Forever and ever


It had not taken more than two days before everyone knew that the Commander's son was going to get married. People had started to congratulate Lucas and Alexandra in no time. And, of course, they all had their own visions on how the young fiancés should marry.

Lucas found it funny. But that was not the case for Alexandra. She had really wanted it to stay secret as long as possible. But no one had seemed to consider her point of view. Actually, their wedding was the event of the year. Maybe the last happy event before the war, and the Terra Novans were thrilled about it. It was like a light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Lucas was not a fool, he could see that the turmoil around their wedding was bothering her, even if she was trying to hide it. Also, he knew fairly well that Maddy was stressing Alexandra with the preparation of the wedding. Not that she was doing it on purpose to annoy her friend. No, Maddy was truly thinking she was helping Alexandra to prepare for the big day. But all of her questions and worries about it were getting on Alexandra's nerves. Alexandra could be patient - he knew it - but her patience had its limits.

Fortunately for Lucas, Mark and Skye were more concerned with his stag party than the marriage itself. Their desire to make it perfect, and above all secret, was making them paranoid, which was causing Lucas to have a lot of fun. For once, Lucas was not trying to know their plan. For once, he wanted to be surprised, which was a big test on trust for him. A smile broke out on his face when he thought about the last time he had surprised Skye and Mark while they were plotting behind his back. They both had stopped talking when he had arrived, trying hard to look innocent. Overall, his role was funnier than he would have thought.

As his mind was absentmindedly wandering, his attention went back to his future wife when his eyes darted to Alexandra's naked body under the sheets of their bed. Lucas smiled happily. They had just made love, and it had been intense. So intense that Alexandra had fallen asleep almost immediately after.

Lucas kissed her forehead and wrapped her into his arms to hug her. It slowly woke her up and her arms went around his chest to tighten their cuddle. They stayed silent a moment until Lucas was sure she was awake. Her eyes were half shut, as she was lost in her thoughts.

"You're alright?" He asked in a murmur.

"Yeah…" She whispered with a smile.

"I'm talking about… the wedding," he said, trying to be more precise.

Alexandra's body tensed, then relaxed, not wanting Lucas to feel it.

"It's fine."

"I can feel your heartbeat against my chest," he informed her, proving to her that he knew she was not telling the truth. Her rapid heartbeat was evidence of her rising anguish. And lately, it had happened quite a lot of times.

"I think I'm… very nervous," she confessed with a sigh.

"I'm getting that."

Alexandra sat up, leaning on her elbows, to look him in the eyes.

"You always seem so confident, it's disturbing."

"You're adorable," he smirked crookedly.

"No, don't say that!"

Lucas chuckled, amused.

"Why are you so confident about this wedding?"

"Because it's ours," he shrugged. "It'll be fine anyway."

"So you don't care? That's why it doesn't make you nervous," she stated aloud to herself. She didn't need a confirmation, it was suddenly obvious for her.

"Yes! No, I mean, as long as at the end of the day, you're mine, I'm happy."

She stared at him, and then her eyes narrowed on him.

"I get it… But…"

"But?"

"No, actually, there's no but. I get it. Why can't I feel like you?" She frowned. "It's so unfair!" She pouted. "Why is…"

Lucas put his index finger on her lips, stopping her from continuing.

"Tell me," he started, his hands going on her hips, pulling her closer to him. "Is it your undying love for me or just this French good old-fashioned way of life that is pushing you to marry me?"

His face was serious but his eyes were clearly laughing. Alexandra's face broke into a smile. Lucas always knew how to lighten her mood.

"Old-fashioned. I like old-fashioned," she replied, amused.

Lucas exhaled like he felt better.

"Thank God, I really thought you wanted to marry me because you love me," he joked. "So, there's no way to stress then?"

"Nope," she confirmed, as her head approached his. "Not at all."

"Good," Lucas chuckled before plunging to her, his lips encountering hers in a deep kiss.

He felt her chuckle against his lips and pulled her away gently to see her smiling. He loved that smile so much.

"I love you," he murmured.

"I love you too," she replied. "And I need to go and get dressed," she continued, already out of the bed and grabbing a tank top and a pair of shorts.

