This is it everyone. Thanks. Enjoy!
Chapter 38: … Breathe.
"Marry me." Addison repeated. Aelwyne froze as she heard those words and just stared at her a moment.
"W-what?" She was certain the shock was clearly visible as Addison smiled nervously, her eyes growing red once more.
"Marry me?" The redhead shook the tears and reached into her pocket. "I uh… I've been carrying this around since the day you got your results from the intern's exam." She opened that small box to show a silver band with three beautifully cut diamonds. "I was going to ask you when we went to celebrate that day but everything happened. I started to put it off over and over again and then I started getting scared. I am scared. Scared as hell to lose you but I do want to marry you. I do want the paper, and the judge, and the ceremony with all these nosey people. I was just being a coward. I mean it only took me two years, right?" She chuckled nervously. "You love me and I love you so I want it all. And I've held us off long enough." She finished.
Everyone silently watched waiting for Aelwyne's reply along with her. The brunette, however, remained silent, her face emotionless as if her head had emptied. Addison started growing restless and squeezed her hand a bit.
"You have a ring." Aelwyne declared as she looked at Addison's hand, where she held the small open box, where the ring glinted out. Addison only nodded, pressing her lips together. "You've had a ring."
"I'm sorry. I know I freaked out on you a bit. I've been so nervous about the whole thing. I'm so sorry." She was not sure what she was apologizing for. For waiting? For making her wait? For giving her the idea that she did not want her? "I'm sorry." She repeated holding her breath.
Aelwyne stood and moved closer to her. As golden eyes peered at her blue green ones, she could see dancing lights glimmering through. Just as many times before, the world around them stopped, leaving only the two of them.
"Breathe, Addie." Aelwyne smiled, which made the redhead relax.
"Ael." Cristina called behind her. "Aelwyne." She grabbed her free hand. "Aelwyne." She continued insistently.
"Cristina." Aelwyne protested along with pretty much everyone else.
"Aelwyne!" She called again and Aelwyne turned around exasperated.
Cristina only smiled and as discreetly as possible she placed a very tiny box in her hand. Aelwyne gasped as she recognized it and her friend only smirked at her smugly. Aelwyne laughed and mumbled a thank you before turning to Addison.
"Can I have my ring?" She shrugged adorably and then brought her own box up. "If I give you yours?"
"Yes." Addison giggled through tears.
"About damn time." Cristina said behind them.
"I know, right?" Meredith added.
They leaned in for a kiss as everyone celebrated, glasses clinking together and cheering loudly. Happily, Addison slid the ring onto Aelwyne's finger and then Aelwyne did the same. They beamed at each other and kissed once more before everyone came around to congratulate them.
Cristina, Meredith, Izzie, and Lexie were quickly by Aelwyne's side to take a look at her ring. Richard and Miranda came around to hug them both. Callie and Arizona were besides themselves showing off their own rings and inspecting Addison's as Teddy joined them in celebrating. Alex gave them both a hug but only after a slightly stern look at Addison, who only unabashedly smirked back at him. George smiled happily from where he sat munching on some bread, apparently he had found out about the proposal and resolved to eating instead of revealing secrets. Derek remained next to George laughing at the resident before he winked at Addison, who grinned happily back.
"So?" Mark said as he approached them. "Am I the best man or what?" He smirked at Addison, who only rolled her eyes.
"You almost broke us." Addison raised a brow while Aelwyne chuckled.
"I made you stronger." He winked and even though she resisted a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Fine. I guess." She relented and Mark pulled her into a hug.
"Well kid?" Mark said as he pulled away from the hug yet still keeping an arm around Addison's shoulders.
"What?" Aelwyne replied nonchalantly.
"You take care of her. Ok, kid?" He said and just as she was about to retort back he spoke again. "Please, Aelwyne. Take care of her."
"Always." Aelwyne smiled and reached for Addison, who immediately went to her side.
The rest of the night was spent in celebration of the multiple engagements. They drank, they ate, they laughed, and just enjoyed their time. They really were a huge and nice somewhat dysfunctional yet functional family.
Callie and Arizona had gotten married first and had flown to Connecticut to do so. It was not a big wedding but it was nice and cozy and magical. They looked so very happy to be together, it was truly something to behold. Addison and Aelwyne only hoped their wedding would be the same or somewhere close. Next stop was Meredith and Derek. That one was rather small. Meredith was not a fan of big celebrations so the judge came to her house where a small reception was hosted. The blonde was happy and for Aelwyne and Cristina that was all that mattered.
