Justin Gabriel stood. "Stay here." He spoke firmly to Stephanie McMahon. He followed the security guard out of the kitchen. The Physician felt that Stephanie didn't need to see a dead Christopher Jericho.
Stephanie felt numb as Justin spoke. She could only nod at her lieutenant. When it sunk into her brain, she put her head in her hands and sobbed.
Drake Younger came downstairs, he'd woken up to find his lover gone. After an hour, Drake began to worry, so he got up, dressed and thought maybe Justin had decided to raid the kitchen so he went there first.
Drake was taken back. Stephanie sat at the table and sobbed her eyes out. Justin was nowhere, but he noticed Stephanie had not been alone. Two plates and two cups were on the table.
He approached Stephanie but stopped short of touching her. "Ma'am, what is it? Justin?" He was worried something had happened to his beloved.
Before Stephanie could answer, Justin came in to the kitchen. "Oh Drake! Come help me!" He ran back outside. The sun had started to rise.
Drake chased after his lover. "What is it?" He asked with a pant as the trotted down the long driveway of the McMahon mansion.
"It's Jericho. At first I thought he was dead, but, then he threw a pulse. We've got to get him to the house, then the hospital." Justin also panted as they jogged.
Stephanie pulled herself together. Anger began to cloud her brain. All she could think of was killing Randy Orton and all his associates.
By the time Stephanie was dressed she heard a commotion in the hall downstairs. "In here, Drake." Justin said with a bit of a grunt. Stephanie went down to the second floor. Drake, Justin and the security guard carried an unconscious Chris Jericho.
They carried Chris into Justin and Drakes bedroom, as it was the first one on the hallway. Stephanie followed. Maybe, just maybe Chris was alive.
At the mansion of Randy Orton, there was a happy atmosphere. Randy, Cody, Ted, AJ, JoMo, Zack and Dolph ate pancakes and sausage cooked by Heath and Mike.
Mike and Heath filled their own plates and sat down at the table with the others. "You think he'll live?" Mike asked Cody with a bite of his food.
Cody shrugged. "I think he was still breathing when we threw him out." He was matter of fact as he ate.
AJ Styles gave a bit of a shudder. "Just remind me to never piss you off, Cody." He couldn't believe how truly vicious Cody could be. It was downright frightening.
Randy grinned a bit. "It was partly my fault. I just reminded Cody of how Jordan looked after Jericho's bastard hit him. Jericho doesn't know where my family is, but Jordan got his justice Just…Cody, next time when Ted stops you, stop. That last punch to the head was a bit much, even for me. Still, well done." He continued to eat like nothing had happened.
Cody hung his head a bit. "I will, boss. Sorry. I just thought of little Jordan and his pink eye patch. Boss, if Jericho doesn't have them...who does and where are they? I mean, they need medical care." He spoke in a worried tone of voice. He just poked at his food.
Randy let out a sigh. "I wish I knew. I still think McBitch has them. I want your brother on it, Ted. No point in Brett guarding the house. Dean and Ida aren't targets. Tell him to get that MJF kid to help him. He did a great job of trailing Barrett and Bálor. It wasn't his fault about the wreck. One thing, at least if McMahon has them, they will get the medical care they need." Randy knew his family would be in good hands with Justin.
Ted pulled out his phone and rapidly tapped out a message. "I told Brett to get MJF and be here within an hour." Ted gave Randy a nod, put his phone on the table and took a bite of his food.
"Good. MJF will need pictures of the kids too. I will be hounding Hunter today. Be the worried parent… you know what I mean." Randy gave another sigh.
John Morrison spoke up. "You going over to Adam's? To wait with Ambrose?" He knew Randy was worried, they all were, but Orton Pharmaceuticals needed the boss.
Randy shook his head. "No, the house without the kids and Adam...I can't. I will if Hunter wants me there, but otherwise I'll go to the office. It's safer there and there is work. The rep from Japan has to be dealt with. Zack, when is your delivery due? The street boys are starting to run short of happy stuff." He finished his breakfast with a huge last bite.
