Mariah's POV

The next few months flew by. Our apartment was finally a home, I started doing more for the show since Hilary was going to be on maternity leave soon and Tessa got signed to the music label that Emma and Roni created. She would still work at HWG until SwanQueen Records took off. There would be a lot of traveling involved but we could handle it. After hearing the song Tessa and I did "together" they asked if I would help write some while Tessa sang. I, eventually, agreed.

Entering the office, I watched as Tessa danced to the music that came from her phone. Placing the food down, I snuck up quietly to wrap my arms around the taller woman. "Hey, you."

Gasping, Tessa laughed. "Ugh, woman. You scared me."

"I couldn't help it. You looked so cute dancing around without a care in the world." Kissing Tessa's cheek, I grabbed the food. "I knew Devon had you working late, so I brought supper."

"Mmm. Smells awesome. What did you bring us?" Taking a seat, Tessa watched as I unloaded the bag.

"Some filet mignon and garlic potatoes. Before you ask, yes. I got garlic bread also." Taking a seat, I began eating. "Be glad I love you so much. With all the garlic you eat no wonder mosquitoes stay far, far away."

"Not one bite. While certain parties, get eaten alive." A sinister grin tugged at red lips. "And not in the way you enjoy." Winking, Tessa took a large bite of bread.

It took a moment for Tessa's statement to sink in. Well, my face matches my hair now. Lovely. "That's just rude."

Snorting, the musician smiled. "What can I say? I want to get in as much torment as I can before we go away on that fancy honeymoon to Hawaii."

"Mmhmm. I think Devon and Hilary just wanted to make sure they wouldn't walk in on us making out on the couch."

"Again." Tessa added with a smirk.

"Oh, God." Letting my head fall to the table, I groaned. "That was mortifying."

"Uh…yeah. It was." As we ate, I thought about how close our wedding was. I can't wait to walk down the aisle towards Tessa. Saying our vows in front of our friends and family. I wonder if she's finished hers?

"In less than a week we'll be married and spending two glorious weeks in an ocean side penthouse Hawaiian suite." Taking my hand, she toyed with my ring. "We never figured out who's last name we'd be taking."

"Hmmm. Tessa Copeland or Mariah Porter? They both sounds great."

"Personally, I'm happy with either. Mainly because it means that I'm your wife and you're mine."

Warmth filled my chest seeing the sincerity in Tessa's green eyes. "Yeah. Although, I've been meaning to change my name anyway."

"Oh?" Tessa's brow rose. "To what?"

"Change my middle name to Collins to honor Sharon and I was thinking Porter as my last name to honor you." Tears glistened in Tessa's eyes. "Please don't cry…"

"It's a little late for that." Her voice cracked. "I love the idea. Thank you." Squeezing my hand, Tessa tried composing herself.

"How much longer do you think you'll be?"

Looking around the office, Tessa pursed her lips. "Uh…an hour? Maybe two. I want to get everything in order and stuff since I won't be at work for two and a half weeks."

"Anything I can help with?"

"Yeah. That'd be great. It'll cut the time in half."

Xxx

The night before the wedding, Tessa stayed at our apartment and I stayed at Sharon's. Around midnight, after everyone else was asleep, my phone buzzed with a text. I smiled seeing Tessa's name flash across my notifications.

Is everyone asleep? -T

Yes. Why? -M

A moment later, my phone rang. "Hey, what's up?"

"I miss you and I can't sleep. The bed feels way too big without you beside me."

I can only imagine the adorable pout she has right now. Rolling to my side, I let the phone balance on my cheek. "I miss you too. I may or may not be cuddled next to a pillow and your leather jacket."

"That's where it went!"

Laughing, I tried not to wake Noah in the next room. "Yes, I stole it before I left."

"Yeah, well, I can't say much. I'm using your pillow because it smells like you."

"Are we really that couple? The one who can't last long apart?"

"Yeah. I mean, I think it was like that before we even had feelings for each other. I just…always wanted to be near you. I never wanted to move out of Sharon's. But I knew if I didn't, I wouldn't have been able to keep my feelings for you secret for much longer."