Cristina and Teddy started 'going out' publicly a few months after the proposals, just before Callie and Arizona's wedding. The teasing from both Meredith and Aelwyne, having the cardio surgeon finally relent and outwardly admit that it was not just for the surgeries, kisses, or good looks that she had grown fond of the blonde. It was because she had fallen in love with Teddy. George had surprised everyone yet again when he came back from a week of vacation with a boyfriend who also happened to be a surgical resident, Timothy Hale. Tim had started his residency at Mercy West but after a few months of the two dating he transferred over to Seattle Grace. Izzie and Alex were still dating. They had opted to think about marriage when they finally became attendings.
The end of the third year as residents brought with it Aelwyne and Addison's wedding planning. Neither of them had wanted a big wedding, which worked perfectly and made things rather simple. The wedding would be at Aelwyne's family's estate located in a small seaside town, Chatham, MA, in the Cape Cod region. Of course all of their friends, family really, would be coming and thanks to the house having 6 bedrooms along with 4 more in the guest house, they would pretty much all be staying. Richard had called in favors from all the surrounding hospitals to keep the shifts covered for the five days most of them would all be staying at the Cape. Hunt would be in charge of things until they got back since he would only be there for the wedding and then he would be back in Seattle.
The night before their trip as Addison made the last round to check they had everything Aelwyne went to play for a while. Planning the wedding had not been too problematic for them, however, it was still a bit stressful. Addison had learned that the piano was a stress reliever whenever she could not be one herself. Cristina and Teddy, of course, were staying at the loft with them for the night, something about their apartment flooding.
"She's amazing." Teddy said as she sat at the couch with Cristina.
"She is either freaking out or in a dark and twisty mood." Cristina pointed out.
Addison stood by them looking at the open door of the not so hidden room as music flowed in. She had a faint idea as to what had Aelwyne so stressed out and even upset.
"Are you gonna go help her decompress?" Cristina asked suggestively.
"I'm gonna go check on her. Yes." Addison rolled her eyes playfully.
"Yeah, right. Just don't be too loud. You have visitors." Cristina smirked as Teddy lightly slapped her arm.
"Teddy, please make sure she behaves." Addison said to the blonde, who chuckled and nodded.
Leaving the couple in the living room Addison headed up to the piano room. She walked up quietly and waited for Aelwyne to greet her as she usually did but the brunette did not seem to notice her.
"You're thinking really hard. Aren't you?" Addison chuckled lightly as Aelwyne jumped.
"Addison." She whined.
"What? I am wearing vanilla. You should've noticed me like you usually do." Addison defended with a shrug.
"Sorry." Aelwyne pouted and stopped playing, motioning for her to sit next to her on the bench.
"Are you going to tell me what's bothering you?" Addison smiled gently at her.
"We are getting married." Aelwyne said softly.
"We are getting married, huh?" Addison mocked. "That bad?"
"It's just that… I have a family. We have a family. But…" Aelwyne stopped talking and looked towards the window. Addison took her hand in hers and kissed her knuckles.
"We do have a family but I get it. I get that you would like your family to be with us." Addison said, still holding onto her hand.
"Hmm." Aelwyne laid her head on Addison's shoulder a while and then sprung back up to look at her.
"What?" Addison smiled as she saw the brunette's silly smile and sparkling eyes.
Aelwyne's ability to bounce back was uncanny sometimes. Meredith used to say that they could go dark at times but then they would be back. Watching it happen live was something else and she chuckled at Aelwyne's sudden change.
"What?" She asked again as Aelwyne's smile grew wider.
"We are getting married." Aelwyne beamed and threw her arms around her.
"We are." Addison giggled.
"We'll be Dr. Montgomery-Neirhem soon." Aelwyne said excitedly.
"Quite a mouthful really. But I do like it more than Montgomery-Shepherd." Addison smiled.
"One less letter so not as much of a mouthful." Aelwyne shrugged.
"Really?" Addison shook her head as she smiled.
"I feel bad for our future kids." Aelwyne frowned.
"Why is that?" Addison chuckled.
"It's a long last name, Addie. We could make it easier for them and give them short first names." Aelwyne nodded agreeing with herself. "We could call one Dot and the other one Dit." She continued to nod.
"What?" Addison laughed.
