Here's another one for you. I may have finished it but never posted it, I guess we'll see what I have wrote. Thanks again for reading, and again I do not own anything.


Chapter 13

There was a soft breeze coming off the ocean, the sun shined bright, with not a cloud in the sky, some would say it was the perfect day. That it was, Annabelle looked out over the water, a smile gracing her face, she was about to marry the woman of her dreams. Although 11 years her senior, she let out a sigh, she always dreamed she'd be here in this place with a woman she loved, she just never pictured it to be this soon. She hadn't even known Catherine a year, would they be able to make it? Once they got back to Bloomington, would Catherine regret giving up her job? Would she be happy not working every day? Could Annabelle make her happy? Those were some of the thoughts drifting around Annabelle's head as she stood there looking out over the water. She'd been thinking a lot about all that the last few days. So lost in her thought she didn't hear anyone approach her. "Annie"

"dad" she whispered

"are you ok?"

"couldn't be better" she turned to look at him, he was dressed in the same shorts, shirt and tie as she "you look good"

"thanks, my daughter picked it out" he smiled "are you sure you're ok? You seem a little lost"

"I've just been thinking" Annabelle said, she let out a sigh "what if we get back to Bloomington next week and Catherine regrets everything"

"oh honey, I don't think that's going to happen, I've seen the way she looks at you, and heard the way she talks about you, she smiles whenever your name gets brought up"

"yeah, me too" she smiled

"I've heard her talking with your mom lately" Nate smiled putting his arm around Annabelle "and she wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with you"

"but dad, what if the age distance is too much"

"Annie" he said pulling her closer "if it was an issue, she would have had one before now. You've always acted older than you are, don't worry about the small things, life is hard, especially when you're just starting out, it'll all work out the way it's meant to" he smiled

"thanks daddy" Annabelle smiled

"now come on, there's a beautiful lady, waiting to become your wife" he smiled, as they turned, she saw Collins standing next to Jamie, wearing the same shorts and shirt Annabelle and her father were wearing. "it's a lesbian wedding" Annabelle giggled

"yes, it is" Nate smiled as they made their way to the group.

There weren't many people there, most everyone was going to be at the party at the house after, just the way they wanted it. Just Annabelle's grandparents, parents, Leonard and Joan, and Kristen, with her date. And of course, Collins and Jamie, who were in the wedding. Catherine couldn't help but smile when she peeked out from around the corner where she, Patty, Joan, Leonard and Jamie were. "you know I should probably be with my daughter" Patty laughed

"yes you should, but thank you for helping me" Catherine smiled

"anytime" Patty smiled "after today you'll be my daughter too"

"that sounds a little weird"

"I know" Patty smiled, as she leaned in hugging Catherine "go make my daughter the happiest girl in the world

"I think she's doing that for me" Catherine smiled, Patty nodded and turned to leave the group

"are you ready?" Jamie asked

"I'm nervous as hell" Catherine said her voice was starting to tremble

"Leonard do you remember our wedding day?" Joan asked

"yes, I do" Leonard smiled "like it was yesterday"

"oh" Catherine said looking at Joan who went into a story about how nervous she was, and that Leonard's mom didn't like her, left off with saying "you're lucky, honey, Patty and Nate both love you"

"I know they do" Catherine smiled, taking a deep breath when she heard the music that signaled it was time to go. Joan quickly kissed her cheek and ducked out to sit down. Jamie walked out first, making her way down the small aisle. Once she made it to the front, where Annabelle and Collins were, Catherine took a deep breath, looped her arm through Leonard's and slowly made her way, she thought she was going to faint, her head was heavy and she had to fight back tears. "you look beautiful" Leonard whispered "your mom and dad would be proud"

"thank you" was all Catherine could get out the flood gates were threatening to open, and she wasn't ready for that, at least yet. They came around the corner, her breath caught when she saw Annabelle standing there with a smile upon her face, her hair was tied back in a loose bun, what was loose was blowing in the wind.

"holy shit" Annabelle whispered once she saw Catherine. Collins leaned over and whispered "I knew you were going to say that" Annabelle turned and smiled at her, then turning her attention to Catherine, and the slow walk down the aisle. When they got close Annabelle stepped forward, taking Catherine's hand, as Leonard kissed her cheek and took his spot next to Joan in the front row. "you look beautiful" she whispered in Catherine's ear.

