Chapter 86
Olivia and Natalia were led into the house through the kitchen and taken to the great hall that had been set up for their reception. A stage was set up with a D.J., flowers and candles matching the ones from their ceremony were used to make up the center pieces on each table. A wet bar was set up off to the side and a dance floor in front of the stage. Before the two could be seated, Ashley appeared before them whisking them, Sam, Doris, and their children off for pictures.
Phillip had set up a room that the arch from the ceremony as well as many of the flowers were brought into for the pictures. Ashley took several shots of the entire wedding party, some with just Olivia, Natalia, and the kids. A few or the three kids, plenty of just the brides, some with each bride and their all their kids, a few with each bride and each child separately, some of just Olivia and Sam, some of each bride with Doris, Doris with both brides, and several individuals of each member of the wedding party before they were returned to the great hall for the reception to start.
Doris, Ashley, and the children entered first and went to their seats, as the brides entered, everyone stood from their seat and applauded the happy couple as they made their way to the wedding party table. Olivia and Natalia sat in the center, Ava, and Emma, to Olivia's left, Rafe and Sam to Natalia's right.
As they attempted to eat the brides were steadily approached by one person after another congratulating them and wishing them well. Buzz was one of the last guests to approach them.
"Hello, you two lovely ladies."
"Well hello Buzz." Olivia greeted him. "Thank you for coming."
"Yes. I'm so glad you're here." Natalia added.
"Well, I couldn't miss the wedding of two of my favorite ladies now could I. You both look beautiful, and brilliantly happy."
"We are." Olivia stated. "I don't know how I got lucky enough to find such an amazing love."
"Aside from me of course." Buzz joked.
"Of course."
"I'm glad you finally found your happiness Olivia. You deserve it." He stated, kissing her cheek, and turning to Natalia. "And thank you for seeing what a wonderful woman our Olivia is."
"She is wonderful isn't she?" Natalia answered. Taking Olivia's hand and kissing the back of it.
"That she is."
As Buzz walked away the D.J. came over the microphone. "Alright ladies and gentlemen. I would like to welcome the brides to the dance floor for their first dance as wife and wife."
Olivia stood and offered a hand to Natalia. She led them to the dance floor as the cords to Rascal Flats 'Bless the Broken Road' began to play. Olivia took Natalia into her arms and the two started to sway to the music. Ava had been in charge of the music for the reception and she felt this song was perfect for the life both women had walked to get to where they now stood, but specifically for her mom.
I set out on a narrow road, many years ago.
Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road.
But I got lost a time or two, wipe my brow kept pushing through,
I couldn't see how every sign, pointed straight to you.
Olivia pulled Natalia tighter against her and sang softly in her ear.
Every long-lost dream, led me to where you are.
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars.
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms.
This much I know is true,
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
Natalia leant her head against Olivia's and listened to her wife's beautiful voice belt out the song that so perfectly captured the way Olivia felt about her love with Natalia.
I think about the years I spent, just passing through.
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you.
But you just smile and take my hand, you've been there you understand.
It's all part of a grander plan, that is coming true.
Olivia pulled back slightly so she could look into the chocolate brown eyes she adored so much as she started to sing the chorus again.
Every long-lost dream, led me to where you are.
Others who broke my heart, they were like northern stars.
Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms.
This much I know is true,
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
Natalia stared into the deep jade eyes of her love with unshed tears glistening in her eyes as Olivia geared up to finish the song.
And now I'm just rolling home, into my lovers arms.
This much I know is true.
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you.
As the song ended, Olivia lowered her head and claimed Natalia's lips in a searing kiss. Pouring every ounce of love she held for her wife into it. Making sure Natalia understood that she meant every word she had just sang to her.
As the next song started, more couples joined them on the dance floor. Soon Josh approached the brides and asked if he could cut in, claiming he owed Olivia a dance at her wedding. Olivia and Josh both chuckled a little and Natalia just shook her head, deciding she would ask Olivia about it later as she handed her off to Josh and turned to find herself face to face with Phillip who had his arms open in invitation to dance. Natalia took the offer and she and Phillip danced alongside Josh and Olivia.
