—as punishment for Felicity's abduction."
Anatoly sat in calculated silence. "Merlyn is Felicity's stepfather. You think Darhk would waste his precious time with grievances between council members?"
Oliver wrestled with what to say next. Anatoly already knew more than he should, but he didn't know that Felicity was actually Darhk's daughter. If the Russian mobster had it out for Darhk and wanted to strike him back in revenge, Felicity would yet again be in the crosshairs. The truth would paint an even bigger target on her back. Although he and Anatoly seemed to be aligned against Darhk, Oliver had no way of knowing how far Anatoly would go to reclaim the Bratva's independence from H.I.V.E.
Just then, the door to the study opened. They both startled, alert and ready for whatever new threat presented itself. Felicity walked inside with Dig on her heels.
"I told you to stay upstairs," Oliver said.
"I agreed to take the baby up, not leave you alone down here." The fierce look in her eyes brokered no argument. She wasn't going anywhere. How could she be so sexy and utterly frustrating at the same time?
Oliver looked to Dig, who reported, "The tunnels are clear for now."
"I am a man of my word," Anatoly interjected. "My men will not move until I tell them."
Felicity stood by his side, while Dig stayed by the door. "What did we miss?"
"Oliver and I were just about to discuss how our grievances against Darhk might be mutually beneficial."
She looked to Oliver for confirmation. "You were right about the rising tension between the Bratva and H.I.V.E.," he whispered into her ear.
"Huh." The little scrunch between her eyebrows formed, a sign that her brilliant mind was already thinking up a strategy.
"You do not wear your ring," Anatoly observed.
She glanced down at her bare left hand and shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "It's nothing to be concerned about."
The older man persisted. "What is your situation?"
"Why do you want to know? I thought you wanted to discuss Darhk."
"I do. But for us to have a legitimate conversation, I need to know everything that is going on. Oliver said Darhk ordered Isabel's murder, and I want to know why he has taken such an interest in you. I want to know why you announced your engagement to the council but didn't say a word about your child."
"We need a minute." Felicity tugged on Oliver's sleeve and led him over toward the bookshelves where they couldn't be overheard. "How much did you tell him about us?"
"Hardly anything. The choice to reveal your true identity is yours, Felicity."
"Do you think we can really trust him?"
"Anatoly may be a criminal but when he gives his word, he honors it." She was silent for a moment. "What are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking we need him. We can't do this on our own. My father's power comes from his allies and his resources. Take those away, and we have a real opportunity to weaken him. That starts with exploiting the cracks in the council. We'll need Anatoly's help if we're going to keep Rubicon out of Darhk's hands."
"I agree."
With one last meaningful look, they returned to Anatoly.
"Well, what is your decision?"
"First, I want your word that whatever we tell you doesn't leave this room," she stated. "We're not in this for the money or the power. Our only concern is the safety of our family. If you double cross us, Isabel's 'accident' will seem like child's play compared to the havoc I will wreak on your life—and all it takes is a few keystrokes."
Oliver worried how Anatoly would react to Felicity's blatant threat. Isabel was a touchy subject, and the pakhan wouldn't take kindly to be being backed into a corner like a wounded animal. Thankfully, Anatoly didn't look offended. If anything, he actually looked impressed.
"You would make an excellent Bratva wife," he said in admiration. "You have chosen well, Oliver."
"Pretty sure she chose me, but you're not wrong." He grinned at his girlfriend, full of love and pride.
"You have my word as pakhan that I mean you and your family no harm. Although, I must tell you, there are others who would be interested in knowing your allegiances have shifted. I am not the only council member who would be willing to ally with you."
Felicity and Oliver took the seats across from Anatoly. They had much to discuss.