"welcome everyone" the guy they hired to perform the service started, Annabelle didn't hear anything after that she was too lost in Catherine's eyes. She only came out of it when she heard the officiant ask "if there is anyone here who doesn't want these two to be married please speak now or forever hold your peace" she closed her eyes, holding her breath hoping no one would say anything. Luckily no one did, and they went on with the ceremony. "now I believe Catherine and Annabelle have something they'd like to share with each other" he smiled nodding at the couple. Annabelle smiled, reaching for Catherine's other hand. "Catherine, my love, my everything. All my life I have been running away from something, causing me to run halfway across the country, which made me realize, I wasn't running away from something I was running to something. I was running to you. You my love you are the love of my life" she finished just before the flood gates opened. The officiant nodded for Catherine to go.

"Annabelle, my Belle, I've been told everyone is surprised that you let me call you that" she paused for the people to chuckle, making jokes wasn't Catherine's forte she was always the serious one "I, I" she stuttered 'how can I speak to a classroom full of people but I can't tell my wife how I feel about her' she took a deep breath looking into those pools of blue, smiled "I love you, I love everything about you, and honestly that scares me to death. Everyone I have ever loved has left me" a stray tear slid down her cheek Annabelle reached up wiping it away, in a gesture so smooth no one knew what was happening "I promise you, I will never leave you" 'dammit I had so much more to say, but I can't get it out' she sighed again "I'm sorry I have so much I want to say to you, about how much you mean to me, but I can't seem to get it out"

"it's ok" Annabelle whispered, Catherine nodded then added "I love you Annabelle always" Annabelle smiled as the officiant went on with the rest of his speech "do you Annabelle Nichole Tillman take Catherine Josephine Stark to be your partner, for better or worse, til death do you part?"

"I do" Annabelle said not taking her eyes off Catherine's

"do you, Catherine Josephine Stark take Annabelle Nicole Tillman to be your partner for better or worse, til death do you part?"

"I do" Catherine said barely audible with tears in her eyes

"with the powers by the state of California I now pronounce you wife and wife, you may now kiss your bride" they had thought about cutting that last part out of the ceremony, but Annabelle liked how it sounded, and wanted it left in. Catherine reached over putting her hands around the back of Annabelle's head to pull her in for the first kiss of the rest of their lives. "let me be the first to announce Annabelle and Catherine Stark" he said as the girls turned around facing the small group of people who were clapping. Catherine looped her arm through Annabelle's as they walked back down the aisle. Followed by Collins and Jamie, Catherine and Annabelle waited at the end for their friends, then it was time to take pictures. Once that was done they piled into the waiting limo headed back to the house for the party, which was being held in the back yard. There was a bar set up to the left, a dance floor to the right, and in the middle they had tables, many tables, as a lot of Patty's colleagues would be there. They had made Annabelle and Catherine wait in the house, along with Jamie and Collins. Annabelle had her arms around Catherine, holding her close, kissing her every chance she got. Catherine looked over at the other couple in the room. Collins was holding Jamie close to her, the same as Annabelle held her. "look at those two" she commented to Annabelle

"I know aren't they adorable?"

"they are" Catherine smiled turning to look at Annabelle "but not as adorable as you"

"the same to you my wife" Annabelle winked

"wife, I like the sound of that"

"well get used to it" Annabelle smiled, leaning in kissing her again, they were in the middle of a make out session, Collins and Jamie doing the same when Patty came in saying they were ready for them. The two couples breaking apart, but not losing contact, as Patty ushered them outside. They heard the speakers of the dj booth come to life, and a voice come through the speaker. "hello everyone I hope you are enjoying yourself, I'm told the wedding party is here and ready to come in, so if you all would take your seats" she waited a bit then continued by saying "let me introduce the, well maids of honor" she laughed "Michelle Collins and Jamie Johnson" Patty nodded for Jamie and Collins to make their way to the dance floor Michelle is Annabelle's best friend and Jamie is a close second"

"mom who wrote that?"

