The door opens and I see everyone's faces looking in our direction including Christian who looks momentarily speechless, Kate clasps her hands together, leans in to Elliot and whispers something to him. Grace and Carrick smile warmly. Mia looks like she will burst; she is almost jumping up and down on her seat. Gail dabs her eyes and I see Taylor take her hand in his and squeeze before looking over and smiling.
Dad looks at me and we walk toward Christian, It is only short and I am standing next to Christian in no time. Christian and Dad shake hands before Dad turns and kisses my cheek.
"You look absolutely beautiful baby" Christian leans in and kisses me too.
"You scrub up pretty good too you know" I let out a nervous chuckle and Christian smiles.
The judge moves forward to start the ceremony and begins…
"A wedding is such a wonderful occasion filled with hopes, dreams and excitement. We are here today to celebrate the love that Christian and Ana have for each other, and to recognize and witness their decision to journey forward in their lives as marriage partners"
"May your love create a safe haven for you both on the journey that lies ahead of you. Lead with your hearts and take the time to do the simple things that will nurture your love"
"Deeply listen to each other—to your dreams, and to your frustrations. Be helpmates. Be playful in finding new ways to give your love anew to each other every day"
"Let your love be an inspiration to others to reach for what is good within us all. May your love be so abundant that you have plenty to share with the rest of us as well"
"It is your love that has brought us together here today. May it grow deeper and sweeter with each passing year"
I am grinning like a Cheshire cat, I take the opportunity to glance around, Kate is dabbing her face as is Grace and Gail. Even Elliot looks a little glassy eyed but I have to focus back on the judge who is ready to continue…..
"Do you, Christian take, Ana to be your partner for life. Do you promise to walk by her side forever, and to love, help, and encourage her in all she does? Do you promise to take time to talk with her, to listen to her, and to care for her? Will you share her laughter, and her tears, as her partner, lover, and best friend? Do you take her as your lawfully wedded wife for now and forevermore?"
"I do" Christian says and I breathe out.
"Do you, Ana take, Christian to be your partner for life. Do you promise to walk by his side forever, and to love, help, and encourage him in all he does? Do you promise to take time to talk with him, to listen to him, and to care for him? Will you share his laughter, and his tears, as his partner, lover and best friend? Do you take him as your lawfully wedded husband for now and forevermore?"
"I do" another nervous giggle escapes me which results in a quiet ripple of laughter in the room, the judge continues…..
"And now, seal your promises with these rings, the symbol of your life shared together"
"Christian, please repeat after me:"
"Ana, this ring I give as token and pledge, as a sign of my love and devotion.
Christian repeats.
"With this ring, I thee wed" and again he repeats while slipping the ring on to my finger. Then it is my turn
"Ana, please repeat after me:"
"Christian, this ring I give as token and pledge, as a sign of my love and devotion" and I repeat.
"With this ring, I thee wed" I repeat and put the ring on Christian's finger.
"Christian and Ana, by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss!"
We don't need telling twice, Christian pulls me into an embrace and we kiss for what feels like forever but at that point we could be the only two people in the room, just breathing each other in, me looking at my new husband and Christian looking at his new wife. A small cough brings us back in to the room and we turn to face everyone.
A camera flashes again, Elliot is doing a great job snapping away, at least there is absolutely no danger of any photo's being leaked to the press so can remain totally private to us.
We are then invited to sign the marriage register, the last time I will sign Miss Steele, a little shiver of excitement rushes over me and I make a mental note to try out some new signatures. Christian next and the Kate and Elliot as our witnesses also sign. Dad has picked up the camera, takes pictures of each of us signing and then together with Kate and Elliot.
Mia is the first to rush over and hug us, she is almost shrieking with excitement. Christian and Elliot are ribbing each other, I hear Elliot mutter something about 'ball and chain', and Christian playfully reminds him it will be his turn soon. Kate, Mia and Gail are examining and cooing over my wedding ring, Mia especially likes my dress, shoes, flowers, well everything really and is talking quicker and quicker until I can't really understand what she is saying anymore.
"Mia dear, calm down" Grace gently quietens her and pulls her backwards to allow her and Carrick to express their congratulation's before moving aside to allow Kate and Elliot to come forward with Gail and Taylor patiently waiting until last to speak to us.
I look over to Dad who is standing on his own; he has a tear running down his cheek. I rush over to see if he is alright.
"Dad?" I start "What's wrong?"
"My little girl is married and going to be a mother in a short time" he stops as he starts to get choked up.
