Disclaimer: I don't own the property of POI. Just using aspects of it for entertainment purposes.
A/N: Here we are everyone, the final chapter to this more family-focused story. Thank you to everyone for your kind words. I always take joy in reading each and everyone which includes guest ones. I wish I can reply to you as well. Thank you SWWoman for helping give this story a once over. Truly appreciate that you take the time whenever I ask :D
Chapter 4 - The Wedding
"I can't believe that my baby is only a few hours away from being a wife again" Evelyn commented as her daughter stood in front of a Victorian mirror to get a better look at the simple, strapless white gown she chose once she lost all of the baby weight. After their precious Angel was born, Joss was ecstatic to take that next step with John but she refused to set a date until she got her figure back. Surprisingly, it took only a couple of months so Joss set a date for early May.
She fiddled around with the veil and the designer bustier that was laced with white gemstones hugging her waist. The rest of the dress was smooth silk that reached down to the floor with a lace train. Wanting to be comfortable, Joss finished the outfit with matching flats. Her hair had been pulled up into a neat bun with a butterfly pin keeping it together. Joss couldn't help but be nervous that she was going to be walking down the aisle again. That was something that she never expected, especially after the failure of her marriage to Paul.
Somehow though, she saw a future with John by her side, even with his dangerous job. It seemed like John was being more careful, leaving more numbers to Shaw than usual so that he could spend time with his daughter. He also invested in a very effective vest that would protect him not only against bullets but knives as well. John was the definition of the devoted father as he offered to do everything from feeding to changing Angel. One night, Joss caught John in the rocking chair that was next to the window in her room, humming a lullaby to soothe his daughter into dreamland. The sight was one to behold and Joss's heart swelled at the memory.
Their precious daughter was dressed up for the wedding with a tiny outfit of white and pink. Angel was resting in Evelyn's arms as they both watched Joss studying herself in the mirror. She reached her small arms out, her mouth unable to form anything but gurgles. This caught Joss's attention and she made her way over to her daughter. "Aww, sweetie." She then delicately took her from her mother and walked around the room with Angel cuddled in her arms. "In a few hours, your daddy and I are going to make things official. Aren't you excited?" Joss's tapped Angel's tiny nose and giggled when she scrunched her face before turning to her mom. "Thanks again for taking her mom."
Evelyn just brushed it off. "It's no problem at all to take care of my granddaughter. I know that you'll want to enjoy your honeymoon."
A knock interrupted them. Evelyn went to open it, making sure that a certain someone wasn't trying to peek at his future bride. She had been at the end of John's countless questions about what Joss was going to look like after they had come back from dress shopping. It was quite amusing to see John trying to butter her up with gifts and meals to try and get her to spill but she stayed strong much to his chagrin. John learned really quick where Joss got her stubborn nature from.
After making sure the coast was clear, Evelyn allowed Shaw and Zoe to enter. As Joss looked over at her maid of honor, she couldn't stop the laugh that bubbled up at how uncomfortable Shaw looked since she didn't like getting dressed up. However, Joss's promise of a month's worth of steak sealed the deal. Well, that and John also added that she secretly liked them. Whatever the reason, Shaw looked nice in her beige dress that wrapped around her waist and flowed out towards the bottom. Zoe was wearing the same dress and it was flattering to her as well. They both appreciated that Joss had selected a simple, tasteful dress for them to wear.
"How long is this thing so that I can get out of this?" Shaw asked with frustration to her voice. Joss could see that the younger woman was trying to get through this for her and it just showed how good of a friend she was once you got past the rough exterior, much like John. Everyone got comfortable in the chairs provided while Joss continued to stand and tend to her daughter. The wedding was being held in a hotel that Harold purchased a while back. Of course, Joss admonished him for offering to take care of the price tag for the wedding after he had spent so much money on them already only to be met by a smile before he said how it didn't matter as long as his close friends were happy. Harold had been very supportive of the union between John and Joss after acknowledging that she had been a good influence on his life. He knew that John had changed and strived to be a better man because he wanted to make Joss happy.
Joss had control over all the aspects of the wedding with Harold constantly reassuring her that price wasn't an issue. Even if that was the case, Joss still wanted to keep things simple and intimate. She and John agreed or more as she suggested and he just went along with whatever choice made her happy, on the theme of white with hints of pink so that's the bouquet consisted of along with any ribbons and petals that lined the seats and carpet. For the reception, they both kept in mind to order plenty of food so that Shaw would be heaven. It wasn't a hassle since they were planning to have those close to them. It ended up being catered by a high-class company that Harold recommended from dining in their restaurant on occasion.
They were grateful for the easy planning as it allowed them to spend more time with Angel. She was the light in their lives that neither would ever regret having. As much as Joss had been surprised by the circumstances, it pushed for things that otherwise wouldn't have happened. John was the perfect dad and fiancée, tending to both of his girl's needs even though one was more than capable of taking care of himself. He was more careful, more attentive. Joss and Angel enjoyed having his attention so much but at the same time, John wasn't suffocating with his need to protect them from danger. Joss had to drill it in his head a few times that he wasn't Superman and he couldn't do everything. She got quite the laugh at his disappointment because the man had thought otherwise before pulling her to him and kissing her.