"I did" Catherine smiled, Annabelle shook her head as they heard "now everyone put your hands together as I introduce the couple of honor Annabelle and Catherine Stark" they stood there smiling when Patty whispered "go" pushing them out towards the dance floor. Catherine took Annabelle's hand and led her towards Jamie and Collins, the dj handed Annabelle the mic "um, hi" she said into "we want to thank you all for coming out tonight to celebrate with us"

"yes thank you" Catherine said leaning over to the mic, Annabelle held it out so she could talk too. Catherine went on to say "now I know Patty worked hard at planning this, so please enjoy yourself"

"party hard" Annabelle smiled, kissing Catherine's cheek as she turned off the mic handing it back to the DJ. "well there you have it, party hard everyone" she said turning the mic off and turning on the music softly. Annabelle and Catherine made their way to a table that was set up for them. Jamie on Catherine's side and Collins on Annabelle's. Although Annabelle didn't want it like that, her mother demanded it, so she gave in, with the help of Catherine agreeing with her mother, she had no choice but to give in. She made a vow to herself a while ago that Catherine would get whatever she wanted.

About an hour later the speakers came to life again. "I hope you all are having fun, I just wanted to let everyone know it's time for the speeches"

"great" Jamie sighed, as Collins stood making her way to the dj to get the mic, "glad she's going first"

"you'll be fine" Annabelle smiled

"hello everyone, those of you who don't know me, I'm Michelle, you all would know me as Collins" she paused "I actually haven't known Anna all that long, we met just over 2 years ago when she was sent to Saint Theresa's" she paused "Anna I just wanted to say thank you, you have no idea how much you have helped me"

"oh I think I do" Annabelle smiled

"yeah maybe you do, but anyway, the story I want to tell you, is something I will always hold close to my heart, it was when I realize just how great Annabelle is. I had a pet porcupine, which I named Prissy" she smiled "Anna I know you remember her, we just talked about her the other day" Annabelle nodded "I had found her in the woods one day, just before Annabelle came to the school, our teacher let me keep her in a cage in our dorm room, anyway Prissy had passed away, I was so upset, one of our other roommates was being a bitch, she always was to me, and I took off, our lovely Annabelle followed me, and held me while I cried. It was that night, I knew I had found a best friend I've never had. Anna you have become more like a sister to me, and I'm so happy you found your match, who knows maybe I found mine" she smiled and winked at Jamie "thanks for listening, Jamie, it's your turn" she smiled meeting Jamie handing off the mic, and kissing her on the cheek "you got this baby" she whispered as she went to take her seat. "um hi" Jamie said into the mic "I'm Jamie Johnson, and well, I really don't have any stories on either of these two amazing lady's but I can tell you that Annabelle and I had quickly became friends at college, as we were roommates, although she wasn't there much" Jamie said looking at Annabelle who put her finger to her mouth as to shush her. "did you just shush me?" Annabelle nodded "oh so you don't want me to tell everyone how you spend most the school year at Catherine's?"

"no not really" Annabelle laughed "but since you already did"

"it doesn't matter now, now does it?" Jamie asked, seeing Catherine laugh and spoke up saying "no it doesn't"

"well like I said I don't have any stories about them like Michelle just said I'm happy for the both of you that you found your match, and maybe I found mine, thanks to you Annabelle" she held up her drink "to Annabelle and Catherine, may you live a long and happy life together" the crowd all raised their glasses and said "to Annabelle and Catherine" Jamie turned around handing the mic back to the dj.

"good job" Annabelle said giving Jamie the thumbs up

"yeah" Jamie said rolling her eyes taking her seat next to Catherine, the speakers came to life again "while the wait staff is busy I would like to have Catherine out to the dance floor please" Catherine smiled as she stood up, meeting Leonard half way she looped her arms through his as the walked "thank you for doing this"

"there's nothing more I'd rather do" he smiled reaching out his hand for Catherine to take, as the dj started playing He didn't have to be by Brad Paisley

"hey I hope you don't mind I let her have this" Annabelle said to her dad

"not at all honey" he smiled watching his new daughter in law dancing with the person who was like a father to her "we'll have our chance later" he patted her arm.

"mom" Annabelle said "cover for me for a bit, there's something I need to do"

"Anna you aren't going to get in trouble are you?"

"no" Annabelle said looking at Collins "not at all"

"I got her Patty" Collins smiled, following Annabelle into the house

"what's going on?" Patty asked looking at Jamie

"you'll see" she smile taking the chair Leonard had vacated for his dance with Catherine

"you know, he really loved the fact that Catherine asked him to be here for her" Joan said, tears in her eyes.

"you knew her parents a long time?" Patty asked

"yes" Joan said looking at them dancing "Leonard is actually Catherine's uncle" she said turning to look Patty in the eye "she doesn't know that though"

"oh" Patty said sitting up straighter in her chair

"yeah" Joan sighed "Leonard and Catherine's mother were brother and sister, although they didn't know it, Leonard only found out after she passed, but we never found the right time to tell Catherine"

"that's pretty big, have you thought about telling her now?"

