Title: Journey to Homecoming Pt. 27
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation A/N: The long awaited wedding and reception.
Sarah's POV
0730 Hours Webb Residence McLean Virginia
We had a great run and were now devouring breakfast prepared by Chloe and Lynne. Chloe had come down for the bachelorette party and stayed with Clay and me for the week. She and Clay got along well, surprisingly enough. She was a smart mouth too.
"What time do we have to be at the spa?" I said between bites.
"9:00 A.M. Everyone will be here in shortly for the drive over. This is going to be so wonderful. By the way I have strict orders that you are supposed to nap this afternoon." Lynne told me hiding behind her hand. Clay rolled his eyes as expected.
"I won't be able to nap. I'm too excited now, later I will probably be floating." Clay kissed me on the nose. And Chloe giggled at the two of us.
"Just tie yourself to the bed then. I plan on dancing at my reception until they close the doors on us. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes!" He was going to be very surprised. I had already made arrangement to have an informal reception after the departure of all the VIPs. As soon as they were out of there, the real dancing and party would begin. We were going to have the reception we had planned for June, if any VIPs remained they could join in but they weren't going to hinder us.
"Vic, did Bud say if all the uniforms and tuxes had been delivered?" Clay asked worriedly.
"I am not going to start answering silly questions. The Wedding Planner from Hell is taking care of all the details. I'm sure if something is missing she will send one of her minions to get it. Now RELAX please?" Vic and Bud had been assigned Clay; Morgan and Harriet had been assigned to me. Their jobs, keep us calm, keep us happy, and get us to the church on time!
"Saved by the bell, I'll get it." Vic walked to the kitchen door and in walked most of the bridal party.
"Unca Cway, Aunt Sawa, you get mawied today!" He ran to Clay who swung him up in his arms.
"Yes we are. Are you ready to carry the rings?" When AJ nodded, Clay said, "Let me see you practice." He set AJ on his feet and gave him the morning paper to hold. AJ solemnly began walking with exaggerated measured steps. When he reached the kitchen door Clay told him how well he had done. He came running back, this time jumping onto my lap. I cuddled him, and when I looked over his head into Clay's eyes I saw love and the desire for children that mirrored my own.
I don't know why they build other rooms in a home. Every time our motley crew gets together we end up around the kitchen table. Luckily we had a round table that seated eight and more if we got really cozy. Some nights we would sit around talking until Harriet complained of KA - or kitchen ass. This morning we had jammed 12 people in; with many more leaning against the counters.
"Ladies, ladies your attention, Mamie elegantly yelled over the din of several simultaneous conversations. "It's time to leave for the spa. Now every one go pile into the limousines so we can go get pampered and be made irresistible." Listening to her I knew where Clay got his sense of humor!
"Gentleman, we expect none of you to be around when we return at 3:00 P.M. Your limousines will be taking you to the church by 4:45 P.M. Cmdr Rabb please try to be on time and depart with the rest of the party." She was something else. Everyone laughed at her jibe at Harm.
What a glorious day at the spa. We had manicures, pedicures, and waxing of some very intimate areas; which led to quite an interesting discussion and increasingly ribald jokes. I had forgotten that Chloe was in the group; her eyes were wide and taking in everything. Morgan remembered she was there at the same time I did and moved closed to me to talk.
'"Let her be. She's a teenager and she isn't hearing anything new I'm sure." She whispered to me. I shrugged an OK.
"Has she asked you anything about you know?"
"We had 'the discussion' last year, and it amazed me how much incorrect information she had. I spent an entire weekend straightening her out." I laughed at the memory. Morgan sighed.
"Are you thinking about having that discussion with your daughter?" I asked softly.
"Very much so. There is so much I want to tell her. And I want to see her talk to AJ about boys. That will be worthy of recording!" We both giggled at the thought.
"Can you imagine Clay talking with his daughter?"
"I don't have to I overheard a discussion they had. Chloe asked him about how to stop a boy that got too amorous. He told her how to avoid getting into situations in the first place. It was rather a frank discussion and he handled it well. By the time they went to get ice cream I was crying."
"That's my C'new!" We both laughed until we cried.
We were interrupted and told it was time for our massages. The rest of the day passed quickly and the next thing I knew we were back at the house. I was led to the bedroom and told to rest. Amazingly I slept until five bodies bouncing on the bed woke me.
We ate a light meal of soup and sandwiches and were whisked to the church to get our hair and make up done then dress for the ceremony.
Bud's POV
1800 Hours Friday, October 17 Rectory, St. Mary's Catholic Church Alexandria, Virginia
The church was filling rapidly; the wedding planners had already moved flower arrangements twice to allow room for folding chairs in the aisles to seat all the guests. Mac's simple wedding of only fifty guests had turned into a monstrous affair that would be the talk of DC society for years to come.
"Quite a crowd; isn't it." Father James said from over my right shoulder.
"Are you ready for this?" I asked, and he chuckled and patted me on the shoulder.
"When Clay and Sarah first talked to me about the ceremony, they said they wanted a simple wedding and wanted to use the traditional bible readings and vows. You could almost see stars in their eyes when they talked about it. Now we have this," he paused thinking of the right word then said, "circus, but don't worry, I still see the stars. Everything will turn out fine." He patted my shoulder and went to join the groomsmen.
I continued to look over the crowd. Most of the dignitaries were seated, and we were only waiting for two more guests until the ceremony began. Mac had only insisted on one thing. Family was to sit in front of any dignitary, no matter how important, this didn't prove to be too big a problem as most of the family was in the wedding party!
I thought back over the last several months. The Admiral did not retire, the President said his military skills were wasted at JAG and appointed him to the office of CNO and gave him his third star, there was talk of him becoming CNO at the next appointment. SecNav Sheffield appointed Captain Sebring, upon the recommendation of Admiral Chegwidden, The JAG and he had been given his first star. He was a good CO, and I could tell he was already grooming Cmdr. Turner to replace him. Jen Coates had become Admiral Sebring's yeoman and they were still ironing out a working relationship. Jen was trying very hard not to get on the Admiral's nerves and he was trying to loosen up. Jen didn't have anything to worry about; Harm took up most of his time.
The SecNav decided that Lt. Cmdr. Manetti would be an excellent assistant to Admiral Chegwidden and had moved her into that position shortly after his appointment. He complained that the SecNav managed to interfere in his life no matter where he was.
Tiner had passed the Virginia and DC bar exams on the first try, and was now an Ensign at JAG Headquarters. Every time Harm has gone against him in court he shakes his head and says, "I was never that good at his age!" Tiner is a shark in court, but still just as into any off the wall activity as when he was the Admiral's yeoman.
Harriet and I were enjoying being parents to AJ and our baby girl May. Mac insisted that she be allowed to attend the wedding, and was being attend to by one of the multitude of wedding planner's assistants.
Clay had been transported back to the states; the doctor on board the Henry had done an amazing job on him, but unfortunately needed to have surgery on the right kidney. An ENT surgeon repaired his nasal fracture and said he was lucky to not have re-fractured his orbit. Regrettably the two surgical incisions on his right side increased his rehabilitation time substantially. Vic and I worked out with him to get him back in shape, but some one should have warned us that Vic was a frustrated DI wannabe; he made Cmdr Turner's training seem like a walk in the park. Clay was now working and he and Mac would be off to the Coral Sea for a two week honeymoon after the wedding.