Joss glanced at the clock, seeing that it was finally time for everything to begin. She took a deep breath and walked over to her mother, Shaw, and Zoe. When they saw the look in her eyes, they knew too and nodded their heads. Evelyn once again took her granddaughter while Zoe and Shaw made sure that Joss looked like a vision for her future husband. Once everything was in place, Evelyn opened the door to exit first followed by Zoe then Shaw and finally Joss who was being extra careful because she didn't want to suffer an embarrassing fall at her wedding.
As the ladies approached the room that was reserved for the ceremony, they could faintly hear the priest reciting his lines about love and soulmates. Joss was fiddling with her veil and bouquet, hoping that she looked alright. Now that it was almost time, she was feeling self-conscious as well as excited. It had been so long since Joss walked down the aisle to Paul.
Without further ado, let us begin the nuptials.
Then the familiar music of the wedding march was played by a small orchestra of violins and a single large harp. Joss's eyes began watering behind the veil as she moved closer to the curtain. Zoe, Shaw, and Evelyn with Angel exited through first. Then she began to slowly trail them. Taylor was standing there, looking so handsome in his tux, escorting her down the aisle to hand her off to John. Joss was a vision in front of their small group of participants. The small group that was allowed to attend were former numbers such as Megan, Andrea, and Leon, along with familiar faces like John's best man Harold and Lionel. However, Joss's focus was on the man in front of her looking so handsome in his tux. She could see the stunned expression on his face as her flats crushed the small petals that covered the aisle.
Finally, Joss was standing in front of everyone after her bridesmaids stood on her right and Taylor went over to John's side. Giving the bouquet to Zoe, Joss turned back so that she could take John's hands. They patiently waited as the priest continued, expressing how this was a relationship that God had seen worthy to bless. Both John and Joss couldn't say for sure if that wasn't entirely true. After all, fate had brought them together that night.
"Now I understand that the bride and groom have both written their own vows" the priest pointed out. Joss allowed John to go first, surprised that he did have one. There had been discussions in the past on their vows and Joss confessed that she did do her own. John said that he wasn't sure if he would do it too and she reassured him that it was okay.
Focusing on each other, the room was deadly quiet as John began. "Joss, you know that I'm not good with talking about how I feel. I also know that there was something that I wanted you to know and I guess now is better late than never." John paused to collect himself before continuing. "Now, I'm not going to deny that I was aware of your beauty. But the point is, this has nothing to do with your outer beauty. As I got to know you, I began to realize that beauty was the least of your qualities. I became fascinated by your goodness. I was drawn in by it. I didn't understand what was happening to me. It was only when I began to feel actual, physical pain every time you left the room that it finally dawned on me: I was in love, for the first time in a long time. I knew it was hopeless, but that didn't matter to me. It's not that I want to have you. All I wanted to do was deserve you. Jocelyn Carter, you make me feel like the luckiest man each and every day just by being in my life and I couldn't imagine spending the rest of my life without you." John held his breath, waiting for a reaction. His eyes searched for hers underneath the veil but she didn't move. He grew worried that she didn't like it. "Joss?"
When he heard the small sniffle, John smiled. It was then that he was aware of their guests also emotional over his speech. Looking over at Shaw, he had to fight a laugh over her stoic expression.
"Thank you. Now for the bride."
"Always got to show off, huh John" she mumbled before clearing her throat. "John Warren, I swear sometimes you drive me insane. You are reckless to the point that I think that you have a death wish. When we first met, I didn't see a bum, I saw the man underneath that needed someone to help him. I didn't know what I could do for you but I wanted to try something. Then you told me - no admitted to me - that I was a major reason why you kept going and I was honored." She then looked over at Harold who nodded his head in return. "You found something that allowed you to be yourself again and I liked what I saw. It was nice that we were able to become friends. I never could've imagined any of this for us. After my divorce, I couldn't see myself trusting anyone as much as I do you. John, I love you and all that you have given me and our beautiful Angel. Like I've told you so many times now, you are a good man and you deserve to be happy. Thankfully, I'm the lucky gal that managed to snatch your heart." The room erupted in laughter before calming down a few seconds later.
The priest nodded his head, continuing through the tradition of a ceremony. "If there is anyone here that has any reason to see as to why these two should not be united, please speak now or forever hold your peace." A hush fell over the room. No one objected. "Do you have the rings?" Both John and Joss looked behind them where Shaw and Harold handed them their wedding bands. They took their hands delicately as they waited for the priest to continue. "John, do you take Jocelyn as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do" he answered without a second thought before slipping the ring on Joss's left ring finger, joining it with her engagement ring.
The priest then turned to Joss. "Jocelyn, will you take John as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do." Joss mimicked John by slipping the ring on to his finger.
"By the authority vested in me by the state of New York, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
"Gladly," John said as he slowly lifted the veil. His heart gave an extra thump as he glimpse down at the woman that had meant the world to him, the person that he could call him and she could claim him as hers. With a slight tilt of their heads, the two leaned in to press their lips together and the room erupted in celebratory applause.