"oh I don't think right now would be a good time, look how happy she is, it's been a very long time since I've seen her this happy" Joan said watching Catherine smile as Leonard said something

"that's crazy" Jamie said looking at Catherine "and maybe it's a good idea to not tell her today, but sometime in the near future, she'd like to have some family"

"she already knows we are family" Joan said "Leonard and her father met in college and were like brothers, the only reason we found out about her mother and Leonard is when she died Leonard had found her birth certificate and they shared the same father"

"that's a small world" Patty smiled as she saw Catherine approach out of breath smiling "do you know where Belle went?"

"to the bathroom" Jamie said quickly

"oh, Collins go to?"

"yes" Jamie said quickly "you know how they are"

"hmm" Catherine hummed reaching for a glass of champagne off a passing tray downing it. She was lost in a conversation with Patty, when they heard the speakers come to life again, with Annabelle's voice coming through "hello everyone" Catherine turned around to see her wife "I want to thank you all for being here tonight. I have a special surprise for my wife" Annabelle smiled, as she sat on the stool, placed her guitar on her lap, "this is for you baby" she started to strum.

One word, that's all you said
Something in your voice called me, turned my head
Your smile, just captured me
You were in my future as far as I could see
And I dont know how it happens, but it happens still
You asked me if I love you, if I always will

Well you had me from hello
I felt love start to grow
The moment I looked into your eyes you won me
It was over from the start you completely stole my heart
And now you won't let go
I never even had a chance you know
You had me from hello

Inside I built a wall
So high around my heart, I thought I'd never fall
One touch, you brought it down
The bricks of my defenses scattered on the ground
And I swore to me I wasn't going to love again
The last time was the last time I'd let someone in

But you had me from hello
I felt love start to grow
The moment I looked into your eyes you won me
It was over from the start you completely stole my heart
And now you wont let go
I never even had a chance you know
You had me from hello

Thats all you said
Something in your voice calls me, turns my head
You had me from hello
You had me from hello
Girl, I've loved you from hello

Catherine couldn't hold back the tears, she was standing at the front of the row of tables, Annabelle set down her guitar and went to Catherine wrapping her in her arms, kissing her, pulling back to wipe the tears off her face. Catherine whispered "I love you"

"I love you" Annabelle said before going in for another kiss.

"you know what you do to me when you sing" she sniffled "and that song"

"I know, I'm sorry, I couldn't pass up this opportunity"

"can I get Annabelle and Catherine to the dance floor please?" the voice boomed out of the speakers. Annabelle reached down for Catherine's hand leading her to where the stool and her guitar had been, someone had taken it away "alright" they heard through the speakers "now for the first dance of the rest of your life" she smiled at the couple as the music started Annabelle began to move with Catherine slowly, singing softly in her ear.

There were nights where I was sure
I wouldn't see the morning sun
And there were days that seemed so dark
I couldn't wait for night to come
I couldn't stand to think about how
My life used to be
And how without a single warning
It all slipped away from me
Like a fool I thought I could fight
The shadows on my own
To the dark I was no stranger
But this was stronger than I'd known
And by the time I knew that I was in too deep I'd gone too far
And the light that used to guide me
Had faded from my heart
And I found myself in places I thought I'd never go
Surrounded by strangers I was so far away from home
And I don't know how you found me
All I know is I owe you everything
Yes I do

And I thank you for my heart
I thank you for my life
And I thank god for grace and mercy
And that you became my wife
I'm seeing for the first time
The stars, the sun and moon
But they've got nothing on the power
Of this love I have for you
And I thank you, thank you

Now people say they'll stand beside you
They swear they'll never leave
But when the rain started falling
You know it only fell on me
And it was hard to keep believing in myself
When all I felt was so much pain and guilt and shame
I couldn't even ask for help
I don't know if I believe in other lives
But when you came
There was something so familiar
About the way you said my name
And the whole world started turning
And I swear that I'd been born again brand new
And it's all because of you

And I've seen so many things
That I just can't explain
But the miracle of miracles is how
With your love I was saved

And I thank you for my heart
I thank you for my life
I thank god for grace and mercy
And that you became my wife
The day I started breathing
Was the day you took my hand
And 'til the day I die
Baby
I'll forever be your man
And I thank you, I thank you