"I don't know. I'm just tired. Wedding planning… any planning is tiring." Aelwyne shrugged and let out a yawn.
"Then let's get you to bed. We only get to sleep a few hours before we have to be at the airport." Addison said as she stood and pulled her by the hand.
"Addie." Aelwyne said as they had almost reached the stairs.
"Hmm?" Addison tilted her head.
"When we have kids, are you still going to take me to bed by the hand? Will you still kiss my pouts away? Will they still be adorable to you?" Aelwyne was pouting again.
"Seriously?" Addison chuckled but the pout was still in place. Pulling the brunette in she kissed her nose and smiled as Aelwyne giggled. "I will always find your pouts adorable and kiss them away. And I'll take you to our room by the hand after I do the same for the kids." She raised a brow at the end.
"I can live with that." Aelwyne smiled and pecked her lips sweetly.
One would think that being respectable doctors and adults they would have behaved in the plane. Especially since they had left Seattle right after most of their shifts ended around 4 am. But that was not the case.
Even if they were mostly exhausted the 5 hour and 30 minute flight was filled with laughter, conversations, and flying popcorn. Not even because Bailey was there did they behave. She even got a fist full thrown at her courtesy of Alex, who ran to the other end of the plane as everyone laughed. After many apologies and helping in some of the clean up the multitude of doctors were off to the Cape.
Aelwyne kept on shifting and picking at her feather charm most of the way in. Addison leaned her head on the brunette's shoulder and interlaced their fingers to help her be less nervous. It mostly worked but as they turned into the long driveway Aelwyne started to freak out a bit.
"Ael?" Addison smiled. "It's ok. Everything's ok."
"I've never brought anyone to this place. Not even Ethan." Aelwyne said, the name still leaving a sour taste on her tongue.
"Well, I'm happy I'm one of the first ones." Addison smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Me too." Aelwyne smiled. "We're here." She said as she looked out the window.
The house stood at the end of the long gravel driveway. It was rather large with six rooms, 8 and a half bathrooms, a pool, and a big terrace on the roof. Aelwyne had always wanted to sell it but it had been stipulated in her parents will that the house would pass down from generation to generation. She spotted a small entourage of people waiting just outside of the house.
Mr. Sullivan waited in front of the big house with a few people next to him, most likely the staff that would be tending to them while they stayed. His face broke into a big smile as Aelwyne stepped out of the car. He made his way quickly to her and pulled her into a hug.
"Doctor Neirhem." He smiled. "So happy to see you again. Martha says hi."
"Mr. Sullivan, thank you for coming to welcome us. I assume you also have that whirl of papers you need me to sign?" Aelwyne rose a brow and chuckled as the man gave her a defeated sigh. "Tell Martha I say hi when you go back home."
"I will. Anyway, everything has been set up and the wedding planner was here earlier with the last instructions. She said she'll be back in the morning. The tent for the reception is up and ready for tomorrow as well." He informed her as the rest of the cars with everyone else arrived. "The guests who won't be staying here have already checked into the hotel so no need to worry about that. Everything has been arranged as you wanted."
"Thank you. I really appreciate it." Aelwyne nodded and smiled.
"Miss Aelwyne." An older woman called.
"Hello, Lena. I didn't know you'd be here. Thank you for coming." Aelwyne smiled. Lena had been sort of the keeper of keys after her nana had passed. They never got as close as Aelwyne and her nana but they still cared for each other.
"Welcome back. I assume this beautiful lady is your fiancée." Lena looked at Addison who gave her a sweet smile.
"That she is. Do me a favor and give her everything she needs. Also treat her as you would me. Please." Aelwyne said and then looked at the rest of the staff giving them a nod.
"Of course. You needn't ask. Just so you know all the rooms are ready and the kitchens are fully stocked up." Lena said as the crunching of gravel behind her told her her friends had finally arrived.
"Woah." Cristina said behind her, making her turn.
"I'll say." Meredith mumbled with Derek trying to look out to where he knew the ocean was.
"Is the beach over there?" Arizona asked excitedly as she held onto Callie, who smiled widely.
"Yes. Just over the little hill." Mr. Sullivan supplied.
"You are loaded, Sweetness." Alex added.
"This is where you grew up?" Cristina asked as she held Teddy's hand.
"Uh no. I grew up in the townhouse in Boston. Only came here during the summer." Aelwyne explained.
"It's so pretty." Izzie said next to Alex.
"It really is." George nodded with Tim standing next to him.