Once Connor was sound asleep in his crib, Felicity tiptoed out of his room and crossed the hall, eager to collapse into her own bed. It had been another long day. After making an agreement and forming a plan with Anatoly, she and Oliver had been working even deeper in the shadows. Felicity continued her hunt for Rubicon and created a special encryption to ensure their communications between Anatoly and their A.R.G.U.S. team remained safe. If there was so much as a whisper back to Darhk that his own council members were plotting against him, they'd all be as good as dead. Time was of the essence, but these delicate matters couldn't be rushed. Every piece had to be perfectly in place.
Donna, Tommy, and Thea, despite their newfound knowledge, returned to their normal daily routines as well. It was imperative that nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Given that they now knew the truth, however, they'd also become Oliver and Felicity's eyes and ears—especially Donna, who'd been keeping them apprised of Malcolm's comings and goings. Felicity knew just how difficult it was for her mother to return to the Merlyn mansion after everything that had been revealed. She wished she could shield her mother from any further pain, but Donna was a strong woman and determined to use her own inner turmoil to service the greater good, which absolutely involved taking down her bastard husbands.
Entering their bedroom, Felicity paused at the sight of Oliver. He was dressed in nothing more than a pair of sweatpants, lying on the bed with a notebook in his hand. He didn't look tense or even that tired. To her surprise and relief, he looked calm—amused, even.
"What've you got there?" she asked and made her way toward the bed.
"Found an old journal of mine from when I was a kid."
"Really?" She climbed on top of the bed. "I didn't take you for the journaling type."
"Well, it was more like a spy journal," he amended. "Got the idea after watching Harriet the Spy."
Felicity chuckled. "Great movie. Did you make any keen observations?"
"Tommy and I conducted some missions, with our new walkie talkies I might add. Our biggest mystery was where Raisa hid the double chocolate chip cookies." He let out an exaggerated sigh. "Unfortunately, she was a worthy adversary. When we thought that we'd finally found them, she changed the hiding spot again."
Felicity snuggled up next to Oliver and smiled while reading his messy handwriting lamenting about the failed spy mission. "A troublemaker even then. We're in for it if Connor takes after you."
"Or you, Miss I-Can-Totally-Hack-the-FBI-in-Under-Ten-Minutes."
"We are quite the pair."
Oliver leaned in to kiss her lips. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Me neither."
"I love you."
"I love you, too." Felicity bit her lip, her thoughts traveling back to the conversation with Anatoly a couple of days ago. One moment in particular had stuck with her, and it'd been nearly impossible to get it out of her head since. It was rather ridiculous considering everything else that was going on. Though, considering that time wasn't a luxury they had nowadays, maybe there was a reason she couldn't so easily dismiss it.
"Talk to me, sweetheart." Oliver knew her too well.
"Do you remember the other day when Anatoly asked about my ring and our situation?" He nodded. "Do you think he thought it was odd that we aren't actually engaged?"
His eyebrows rose in surprise. "I think he was just trying to gauge our loyalty to each other—to make sure we wouldn't waver in our mission. In the grand scheme of things, though, our relationship status is the least of Anatoly's concerns." Oliver studied her carefully. "Why?"
Felicity chewed on her bottom lip once more and looked down at her fidgeting hands. Never mind butterflies, it felt like pterodactyls were swarming in her stomach.
"Do you find our situation odd?" he asked, as if reading her mind.
Taking a deep breath, Felicity leaned over him to open the drawer of the nightstand. She dug around until her hand reached the back and she grasped the small velvet box. Oliver watched her with rapt attention. "I was looking for something yesterday, and I stumbled across this." Felicity hadn't opened it, but she already knew what was inside—and the promise it held.
Oliver sat up and she followed, their eyes unable to look away from the other. "Felicity—" His voice hitched; he seemed at a loss for words.
"Were you ever planning on giving this to me?"
"Someday," he answered. "When the time is right and I have a chance to plan the perfect—"
"Timing has never been our strong suit," she murmured.
"Sweetheart, what are you saying?"
