Chapter 28: I promise to be stubborn
AKA: The one with a wedding
Let's talk clearly.
If you have a partner and you think they're perfect, don't get married. If you believe that destiny has united you and that there is no one like him in this world, do not get married. If when you think of her, you only listen to love songs, if every time you see him you feel butterflies in your stomach, or if when you are with her time flies by, don't get married... No, don't get married!
If to see him, you don't mind travelling 100 km to give him a kiss, or if when the phone rings your legs shake when you see his name, don't get married... don't get married. If every second you think about being alone with her, if you think that nobody will love you as much as he does or even if you feel that it is impossible to love him more, don't get married. If you're in love, if you're just in love, don't get married... yet!
Do it when you no longer want to give her the moon, but to go together for it. Do it when it costs you to talk, laugh, be there, and yet still talk, laugh and stay by their side. When the extraordinary becomes routine but you start to make the routine something extraordinary. When you understand that it is not a trophy you have won, but a gift that you have to take care of.
When you feel comfortable planning the future in which both of your dreams fit. When you understand that asking for forgiveness and forgiving is much more important than being right. When you accept his past without judging him and see his present as a gift and his future as an opportunity to make him happy. When you know you can be without each other but still want to live together forever.
Because love is patient, it is humble and understanding. It is kind, respectful, not selfish or conceited, or spiteful. Love has no limits, it forgives without limits, believes without limits, waits without limits. The love will never pass.
Lovers are those who fall in love and those who love.
The week before the wedding flew by in a sea of family, friends, pretty dresses and excitement.
On Monday, I met my Mum, Grace, Mrs Kavanagh, Mia and Kate at the latter's apartment. I tried on my wedding dress for the last time before the big day. Mrs Kavanagh checked if the dress needed to be fitted once again and was happy to inform me everything looked perfect.
I truly loved my dress and didn't want to take it off—partly because it was a pain, what with all the tiny buttons and the tight skirt.
Afterwards, we went over the itinerary for the following week once again. Details were finalized, last-minute arrangements were made, and Mia and I made lasagne.
Tuesday, I got to spend the evening with my man. Yet, mindful my mum had come all the way from Georgia to enjoy some time with me, and knowing we didn't get to spend that much time together now that we lived in opposite sides of the country, we invited her and Bob to have dinner with us at The Mile High Club. The restaurant was fancy, the view awe-inspiring, and my Mum, happy like a child in a toy store.
On Wednesday, right after work, Kate and I got waxed. I spent the evening with Christian, who was disappointed there would be no sex for the next twenty-four hours. He still got to hold me close, though, as we practised the waltz, spinning around the room, all smiles and laughter.
I barely saw my fiancé of Thursday, though. I met the women of the wedding party—and Gwen—to get pampered at a spa. We got facials, massages, and our hands and feet done for the big event. I was tired and relaxed by the time I arrived at Escala, where the men were playing poker. Carrick was kind enough to leave with Elliot and Ethan the moment I got home, giving Christian and I much needed few hours of alone time.
I was a ball of energy Friday morning. Christian chuckled as I stormed around the walk-in-closet like the Loony Tunes' Tasmanian devil, too fired up and anxious to get dressed like a normal person.
We kept pecking each other's lips as we got ready, craving the loving physical contact.
"Forty-eight hours from now, we'll already be husband and wife," muttered Christian against my neck as he zipped up my dress, his fingers caressing my back as they went up. "Mr and Mrs Grey."
"It's got a nice ring to it," I muttered, turning to look at him and wrapping my arms around his neck. "I love you. So much. And I'm looking forwards to loving you every day for the rest of our lives."
"Me too, beautiful," he smiled shyly. "I still can't believe my luck. And now that I've got you, I'm never letting you go."
With his arms around my lower back, he hugged me closer and kissed me.
I sighed.
"I really need to go. I'm leaving work early today, and I won't be back in the office for two weeks."
He kissed my nose before letting me go.
"Alright. I'll see you in a few hours, baby."
I let Sawyer drive me to work, knowing I was in no state of mind to be a responsible driver.
My head was still in the clouds when I began working, but Ben didn't seem to mind. At half-past twelve, half an hour before I was to leave, he called me to his office.
"I just got sent a draft that looks promising," he informed me with a smile. "A continuation of sorts of Pride and Prejudice."
I gasped softly. My eyes widened and my fingers twitched.
"I told you you don't have to take work with you to your honeymoon, and I still stand by it, but I thought I'd ask if you want it, because if you don't I'll have to give it to someone else."
"I do want it." I nodded enthusiastically. "I know Christian will have to work during the honeymoon. It'll give me something to do meanwhile."
"All right. It's yours, then. I'll email you the draft. You can take your time—no deadlines—. Now go, get ready for your big weekend. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh. Thank you." I smiled. In theory, I was supposed to stay for another thirty minutes. "I'll see you and Angela tomorrow."