Josh made sure to maintain a gentlemanly distance from his dance partner as he gazed upon her face. "So, you finally did it huh? Found the one you were supposed to marry."
"That I did Josh. I never thought I would marry again, after disaster number four, I don't count Jeffery. But I couldn't not marry her. She's everything Josh. I've never felt like this before. No offense."
"None taken."
"But with her, it just feels right. Like this is where I was always meant to be. You know?"
Josh glanced over to where Reva stood. "I do. I'm glad you finally found what you've spent a lifetime searching for."
"Me too." Olivia simply said, allowing her gaze to once again land on the beauty that was her love. It amazed her how unfazed she was at the sight of Phillip dancing with her wife. She still had trouble sometimes, believing just how far she and Phillip had come. At that thought, she decided to trade dance partners with Natalia. She reached over and grabbed Natalia's hand, pulling her closer and slightly out of Phillip's hold. She place her hand in Josh's and she herself stepped into Phillips waiting arms.
"Hey there."
"Well hello Mrs. Spencer-Rivera."
"I don't think I will ever tire of hearing that."
"Love looks good on you Olivia."
"Thank you Phillip. And thank you for all you did today. The ceremony was beautiful, and I can't thank you enough for giving Natalia and I a true dream wedding."
"Well, it wasn't all me. Our esteemed mayor is the one who approached me with the idea."
"Yes, but you made it happen and I appreciate it more than I can say. When I came to your jail cell all those months ago, if you had told me I would one day be dancing with you after marrying Natalia in your green house, I would have made sure you had a return trip to Ravenwood, but now, well, now I am so grateful for all of the people I have in my corner. Thank you for always standing behind Natalia and I."
"You deserve this Olivia. More than anybody I know. I'm glad you finally got here. And I'm happy to have been a part of making your dreams come true instead of tearing them down."
As the song ended, Olivia kissed Phillip on the cheek and made her way to her wife, wrapping her arms around her and kissing her neck softly. The D.J. came over the microphone again, drawing their attention.
"Attention every one, the son of the brides has something he would like to say."
Rafe stepped forward and took the microphone. "So um, I don't have a speech or anything, I kind of did that at the wedding, but uh, I wanted to dance with my Ma on her wedding day, and before we do, I just wanted to tell you that this song is how I feel about you. So, Ma, may I have this dance."
Olivia walked Natalia to their son and placed her hand in his kissing his cheek. The dance floor cleared until only Rafe and Natalia remained in the center. Rafe put one hand on her waist and took the other in his free hand. Natalia placed her free hand around his neck and the two began to swirl to Boys to Men's 'A Song for Mama.'
You taught me everything and everything you've given me,
I always keep it inside.
You're the driving force in my life, yeah.
There isn't anything or anyone that I can be
And just wouldn't feel right.
If I didn't have you by my side.
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were grey
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
And no one else can be what you have been to me
You will always be,
You will always be, the girl in my life
For all time
Mama, Mama, you know that I love you.
Oh you know I love you
Mama, Mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
You're always down for me
Have always been around for me
Even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did
And you took up for me
When everyone was downin' me
You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on
There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you came to me
And say to me I can face anything
And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You'll always be
You will always be the girl in my life
Mama, mama you know I love you
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinking about you
I'd never go a day without my mama
Mama, mama you know I love
Oh you know I love you
Mama, mama you're the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama, I just want you to know
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
Lovin' you is like food to my soul
Natalia had tears running down her face as she looked into her son's eyes so full of love. She hugged him to her and kissed his cheek. "I love you Rafael. Thank you."
"I love you too Ma."
Ava grabbed the mic as Rafe and Natalia walked off the dance floor. "Well, I'm not sure I can beat that one, but Emma and I also have a song for mom. Mom would you join your daughters on the dance floor please."
Olivia walked to the center of the dance floor, wiping tears from watching Rafe and Natalia. She joined her daughters in a three way embrace as 'You're My Mom' started to play.
You have given me my breath
You have given me my strength
You've given me everything I needed.