Everyone involved with the South American arms-for-drugs operation that Clay had spear-headed received commendations and medals, including yours truly. It was determined that the 6th Fleet was the target of Faad's al Queda cell. Clay was back in good graces with the Agency and was now their golden child who could do no wrong. He was cleaning house at all the SA stations and putting men in place that thought more like him. He wanted men that could process information and draw conclusions, and didn't consider places like Paramaribo, Suriname the end of the earth. Look where that station had gotten him. His biggest concern regarding his professional life was that Faad wasn't the al Queda man in charge, and he and Vic were devoting most of their time trying to find the 'Apex' man as they had branded him.
Clay and Mac had also attended counseling sessions for their mutual Post Traumatic Stress. After several sessions they asked their friends to attend a group session with them. I can't tell you to this day what changed in the group, but there was a shift in the group dynamic and there was more friendship and trust then there was before.
Now here we were all gathered for the circus as Father James had so kindly put it. I turned to hear Harm sniping at Clay. The two of them would never change.
"Harm there is nothing on the whites, you're pure as the driven snow; will you stop freaking out already! You are not the one getting married!" Clay was going to deck him, if the Admiral didn't get to him first. I signaled to Cmdr. Turner who maneuvered Harm out of the line of fire and back out to resume his usher duties.
"Clay, take a deep breath, she's in the brides room joking with Harriet and Morgan. She's not going to leave you standing at the altar." I told him. Clay looked embarrassed by his outburst, but he relaxed when we failed to laugh at him.
"I wouldn't blame her, I did it to her." I placed my hands on his shoulders and looked him in the eyes.
"Clay, If she has to hogtie you, she's getting married today so don't worry about it." He chuckled at the visual my words invoked.
"I bet she would, Bud, I wouldn't put anything past her!" Vic spoke up from across the room where he was talking to Stan, Clay's friend and the fourth groomsman.
"Don't' encourage her Vic. I don't stand a chance already". He said with a chuckle.
"We look underdressed Clay in just tuxedos; can't we borrow a dress uniform?" Stan begged. Clay had introduced him to us as quite a forensic accountant, and was actively recruiting him into our Company.
"I'm afraid not, Stan, the Admiral over there may have something to say about that!" Vic said pointing to Admiral Chegwidden. We were all in Dress Mess uniform, but Clay and Stan didn't look too bad in white tie and tails. Overall we were a resplendent looking group of men. We talked a while, and finally pulled Clay outside to cool down for a few minutes. After fifteen minutes we went inside to wait some more.
There was a sudden burst of music and everyone heard the strains of "Hail to the Chief" from outside the open rectory door. The last guests had arrived and the male members of the wedding party took their places.
Sarah's POV
1815 Hours Bride's Room St. Mary's Catholic Church Alexandria, Virginia
"AJ, come here baby." He looked adorable in his white tie and tails as he ran over to me. I was sitting on a tiny boudoir chair dressed in only a lightly tied merry widow, stockings and heels. I picked him up and cuddled him. We were all getting dressed; well I was waiting to get dressed while my bridesmaids were just finishing up. One of the photographers was buzzing around like an angry bee taking shots here and there; thankfully she was female. The spa had sent a team to do hair and makeup and we were all quite beautiful.
"Ant Sawa you pwetty." He giggled and hid his face on my shoulder. He had been calling me Sarah since he heard Clay call me that when they were first introduced. He said Mac was a boys name and I was a girl, so I was now Ant Sawa.
"Thank you baby, you look handsome yourself. When you grow up women are going to love seeing you in a tuxedo, so wear them as often as possible. Uncle Clay wears them, and he looks handsome too."
"I like Unca Cway. He gots horsies."
"Harriet, we've created a monster. I'm sooo sorry." She knew I really wasn't. The JAG Crew had gone to the stables two weeks ago and Clay had put AJ on his first pony and it was love at first sight. Clay had spent the better part of the afternoon showing AJ how to ride then groom and clean the pony's stall. I saw for the first time what kind of father Clay would be and knew our future children were very lucky indeed.
"Mac, put him down. We've got to get you dressed." Harriet spoke as she walked up to me with the first part of my dress in her arms.
My wedding gown was made in five separate pieces. Part one was a white satin strapless bodice, part two was a narrow skirt, slit up the right leg to mid thigh. The bodice was form fitting with a sweetheart neckline with an invisible zipper down the back. Part three was a lace, high neck, waist length over blouse that was slightly less form fitting. The sleeves were narrow and ended in points just below my wrists. The entire surface of the lace blouse was covered in thousands of seed pearls; it weighed several pounds and I swore it was coming off as soon as the dancing began. Part four, the train, was cathedral length and was covered with appliqués of matching lace and seed pearls. It was detachable and would be removed after our first dance. Part five was a short kick skirt made for dancing. I would remove the narrow skirt after the formal dances and replace it with the shorter one for the fun part of the reception.
"Come here young man." Morgan said as she picked a giggling AJ from my lap.
"Mac he could have ruined your stockings!" Complained a worried Harriet.
"No damage done Harriet. Nothing can spoil this day. I'm getting married to a wonderful man surrounded by friends and a few hundred of Washington's elite. It may not be my dream wedding but as long as I walk out of here with a ring on my finger I'll be ecstatic. Lord do I sound saccharine or what?" I was unusually giddy over the whole affair, but put up with it. Just how do you tell the President that he couldn't come to your wedding?
"I know you wanted a small wedding, and this one has turned into a.."
"Spectacle, Harriet?" I prompted.
"More or less. Where is the wedding planner? She's unbelievable; you know she could plan a military assault!"
"Don't I know it? Clay keeps calling her Caesar and saluting her behind her back. But she has done a wonderful job in such a short period of time. I just insisted on a few things and handed it over to her. "
"OK, who has the checklist?" Tracy said loud enough to get our attention.
"I do, Mac!" Chloe exclaimed.
"Her name Sawa!" AJ corrected.
"OK AJ, Sarah." Chloe quickly agreed.
"Something Old: Clay's Grandmother Webb's Pearls." Tracy walked to me and placed the strand of pearls around my neck.
"Something New: Diamond and Pearl Studs from Clay." Harriet inserted the beautiful studs Clay had given me at our engagement party.
"Something Borrowed: Mrs. Webb's pearl bracelet given to her by Mr. Webb when they were married." Mamie placed the bracelet on my wrist and kissed me on the cheek and whispered that she loved me. She wiped my tears away and told me to stop messing my makeup.
"Something Blue: Tracy placed a blue garter around my calf, and I worked it up to my thigh.
"And a Sixpence for Your Shoe." Morgan took off my right shoe and placed the sixpence in it and put it back on.
"Remember to take the bloody thing out in the limo; it's a killer to dance in if you don't remember!" We were laughing at Morgan's comment until we were disturbed by a tiny tornado.
"Ladies, Ladies, what is going on in here? You were to be dressed ten minutes ago. This is unacceptable." The Drill Instructor Head Wedding Planner scolded loudly as she stormed in.
"Ms. Drago. You are being paid to assist in this wedding, and I appreciate your efforts, however, you will not act in such a manner again. Are we clear?" My future mother-in-law spoke quietly, but with such authority, that Ms. Drago was practically tripping over herself to apologize.