"Oh Dad, it was always going to happen at some point" I say tearing up myself.
He nods, hugs me again before offering his hand to Christian who has come over.
"Congratulations" Dad manages "Look after my girl"
"Thank you Ray and of course I will, she is the most precious thing in my life and she is carrying two other precious things. I am so happy right now" he puts his arm around my shoulders and gently squeezes then continues "We have reserved a room along the road to have a drink and a little something to eat. I hope you will join us" Christian asks.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it" Dad says.
"I am just waiting for the all clear from Taylor as some reporters have gathered, great news travels fast I guess" Christian winks at me.
At that moment Taylor appears and gives a nod, we leave the room en masse but we are escorted separately to the cars by security.
Flash Flash "Mr and Mrs Grey; would you like to make a statement?" Flash Flash "Mrs Grey, how do you feel?" Flash flash "A shotgun wedding then?"
I feel Christian tense up as I do but I hold his arm tightly as Taylor and Sawyer move to stand in front of us, probably worried I might lunge at one of the reporters again but I am more concerned that Christian will lose his self-control and hit someone hard but we get to the car without further incident.
The venue is only 10 minutes away and although we are followed by the press, we make it inside. Everyone can relax; have a drink or two and a light meal. A couple of speeches, Dad says a few words, wishing us a bright and happy future, Carrick saying he was so happy Christian had found someone to share his life and to have his children. Elliot stands up and ribs his brother as usual but in a very brotherly way before everyone raises their glasses in a toast to us and our future. Christian coughs to gain everyone's attention.
"I would like to say a few words on behalf of my wife and myself" which brings a round of applause from our guests; I blush as it is the first time he has called me his wife.
"Thank you to all of you for coming, we appreciate you being here to share our day, Mom, Dad, thank you for always supporting me, Mia, I couldn't have a better little sister, Ray, thank you for coming all this way, for raising a very special person who has stolen my heart and I hope we can see you again soon as I need some more advice on my fly fishing technique" another ripple of laughter goes around.
"Elliot, bro, words can't describe how you helped me over the years, Kate, you have made Elliot a happy man and I will be forever thankful to you for that.
"Gail and Jason, you have looked after me in many ways for many years and we appreciate your continued support and care"
"And finally to my darling Ana, you have my heart and soul and have made me a very, very happy man today. Thank you for being in my life and turning it around from the train wreak it was, to being a lover, a husband and soon to be father. I love you baby" I stand up and we share an embrace and kiss. I am choking back the tears at his words and struggle to voice anything loudly; I end up mouthing 'love you too'.
We have a group hug with more tears but happy tears and I don't care that my makeup is sliding off my face fast. Kate hands me a tissue and then offers them around before we all dry our tears and laughter flows again.
Dad then regrettably tells us he must go now otherwise he will miss his flight so Grace, Carrick, Mia, Kate and Elliot head to Grey Manor, Gail to Escala before we visit SIP to say my temporary goodbyes and then we will follow to Grey Manor for the weekend.
Grace, Carrick and Mia head off first after some goodbyes, Carrick has some tight security so Taylor is happy to let them go straight away with Elliot and Kate following.
Sawyer takes Gail and returns to escort us to the airport to see Dad off. The airport is heaving so Dad says to stay in the car
"Thank you sweetheart, I am so proud of you, you are a beautiful woman and I love you very much" he leans over and we hug.
"Thank you Daddy, for coming all this way, I love you too, I will call you soon ok. Give my love to Angie and call me when you have arrived home" I start to choke up again and have to stop speaking.
"Goodbye Christian, look after my girl and grandbabies and I will see you about those fishing problems" Dad winks at Christian.
"Thanks Ray I will hold you to that and of course I will look after them all" he shakes hands with Dad.
"Nice to see you again Taylor" Dad says.
"Goodbye Mr Steele" Taylor replies before getting out of the car, opening the door for Dad and escorting him into the terminal. Dad turns and gives a final wave before disappearing into the mass of people.
Taylor returns to the car and we make our way to SIP. I am sitting with my head resting on the back of the seat with my eyes closed; Christian takes my hand and kisses the top.
"So Mrs Grey, are you ready for a lot of questions from our staff, I don't think many knew what we were doing but I think they would by now. The press were all over it in a very short time so I imagine we have made the news" he sighs.
"I am ready Mr Grey"...
A/N: Thank you for your support. To my lovely trolls, please be patient and keep reading, you will find a lot more things that offend you... :)