You have showed me how to shine
You showed me love all the time
And in my heart I feel it
You always show me how to face another tomorrow
And you're always by my side
You're my mom
There is no one else like you
You're my mom
And you always know what to do
You're my mom
And you know I love you too
You're my mom
Because of you I know who I am
Because of you I know I can
Do anything I want to
I don't have the words to say
But I'm thankful everyday
That God has blessed me with you
You always show me how to face another tomorrow
And you're always by my side
You're my mom
There is no one else like
You're my mom
And you always know what to do
You're my mom
And you know I love you too
You're my mom
You're my mom
There is no one else like you
You're my mom
And you always know what to do
You're my mom
And you know I love you too
You're my mom
Olivia knelt to the ground, bringing Ava with her so she could embrace both of her girls. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she buried her face between the two of them. "I love you both so much. Thank you my sweet girls."
"We love you too mom." Ava said as she swept away tears of her own.
"I love you mommy. You're the bestest mommy ever."
"And you are the bestest Jellybean." Olivia kissed both of her girls once more as Natalia joined them on the floor. Kissing first her wife and then both of her daughters. Rafe joined them in a family hug as wordlessly the D.J. started the final song before speeches. Garth Brook's 'Thicker Then Blood.'
As the song ended and the family made their way back to their table, Phillip raised his glass, clinking the side of it. All eyes fell on him and he looked over at the Spencer-Rivera family. "So, I'm not one for big speeches," Everyone laughed as they remembered his big speech at Coop's memorial. "But, uh, I feel these two, this family, deserves one. Olivia and I, well, what can I say, we have a complicated past. We have been through our fair share of things. I have seen this woman at her absolute worst, and I at one time feared I would never see her at her best. Neither my father nor I gave her the love she deserves. Neither did Bill or even Josh for that matter. I watched Olivia become the woman we all feared at one time or another, and I hated that I had a part in her unhappiness, but as I stand here today, I don't see a trace of that woman. The woman I see today is Olivia Spencer at her best. She is undoubtedly happy, and from the look on her face, more than in love. She finally found the love she deserves. Natalia I want to thank you for that. You were married to my brother for a very short time, and I didn't have the pleasure of seeing that, but I would imagine it can't compare to what I see between you and Olivia today. Olivia is a very complex woman, she can change her mood in less time than a minute, but she loves with all of her heart and you have given her that same kind of love in return. Five marriages and not one showed her the love and respect that a woman of her caliber should have. I tip my hat to you Natalia, for doing what no man could do, love Olivia Spencer with all of your heart and truly devote yourself to her. Here's to Natalia and Olivia. May this marriage be both of your last." He raised his glass high in the air before downing it.
To everyone's shock, Reva stood next. She cleared her throat and locked eyes with Olivia. "Olivia, I know you and I are far from the best of friends, but I truly do wish you all the happiness in the world. Finally, the men of Springfield are safe. You found someone who can keep you in line. Natalia, I wish you the very best of luck. Natalia and Olivia, may you not kill each other." The crowd laughed and drank to that. Most of them knowing how the beginning was with the two.
Bill was the next to stand releasing his grip on Lizzie's hand as he did. "So, I can't say that I know Natalia very well, but from what I know, you are a wonderful woman. It would seem you are a true match for Olivia, and I hope you both have the same happiness I share with Lizzie. To Olivia and Natalia."
Josh was the last to stand. Looking from Reva to Olivia and back again. "Well, I guess I was voted to round out the toast. I have known Olivia for a great many years. Once upon a time I thought I could be the one to chase away her demons and bring that lovely smile to her face. A lass, I was wrong. For it was not a man that could save Olivia from her past and herself, but a woman. Natalia, I commend you. You have done the impossible. You took this stubborn, ill tempered, sometimes crazy woman, and turned her into a lovesick puppy. I don't know how you did it, but on behave of all of Springfield, I thank you for taming the beast. May the love I see between you two always remain. To Mrs. And Mrs. Spencer-Rivera."
Everyone cheered and drank again to the brides. As the cheers and laughter died down, a familiar voice no one expected to hear sounded through the speakers.
