I forgot to mention that I posted pictures of the dresses and tuxedo on my profile if anyone is interested.

Also, this chapter is a slow and shorter one…I can't always have drama and besides, we are really winding down in the story.

Please no rude comments about it being boring because it takes a lot of work for someone to write these stories and sometimes we

have to slow the pace to set the story or to finish a scene... Rude comments gives me serious writers block..sorry! :(

I hope you like the surprise. Adrian did! lol

I own nothing…Richelle Mead does..

Thanks for reading!

Terri

Chapter 54

Adrian's POV

We did it! I can't believe after all the heartache and the long road put before us…we finally made it! I look at her and can't get over how blessed I am. She was absolutely stunning. And it wasn't just the way Rose appeared on the outside.

She was genuinely good inside and out; a loyal friend, a wonderful mother, an excellent lover, and no doubt going to be an amazing wife.

I gaze down at my hand to see the platinum band on my finger. It seems so surreal to know I am married. Me? Of all people. I had so many emotions running through me at once; happy, relieved, nervous, and excited.

I was excited to start this new life with my family. Sure, we were living together, but this was different. I felt different….complete. When I kissed her..it felt different…better.

I was in a dream state until I heard the following words. "May I be the first to introduce to you, Lord and Mrs. Adrian Alexsandr Ivashkov."

As everyone started to applaud, Rose and I glanced over to Ethan before we left on our way to the reception. He was in Christian's arms clapping with everyone else. Rose and I caught each other's eyes and had to smile at the actions of our son.

He was happy too! And you couldn't ask for more than that.

I took Rose's hand in mine as we made our way back down the aisle to the waiting carriage that would take us to the reception tent to greet our guests and get our party started.

I helped Rose step up into the carriage and then took my seat beside her. I was just staring at her, smiling. "What?" She smiled back while questioning me.

"You are so beautiful. Do you know that?"

"Thank you. I guess today I feel beautiful. Maybe it is because I am so happy to finally get all of this behind us."

I put my lips to her forehead. "I am glad your happy. I am happy too! I can't believe we finally made it here. With everything we've been through, we're meant to be together."

I rested my hand on her stomach and let out a chuckle. "Were you a little nervous earlier?"

Her face flushed a bit. "Yeah..I was, more than a little to be honest. I am sorry. I have no control over that you know. I hate that you're having to go through all of this discomfort. I mean I am glad I don't have too! But, I still don't want you in misery."

"Yea, well, I am glad I only fainted those two times before the wedding and not during." I sadly shook my head with a hint of sarcasm evident in my voice.

Rose covered her mouth with her hand and laughed. "You didn't."

I furrowed my brow and grimaced. "Yes, I did. And don't get me started on how many times I had to throw up today. I am surprised I haven't lost weight with all this morning sickness. I can't believe women would want to go through this hell."

Rose laughed harder. "You know Adrian. I sincerely hope you don't feel my labor pains too!"

I felt my eyes widen in shock. "Oh hell no! You don't think that's possible, do you? Rose? Please tell me you're joking."

She shrugged her shoulders. "How would I know that answer? I guess we will find out in 6 1/2 months."

"Oh well that's just great!….Someone just shot me now if that is even remotely possible."

"Adrian, it's not that bad."

"How the hell would you know, neither one of us has been through it yet. Ethan's birth was different. Rose, now I am a nervous wreck." My throat quivering with anxiety.

Rose's POV

I know I shouldn't laugh at him but it is so funny. I really hope for his sake it is not possible for him to feel labor pains. Because my husband is in for a rude awakening. My husband? What a strange concept, Adrian and I were married. Who would have ever thought it possible?

I was going to wait until our first dance to tell him, but I couldn't keep it a secret any longer. "Adrian?" My eyes searched his and held the stare.

"Umm hmm? What is it babe?"

I didn't know how to approach the subject, so I said the first thing that came to mind. "I wanted to thank you for my wedding gift. It is gorgeous, but it was way too expensive."

Adrian laughed. "Nothing is too expensive for you. If you want it…You shall have it." I should have known he would say that.