Sawyer drove me back to Escala, where Christian was already waiting. Gail was almost done preparing lunch, so we put on comfy clothes and cuddled barefoot in the living room's couch, just basking in each other's warmth and presence.
We enjoyed a few hours of peace before we had to get ready for the rehearsal.
I put on a lacy white dress specially bought for the occasion. It had an open back and a knee-length skirt. My arms were only covered in lace, all the way to my wrists. I twirled happily and the white skirt flared around me.
Christian stepped out of the bathroom and I stepped in. As he got dressed, I put on some basic makeup and brushed my hair into submission—pun intended.
When I stepped out of the bathroom, Christian was already dressed in black slacks and a blue shirt, no tie. We had opted for an informal event, as it would only include our closest family members and friends.
On our way to Christian's parent's house, where the rehearsal would be taking place, we made a pit stop in our new house. Mia had spent the afternoon overseeing the preparations, and the backyard looked just as we had expected.
"Ana! Christian!" exclaimed Mia—looking gorgeous in her blue skater dress—as she stepped out of the clear tent.
The tent's rigid plastic 'roof' was transparent, as well as the impermeable tarpaulin 'walls,' which worked like curtains and would be opened the next morning. From the centre of the ceiling and to the sides hung white cloth liners.
Underneath, the tables had been decorated according to plan, with simple and classy white tablecloths. The chairs around them had white linings with blue ribbons. The following day, the florist—a friend of Gwen's—would be delivering white roses for the centrepieces.
Next to the tent and inside its glass enclosure, the pool had been covered with a transparent resistant material to create the dance floor. Colourful led lights hidden underneath would be turned on for the party.
Towards the water body, chairs had been arranged in a half-circle. On top of the wooden dock stood an arch, with white linen wrapped around it. Christian and I would be saying I do right there!
"You've done a terrific job, Mia! Thank you so much!" I exclaimed, hugging her. "I don't know what we would have done without you."
"Well, I had the time. And it was a lot of fun! Maybe I'll become a wedding planner slash caterer."
"You'd excel," I assured her.
"Truly," agreed my fiancé. "We owe you one, Mia."
Content everything was ready for our big day, Christian drove us three to Bellevue. No sooner had he parked the car than Grace was opening the front door for us. The usual warm greetings were exchanged with her, Carrick, Mum and Bob.
We were shown to the backyard, where a green carpet had been laid for the occasion. I'd be walking down through it with my dad to rehearse for the wedding.
I was more excited than I'd predicted I would be.
Alone or in pairs, the rest of the guests showed up through the following hour: my dad, Christian's grandparents, Ethan, Kate—wearing a blue maxi dress with a slit and pink flowers—and Elliot, and Ros and Gwen. The last to arrive was Father Frank, who was ready to get the rehearsal started.
We went through the motions of the wedding ceremony until the Father and Mia were satisfied with our performance. We were free to party after that, so we stepped back into the house to have dinner.
The food in the Grey's household was, as usual, delicious. After everyone had been fed, Frank thanked us, Carrick and Grace for the dinner and made his leave, while everyone else moved to the living room, glasses of champagne on hand.
Christian and I stood up in front of our wedding party and their significant others.
"As you are aware, we will be leaving the speeches for tomorrow," started Christian. "But we wanted to thank you privately for all the running and organizing that you had to do the last five weeks. And for putting up with us during the last few decades."
"Excuse you!" I exclaimed. "I was always a good girl!"
"Wouldn't get in trouble even once," added my mum, and it didn't quite sound like a compliment.
"Alright, alright. Thanks for putting up with me during the last few decades. And as a token of our appreciation, we have gifts for our wedding party."
I rummaged through the bags Christian had deposited on one of the couches.
"Grace," I began, taking out a rectangular package wrapped stylishly, her name written elegantly in a corner. "We wanted to thank you for aiding us with the organization of the wedding, for lending us your home today, and for the advice you have given us in the past, as well as the one you will be giving us in the future.
"I also wanted to thank you for helping raise the man I am to marry tomorrow, who may be stubborn and taciturn, but who was also persistent enough to fight for us, and so loving I could do nothing but agree to spend the rest of my life with him.
"To show you our thanks, we wish to give you this present."
She stood up to receive her gift and hugged both myself and Christian before opening it.
"Thank you for being my mum, even when I was resistant to your love and affection," I could hear Christian whisper against her ear as he held her.
With tears in her eyes, she took a step back and unwrapped the package carefully. She opened the thin rectangular box to reveal a necklace and matching earrings. They had circular blue sapphires surrounded by small round diamonds, matching my ring and the wedding theme.
"Oh, thank you! They're so beautiful. I will wear them tomorrow."
"Carla," began Christian next. "I want to thank you for raising the amazing woman I am to marry tomorrow," he spoke smoothly, and both Mum and I started to tear up. "She is loving and unafraid to smile, let her hair down or speak her mind. She is perfect for me, and she wouldn't be who she is today if it weren't for you. Plus, she has your beautiful hair."
