Chapter 20: To The Future
A/N: This is the last chapter before the Epilogue and this story will be complete! Thank you all for the lovely reviews. The link is posted in my bio if anyone wants to see the dresses, venue, groomsmen suits and etc.
Jay rolled over and reached across the bed to grab Erin and was met with cold sheets. He opens his eyes in confusion but then remembers that Erin didn't sleep here last night. A smile appears on his face because today is the day that he is going to marry Erin Lindsay. When they first moved in together he used to dream about this day a lot but when she left those dreams stop. But today his dream once lost was now finally coming to fusion.
He hears a knock on the door as his brother sticks his head in, "Up and at little brother. We got you're getting married today." Will says with a smile on his face before he shuts the door. Jay shakes his head and gets out of bed and heads to bathroom to shower.
Twenty minutes later he was dressed and they are out the door to meet up with Mouse and Ruzek to get haircuts. Jay had chosen Will to be his best man, while Mouse and Ruzek were his groomsmen. After their haircuts they were headed to the golf course to meet up with the rest of the guys. When they arrived Hank, Kevin, Antonio and Al were already there waiting on them. The guys all greet each other with before they get in the golf carts and head off to the course.
They had been playing for some time now laughing and joking with each other. Atwater looks over at Jay, "So, are you nervous about the big day?"
Jay looks over at him with his trademark smirk on his face, "Nah, I've been waiting for this day for a while."
Al pops up next to Jay and slaps him on the shoulder, "Let me give you some advice kid. It's probably the only advice you ever need." All the guys look at Al to see what he is going to say. "Remember no matter what, she is always right."
The guys all laugh as Antonio pips up, "I don't think he's going to have to worry about that Al. We all know who wears the pants in that relationship." He says with a smile on his face as everyone replies, "Lindsay."
Jay laughs, "Thanks guys." As he goes to take a his shot.
A few minutes later Ruzek comes over to the group and opens a box of cigars, "Alright, gentlemen let's all take one." The guys all grab a cigar out of the box that's being passed around. Ruzek pulls out a lighter and lights everyone's cigars. Hank goes over to the golf cart and grabs some beers. He makes his way back over to the group and hands everyone.
"Let's make a toast." Hank says as he passes out the beers.
Will lifts up his beer and everyone else follows suit, "To Halstead and Lindsay. May they live a long and happy life together."
"Hear, hear." They all reply as they clank their beers together.
…
Erin woke up to a little arm in her face and she can't help but let out a laugh at her daughter. She was such a wild sleeper. Last night had been a good night celebrating with their friends and family at the rehearsal dinner. They had invited some of their closest friends and family which in included everyone from Intelligence plus Antonio, Will and Margie's son Michael and his wife. They had gotten to know to know Michael over the past few months and they really like them. And considering the way things were going with Hank and Margie they one day be family.
Erin carefully gets out of bed as to not wake Nadia and heads out the room into the main apart of the suite. She finds Margie sitting on the couch drinking a cup of coffee. Margie gives her a smile, "Hey, how'd you sleep?"
"Good. That was until I woke up with an arm in my face." Erin says with a laugh.
Margie laughs and takes a sip of her coffee, "Are you ready for today?"
"Hell yeah!" Erin replies excitedly. "I never thought I would be ever get married or even be this excited but knowing that Jay is going to be the one waiting for me at the end of that alter makes my heart happy."
Margie gives her a warm smile, "I'm happy that you found the one who would make you this happy." Margie gets up from the couch and claps her hands together. "How about a cup of coffee?"
"I would love a cup of coffee." Margie makes her way over to the breakfast cart and pours Erin a cup before handing it over to the younger woman before returning to her spot on the couch.
Kim walks out the other bedroom rubbing sleep from her eyes. She looks up and spots Erin. A huge smile appears on her face, "You're getting married today!" She yells as she runs over to Erin and hugs her.
Rachel tumbles out of the room, "What's with all this yelling?"
Erin looks over at her, "I'm getting married today!" Erin shouts. Rachel smiles and runs over and joins Erin and Kim and they all jump and down laughing.