"Yes ma'am, I'm sorry ma'am. The bride should be dressed at least thirty minutes before the wedding is to begin to avoid any last minute problems. I'll, I'll check back in a few minutes." She turned and swiftly left the room. And we promptly broke out in fits of giggles, even the photographer.
"Come, my dear, let's get you dressed, it is getting late." Mamie said as she winked at me.
Harriet removed the bodice from the hanger and slipped it around me. I turned to face the triple mirror and she began to zip it up, or at least tried to.
"Mac, when did you try this on last?" She said as she struggled to zip the bodice.
"Not since June. I'd lost so much weight that I didn't bother trying it on since then."
"Morgan come here and help me. Sarah you lost fifteen pounds when Clay was gone, and you have had to have gained that back and mo." All of a sudden she spun me around.
"Have you been dizzy at all, at any time?"
"Yes, twice, but I had stood up quickly at the office and it passed almost immediately." What was going on?
"Any nausea or queasiness?" The smile on her face and everyone else's in the room was getting un-nerving.
"Once, yesterday afternoon, and I threw up this morning, but I've been nervous about the wedding."
"Yeah, right," Morgan said sarcastically.
"How long ago did you and Clay resume 'activities'?" Mamie barely got out before she started laughing.
All of a sudden the light bulb went on. "I'm PREGNANT!" I yelled, "Oh, my God, I'm Pregnant, let me think."
"Well, think, while we get you in this dress." Morgan sputtered out while giggling at me. Between her and Harriet the zipper went up, but my breathing room was limited. I calculated for a few minutes and I had to have gotten pregnant that first night. I remember whispering to Clay 'mission accomplished'. Tears of happiness began streaming down my face.
"Sweetheart, you must simply stop crying. Streaking mascara does not add to the glowing Madonna look you are going for."
"Yes Mamie, I'll try to stop," as I sniffed again. "Is it OK, I know we should have waited, but we have been trying." She embraced me.
"Sshh, my love. I'm beyond happy. You can do no wrong in my book, you are granting two of my fondest desires; you are marrying my son and making me a grandmother! Now I've got to be seated promise me you'll stop the crying."
"Yes ma'am." I kissed her and she was on the way.
"What pegnant mean Ant Sawa?" AJ asked. He was looking around at all the ladies giggling and wiping away happy tears like they were crazy. I picked him up again so we could talk.
"It means Aunt Sarah is going to have a baby." I could see the wheels in his little brain turning.
"Like May?"
"Yes, just like May." He smiled.
"Is it going to be a boy or a girl?"
"I don't know baby, it doesn't matter to me. I would like a baby boy just like you though. Now it's a secret. Can you keep a secret?"
"Who can I tell?" He asked as he nodded his head vigorously.
"You can tell Uncle Clay, but you can only whisper it in his ear. OK?" He nodded.
He giggled and jumped down and ran to into the arms of his mother still giggling like he had the biggest secret in the world. I hoped he told Clay in a quiet whisper, but I didn't really care. I felt like shouting it from rooftops myself.
Between my four attendants we managed to get the skirt, lace over-blouse and train on. The veil went on last. I was finally dressed, and tear free. After a brief knock, Big AJ, dressed in his dress mess uniform entered and took a moment to look at us all. The four attendants were in shades of blue, Tracy in a deep navy, Harriet in a soft powder blue, Morgan in a deep marine blue, and Chloe in the blue of a summer sky. Our flower girl, Clay and Morgan's niece, was being held by her mother in the vestibule. She would take her place when needed.
"Ladies, I have no words to do justice to your beauty." AJ gallantly said.
"Smooth, AJ, very smooth, now come give me a kiss, so we can get this show on the road!" Morgan was never going to change. As AJ kissed his impudent wife there was a knock on the door and he called "Enter."
"Ms. McKenzie, it's time for your attendants to take their places. Ladies if you'll follow me." The ladies accompanied Ms. Drago to line up and walk down the aisle. I heard strains of 'Ave Maria' slowly coming to a conclusion, and the beginning of the Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme by Rimsky-Korsakov. (The theme song from Somewhere in Time)
"Unca AJ."
"Yes Sir?" AJ said as he picked up his name sake.
"Ant Sawa has a sekwet" he whispered. Big AJ looked at me and raised an eyebrow in question.
I know I had Mona Lisa smile on my face but didn't say anything, and could tell he was very intrigued.
"Baby, I told you could only tell Uncle Clay." I reminded him. He wiggled to get down and walked over to me.
"OK, can I tell him now?" He whined. I bent down as much as my very tight dress would allow.
"Wait until you get to the altar, then you can whisper it in his ear, but very quietly."
"I be vewy quiet," he said solemnly. Another knock and Ms. Drago told us it was time. She took little AJ's hand and gave Big AJ and me a moment alone.
"Are you ready to marry him?" He kidded me.
"More than ready. You know he is more nervous than I am?" I kidded back.
"Oh, I know. The night of the bachelor party I found him on the porch looking at the stars. He started telling me why he loved you; how you meant everything to him. He wanted to know if anything was different after getting married. I couldn't answer all of his questions, but the most important thing I told him were always talk to you, tell you what was troubling him, share the burden; and to always remember that you loved him. He seemed satisfied with that and left to meet you, I believe."
"I knew he was nervous, but not that bad. Did you feel like that before you married Morgan?"
"I was nervous, because I knew one of the problems I had with my first marriage was a lack of communication. So remember that goes both ways!" he said, and then kissed me on the forehead just as we were asked to take our places. I knew 'Canon in D Major' was playing now, but I barely heard the music. AJ could feel me shaking and he patted me on the hand.
"Just another beach to be taken Marine!" He said with a twinkle in his eye. I sputtered and punched him in the arm.
We stood at the back of the church and watched, as Madeleine our flower; girl slowly walked up the aisle and very seriously dropped rose petals one by one. By the time she reached the front of the church the guest were holding back laughter as she ran to her mother.
Little AJ looked at me then began his walk just as he had been practicing for several weeks. He handed the ring pillow to Father James then stopped in front of Clay and pulled on his slacks to gain his attention. When Clay crouched down to him, AJ whispered his big secret. Clay's head snapped to the back of the church where I was waiting to begin my march down the rose petal strewn aisle. The smile on his face could have lit the night sky. He kissed AJ on the cheek and scooted him toward Mamie. He turned back to me and I could see the tears glittering in his eyes from where I stood.
My music started. To please Clay I had chosen a very non-traditional song to walk to. "L'aire de'Louisianne" was a lovely waltz song written by Jennifer Whetstone and had been performed by Jimmy Buffet on one of his albums. Of course he and Bud were the only ones who recognized the song during the rehearsal. AJ whispered, "Let's go", and we slowly made our way done the aisle. I recognized many famous faces as we walked past, and was glad to actually see people I actually knew. When I reached the front of the church Clay and Father James stepped forward.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" Father James asked.
"Her friends and I do." AJ said with a smile. He removed the veil from over my face and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He shook Clay's hand and placed my left hand in his. We turned to the altar and the Wedding Mass began.