We chuckled.
"I want to thank you for being there for me always," I continued. "For being a good listener and never judging me. And for advising me to give Christian and I a chance, and cling to our love. I always will. Now let us give you this as a token of our thanks."
Tear-eyed, my mum stood up to hug me, temporarily ignoring the thin rectangular box. Christian shook her hand, and Mum didn't try to hug him. Maybe Grace or Carrick had advised her against it.
She finally unwrapped her present to find another necklace and earrings set, this time with the blue sapphires and diamonds combined to make a flower.
Next came Carrick, who we thanked for his home, love and advise with a white and yellow gold elegant Rolex.
My dad also got a Rolex watch, but silver and with a black dial. Christian thanked him for making me 'loving, down to earth and unafraid to say 'no,'' making me both snort and cry. I also handed him his blue tie for the wedding; in it's back I had added a patch that read, 'Dad, of all the walks we've taken, this one is my favourite. Annie 9.17.2011'
Afterwards, I thanked my bridal party. Mia, we praised for making our wedding possible. She had dedicated countless hours to the planning and organization, and had cheered on our relationship from the moment she'd first heard my name. We gifted her earrings with marquise cut blue sapphires.
Kate, I thanked for her advice, encouragement and friendship, while Christian commented on her great timing for getting sick, as we wouldn't have 'met' if she hadn't been unable to interview him. We also gave her blue sapphire earrings, but hers were round and the white gold around them had an intricate pattern.
Christian then thanked Ros for her hard work and constant support with a white and pink gold exquisite Rolex. Next came Elliot, who got a white gold watch with a dark blue dial as a way to thank him for standing by my fiancée's side, both on our wedding day and when Christian was being antisocial and reclusive.
Last but not least, Mr and Mrs Trevelyan, our Ring Bearer and Flower Grandma, received matching Clive Christian cologne and perfume.
Next came the Groom's cake, which Mia had been excited to bake and decorate. The layered white and blue masterpiece was sailing-themed. Christian and I cracked up at the fondant rope wrapped around the middle layer, our inner joke no one—but Kate—could understand.
The cake was followed by a fierce game of Pictionary, with us young adults competing against the parents and grandparents for three bottles of expensive whiskey. Our team won, and each couple—sans Christian and I—got a bottle.
Before it got too late, we got kicked out by Mia, who wanted us well rested for the big day. Much to the women's chagrin, Christian and I had refused to stay the night apart. Tradition and silly superstitions lost importance when Christian insisted I was the only remedy against nightmares and sleepless nights. Before I had moved in with him, he had barely slept through the week.
As we curled up under the covers that night, wrapped up in each other, I whispered, "This is my last night going to bed as Miss Steele. I love you, Mr Grey."
"And I love you too, baby. Forever."
Our day began at 8 o'clock with the alarm going off. Christian, who had had his arms wrapped around me, reached out to turn it off.
I opened my eyes sleepily and smiled.
There was no drowsy confusion or forgetfulness; I woke up knowing it was our wedding day.
"Good morning, beautiful," Christian spoke softly before his lips found my forehead, nose and cheekbones.
My impatient lips sought out his.
"Mmm… Morning, handsome." I pushed him softly and lay down on top of him, his semi-erect dick against my thigh. "It's kind of funny this all started with a contract I didn't want to sign because of… the level of commitment, you could say. 24/7? No, Sir. And now… now I can't wait to sign a contract that will bind us together forever."
"Me neither, love. In less than eight hours, you'll be mine to love and cherish for the rest of our lives."
We knew we didn't have enough time to linger, so we climbed out of bed.
We found a filling breakfast waiting for us in the kitchen. While Gail usually had the weekends off, we had requested her presence that day, and she had been happy to accept. She and Taylor would be guests at our wedding that afternoon, even if the latter had insisted on coordinating the security personal anyway.
We ate our breakfast tranquilly, but not as leisurely as we would have on a regular Saturday, and then we hopped in the shower together.
"Oh, no, baby. No sex," stopped me Christian as my hands travelled south through his abs and to that V which awoke my inner goddess every single time. I pouted. "I want you needy and horny tonight."
"I'm always needy and horny for you," I whined, making him chuckle.
"Such a dirty mouth, future Mrs Grey. Be patient, baby. I have two entire weeks to make it up to you."
I got dressed in leggings and a pale blue t-shirt which read 'Bride' that Kate had gotten for me. I kissed Christian goodbye— "I'll be the one in white"—and got into the elevator with Sawyer, who drove me to Bellevue, where I would be getting ready with the women. The guys would be meeting up at Escala later on.
We picked up Kate on the way. She was already wearing her 'Maid of Honour' t-shirt when she opened the door, holding both my dress and hers. We got them carefully in the trunk.
Grace and Mum were waiting for us when we arrived at the Grey's home, also wearing matching pale blue t-shirts.
"Oh! Ana! Look at you!" exclaimed Mum as she hugged me tightly. "I can't believe my baby's getting married today."