Margie smiles and shakes her head at them. From the corner of her eyes she notices Nadia making her way out of the room over to her. She pulls Nadia up into her lap and cuddles the little girl. "Why are they making so much noise?"
Margie laughs, "There just excited because your mom and dad are getting married today."
"I'm happy too but I was sleeping." Nadia says with a pout.
Margie laughs, "Alright ladies we have a lot to do before the wedding. But first we are going to have some breakfast."
"Yes!" Nadia shouts, "I'm so hungry." Everyone in the room lets out a laugh.
…
Jay stood in front of the mirror at Hank's house as he tries to tie on his bow tie. The nerves start to take over and his hand begin to fumble around the tie. Will comes into the room and sees him struggling. Jay turns toward his brother and says, "I just can't get it."
Will walks over to him, "Turn around and let me do it." He grabs the tie that is hanging loosely around Jay's neck and ties it. "Perfect." He stands back and looks at his brother as he stands there in his all black suit and he couldn't be prouder of the man his brother has become. "I wish dad was here to see this moment." Will says with tears in his eyes.
Jay looks up at his brother and whispers, "Me too."
Will clamps his hand down on Jay's shoulder and pulls him into a hug, "I'm proud of you little bro and I know mom and dad would be too."
"Thanks."
A knock sounds on the door as Mouse enters the room. "Hey, you guys ready to head over to the venue?" Mouse asks as he heads into the room.
"Yeah, I just need to grab my jacket and then we can head out."
Mouse makes his way over to his friend, "You ready for this man?"
Jay grabs his jacket and slips it on. He turns toward his friend and says, "More than anything."
"Alright, gentlemen let's get this show on the road." Will says as the all head out of the room.
…
Later that evening Erin was seated in the Bridal Suite at the Greenhouse House Loft getting her hair done for the wedding. She looked around the room and watched as Rachel and Kim got up from their chairs after getting their hair and makeup done. They go and grab their dresses of the rack and head into the nearby room to get dressed. Nadia sat on the couch in the bridal suite with headphones on her head watching a movie on her iPad dressed and ready to go. She was wearing a two piece wine colored tulle skirt that had an elastic waist band for comfort. The top consisted of a long sleeve bodice made of white lace with buttons down the back. Her hair was curled loosely down to her back and she wore a flowered crown on her head. Erin thought she looked like an angel.
She watched as Margie, the woman who had become like a mother figure of the past few months enters the suite after checking to make sure everything was running smoothly for Erin. She walks over to Erin to give her an update, "Everything is looks beautiful out there. The wedding planner says that everything is on schedule. The guys just arrived and are waiting in the green room. "
"How's Jay?"
Margie smiles, "He's good. Looks a little nervous but definitely excited."
"Did you see Hank?"
" Yeah, he's hanging out with the guys in the green room. Looking like a proud Poppa."
Erin smiles up at her, "Thank you. You have been such a huge help these past few months."
Margie takes hold of her hand, "You're welcome sweetheart."
Margie and Erin turn at the sound of the door opening as Kim and Rachel come out of the room dressed in floor length burgundy boho backless V-neck dress with spaghetti straps. Kim's hair fell in loose curls down to her shoulders. While Rachel was done in a half up down style with a twisted crown braid. "Oh my, don't you two look lovely."
"Thanks Margie," Rachel replies with a smile on her face.
Erin nods her head in agreement, "I agree those dresses are perfect. You guys look amazing." Her says as she gets up from the chair after the hairstyle finishes her hair.
Just then there is a knock at the door. Kim goes over to answer it and is greeted by Ruzek, "Wow! Don't you look gorgeous darlin" He says with that oh so charming look on his face.
Kim smiles up at him, "Thanks Adam. You don't look too bad yourself." He leans down and gives her a sweet kiss on the lips. When they break apart he makes his way over to Erin.
"Wow, Lindsay you don't even have the dress on yet and you already look stunning."
Erin's hair is pulled back simple yet stunning updo. "Always the charmer."
"I try. I have something for you." He hands her one of the boxes in his hand. "Jay wanted me to give this to you. He told me to tell that even though two aren't tradition thing this is your something new."
