Savior

Chapter 102

-xx-

"We have a special dedication," the DJ announced. Cate turned from her conversation with Jackie and Sarah at the sweetheart table to see Derek crossing the dance floor. The smirk on his face gave away who requested the next song. "The groom has asked for a special song for his new wife. Cate, if you will please join Derek on the dance floor."

She shook her head before taking one last sip from her water bottle. Derek stepped towards their table and held out a hand for her to stand with him. She grinned as she stood from her seat and placed her bottle back on the table.

"For all of the married couples in attendance, please feel free to meet our newlyweds on the dance floor," he continued.

Cate could only chuckle as she heard the first few strains of the song. "I heard this the other day and could not help but think of you," he whispered to her.

She situated herself in his arms as they swayed to the song. She was so comfortable in his arms; Cate rested her head against his shoulder. She could see a few other couples start to make their way to the dance floor to surround them.

If life's just wakin' up to
Another day of lookin' at you
If all we get is just to be together
It makes me wanna live forever
You make me wanna live forever

"Forever," he sang along with the lyrics in to her ear. "You tell yourself that you'll never grow old, 'til you find the hand you were meant to hold."

Cate leaned back just enough to purse her lips to hold back her emotion as he sang to her. She matched him, "Now I never wanna see you one last time. I never wanna know a kiss goodbye," she recited.

She gripped his hand the best that she could as they danced; neither noticed the dance floor fill up. Derek was unable to take his eyes off the brunette he was holding. If someone had told him a year ago that he would reconnect with this woman, they'd fall in love and be married within eight months, he would have laughed. They were crazy.

But he could not see his life any different than it was at that moment. They had planned to finalize things on the house before they left for Aruba in just a few days. There were plans to move into the new house once they returned from their trip.

He wanted to celebrate tonight; celebrate their love, but ultimately, celebrate their future. For once, he could see a future with a woman – this woman, and it seemed brighter than ever before.

"Catherine Morgan," he whispered in her ear as the song drew to a close. It was met with an upbeat tempo. They began to pull apart from each other, just to keep dancing. Cate grinned as they were joined by a few of his co-workers.

"I love the sound of that," she answered with a wink.

Derek grinned in her direction as he was slowly scooted out by their friends.

-xx-

"I will be so upset if you smash that in my face," Cate warned as Derek picked up a piece of their wedding cake. The smirk on his lips and the way he held the cake in his fingers made Cate weary. "I mean it, Derek. Don't you dare screw up my make-up."

He chuckled; that was her biggest concern. Derek gestured for her to pick up her own piece. "I won't, I promise," he said softly as she slowly picked up her own small piece of cake. "Truce?" he asked with a wink.

The brunette nodded. They crowd cheered as they fed each other their slivers of cake. Derek could not help the grin crossing his face as Cate took her time to eat the cake off of his fingers.

She pulled her hand back just enough from his and blotted frosting on his nose. He could only shake his head; the infectious laugh and smile coming from his bride was totally worth it.

He wiped his hand quickly on a napkin before pulling Cate to him and in to a passionate kiss, much to the chagrin of those in attendance. Cate wrapped her arms around his neck, trying her best to keep her frosting covered fingers away from him.

The small crowd around them slowly dispersed as Derek pecked her lips once more. "Are you enjoying yourself?" Derek asked softly as he ducked next to her ear.

"I am," she mumbled and nodded. "I still can't believe this is all for us."

He placed a kiss to her neck before standing up straight. "You made this possible," he reminded her. "I'm pretty stoked that we don't have to wait until next spring, either."

"Me too," Cate answered as her lips parted in a smile. "Everything worked out perfectly." Derek nodded. "Now let's go hit the photo booth."

The twinkle in her eyes was enough to convince him to follow here wherever she wanted to go. Derek could not help the laugh that escaped him when he saw his team in the area set up with the photo booth.

"Perfect timing," Penelope announced as the two walked towards them. "Group photo!"

After taking a few photos with everyone, Penelope kicked all of the men out of the photo area. Cate could not contain her laughter as they all made silly faces in the booth with their props.

"Make sure those make it in to the photo album," Cate said as they all stepped out from their spot in front of the camera. "I'll get extra copies of them, too."

"This is such a great idea," JJ said softly as they watched Garcia go to work putting all of the printouts in to the photo album that was set up like a guest book.

Derek had raved about the original 'guest book' outside of the tent; he complimented Cate's choice of using the whiskey barrel cover for everyone to sign. For her, having the photo album was a creative way for guests to leave notes with their pictures.

"They offered it as part of the package," Cate replied. "I would have been a fool to say no!"

Emily nodded. "It's really fun!"

"Catie," the brunette turned to the sound of her husband's voice. "Kristin wants to get group shots of the entire team."

Cate beamed at the idea of their photographer. She turned to see JJ already in action getting any one who had made it back to their table.

Derek situated himself and Cate in the middle of the group; he was ecstatic to have his second family with him on the biggest day of his life. These other six people worked together so well, but also took care of one another to an entirely different extent. They trusted each other with their lives.

But ultimately, they supported each other in every decision they made, whether it was for the team or personally. They were all very accepting of Cate, even as most of them knew her past. They never once judged Derek for starting a relationship with someone he met through work as a victim.

Dave, especially, supported the change in the man he worked alongside of for several years. He had seen the man grow professionally for years, but was very happy to see him settle down and grow personally. He saw Derek like his son, not just his co-worker or mentee. He only wanted the best for that man, and seeing him with his new wife was just that.

-xx-