That afternoon everyone was ready for the wedding. It was a perfect day, the sun shone brightly over the meadow that was speckled with wildflowers and the river sparkled in the sun. Rows of chairs faced the towering cedar trees under whose boughs Annie and Josh would say their vows. In the field white tents stood with tables neatly set underneath, the tops of the tents strung with white fairy lights. Each table was decorated with hydrangea blossoms.
Teddy stood with Annie as they waited for the ceremony to start. Teddy's lilac dress shimmered in the sunlight, and her hair appeared blonder in the sun. Her dress reached just above her knees with a full skirt and fitted top with a sweetheart neckline, the straps sitting slightly off her shoulders creating an elegant line.
Teddy beamed at Annie. Annie's wedding dress was perfect, it was her perfect princess dress. The dress was made of white lace lined with white satin, it buttoned up the back with pearl buttons. Teddy had fought back tears as she did up the tiny buttons. Annie's dress had a V neckline and a deeper v at the back, the lace covered her shoulders and the v at the back cleverly hid her scar. The bodice was perfectly fitted and showed off Annie's petite frame, the dress flared elegantly into a full skirt. Her hair was swept up in an elegantly curled style with some of her curls bouncing loose across her shoulder and her make up was simple drawing out the green in her eyes. Annie's eyes sparkled in excitement and joy.
"Mama," Annie laughed, "no tears."
"My baby girl is getting married," Teddy sniffled, "these are happy tears."
"Teddy no crying," Owen laughed.
"She's getting married," Teddy beamed.
"I am," Annie said, "I'm ready. Do I look okay?"
"You are gorgeous," Teddy said.
"It's perfect Annie," Owen agreed.
"It's time for me to go sit down," Teddy said.
"Change of plans," Annie said, "I want both of you."
"Let me sit and watch sweetheart," Teddy said, "I need to corral Ali and Leo for you."
"Okay," Annie said, "you'll be in the front row."
"With nana," Teddy promised, "and Owen will sit with me."
The music began and Josh and his groomsmen made their way to stand with the pastor under the trees. The family and friends who had come to share their special day smiled when they saw little Leo soberly carry the rings to the front and stand beside Chris. Those that knew thought it was perfect that Annie's brothers stood together for her. Nathan gave Meghan's hand a squeeze. Josh was the first child they had watched grow up, from a shy neglected little boy to a confident man.
The music changed and Annie's bridesmaids began to make their way towards the front.
"Ready," Owen asked Annie when it was her turn.
"I am," Annie whispered, "uncle Owen don't let me trip."
"I won't," Owen promised offering Annie his arm. This was harder than he wanted to admit. Walking Annie down the aisle and giving her away. Even knowing that they would still see her most days this was Annie the shy girl in sea otter caps bouncing down the halls. He was proud of her and happy to be sharing the day with her.
"Ready," Annie said.
Hearing the wedding March they walked down the aisle.
Seeing Annie walk down the aisle Josh's eyes filled with tears. She looked gorgeous this was his Annie. Annie only had eyes for Josh in his black suit and white shirt with royal blue tie. Reaching the front Owen stepped back as Annie hugged Josh.
"You are gorgeous," Josh whispered before kissing her cheek.
"I love you," Annie whispered.
Annie passed her bouquet to Jenna and took both of Josh's hands. All Annie could see was his smile and how his hazel eyes sparkled at her. It was taking everything she had not to kiss him then and there.
The pastor began the ceremony with all of the traditional greetings and verses.
"The couple has chosen to write their own vows," the past began, "Grace will you go first."
Annie nodded, "Joshua Robert Riggs. I'm not sure where to start. From the day we met we connected, I walked into orientation all alone and more then a little nervous having moved countries and across a continent and you smiled at me from across the room. From there you became my best friend, the person I know is always by my side. My person, the other half of my heart, my favorite human on this planet. I love your determination and how you don't let anything stop you. Your sense of humor keeps me smiling and laughing even on the most stressful days. I see your compassion and how much you care for people. You are the person that makes me feel safe and loved for just being me. I love you more than I have words for. I can't promise everything will be perfect but we will do it together. I will stand with you on your toughest days and celebrate with you in the best moments. Josh I love you and I can't wait to start our next adventure."
Teddy hearing her daughter's vows wiped tears from her eyes. Owen squeezed Teddy's hand.