Clapping his hands, the man that had stood in the shadows before now hopped up onto the stage. "Bravo, bravo. That was all very touching. But I believe the three of five ex-husbands still alive, forgot a few things about our dear Olivia. I noticed everyone mentioning how Olivia deserves love, and not just any love, but the great love Natalia has offered her." Olivia and Natalia shared a look as Olivia squeezed Natalia's hand almost painfully. "What I think was forgotten, is why Olivia was never able to find that love in the past. No one mentioned how many hearts she ripped out and stomped on, the families she broke apart, or the many manipulations she was behind. All of the under handed scams she dealt in."
Buzz stood and made a beeline for the stage. "That's enough." Before he could make it to the stage, Phillip, Bill, Josh, Rafe, Sam, and Olivia herself were all already there. As Natalia sat rooted to her spot, Emma curled into her side almost trembling.
"What the hell are you doing Frank?" Olivia spat.
"I just want to give my toast to the happy couple." He replied with a menacing grin on his face.
"I don't think that's necessary." Phillip offered. Holding out his hand for the mic. Trying to peacefully put an end to this before it got out of hand.
"Oh, but it is. See, I'm not entirely certain that Natalia here fully understands just who she married. I think someone should reveal all the skeleton's in her closet before Natalia gets in too deep."
Olivia cut him off. "I have no secrets from Natalia. She already knows all there is to tell. You've already tried this tactic once, remember?"
"Oh, I remember, I'm just not sure if you have told the entire truth. Half-truths are kind of your thing, aren't they Olivia?"
"Not with Natalia. It's over Frank. She never wanted you, and now, we're married. There's nothing you can do about it. You need to let it go."
"I will not give up on this. Natalia deserves better then you and you know it." He shot back, venom dripping from every word.
"I do." Olivia confirmed calmly. "But she chose me. Believe me, I'm just as shocked as you are. But that beautiful, intelligent, wonderful woman chose me. For God only knows why. I understand why you want her Frank. She's amazing, but it just wasn't in the cards for you. I didn't set out to hurt you Frank, I know you think I did, but it was never my intention. But come on, one dinner, really? You're acting like you actually dated and then she left you at the alter for me. Even you have to see how crazy you've been about this whole thing."
"It's not crazy. I love her, and she loves me, we were meant to be together. We could have been happy if you hadn't ruined it all."
By this time Natalia had come out of her shock and passed Emma to Ava to hold while she made her way to the stage.
"Stop Frank, just stop. I don't love you. I never did and I never could. I blamed myself for so long. For leading you on, but that's just not what happened. Plenty of people have a dinner together and then decided they only want friendship. That's what happened Frank. Olivia didn't steel me from you. I never wanted to be anything more than your friend. I am in love with Olivia, I think I always have been. You have to see it Frank." Natalia said just barely below a shout.
"No, you're just being manipulated by her. That bitch can make anyone think anything. You have to open your eyes Natalia." He stepped off the stage and closer to Natalia. "Come with me, let me show you what real love is." He took another step as Natalia stepped back, fear entering her eyes. She found herself pressed against Olivia with Frank still coming closer.
As Olivia's arms wrapped protectively around Natalia and started to turn her away from the deranged man, Frank snapped. He lunged forward only to be stopped by Josh and Phillip grabbing each of his arms. They dragged him out the side door with Bill, Rafe, Sam, and Buzz following. As they reached the door, Josh and Phillip continued outside while Bill turned and raised a hand to stop Rafe, Sam, and Buzz.
"This is a job for the Olivia Spencer ex-husbands club. You three stay in here." He said as he exited out the door.
Rafe quickly gathered himself, balling his fist at his side to lock away his anger. He turned back and strode over to his mother's, wrapping his arms around both women.
Buzz was conflicted. He knew his son was in the wrong, and that he had done several unjust things to the women he considered close friends. At the same time, Frank was his son and he knew what was probably happening to him right now. He hung his head as Lillian approached and guided him to sit.
Doris walked over to Olivia, Natalia, and Rafe, who were now joined by Emma and Ava. "You two okay?"
"Yes. Thanks Doris." Olivia answered.
"I'm gonna have his badge for this. It's the final straw. I think we can consider it harassment at this point. Don't worry. He won't be a bother to you two anymore. I'll make sure of it."
Natalia raised her head from where she had been crying on Olivia's shoulder. "Thank you Doris." She said drying her eyes. "Now, it's my wedding reception and I would like to get back to it."