Erin smiles up at him, "Thanks." She opens up the box and her eyes widen appears as she pulls out the bangle. The bangle is a freshwater pearl and lab created white sapphire hinged bangle in sterling silver.
"Jay did good." Kim says looking at the bangle.
"It's gorgeous, Erin." Margie says as she comes over to get a look at it.
Erin looks up at Margie, "Can you put it on me?"
"Of course." She moves closer to Erin and takes the bangle from her hand. She opens the it and slips it on her out stretched wrist.
Adam clears his throat as he motions his head toward the couch, "He also has a little something for the munchkin. He didn't want her to feel left out." Ruzek hands the box over to Erin and turns to makes his way over to the couch to grab Nadia who's in grossed in her iPad. He bends down in front of her and taps her leg. Nadia looks up and smiles at him as she takes off her head phones, "Hi, uncle Adam."
"Hey, kid." He says as he pulls her into a hug. "Your mom has a gift that your dad bought you. Why don't we take a look at?"
A huge smiles appears on Nadia's face. She gets down off the couch and approaches her mother, "Where's my present Mommy?"
Erin bends down in front of her daughter carefully as to not let her robe slip open. "Right here. Why don't we open it together?" Nadia nods her head in agreement. Erin pulls the string that's tied around the box off for Nadia and lets the little girl open up the box.
Nadia's eyes widen as she looks at what's inside the box. She looks back up at her mother and says, "Mommy, daddy got me a bracelet."
Erin looks at her daughter with a smile on her face, "Wow, it's so pretty baby. Would you like to wear it."
"Yes, please." Erin takes the simple personalized curb chain bracelet with Nadia's name out of the box and she hold it up to Nadia, "Look sweet pea, it even has your name's on it."
"Wow." Nadia says in wonder. Erin puts the bracelet on her daughter and stands up. Nadia turns around and faces everyone else in the room, "Look at my pretty bracelet."
They all smile at her as Adam says, "It beautiful just like the little girl wearing it." Nadia immediately blushes.
Margie looks at the clock and turns to Erin, "Alright, now it's time for the bride to get dressed." She turns to Adam and says, "And it's time for you to head back to the groom." Adam nods his head and heads out the door.
Erin lets out a breath as a huge smile of her face. She gets up from the chair and heads into the room to get dressed. Kim follows her into the room to help her get the dress on. A little while later Erin emerges from the room with Kim behind fixing her train.
Nadia get wide as she sees her mother, "Mommy you look so pretty."
"Erin, you look absolutely stunning." Margie says.
Rachel nods her head in agreement, "I agree with Margie you look stunning. Jay isn't going to know what hit him."
Margie holds up a finger, "There is something that's missing." Erin looks at her in confusion. Margie moves over to the couch where her purse is laying. She pulls out a cloth and walks back over to Erin. She slowly opens the cloth up to reveal a pair of tear drop diamond earrings. Erin raises her hand up to her mouth and looks at Margie, "These were my mother's and I wore them on my wedding day." Margie says as she looks up at Erin with tears in her eyes.
"Margie…" Erin says as she looks up at her with tears in her eyes. Margie takes Erin hand and places the earrings in them.
"I wanted to give them to my daughter on her wedding but we only had Michael. I know what it's like not to have your mother here on your wedding day. And I know there are a lot of different emotions going on in you but I want you to know that I love you like you were my own and I hope these will give you a sense of peace like they did me."
Erin looks at Margie with tears in her eyes, "Margie…I…Thank you." Erin pauses, "I am so glad that you came into our lives." Erin pulls the older woman into a hug.
Erin begins to fan herself to keep the tears from falling and running her make-up. "Okay, no more making me cry." She says with a laugh as they laugh with her.
Kim claps her hands together. "So, even though you are not doing the traditions thing. You already have something burrowed which are the earrings that Margie gave you. Something new, the bangle you got from Jay and you're something blue is your garter. Now you just need something old." Kim says.
A knock sounds at the door breaking the conversation. Rachel goes over to answer the door, "Hey, Hank."
"Hey Rachel." He says greeting her in return.