Dad was there, too. He was as affectionate as Mum but less verbose. "I'll see you in a few hours," he whispered before letting me go once Mia appeared to drag me upstairs.
One Mrs Banner was waiting for us in my bridesmaid's room, make-up and hair products all over Mia's vanity. One by one, we got our make-up done before Mrs Banner began working on everyone's hair but mine. We had lunch at 12:00 on the dot so my hair could be done afterwards.
"It's time for your 'something borrowed' dear," said Grace as she handed me a small white cloth bag.
Its content was heavy. I opened it delicately and took out a crystal hair comb.
"I wore this on my wedding day," she explained.
"Oh, Grace! Thank you!" I exclaimed with emotion before hugging her.
"You're very welcome, dear."
"And this is your 'something old,' sweetie," spoke Mum.
She handed me a small jewellery box and I opened it to reveal a pair of diamond teardrop earrings.
"Oh, Mum! They're beautiful! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, Ana. They were a wedding gift from your father, and today I'm giving them to you, from both of us."
"They're perfect. Thank you," I whispered as I hugged her, glad my make-up was waterproof.
Once my mum had let go of me, I took back my seat and Mrs Banner got my hair in an updo. She checked my makeup and claimed me good to go.
Not wanting to crease our dresses in the car, it had been decided we'd finish getting ready in my future home—the venue—. The dresses were carefully placed in the car's trunks and we drove back to Seattle, arriving promptly at 1:30.
We hurried to the main bedroom, as the men and Ros were expected to arrive at 1:45, already dressed and ready to greet the guests. Upstairs, in Christian's and my future bedroom, Mia had already laid out several plush chairs so we could get ready, as well as a clothes hanger stand. We hung our dresses and, as the women undressed, I went to the bathroom—still outdated, but large—to undress and put on my lacy white partially-see-through bridal panties and my something blue: a flowery garter Kate had found online.
Looking hot, approved my inner goddess as I looked at myself in the mirror.
Not comfortable with the other women seeing me practically naked, instead of walking back to the bedroom I waited for Kate. She had seen me nude more times than I cared to admit, and I was well past embarrassment around her.
After she had put on her blue dress, she walked into the bathroom and helped me into mine. Once all the important bits were covered, albeit the lacy back still unbuttoned, I walked back to the bedroom as I held onto the top of my dress. Mum—who was now wearing a beautiful tight silver dress—got the honour of buttoning me up as Mia took pictures, her camera already crowded with photos of us getting our hair and make-up done.
Tears were shredded and hugs were given before someone knocked on the door. Kate opened it a few centimetres and peeked at the other side before opening it completely to let my dad in. She made her leave with Mia and Grace, all claiming they'd make sure everything was in order.
As the guests began to arrive, I had a few precious minutes with Mum and Dad.
"You look beautiful, Annie," spoke Ray as he looked at me in my wedding dress for the first time. "You made one lovely lady, Carla."
"And you helped to raise her into the women she is today."
"I thought I wasn't supposed to start crying until the wedding itself," I commented as I tried not to cry, a huge smile on my face.
"Sorry, sweetie," said Mum. "Just wait until it's your own daughter or son."
It wasn't long before Kate was knocking on the door, claiming it was almost time and that my mum was needed.
Dad and I stepped towards the back window of my future bedroom and looked down at the backyard as the guests were requested to take a seat by the lake, where the ceremony would be taking place. The chairs had been arranged in the shape of a half-circle with the promise that the guests would have a better view of Christian and I saying, 'I do.'
It was only five minutes after Mum had left, at 2:25 on the dot, when Father Frank walked down the white carpet between the chairs. As soon as he had arrived at the arch by the water, Christian began his way down the aisle, escorting his mum. That was our cue to go.
As Dad and I walked down the stairs the large windows allowed me to see Carrick walk my mum down the aisle. They took their corresponding seats while Dad and I made our way through the living room and to the kitchen, where the door to the backyard was placed—for security and aesthetic reasons—. There, on the table, I found my wedding bouquet made of white, blue and silver satin roses.
I peeked through a window as first Ros and then Mia walked down the aisle, standing up on the right and left of Father Frank respectively. Next came Elliot and Kate, her hand holding onto his arm as the Best Man escorted my Maid of Honour—and his girlfriend.
Last but not least, Grandpa Trevelyan led his wife down the aisle as Grandma Trevelyan scattered white petals on top of the white carpet. Once they had taken their seat, the song changed and the classic wedding march began.
Dad offered me his arm silently and I grabbed it tightly.
"Don't let me fall, Daddy," I whispered, suddenly remembering my clumsiness and cursing my pretty white heels.
"Never, Annie."
We stepped out of the house to the watchful eyes of my family and friends. I knew all eyes were on me, but I could only stare at my handsome loving groom as my dad guided me towards him.
We walked down the white carpet to the tempo of the wedding march as Christian looked at me, love and fascination clear in his eyes. Neither of us could believe how lucky we were.