Clay's POV
After an interminable wait, we took our places in front of the altar. I looked out over the guests. I was glad that our friends were near the front. I had met most of the dignitaries during my years working for State, and more were friends of my socialite mother. Having the President of the United States here was a benefit as well as a security nightmare. Every guest had had to have a security back ground check; luckily many of them had high security clearances already.
The bridesmaids and matron of honor made quite a procession and our flower girl had everyone in stitches as she carefully placed each and every rose petal she dropped. Everyone was biting back laughter so not to scare the child taking her job so seriously.
AJ proudly marched down the aisle smiling at everyone and when he reached the front he carefully handed the ring pillow to Father James. I expected him to walk to his place with my mother when I felt a tug on my pants. I looked down and he crooked his finger at me. While guests giggled at his antics I crouched down to him. He bent close and whispered to me.
"Unca Cway, I gots a sekwet to tell you."
"What is it" I whispered back.
"Ant Sawa is pegnant and she hopes it's a boy like me!" I almost broke my neck turning my head to the back of the church. I could just make out Sarah's gown but couldn't see her face. I don't think I've ever smiled so broadly; leave it to her to tell me something like this in such a way. I told AJ thank you and patted him on his rear to send him on to my Mother. The Bridal music began and the guests stood to watch Sarah and AJ walk down the aisle. Tears were threatening to fall and it was all I could do to hold them back. I glanced at my Mother and she grinned and nodded at me. When I looked at the bridesmaids they all had varying looks of glee on their faces. Morgan even went so far to mouth 'way to go' at me. She really was incorrigible.
I turned to look at my bride. Her face was hidden by a veil but I could feel her staring at me. Her choice of music made me smile; it was a beautiful song and I knew she chose it to please me. When AJ removed the veil I could see tears that matched mine threatening to fall from her eyes. AJ shook my hand and placed Sarah's left hand in mine then we walked to our places and knelt for the beginning of the Wedding Mass.
After Communion we shared our marriage vows. Father James looked at both of before addressing the wedding guests.
"When I was approached by Sarah and Clay to perform their wedding I was honored. I have known Clay and his family for many years and I could tell you stories about his days as an altar boy, but I don't think this is the time or the place. Catch me at the reception after a few glasses of wine." The congregation roared with laughter.
"But I digress. Our bridal couple has overcome many obstacles in their lives, both private and professional, to be here today. I have rarely seen love and devotion as exhibited by these two and it is my pleasure to marry them today."
"Clay, Sarah please stand before me." We rose from our kneeling position and stood before him.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here.." I stood looking at my bride barely hearing the words, I couldn't believe that we were truly here, after so much turmoil, and to find out that a baby was on the way was unbelievable.
Sarah's POV
When AJ joined our hands my mind went on auto-pilot and my heart took over. I know we participated in the mass, but I didn't hear it. Clay and I kept looking at each other responding automatically. We both laughed when Father James added some humor into the ceremony. Then we stood for the actual vows.
Clay's normally steady hand took mine and we gazed at each other as we both said 'I do". Clay needed a little prompting, I know he has zoned out a bit because of the baby news and Bud tapped him on the shoulder to bring him into the present. He self-consciously laughed at himself but loudly added his 'I do'. After the remainder of the mass Father James proudly announced,
"I now present to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Webb, Clay you may kiss your bride." Clay didn't have to be prompted to do this and we shared a kiss unlike any other that came before. All our love was expressed in the long soft melding of lips. We finally parted and heard the applause.
"It's true, we're having a baby? He whispered with light dancing in his eyes.
"I think so, all the symptoms are there, and Harriet is sure! She had one of the planners go for a test kit. I'm going to sneak out to use it during the reception." I whispered back to him as we began to sign the wedding documents. When we were done the recessional music of Mendelssohn started.
"I want to be there, don't do it without me, OK?" He asked. I nodded and we swept down the aisle to be pelted with bird seed as we left the church. After a half hour with the photographer we entered the white Rolls Royce to driven to the reception at the Willard.
"When did you find out?" He asked while pulling me closely.
"When I was getting dressed. The bodice of this thing is a bit tight, and Harriet and Mamie began asking question. They added two and two together and finally the light bulb went off. I have most of the symptoms, and I counted days and I'm late, very late." All this was said between kisses, interspersed with sighs and moans.
"We have got to stop this Mrs. Webb. I need to be able to get out of the car in a few minutes!"
"If you say so Mr. Webb." We smiled at our words as I settled into his arms and we spoke of baby names and whether we wanted a girl or a boy. A few later minutes we had arrived.
The President stayed for dinner and one dance; then we let our hair down a bit. Clay and I were finally able to sneak away after Bud and Vic deflected a few well wishers. Harriet met us in the hallway with the small package and we were able to make it to our room without more interruptions.
"I can't decide whether to start kissing you until we can't breathe or hustling you into the bathroom." Clay confessed as we shut the door and swung me up into his arms.
"I vote for a few kisses and then the side trip." After ten minutes of making out we had managed to divest Clay of his jacket, vest, tie, and I almost had his shirt off before he managed to stop us. My over-blouse and bodice was on the floor and I was working on getting the merry-widow off when he pulled away from me and pushed me into the bathroom.
"Go pee on the stick and see if we are really going to be parents!" I shut the door in his face and a few minutes later came out having left the stick on the counter.
"How long do we have to wait?" He asked.
"Five minutes, and check your watch, my internal clock is a bit off now." He checked his watch, and we sat on the bed resting, our physical excitement from before channeled into waiting for more exciting news.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going to honeymoon?" I continued to try and wheedle it out of him.
"No." That was his response whenever I asked him. One word, no. I gave up, I would find out in a few hours anyway.
After the slowest five minutes ever we both walked to look down at the little stick. The line had turned blue! We looked at each other in wonderment and awe. Clay sank down on the floor and I collapsed in his lap.
"Thank you Princess, thank you so much. I never let the dream of a child surface until we fell in love. Thank you.." Tears began to fall down both our faces and we sat there and hugged and cried our happiness.
"We have to stop this and get back to the party." I said after a few minutes. "I know Harriet is dying to tell everyone the news but she promised not to."
"You didn't tell AJ?" He asked incredulously.
"No, I wanted you to know first. The ladies guessed and having baby AJ tell you just seemed right. I hope you didn't mind."
"I'm getting sappy, but I thought it was perfect. My mother knows too, right?"
"Yes, and she gave me her blessing. Now let's see if we can pull ourselves together and rejoin the party." Our clothing wasn't too wrinkled and I put on the short skirt.
"Ready to dance Madame?" He placed a kiss on my hand and bowed.
"Webb, we are definitely getting too silly. Let's go. I want to shock the hell out of Harm." I gave Clay an evil grin and we left the suite to downstairs.
TBC.
A/N: Only one more chapter, the reception. After that I plan on re- editing Stuck Below, and Gaucho on the Beltway to have them blend in with the JTH universe a little better. I want to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement throughout this epic. This was, when I started, my first fanfic and I can't tell you how much I've learned about writing by doing this.
I've also learned that there is a great group of people that belong to this list and I'm happy to call them friends.
The next chapter will be out sometime next week. I'm going to my Aunt's 50th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas on Thursday so very little writing this week.
Author: Sheila
Category: Romance
Pairing: Clay/Sarah
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: As If
Spoilers: Up through 'Need to Know'
Summary: Clay and Sarah come together during an investigation A/N: The long awaited wedding and reception.