"What are you doing this morning?" Lucas asked, the back of his head resting on his palms while checking out his fiancée putting on her underwear.

"I'm gonna go see Hannah. She's alone at her home. I think she might like some company. Plus, the birth is in just a little more than 3 months and she's already tired. I'm gonna help her a bit. Do her shopping maybe. I'll see," she concluded with a shrug. "And you?"

"I'm gonna use my brain, as usual."

"As usual," she confirmed, kissing the top of his head. "I'm going!"

Alexandra was already at the front door when she heard Lucas shout from the bedroom.

"Are we eating lunch together?"

Alexandra jogged back to the bedroom.

"No, I'm having a brainstorming with Maddy about the wedding," she grimaced, making quotes with her fingers around the word brainstorming.

"Good luck," Lucas said with a smirk.

"I'll survive. I have a will for survival," she joked. "See you tonight?"

"Alright."

Alexandra walked quickly to the door when she heard Lucas calling for her.

"What?" She yelled.

"You forgot something," he shouted.

Alexandra exhaled loudly and came back to the bedroom again.

"What?"

"Gimme a kiss," he grinned widely.

"You really don't deserve me," she smiled, shaking her head from side to side. She approached the bed and jumped on it. "You don't deserve me," she repeated before kissing him hungrily, her tongue playing with his lips. Lucas grabbed her bottom in response, immediately excited.

"I'm leaving," Alexandra reminded him, taking his hands off her back before jumping out of the bed.

"You're evil," Lucas stated, frustrated.

"Bye," she just waved.

Alexandra wore a silly smile the whole way to Hannah's house. Being happy was making her feel lighter. She could almost forget the rest of the world, all the problems, just because she was in love. It sounded totally crazy, utterly utopist, yet, it was exactly how she was feeling and she wanted to enjoy the most of it.

Hannah did not open the door when Alexandra knocked at it. But it did not stop her from getting in. Actually, Hannah had felt very tired for a few days now, and she could spend the majority of her day laid in the sofa, a plex in her hands, reading about pregnancy and parenthood.

"Hello?"

As no one answered, Alexandra persisted.

"Hannah? It's Alex. You here?"

"I'm in the bedroom!" Hannah replied.

"Can I come in?"

"Yes, come in," an exhausted voice responded.

Hannah was sat cross-legged, a pillow on them, a plex above it. Her face reflected weariness.

"Alright?" Alexandra asked, concerned.

"Oh you know," she smiled tiredly. "I never thought I would wish for it to end as soon as possible! But he kicks me every night, it's impossible to sleep. And during the day, it's like every move is painful. My body is aching so much, I've never felt that way! I swear to you: don't get pregnant! Adopt a kid or ask someone to be pregnant for you because it's just like hell," she joked.

"Okay," Alexandra grinned. "Find someone to be pregnant for me… Duly noted."

"Well, if you want any advice, call me anytime you need!"

"Yeah, you're definitely the right person to give advice about how awesome pregnancy is. A real advert for procreation!"

They both laughed. Hannah because the fatigue was making her laugh at nothing and Alexandra because she was so happy today that everything was a source of joy.

"And me, can I do something for you?" Alexandra eventually asked.

"No, I'm fine, thank you."

"Not even some shopping? Do you have enough strength to reach the fridge? Maybe I should pull it next to your bed?" She mocked.

"That would be perfect. But it would be more amazing if you could do the same with the toilets!"

They giggled again, the sound of their cackles filling the air.

"Honestly, can I buy you something? Fruits? Vegetables? You need some vitamins."

"I told you, it's fine. Doctor Shannon paid me a visit yesterday and brought me loads of food."

"I can cook you a meal then?"

Hannah stared at her while a smile started spreading all over her face.

"Okay, I know I'm not a good cook, but I can do a meal," Alexandra grinned back.

"I think I'll pass on that," she replied, amused. "Tell me about your wedding. That must be a lot more interesting than my poor life here isolated from the rest of civilization."

"Oh well, there's nothing really to say. It's on schedule. Things are… almost done."

Hannah arched one eyebrow, perplexed.

"Almost done? Isn't it next week?"

"I know," Alexandra exhaled loudly. "Why did I agree to do it so soon?"

