Chapter 24
Disclaimer: If you don't know by now…broke no money. Dick- synonymous with money.
A/N: I regret to inform this will be all over soon. Thanks for the reviews!
Two Months Later…"And I now pronounce you man and wife…blah, blah, blah. Then you turn and walk back down the aisle." The priest motioned for Carolyn and Lewis to do just that. "Then you're followed by your maid of honor and best man, followed by your attendants." Alex and Bobby linked arms and followed their friends back into the entrance of the church. Mike and Carolyn's cousin, Nina, her bridesmaid, followed suit. "We're done here! See you all at three tomorrow!" The priest grabbed his stuff and left.
Carolyn and Lewis looked at each other, the love shining in their eyes. Mike rolled his. "Gag me! Kidding, kidding." Carolyn's cousin Nina looked at Mike. "I agree with you. They'll be married in twelve hours and then we can have our lives back."
Carolyn punched her cousin in the arm. "I'm telling your mom!" Nina punched her back. "I'm telling yours." Everyone laughed.
"All right people!" Lewis yelled over the cacophony as more of their family and friends joined them in the entrance of the church. "We're going to the restaurant now, so we'll see you there!"
A Salt & Battery…Carolyn looked around the table, surveying her group. Bobby and Alex were holding the baby and chatting with her mother, Mike and Nina were getting awfully close and various friends and family were all enjoying themselves. Carolyn looked at Lewis. He looked back at her and squeezed her hand, smiling. The noise was deafening.
"HEY YOU GUYS!" Carolyn stood up and waved her arms to get everyone's attention in addition to her yelling. Everyone quieted down and looked at Carolyn and Lewis. "Look, we just wanted to say thank you to all of you for being able to come tonight, as well as tomorrow night. I want to thank Alex for helping Lewis and I plan this – if you ever retire, there's an idea for you!" Everyone laughed and Bobby winked at Alex over the baby's head. "And Bobby!" It was Bobby's turn to blush. "He's you're best friend! If it weren't for you, we'd never be here!" Lewis went over and gave Bobby a hug. "And my partner, Mike. Thank you for your continued support and for helping out with Meredith so I could steal her mommy away." Mike raised a glass to Carolyn. Lewis spoke, "Thanks you guys, so, so much. And we'll see you tomorrow!"
Bridal Room…"Alex! Where are my fucking shoes!" Carolyn was a nervous wreck. She had already snapped at Alex a million times today, each time for something more insipid than the first infraction. Alex had already learned to keep her mouth shut. It was Carolyn's day and she wasn't doing it on purpose. Just handing the baby to her was enough to keep her quiet, but now she had her wedding gown on. Resume screaming at Alex. "Alex!"
"Carolyn," Alex grabbed her chin and got up in her face, "if you don't stop screaming my name, the guys will think something is up. Now shut up. Here are your shoes. And don't think for a second I don't love you, kid." Alex let Carolyn's chin go. Carolyn rubbed it and scowled.
"I'm sorry, the guys will think what's up?"
Alex smirked. "Think about it." Carolyn snorted. "Dirty minds think alike." Alex fluffed out Carolyn's veil. "God, this is a gorgeous dress." There was a knock on the door. Nina walked in, Mike behind her. "Get out Mike!" Alex screamed at him. Mike averted his eyes and left.
"Where's my dress?" Nina asked Alex.
"It's in the closet." Alex turned to Carolyn to get her to zip hers up. "Thanks for letting us pick our own dresses." Alex had on a knee length black strapless dress and heels to match. Nina had a similar style but in hot pink.
"It was the least I could do. I know we have enough taffeta nightmares between us, so I thought why not go for something you can wear again. I just hope you'll return the courtesy." Carolyn realized what she had said and turned away from Alex to preoccupy herself with mascara application. Alex looked at her suspiciously but kept her mouth shut. There was another knock on the door. Alex zipped up Nina and opened the door a crack. Bobby.
"What? You're not supposed to see us yet."
"We're ready when you are. The priest is getting antsy; we were supposed to start 3 minutes ago."
"We'll be right out." Alex shut the door and went to adjust the headband on Meredith's head. "It's show time folks!"
Down The Aisle…The music started and Alex turned around the Carolyn to give her a quick hug. Nina went down first. Alex followed close behind, the baby on her hip. Bobby grinned when he saw her. Alex blushed and took her spot next to Nina. The pianist started playing the bridal march and down the aisle came Carolyn. Nina poked Alex in the back. "She's wearing waterproof, right?" Alex snorted and nodded without turning around. Alex looked at Bobby. He looked good in a tuxedo. He felt her looking at him and smiled. Alex took Carolyn's bouquet. The show began. They all knelt or the opening prayer and before Alex knew it, it was time for her reading. Alex handed the baby to Nina and stepped up to the podium.
"Carolyn asked me to do this reading for the wedding. And I happily obliged." Alex took a deep breath and began.
"His hello was the end of her
endings
Her laugh was their first step down the aisle
His hand
would be hers to hold forever
His forever was as simple as her
smile
He said she was what was missing
She said instantly she
knew
She was a question to be answered
And his answer was "I
do"."
Alex glanced up, having gotten choked up reading that herself. She snuck a glance at Bobby. He looked at her proudly, eyes glistening. Even Mike was holding it in. Alex looked at Carolyn and mouthed congratulations to her. Carolyn smiled and pulled a tissue from her bosom.
It was time for the vows. Carolyn and Lewis had written their own. The priest motioned for the rings from Bobby, and before anyone knew it…
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Lewis obliged. And just like in the rehearsal they followed each other back down the aisle. Bobby met Alex in the middle and took Meredith from her and linked arms.
Loft 11…Everyone was dancing and having a good time. Lewis and Carolyn were in their own little world. Alex had left to take the baby to her apartment, where her mother was going to take care of her. Alex got back to the reception to find Lewis, Mike and Bobby all huddled in a corner with Deakins. She tapped Jimmy on the shoulder. He whirled around and everyone started acting nonchalant. Keyword – acting.
"Anybody mind if I steal Bobby for a dance?"
"No, Eames, that's just fine." Deakins turned to Bobby. "We'll talk later. Bobby nodded and took Alex's hand and led her out to the dance floor. "Moon River" started playing. Nina was dragging out Mike to the dance floor. Alex rolled her eyes at him.
"He's totally loving this." Alex turned her head back around to look up at Bobby. He was smiling at her.
"Allow me to get cutesy for a minute?" Alex pretended to look annoyed.
"God, if you must!"
Bobby pulled Alex closer and whispered in her ear. "I love you so much, you know that?"
Alex looked back up to him as he pulled his head away. "I love you too, Bobby Goren." He gave her a genuine smile.
"Good." They both laughed and continued dancing.