Doris nodded and went to the D.J. to have him start up the festivities once more.
Olivia waved their children away and walked Natalia to a corner of the room. She wrapped her arms around her and buried her face in her hair, breathing in the scent of her wife. "Are you sure about this honey? We can call it night if you want."
Natalia pulled back to look at the woman before her. "No, I am not going to let Frank Cooper ruin our reception. I want to cut the cake with you and throw our bouquets. I want to make a show of removing your garter and have everyone blow bubbles when we leave. I want it all Olivia. This is both of our last weddings and I want it to be everything either one of us has ever wanted. Frank Cooper is not going to ruin that. Do you hear me?"
Olivia smiled. "Alright, well then, let's keep this party going." She kissed her wife long and deep before leading her back to the crowd of people there to celebrate their love. As the two joined Blake, Doris, and Reva in conversation before the cake cutting, Olivia noticed her three ex-husbands re-enter the room, all looking a little worse for wear. She silently slipped away from the group and walked over the men.
"You didn't kill him did you?" She asked.
"I plead the fifth." Phillip answered with a small laugh.
Josh saw the pleading look on Olivia's face and was quick to assure her. "No, we didn't kill him. He might not be moving so well tomorrow, but he'll be breathing."
"Might be painful breaths though." Bill added. "I don't think you have to worry about him anymore."
"Okay. I don't want to know anymore. Thank you. All of you. I never would have imagined all of my ex-husbands would be defending me at my wedding to a woman." She laughed. "Now, could you three please go get cleaned up before Natalia sees you. She doesn't want this to ruin our night and I think it might if she sees how bad you three look."
All three nodded and headed for the restroom to make themselves presentable again, Buzz quickly following so he could find out the condition of his son and go help him. Surprisingly, Lillian had convinced him that maybe a good kick in the pants is what his son needed to knock off all the crazy behavior where Olivia and Natalia were concerned. She didn't want him hurt, but he was escalating and she feared he might really hurt Olivia or Natalia if he wasn't stopped. Buzz agreed and left Olivia's ex's to do what they may to his son.
As the evening wore on, the good mood was brought back. The guest were back to dancing and laughing. Everyone making sure to get a few jabs in on Olivia. The two cut the cake together, each shoving a piece in the other's face and then licking the frosting off. They threw their bouquets at the same time. Reva catching Olivia's and smiling at Josh, while Ava caught Natalia's and quickly passed it off to her little sister. After that, they took turns removing each other's garters. Opting to use hands instead of the traditional teeth method to keep it G rated. They threw them into a sea of men. All of them diving for them both but only two men got one. Remy getting Natalia's, and Billy Lewis Olivia's.
Once that was over, Olivia and Natalia kissed their children good-bye and said farewell to all their guest. Thanking them immensely for attending, especially given the late hour of their ceremony. The two loaded into their limo while bubbles surrounded them and headed towards The Beacon where they were staying for the weekend. They couldn't afford to take a honeymoon right now, with all they had going on, but locking themselves away in their suite for a weekend was doable.
As they slid into the limo, Olivia pulled Natalia onto her lap. "Hi." She said with a giddy smile on her face. "It's about time I got my wife alone."
Natalia pressed her lips to Olivia's. "I agree. As much as I loved celebrating with our family and friends, I'm ready to have some time with just you Mrs. Spencer-Rivera."
"And I you Mrs. Spencer-Rivera. I have a surprise for you."
"Oh? What kind of surprise?"
"You'll just have to wait and see now won't you."
Natalia pretended to pout, but really couldn't care less. She didn't care what Olivia had planned for her, all that mattered was the woman whose lap on which she sat. "Fine." She leaned down and kissed her wife with more passion then she was aware she possessed. Her tongue slipped out and ran across Olivia's bottom lip, asking for entrance which was immediately granted. Their tongues tangled, chasing from one mouth to the other as they fully tasted each other. Olivia's hands began to trace up and down Natalia's back while Natalia's hands slid to lock around Olivia's neck. Their kiss continued for almost the entire ride. Each woman breathing life into the other. This kiss held no further meaning then the love that they shared and life they were building together.