Zack looked at his cell phone. "Plane lands tomorrow at two. Usual place, double amount. The suppliers had a chance to get more out of Columbia, so they took it. I'm going to set up the fake drop with the pilot tomorrow. Unless you want to hold off." Ryder looked at Randy, brow arched.
Randy rubbed his clean shaven chin. "Wait. I don't want to put the kids or Adam at risk, in case it goes south. Give the pilot a bonus for the extra merchandise. You're doing a great job, Zack. You will get a bonus as well. Keeping the streets supplied is tough job. I appreciate it. Dolph, help Zack if he asks." He gave his orders like the boss he was.
Zack grinned. "Thank you, boss. Yeah, I will wait for the set up. Dolph, I'll get with you later. Don't worry Heath, nothing too dangerous. AJ, I'll need that pellet gun, just in case." He looked at his fellow lieutenants.
AJ nodded. "No problem. I have a new load of knockout pellets ready. By the way, I finally finished with the device that was meant to take Heath out. It was a Belfast Special. It would have gone off the second Heath turned the key. A very clever device. You can put it anywhere on a car. It's picks up the spark from the turn of the key. It breaks a circuit and sets off an explosion. Who ever made it, is very dangerous, it's highly advanced technology. I destroyed it, but I have a schematic for it." He too finished his meal.
"Bonus for you, too. Great work, AJ. See if it's something we can use. Probably came from fucking Bálor. His father is a weapons specialist. Even the IRA caved to him. Well boys, finish up, clean up and head out. I'll be there after Ted and I meet with Brett and MJF." Randy gave his men a nod of dismissal.
Cody stood. "Right, boss. We'll handle things till you get there. Ted, I'll take a quick shower, think I got blood in my hair." He gave his lover a kiss, then headed upstairs to take a shower.
Ted gave a little laugh. "Guess he'll find that blood on his shirt..." He was interrupted by a text message. He opened his phone and read it, then spoke again. "Brett said he is very, very sorry, but MJF is tied up till eleven. Medical appointment he can't miss. What should I tell Brett?" Ted looked at Randy for instruction.
"Fine, no problem. Tell Brett to get some rest, and they can come to the office. Tell them to dress to blend in." Randy responded with a last sip of coffee. He began to gather his papers.
"Will do." Ted gave Randy a nod, then typed the reply to Brett. He and the others then went to get ready to go to work at their real jobs at Orton Pharmaceuticals.
Things at the McMahon mansion were in a bit of chaos. Justin worked on Chris Jericho as Stephanie watched with deep concern on her face.
"I still feel he needs to go to the hospital. We can take him to avoid the ambulance. He needs X-Rays." Justin looked up at Stephanie. He held a clot to a nasty cut on Chris' temple.
Stephanie nodded. "Alright. Get him ready to go I will go set up a private place at Saint Luke's. Park in the underground garage. Justin, I want him to have the best possible care." Stephanie spoke firmly. They would just have to think of a story if anyone asked.
Justin looked relieved. "Good. Don't worry, I've dealt with worse. Just say he was mugged, and managed to call you for help." He began to prepare Jericho to be moved. An ambulance would be better, but they could manage.
Stephanie stood next to the bed and gently picked up Chris' right hand. "Hang on, Chris. We're going to take care of you. Just think of our trip to Chicago. It will be wonderful." She bent down and barely kissed Chris' bruised and battered cheek.
Chris let out a pain filled moan. But, he managed to give Stephanie's hand a slight squeeze. Stephanie smiled again. She felt Chris was the key to her future happiness. Maybe even with a child or two. Someone to hand the family legacy to.
Across town, Ida made breakfast for Dean, Seth and Roman. She'd just taken a huge breakfast casserole out of the oven.
"I'll take some down to everyone later. Dean, you should go up and get some more sleep." Ida spoke as she dished up plates.
Dean looked like death warmed up. He took a sip of orange juice. "I will, after I eat. Poor little lions. They kept waking up with nightmares. Adam is exhausted too. It's to be expected though. Maybe the wedding will help." He let out a sigh. It had been a long, rough night.
Roman gave Dean a pat on the arm. "You eat, then sleep. Everything up here will be alright. Look at it this way. You at least look the part of a worried loved one. Especially if Randy shows up. I have a few things to do to help Shawn. Won't take too long, then I will be here to help. Oh thank you, Ida. This looks wonderful." Roman's eyes went wide at the amount of food on his plate.