"It's not so much a statement as it is a question." Felicity couldn't believe what she was about to do. The moment felt surreal and so unlike anything she'd ever imagined, and yet so completely right. "No matter what life throws at us, I believe our love can conquer anything. My greatest fear in life is losing you, and these last few weeks—and these past few days especially—have made me realize that life and family are precious. I love you, and I don't want to wait for a 'perfect day' that might never come." She took another much-needed breath. "So, I guess what I'm asking is: Oliver Jonas Queen, will you marry me?"
His breath hitched, and he reached out to stroke her face, his eyes glassy. "There is nothing I want more, but what about Waller and my deal with A.R.G.U.S? If you tie yourself to me—"
"Oliver, you're the love of my life and the father of my son. We are already bound together in all the ways that matter. We'd just be making it official. Besides"—the corner of her mouth quirked up—"you heard what Anatoly said. I'd make an excellent Bratva wife."
"You'd make an amazing wife period," he replied, though he still appeared plagued with worry.
"We're at our strongest together, remember?" Felicity placed her hand over his heart and murmured, "Forever and always."
The hand cupping her face tugged her forward. Oliver kissed her lovingly and whispered against her lips, "Yes."
"Yes as in you agree with what I said, or yes as in you'll marry me?" she replied, making absolutely sure she'd heard him correctly and wasn't hallucinating.
"Both." He reached for the box in her hand and opened it. The elegant princess-cut diamond ring was even more beautiful than she remembered. He slid it onto her finger—a perfect fit.
"Yes, I would love to marry you, Felicity Megan Smoak. This isn't exactly how I pictured it happening—"
Her cheeks flushed. "Sorry if I stole your thunder."
He chuckled and said, "I'm glad you did. I've wanted this for so long, but I didn't want to push you if you weren't ready."
"Oh, I'm sooo ready," she replied with a beaming smile.
Oliver, who was grinning like a young boy on Christmas morning, interlaced their fingers. He turned her hand so the ring caught the light and kissed her palm. He then leaned in to capture her lips and moaned when she immediately deepened the kiss.
"How soon do you want to get married?" he questioned, breathless.
"As soon as possible," Felicity answered and sank back into the mattress, pulling him on top of her. There was no telling how their situation would change after facing Darhk and challenging Waller, but right now, amid all the chaos, everyone they loved was relatively safe and once again a part of their lives. They might not get a better opportunity than this.
"I'll talk to Dig." He brushed aside the strap of her nightgown and kissed along her shoulder. "He got ordained as a minister to marry his brother and his fiancee years ago."
Felicity held up her hand and sighed whimsically. "It's so huge."
Oliver nipped at the underside of her chin and pressed himself further into her. "Thank you."
She busted out laughing. "I was talking about the ring, baby."
He pulled back with wide eyes. His face reddened. Was Oliver actually blushing in embarrassment? "Oh."
Another bout of giggles erupted from her as she moved her hand to stroke his face. "Not that your manhood isn't also impressive," she added teasingly.
"Mm hm," he grumbled.
She peppered his pouting lips with kisses. "I just meant that the ring is beautiful and so much more me. Although, truth be told, I don't even care about the bling. All I care about is you."
That earned another grin from Oliver as he brushed their noses together and reclaimed her mouth. Felicity moaned and wrapped herself tightly around him. She felt so completely free and happy in that moment that all of her constant worries simply faded away. It was an odd feeling at first, but she quickly reminded herself that she deserved to savor the moment with Oliver. They'd waited seven years to finally start building a life together; the rest of the world could wait a few hours.
"Oh, honey, you look so beautiful," Donna complimented, teary-eyed.
"You really think so?" Felicity replied. She twirled while looking in the mirror at her white lace wedding dress. It was classic and elegant; the perfect choice. She ran her hands down the form-fitting bodice and looked for any creases that might need to be straightened in her train. The floral lace met in the back behind her neck and her lower waist, leaving most of her back exposed.