"Thanks." Aelwyne replied.
"Damn, kid." Mark said as he took in the house with Lexie who had a shocked expression on her face.
"This is your house?" She asked to which Aelwyne only nodded.
"Well um how about everyone gets settled." Aelwyne smiled sheepishly. "Lena, could you take Dr. Webber and his wife along with Dr. Bailey and her husband over to the guest house. Also George and Tim you're going that way as well. And…" She scrunched her nose trying to remember until Addison sweetly tapped it.
"Alex and Izzie, bug." The redhead provided for her.
"Right. Alex and Izzie you guys go on with them." Aelwyne smiled.
"We'll all fit in the guest house?" Bailey asked.
"It has four rooms. All very spacious." Lena provided for her. "If you'd all please follow me this way."
The group left, following after Lena and disappeared around the corner. Aelwyne then turned to the rest who looked at her expectantly.
"Alright. The only room you're not allowed to take is the one at the end of the hall when you go up the stairs and to the right." Aelwyne smiled at Addison. "That one's ours."
"We get to choose?" Lexie asked.
"Bye losers!" Cristina said and pulling at Teddy, ran inside.
Aelwyne laughed as the rest followed her lead and went in. Addison wrapped her arms around her from behind and rested her chin on her shoulder.
"You ready to go see the room?" Aelwyne asked.
"Yes, please." Addison smirked and let go of her. "You never told me why one of the rooms in the main house would be empty."
"Guess I didn't think about it." Aelwyne shrugged and pecked her lips.
"Uh Doctor Neirhem the papers can wait." Mr. Sullivan smiled.
"Good call." Aelwyne winked at him and disappeared inside the house with Addison.
Dinner time found them all by the pool enjoying burgers and ribs and chicken, which had been barbecued for them. Aelwyne got to meet some more of Addison's friends, Naomi and Sam Bennett with their daughter Maya and Savvy and Weiss. They were all nice and funny and got along with everyone rather well.
Addison sat with Aelwyne between her legs in front of her as Izzie, Callie, Arizona, Teddy, Cristina, and Meredith all teased them about the things they would do now that they were getting married. The blush in both of their faces seemed permanent before they grew tired of their teasing and began to tease Cristina and Teddy. The laughing and joking was interrupted as the doorbell rang.
Aelwyne got up quickly and giggled at Addison's slight pout. She planted a kiss on top of her head before going to get the door. Addison waited impatiently for her, a bit confused that she had gone to the door when Lena was still there.
The redhead kept throwing glances at the door leading into the house waiting for the brunette to come back. She was suddenly surprised when a familiar tall man walked in before Aelwyne appeared. Addison stood and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him.
"Archer." She smiled as she pulled away and faced him.
"Hey, sis." Archer smiled.
"You're here." Addison laughed.
"Wouldn't miss it. I get to walk you down the aisle. Did you know?" Arched gave her a smug smirk to which she chuckled some.
"And how's that?" Addison smiled over at Aelwyne who shrugged.
"You have a very nice and insistent fiancée. I was in Europe and she was able to reach me. I like her." Archer said as he smiled at Aelwyne.
"Umm and uh…" Addison tried to ask about her parents but she already knew the answer.
"I'm sorry sis." Archer said with a sad smile.
"They'll come around. Maybe. But I'm glad you're here." She smiled at him and then looked at Aelwyne, whose gaze had dropped to the ground. "And you, Bug." The brunette looked up. "You are perfect." She winked and smirked as she saw the red on her cheeks.
The morning sun shone through the blinds, the light directly hitting her closed eyes. Falling asleep had been a particularly arduous task thanks to all of the nerves and excitement that today brought. She wanted to keep her eyes closed and not move but the light was too bothersome. A light giggle startled her a bit and her eyes fluttered open to find and overly amused Addison staring at her.
"You're cute." Addison smiled.
"How long have you been watching me struggle?" Aelwyne grumbled and shut her eyes in an attempt to block the sun.
"Just a little while." Addison kissed her scrunched up nose and backed away as she began to get up.
"Where did you go?" She asked at the sudden loss of warmth.
"I have very important matters to attend to today. I don't have much time to dawdle." Addison said as she moved around the room and to the adjacent bathroom to brush her teeth.
"Something more important than I am?" Aelwyne whined as she followed her to the bathroom to brush her teeth as well.
"A lot more important." Addison shrugged as she finished and made her way back into the bedroom.
