A/N: Hey everyone thanks for all of the reviews they're really appreciated! Now, hmm let's see OH YES! I forgot to give credit to someone so thanks to Emilyn for the idea to write chap. 13! Sorry, I really meant to thank you A LONG TIME AGO! I promise!

Hmm what else. Ok, I have a moral dilemma. To write the wedding night, or not to write the wedding night that is the question. First of all, I'm bad with writing "kissy" stuff second, I'd be very nervous about writing the wedding night so I need your thoughts! Encouragement? Discouragement? (is that even a word?) Well, anyway I wanna know what you think!

Disclaimer: Everything is pretty much mine but anything that's not belongs to whoever created it Please don't sue me! I'm a 15 year old girl who's only money is the leftover $20 she got for her birthday!

Summary: A really, really long chapter. I think it's the longest chapter yet in this story. I hope it doesn't make you bored (and if you don't feel like reading all of it I think the end is the best part) anyway, the title pretty much sums it up

***please, please, please R/R ***

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We decided that it would be nice to have the wedding during the summer, thus a date was set near the end of July.

I had decided to ask the children who would like a part in the wedding, and all the girls expressed signs of eagerness. The boys however, didn't seem to feel the same way.

"Can't I just watch," asked Luke when I confronted him.

"If you really want to," I said, a little disappointed.

"I think I'll do that," He replied.

In the end, it was decided that Audrey and Mimi would be the flower girls, Julie and Hillary would be the Bridesmaids, Amanda would be the maid of honor, and the boys would just stand next to the alter.

Next came the job of finding a church. This actually, wasn't a job as the place had already been picked out for us...Washington National Cathedral.

I had never been to the cathedral before, so one evening the Senator came home early to take me over.

It truly was a site to see it's tall steeples towering over us. As it was getting dark outside, the lights had been turned on causing it to glow like a castle.

The inside was just a magnificent. Large, stain-glass windows surrounded the long aisle, which was stretching up to the altar. In some ways it reminded me vaguely of the church for The Sound of Music.

"So, my dear," Danny said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder, "what do you think?"

"Hmm," I began, leaning into him a little, "I think it's lovely."

I turned to look up at him, a broad smile upon my lips. We spend a moment staring at each other, and like always; the world around us seemed to disappear. A few moments later, Danny gently leaned down to give me a small kiss on my lips.

"Now, I think it's time we go and see the reception hall, hmm," he said.

"Sounds good to me," I responded.

---

When we arrived, I was surprised to find the reception hall to be empty.

"It's because they only open it for special people, darling," Danny whispered in my ear, while a smile crept onto his face.

I gave a little giggle stepping away, wanting to take in the empty room, which was actually quite elegant for a place so dressed down.

Grand marble stairs let down to a shimmering floor, made of the same material. Once one reached the bottom of the stairs, they could look in any direction and see bits of Washington DC... the walls were all made of clear, flawless glass. A magnificent, crystal chandelier directly in the center of the room, glimmered in the setting sun, causing tiny rainbows to cascade across the floor.

"It's breath taking, Danny," I said, sighing deeply, as I gazed around.

"So I take it the room meets your approval," Danny joked as he walked up behind me, drawing me close to him by the waist.

I leaned back into him, and we watched the sun slowly set in front of us.

---

The next day, the girls and I headed downtown to pick out our wedding attire. The Senator told me he had made arrangements at a "special store" in D.C., so he sent for a driver to pick us up.

Once all six of us had pilled into a sleek, black, limo, we were off.

Reflecting back, I can honestly say that if anyone were to ever again mention "picking out a wedding dress", I would think of two things... the colors pink and white, and the words exciting at first, very boring later. That would be the way to describe my experience anyway.

When we reached the shop, I was struck by how much pink and white one could see throwing the large front window alone. Once going inside, I learned that pink and white were really the only colors that made up the bridal shop... except for maybe an occasional dab of baby blue and lavender here and there.

The girls however, seemed much more impressed then I did.

"Oh Maria," Amanda said the second we entered the sweet smelling room, "look at all of the gorgeous dresses--"

A loud, high voice cut her off before she could finish.

"Hello there, you must be the Senators children... and his gorgeous fiancé! Oh, it is such an honor to meet you all! My name is Bridget... I'm going to be helping you out today."

I soon found my hand being rapidly shaken by skinny blond haired women, who looked so thin, it seemed she could be blown away by a light breeze.

"Well," I began, trying to show good manors, "It's lovely to meet you too... um, these are my bridesmaids and flower girls."

I turned to face the children, who as if on cue, politely smiled at the woman.

"It's so nice to meet you all," she said enthusiastically, then turning away from us began to yell, "Lilly! Kate! They're here!"

It seemed that no sooner had she said that, to more skinny young blondes appeared at our sides.

"Now, Ma'am," Bridget began, turning back to face me, "Lilly is going to take the two young ones for their flower girl dresses... and Kate is going to take the bridesmaids... and I'm going to take you!"

"Great," I said, smiling.

With that, Bridget dragged me off to the bridal gown dressing rooms.