"I cried for at least an hour after you left. I was tempted to go after you. I almost did, actually."

"I stopped at the main gates and sat there for about half an hour debating on going back. But I knew if I was going to keep you safe, I couldn't." Sighing, Tessa lost herself in thoughts. "There were so many times I almost slipped. The time I almost kissed you after you complained about Devon and after I moved out when I brought wine and chocolate to GC Buzz. Both times I wanted to spill my heart out to you. Or when you told me how you felt and I shot you down." Tessa's voice cracked. "Seeing you cry like that…it broke me." Clearing her throat, she sniffled. "I'm still so sorry…"

"I've forgiven you for all of that. I may not have liked it, but I understand why you did what you did." I want to hold her so bad right now. "On a lighter note, I can't wait to see you in that gown tomorrow."

"You're going to stop my heart, I'm sure."

"Well, I hope I restart it. I'd rather you be alive when we exchange vows."

"When you look at me, my heart stops. But when you smile, it races."

"You are so cheesy." Shaking my head, I smiled.

"Hang up and go to bed!" Knocking on the door, Noah continued. "Otherwise, you'll look like crap tomorrow."

"Oh, thanks! Lovely thing to say to your sister. Go back to bed and leave me alone." Scoffing, I refused to laugh.

"Night, Sis."

"We woke Noah?"

"No. I think he had to go to the bathroom or something. He scared the crap out of me."

"Well, it is after one. We should probably get some sleep." Yawning, Tessa hummed. "Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon. I love you, Mariah."

"I love you too, Tessa. I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Xxx

Tessa's POV

When I woke up, I was buzzing. I'm getting married. I'm finally marrying Mariah. The reality scared and thrilled me at the same time. Gathering everything, I made my way towards the church.

Walking up the stairs, I nearly cried. When I pass through these doors, I'll be one step closer to marrying the woman I've loved for nearly two years. I wonder if she's here yet. Looking around the parking lot, I noticed Sharon's car. Yup. She's here.

"Mariah cried happy tears too." I jumped not realizing I wasn't alone. "Sorry." Kevin smiled, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "She's just as nervous as you. There has been a slight change for walking down the aisle but I think you'll like this version better."

"What's changed?"

Grinning, he started towards the door. "You'll have to wait and see. Now, come on. You can't be late for your own wedding."

"Not a chance!"

Entering the church, I was whisked away into a room where Sharon was. "Wait, why aren't you helping Mariah? She needs you."

"We came earlier so I could help her before you arrived. I'm going to be your mother-in-law in an hour. I need to help my daughter-in-law into her dress."

"Thank you, Sharon." Placing my bag down, I unzipped the dress bag. Taking in a calming breath, I smiled. "It's really happening."

"It is." Placing a hand on my shoulder, Sharon squeezed. "I know we've not had the best history but I consider you family. You make Mariah happy and protect her above all else. You're like a third daughter to me." Unable to speak, I wrapped Sharon in a strong hug. "Oh." That was the final straw. I couldn't hold back tears any longer. "Let's not tell Mariah that I made you cry. Even if it is because you're happy."

"Deal." Pulling back, I wiped my face. "Let's get this dress on, makeup done, and hair ready."

As Sharon placed the final bobby pin in my hair, curiosity got the best of me. "What did Mariah change? Kevin said something was different."

"That man cannot keep his mouth shut. You'll have to wait five more minutes. Trust me, you'll love it." Squeezing my shoulders, the older woman went to peek out the door. "We ready? Okay." Turning her gaze to me, Sharon smiled. "It's time."

Standing, I could feel my heart pounding. Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God. Here we go. Stepping outside, Sharon held a hymnal in front of my face. "What the-"

"Kevin, what are you doing? I swear if you mess up my makeup…"

"Hold on. Geez." Kevin laughed. "Think they're ready for this?"

"I think so." Simultaneously, Sharon and Kevin moved away. Soft gasps filled the small room as Mariah and I saw one another for the first time. "We're going to get in place. When the music starts, that's when you come in." Kevin smiled as he and Sharon entered the chapel.