Felicity had originally planned on wearing whatever white dress she could get at the nearest department store, but her mother—once she'd stopped screeching in delight after hearing about the engagement—insisted that she get a proper wedding dress. Felicity had been afraid too much planning would jinx it, considering their track record over the years, but Donna convinced Felicity that she deserved it after everything she'd been through. Her mother had immediately booked an appointment at a bridal boutique, and they'd taken painstaking measures to ensure that their plans remained under the radar—a surprise visit from either Malcolm or Darhk would completely ruin everything. Thea and Sara, as her maids of honor, had also gone with them to help Felicity pick out a dress.
"I've waited so long for this day. Although I imagined a much bigger venue and a rabbi."
"Mom."
"Not to mention a bridal shower and bachelorette party."
"Mom, I know," the blonde interjected, trying to remain patient. It wasn't the first time this week she'd heard her mother lament about the lack of preparations. Regardless of H.I.V.E. and A.R.G.U.S., Donna was definitely a go-big-or-go-home type of woman. She didn't expect anything less for her daughter's wedding ."Maybe eventually we can do that. But for right now, Oliver and I just want to be married. That's what's important. "
"Oh all right," Donna conceded with a pout.
Felicity turned back toward the mirror to check on her makeup and hair. She went with light pink colors for her eyes and lips. Her hair was swept up in a beautifully intricate updo. Upon noticing her mother's unusual silence, Felicity looked over her shoulder to find tears streaming down Donna's cheeks. "Mom, you okay?"
"I know I've been Momzilla these last couple days, but I really am so thrilled I can be here with you for this. I don't want to miss anything else."
Felicity smiled and gave mother a hug. "I'm glad you're here, too."
"Are you nervous?"
"I'm nervous that if I don't get to Oliver fast enough it'll never happen," she joked.
Donna laughed through her tears. "I wasn't nervous for either of my weddings, although looking back now I should've been terrified."
"Mom, you didn't know." Felicity squeezed Donna's hand.
"You know I always believed in true love," she muttered. "All I wanted was a happy ending with my prince, and it turned me into a damned fool. After your father, when I met Malcolm, I thought I'd finally found the one man who wouldn't lie to me." Her voice caught on a sob.
"Hey, what happened isn't your fault. You had no idea who Darhk or Malcolm really were," she tried to soothe her.
"Did I? There were times I sensed something was off, but I never looked beyond that. I didn't want to see." Before Felicity could say anything, Donna waved her off. "I'm sorry. This is your big day, honey. I didn't mean to make it about me and my problems."
"I'm here anytime you need me. Okay?"
"I know, and I appreciate that." Donna ran her hand through Felicity's hair. "I'm just so glad that you have Oliver."
"Me too. So much in our lives is uncertain right now, but I know that I love him with all of my heart." She paused before working up the courage to voice the one tiny doubt that still worried her: "Mom, do you think that's enough? With everything we're facing, do you think love is enough to get us through this?"
"Felicity, you and Oliver are one of those couples everyone wants to believe in. You've already made it this far despite all of the obstacles that have been thrown at you, and you keep fighting together. Now you have the most beautiful baby boy to remind you of that love for the rest of your lives. I see that love every time you and Oliver are around Connor. And when I see something that beautiful and that rare, it reminds me that true love does exist. I don't know if I'll ever find it, but it's comforting to know it's out there. Trust me, if you hold onto that, it'll see you through anything."
"You'll be happy one day, too, Mom." Felicity dabbed at the moisture she felt pooling in her eyes. "I'll make sure of it.
Donna sniffled and wiped away her remaining tears. "Okay, enough of this. It's depressing, and today is supposed to be the happiest—or one of the happiest—days of your life." She ushered Felicity to sit at the vanity. "Let's fix your makeup."
Minutes later, Felicity looked fresh-faced and glowing. A knock sounded on the door before Thea and Sara walked in wearing their matching pink—or "dusty pink" as Donna called it—dresses. Connor, dressed in his little tuxedo t-shirt and pants, bounced on Thea's hip. Lucky trailed behind.