We spent around five hours there that day, and I finally picked out a dress. Yet, to get that dress, I had to go though a very tough process.

I tried on so many gowns... short ones; long ones, frilly once; plain ones, fitted ones; flowing ones, ones with beads; ones with bows... every style imaginable. Finally, I came to the perfect one.

It was plain, yet very elegant. It was fitted from the waist up; and had a small V-neck. The selves were long, and the dress fluffed out from the waist into a big, flowing skirt with a long train. It was what one would call classic.

The veil we quite lovely too. A tiny silver crown was connected to a long, flowing, white-silk material that felt like water in ones hands... it was very lovely.

When I was finished, I went to find the girls. The shop assistants, Lilly and Kate, had managed to pick out matching dresses for all of them, and they looked quite pretty.

Each dress was made up of two layers, satin underneath, then silk in the same color on top. They all had empire waists, where a satin ribbon was neatly tied in the front, then followed by skirts that hit the floor. The only difference between each dress, was the color... the two flower girl's dresses were a powder pink, the bridesmaids were pale green and Amanda's, the maid of honor's dress, was a lavender purple.

It took awhile for the girls to change from their attire, nevertheless we made it home by dinnertime that night 6:30pm.

---

The day of the wedding arrived quickly, and I was a nervous wreck. Danny and the two boys had left before I had woken up, and the girls and I were scampering about the house trying to pack my clothes for the honeymoon. Danny and I were to leave that night, yet I had no idea where we were going, as he said it was a "surprise."

This made it extra difficult, being I had no idea if I should pack for snowy conditions, or the tropics. In the end, I decided to pack for both, knowing I could buy some new clothes at our destination.

The girls and I left for our hair appointment at 11:00, riding in a big black van so we would have enough space to put our six dresses.

A few of the younger girls, especially Audrey, later complained that they pulled her hair too much though I believe the hair pulling and prodding was worth it though, as everyone's hair looked gorgeous in the end, all tied up at the backs of their heads.

---

Our plan was to get into our dresses at the church, and that's exactly what happened.... however, some surprising events occurred before the last button on my dressed was buttoned.

As we were pulling up to the church, Audrey turned to ask me a question.

"Maria," she said.

"Hmm," I responded, not even looking up from the book I was reading over... my attempt at calming my nerves.

"Who are all those people," she asked.

"Guests, I assume," I responded.

"Then, why are they on the other side of a fence... and why are they carrying T.V. cameras?"

This caused me to look up, and my jaw to drop. Reporters lined the streets, along with what looked to be every day people.

"Did father invite all of those people," Mimi asked.

"N-no," I began, "I, hem, I just think that they're all fans of your fathers..."

"Father has fans? But why," Audrey asked, questioning deeper.

I never answered her question, as I very quickly became distracted... what was going to happen once we got out of the car? Would we be mobbed? I glanced around, and my eyes came to rest on the driver.

"Um, excuse me," I said leaning up towards him, "but, um--"

"Not to worry ma'am," he said, throwing me a reassuring smile, "security is there... and they've put up fences. Only those with invitations can get past the guards."

I gave a quick "thank you" and leaned back into my seat, smiling.

When we reached the front of the church, I felt like I was arriving at the Oscars or a movie premiere. A long walkway was put in place, and was lined with portable, metal fences. The strange thing was that this time I was on the inside of the fence, not on the outside.

The second the van door opened, flashbulbs started going off. A security guard smiled at me, and helped me down.

"Hello, ma'am," he said, cheerfully, "all the dresses will be brought in for you just wait for them in your bridal room."

"Thanks," I said, smiling back at him, then turning to look around.

"Oh, by the way," the guard said again, "the girls are going to stay in the van... we're taking them in through the back entrance."

I turned around once more, to find that the van was already driving off. I then looked back at the guard, and he too was walking off. Unsure of what to do, I began to walk the distance to the church. I smiled at the reporters and people, not feeling confident enough to speak to them, but figuring I should do something.

It really was a frightening experience, people yelling your name in every direction, flashes of light practically blinding you, people sticking out their hands for you to shake. Once inside, a feeling of relief swept over me... the worst was over.

I was quickly able to find the girls in the bridal room, already getting ready. Amanda was zipping up the back of Audrey's dress, and the second she saw me, a smile appeared on her face.

"Did you see your flowers," she asked.

"Nope... where--"

"Over on the table," she said, nodding to her left.

Following her gaze, my eyes came to rest on a beautiful bundle of pink roses. There were at least a dozen of them, if not more, and they were tied up in a beautiful white ribbon.

I let out a gasp, and began to walk over to them, but Amanda stopped me.

"Maria, come, we have to get you into your dress," she said, seizing me hand and dragging me to another corner of the room.

---

The organ began to play the tune, and little Audrey suddenly let go of my hand to join her sister at the front of the precession line.

I was suddenly alone. Where most girls would have their father's arm to use as a lifeline, I was cut short. Both of my parents had passed away when I was just a little girl I had grown up with my aunt and uncle. They weren't the nicest people in the world, yet they were still invited to the wedding. However, they hadn't shown up.