Sarah's POV
0730 Hours Webb Residence McLean Virginia
We had a great run and were now devouring breakfast prepared by Chloe and Lynne. Chloe had come down for the bachelorette party and stayed with Clay and me for the week. She and Clay got along well, surprisingly enough. She was a smart mouth too.
"What time do we have to be at the spa?" I said between bites.
"9:00 A.M. Everyone will be here in shortly for the drive over. This is going to be so wonderful. By the way I have strict orders that you are supposed to nap this afternoon." Lynne told me hiding behind her hand. Clay rolled his eyes as expected.
"I won't be able to nap. I'm too excited now, later I will probably be floating." Clay kissed me on the nose. And Chloe giggled at the two of us.
"Just tie yourself to the bed then. I plan on dancing at my reception until they close the doors on us. Make sure you bring your dancing shoes!" He was going to be very surprised. I had already made arrangement to have an informal reception after the departure of all the VIPs. As soon as they were out of there, the real dancing and party would begin. We were going to have the reception we had planned for June, if any VIPs remained they could join in but they weren't going to hinder us.
"Vic, did Bud say if all the uniforms and tuxes had been delivered?" Clay asked worriedly.
"I am not going to start answering silly questions. The Wedding Planner from Hell is taking care of all the details. I'm sure if something is missing she will send one of her minions to get it. Now RELAX please?" Vic and Bud had been assigned Clay; Morgan and Harriet had been assigned to me. Their jobs, keep us calm, keep us happy, and get us to the church on time!
"Saved by the bell, I'll get it." Vic walked to the kitchen door and in walked most of the bridal party.
"Unca Cway, Aunt Sawa, you get mawied today!" He ran to Clay who swung him up in his arms.
"Yes we are. Are you ready to carry the rings?" When AJ nodded, Clay said, "Let me see you practice." He set AJ on his feet and gave him the morning paper to hold. AJ solemnly began walking with exaggerated measured steps. When he reached the kitchen door Clay told him how well he had done. He came running back, this time jumping onto my lap. I cuddled him, and when I looked over his head into Clay's eyes I saw love and the desire for children that mirrored my own.
I don't know why they build other rooms in a home. Every time our motley crew gets together we end up around the kitchen table. Luckily we had a round table that seated eight and more if we got really cozy. Some nights we would sit around talking until Harriet complained of KA - or kitchen ass. This morning we had jammed 12 people in; with many more leaning against the counters.
"Ladies, ladies your attention, Mamie elegantly yelled over the din of several simultaneous conversations. "It's time to leave for the spa. Now every one go pile into the limousines so we can go get pampered and be made irresistible." Listening to her I knew where Clay got his sense of humor!
"Gentleman, we expect none of you to be around when we return at 3:00 P.M. Your limousines will be taking you to the church by 4:45 P.M. Cmdr Rabb please try to be on time and depart with the rest of the party." She was something else. Everyone laughed at her jibe at Harm.
What a glorious day at the spa. We had manicures, pedicures, and waxing of some very intimate areas; which led to quite an interesting discussion and increasingly ribald jokes. I had forgotten that Chloe was in the group; her eyes were wide and taking in everything. Morgan remembered she was there at the same time I did and moved closed to me to talk.
'"Let her be. She's a teenager and she isn't hearing anything new I'm sure." She whispered to me. I shrugged an OK.
"Has she asked you anything about you know?"
"We had 'the discussion' last year, and it amazed me how much incorrect information she had. I spent an entire weekend straightening her out." I laughed at the memory. Morgan sighed.
"Are you thinking about having that discussion with your daughter?" I asked softly.
"Very much so. There is so much I want to tell her. And I want to see her talk to AJ about boys. That will be worthy of recording!" We both giggled at the thought.
"Can you imagine Clay talking with his daughter?"
"I don't have to I overheard a discussion they had. Chloe asked him about how to stop a boy that got too amorous. He told her how to avoid getting into situations in the first place. It was rather a frank discussion and he handled it well. By the time they went to get ice cream I was crying."
"That's my C'new!" We both laughed until we cried.
We were interrupted and told it was time for our massages. The rest of the day passed quickly and the next thing I knew we were back at the house. I was led to the bedroom and told to rest. Amazingly I slept until five bodies bouncing on the bed woke me.
We ate a light meal of soup and sandwiches and were whisked to the church to get our hair and make up done then dress for the ceremony.
Bud's POV
1800 Hours Friday, October 17 Rectory, St. Mary's Catholic Church Alexandria, Virginia
The church was filling rapidly; the wedding planners had already moved flower arrangements twice to allow room for folding chairs in the aisles to seat all the guests. Mac's simple wedding of only fifty guests had turned into a monstrous affair that would be the talk of DC society for years to come.
"Quite a crowd; isn't it." Father James said from over my right shoulder.
"Are you ready for this?" I asked, and he chuckled and patted me on the shoulder.
"When Clay and Sarah first talked to me about the ceremony, they said they wanted a simple wedding and wanted to use the traditional bible readings and vows. You could almost see stars in their eyes when they talked about it. Now we have this," he paused thinking of the right word then said, "circus, but don't worry, I still see the stars. Everything will turn out fine." He patted my shoulder and went to join the groomsmen.
I continued to look over the crowd. Most of the dignitaries were seated, and we were only waiting for two more guests until the ceremony began. Mac had only insisted on one thing. Family was to sit in front of any dignitary, no matter how important, this didn't prove to be too big a problem as most of the family was in the wedding party!
I thought back over the last several months. The Admiral did not retire, the President said his military skills were wasted at JAG and appointed him to the office of CNO and gave him his third star, there was talk of him becoming CNO at the next appointment. SecNav Sheffield appointed Captain Sebring, upon the recommendation of Admiral Chegwidden, The JAG and he had been given his first star. He was a good CO, and I could tell he was already grooming Cmdr. Turner to replace him. Jen Coates had become Admiral Sebring's yeoman and they were still ironing out a working relationship. Jen was trying very hard not to get on the Admiral's nerves and he was trying to loosen up. Jen didn't have anything to worry about; Harm took up most of his time.
The SecNav decided that Lt. Cmdr. Manetti would be an excellent assistant to Admiral Chegwidden and had moved her into that position shortly after his appointment. He complained that the SecNav managed to interfere in his life no matter where he was.
Tiner had passed the Virginia and DC bar exams on the first try, and was now an Ensign at JAG Headquarters. Every time Harm has gone against him in court he shakes his head and says, "I was never that good at his age!" Tiner is a shark in court, but still just as into any off the wall activity as when he was the Admiral's yeoman.
Harriet and I were enjoying being parents to AJ and our baby girl May. Mac insisted that she be allowed to attend the wedding, and was being attend to by one of the multitude of wedding planner's assistants.
Clay had been transported back to the states; the doctor on board the Henry had done an amazing job on him, but unfortunately needed to have surgery on the right kidney. An ENT surgeon repaired his nasal fracture and said he was lucky to not have re-fractured his orbit. Regrettably the two surgical incisions on his right side increased his rehabilitation time substantially. Vic and I worked out with him to get him back in shape, but some one should have warned us that Vic was a frustrated DI wannabe; he made Cmdr Turner's training seem like a walk in the park. Clay was now working and he and Mac would be off to the Coral Sea for a two week honeymoon after the wedding.