"Everything is all set," Sara announced. "Now, as your maids of honor, we just need to give you your something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."
Felicity smiled, happy with her choice to make Sara and Thea co-maids of honor. It couldn't have been any other way. Sara was Felicity's best friend and had done so much for her and Connor that Felicity couldn't imagine not choosing her; but Thea was also family, and it would hurt her feelings yet again if she were not given a significant role in the big day. Having them share the title and duties felt right. Not to mention, when they put their minds together, the two women were quite efficient in taking care of all the details for the ceremony and mini reception afterward in such a short time—with Donna's input, of course. Felicity didn't really care about the venue or decorations; all she cared about was meeting Oliver at the "alter."
"I'll borrow this little munchkin," Felicity cooed and picked up her son. "He looks so handsome in his little outfit." She nuzzled their noses together. "Yes he does." Connor smiled and reached for her locket to play with.
"Well, your something borrowed is that platinum heart bracelet since it's mine," Thea piped up.
Felicity lifted her wrist to show it off. "Thanks again."
"Your engagement ring can technically count as something new," Sara said, "since Oliver did just give it to you."
"Your something blue is this garter." Thea took back Connor so Felicity could slide it on.
"And your something old," Donna spoke up, "is this jeweled hair comb. It belonged to my grandmother before she passed it down to me."
"Oh, it's beautiful," Felicity complimented, admiring the way its stones sparkled in the light. Her mother helped to place it in her hair. "I think that's it."
"Showtime," her soon-to-be sister-in-law declared. She wore a genuine smile, which was a welcomed change from the tension that still hung between them at times. "We don't want to be late. My brother is nervous as it is."
"What does he have to be nervous about?" the blonde questioned, a tinge of panic coloring her own voice. Was Oliver getting cold feet? Did he think they were moving too fast and should wait like he originally planned?
With a roll of her eyes, Thea replied, "Ollie is worried you'll change your mind and leave him at the alter. Never mind the fact that you proposed to him and are already his baby mama."
Felicity couldn't help but smile in relief. That sounded exactly like her Oliver. Besides his killer archery skills, his second super power was most definitely brooding. "Then we better not keep my fiance waiting."
"Dude, you need to chill," Tommy muttered under his breath, causing Dig to smirk. "She's coming."
Oliver checked his watch. "We were supposed to start at six o'clock."
"It's only been five minutes. Besides, Felicity's already stuck with you for life. You took care of that when you knocked her up," he joked and nudged him.
He glared at his best friend.
"Okay, sorry. Jeez. Just trying to lighten the mood here."
"Tommy, in his not so articulate way, is right," Dig said. "Everything is fine. You know how women are. The ladies are probably just making sure Felicity looks perfect." At that, his eyes strayed over to Lyla. She sat with Mei, Caitlin, Barry, and Curtis, who'd all thankfully been able to sneak away from the office to attend, in the small row of chairs that had been set up in the solarium. Raisa stood off to the side putting the finishing touches on the buffet table and dining table for afterward.
Their options of where to conduct the wedding ceremony were limited, but Oliver thought the solarium was actually the best spot. The glass walls gave a beautiful view of the mansion's expansive grounds as well as the sun setting in the multi-colored sky. Thea and Donna did a beautiful job of decorating the entire room with white and pink floral garlands and candles. There was also the fact that this room had a special meaning for him and Felicity. That night on New Year's Eve when they'd conceived Connor was one of the happiest of his life. It was only fitting that they officially be joined as husband and wife in this room, too. Tommy's obvious discomfort and avoidance of that particular spot was a humorous bonus.
Oliver noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. Donna nodded her head at him to get ready, and Tommy took his cue to turn on the stereo. The soft classical melody helped to set the mood, and Oliver made sure to tug on his tux and stand up straight. Curtis, who'd volunteered to serve as videographer, got into position and started to record.