So there I stood, the only thing between me and 1000 pairs of eyes was now just Amanda... the four other girls had already began to walk up the deathly long aisle.

I felt my hands begin to tremble, and Amanda turned to give me one last reassuring smile, before she too began to walk.

I don't believe that I have ever felt that nervous in my life... even getting out of the car in front of the reporters wasn't that bad. As the tune began to change for me to walk down the aisle, for a second I thought I might run away. I then took a deep breath and told myself, just do it. It seemed to work, as right on cue, I began to move my feet.

At first I was too far away to really see Danny, and that was the worst. I felt everyone's eyes on me, watching my every step. Horrible thoughts began to fill my head... what if I fall? I began taking more deep breaths, trying to calm myself.

A few steps later, I was finally able to clearly see Danny's face, and boy did that help. His reassuring smile worked, and the second we made eye contact I felt the rest of the crowd begin to vanish.

I reached the altar in no time at all, and within seconds my hand was in Danny's.

The priest began to speak, and from that moment on the ceremony was a blur.

---

Once we had kissed, Danny took my hand again more, this time leading my down the aisle and over to the bridal room. We had been told to go there after the ceremony, and wait until most people had left... "Security reasons," the guards had told us.

Once in the room, Danny closed the door behind us.

"You look absolutely stunning, darling," He said turning to face me, a twinkle is his eye.

"You don't look too bad your self," I responded, scanning him in his crisp, black tuxedo.

With that, he began to move closer to me, slipping his arms around my waist. As he was about to kiss me, I took a little step back, teasing him. He followed me, laughing a little, as he bent over to kiss me once more. Again I took a step back, and immediately I began to giggle.

"My dear, I'm not that bad a kisser, am I," he asked, flirtatiously.

"Oh, no," I said in mock-seriousness, taking another step back.

This time, however, I hit the cool wall, and found my self unable to move anymore.

"Tut-tut-tut," Danny teased as he closed the distance between us, "Looks like I've got you cornered, darling."

He then slowly bent over to kiss me.

I felt his lips, lightly brush mine, teasing at first. Slowly I put my hands on his chest, then moved them around his neck to draw him closer.

Our kisses grew more intense, as the space between us vanished completely. I could feel my lips burning, his hot breath consuming me. My knees began to grow weak, as I felt his hand begin to stroke my side. I began to felt dizzy as out kiss grew deeper, more intense. I could feel him slowly pushing into me, his strong torso pushing into my--

A sudden knock at the door drew our lips apart, startling us. Yet, Danny still held me in his arms as he turned to respond.

"Who is it," he asked, sounding as if he were perfectly normal, where as I was practically gasping for air.

"Security Sir... your limo is here to take you to the reception," a deep voice responded.

"Thank you, we'll be right out," Danny said, then turned back to me.

I was still breathing hard, and felt completely flushed.

"I should probably freshen up before we go," I began, "I'm sure I don't look too nice now."

Danny gave a small laugh, and looked at me in a loving way... I continued to look up at him, a bit unsure.

"My dear, first of all, you always look gorgeous. Second, you look even more stunning right now... I must say, those flushed cheeks of yours always catch my eye."

I felt my self blush even more, and he let out another small chuckle before bending over once more to give me a small peck on the lips.

"I think it's time we go to the reception," He said, finally letting me out of his arms, "but we must continue our little moment later on."

---

The reception was lovely, yet I barley talked to Danny after out first dance... he was socializing with everyone in the room. He seemed very popular amongst his peers, something I hadn't been aware of before I of course had been charmed by him, but it hadn't occurred to me that others had been too.

I tried to spend a lot of time with the children; after all, they were now my children. Yet, every time I sat down with them, I was immediately dragged off by a group of women, or a fried of Danny wanting "a dance with the lovely bride."

I cannot complain about the evening, though. It was absolutely lovely. I felt as if I was in a fairytale. Roses in every direction you looked, women in gorgeous dresses, laughter, a beautiful sunset, everything was perfect.

I must admit, I was a bit sad when it was over. And even sadder when the last guests left the children.

"Good buy, Mom!" They all said at once, which caused me to give a light laugh.

I kissed each of them good-bye but when I came to Audrey, she looked up at me with her big brown eyes, and said very seriously, "Will you bring me something from your trip?"

I had to laugh at this... she was such a sweetheart!

"Yes, darling... I promise," I said hugging the little girl before she ran off to join her brothers and sisters they were all headed back to the house, where Mrs. Phillips was going to care for them for the next two weeks.

As the last one disappeared behind the door, I felt the Senator slip his arm around my waist.

"My dear, our flight doesn't leave until the morning, what do you say we head up to our suite and get a good night sleep, hmm," he asked flirtatiously.

"Now darling, do you really think that's possible," I responded, looking up at him with a twinkle in my eye.

He gave a little chuckle, the bent over to kiss me on the lips. Then, softly moving to me ear he quietly whispered, "I was just checking, my love."

I was then gently led upstairs to our room.