"Really?" Aelwyne pouted. "What?"
"A wedding." Addison simply said.
"A wedding?" Aelwyne asked and made her way to where Addison had just sat down at the edge of the bed.
"Yes. My wedding." Addison said as she bent down to fix her shoes.
Aelwyne pushed her lightly down making the other woman lay on the bed and climbing on top of her. Addison giggled at the action as Aelwyne moved to straddle her and smiling mischievously. She captured her lips and felt the redhead shudder under her.
"Our wedding." Aelwyne said when she pulled away from a dazed Addison.
Just when she was about to kiss her once more the door swung open as Cristina and Meredith burst in while covering their eyes. Aelwyne quickly jumped off of Addison, tripping over herself and falling. The redhead knelt next to her and began to laugh when she noticed she was ok.
"Addie." Aelwyne whined.
"Dude get up." Cristina called while Meredith chuckled next to her. "We need to eat breakfast so you don't pass out later."
"And get her ready!" Izzie called from somewhere down the hall.
"And get you ready." Cristina rolled her eyes.
"Addison! You better have been good last night!" Callie shouted as well from somewhere down the hall.
"Well, what are you two waiting for? Get up!" Cristina waved her arms about. "You're supposed to be getting married in a few hours."
"Let's go Red!" Mark called as well.
"Should we go now?" Aelwyne whispered to Addison.
"Maybe?" Addison whispered back.
"I love you." Aelwyne said as she leaned in and pecked her lips.
"Alright, enough." Cristina said as she pulled Aelwyne to her feet while Meredith helped Addison up.
"Time to go get married." Addison winked at Aelwyne before disappearing down the hall.
"Time to go get married." Aelwyne beamed.
"You look like an idiot." Cristina said as she crossed her arms on her chest.
"Let her be. Besides, you looked like an idiot this morning when you walked out of your room. How was your night with Teddy?" Meredith threw an amused glance.
"Whatever, let's go. I'm hungry and we have to get ready." Cristina said quickly as Aelwyne and Meredith chuckled knowingly.
Messy and loud did not even begin to describe the chaos in the house for the next couple of hours. They had managed to eat something before the wedding planner showed up bringing the dresses for all the girls. Addison and Aelwyne did not see much of each other after they had walked out of their room. The redhead was getting ready with her friends as Aelwyne got ready with hers. That meant that in Cristina's room Aelwyne was getting ready with Cristina, Meredith, Izzie, Lexie, and Bailey, who was playing the role of mom very well. On the other hand, Addison was at Callie's room with Callie, Arizona, Teddy, and her two other friends, Naomi and Savvy.
As the girls got ready the boys explored the whereabouts of the house and went down to the beach before the wedding planner enlisted them to help as they were not doing anything productive. Some of them complained but still helped in whichever way they could. Richard sat with Adele watching them when Owen arrived. The attending looked exhausted but he had become Aelwyne's mentor and she had begged for him to come so he did, along with his girlfriend, Emma.
Addison had an ivory, A-line wedding dress with an illusion neckline. The skirt had a slit on her left side, which showed the length on her leg. Her hair was pinned up with several auburn strands cascading loosely and framing her face. She was pretty much ready and taking pictures with her friends when Lena came to knock on the door.
"Miss Addison, there's someone here looking for you." Lena said as she walked in.
"Looking for me?" Addison tilted her head.
"Yes, it's a rather elegant looking lady with short lighter hair." Lena said. "Should I bring her up? She didn't want to give me her name."
"No way." Savvy said next to her.
"Yes, have her come up, please." Addison simply replied nervously.
Lena left and came back up quickly followed by none other than Bizzy Forbes Montgomery.
"Bizzy?" Addison looked at her completely shocked.
"You really are marrying that girl, aren't you?" Bizzy replied by way of greeting. Addison took a breath and steeled herself to speak but before she could Bizzy lifted her hand. "It's alright dear. I didn't come to… I just came because you are getting married and that girl was ever insistent that I do come." She shrugged.
"Aelwyne spoke with you?" Addison smiled.
"Yes, she made a very convincing case. I guess she truly loves you." Bizzy said reluctantly. "Well, get up. I want to see you at least." She waved her hands.
Addison tried to swallow her smile but could not help it so she just stood. Bizzy's eyes roamed over her and she squirmed under her mother's ever critical gaze. Everyone watched quietly as Bizzy had her turn around so that she could see the whole thing.
