Here's the wedding we've all been waiting for! Enjoy! :)
Chapter 56
Clarke woke on the morning of her wedding with a start just fifteen minutes before her alarm was set to go off. She lay there, staring at the ceiling, a smile curving her lips.
Today was the day!
She verily jumped from the bed, skidding to a halt outside the bathroom door. She listened as the shower cut off, and Octavia's off key singing began.
"Hurry, O! I've got a wedding to get to", she called as she banged on the door.
The singing stopped, followed by loud fumbling and a string of muffled curses. Then the door opened, her friend standing in her pjs with her dark hair dripping wet.
"Gee, can't a girl get a shower!"
"You were done", Clarke said innocently.
"Fine, I'll make the coffee and you take a quick shower. We'll meet Harper and Monroe at the venue", O bossed as she shuffled to the kitchen.
Clarke chuckled, but quickly moved to do as the other woman had said. She showered hurriedly, washing her hair and shaving her legs. When she'd finished, she dressed in a pair of denim shorts and one of Bell's button down shirts.
She'd requested it two days ago, and her man had followed through on his promise. It was white and it smelled like him. He'd handed it to her with a kiss and a smile, whispering that it was the least he could do for his ladylove.
Clarke fastened the last button, slipping on her tennis shoes and grabbing her makeup bag before sailing into the living room. She found Lincoln leaning against the island nursing a cup of hot black coffee, his eyes following O as she readied her own makeup supplies.
"You ready", O called, her gaze flitting about the room looking for anything they'd missed.
"Absolutely", Clarke chirped.
They carried the dresses and tuxes down to Lincoln's once again waiting SUV, piling everything in the back before taking off for the Brookstreet Mansion at the edge of town.
As they drove down the tree-lined driveway, Clarke couldn't help but smile. The large Antebellum style mansion was the perfect place for the wedding. It sported a large front courtyard and a magnificent garden out back for their ceremony as well as a large entertaining space for the reception.
Lincoln pulled up to the door, where the elderly woman who coordinated the events met them. She smiled warmly, offering her hand in greeting.
"You must be the bride", she gushed as she took Clarke's hand, "I can tell a bride from a mile away, you've got that special glow."
Clarke smiled, shaking the woman's hand. "Yes ma'am, I'm the bride, Clarke Griffin and this is my maid of honor and future sister-in-law, Octavia Blake."
"It's nice to meet you both, I'm Virginia Carlson but please call me Ginny. If you'll just follow me, I'll show you to your room."
Clarke followed Ginny through the large foyer, and up the large staircase. Her gaze roved over the paintings that lined the walls and the beautiful statues carved in elegant white marble that were scattered here and there.
When they finally reached the room at the top of the stairs and to the right, Lincoln was out of breath and Octavia's arms were cramped from carrying the dresses. However, the look on the bride's face made their discomfort worth it.
"Here we are, and the groom's dressing suite is just down the hall and to the left", Ginny said with a smile.
"Thank you", Clarke replied warmly.
"Now if you need anything, I'll be in the kitchen."
They watched the woman go, Octavia squishing between Clarke and the doorframe so that she could lay her burden down on the massive bed. She then came back out, grabbing Clarke's arm and addressing her boyfriend.
"Babe, take those tuxes down to the other dressing room then run downstairs and grab my makeup bags."
Lincoln simply nodded before running to do his girlfriend's bidding.
"Alright, sweetie, let's start to work on that hair."
Clarke sat down on the cushioned bench situated before the large mahogany dressing table. She watched O in the mirror as she quickly hung the dresses in the empty armoire and then dug in one of the bags Lincoln had just brought back from the car for the blow dryer.
The blonde sat still, her eyes closed, as her friend ran her long tapered finger through her hair. The heat from the dryer calmed her nerves and soon she was completely relaxed.
She barely heard the door bang open as Monroe and Harper arrived.
"How's our favorite bride this morning", Harper asked with a grin.
"Marvelous", Clarke replied with a smirk.
As soon as Octavia finished drying her hair, she sent Clarke to sit on the bed.
"We'll do your hair and makeup last, I want you to look fresh."
So, Clarke sat on the bed and watched the other women get ready. The longer she sat, the more nervous she got. This was her big day, a day that would change the rest of her life.
The enormity of it pressed down on her, and soon tears began to trail unbidden down her cheeks. Soon, the soft sniffles turned into noisy sobs. Octavia rushed over, taking her in her arms and stroking her hair.
"Shhh, it's alright. I was wondering when the waterworks would start."
"I…I…n-n-need B-Bell", Clarke blubbered.
She knew that if she could just hear his voice, hold his hand, all of her worries would fade away. O seemed to understand, so she quickly wiped her tears away with the pads of her thumbs and brought Clarke's gaze up to meet her own.
"I'll go see if I can find him, ok?"
Clarke nodded with a choppy sigh.
She hadn't been this nervous since the day of her high school graduation.
Clarke stood just behind the curtain, waiting to walk out onto the stage and give her Valedictorian's address. Her hands trembled and she could feel her chest tightening with anxiety.
Octavia stood beside her, trying to calm her nerves before she walked out.
"I can't do it, O", she said, her voice shaky.
"Yes, you can Clarke. You practiced this speech at home a million times", the other girl reassured her.
"I know, but…Is Bell out there?"
"Yeah, why", O asked in confusion.
"Will you get him for me", Clarke asked sounding like a frightened little girl.
Her friend looked at her, obviously seeing that if she didn't act fast the blonde was going to bolt.
"Sure."
Octavia left, and then moments later Bellamy was sprinting to the small anteroom just off the stage. Clarke looked up as he rushed in, taking in his dark woolen sweater that showed off his narrow waist and broad shoulders, the dark wash jeans she'd picked out only two days ago, and the watch she'd gotten him for his birthday.