"Because you love him?"

"No, I don't mean that. I mean, I love him. I just don't know why I agreed to do it so soon! We could have waited a week or two. Taken our time."

"Is it that bad?"

"It's not that bad… I just have the feeling that I'm losing it. You see…"

"Everyone tells you what to do," Hannah finished her sentence. "I know," she said, taking Alexandra's hands into hers. "It was exactly the same for us. Sean's family was… Oh my God, it was awful," she chuckled. "His mother wanted to control everything. His sister, poor Ally, she was sweet but she truly believed we both loved the same things. She had some funny ideas…"

"And, what did you do?"

"I wish I had told her what I really wanted. But I'm weak," she grimaced. "I said nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing at all. And you know what, it didn't matter. Because all I wanted was to be Sean's wife. I must say, it could have been better. But it could have been worse. So, in the end, I let it be the way people wanted it. I pleased every member of my new family, and I got the only thing I really wanted."

"Sean."

"Sean," she confirmed with a smile.

"Once, Sean told me that home is where the heart is. He was right. I think I found mine."

"I'm glad to hear it. And even if I didn't like Lucas at first, I think you found a good man to be with. He's kind and generous when it comes to you. And most of all, he loves you from a true and deep love I haven't seen in anyone for a long time."

"Thank you," she replied, touched.

"You're welcome," Hannah smiled sweetly. Yet, sadness could be heard in her voice.

"Sean will be here soon," Alexandra said forcefully, her hand rubbing Hannah's arm gently. "You and your baby will be a complete family again very soon."

"I hope you're right," Hannah said hopefully.

"Sean will do whatever he has to do to come back to you."

"I know. But sometimes it's not enough."

A knot formed into Alexandra's stomach.

"Don't say that!" She scolded her friend. "Sean will succeed. I'm totally convinced he'll be here like he said. Has he ever lied to you before?"

Hannah bit her bottom lip, her gaze on the floor.

"No."

"Then you need to stop worrying and concentrate on this," she ordered her, her finger pointing to Hannah's belly.

Hannah forced a smile and thanked her. Alexandra could feel that Hannah was worried. And her concern didn't seem to be only about Sean. Enduring a pregnancy alone was probably not helping to maintain a positive attitude. Alexandra stayed another hour chatting with her until it was noon. Then she headed to the Shannon's house to meet Maddy. Alexandra had barely knocked at the door when Maddy appeared completely excited.

"Beth gave me your dress," she jumped with enthusiasm.

"And?"

"Come on! What and? You need to try it," she said, dragging her to the bathroom and pushing her inside. "Hurry!"

Alexandra ended up in front of a white dress delicately put on a chair. She gulped as she approached to see it closer. The fabric was light and had been created with attention. Beth was an artist for sure. Alexandra had accepted her offer to sew her wedding dress made to measure. Now, the dress was here and she had no idea what it would look like on her.

"Are you in?" Maddy shouted from behind the door.

"Not yet! Wait a minute," Alexandra yelled back. She looked one last time at the dress, inhaled deeply to find some courage and quickly undressed to put on Beth's gift. It was smooth and silky but not too girly. Agreeable to wear. Alexandra was pleasantly surprised. She stepped in front of the mirror and it took her some time to realize who the pretty woman facing her was. A grin emerged on her visage, followed by one tear that she quickly wiped away. It was like a chic summer dress. The neckline was plunging but not too much. Just enough to enhance her generously sized breasts. Two medium straps went back behind her neck and ended in a pretty bow. The dress was tight-fitting to the waist, highlighting her slim waist. Then it fell to her feet fluidly. It was as if the dress floated around her. Alexandra could not believe how much the dress was light and enjoyable to wear. She felt extremely comfortable in it. Without many words, Beth had really understood what Alexandra wanted and she was really thankful for that.

"Come on! Get out!" Maddy commanded her from outside.

"I… I don't know…"

"Alright, enough, I'm coming in," Maddy declared before entering into the bathroom. "I really don't know what…" Maddy stopped dead in the middle of her sentence. "Oh, Alex! You look beautiful!"

Alexandra frowned to her reflection in the mirror.

"You think?"

"Oh yeah," she confirmed.