Sara walked down the makeshift aisle first, followed by Thea. He let out a hearty laugh upon seeing the small decorated wagon she pulled with Connor sitting inside, who was accompanied by his constant companion, Sir Quackers (even the duck wore a bow tie for the special occasion). The sign on the wagon read, Daddy, here comes Mommy. The rings were placed on a pillow tied on top of Lucky's collar, who dutifully walked beside Connor's wagon. A chorus of awwws followed. His son ate up the attention, smiling big for the camera when Curtis called his name.
"Connor looks especially dapper in his baby tux. He might look even more handsome than you," Tommy teased.
"You might be right," Oliver replied, grinning from ear to ear. For the thousandth time, he wondered how it was possible to love his son any more than he already did. He waved to Connor and was rewarded with a delighted shriek. Oliver made a note to keep the wagon handy, as his son clearly loved riding in it.
When the quartet made it to the end of the aisle, Oliver picked up Connor and shared a tender moment with him before passing him to Thea. Sara, meanwhile, grabbed hold of Lucky's collar and released the rings. She handed one to Tommy and took her position with Thea off to the left.
Oliver felt Felicity's presence before he saw her. It was an awareness that sent a tingle up his spine and his heart pounding. He turned toward the doorway and felt his breath catch. Felicity looked absolutely stunning in her wedding gown. Despite the veil covering her face, he could clearly see her beaming smile and sparkling blue eyes. His own eyes started to water as he reminded himself to breathe. His eyes remained riveted on her as she walked toward him with Donna by her side—each step felt like it lasted for an eternity. Then, finally, Felicity stood directly in front of him. Donna hugged him, fighting back her own tears, and gave him her daughter's hand.
Oliver's throat felt tight as his emotions overwhelmed him. His hands enveloped Felicity's, and she gave him a reassuring squeeze back. Despite that they'd been staying in his old house for these past weeks, it hadn't felt like home until this very moment. Dig, smiling between the two of them, began his opening remarks. It was difficult for Oliver to concentrate as he admired his quite literally blushing bride.
I love you, he mouthed to her.
I love you, too, she silently replied.
"And now the vows. Oliver," Dig prompted.
Oliver took a deep breath and said, "Felicity, I've thought long and hard about my vows. It honestly feels like I've been writing them forever. There are so many things I've wanted to say to you—that I should've said to you all these years—and yet none of my declarations would ever be enough. The simple truth is you're the very best part of me, sweetheart. I'm a better human being"—his voice cracked—"just because I've loved you. You are the one who lights my way, and you've restored in me something I never thought I could feel again: hope. You shaped my past, you healed my present, and you have without a doubt claimed my future. I promise to love and protect you, and Connor, forever and always."
Felicity released his hand for a brief moment to wipe away a stray tear. She looked as overcome with love as he felt.
"Felicity," Dig said.
"Okay," she muttered, mostly to herself. She obviously needed a few seconds to get her thoughts in order. Her grip on him tightened as she finally looked up to meet his gaze. "Oliver, from the very beginning, you inspired me. You taught me to be more confident and brave and trusting—not just with other people but with myself. I've told you this before, but I don't care because it's worth repeating: you opened my heart in a way no one ever has. Our love has given my life meaning; it has given me purpose. It hasn't always been easy, but our love has given us a joy that no one can ever take away from us. You and Connor are worth living for. You're worth fighting for. And I will always, always, always, love you."
A few sniffles could be heard from their family and friends, but Oliver didn't dare look away from Felicity. Not until Connor started talking his baby gibberish, which had them all laughing through their tears.
"We know, little man," Dig said. "Do you have the rings?"
Tommy and Sara stepped forward to hand them over.
Oliver and Felicity slid the rings on each other's fingers, and the anticipation built between them. They were almost there.
"Do you, Oliver Jonas Queen, take Felicity Megan Smoak to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love, to honor, and to cherish?"