"You look…" Bizzy began but stopped.
"Do you not like it, mother?" Addison asked nervously.
"You look… good." Bizzy looking everywhere but at her. Addison knew that was the closest to a sincere compliment from her mother she would ever get.
"Thank you." She smiled.
"I'll see you downstairs." Bizzy said quickly and was out the door before Addison could say anything.
"She loved it didn't she?" Arizona asked with a smile. Addison turned to her beaming, which pretty much answered the question.
"Of course she did." Callie said proudly as she had helped Addison make the final decision.
"You look stunning." Teddy smiled as Naomi nodded in agreement.
A few rooms down in Cristina's room Aelwyne was getting her finishing touches. Like Addison she wore an ivory A-line wedding dress, however unlike Addison, her dress had spaghetti straps and applique embellishments with an open back and no slit. Her hair was also done up with a French braid going around the side of her head and ending in a messy bun.
"So pretty." Lexie chirped behind her as the bun was being finished.
"Yeah?" Aelwyne asked nervously.
"Yeah." Meredith nodded.
There was a soft knock on the door and then Lena walked in. Bailey was fuzzing over a particular area of the braid adding small pins with rhinestone flowers. Aelwyne looked up to see her holding a small box.
"I know you've never wanted to use any of your mother's things but I did promise Irene, your nana, that if I was ever present when you married I'd give you this." Lena smiled as Aelwyne took the box and opened it.
Inside was a thin silver necklace with a sole topaz stone that closely resembled her eyes. Aelwyne recognized the necklace from her parent's wedding photo. She looked up at Lena who gave her a gentle smile.
"Something borrowed? It is your birthright. Your grandmother gave it to your father so that your mother could wear it for the wedding." Lena said as she motioned for her to wear it.
"Something borrowed." Aelwyne repeated as she looked at the necklace. Bailey took the initiative for everyone and gently took the necklace from the box and put it around the brunette's neck.
"Perfect." Bailey said as Aelwyne turned to the mirror and smiled tearfully. "If you mess up that make up I'll kick your ass." She added with a gentle smile and Aelwyne nodded.
"Well, I guess it's time to get you hitched." Cristina got up from where she sat in bed and smiled.
"Cristina." Izzie admonished to which Cristina shrugged.
They were interrupted once more by another knock on the door. Aelwyne called for whoever it was to come in and in popped Richard.
"Wow." He said as he looked at her.
"She's beautiful." Lexie gushed along with Izzie.
"You and Addison look amazing." He smiled.
"Yeah?" Aelwyne stood at the mention of her soon to be wife.
"You stay right there young lady. She's walking down now." He informed her. "Let me really look at you though." Making her blush slightly as he took her hand and had her turn around. "Beautiful."
"Girls! Please come down now." The wedding planner called.
"It's time!" Izzie squealed.
"Come on Lex, Izzie." Meredith said as she pulled her sister and the other blonde out the door. "Ael, you really do look beautiful." She smiled.
"Thank you." Aelwyne smiled.
"Alright, we'll see you down there." Bailey said as she followed Meredith, Lexie, and Izzie. "I'm proud of you fool." She winked as Aelwyne let out a small chuckle.
"I should go as well. You look beautiful Miss Aelwyne." Lena smiled.
"Thank you." Aelwyne said again.
"You good?" Cristina asked.
"I… maybe?" Aelwyne smiled nervously.
"It's just signing a paper and a little bit of words in front of nosey people." Cristina winked. "You save lives every day. You've got this."
"Right." Aelwyne chuckled.
"Ready?" Richard offered his arm to her.
"Mhmm." Aelwyne smiled brightly as she took his arm. "Don't let me fall, please."
"I would never." Richard smiled.
Addison squeezed Archer's arm tightly as they waited to be cued to walk in. Everyone was already seated, the judge that would preside was at his place as well. Mark looked back at her and gave her a wink and a smile, which she nervously mirrored.
"You'll be fine sis. I got you, ok?" Archer smiled at her. "Relax. You look beautiful."
"I hope so." Addison chuckled nervously.
On the side opposite them was Cristina with Richard and Aelwyne. Aelwyne, as per usual when nervous, kept on fidgeting with her feather charm. Richard only chuckled at the action while Cristina rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"Hey." Cristina called back. "When the music starts I go, right?"
"I think so. I don't know." Aelwyne said a bit worried.