At the sound of her grandfathers voice Nadia runs over to him, "Poppa."
Hank smiles and lifts Nadia up into his arms, "There's my girl and might I say you look beautiful in your dress."
Nadia beams up at him, "Thank you." He walks further into the room and stops dead in his tracks.
Erin looks up at him with a huge smile on her face she stretches her hands out and says, So, what do you think?"
He smiles, "You look breathtaking." He replies in his raspy voice.
"Thank you." She says smiling at him.
He breaks his eye contact with Erin and looks around the room. "Do you ladies think that I can have a moment alone with Erin?"
"Of course." Rachel replies she over to the table and grabs the bridesmaids bouquets and Nadia's flower girl basket.
"Nadia, how about we go see your dad and show him your pretty dress?" Hank sets Nadia down on the ground and she runs over to grab Kim's hand and follows her and Rachel out the door.
"Oh, Kim since you're going to see Jay can you give him this." She turns and grabs a box with a card off the table. She walks over to Kim and hands it to her.
As Erin talks to Kim Margie walks over to Hank and gives him a kiss, "See you guys out there." She says with a smile before she walks out the door followed by Rachel, Kim and Nadia.
As the door closes Erin turns toward Hank, "You got a great woman there, don't screw it up."
Hank looks at her with a smile, "I won't." He pauses and says, "So, you ready to do this?"
Erin moves closer to him, "I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life."
He smiles at her, "There's something I want you to have." He pulls out box from his pocket and hands it to her. Erin opens the box and looks up at him, "I don't know if you remember it or not but It was Camille's. I gave it to her on our first wedding anniversary and she wore it every day up until the very end."
"I remember." She says with tears shining in her eyes.
Hank nods his head, "She told me she caught you admiring when you thought she wasn't looking." Erin lets out a small chuckle. As Hank's voice catches in his throat, "Before…" He shakes his head and clears his throat, "Before she died she wanted me to give this to you on your wedding." Tears threaten to spill from her eyes as Hank continues, "She knew she wouldn't be there but she wanted you to have a piece of her."
The tears spill from her eyes at Hank last words. He moves over to the desk and grabs a tissue and hands it to her, "Thanks." She shakes her head, "I've been thinking about Camille a lot lately and knowing that she wanted me to have a piece of her just means so much. From the moment you brought me into your home she loved me like I was hers just like you did and I'm thankful for the two." Hank pulls her into his arms as she says, "I love you dad."
They pull apart and Hank has a huge smile on his face and places as kiss on her forehead, "I love you too, kid."
"Ugh, thank god for waterproof mascara." She says with a laugh. She takes the single solitaire diamond necklace out of the box, "Can you put it on me." Hank nods his head and moves behind her and places the necklace on her.
"Beautiful" He says as he wipes the tears from his eyes, "Alright, kid. Let's get you married."
…
Kim nods on the door of the green room and is greeted by Mouse, "Hey, I have something for Jay."
"Come on in." Mouse says as he moves out of the way and lets Kim and Nadia in. "Hey munchkin."
Nadia smiles up at him, "Hi." She spots her dad and runs over to him. "Daddy!"
Jay turns around with a huge smile, "Hey." He says as he grabs her pulls her into his arms. "I missed you last night."
"Me too." She replies as she gives him a kiss on the cheek. "Do you like my dress?"
Jay looks down at her outfit, "I love it. You look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you. I love my bracelet." Nadia says as she lifts up her arm.
"I'm so glad, princess." He looks up as sees Kim approaching. "Hey, Kim. You look beautiful."
"Thanks Jay." She hands him the box. "This is from Erin."
Jay sets Nadia on the ground and the little girl heads over to her Uncle Will. He takes the box from her and opens the card. A smile appears on his face as he reads it.
Jay, I don't want to say too much because still have to save some for our vows. But I will say this we have been partners for as long as I can remember but now we get to be lifelong partners and there's no one I'd rather share this journey with than you. I love you and I can't wait to be your wife.
Love, Erin
"What's it say man?" Ruzek ask as he comes over to Jay.