Soon enough, my dad was handing me over to the love of my life.
Father Frank began the ceremony:
"We are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of Christian Trevelyan Grey and Anastasia Rose Steele in Holy Matrimony. This is a day of great celebration, for a married life—a shared life—is a great blessing. As Christian and Anastasia embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes them better versions of themselves. Marriage is a garden we sow with love, and harvest in personal growth.
"Christian and Ana, on your journey together, keep your spouse in the space of the highest priority in your heart. The love that you share must be guarded and cherished forever, for it is your most valuable treasure.
"And now Christian and Ana have asked Christian's sister Mia to do a reading."
"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude," she began, speaking clearly in front of the crowd. "It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."
She was soon followed by Carrick, who read marriage advice written in 1886 by Jane Wells.
"Let your love be stronger than your hate or anger.
"Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break.
"Believe the best rather than the worst.
"People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.
"Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
"Please hand this down to your children and your children's children. The more things change the more they stay the same."
Carrick sat back down.
Father Frank smiled warmly at us before continuing.
"Christian and Ana have chosen to write their own vows, so now they will express their binding promises to love, honour, and cherish one another. If you are ready to make these promises, I invite you now to face each other and declare your intentions."
Christian and I turned to look at each other. I blinked fastly, trying to clear away the tears clouding my vision.
With a triumphant smile, Christian began to recite his vows.
"When we first met, I had no idea you would be so important to me," he spoke clearly, his voice carrying to all of our guests easily. "We didn't have love at first sight, or second, or third… But with every fight and every challenge and every laugh, I fell more in love with you."
Damn it. Here come the waterfalls.
"So on this day, I do take you to be my best friend, my lawful wife and my forever love. I promise to encourage you, inspire you and challenge you. I promise to take you on adventures and cuddle with you as we watch the romantic movies you love so much. And I promise to let you talk through every single one of them."
I giggled and those who knew me laughed along.
"I promise to listen to everything you have to say, even when I don't like it. But I also promise to be stubborn and bicker with you and compromise with you.
"And through it all, I promise to love you irrevocably and passionately, with all my heart and every cell of my body.
"I know that our love will never fade, that we will always find strength in one another, and that we will continue to grow side by side. Never forget that I belong with you, you belong with me, and I will always love you.
"I will always love you, too," I whispered before reciting my own vows, which mirrored his more that I would have expected.
"When we first met, I had no plans of falling in love with you," I confessed with a playful smile, my voice shaking with happy tears, but loud enough to be heard by the small crowd. "I didn't expect to get to know you, adore you and love you.
"Yet on this day, I do take you to be my best friend, my faithful partner and my one true love. I promise to encourage, support and believe in you. I promise to be your rock and your sunshine when you need me the most. I will laugh with you, cry with you and be stubborn with you. And I will compromise with you.
We chuckled softly. Who would believe we hadn't worked on our vows together?
"I promise not to obey you, never to be docile and to keep you guessing as often as I can. I promise to frustrate you and challenge you. I promise with me, life will never be boring.
He shook with repressed laugher.
"But most importantly, I promise to love you unconditionally for the rest of my life. I promise to cherish you through good times and bad, in sickness and health, whether rich or poor.
"For you are everything I never expected, all I ever needed, more than I had ever imagined, and the only one I will ever want. I will love you forever and beyond.
"And I, you, beautiful," he answered softly.
"Thank you for sharing your vows with all of us," spoke Father Frank. "May I please have the rings?" he asked.
Elliot walked towards where his grandfather was seated. The older man took the rings from his breast pocket and handed them to the Best Man, who in turn brought them to Father Frank.
"The rings you are about to place on each other's fingers are symbols of the love you expressed. They will remind you of the vows you have just spoken, and of the eternal love that you have for one another."
He then instructed Christian to place my wedding ring on my finger and repeat some words.
Christian took my left hand in his and delicately slid in my ring finger the platinum band with diamonds and iolites that matched my engagement ring. Meanwhile, he spoke the words Father Frank instructed. "I, Christian, give you Anastasia this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."
I followed Christian's example and carefully slid the simple platinum band in his ring finger as I repeated the same words, my speech shakier by the minute.
And finally, the words I had been looking forwards to were spoken.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Washington and American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you Husband and Wife!
"You may now kiss your bride."
Christian and I took a step closer to each other. He encircled his arms around me, and his lips touched mine.
On our first kiss as husband and wife, we were ourselves: in love, passionate, and warm. My bouquet was all but forgotten as I held onto Christian's arms as he deepened the kiss. Before we could get out of hand, Elliot sneakered and cleared his throat.
Blushing, I took a step back.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honour to present for the first time, Mr and Mrs Grey!" exclaimed Father Frank as we turned to look at the cheerful crowd.
Once the small crowd had finished congratulating us, the MC requested everyone to move to the tent for cocktails. Christian and I got a few minutes for ourselves in our new state-of-the-art kitchen as the photographer took a few pictures of the wedding party by the lake without us.