"You aren't crying, are you?" Alexandra grimaced.

"No… No, it's something in my eye… Oh damn it, yeah I am," she shrugged. "But you're so… It's perfect. The dress is made for you. Beth really has a gift for couture."

"I know," Alexandra approved, glancing back to her reflection in the mirror. "She did a wonderful job."

"WOW," a little girl's voice exhaled. "You look like a princess!"

Alexandra turned to face Zoe and chuckled.

"Thank you," she smiled gratefully, her compliment was right from her heart and it was adorable.

"Am I going to have one like this one too?" Zoe asked hopefully.

"Huh… Not like this one," Maddy answered, embarrassed.

"But I want one like this one," Zoe started to pout.

"I'm sure yours is gonna be perfect!" Alexandra reassured her, caressing her arm gently. The little girl glared at her sulking. "I bet your dress will be splendid! Just like a princess!"

Zoe's dark face turned lighter.

"Like a princess?"

"Yep, like a princess," Maddy confirmed. "Now Zoe, why don't you go back to play, huh?"

"I want to stay with you!"

Maddy sighed, annoyed.

"It's okay," Alexandra intervened. "You can stay."

"Yes!" the little girl smiled.

Maddy made a face.

"What?" Alexandra murmured, faking not understanding her friend's disappointment.

"Okay… Well. So, you've got the dress, now, this…" Maddy showed a bag she was hiding behind her. "This is what you need!"

"What's this?" She frowned.

"Heels," Maddy replied, opening the bag for her.

"Heels?"

"Obviously!"

"No."

"No?"

"No," Alexandra confirmed, shaking her head from side to side. "I don't do heels."

"You won't marry Lucas without heels!" Maddy stated, shocked.

"Can I have them?" Zoe asked.

"Why not?" Alexandra inquired curiously, not listening to Zoe's intervention.

"Because!" Maddy just answered as if it was evident.

"But I can take them if she doesn't want them," Zoe insisted.

"Yes…" Alexandra said to Zoe.

"No!" Maddy quickly refused, keeping the shoes tightly against her chest.

"Maddy…"

"No, Alex. Listen to me, you can't marry him with your soldier's big boots on your feet."

"Why not?" she frowned.

"You have the dress, you need the heels!" Maddy scolded her.

"Maddy, one day you're gonna marry Mark and I'm pretty sure it's gonna be perfect. But right now, it's my wedding. And I… I don't want heels, please?"

"But a dress without heels it's like an apple pie without apple!" Maddy whined.

"Maddy… I… I want it… more… simple."

That was it. She had finally pointed out what was bothering her so much. She wanted it simple. She didn't need all of those things Maddy was planning. She wanted to please her friend, but deep down she knew she didn't want it. She had always heard that you had only one wedding and it was supposed to be the only day in your life when you could do whatever you wanted to do. It was her day, not Maddy's day. She didn't want to hurt her friend's feelings, but she had to stop planning everything like it was her own wedding.

"Simple?" Maddy repeated numbly.

"Maddy, I just need you and Damon with me to get married. And Lucas of course. Your parents, Zoe for the rings, and even Josh. Just my family and the man I'm gonna spend the rest of my life with. It would be perfect to me that way."

Maddy seemed to deliberate in her head and a small smile appeared on her face.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

"Not even the heels?"

"I like Lucas to be taller than me," she explained as an excuse.

"Okay," she sighed exaggeratedly. "But when you organize my wedding, you'll have to do a lot more than that."

"Promise," Alexandra said, relieved. She suddenly felt lighter. She didn't know why she had been so stressed about telling Maddy the truth. Maybe Hannah's story had increased her fear, but she should have known her friend was truly a good person and would never force her to do anything she didn't want to do.

"Can I have the shoes then?" Zoe insisted.

"No, I think they're my size," Maddy smiled archly, already taking her shoes back to try them. "And for you, Alex, I know exactly what kind of shoes you'll like to wear."

Alexandra spent the rest of the afternoon with Maddy and Zoe, happy to realize that the day which had started so well was still pleasurable. Alexandra had swapped Maddy's heels for semi-open flat sandals belonging to Elisabeth. It was a real stroke of luck to know people who were the same size as her.