Jay shakes his head, "Nothing." He places the card back in the envelope and opens the box to find an all-black Armani exchange watch.
Adam let's out a whistle, "That's a nice watch there buddy."
Jay looks over at him and gives him a smirk. He takes the watch out of the box and places the box on the table and puts the watch on his wrist. He looks at everyone in the room, "Let's get this show on the road."
…
The room is simply decorated with a soft romantic look. Candles ran along both sides of the aisle with white and red rose petals and a white aisle runner between them. At the front of the room is a simple structure with white and burgundy colored flowers.
Jay and Will make their way down the aisle and stand toward the front. As he gets there he turns around and scans the room as he lets out a breath. Will stands next to his brother and slaps him on the shoulder, "You ready?"
Jay glances over at his brother, "So ready." He says with a smile. Jay looks out into the room at their family and friends who have gathered to celebrate with them. He spots Al and Meredith sitting next to Platt and Munch. He spots the fireman and his date and he thinks back to the time where he was jealous of the relationship between him and Erin. He shakes his head at the thought as he continues to scan the crow. He spots Antonio seating with Kevin and next to them is Hailey. He watches as she scans the crowd when their eyes met spots him and gives him a two thumps up with a smiles at him. He lets out a chuckle and smiles back at her.
He sees Margie make her way over to greet her son Michael and his wife. Margie says her goodbyes to them and heads to her seat on were the "bride's" parents were supposed to sit. Once she's seated she looks up at him and gives him a warm smile and he returns it. He is so grateful that she came into their lives. She has been amazing with Nadia taking her in as one of her grandkids. He loves the way she has taken Erin in under her wing and become like a mother to her.
He eyes move over to the right side were his parents are supposed to be sitting. A lump begins to form in his throat. He sees a single white rose laying on both chairs and a note attached to the back of the chairs.
In Loving Memory
Your presence we miss
Your memory we treasure.
Loving you always.
Forgetting you never.
Reserved for Patrick "Pat" Halstead
Father of the Groom
In Loving Memory
Your presence we miss
Your memory we treasure.
Loving you always.
Forgetting you never.
Reserved for Katherine Halstead
Mother of the Groom
Jay looks over at Will for some kind of explanation but all he sees is tears in his eyes as he shrugs his shoulders. He looks over and finds Margie watching him with tears shining in her own eyes. She gives him a small smile and walks over to him, "Erin, wanted it to be a surprise. She thought this would be a perfect way to honor your parents since they couldn't be here today."
He shakes his, "God, I love her."
Will slaps him on the shoulder, "You pick a good woman." Margie makes her way back over to her seat. The officiant moves into position as the music begins. "Here we go." Will says as gets back in place behind Jay.
Jay takes a deep breath as the music begins and Mouse and Rachel walk down the aisle. He watches as the two of them have there on little conversation as they walk. Mouse gives Rachel a wink as they separate and he takes his place behind Will. They decided not to have Will walk down the aisle with anyone since Erin only had Kim as Maid of Honor and Rachel as a bridesmaid.
Next up was Kim and Adam as he watched the two of them make their way down the aisle and he hope that better times were ahead for the couple. They had been through a lot with the loss of the baby and they both deserved some happiness in their lives.
A huge smile appears on his face as he sees his little girl walk down the aisle careful dropping her flowers out of the basket. When Nadia sees him a huge smile appears on her face and she quickly makes her way over to him. As Jay picks her up she looks up at him and says "Did see me daddy?"
"I did baby. You did awesome." He tells her giving her a kiss on her cheek which makes the crowd let out "aww" at the scene in front of them. He sets her back down on the ground and points toward Margie, "Now, why don't you go set with Margie." He says in quiet voice.
"Okay, daddy." She says trying to whisper but failing which makes everyone laugh. She turns and runs over to Margie, as the older woman pulls her up onto her lap.
Everyone soon quiets down again as the music changes for the bride. Erin chose didn't want the traditional song when she walked down the aisle. So instead Erin and Jay choose a song that describe their relationship. The song they choose was "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz. The officiant speaks into the microphone, "Will everyone please rise."
When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
Well there's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?