I grabbed his hand and started to play with his wedding band. "Do you remember the night you came home from the hospital? The night that Tatiana.." I couldn't bear to finish the rest of the sentence, thinking of how things could've turned out so differently that night.

"I do remember that night for other reasons, not just Tatiana." He gently ran his fingers through my hair while smiling at me.

"You do?" I smirked at him.

He moistened his lips with his tongue. "It's the night you took advantage of me when I was knocking on death's door. I tried to pry you away but you wouldn't budge. You forced yourself on me." Always the smart-ass he was.

I smacked him as he continued. "No, I am joking. How could I forget?…It was the night our baby was conceived." He stated with a brilliant smile on face.

I lifted my brow. "It was….but, what if I told you that something even more amazing happened that night?"

He gave me a questioning glance. "What could be more amazing then creating a child together?"

I couldn't help the big smile that now dominated my face. "Creating two children together."

He raised his eyebrow. "Are you saying…..Are you saying that we are having twins?"

I bit my lip and scrunched my nose. All I could do was nod my head in agreement as tears started to form in my eyes. Adrian pulled me on his lap, held me tight, and brought his lips to mine.

We pulled apart and our eyes never left each others.

"Little Dhampir, you never cease to amaze me. Twins? Really?" The look of excitement on his face was overwhelming. I have never seen him so happy.

"Yep…Twins. So, for your sake…I hope you won't feel the labor pains." I teased him.

"Oh god! Please don't mention that. Don't even joke about it. No wonder I am so sick…it's like double everything." He paused like a thought suddenly came to him. "Rose, I bet I know what we're having."

I tilted my head in question. "How?"

"You're aura. I knew..well, I had a feeling we were having twins. I wasn't completely sure. But, I saw three different shades in your aura and that was a clue or so I thought. And it turns out I was right."

We were almost at the tent so I pressed him to hurry and tell me. "Well…tell me."

"I saw a dark pink, which I think was you. A light pink, which I think is a girl, of course, and lastly, I saw blue, meaning a boy." He smiled wider and his eyes sparkled as the thought of it made him extremely content.

I also felt excited at the thought of a little girl and of course, another little boy. "I think that would be wonderful." I whispered when he kissed me again.

"Come on, Mrs. Ivashkov. Let's go greet our guests and start this party."

"I can't wait…I am so hungry. I hope the food is good." I laughed as Adrian groaned.


We entered the reception tent hand and hand. I thought the gazebo and gardens were beautiful, but I was wrong. The tent was massive and the way Lissa had it decorated was awe-inspiring. The ceiling was bewitching as it

appeared to have a million little stars within our grasp. The same flower arrangements that graced the gardens were also present here. The pomanders hung by black and champagne colored silk ribbons from the ceiling as

tiny twinkling, white lights were encased within them.

They introduced us once more to only be greeted by applause again. We had taken our seats at the head table with the rest of our wedding party. They served our dinner and honestly, I couldn't wait to eat.

I turned to Adrian. "Are you going to be okay if I eat? I don't want to make you sick."

He laughed. "No babe, I will be fine or at least I hope so. And like I could stop you from eating." Teasing me about my ever expanding appetite.

After we were done with our meals and thankfully Adrian was fine, Pavel stood to do his best man speech. Even though he was a highly trained, tough guardian. I could tell that he was extremely nervous to speak in front of a crowd. I actually felt

bad for the guy. I knew with being a guardian, it was hard for him to meet someone because our lives are dedicated to other things, but to see Pavel now in his tuxedo, he was a very nice looking guy.

I would say he was 36, stood at 6'4", black hair with a little gray on the sides, and grey eyes. But, life is as it is for him. Although I missed being a guardian, I was extremely lucky to have a family and still going to be able to have a career. It just doesn't happen often in our profession.

My thoughts were interrupted when he cleared his throat and then began to speak. "I have to admit that I am not good at this sort of thing. Which may come to a shock to a lot of you." Everyone laughed. Shit, he has a sense of humor, who knew?

"I met Rose and Adrian through my close friend, Rose's father, Abe. After spending some time with the both of them, I soon discovered that they are two extraordinary people and even more extraordinary together as a couple.

