Chapter Eighteen- Wedding Bells and Garter Belts
Thanks to Whatsername007, mstang.gurl, obsessedwithstabler, K-Fuzzy215, JennBenn3148, and onetreefan for all their lovely reviews. Love you guys!
Disclaimer: I own no one and nothing.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Jackson started to cry, a soft sound like a puppy. Olivia was torn; she looked at the doctor with a pained look on her tear-stained face. Elliot had his eyes closed and looked like he was praying.
The doctor started to stammer. This was his first time informing a patient's family and friends of their status. He had just joined the ER team that year and was fresh out of college, graduating at the top of his class, but he had never been good at telling patients or their families statuses. "No no no…" he stuttered. "I meant I'm so sorry for the scare we caused you. She's fine."
Hearing that the entire group let out a cry of bewilderment and relief, Jackson ran up and hugged the doctor, tightly, making him choke. He let go and then whooped, running to hug everyone else in turn. Olivia was laughing and Elliot was now crying. Cragen had the look of the hugest relief on his face. Casey was crying in relief and Munch and Fin were high fiving each other. What shocked everyone was that they hadn't made a bet on Alex's life yet.
"When can we see her?" Jackson asked, after their little celebration was over.
The doctor nodded. "Yeah, just let the nurse move her into a room, so we can keep using the ER for other cases."
Olivia grinned. "Thanks doc, we owe ya one." She said smiling.
"Yeah man, you just saved someone very important to us." Elliot said, patting him on the back.
Jackson's response brought a chuckle to the whole team. He knelt down before the doctor. "I think I love you." He said, through tearful eyes.
The doctor chuckled. "Thanks, but I think you love your girlfriend more."
Jackson laughed and then gazed at Alex when she was rolled out of the ER.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Alex was finally settled in her room with Jackson holding her hand. The doctor had informed them that she was going to be out on sedation for a few hours and Jackson had insisted on staying with her. Olivia and Elliot decided to stay as well. Casey went out to bring coffee for them all and Munch and Fin had taken another government conspiracy argument out into the hall.
She's so beautiful. Jackson thought, stroking her hand. It broke his heart to see the strongest woman he knew, lying there so weak. She had taken pain, both emotionally and physically without showing any wear and tear. He loved that about her. He kissed her forehead. "Wake up soon honey." He whispered softly, moving a strand of silky blonde hair from her face.
Olivia sat on Alex's other side. She was her "sister". Sure, they didn't always get along, especially when they had different views of the legal system, but Alex was always there for her. She knew all of her secrets and she was the first to know about her feelings for Elliot. Alex had been there through that, letting Olivia crash on her couch when she was depressed about Elliot's temper tantrums and the frustration at not being able to have him. Olivia owed her for that, for not laughing her off, or telling her to give it up, but for encouraging her to hang in there.
Elliot loved Alex like a sister. His blue eyes surveyed the entire room from his position at the window, but as much as he loved her, he couldn't focus. Not while Olivia was there. He watched her from behind. Her golden brown hair was hanging in her face as she looked down at Alex. Elliot moved to stand behind her and place a hand on her shoulder. She reached up to squeeze his hand, feeling his strength and security inside of her.
Casey returned with coffee. She handed the cups to everyone. Jackson refused. His hands were full. He was clasping Alex's hand with both of his. Casey didn't made him take the coffee. She put it on the bedside table and sat down in a chair, watching and waiting.
Alex started to stir. She moaned softly and Jackson moved closer.
He was the first thing she saw when she opened her eyes. "Hey stranger." She murmured softly at the man she loved. He was in tears. "I love you Alex." He whispered, looking into the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
One Year Later
Everyone's eyes turned to see Alex walking down the aisle dressed in white with a veil that was lined with light pink roses. Her hair was pulled back into an elegant updo and her blue eyes were sparkling as she proceeded down the aisle. At her side was Cragen, her father wasn't alive nor she think he would want to be there at the moment, so Cragen had been the logical choice to give her away. Jackson stared at her with watery eyes. He was shaking in nerves and jitters. His best man, which ironically was Elliot, put a hand on his shoulder. Munch and Fin winked at them from beside Elliot. Jackson just couldn't believe he was marrying Alex Cabot, the toughest DA in New York and the most perfect woman he had ever met.
Emily, Elliot's and Olivia's ten month old daughter was gurgling happily on Alex's mother's lap. She cooed, "Mommy." At the sight of Olivia in a light blue dress. "Boo." She cooed and giggled.
Alex finally reached the front; she was breathing a little quicker than usual. Jackson wasn't any less nervous. Alex handed her bouquet of light pink roses and lilies to Olivia, her maid of honor, and turned to face Jackson. Casey was smiling from ear to ear as she stood beside Olivia.
And so came the vows that Alex and Jackson wrote themselves.
Jackson spoke first.
I do sweat that I'll always be there. I'd give anything and everything and I will always care. Through weakness and strength, happiness and sorrow, for better, for worse. I will love you with every beat of my heart.
Alex smiled, tears of joy filling up her eyes.
From this moment life has begun. From this moment you re the one. Right beside you is where I belong. From this moment on.
Jackson started to cry as well, not caring what people thought of him.
From this moment I have been blessed, I live only for your happiness, and for your love, I'd give my last breath, From this moment on
Alex took his hand in hers, as Jackson lifted up her veil.
I give my hand to you with all my heart. I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start. You and I will never be apart, my dreams came true because of you.
You're the reason I believe in love
And you're the answer to my prayers from up above
All we need is just the two of us
My dreams came true because of you
From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment on
They finished together as Jackson leaned in to kiss her. The entire crowd cheered and the preacher pronounced them man and wife.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Aww isn't that sweet? Well I got the lyrics from Shania Twain's From this Moment On. I write my own songs but am too shy to share so I'll borrow for the time being. But wait…there's more!
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The Reception.
Jackson wrapped his arms around Alex as they danced the first dance. "How does it feel to be married?' he asked her. "Stuffy." She teased. "Already? I was going to give it a few months before you ran." He said laughing. She smiled. "I'm not going anywhere." She said, kissing him gently.
Alex was getting ready to throw the bouquet. She closed her eyes, smiling and tossed it behind her. Olivia was bouncing her baby girl on her lap, because she didn't think she would be married a second time. Squeals from all the girls. Casey caught it.
Jackson was throwing the garter. He slipped it off Alex's thigh and he tossed into the crowd of his rowdy friends. The crowd suddenly went silent. When it parted, Munch was left standing in the center with the garter belt in his hand.
Olivia laughed to herself as her baby girl fell asleep in her arms and Elliot came over to wrap his arms around her waist. It was amazing what a little magic could do.
The End
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
OOOOOO did you see that coming? Huh? Huh? Did you? I will be making a sequel so don't be too sad that this is over.