As the doors open to reveal Erin, Jay's breath catches in his throat as tears well up in his eyes. She walks down the aisle her eyes meet his and a huge smile graces her. As he watches all he can think about what a vision she looks like. His mind flashes back to the important moments in their relationships, the first time they meet.
Well, I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Their first kiss. The first time they made. Their first break up.
And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find
'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up
Their "I love you. Moving in together. Jay walking out.
I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts
We got yeah we got a lot at stake
And in the end you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not
And who I am
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
I'm still looking up
Erin's return, meeting Nadia for the first time, rebuilding their relationship, and finally the proposal.
Well, I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough (I am tough) he knows (I am loved)
We got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
His mind clears and Erin is stands before him with Hank at her side. She looks at him and mouths "Are you ok?" He looks up at her and smiles as he mouths back "Perfect." The officiant begins to speak, "Who gives this woman to be married?"
"I do." Hank says as he places a kiss on Erin's cheek. She thanks him and takes Jay's out stretched hand as she moves to stand across form him.
"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Jay and Erin a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife. Jay and Erin have decided to say a few words to each other."
Erin takes a breath and begins, "Jay, from the first moment I met you I know that we had something special. We had this immediate bond with each other and I have never had that with anyone before. I tried to fight for as long as I could but I eventually gave." She smiles at him. "I keep thinking back to that day where I ask you how you were feeling about us living together. Do you remember that day?" Jay nods his head. "After I told you about my crazy obsession with how many pillows I sleep, you said the sweetest thing to me."
"Erin, I'm going to tell what I would tell you a year from, two years from now, twenty years from now. Do your thing babe." Jay says with a smile on his face.
Tears spring in Erin's eyes as he finishes, "And I told you that you were amazing and it's still true today. You are the most amazing man that I have ever meet and I'm so thankful that I got a second chance with you. I can't wait to see what the future will hold for us. I love you and I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you."
"You know as you were walking down the aisle my mind flashback to every important moment in our relationship. Our first kiss, the first time we said "I love you", when we moved in together. Me being an idiot and walking out on you, you coming back home, meeting our daughter for the first time." Erin watches the tears the spring forth in his eyes as she gives him a smile. "Three years ago I thought this moment would never happened but then you came home and you brought with you my greatest Joy, our daughter. We slowly began to rebuild what we once had but better and stronger than ever before. I love you and I promise to spend my whole life telling you just how much." Jay wipes the tears that have fallen down Erin's face.
"How has the rings?"
"I do." Will takes the rings out of his jacket pocket and hands them over to Jay. Jay hands Erin his ring while he keeps hers.
"Erin repeat at after me. "I, Jay, give you, Erin this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." As she finishes she slides the ring on his finger.
"Jay repeat after me, "I, Erin, give you, Jay this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." Jay places the ring on Erin's finger as the two smile at each other.
"By the power vested in me by the state of Illinois, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," Jay grabs her face and his hand and places a passionate kiss on her lips. The room erupts in applause.
Jay and Erin turn and face the their friends and family, "I present to you Mr. & Mrs. Halstead."
…
The reception is in full swing and everyone is having a good time. The guests where all sitting at the tables waiting for the bride and groom to enter. The DJ grabs the mic, "Alright, Alright it's time to introduce the wedding party. First up bridesmaid Rachel Gerwitz and her husband groomsmen Mouse Gerwitz!" Mouse and Rachel come out holding hands and dancing as they head to their seats. "Next up Maid of Honor Kim Burgess and Groomsmen Adam Ruzek!" Everyone cheers as Adam leads Kim into the room and then dips her. "Last but not least we have best man Will Halstead accompanied by flower girl Nadia Halstead!" Will walks through the door with Nadia in his arms. He twirls her around as she lets out a giggle that makes everyone laugh.
"Alright, if everyone would please stand, as I introduce for the first time ever Mr.& Mrs. Jay Halstead!" The room erupts in applause as they enter with their adjoined hands raised as they make their way to their seats.