"Joshua," the pastor promised.
Josh began, "Annie, Grace Annabeth Altman, see I do know your full name I just don't like using it because you're my Annie. Yes orientation day, this blonde woman walked in and chose to sit with me. I thought I was the luckiest guy in the room. I wish I would have known that day that we'd be here seven years later. I fell in love with my best friend, the person who understands me more than I know myself. Annie, your smile lights up every room you walk into, hearing your giggle brightens my whole day. I love your empathy and how you make everyone around you feel comfortable. You make me a better person everyday. Annie you believe in me like no one else does. I love how you dance around the house getting ready for the day. I want to spend the rest of our lives together. No matter what we will have each other. I will be there to hold your hand when things are tough and celebrate with you when things go well. I can't wait for the rest of our lives. Annie I love you so much!"
"Do you Grace take Joshua to be your husband in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health until death do you part," the pastor said.
"I do," Annie beamed.
Josh slipped the wedding ring on Annie's finger.
"Do you Joshua take Grace to be your wife in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health until death do you part," the pastor said.
"I do," Josh smiled.
Annie slid Josh's ring onto his hand.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride," the pastor said.
Josh kissed Annie deeply. It was clear to the cheering audience how much the couple was in love.
Annie and Josh walked back up the aisle together hand in hand.
They spent hours taking pictures with their friends and family. Chris had texted a few he snapped of Annie and Josh to Leslie and Dan. Chris wanted them to see what they were missing. He thought about the family that had embraced Annie simply for being herself. And not for the first or the last time Chris wished he was one of them. He realized it wasn't just Annie that Teddy and Owen loved and encouraged they had embraced Josh and when Chris was around he was treated like family always had been. Chris thought of the ski trip when they were 21 where Owen had sat with him to help him write his application for promotion, while Annie and made brownies with Teddy with Christina calling them thing one and thing two.
After dinner it was time for speeches before they could dance. Jenna spoke as the maid of honor and Duncan as the best man together they made an entertaining pair.
Teddy approached the podium, "I'm going to try not to cry but seeing my baby girl married and happy with her best friend that's something I always wanted for her. Annie sweetheart I know our path wasn't the most conventional. I am so proud of you and everything that you've become your resilience and compassion, the way you make everyone around you feel loved and wanted just by being your lovable self. You're the one that made me mama, that showed me how deeply it was possible to love your child from your first breath. And Josh the first time I saw you in that lecture with Annie I could see how much you loved her. I'm proud of the man you've become in the time I've known you. You make my daughter happy. You've been part of the family for a long time but now it's official. Congratulations Annie and Josh!"
The crowd echoed Teddy's toast.
Owen took his turn, "well you two your married. The first time I met Annie she was this shy kid of 19 half hiding behind Teddy. I've watched your confidence grow over the last few years and have watched you take on challenges head on with courage and compassion. Through the whole thing you've put our family first. Josh you impressed me when you walked in a a sub I not only for your skill and knowledge but for your empathy and the way you connected with people. Seeing you and Annie I knew that was something special. You connected then in ways few couples are lucky enough to have and many spend their whole lives looking for. I'm proud of both of you and incredibly happy to celebrate today with you. To Annie and Josh!"
Nathan took a turn, "Teddy and Owen have spoken for Annie's side of the family now I get to speak for Josh's. Josh I remember you as the kid who used to beg Meg and I to stay or to go with us back to school or work. The day you called me saying you wanted help with your MCAT I was shocked and proud. Watching you go off to med school I felt like your dad I was proud of you. I go back a couple years later to attend a conference and teach a couple trauma lectures and I find out your best friend is probably more than a best friend. And I had served with her mother. Watching the two of you work in my lab that week I knew it was something. Then again a year later when you came as sub interns I knew. Annie I remember Teddy bragging about you and your accomplishments when we were away. As I've gotten to know you, you've shown me a wonderful person I'm happy to call family. You two may not always have all the answers or know what's next but you will do it together. You are an amazing team everywhere you go and your total trust of the other is something to be admired. I am very happy to celebrate this with you today. To Josh and Annie!"