Totally delighted by her day, she walked back home her heart free of this guilt that had been nagging her for a while.

"Hello, love," Lucas welcomed her.

"You're cooking?" She noticed, surprised.

"Yep," he replied proudly.

"I am very, very impressed," she told him, teasing.

"What? A husband can't feed the wife he loves?"

She sat on one of the chairs of the bar, leaning on the counter, watching him cut vegetables.

"Husband-to-be," she corrected with a mischievous smile.

"Should I stop preparing dinner then?" He asked, clearly playing her game.

"No, I think it's good for you to train, as your wife to be is a hellish cook!"

They both smiled at each other.

"So I guess your day was a good day after all?"

"Yep," she replied, grabbing a slice of carrot to eat it.

"Maddy is still alive?"

"She is. Actually, we had a discussion."

"Oh, wow," he mocked. "You two talked to each other? This time, I am the one who's impressed!"

"Shut up," she said lightly.

"What? You two spend hours chatting. Excuse me to be surprised you talk!"

"Ha ha, yes I already understood your joke the first time you said it."

Lucas smirked, proud of himself.

"So, you two talked," he stated more seriously. "And?"

"Well, she listened to me and understood my point of view for the wedding."

"And your point of view is?"

"I disagreed with her on few things that's all."

"Nothing I should know about then?" Lucas knew how much Maddy had put pressure on Alexandra, and he felt Maddy was not the only one who had done it. Plus, even if Lucas had repeated to her that the wedding would be as she wanted, he was certain she had not told him everything. She probably put some pressure on herself alone. Now, he was inviting her to speak.

She shrugged, not responding. Lucas stopped what he was doing, putting both his palms on the counter, looking at her straight in the eyes.

"What's really bothering you?"

Alexandra glanced down, playing with a piece of salad.

"I'm not bothered. I'm just wondering… I guess… I guess that because you're the Commander's son, we have to celebrate a big wedding with all of the Terra Novans, right?"

"Well… Maybe. But we don't have to. I told you. I just need you and a priest to be happy."

Alexandra looked at him in a strange way.

"I think I'd like it to be…"

"Smaller?"

"Simpler."

Lucas let out a chuckle.

"It's funny. I was sure of it! Yet, at first, I really thought you were the kind of girl who dreamt about a big wedding."

"I would have never thought you were the kind of guy who wanted a big one! Do I have to remind you that you hated to be gathered with people before?"

"I haven't changed that much. I just learned how to tolerate them."

"When I was younger, I wanted a big wedding, with the man I fell in love with because he would be smart, funny, and rich, with a lot of friends, all of my family. We would have partied during days, have danced hours, have eaten tones of food and have drunk liters of alcohol! But then, I met you."

"And I'm not rich, I know," he joked.

"I was going to say," she continued, sending him a scolding gaze. "That I met you and I fell in love with you. Then I realized that you're the only one I want to be with. I don't need other people with us to become your wife. I just want you and some close friends, people I consider as my family. That's all."

"I'm fine with whatever you're fine with. If you want it simple, we'll have it simple. Honestly, Alex, I don't mind. It's you who matters."

Alexandra stared at him, pondering.

"What about your father?"

"Who cares?"

"I care. You care. Even if you act like you don't."

"Alex… I love you. It's all that matters."

Alexandra looked at him intensively before forcing a smile.

"I know," she stated.

Alexandra believed Lucas really didn't care about how big the wedding should be. All he wanted was to marry her. And if to please her it had to be a tiny wedding, he would agree. And that was why Alexandra felt so guilty about it. She didn't want to be selfish. She wanted to please everyone. And as Lucas wanted to please her only, it was not helping. If she had been certain he didn't want a big one, or sure he wanted a small one, maybe she would have told him a different thing than the one that got out of her mouth.

"A big wedding is fine," she told him firmly.

"Is it?" Lucas asked, skeptical, still giving her an exit way.

"It is," she confirmed, trying to convince him as much as herself. And to avoid the discussion she felt that was coming from Lucas, she seized his face with her hands and pulled him into a deep kiss. The kind of kiss Lucas couldn't fight. The kind of kiss that would make him forget their serious talk.