Stepping forward, I took my fiancée's hands in mine and stammered. "You look…amazing. I can't…"

"You too." Mariah's eyes became cloudy with tears. "Thankfully, they make waterproof mascara and eyeliner."

"Yeah. Is this what Kevin was telling me about? You changing something?"

"Mmmhmm. I wanted us to walk down the aisle together because I knew we'd fight over who got to stand at the altar."

"That's a pretty fair assumption. We both know, I would have given you whatever you wanted."

"I know. That's why I came up with this. And," Mariah's smile grew. "There's one more, small, change."

If she wasn't smiling, I'd be terrified. "Okay…" Music began to play. "That's our cue." Lacing my arm in Mariah's, we entered the chapel and began our way towards Kyle who beamed from the front. Everyone stood and applauded.

"We are gathered here today to bind these two crazy kids together for the rest of their lives. I've not known Tessa long but from the moment I met her, I knew she was meant for Mariah. I have been informed, that they have written their own vows. And Tessa has threated to kill me if I don't let her go first." Chuckles were heard among the crowd.

"Thank you, Kyle." Taking Mariah's hands in mine, I smiled. "You are my light, Mariah Copeland. One that I will cherish until the day I die. I promise to protect you and love you no matter what happens. You've forced me to open up. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. From the day we met at The Underground, I knew there was something different about you. You told me you went from plunging toilets and moping the floors to being the co-host of a show that I don't fast forward through most of now." Hilary snickered from the forth row. "I had to say it."

Mariah laughed. "I know." Taking a deep breath, she began hers. "Tessa, we have had a long, crazy, intense journey. You came into my life and turned it upside down. If you would have told me two years ago that I'd be marrying anyone, especially a woman, I would have made some sarcastic remark and brushed it off. But now, there's no place I'd rather be. And there's one more change I have for you." Looking behind me, she smiled. "Ready?" Turning, I was dumbfounded.

"What's a wedding without rings, right?" Smiling, Crystal hugged Tessa tightly. "Congratulations, Tess."

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I hugged my baby sister. "How are you? Wait-" Turning back, Mariah eased my panic.

"Everything is in the clear. I promise. I'll explain later."

Nodding, I took my wife's word. "Okay."

The rest of the ceremony went by agonizingly slow. Kyle made a joke about Mariah being a redhead when the whole "if anyone thinks these two shouldn't be wed" part came up. Finally, he said we could kiss and I barely let him finish "you may now kiss the bride" before cupping Mariah's face. Everyone cheered as we kissed.

Making our way to the parking lot, we threw our bouquets. I'm not sure who caught mine but Hilary caught Mariah's. "We'll see you on the roof deck!" Mariah yelled from the car as we left the parking lot. The sound of cans dragged behind us. "Can I help kill whoever did this to your car?"

"Please? Because it's going to take forever to get this stuff off. How did you get everything clear with Crystal?"

"Emma and Roni." Mariah paused. "For a bar owner's wife, Emma has a lot of connections. Like, bail bondswoman connections. She helped talk with Paul and get Crystal's name cleared. No jailtime. I wanted to tell you but Crystal begged me not to. She wanted you to focus on the wedding. And if you knew she was in town, it would ruin the surprise."

"Huh, interesting." It took a few minutes for everything to sink in. "You really are amazing, Mariah. Thank you." Entwining our fingers, I kissed the back of my wife's hand. "I'm glad they were able to come."

"They wouldn't miss our wedding for anything." Finally, we found parking. "Even with people carpooling, this place is packed!"

"Yeah. As the guests of honor, you'd think they would have reserved us a front spot."

Agreeing, Mariah laughed. "Yeah. Let's go." Kissing me quickly, the redhead smiled and climbed out of the car.

Xxx

Mariah's POV

Stepping off the elevator and onto the roof deck, everyone cheered again. Sharon and Nick had champagne waiting for us. "Congratulations, girls." Mom hugged us both. "I know you've both wanted this for a long time."

"Yeah," Tessa smiled. "We have."