Everyone involved with the South American arms-for-drugs operation that Clay had spear-headed received commendations and medals, including yours truly. It was determined that the 6th Fleet was the target of Faad's al Queda cell. Clay was back in good graces with the Agency and was now their golden child who could do no wrong. He was cleaning house at all the SA stations and putting men in place that thought more like him. He wanted men that could process information and draw conclusions, and didn't consider places like Paramaribo, Suriname the end of the earth. Look where that station had gotten him. His biggest concern regarding his professional life was that Faad wasn't the al Queda man in charge, and he and Vic were devoting most of their time trying to find the 'Apex' man as they had branded him.
Clay and Mac had also attended counseling sessions for their mutual Post Traumatic Stress. After several sessions they asked their friends to attend a group session with them. I can't tell you to this day what changed in the group, but there was a shift in the group dynamic and there was more friendship and trust then there was before.
Now here we were all gathered for the circus as Father James had so kindly put it. I turned to hear Harm sniping at Clay. The two of them would never change.
"Harm there is nothing on the whites, you're pure as the driven snow; will you stop freaking out already! You are not the one getting married!" Clay was going to deck him, if the Admiral didn't get to him first. I signaled to Cmdr. Turner who maneuvered Harm out of the line of fire and back out to resume his usher duties.
"Clay, take a deep breath, she's in the brides room joking with Harriet and Morgan. She's not going to leave you standing at the altar." I told him. Clay looked embarrassed by his outburst, but he relaxed when we failed to laugh at him.
"I wouldn't blame her, I did it to her." I placed my hands on his shoulders and looked him in the eyes.
"Clay, If she has to hogtie you, she's getting married today so don't worry about it." He chuckled at the visual my words invoked.
"I bet she would, Bud, I wouldn't put anything past her!" Vic spoke up from across the room where he was talking to Stan, Clay's friend and the fourth groomsman.
"Don't' encourage her Vic. I don't stand a chance already". He said with a chuckle.
"We look underdressed Clay in just tuxedos; can't we borrow a dress uniform?" Stan begged. Clay had introduced him to us as quite a forensic accountant, and was actively recruiting him into our Company.
"I'm afraid not, Stan, the Admiral over there may have something to say about that!" Vic said pointing to Admiral Chegwidden. We were all in Dress Mess uniform, but Clay and Stan didn't look too bad in white tie and tails. Overall we were a resplendent looking group of men. We talked a while, and finally pulled Clay outside to cool down for a few minutes. After fifteen minutes we went inside to wait some more.
There was a sudden burst of music and everyone heard the strains of "Hail to the Chief" from outside the open rectory door. The last guests had arrived and the male members of the wedding party took their places.
Sarah's POV
1815 Hours Bride's Room St. Mary's Catholic Church Alexandria, Virginia
"AJ, come here baby." He looked adorable in his white tie and tails as he ran over to me. I was sitting on a tiny boudoir chair dressed in only a lightly tied merry widow, stockings and heels. I picked him up and cuddled him. We were all getting dressed; well I was waiting to get dressed while my bridesmaids were just finishing up. One of the photographers was buzzing around like an angry bee taking shots here and there; thankfully she was female. The spa had sent a team to do hair and makeup and we were all quite beautiful.
"Ant Sawa you pwetty." He giggled and hid his face on my shoulder. He had been calling me Sarah since he heard Clay call me that when they were first introduced. He said Mac was a boys name and I was a girl, so I was now Ant Sawa.
"Thank you baby, you look handsome yourself. When you grow up women are going to love seeing you in a tuxedo, so wear them as often as possible. Uncle Clay wears them, and he looks handsome too."
"I like Unca Cway. He gots horsies."
"Harriet, we've created a monster. I'm sooo sorry." She knew I really wasn't. The JAG Crew had gone to the stables two weeks ago and Clay had put AJ on his first pony and it was love at first sight. Clay had spent the better part of the afternoon showing AJ how to ride then groom and clean the pony's stall. I saw for the first time what kind of father Clay would be and knew our future children were very lucky indeed.
"Mac, put him down. We've got to get you dressed." Harriet spoke as she walked up to me with the first part of my dress in her arms.
My wedding gown was made in five separate pieces. Part one was a white satin strapless bodice, part two was a narrow skirt, slit up the right leg to mid thigh. The bodice was form fitting with a sweetheart neckline with an invisible zipper down the back. Part three was a lace, high neck, waist length over blouse that was slightly less form fitting. The sleeves were narrow and ended in points just below my wrists. The entire surface of the lace blouse was covered in thousands of seed pearls; it weighed several pounds and I swore it was coming off as soon as the dancing began. Part four, the train, was cathedral length and was covered with appliqués of matching lace and seed pearls. It was detachable and would be removed after our first dance. Part five was a short kick skirt made for dancing. I would remove the narrow skirt after the formal dances and replace it with the shorter one for the fun part of the reception.
"Come here young man." Morgan said as she picked a giggling AJ from my lap.
"Mac he could have ruined your stockings!" Complained a worried Harriet.
"No damage done Harriet. Nothing can spoil this day. I'm getting married to a wonderful man surrounded by friends and a few hundred of Washington's elite. It may not be my dream wedding but as long as I walk out of here with a ring on my finger I'll be ecstatic. Lord do I sound saccharine or what?" I was unusually giddy over the whole affair, but put up with it. Just how do you tell the President that he couldn't come to your wedding?
"I know you wanted a small wedding, and this one has turned into a.."
"Spectacle, Harriet?" I prompted.
"More or less. Where is the wedding planner? She's unbelievable; you know she could plan a military assault!"
"Don't I know it? Clay keeps calling her Caesar and saluting her behind her back. But she has done a wonderful job in such a short period of time. I just insisted on a few things and handed it over to her. "
"OK, who has the checklist?" Tracy said loud enough to get our attention.
"I do, Mac!" Chloe exclaimed.
"Her name Sawa!" AJ corrected.
"OK AJ, Sarah." Chloe quickly agreed.
"Something Old: Clay's Grandmother Webb's Pearls." Tracy walked to me and placed the strand of pearls around my neck.
"Something New: Diamond and Pearl Studs from Clay." Harriet inserted the beautiful studs Clay had given me at our engagement party.
"Something Borrowed: Mrs. Webb's pearl bracelet given to her by Mr. Webb when they were married." Mamie placed the bracelet on my wrist and kissed me on the cheek and whispered that she loved me. She wiped my tears away and told me to stop messing my makeup.
"Something Blue: Tracy placed a blue garter around my calf, and I worked it up to my thigh.
"And a Sixpence for Your Shoe." Morgan took off my right shoe and placed the sixpence in it and put it back on.
"Remember to take the bloody thing out in the limo; it's a killer to dance in if you don't remember!" We were laughing at Morgan's comment until we were disturbed by a tiny tornado.
"Ladies, Ladies, what is going on in here? You were to be dressed ten minutes ago. This is unacceptable." The Drill Instructor Head Wedding Planner scolded loudly as she stormed in.