"Don't forget the jewelry store, just plain silver bands. We can pick out other rings for the Vegas ceremony. Oh, thank you, Ida. My favorite breakfast." Dean perked at the sight of the casserole.
Seth chewed his bite of toast. "Thank you, dear Ida. Adam always shared this when you packed it for his lunch. Ro, don't forget to bring our camera. It's in the blue tote in the front bedroom. I promised Adam I would video the wedding." He took another bite.
"I wish I had some decorations. I am going to have to go to the store. You two are going to have a cake, or my name isn't Ida Brown. Seth, are you sure you will be alright? I won't be long. I'll go now." Ida looked at Seth. She didn't want him to over do.
Seth grinned at Ida. "I will be fine. Dean will be here. I am sure Adam and the kids will sleep a few more hours. So go, get some decorations. I am pregnant not fragile you know. I won't carry anything downstairs without someone with me. I am good boy."
The others laughed. "Alright, dear. I am so glad you will be next door. I will be back soon." Ida took off her apron, picked up her purse and keys. She then left to go shopping.
Roman spoke after Ida left. "I hope no one notices what she buys. It would be hard to explain." He was more worried than he let on.
Dean chimed in. "It will be alright. Ida is smart. Guys, thanks for everything. You're the best friends I could ever ask for. I can't believe, by tonight, I will be a married man."
Roman chuckled. "You're the best friend I could want too, buddy. I told you not to give up and that one day Adam would notice you. Dean, you're like a new man. Adam and the children have really made an impact on you. You deserve it, buddy. You went through hell, and not just Drake. You've found your peace about Cathy."
Dean nodded with a soft smile. "Yes, I have. Seeing those little lions, made me realize Cathy really is better off. She isn't in pain any more. I know she will be with me today."
Seth laid a hand on Dean's hand. "Yeah, she will. I'm glad the quads helped you realize it. I was getting worried. Before you took Adam to that fundraiser, you barely cracked a smile. Now, finish your breakfast and go got some sleep. It's bad luck to see Adam before the wedding anyway. Been enough bad around here."
Dean grinned. "Yeah, those five changed my life. Now, I have a family and a baby on the way. Seth, thanks for always taking care of me and Roman, you're my brother. I love you two." He took a huge bite of his food. Dean was in a much better frame of mind. Thanks to his two best friends.
In a private room, Justin looked at the series of X-Rays from Chris Jericho. Stephanie and Drake stood back out of the way. Finn Bálor stood guard at the door.
Justin turned off the light reader. "Looks better than I thought it would No broken bones, but he does have three cracked ribs There is some internal bruising, but no bleeding He has a mild concussion, and lot of external damage. It will take a while, but he should have a full recovery. He needs constant care." Justin spoke like the highly trained physician he was. He felt confident in Jericho's recovery.
Relief washed over Stephanie McMahon. "He will have the best care. Does he have to stay here? I don't want him vanishing. I can't afford to have any of you standing guard twenty four hours a day."
Justin went into deep thought. "Yes, he can go back to the mansion. I will put off starting in the children's ward for a few days. We can hire a care service, loyal to us. I will gather up what we will need for his care. Let him rest a few hours before moving him again. Finn, how is Wade? Could we put Chris in with him?" Two factions members would be easier to guard together.
"Wade sleeps a lot, which is best for him. Sure, put Jericho in with him. I will guard them with my life. Ma'am would you allow Wade and I to...marry?" Finn actually flushed and barely whispered his last word.
Stephanie went to the Irish lieutenant and laid a hand on his shoulder. "Of course, I think you and Wade will make a good marriage. If a baby comes along, Wade will be pulled off duty. I won't allow him to be at risk ever again. I need to go see him. Is he doing better...about the baby?" Stephanie really cared about Wade. Sometimes business didn't always come first.
Finn looked at Stephanie. He could see the genuine concern. "He is doing better, but has moments. It really helped when he had that vision of Alberto holding a baby. It gave him a peace about it. Thank you, ma'am. I wanted to ask you before I asked Wade. But no matter what, we are both loyal to you."