Over the next hour, people congratulated us and gave speeches about how happy they were for us. On my signal, Emma gained everyone's attention by doing a sound check from the booth. "It's time for the new brides to share their first dance." Everyone cleared the floor allowing Tessa and I to be the center of attention. "The bride-uh-one of the brides, Mariah, has a final surprise for the woman of her dreams."

"What else could you have possibly done?"

Placing a hand on Tessa's hip, I took her other hand in mine. "Just wait." I'm going to die if this sounds like crap. Emma and Roni wouldn't do that to me though. As the music began, so did we. I'm so nervous!

"What's that look for? You look terrified."

She says that I smell like safety and home. I named both of her eyes: forever and please don't go. I could be your morning sunrise all the time. All the time. This could be good. This could be good.

"Mariah, is this you?" I smiled, my face turning impossibly red. "You sound amazing."

And I can't change, even if I tried. Even if I wanted to. My love, my love, my love, my love. She keeps me warm, she keeps me warm. What's your middle name? Do you hate your job? Do you fall in love too easily? What's your favorite word? You like kissing girls? Can I call you baby?

Resting her forehead against mine, Tessa smiled. "You should know all the answers to those questions. But instead of calling me "baby" you can call me "your wife."" As the music played, we danced. Forgetting about everyone else who was there.

After the reception, I asked Nick and Sharon to follow us home with Crystal. Tessa and I arrived before them, so we quickly changed out of the dresses and into something more comfortable. "When did you have time to do that?" The musician wrapped her arms around me from behind. "I thought notes jumped off the page because they were afraid you'd try to sing them?"

"When I had to go out of town to Madison for Hilary. I took a few extra days off and flew to San Francisco. Roni and I had been talking about it for a few weeks and she said we could pull it off. I think by the end of the three days it took to record, she and Emma were about to kill me."

"Nah." Kissing my cheek, Tessa turned me to face her. "I loved it."

"I thought you would." Hearing a knock, I went to answer the door. "Hey, come on in."

"What couldn't you tell me at the reception?" There was a little worry in Sharon's tone.

"It's nothing bad. I promise." I allowed Nick and Sharon to sit before continuing. "I've decided to take Tessa's last name. While I've got the paperwork, I'm also changing my middle name," I paused. "To Collins."

"Mariah-" Tears clouded my mother's eyes.

"I wanted a way to honor you in my new life with Tessa. You are an amazing woman and I hope that I can be half the woman you are."

Tears rolling down Sharon's face, she wrapped her arms around me. "Thank you, Mariah."

"I'm going to start getting all emotional again." Tessa kidded.

"You and me both." Nick added.

"We go tomorrow to sign the marriage license. That'll take a day or two before we can pick it up. Afterwards, we'll get the social security paperwork in before we leave for Hawaii. By the time we get back, that will be settled and then onto the DMV." I shuttered. That place is horrible.

"You sure you want to take my last name?" Smirking playfully, Tessa nudged my arm.

"Oh, you're coming with me." Her face fell. "We're in this together now." I glared playfully at the musician.

Snickering, she gave in. "Fine. But first," Tessa's attention moved to Crystal. "Where are you going to stay? I mean, we can give you the couch but-"

"She's staying with us." Sharon wrapped an arm around the young girl's shoulders. "She's extended family and we have an empty guest room. If she's interested, I need a barista at Crimson Lights."

"R-really?" Crystal pipped up. All Sharon did was nod. "Yes! Please. That's…awesome. Thank you."

"Everyone deserves a second chance."

"Thank you, Sharon. This means so much to Crystal and I. She needs a permanent address-" It finally dawned on Tessa just how much I had planned everything out. "Mariah," she turned on her heels. "Sharon knew about this, didn't she?"

"Mmhmm. Everything is set up." Placing my hands on my wife's shoulders, I squeezed. "For once, you don't have to fight. Everything is set. In eighteen months, Crystal will be done with probation. She's got a place to live and a job. You don't need to do anything. We take care of our own."

Tears filled impossibly green eyes. Wrapping me in a tight embrace, Tessa buried her face in my hair. "Thank you…"

"You're welcome." Reciprocating the embrace, I rubbed Tessa's back. She's always had to fight for everything. I'm glad she doesn't have to now. She's safe now and she's my wife.