"You look gorgeous. I can't wait to get you out of that dress, Mrs Grey."
"You make it sound much more fun than it actually is, handsome."
I turned around to show him the buttons in my back. He seemed to completely miss the point as his fingers caressed the thin white lace covering my skin.
"Those little buttons are a pain to deal with, love," I explained.
"But nothing compares to you in white lace," he whispered huskily in my ear.
"I guess that's what the bridal underwear is for."
"You're killing me here, baby," he complained as he pressed his hard-on against my back.
I chuckled and turned around in his arms, wrapping my own around his neck.
"You can peel me off my going-away dress later. I promise."
"Alright," he muttered before kissing me.
We were alone, with no need to hold back. Our tongues fought for dominance and our teeth crashed against each other as we shared our second kiss as spouses.
"I love you," I whispered after coming out for air.
"I love you, too, beautiful. And I loved your vows."
"And I yours. They were perfect. People will think we wrote them together."
"We share the same history. It was reflected in our words."
"Good point, Mr Grey."
Our time alone was interrupted too soon by Mia and Kate. After commenting on my ruined lipstick and reapplying it, they guided Christian and me to the backyard, where we were asked to pose for hundreds of pictures. We took cute and coquettish pics starring the both of us, as well as photos with our parents and wedding party in different combinations and poses, from elegant to funny.
Soon after four, we were finally done. The wedding party bypassed the tent and walked straight to the dance floor, where everyone else was congregating. The MC encouraged our guest to take a step back as the newlyweds—us—made our grand entrance. It was Elliot the one who got the honour of introducing us as Mr and Mrs Grey when we stepped into the clear dance floor above the pool, the sunlight illuminating us as we walked arm in arm to the middle of the small congregation.
Family, friends and a few co-workers watched as we shared our first dance as a wedded couple, Christian leading as the classical Blue Danube Waltz filled the backyard of our new home.
We only had eyes for each other as we danced around the floor much as we had in the living room of Escala. All too soon it was my turn to dance with Dad as Christian waltzed with Grace. I was passed around for several minutes as different waltzes played through the loudspeakers. Eventually, the MC asked us to return to the tent and take our assigned seats, Christian and I sitting in the middle of the longest table off to a side with our parents and wedding party.
Once everyone had taken their seats, my dad stood up and was handed the microphone; it was time for the first round of speeches to begin.
"Good afternoon everyone. Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Raymond Steele and I am the bride's father," he began, taciturn as ever, before smiling down at me.
"The first time I met Annie she was three months old. She had my heart from the time those blue eyes opened and looked right at me. The day she officially became my daughter was the happiest of my life, and she's spent the last two decades creating memories with me and making me so proud.
"The day I met Christian, I could tell how happy he made my little girl, but the thought of marriage didn't cross my mind. Yet, a month and a half later we met again, and it was so easy to see my daughter had found the man who would remain at her side for the rest of her life.
"So today, Christian," he continued as he looked at the man seated at my right, "I welcome you officially to the family—even if, much like me, you've been Ana's from the day you first saw her eyes."
Part of me wondered if that was true. That day had been, after all, the one in which he'd refused to take a 'no' for an answer and had convinced me to dine with him.
"I'd also like to thank the guest who came from far away to join us in this wonderful day," my Dad continued, referring to Carrick's sister, brother-in-law and twin nephews, as well as my biological father's brother, and his wife and daughter, who I rarely got to see.
"To my beautiful daughter and her husband, I hope 'May your love be modern enough to survive the times and old-fashioned enough to last forever.'… And may you give us beautiful grandchildren."
Mum, Grace and Carrick nodded in agreement.
"Now it's my honour to propose a toast to the happy couple. Please pour some wine. May I ask you to stand up and raise your glasses to the bride and groom." Bob handed Dad a glass as Christian poured wine in both my glass and his. Once the crowd had lifted their glasses, Dad continued. "May Annie and Christian live happily forever! Cheers."
"Cheers!" responded our guests.
Christian and I softly clinked our glasses before taking a sip of wine. I stood up to toast with Dad before giving him a one-armed hug.
Christian also got up and toasted with my dad before grabbing the mike.
"Thank you, Ray, for your beautiful words, and for giving me Ana's hand in marriage. I'd also like to thank you and Carla for raising the love of my life, my best friend, my wife," he spoke as Dad took a seat in the main table.
Christian held the mike between us so we could make our toast together. I continued: "I'd like to thank Grace and Carrick for giving Christian a loving home and helping to shape him into the man he has become. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives with open arms, and for helping us plan this wedding. Your experience and advice made this possible.
"We'd also like to thank my Maid of Honour, Kate, and my Bridesmaid and Christian's sister, Mia, without whom this day would have been impossible," I said as I turned to look at them with a warm smile. "Truly, they did more planning than my husband and I, but made sure to ask for my opinion and Christian's at every turn. We appreciate it."