"I appreciate that, Finn. Hopefully, father will do the right thing and step down. Justin, take care of Chris. Drake, you and I have work to do. I will go when Chris goes." Stephanie turned back to her faction leader voice.
"Don't worry, ma'am. I'd like to keep Chris till at least four. It will give me time to get what we need. I take it I can use your name to avoid any questions?" Justin looked up from the medical chart he held. Chris would need some very strong medications, questions would be asked.
Stephanie gave Justin a nod. "Yes. I will also call Bill at the pharmacy, tell him to give you everything you ask for. He won't question, he is ours." She gave the physician a wink. Stephanie left Chris' room after another kiss to Jericho's cheek.
Drake pulled Justin in for a kiss. "Call me if you need me. Finn, look after them." He gave Finn a nod as he left to join Stephanie.
"I'll go see to getting Chris moved. Stay here, please. Try to comfort him if he wakes up. I won't be long." Justin gave Chris a final check as he spoke to Finn.
"I will, Justin." Finn gave Justin a nod as the physician left the room.
In the safe room at Adam's, breakfast/lunch was being enjoyed. Roman had helped Seth carry down the left over breakfast casserole before he left to help Shawn get all the legal work done. He also had to buy rings for Adam and Dean. Roman was so happy for his best friend.
Seth and Adam sat at the little kitchen table while the kids sat on the floor and used the coffee table. "I'll help you take a shower when you're finished. It will revive you." Seth spoke with a half smile. Adam looked exhausted.
"Thanks, Seth. I need it. I haven't had a good, hot bath since the accident. I need to wash my hair. I want to look halfway human for later. Can you sneak down my dove gray suit?" Adam asked then took a bite.
Seth nodded and took a sip of his hot tea. "Yes, I can. I'll get clothes for the kids too. Don't worry, Dean would marry you in your pajamas."
"Yes, I would..." Dean stated as he entered the safe room. The quadruplets happily greeted Dean. He bent down and kissed each child on top of the head. He kissed Adam and sat down.
"I know, I know. I couldn't sleep till I knew everyone was alright. Ida is back. She had to tell a porky at the grocery store. The check out girl asked if it was the kids birthday. Dear old Ida said no, she was making a cake for the ladies at the nursing home. She is a smart lady. Well, I'll go back up and sleep a bit. Got a big event coming up later. Seth, Ida said take your time, she can bake faster alone." Dean ended with a laugh.
Seth chuckled. "Yeah, I kinda got in her way this morning. She's just worried about Baby Reigns. I'm going to help Adam shower." He took another sip of tea.
"Oh, that will help you feel better, baby. Should I stay and watch the little lions?" Dean wanted Adam to be able to relax and enjoy his shower time.
Adam swallowed his bite of food. "No, they will be alright. They can't get into much trouble here. Go sleep, you'll need it for tonight. And no, not for that. I mean in case of more nightmares. I am hoping the wedding will give them good dreams. I love you, Dean. You're the best thing that ever happened to us. Thank you for taking me to that fundraiser. Seth Said wouldn't regret it. Seth, you were so right."
Seth raised his tea cup. "I'm glad you finally listened to me. I hate playing matchmaker, it usually backfires, but you two were perfect for each other. I just had to get Adam to see it. Now go, and don't come back till it's time." He gave Dean a friendly nudge.
Dean stood and gave Adam such a kiss, Seth blushed and the children giggled. "I can't do that later, you will be an old, married man. I love you."
"I love you. Yeah, I will be Mister Ambrose. Go, if we need you, Seth will tell you." Adam gave Dean another kiss. Dean kissed the kids and left.
Seth let out a chuckle. "You look like a lovesick puppy. It suits you. I have an idea for your hair. You can borrow my floral crown that Roman's cousin Jimmy made for me for our wedding. It will cover something borrowed. Your blue pocket square and tie will work. Now, something new? Well, I will figure it out." Seth stood and began to clean up.
"Darlings, bring your plates and help Uncle Seth clean up. Jan you and Jordan help me put up the leftovers. Jade and James you can help with the dishes." Adam still wanted his children to be responsible, even in the safe room.