"I'll go when I see Mark go. How's that?" Cristina shrugged.
"Ok." Aelwyne said as music began to play.
"Let's do this thing." Cristina said to her with a wink before she started walking.
"Ready?" Richard asked with a smile.
"I'm gonna get married." Aelwyne smiled at him and took a deep breath. "I'm ready."
Aelwyne and Richard made their way in as Addison and Archer did the same. When they reached the beginning of the walk way they finally saw each other. Aelwyne gasped as she took in Addison while Addison's eyes began to water a bit. They stood there a while contemplating each other until the wedding planner edged them forward. Aelwyne and Addison walked side by side, each escorted by proud looking Richard and Archer. Their shoulders brushing against each other here and there helped them both relax as they walked to where the judge stood.
"You look… beautiful." Addison whispered.
"Me? I'm finding it really hard to breathe and concentrate. You are stunning." Aelwyne whispered back.
Once they finally make it to the front where Mark, Cristina, and the judge were waiting, both Richard and Archer nodded at each other and joined Aelwyne and Addison's hands. Aelwyne shivered with anticipation as Addison beamed at her.
"Welcome." The judge began. "We are here today to celebrate the union between these two women. To celebrate love and happiness and this new found freedom to finally tie their lives in a more official paper." His words making some chuckle. "Now if you both would please turn to each other." He said and they immediately complied. "I ask that everyone listen and be quiet as the brides exchange some words. Dr. Neirhem, if you would?"
"Ok." Aelwyne said, taking a shuddering breath. "God…" She smiled as Addison bit her lip, the vows she had written forgotten. "I love you." She began. "I love you in a way I never thought I could love anyone. The moment you walked into my life changed everything. I saw you and was completely done for. And I promise, because I know, that I'll love you just as much or even more as the years go by. I'll do anything and everything to make you happy. To keep you happy." She grinned. "From today on we're stuck. There's no other way about it. So I hope you're ready. Because I'm never," she shook her head, "ever, going to let you go. You hold my life now." Aelwyne finished with tears glistening in her eyes, which she quickly shook as she tacked on something else. "And I swear to never call you baby girl in public. That would be unsightly." She winked. "Wait… whoops." She smiled mischievously and Addison laughed along with Cristina and Mark.
"Dr. Montgomery, your turn." The judge smiled.
"What she said." Addison smirked as people laughed.
"Addie." Aelwyne giggled.
"Ok for real…" The redhead took a breath and smiled. "It's funny that you say I hold your life because, Aelwyne, you hold mine." Addison began and could not hold the tear that began to slide down her face until Aelwyne brushed it away. "You found me and brought me back to me. You saw me when many didn't see. You fixed me when I broke and showed me that I can be enough. You retaught me how to breathe. And I swear I'll do everything in my power to bring you the happiness and love you bring me. I also promise to put up with your continuous teasing and flirting in situations where you shouldn't be." She winked as Aelwyne giggled once more.
"Alright. Now if you would please repeat after me Dr. Neirhem. I…
"I, Aelwyne Neirhem Ashenryver, take you, Addison Adrienne Forbes Montgomery to be my wife in sickness or in health as we both may live." Aelwyne beamed.
"Now Dr. Montgomery, repeat after me. I…
"I, Addison Adrienne Forbes Montgomery, take you, Aelwyne Neirhem Ashenryver, to be my wife. For better or for worse. In good times and bad. From now until the end of our lives." Addison smiled just as brightly as the brunette.
"Is there a token you'd like to exchange?" The judge asked.
Quickly Mark and Cristina walked to them, giving them the rings. Both Addison and Aelwyne smiled brightly and giggled as they slid the rings onto their respective fingers. The judge then had them both sign the papers as well as Mark and Cristina as their witnesses.
"By these acts and according to the laws and regulations of the state of Massachusetts I hereby pronounce you wife and wife, doctors Montgomery-Neirhem." The judge said happily as cheering erupted around them.
Addison and Aelwyne giggled at each other before leaning into a gentle and sweet kiss. The world around them blurring out as they sealed the ceremony with the kiss. The clapping and cheers drowned out as the only sense working for them was their touch. Everything and everyone came back as they finally ended their kiss with the silly happy smiles on their faces. Then they turned to face everyone, their friends and family happily shouting and clapping for them.
There had been many, many, toasts to celebrate the fact that they were now married. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and having fun as she looked around. Mark was about to do another toast when he stopped and walked up to her.