Christian continued: "I'd like to thank my Best Man and brother, Elliot, and my Groomswoman and right hand, Ros, for standing by my side, not only today but every time I needed them.
"We want to thank Elliot and Kate for planning our Bachelor/Bachelorette joint long weekend in Aspen, taking into account our likes and dislikes, and allowing Ana and I to hide away from our company whenever we were feeling like being reclusive." Those who knew us best chuckled.
"Additionally, we'd like to thank Elliot for the job him and his team are doing in our future house, helping us turn it into a home.
"But my special thanks go for Kate," he concluded, "who had great timing for getting sick and allowing my path and Anastasia's to cross."
She gave him a thumbs up and a wide smile.
I took back the floor. "We'd like to give a special thanks to those family members who came from all over the country to share this special day with us, and without a long notice to boot."
"Lastly," spoke Christian, "we'd like to thank all of you your gift of donating whatever money you could to Coping Together. We truly appreciate it.
"Now, I'd like to thank you, Anastasia, for coming into my life like a storm and helping me become the man I was supposed to be," he finished as he turned to look at me. "Thank you for putting my world right side up, and for loving me when I couldn't love myself. Thank you for remaining with me when it was the hardest to stand by my side—when I wouldn't listen, or I wouldn't give in."
"Thank you," I answered, tearing up, "for teaching me compromise is easy when the person is worth it. Thank you for taking me on adventures and showing me sights I've never seen before." He smirked at me and winked. He knew some of those adventures I was referring to had happened inside the bedroom. "Thank you for loving me when I was too stubborn to realize I loved you, and for fighting for our blooming relationship when I felt like giving up. Thank you for being not the man of my dreams, but the love of my life. My perfect companion. My best friend. I love you."
"And I love you, baby. Forever."
Clapping thundered around us.
"Hooray for the happy couple!" exclaimed Elliot, lifting his glass.
"Hooray!"
"Kiss! Kiss!" began to chant Kate, and soon enough the guests joined in.
Christian looked at me questioningly and I shrugged, blushing and smiling shyly at him.
He smirked, his lips full of silent promises, and wrapped an arm around my waist before pulling me close and kissing me a bit too intensely for polite company.
Not that they were very polite, what with the whistles, howling and clapping.
Not wanting to tire our guests with speeches the first course of the dinner was served as Michael Bublé sang softly. I happily ate as I chattered with my new husband and our families, the large table seating our parents, Christian's grandparents, our wedding party and their two plus-ones. My new husband and I could barely keep our hands off of each other, and not even Elliot or Ros dared make fun of our puppy love.
After the plates had been cleared, the second round of toasts began.
"Allow me to introduce myself," spoke my female best friend on the mike, quickly captivating everyone's attention. "My name is Kate, and I am the Maid of Honour. I used to be the Bride's best friend until Christian usurped my place."
Chuckles broke through the crowd.
"Ana and I met nearly four years ago. We became roommates during our second semester at college. We were complete opposites, except for the fact that we were both studying Liberal Arts; but we became inseparable—excluding wherever I tried to get Ana to go clubbing with me," she continued with a playful wink.
"I've done my research for today… and I found that Zora Neale Hurston once said, 'Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.' I've seen Ana come out of her shell after she met Christian. She smiles and laughs more… and behaves like a woman her age instead of an old maid.
"'Everyone admits that love is wonderful and necessary, yet no one agrees on just what it is,' said Diane Ackerman, but let me tell you that love is the way Ana and Christian look at each other, laugh with each other, and enjoy being reclusive, not alone, but with each other."
She smiled at us and I answered in kind timidly, laying my head on Christian's shoulder.
"Rita Rudner said, 'I love being married. It's so great to find one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life,'" she spoke with humour, enticing laugher from the crowd. "And let me tell you, that's Ana talking about Christian, all right. You've heard her vows. It doesn't get more real than that."
I giggled and looked up at Christian, who was chuckling and staring at me. When our eyes met, he winked.
"So on this day I congratulate Mr and Mrs Grey for tying the knot with love in their eyes," continued Kate. "Let this be the first happy memory you make in your future home. I'd like to make a toast for the happy memories to come!"
She rose her glass, and so did the crowd.
"I love you, Ana, even if you only gave us five weeks to plan the wedding.
"I wish both of you the best."
Elliot was quick to stand up and take the mike. I got up, too, to hug Kate and thank her for her kind words.
"For those of you who don't know me, my name's Elliot Grey.
"On my sixth birthday, my parents got me a brother… I had asked for a puppy," he joked with an easy smile, making the guests laugh along.
"Christian wasn't the easiest person to be around as a kid, and he got even worst as a teenager until he got his life on track. He went to college and graduated in two years like any normal person… And built a company from scratch.
"Well, technically speaking, I built Grey House, but that's a story for another day…
"GEH took a lot of Christian's time and dedication. He was busy more often than not, and became a true hermit… Until he met Ana.