As the bride and groom are seated an announcement is made that dinner is served. The conversations flow as everyone enjoys their dinner. Throughout the dinner guests come up and greet the bride and groom. As dinner winds down Will grabs the mic and gathers everyone's attention. "We now at the part of the evening for toast and Kim has so graciously allowed me to go first." He turns toward Erin and Jay. "When I first met you my brother was worried I was going to do something stupid to embarrass him and I knew than that you worried different from any of the other girls. I saw a change in my brother when he was with. You brought something out in him that I have never seen before. When you left things were from for him and I saw that light that was once there dim but then you came back and it was like he was whole again." Erin looks over and Jay and smiles. "I say all that to say that I'm happy my brother found you. I wish our parents could have met you. Our mom would have loved you." Will clears his throat and lifts his glass up to them. "Welcome to the family."
Will walks over to Erin and pulls her into a hug. As they break apart Jay grabs Will and pulls him into a hug, "I love you, man."
"Back at you little bro."
Will hands the mic over to Kim, "Thanks Will now I have to follow up on that amazing speech." Everyone laughs. "Working with Erin and Jay I was privy to seeing how they work together while being a couple. I remember telling Erin how sometimes I forgot they were even dating because they made it look so easy. I look at them and they still make it look easy even though I know it hasn't always been. But as I watched the two of the rebuild the relationship they once had I'm reminded that love can prevail. When two people are meant to be together nothing can stand in the way." She lifts her glass up to them. "To Erin and Jay. May your love last a lifetime." Kim walks over to them and hugs them both.
The DJ picks up the mic, "Alright it's that time of the evening for the bride and groom's first dance." Jay gets up from his seat and grabs Erin hands as he leads her to the dance floor. As soon as the hit the dance floor the cords of Ron Pope's "Last First Kiss" begins to play. Jay pulls Erin into his arms they both begin to say to the music.
We might have met His children
Maybe it's been a couple weeks
I don't even know anymore
You have that affect on me
And now I'm feeling like forever
Just showed up at my door
I've got a little piece of heaven
It's all mine to hold ontoWhat I'm trying to say
In my own simple way
Is I want you to be my last first kiss
I want you to be my last first kissMy heart, yes it's finally found
Someone I can't live without
The two of them have their own private conversation as they are wrapped up in each other. The guest watch as the couple seems to be in their own little world.
And I wonder what you're thinking
Whenever you're not around
Any secret I was keepin'
I wanna tell you right now
And when I dream about tomorrow
I've got you on my mind
I am hopelessly devoted
Just want you in my life
What I'm trying to say
In my own simple way
Is I want you to be my last first kiss
I want you to be my last first kiss
My heart, yes it's finally found
My heart, yes it's finally found
Someone I can't live without
Jay whispers something in her ear that makes Erin through her head back in laughter.
I promise you nothing new
Is gonna come around
Making me change my mind
Nothing new, only you on my mind
What I'm trying to say
In my own simple way
Is I want you to be my last first kiss
I want you to be my last first kiss
I want you to be my last first kissMy heart, yes it's finally found
My heart, yes it's finally found
Someone I can't live without
As the song ends he places a gentle kiss on her lips. As their dance ends the room erupts in applause. The DJ picks up the mic again, "It's that time of the evening that everyone puts on their dancing shoes." The DJ puts on some upbeat music as the guest head to the dance floor and join the bride and groom. As Erin looks around at her friends and family dancing and laughing with each she can't help but smile. She watches as Jay dances with Nadia and Hank pulls Margie into his arms as she laughs. She sees Adam twirl Kim around as Kevin and Hailey dance together. Jay pulls her into his arms to dance with both of his girls, she knows there is nowhere else she would rather be than surrounded by the people she loves. Though this road at times has been she's thankful for every tear, every heartbreak, every smile and every laugh because they all lead her to this exact moment in the arms of the man she loves. Back where she belongs.
The End
A/N: THANK YOU! To everyone who followed, favorited and reviewed this story. It means a lot to me. This is the end of the road and I thank you all for coming on this journey with me. I hope you enjoy this Epilogue that gives you a brief look at the Halstead's life two years after the wedding. I'll be posting the Epilogue sometime tomorrow.