Joss broke out laughing as she sat in the chair in the center of the dance floor. The reception had been all she could ever hope for and more with everyone enjoying themselves. She and John entered the room to the loud applause and whistles of their family and friends. It still felt surreal to the both of them that they were legally bonded, but they were. Mr. and Ms. Warren took the prominent spot at the large dining table front and center, posing for numerous picture with nothing but smiles on their faces. They accepted the gifts and congratulations, glad to see so many people happy with the union.
Now she was waiting in the middle of the dance floor for John so he could remove her garter to toss to the guys as she looked over at Zoe who appeared to be beaming after catching the bouquet. She didn't have much competition after Shaw bowed out almost immediately, leaving her with only four other women to do battle with. The scene was surprisingly tame as Joss remembered her previous wedding and how women from her and Paul's families looked ready to start a war over the bouquet.
Her husband finally appeared, still as handsome as ever with his bow tie now loosened because he was more relaxed. As they smiled knowingly at each other, Lionel was yelling and whistling some crude comments that garnered a laugh from a few of the guys. Kneeling in front of her, Joss lifted her left leg for him to take. Those large hands traveled slowly up her leg, igniting a small fire of anticipation for when they were alone, before feeling the lacy garter hidden underneath. Waggling his eyebrows, Joss let out another laugh before clapping his hands together as he removed it and spun it on his index finger. It was unbelievable how different John was acting and Joss liked this side of him, happy and fun loving. She hoped that there would be more occasions in the future where she would witness this.
John casually tossed the garter towards the crowd of guys and surprisingly Leon was the lucky recipient. Everyone clapped happily, joking with him about getting hitched with Zoe, something that he said he didn't mind. which just got more laughs. The whole event was just carefree and wonderful. The first dance was sweet and loving, the song Angel of Mine by Monica John overheard on the radio during a throwback hour and it really expressed his feelings for Joss. She agreed on the choice, returning the sentiment. They both held each other close in the dimly lit room as they swayed in time with the music. It still felt like it was all a wonderful dream, that they would wake up and none of this would have happened.
Joss took Angel from Evelyn and brought her over to the towering 3 tier white cake. She had to keep an eye on her daughter as her tiny hands reached out towards it, trying to get an early piece. The family stood behind it, posing for pictures before taking the large knife and cutting into it together. Joss touched some frosting on Angel's nose, laughing at her confused expression before feeding the rest to John as he did the same with her. Mischievously, they each attempted to give the other more than what they asked for and ended up with frosting on their cheeks and forehead. All John and Joss could do was laugh because there was no doubt that they were enjoying themselves as much as their guests. Both mouthed 'I love you' to each other before properly enjoying a piece of cake.
"Wow" Joss simply said as she and John were being escorted to the honeymoon suite of the hotel. The reception had ended a few minutes ago with the two of them making sure to say goodbye to everyone before having some alone time. Angel was whisked away by her grandmother with a smile and Shaw couldn't stop insisting that they save her gift until they were in private.
Despite the worry of what the little deviant had gotten her, she still saw her off. Harold was filled with absolute mirth that both the wedding and reception went off so well. She thought that if he wasn't out there saving strangers that Harold may have had a career as a wedding planner.
The room looking disgustingly expensive as the bellhop that brought their luggage up began to explain all of the luxury features. Joss was quickly attracted to the large windows that reminded her of the ones in John's loft and she slowly walked over to them. Once the bellhop finished his explanation, John tipped the young man handsomely before hurrying him out of their room and putting the 'Do Not Disturb sign outside before closing and securing the door.
Turning back, his heart lodged in his throat as Joss stood at the window with her back to him, almost like a vision with the darkened city as the backdrop. It felt too good to be true. This perfect woman in front of him was now his wife and he was her husband. They were bonded for as long as they lived and he would make damn sure that it was that way. John loosened up the cuffs of his tux's white shirt after removing the black jacket and tie before tossing them over the couch that was just off to the side. Nothing mattered to him at this moment that the woman before him as he closed the distance between them and wrapped his arms around her small waist. Laying his head on her shoulder, John gave the side of her head a soft kiss before looking out the window. "Quite the view" he complimented, entirely referring to Joss.
She turned to her husband and saw that he wasn't looking at the skyline but at her and gave him a warm smile. "Still the charmer John? I would think that now that I've stolen you away from all those poor women down there, that it would say bye."
John shook his head. "It will only ever be for you, my love. Everything will be for you." He pulled back so that she could turn to face him before taking both of her hands in his. "You have blessed me with something special." His finger began to trace the two rings on her left hand. "Now I'm yours mind, body, and soul just as you are mine. Is this as surreal for you as this is me?"
Joss smiled before squeezing his hands. "John, I never even considered the idea of being married again, too scared to be hurt after Paul but I trust you. That's why I was willing to take that chance. I love you and I want us to be together always." Both took a step closer before embracing in a kiss that held a promise of love and respect that would last for years to come.