Upstairs, Ida was in Heaven. She was bound and determined Adam and Dean would have a wonderful wedding. As she waited for the five cakes to bake, she began to twist rolls of white, light gray and dark blue crepe paper together. She passed on balloons, but she had matching silk flowers. It would be lovely.
At four in the afternoon, Shawn and Hunter arrived at Adam's house. Hunter had assured his husband that it would be perfectly normal for Adam's lawyer to show up, dressed for work. Shawn had thought jeans and tees would be less noticeable. So now he and Hunter were on the doorstep in their form fitting, three piece suits.
Ida opened the door. "Come in, Dean will be glad to see you." She kept up the act and let the couple in.
The Helmsley's entered the house. When the door closed, Hunter laughed. "Miss Ida, you would win an Oscar for best actress. You are the best." He winked at Ida.
Ida flushed a bit. "My children are in danger. I would stand in Satan's way for them. Come on, you can help me take things downstairs." She led the couple to the kitchen.
Shawn pulled up short when he saw the items on the kitchen table. "Ida Louise Brown! You are amazing! A five tier cake, decorations and flowers! Oh, I understand now, you're a real genie. I always knew you were something special." He was stunned and truly amazed. As was Hunter.
Down in the safe room, Jan sat on a chair, her back to her daddy while he brushed her hair. Seth worked on Adam's hair at the same time. He'd braided Adam's hair, then coiled the braid to hold the flower crown Roman had brought.
"Roman's mom is the one that taught me that a braid is the best. There, perfect." Seth stated as he put in one last bobby pin.
Adam finished Jan's hair. He'd pinned her hair up with curled tendrils. Jade's was done the same. The girls wore their white dresses from last Easter, and they looked like little angels.
"You look pretty too, daddy. So does Uncle Sethie." Jade and Jan both spoke as they finished each other's words.
"Aw, thank you, my darlings. You sure my brace doesn't make me look like Frankenstein's monster." Adam stood and smoothed his hands over his light gray Armani suit.
Seth wore a dark blue suit with a dress maternity shirt. "Thank you, girls. You do look like little angels." He helped both girls smooth down their dresses.
"Thank you, Uncle Sethie." Jade and Jan chorused.
Roman cracked the door open. "You ready for some handsome boys?" He peeked in and smiled at the girls, Adam and his beloved husband, Seth.
Adam beamed. "Sure am. Seth, could you give me a moment with my children?" He looked at his friend as the boys came into the room.
James and Jordan were dressed in black suits, complete with clip on ties. Their long hair was pulled into neat ponytails. They were miniature versions of Randy.
"Sure. We'll send Hunter in when it's time." Seth gave Adam a hug, then went to join his husband.
"You boys look so handsome. How did I get so lucky to have the best four children in the world? Come sit with daddy a minute. I want to talk to you." Adam gingerly held out his arms and motioned for his children to join him.
James looked at his daddy after nods from his siblings. "Daddy, we are so happy Uncle Dean will be our dad now. We know our father is a bad man and it scares us. We know you and Uncle Dean love us and will keep us safe. We don't understand most of it but we do know, when Uncle Dean came to us, you started smiling again. We love you, so much daddy and we love Uncle Dean." James spoke like an adult. He and his siblings had talked. They wanted their daddy happy. He just hoped he said it right.
Adam didn't even try to stop the tears that fell. He pulled his children up against him. "Oh my darlings, that makes me happy. We are going to have a wonderful life with Dean. He loves you four like you were his own. I know things are very confusing about your father, but yes, he is a very bad man. He lied to all of us. I promise, you will never be alone. Dean and I will always be here for you. Now I want you to just be my happy, wonderful little monkeys." Adam kissed each one of his children.
Hunter knocked on the door. He came in with Adam's okay. "Oh my! What beautiful and handsome grandchildren I have. Okay, you four go to Uncle Roman, he will tell you what to do." He patted each child as they hurried out to Roman. Hunter closed the door behind them.
Hunter looked at Adam, like a proud father. "I am happy for you...son. Okay, one last time. You mean a lot to me and while I regret our affair, I will never be sorry. Dean Ambrose is the one for you. I am so pleased about the baby too. All I want is for you to be happy. I love you." Hunter's voice was filled with emotion.