Catherine couldn't believe how big of a sap she was being, everything Annabelle did on this day, made her cry. As Annabelle sang to her, slowly moving around the dance floor, she got lost in those pools of blue. How could she love someone so much, smiling and leaning into Annabelle's touch as she reached up softly wiping away the tears running down Catherine's cheeks. As the song finished, they were lost in each other, not noticing anything around them, just living in the moment, the speakers came to life again, with a voice Annabelle would know anywhere. A cold chill ran down her body, hearing it, looking up they saw Simone standing next to the DJ booth. "who the hell let her in here" Catherine growled

"I have no idea" Annabelle stepped away, facing Simone

"Annabelle and Catherine" Simone said Catherine's name in an angry tone, Annabelle could tell she'd been drinking. Catherine looked back to find Patty singling for one of her guards, which were normally hidden, to take care of it but not before Simone said a few things "I hope she doesn't ruin your life like I did on her" she swayed a little, almost falling over she didn't get much more out before the guard got to her pulling her out, she called out "I just want to talk to Annabelle"

"what the fuck" Catherine asked looking at Annabelle, who shrugged "I swear I have not had any contact with her since the last time she was here"

"she must have found out about the wedding from the papers" Collins said they didn't even see her approach them "do you want me to take care of it?" she asked

"um" Annabelle said looking at Catherine, the green monster had risen "I think I'd like to talk to her, just for a moment, Collins will come with, or hell you can come with I don't care"

"do you what you want" Catherine said pulling her hand out of Annabelle's grip, and moving to where Patty was. Annabelle sighed "well" she nodded towards the direction the guard had taken Simone. "let's go" Collins nodded leading the way.

"is she going to get arrested?" Jamie asked

"I don't think so" Collins said

"she didn't do anything wrong outside of being drunk" Annabelle said once they approached the drive way she looked around "wait" she called out, a quick memory flashed before her of when they were taking Simone away after their one night together and getting caught by Immaculata. The guard stopped, turning them both, Annabelle held up her hand for them to stop, as she made her way closer "I want to speak to her for a moment"

"Miss Tillman, is that really a good idea" he asked

"it's Mrs. Stark, and you'll be standing right here"

"my apologies" he nodded letting Simone go and stepping back, saying something into his radio

"Annabelle" Simone said looking up seeing Collins and Jamie standing behind Annabelle, she hiccupped "where's your wife"

"back there" Annabelle said nodding towards the party "what are you doing here" she asked softly

"I, I" she stuttered, sighing deeply "I just wanted to say congratulations" she said meeting Annabelle's eyes "I know, I haven't made your life easy"

"no you haven't" Annabelle said sternly

"I'm sorry" Simone said, Annabelle could tell she was being sincere. Annabelle took a step closer to her, seeing out of the corner of her eye Collins and Jamie do the same "it's ok, honestly" she paused "I actually want to thank you"

"thank me?" Simone asked confused, as she let out another hiccup

"yeah" Annabelle smiled "if you hadn't done what you did I would have never met Catherine"

"or me" Jamie piped in

"so I should thank you too" Collins said stepping forward

"you doing what you did, although it hurt, was for the best thing that could have ever happen to me, I found the love of my life"

"I did too" Collins whispered looking at Jamie, who smiled reaching for her hand. "so yes, thank you Miss Bradley, now if you don't mind, we have a party to get back to" Collins said, Simone nodded, turned to Annabelle and said "your welcome, I hope you two have a nice life"

"we will" they heard from behind them, Annabelle turned around seeing Catherine standing there, that look on her face, she turned to look at Simone who nodded and turned to leave. Annabelle turned and went to Catherine "I suppose you're mad at me"

"at first I was, until I heard what you said" Catherine smiled, Annabelle took her in her arms, kissing her softly. Pulling apart when they heard Collins say they should get back to the party, Annabelle reached for Catherine's hand and led her back to the party, where they were waiting to cut the cake. The rest of the night went without any complications, Collins ended up getting drunk, and almost puking on Jamie, who helped her to her room and got her cleaned up, and put to bed. By the time Annabelle and Catherine made it to their room, they were both too exhausted they were both passed out shortly after their heads hit the pillows, or Catherine's head hit Annabelle's chest.


The songs in this chapter are You had me from Hello by Kenny chesney and Thank You by Keith Urban