I wish you both nothing but happiness in your new life together and may all your hardships be behind you." He held up his glass in toast. "To Mr. and Mrs. Ivashkov."

Everyone toasted to Pavel's speech and it was now Lissa's turn. I had no idea what she would say and I sincerely hoped I wouldn't cry in front of all these people. But, hell, I can blame it on the pregnancy hormones no one would ever know the difference.

Lissa stood to face Adrian and I. "Wow! Where do I start?..I have known Rose since we were five. She is not only my best friend…she is my sister. If anyone deserves to live a fairytale life…it is Rose, even though that is not what she is about. I've watched the changes in

her over the last year or so. I never thought it possible, but Adrian was good for her." Adrian rolled his eyes. " Does anyone like me?" He joked as everyone laughed.

Lissa picked right up where she left off. "Yes, we like you. I never pictured you two here…at this point. But, I am so glad you are. My sister is happy and loved. I couldn't ask for more than that for her….for both of you. So, congratulations and may you always love and be happy like you are today."

She raised her glass in honor of us.

Adrian stood up. "Okay, that was beautiful cousin. Now sit down so I can give them a real speech." He turned to her and winked.

"I wasn't planning on getting emotional in front of all of you. But, I can't help myself. We have something very exciting to share with you." He turned to me and grasp my hand pulling me up to join him. My face flushed slightly, sure I am me and used to attention but, still I didn't want to stand

here in front of all these snotty people. "As some of you are already aware, Rose and I are expecting another baby." Our guests started to whisper to one another. Yep, alert the papers.. scandal.

"But, that's not all of it. Although, I am beyond ecstatic about the baby. My wife informed me of something even more spectacular on the way here to greet all of you. It turns out that not only are we having one baby, but we are expecting twins."

Adrian placed his hand lovingly over my stomach. "I couldn't be happier than I am right now. Not only did I marry the woman of my dreams, but she is also giving me two more children."

His eyes locked with mine as he pressed his lips to mine and whispered against them. "I love you so much. Thank you."


Adrian lead me to the dance floor as we shared our first dance. He had selected an older song, 'All my Life', For some reason Adrian felt he owed me so much for saving him, but in reality he saved me in more ways than one. I've tried to convince of this with no avail. He wouldn't hear of it.

I had danced with my dad, Christian, and Pavel. I was so beyond exhausted and ready to go when Chase walked up to me and Adrian while we were dancing. I didn't know his date, but I had to say she was beautiful; tall, long dark hair, and slightly more athletic built than most moroi.

She could almost pass for an Ivashkov with those green eyes. It seemed as though Chase was in his glory. I had to chuckle at his expression, considering he swore no woman would ever tie him down.

"Rose and Adrian…This is Nikki Badica."

"It's nice to meet you." She softly spoke.

"It's nice to meet you too!" I said in return.

"Hey Nikki, did you lose a bet?" Adrian asked in his snarky tone.

She glanced at Adrian confused. "How do you mean?"

He shook his head. "You would have too…to go out with this guy."

Chase punched Adrian's arm. "I was hoping I could dance with your bride before we leave."

"Sure."He pointed at Chase. "I am watching where you put your hands on my wife and I am holding your date hostage for collateral."


The rest of the night went by in a blur. Adrian and I had decided against a honeymoon at this point because we had just got home from our trip and besides, we wanted to wait until after I had the babies.

We opted for a few days alone at home while Christian and Lissa offered to watch Ethan.

Adrian stopped me in front of our apartment door. "I need to carry my bride across the threshold."

"I hope you're able to lift my big butt." I teased him. I knew he was quite capable of doing even more so now since he was went through the change.

He gave me that smile that was so sexy. "I love your butt and it's far from big."

"Not yet. Will you love it when it's huge?"

"How huge?" He started laughing as he carried me into our bedroom and laid me on our bed.

Sorry it took me a few days to update, but I've been stumped on this chapter...

We probably have two chapters to go...I am really going to fast forward in the next one...

Have a great day/night wherever you are!