Adam smiled softly at his one time lover. "I...don't regret it either. You got me through a very difficult time. I am happy, Hunter. You're right, Dean is the one for me. Do you think ma is happy?"
Hunter smiled at Adam and gently caressed his cheek. "I am sure she is very happy, because she knows how happy you are. Adam don't ever let the past stop you from coming to us for help. I will always be there for you...as a father figure."
Adam squeezed Hunter's hand. "I know...dad." Both Hunter and Adam laughed. Seth knocked, the cracked the door open.
"We're ready. It's going to work, Hunter." Seth stated with a wink to Hunter. He seemed very pleased. He closed the door again.
Adam looked confused as Hunter led him to the door. "What will work?"
"You'll see." Hunter chuckled. He led Adam out of his room. Shawn, Ida and Seth stood in the kitchen area. Roman, Dean and the children were no where to be seen. Adam was now even more confused.
Hunter led Adam to the stairs that led to the secret entrance. Jan and Jade stood with white wicker baskets filed with flower petals. They too had flowers in their hair.
Adam and Hunter stood on the stairs, out of sight. Adam heard Seth call out to Roman. Dean, Roman, James and Jordan had been "hiding" in the children's bedroom. After a few minutes, Adam heard the traditional "Wedding March."
"Okay, girls." Seth called out. Jade and Jan went down the steps side by side. On the last step, they began to drop their flower petals on the floor.
Hunter gently placed Adam's right hand in the crook of his elbow. "Ready, son?" He looked at the blond beauty.
Adam eyes were filed with emotion. "Ready."
At the swell of the music, Hunter started walking with Adam. Adam almost froze when he saw Dean, in the kitchen area. The physician was dressed in a midnight black suit that fit like a second skin. James, Jordan, Jade and Jan stood to Dean's left, Roman to his right. Seth and Ida stood close to the children. Shawn stood in the center, a Bible in hand.
When they got to the others, Hunter placed Adam's right hand in Dean's left. With a kiss to Adam's cheek and a pat to Dean's shoulder, he went to stand next to Roman.
Shawn spoke. "Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale. Dean, repeat after me. "I, Dean Johnathan Ambrose, take you Adam Joseph Copeland, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth."
Dean's eyes never left Adam's as he repeated Shawn's words as he held Adam's hands tightly.
"Adam, please repeat after me." Shawn gave Adam a wink.
Adam looked deeply into Dean's eyes as he spoke his repeated vow to Dean "I, Adam Joseph Copeland, take you Dean Johnathan Ambrose, to my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God's Holy ordinance and thereto I plight thee my troth." Adam squeezed Dean's hands.
Shawn looked at Roman. "The rings, please." He held the Bible out to the handsome lawyer. Roman reached into his pocked and pulled out two plain silver wedding bands. One was slightly wider than the other. Adam was stunned. He figured they would have to get rings later. Dean winked at Adam.
Shawn held the Bible out to Dean. "Place the ring on Adam's left ring finger and speak your heart."
Dean picked up the more narrow ring. He gently removed Adam's engagement ring, slid on the sliver band, then replaced the sapphire ring. "When I look at you, and your children, I see everything I have always wanted. I look at you and see the rest of my life in front of my eyes. I love you, Adam Joseph Copeland. I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love." Dean brought Adam's hand up to his lips and kissed it. A tear ran down his cheek.
Shawn's eyes glittered as he held the Bible out to Adam. "Place the ring on Dean's left ring finger and speak your heart."
Adam picked up the wider band. He slipped the ring onto Dean's finger. He gave a little sniff. "I'm not good with words, but I can remember reading something and now I understand it. You're the love that came without warning, you had my heart before I could say no. I know that my children are in the best possible hands. I love you, Dean Johnathan Ambrose. I give you this ring as token and a pledge of our constant faith and abiding love." He too kissed Dean's hand as a tear tracked into his light beard.
Shawn then turned to the quadruplets. "Janice Marie, James Mason, Jade Mary and Jordan Michael, do you promise to love and obey Dean Johnathan Ambrose as your step-father. Do you promise to love him when he disciplines you or showers you with gifts? Do you promise to be there for him when he needs a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or to share a laugh or joke with?" He smiled, but spoke as firm adult.