Finally Meghan took a turn, " I promise I'll be quick. I really can't decide who's side of the family I'm on, I'm Auntie Meghan to both of them for different reasons. The rest of the family has already said everything there is to say. I knew Josh as a little boy, Nathan's nephew and heard stories of Annie for a few years. But it was three years ago that they really showed me who they are. I was met by interns who showed me such potential even if one was a bit of a turtle with me at first and hiding in their shell. My day intern and night intern did everything they could to make me smile. I've really gotten to know both as adults and navigating the first years of their careers. I'm very proud of both of them, their compassion, drive, integrity and leadership. I've watched them embrace my son as their little cousin and find ways to make special memories for him and to be the cool older cousins for Faroke to look up to. I'm over the moon for both of you today. I love both of you, congratulations. To Josh and Annie!"
Toasts finished, they took to the dance floor, Annie relaxing as Josh twirled her around to "Amazed" it was their song, their first kiss, the first dance at their wedding. Just like the first time they danced to the song Annie rested her head against Josh's shoulder and looked up at him, he saw the look in her eyes and kissed her passionately. Friends joined them on the dance floor and they spent the evening dancing with the people that loved them the most. It was exactly how Annie had pictured it, the people that loved them most there to celebrate with them, having fun dancing and being together.
After midnight the party wrapped up and Josh lead Annie to the car they drove to the hotel a few minutes away where they were spending the night just the two of them, a rare occurrence and a special treat. Having checked in earlier Josh lead Annie to their room, the hotel staff had helped him by lighting the vanilla scented candles Annie loved so the room was bathed in soft candle light.
"Should we get ready for bed," Annie asked.
"Tired," Josh asked.
"Ready to cuddle with you," Annie giggled, "were actually married."
"We are Mrs. Riggs," Josh grinned.
"Only you get to call me that," Annie laughed.
"Your mine now forever," Josh beamed before kissing her again.
"Your mine forever and always, " Annie replied, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"I love this dress and you look amazing but I think I like what's under it better," Josh whispered.
"There's tiny little buttons on the back that I can't reach," Annie said.
"I'll get them babe," Josh said, he stepped behind Annie and began to undo the tiny buttons on the back of her dress, so tiny they blended in with the lace perfectly. Josh slid the dress of her shoulders and Annie stepped out of it. She turned to kiss him, her fingers loosening his tie and opening the buttons on his shirt. She began to fiddle with his belt buckle as he undid the back of her bra. Soon he was kissing her neck in the spot that always made her moan.
"I love you," Annie whispered.
"I love you more," Josh groaned as he lowered her to the bed.
Back at the cabin Teddy walked into her room.
"She's all grown up," Teddy said.
"She is," Owen replied.
"You two were up early," Teddy said.
"I heard her get up and you were still sound asleep so I just sat with her and talked while we had coffee," Owen said.
"What did you talk about," Teddy asked.
"She thinks I'm her dad," Owen smiled, "that's why she wanted me to walk her today."
Teddy slipped under the covers, "she has for a while but it took a lot for her to say it."
"She finally trusts us," Owen said.
"She has for years but she only knows how to tell Josh," Teddy said, "we've both been trusted for the last 9 years. She trusted you right away."
"She trusted you first then learned to trust me," Owen said.
"The first time she came down," Teddy said, "I had to tell her it was okay to kiss a boy she liked. She was so adorable curled up on my couch talking to me in these pink pajamas with kittens on them. She was 19 but looked so much younger. I can't believe she's married and all grown up."
"Fourth year resident," Owen said, "she's been grown up for a while."
"Today felt different," Teddy whispered, "I'm happy for her but I wish Leslie and Dan had been here to see it."
"We tried Teds we really did," Owen said, "I called him at work a few times."
"You did what," Teddy asked, bolting upright.
"I called Dan," Owen said, "it's not right and I told him so."
"She had us today," Teddy said, "we would have had to share if they came."
"You like having Annie to yourself," Owen teased.
"She's not our Annie on the phone with Leslie and Dan," Teddy said, "all the work I've spent the better part of a decade doing with her disappears. She doesn't speak up, does not have an opinion she's the 20 year old kid I dropped off at Harvard. She's not Annie with them, she's a shadow. She needed this without them to be herself."
"She probably did," Owen agreed.
Teddy yawned, "that was a great day but a long day."
"Let's get some sleep. We'll see them for lunch tomorrow," Owen said.
"Sleep," Teddy agreed, curling up against Owen who wrapped his arms around her.