"And a very smart woman said that love makes you… crawl out of your shell, or something like that," he spoke, gesturing at his girlfriend and smiling with his dimples showing. "And truly, we've seen more of Christian ever since he fell in love with his little bride. The change in him has been astounding: he smiles more, goes out more, and gets angry less often.
"On the other hand, those two have worked together to make fun of me, prank me, and beat me at games! That's not nice, guys!" he exclaimed, turning to look at us with a fake frown. I smiled evilly at him.
"Anyway, I'm not much of a speeches guy—that's Christian's territory—and all the women in my life have insisted under no circumstances can I make embarrassing jokes about them, so allow me to make a toast for the newlyweds: I wish you find joy in each other and have a lifetime of happiness together!
"Cheers!"
"Cheers!" exclaimed back the guests.
After hugs and thank-yous had been exchanged, the second course of the dinner was served. Once everyone had eaten, we were invited to the dance floor by the MC. I changed my heels for white lace flats, and per Christian's request, we shared our second dance as husband and wife to 'Hey ho' by the Lumineers.
In between dancing, we mingled with our guests. We chatted a bit with our few distant family members that lived in other states. I introduced Christian to Ben, Angela and Seth. He, in turn, presented me to the Head-of-Departments he had invited to the wedding, as well as Welch—the guy that tracks cell phones—, and Barney and Fred—his 'Tech Wizards' and chief engineers.
Upbeat music blasted for an hour and a half before we were invited back to the tent. The cake was already waiting for us there: white fondant covered four tyres of cake, decorated with blue satin and white edible roses. Christian and I cut the cake during the sunset as Maroon 5 sang 'Sugar' and we smashed the pieces in each other's faces—much to Mia's chagrin, who dragged me upstairs to the master bedroom's bathroom to fix my make-up.
After the guests were done with their pieces of cake, the MC requested me and all the single ladies to go to the dance floor for the 'bouquet toss'. Because I wanted to keep my flowers, Mia, Kate and I had done some research for alternatives. Thus, we had wrapped a blue t-shirt in the form of a large flower, which I'd be tossing instead.
As Beyoncé sang 'Single Ladies' the girls crowded behind me. I noticed Kate—who knew just how uncoordinated I could be when throwing stuff—stepped right behind me, closer than the rest. It was unsurprising then when she caught the blue t-shirt and unfolded it to reveal it read 'Future Wifey.' She winked at Elliot, who looked kind of pleased, and showed the t-shirt off to the cameraman as we posed together for a picture.
Next, Christian threw a cardboard whiskey box to a crowd of single men as 'Uptown Funk' played in the back. Funny enough, his brother caught it. Knowing what was inside, he opened the box and pulled out a matching t-shirt that read 'Future Hubby.'
It wasn't hard to coax Kate and Elliot into their new t-shirts. They posed good-naturedly with each other and the two bottles of whiskey they had also won. The famous players who had slept with half of Seattle didn't look uncomfortable by the suggestion of a wedding, and I wondered if Elliot was planning on proposing soon.
The music started again, not to be interrupted until 10:30, when the MC asked everyone to take a step back as Christian and I shared our last dance of the night. Christina Perri's 'A Thousand Years' started playing, and my husband and I swayed under the moonlight in front of our family and friends, my head lying on his chest and our bodies close together.
When the song came to an end, we thanked everyone for coming and encouraged them to keep dancing and partying as we got ready to take our leave. Much to Christian's chagrin, it was Kate who accompanied me upstairs instead of him, as he couldn't be trusted when it came to me, delicate lace and tiny buttons. Kate helped to free me from my dress and up-do before returning to Elliot. I put on my bridal bra and a blue lacy dress on top, leaving the garter for Christian.
Once I had used the bathroom and fixed my hair, I returned downstairs. Christian was waiting for me in the kitchen with a large glass of cold water, which I gladly took.
"Ready to go?" he asked me.
"Yes. I can't wait!"
He guided me to the backyard, were our parents and best friends were waiting for us. They hugged us and wished us a safe trip. As we waved goodbye to our guests, we got showered with rice.
"For fertility!" exclaimed my tipsy mother, making me blush.
This lot would have to wait a while longer for grandchildren.
Or not.
Christian and I made our escape then, rushing to the front of the house where Sawyer was waiting in the car, which had a large sign that read 'Just Married.'
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters. Father Frank's words aren't mine: I found them online.
I did write the vows and speeches myself, although I found a lot of ideas online. I hope at least one of you shed a tear or two.
This chapter took me forever to write, but it was a lot of fun!
We're nearing the end: only two chapters and the epilogue to go. I've been working on this story for about four years, writing on and off, and I can't believe it's almost over! I don't know what I'll do next!
READ ME PLEASE: So, I've been working on the epilogue for a while now, writing and adding and correcting, but I'm not quite satisfied. I'm open to ideas, suggestions, probing questions, or any other helpful comment. The epilogue will take place in 30 years, during their vows renewal and anniversary. I hope to hear from you!