The children looked at each other, then over at Dean. With smiles on their faces, they spoke as one. "We do."
Shawn turned to Dean. "Dean Johnathan Ambrose, do you promise to love and care for Janice Marie, James Mason, Jade Mary and Jordan Michael as if they were your own? Do you promise to love them when they misbehave or act like angels? Do you promise to be there for them when they are frightened or joyful? But most of all, do you promise to love them, even if they buy you the ugliest tie on Father's Day, and wear it with pride?"
Dean looked each child in the eye. "I do, with all my heart and soul." He winked at the quads with love.
Shawn continued. "Let us pray. By the rings Dean and Adam have shown one another and the world their love and faithfulness. Dean and Adam have made this day their covenant. Through Christ our Lord, Amen"
Shawn closed the Bible and spoke again. "In a much as Dean Johnathan and Adam Joseph have exchanged vows of love and fidelity in the presence of God and Witnesses, I now pronounce them husbands for life in a Holy Covenant, as long as they both shall live. Amen. Now by the powers of the State of Missouri, I say...you're hitched. Now kiss!" Everyone chuckled.
Dean pulled Adam in and gave him a love filled, passionate, but child appropriate kiss. When the kiss broke, Dean pressed his forehead to Adam's .
"I love you, Mister Ambrose." Dean whispered over Adam's lips, then kissed him again.
Adam's eyes glittered with emotion. "I love you, my husband. Oh Dean, is this real? Are we really married?"
Ida laughed. "I should hope so! Didn't bake this for a dream!" She and Seth lifted the box they had covered the cake with, mostly to keep it hidden from little fingers in the icing.
"Oh Ida! It's beautiful! How did you do that so fast?" Adam admired the five tier cake. Each layer was smaller till the fifth. It would be just enough for Dean and Adam to share on their first anniversary. The cake was covered in white icing with pink piping. It wasn't fancy, but it was pretty.
Jordan gasped. "It's got pink!" He ran over and looked at the cake, but behaved and didn't touch it. His reaction made everyone laugh.
It was chaos for a few minutes as kisses, hugs, handshakes and congratulations were exchanged. Dean finally made Adam sit down on the couch when pain shone in his hazel eyes. After all, he was recovering as were the children.
"Dean, how did you manage to get rings? And all these lovely decorations and flowers?" Adam finally noticed. Crepe paper twists went from corner to corner to the center of the ceiling. Silk flowers were in antique silver vases on either side of the cake.
"Roman got the rings. We can pick out different ones for the Vegas ceremony. Ida did all the rest with Seth's help. I just stayed out of the way. I did pick out all the clothes." Dean explained with a huge grin on his face. He gave Adam one of his pain pills.
After Adam rested for a bit, he got up so he and Dean could cut the cake. The had the traditional sweet moments of feeding each other bites of cake and sipping from their glasses with their elbows entwined.
Seth and Shawn helped Ida serve cake and punch to the children as they sat at the coffee table. They were four very happy little people.
Adam and Dean sat on the couch while the others sat in various chairs and used TV trays. After a moment, Roman stood.
"Well, time for the toast. I'm not good at these things, off the cuff, but I'll try. To Dean and Adam. You've both been through a lot, but together you can conquer anything. Nobody deserves happiness more than you two. We wish you all the joy and happiness in the world. To Dean and Adam Ambrose." Everyone raised their cups in toast, then sipped.
Shawn spoke next. "Thank you for the honor of letting me be the one to marry you. Adam you've been in our lives since you were fifteen years old. Meeting you and your mother was one of the great days in our lives. Watching you grow and experience life has brought us much joy and some heartaches. Hunter and I are happy that Dean came into our life. You both deserve it. May your marriage be blessed with joy and happiness. To Adam and Dean!" Once again everyone toasted the newlyweds.
Before anyone more could be said, Hunter's special work only cell phone rang. He slipped into the restroom to answer it. When he returned a few minutes later, Hunter had a very grim expression on his face.
Hunter looked at Shawn. "We've got a serious problem."