He answered without hesitation. "I do."
"Do you, Felicity Megan Smoak, take Oliver Jonas Queen to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love, to honor, and to cherish?
"I do," she declared, practically bouncing on her heels.
"Then I now pronounce you husband and wife. Please, kiss your bride."
Oliver didn't have to be told twice. He lifted Felicity's veil, cupped her face, and kissed her deeply. His now wife threw her arms around his neck to bring him closer, and Oliver was vaguely aware of the clapping and whistling all around them. When they finally pulled away, both unable to stop a stream of happy tears, they reached for Connor and included him in the moment. Afterward, they were bombarded with congratulations from their family and friends. Raisa had already sprung into action and was ready to serve for the reception.
The music changed to an upbeat tempo as everyone filled their plates and sat down for dinner. Toasts were made and stories were shared. Felicity even let Connor try a small lick of frosting after they cut the cake. Their son must've inherited his mother's sweet tooth, because he kept reaching for Felicity's plate wanting more. Later, with the moon and stars shining overhead, he and Felicity shared a dance. The others eventually joined them—including Tommy and Mei. Thea happily danced with her nephew while Curtis dipped and twirled Donna. Caitlin could be heard sharing ideas with Barry for their own upcoming ceremony as they methodically swayed back and forth—Barry wasn't exactly light on his dancing feet.
"You know, I was never the little girl who dreamed of her wedding, but I have to say this was the perfect evening," Felicity murmured against Oliver's lips.
"You deserve all of it and more, Mrs. Queen."
"Aw, you're the first person to call me that. It's so weird. Not that being your wife is weird—that's the best feeling in the world. Just taking your name is weird because, like, Mrs. Queen was kind of your mom and she never really liked me. But now it's me. Never mind. I'm ruining the moment. I'm just going to stop talking," she said and snapped her mouth shut.
"Do you feel comfortable taking my family name? Because if it's too weird, I'll understand."
"I could hyphenate."
"You could. I love you no matter what you choose, sweetheart."
"But hyphenating is kind of a pain to write out," she thought out loud. "Plus, it's confusing. Do people call me Mrs. Smoak-Queen or Mrs. Queen?"
Oliver shrugged, biting back a smile while he watched his wife ruminate.
"Felicity Smoak Queen, no hyphen. That's what I want," she finally declared.
"Then that's what it'll be."
She stroked his cheek and nuzzled his nose. "I'm so happy."
"Me, too." He tenderly kissed her lips, feeling like this magical night was as close to heaven as he could ever get. "In case I haven't said it enough, you look beautiful."
"You've said it so many times I think I've lost count. But I could hear it again," she teased. "You look pretty dashing yourself." She fiddled with his bow tie.
"Thank you, but I think Connor may have upstaged me." They both looked over at their son who was now being cooed over by Donna.
"You're probably right." She smiled. "I love that he looks so much like you."
"But with your cute little nose." He kissed the tip of her nose and clutched his wife tighter. He never wanted this moment or night to end.
"Um, Oliver, Felicity, I hate to interrupt but something has come up," Lyla interjected with a stiff expression. Dig, who stood beside her, looked just as tense.
"Oh God, I think I jinxed it," Felicity muttered.
"You and me both," he added before turning to Lyla and Dig. "What's up?" No use beating around the bush.
"Waller went off the grid an hour ago. We need to report back to A.R.G.U.S; lockdown protocol has been initiated."
"What's lockdown protocol?"
Felicity and Lyla exchanged knowing looks. "It means Waller has most likely been abducted, and all assets may be compromised. Protocol requires us all to report back to the home base and buckle down until she can be located and retrieved."
Just then, Oliver's phone rang. "It's Anatoly." He answered on the third ring. The others watched him carefully as he listened to Anatoly speak in rapid Russian. When Oliver finally hung up, all eyes were on him. "Darhk has Waller…and Rubicon."