"So I know I'm half drunk…" He began.
"Just half?" Addison chuckled.
"Yeah." He smirked. "Where's the kid?" He hiccupped.
"I think she went inside. I'm going to go get her. You go toast yours and Lexie's wedding." She smiled.
"We're married?" Mark's eyes widened. "Lexie! Let's toast to our wedding. Karev, come on, we gotta bring our girls to the water." He called as she laughed when she saw Lexie's shock and Alex glance mischievously at Izzie.
After telling Cristina where she was off to she made her way inside in search of her wife. She was sure thinking of Aelwyne as her wife would take a bit of time, though she loved it. As she entered the house she saw the door to the big study open so she walked in.
Aelwyne sat on a couch with a framed picture sitting on her lap. Addison sat next to her and looked at it to find a very happy family staring back at them. The brunette leaned her head on her shoulder as Addison took the picture to take a better look. Two sets of grandparents, her parents, and her brother and sister, smiled happily within the frame. The golden eyes definitely came from her father's side of the family. She could make the distinct hue in his eyes as well as in her sister's.
"Those eyes." Addison smiled.
"My father's. Yeah." Aelwyne said.
"You look a lot like your mom though." Addison commented as she saw that undeniable Ashenryver smile.
"I guess I do." Aelwyne smiled.
"They're proud of you. You know?" Addison grinned as Aelwyne straightened up and looked at her.
"Yeah? How do you know?" She tilted her head with a small smile.
"Well, you are smart, strong, brave, beautiful… a brilliant surgeon well on her way to get double certified. You are kind and gentle and loving. Who wouldn't be proud of you?" Addison caressed her cheek. "I mean, you also have me as your wife. Just that alone is a lot to be proud of." She smirked and Aelwyne giggled.
"You are so right. You're my wife." Aelwyne chuckled.
"They're proud of you, Aelwyne." Addison said more seriously. "You set out to do wonderful things and you are doing those wonderful things... I am proud of you."
"I love you." Aelwyne smiled sweetly.
"I love you too." Addison smiled back and placed the picture on the coffee table in front of them.
"How's it going out there?" Aelwyne asked as she peered out the window.
"Well, Mark is well on his way into the 7th toast and I'm not sure how Lexie is taking what he's celebrating at the moment." Addison said and Aelwyne threw her a confused look, which she just laughed off. "Also I'm pretty sure people are about to run out to the water. Wanna go?" She smirked and wiggled her brows.
"Yes, and its almost sunset. There's something you won't want to miss." Aelwyne smiled and stood up offering her hand. Addison took it and stood but before they made their way out she stopped.
"Hey." She said and Aelwyne hummed. "We'll make a family they'll be proud of too." She said looking back at the picture Aelwyne smiled and kissed her cheek.
"I'd like that. But come on, it's almost time." Aelwyne tugged at her and soon they were jogging out of the house taking off their shoes as they reached the sand.
Everyone was at the beach as the sun began to sink in the horizon. People talked and laughed here and there and as Addison had said a few of them walked along the shore with their feet in the water. A campfire was being lit as well as the torches around them. Aelwyne smiled at Addison who smiled back as they took in the scene. Then as the sun disappeared fireflies began to shine around them. Addison gasped as Aelwyne smiled.
"Ael… you… you..." Was all she could say.
"Pretty, huh?" Aelwyne smiled.
"Perfect." Addison smiled.
"Yes. You are perfect and I love you with everything I have. With everything I am." Aelwyne said and kissed her.
"Thank you for existing, Doctor Montgomery-Neirhem." Addison murmured once they pulled away, their foreheads still touching.
"Thank you for letting me be yours, Doctor Montgomery-Neirhem." Aelwyne murmured back.
There they stood, in each other's arms, with their family surrounding them, fireflies illuminating the space and the ocean singing it's praise. They stood there in their magical moment. They stood there and allowed themselves to breathe. To breathe in the saltiness of the ocean, to breathe in the scent of burning wood, to breathe in the vanilla and coconut. They stood there and smiled and just continued to allow themselves to be happy, to live, to… breathe.
I realize some of you don't like this is the last one but this is all I had to tell. I am not saying that there won't ever be a sequel but for now this is it. Thank you so very much for following through with Aelwyne and Addison. Thanks for all the comments and support. I really appreciate you all. Remember to stay awesome and if you are a Meddison shipper feel free to enjoy my other stories. Love y'all 3