"Ms. Drago. You are being paid to assist in this wedding, and I appreciate your efforts, however, you will not act in such a manner again. Are we clear?" My future mother-in-law spoke quietly, but with such authority, that Ms. Drago was practically tripping over herself to apologize.
"Yes ma'am, I'm sorry ma'am. The bride should be dressed at least thirty minutes before the wedding is to begin to avoid any last minute problems. I'll, I'll check back in a few minutes." She turned and swiftly left the room. And we promptly broke out in fits of giggles, even the photographer.
"Come, my dear, let's get you dressed, it is getting late." Mamie said as she winked at me.
Harriet removed the bodice from the hanger and slipped it around me. I turned to face the triple mirror and she began to zip it up, or at least tried to.
"Mac, when did you try this on last?" She said as she struggled to zip the bodice.
"Not since June. I'd lost so much weight that I didn't bother trying it on since then."
"Morgan come here and help me. Sarah you lost fifteen pounds when Clay was gone, and you have had to have gained that back and mo." All of a sudden she spun me around.
"Have you been dizzy at all, at any time?"
"Yes, twice, but I had stood up quickly at the office and it passed almost immediately." What was going on?
"Any nausea or queasiness?" The smile on her face and everyone else's in the room was getting un-nerving.
"Once, yesterday afternoon, and I threw up this morning, but I've been nervous about the wedding."
"Yeah, right," Morgan said sarcastically.
"How long ago did you and Clay resume 'activities'?" Mamie barely got out before she started laughing.
All of a sudden the light bulb went on. "I'm PREGNANT!" I yelled, "Oh, my God, I'm Pregnant, let me think."
"Well, think, while we get you in this dress." Morgan sputtered out while giggling at me. Between her and Harriet the zipper went up, but my breathing room was limited. I calculated for a few minutes and I had to have gotten pregnant that first night. I remember whispering to Clay 'mission accomplished'. Tears of happiness began streaming down my face.
"Sweetheart, you must simply stop crying. Streaking mascara does not add to the glowing Madonna look you are going for."
"Yes Mamie, I'll try to stop," as I sniffed again. "Is it OK, I know we should have waited, but we have been trying." She embraced me.
"Sshh, my love. I'm beyond happy. You can do no wrong in my book, you are granting two of my fondest desires; you are marrying my son and making me a grandmother! Now I've got to be seated promise me you'll stop the crying."
"Yes ma'am." I kissed her and she was on the way.
"What pegnant mean Ant Sawa?" AJ asked. He was looking around at all the ladies giggling and wiping away happy tears like they were crazy. I picked him up again so we could talk.
"It means Aunt Sarah is going to have a baby." I could see the wheels in his little brain turning.
"Like May?"
"Yes, just like May." He smiled.
"Is it going to be a boy or a girl?"
"I don't know baby, it doesn't matter to me. I would like a baby boy just like you though. Now it's a secret. Can you keep a secret?"
"Who can I tell?" He asked as he nodded his head vigorously.
"You can tell Uncle Clay, but you can only whisper it in his ear. OK?" He nodded.
He giggled and jumped down and ran to into the arms of his mother still giggling like he had the biggest secret in the world. I hoped he told Clay in a quiet whisper, but I didn't really care. I felt like shouting it from rooftops myself.
Between my four attendants we managed to get the skirt, lace over-blouse and train on. The veil went on last. I was finally dressed, and tear free. After a brief knock, Big AJ, dressed in his dress mess uniform entered and took a moment to look at us all. The four attendants were in shades of blue, Tracy in a deep navy, Harriet in a soft powder blue, Morgan in a deep marine blue, and Chloe in the blue of a summer sky. Our flower girl, Clay and Morgan's niece, was being held by her mother in the vestibule. She would take her place when needed.
"Ladies, I have no words to do justice to your beauty." AJ gallantly said.
"Smooth, AJ, very smooth, now come give me a kiss, so we can get this show on the road!" Morgan was never going to change. As AJ kissed his impudent wife there was a knock on the door and he called "Enter."
"Ms. McKenzie, it's time for your attendants to take their places. Ladies if you'll follow me." The ladies accompanied Ms. Drago to line up and walk down the aisle. I heard strains of 'Ave Maria' slowly coming to a conclusion, and the beginning of the Rachmaninoff's Variations on a Theme by Rimsky-Korsakov. (The theme song from Somewhere in Time)
"Unca AJ."
"Yes Sir?" AJ said as he picked up his name sake.
"Ant Sawa has a sekwet" he whispered. Big AJ looked at me and raised an eyebrow in question.
I know I had Mona Lisa smile on my face but didn't say anything, and could tell he was very intrigued.
"Baby, I told you could only tell Uncle Clay." I reminded him. He wiggled to get down and walked over to me.
"OK, can I tell him now?" He whined. I bent down as much as my very tight dress would allow.
"Wait until you get to the altar, then you can whisper it in his ear, but very quietly."
"I be vewy quiet," he said solemnly. Another knock and Ms. Drago told us it was time. She took little AJ's hand and gave Big AJ and me a moment alone.
"Are you ready to marry him?" He kidded me.
"More than ready. You know he is more nervous than I am?" I kidded back.
"Oh, I know. The night of the bachelor party I found him on the porch looking at the stars. He started telling me why he loved you; how you meant everything to him. He wanted to know if anything was different after getting married. I couldn't answer all of his questions, but the most important thing I told him were always talk to you, tell you what was troubling him, share the burden; and to always remember that you loved him. He seemed satisfied with that and left to meet you, I believe."
"I knew he was nervous, but not that bad. Did you feel like that before you married Morgan?"
"I was nervous, because I knew one of the problems I had with my first marriage was a lack of communication. So remember that goes both ways!" he said, and then kissed me on the forehead just as we were asked to take our places. I knew 'Canon in D Major' was playing now, but I barely heard the music. AJ could feel me shaking and he patted me on the hand.
"Just another beach to be taken Marine!" He said with a twinkle in his eye. I sputtered and punched him in the arm.
We stood at the back of the church and watched, as Madeleine our flower; girl slowly walked up the aisle and very seriously dropped rose petals one by one. By the time she reached the front of the church the guest were holding back laughter as she ran to her mother.
Little AJ looked at me then began his walk just as he had been practicing for several weeks. He handed the ring pillow to Father James then stopped in front of Clay and pulled on his slacks to gain his attention. When Clay crouched down to him, AJ whispered his big secret. Clay's head snapped to the back of the church where I was waiting to begin my march down the rose petal strewn aisle. The smile on his face could have lit the night sky. He kissed AJ on the cheek and scooted him toward Mamie. He turned back to me and I could see the tears glittering in his eyes from where I stood.
My music started. To please Clay I had chosen a very non-traditional song to walk to. "L'aire de'Louisianne" was a lovely waltz song written by Jennifer Whetstone and had been performed by Jimmy Buffet on one of his albums. Of course he and Bud were the only ones who recognized the song during the rehearsal. AJ whispered, "Let's go", and we slowly made our way done the aisle. I recognized many famous faces as we walked past, and was glad to actually see people I actually knew. When I reached the front of the church Clay and Father James stepped forward.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" Father James asked.
"Her friends and I do." AJ said with a smile. He removed the veil from over my face and gave me a kiss on the cheek. He shook Clay's hand and placed my left hand in his. We turned to the altar and the Wedding Mass began.
Clay's POV
After an interminable wait, we took our places in front of the altar. I looked out over the guests. I was glad that our friends were near the front. I had met most of the dignitaries during my years working for State, and more were friends of my socialite mother. Having the President of the United States here was a benefit as well as a security nightmare. Every guest had had to have a security back ground check; luckily many of them had high security clearances already.
The bridesmaids and matron of honor made quite a procession and our flower girl had everyone in stitches as she carefully placed each and every rose petal she dropped. Everyone was biting back laughter so not to scare the child taking her job so seriously.
AJ proudly marched down the aisle smiling at everyone and when he reached the front he carefully handed the ring pillow to Father James. I expected him to walk to his place with my mother when I felt a tug on my pants. I looked down and he crooked his finger at me. While guests giggled at his antics I crouched down to him. He bent close and whispered to me.
"Unca Cway, I gots a sekwet to tell you."
"What is it" I whispered back.
"Ant Sawa is pegnant and she hopes it's a boy like me!" I almost broke my neck turning my head to the back of the church. I could just make out Sarah's gown but couldn't see her face. I don't think I've ever smiled so broadly; leave it to her to tell me something like this in such a way. I told AJ thank you and patted him on his rear to send him on to my Mother. The Bridal music began and the guests stood to watch Sarah and AJ walk down the aisle. Tears were threatening to fall and it was all I could do to hold them back. I glanced at my Mother and she grinned and nodded at me. When I looked at the bridesmaids they all had varying looks of glee on their faces. Morgan even went so far to mouth 'way to go' at me. She really was incorrigible.
I turned to look at my bride. Her face was hidden by a veil but I could feel her staring at me. Her choice of music made me smile; it was a beautiful song and I knew she chose it to please me. When AJ removed the veil I could see tears that matched mine threatening to fall from her eyes. AJ shook my hand and placed Sarah's left hand in mine then we walked to our places and knelt for the beginning of the Wedding Mass.
After Communion we shared our marriage vows. Father James looked at both of before addressing the wedding guests.
"When I was approached by Sarah and Clay to perform their wedding I was honored. I have known Clay and his family for many years and I could tell you stories about his days as an altar boy, but I don't think this is the time or the place. Catch me at the reception after a few glasses of wine." The congregation roared with laughter.
"But I digress. Our bridal couple has overcome many obstacles in their lives, both private and professional, to be here today. I have rarely seen love and devotion as exhibited by these two and it is my pleasure to marry them today."
"Clay, Sarah please stand before me." We rose from our kneeling position and stood before him.
"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here.." I stood looking at my bride barely hearing the words, I couldn't believe that we were truly here, after so much turmoil, and to find out that a baby was on the way was unbelievable.
Sarah's POV
When AJ joined our hands my mind went on auto-pilot and my heart took over. I know we participated in the mass, but I didn't hear it. Clay and I kept looking at each other responding automatically. We both laughed when Father James added some humor into the ceremony. Then we stood for the actual vows.
Clay's normally steady hand took mine and we gazed at each other as we both said 'I do". Clay needed a little prompting, I know he has zoned out a bit because of the baby news and Bud tapped him on the shoulder to bring him into the present. He self-consciously laughed at himself but loudly added his 'I do'. After the remainder of the mass Father James proudly announced,
"I now present to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Webb, Clay you may kiss your bride." Clay didn't have to be prompted to do this and we shared a kiss unlike any other that came before. All our love was expressed in the long soft melding of lips. We finally parted and heard the applause.
"It's true, we're having a baby? He whispered with light dancing in his eyes.
"I think so, all the symptoms are there, and Harriet is sure! She had one of the planners go for a test kit. I'm going to sneak out to use it during the reception." I whispered back to him as we began to sign the wedding documents. When we were done the recessional music of Mendelssohn started.
"I want to be there, don't do it without me, OK?" He asked. I nodded and we swept down the aisle to be pelted with bird seed as we left the church. After a half hour with the photographer we entered the white Rolls Royce to driven to the reception at the Willard.
"When did you find out?" He asked while pulling me closely.
"When I was getting dressed. The bodice of this thing is a bit tight, and Harriet and Mamie began asking question. They added two and two together and finally the light bulb went off. I have most of the symptoms, and I counted days and I'm late, very late." All this was said between kisses, interspersed with sighs and moans.
"We have got to stop this Mrs. Webb. I need to be able to get out of the car in a few minutes!"
"If you say so Mr. Webb." We smiled at our words as I settled into his arms and we spoke of baby names and whether we wanted a girl or a boy. A few later minutes we had arrived.
The President stayed for dinner and one dance; then we let our hair down a bit. Clay and I were finally able to sneak away after Bud and Vic deflected a few well wishers. Harriet met us in the hallway with the small package and we were able to make it to our room without more interruptions.
"I can't decide whether to start kissing you until we can't breathe or hustling you into the bathroom." Clay confessed as we shut the door and swung me up into his arms.
"I vote for a few kisses and then the side trip." After ten minutes of making out we had managed to divest Clay of his jacket, vest, tie, and I almost had his shirt off before he managed to stop us. My over-blouse and bodice was on the floor and I was working on getting the merry-widow off when he pulled away from me and pushed me into the bathroom.
"Go pee on the stick and see if we are really going to be parents!" I shut the door in his face and a few minutes later came out having left the stick on the counter.
"How long do we have to wait?" He asked.
"Five minutes, and check your watch, my internal clock is a bit off now." He checked his watch, and we sat on the bed resting, our physical excitement from before channeled into waiting for more exciting news.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going to honeymoon?" I continued to try and wheedle it out of him.
"No." That was his response whenever I asked him. One word, no. I gave up, I would find out in a few hours anyway.
After the slowest five minutes ever we both walked to look down at the little stick. The line had turned blue! We looked at each other in wonderment and awe. Clay sank down on the floor and I collapsed in his lap.
"Thank you Princess, thank you so much. I never let the dream of a child surface until we fell in love. Thank you.." Tears began to fall down both our faces and we sat there and hugged and cried our happiness.
"We have to stop this and get back to the party." I said after a few minutes. "I know Harriet is dying to tell everyone the news but she promised not to."
"You didn't tell AJ?" He asked incredulously.
"No, I wanted you to know first. The ladies guessed and having baby AJ tell you just seemed right. I hope you didn't mind."
"I'm getting sappy, but I thought it was perfect. My mother knows too, right?"
"Yes, and she gave me her blessing. Now let's see if we can pull ourselves together and rejoin the party." Our clothing wasn't too wrinkled and I put on the short skirt.
"Ready to dance Madame?" He placed a kiss on my hand and bowed.
"Webb, we are definitely getting too silly. Let's go. I want to shock the hell out of Harm." I gave Clay an evil grin and we left the suite to downstairs.
TBC.
A/N: Only one more chapter, the reception. After that I plan on re- editing Stuck Below, and Gaucho on the Beltway to have them blend in with the JTH universe a little better. I want to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement throughout this epic. This was, when I started, my first fanfic and I can't tell you how much I've learned about writing by doing this.
I've also learned that there is a great group of people that belong to this list and I'm happy to call them friends.
The next chapter will be out sometime next week. I'm going to my Aunt's 50th wedding anniversary in Las Vegas on Thursday so very little writing this week.