"What's the matter? Are you alright", he asked, his hands gripping Clarke's face and his dark gaze searching her lighter one.
"I'm nervous", she said.
She watched as his stance relaxed, and the tension bled from his body. His thumbs stroked her jawline, and his lips turned up just slightly at the corners.
"You're gonna kill it, Princess, so there's no reason to be nervous. We practiced this, and you're going to do great."
Clarke took a deep breath, her nerves settling to a manageable level.
"Thanks, Bell."
"How come when I say it, nothing happens? But he says it and it's like magical or something", O pouted, fighting to hide her smirk.
"I'm an old pro at pep talks O, and I know how the Princess' mind works."
Just then the Superintendent began to introduce Clarke, her name ringing out over the auditorium.
Bellamy's hands dropped from her face, but one reached out to entwine with her fingers. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, beaming at her with pride.
"I'll be right out there cheering you on. I'm proud of you, Princess."
Clarke hugged him tight, and then sprinted up the steps to the podium. She watched as the lone dark figure made his way to his seat and then she began to speak. When her speech was over, a raucous of applause went up from the audience but it was the high-pitched whistle that caught her attention.
She looked out over the crowd, to find Bellamy on his feet clapping with a big smile on his face.
Clarke smiled at the memory, the need to see Bellamy making it hard to sit still. She was just about to go in search of him herself when the door opened, and Octavia came strolling in.
"I made him wait around the corner. This way you can talk to him, but he won't be able to see you."
"Thanks O", Clarke said with a relieved sigh as she raced to the end of the hall.
She came to the corner, and peeked around it to find Bellamy pacing back and forth. He looked so handsome in his tux; his dark curls brushing the white collar of his shirt.
Clarke stepped back out of view then reached out her hand, "Bell", she called.
Then his fingers were tangled with hers, the warmth of his palm seeping into her own.
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Bellamy had been pacing in his the dressing suite, his groomsmen playing cards at the lone table by the window, when a light knock sounded on the door. He rushed to open it, finding his sister standing on the other side.
His face paled, and his eyes widened. "What's happened? Where is she? Is she alright? O, say something", he pleaded.
"She would if you'd shut up", Lincoln groused from his seat, throwing down another bad hand of cards.
Bellamy's expression turned sheepish, "Sorry, sis. What's up?"
"It's Clarke. She's fine, but she's nervous", his little sister explained, "She needs to talk to you. You've always been able to settle her nerves."
"Alright, take me to her", Bellamy said already making his way out the door.
"Not so fast", Octavia said grabbing his coattail, "You're not seeing her before the wedding. You can wait around the corner. I'll go get her while you wait."
"Fine", he replied.
So, he waited where O designated he should, pacing back and forth in nervous anticipation.
Then he heard Clarke call his name, her hand sticking out around the blind corner. He took her fingers in his own, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles.
"O tells me you're nervous, regretting it Princess", he asked.
He felt her fingers tighten around his, "No! I just miss you."
Her declaration, spoken so honestly and earnestly, broke his heart.
"I know, I miss you too. Just a few more hours and we'll be married then I'm not leaving your side for as long as I live."
Bellamy could feel her relaxing, her hand no longer trembling in his own.
"I like the sound of that", she said quietly.
"So do I, sweetheart", he answered huskily.
Then they were interrupted when O came tearing back down the hall.
"Alright, love birds, that's long enough. Come on Clarke, we need to get you ready. Bellamy there'd better not be one stain or wrinkle on that tux", she called as she dragged the blonde back down to the dressing room.
Bellamy shook his head, excitement raging through his veins as he made his way back to his groomsmen.
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Clarke sat patiently while Octavia fussed with her hair. She'd curled it, and now she was styling it half up and half down. When she'd finished, she stood back and admired her work.
Then O did her makeup, keeping it simple with a dramatic flare. After she'd finished that, the three bride's maids helped her into her dress. Octavia's eyes clouded with tears, and she sniffed to keep them at bay.
"You look beautiful Clarke", she said softly.
"Thanks, O", Clarke said giving her friend a hug.
The women touched up their makeup, gave their hairdos one more spritzing of hairspray, and then picked up their bouquets.
Clarke had chosen bright white hydrangeas mixed with delicate soft pink roses for her bouquet, while her bride's maids carried smaller bundles of the pink roses.
The bride's maids' dresses were all varying styles, but all the same shade of apricot. Octavia's dress was short with a dramatic plunging neckline. Harper's was long, flowing, and strapless. Monroe's was medium length, coming just below her knees, with a scoop neckline and cap sleeves.
Just as Clarke was adjusting her pearl earrings, a knock sounded at the door. She watched in the mirror as Octavia opened the door, an angry growl emanating from her maid of honor when Abigail Griffin stepped into the room.
Her mother was dressed in a lovely dark blue dress, her hair styled, and a smile on her face.
"What are you doing here", Clarke asked. Bellamy was going to be furious when he heard that she'd shown up.
"I'm getting Bellamy", Octavia said, a frown creasing her features.
"No, don't bother Bell with this. Murphy will be here any moment. He won't let her run away with me. What do you want Mother?"
"I wanted to apologize", Abby said stepping forward.
"Apologize? For what, having me kidnapped, or trying to ruin my wedding?"
"Everything. I'm so sorry, Clarke. I should never have interfered."
"You're right! You should have stayed out of it, Mom. You haven't been a part of my life in years. What makes you think you have any say in what I do or who I love. Bellamy is a good man, and I love him. I can't let you ruin this, I won't let you ruin this. You have two options. You can either leave now, and never come back or you can go attend my wedding but have no part in it. What you did was awful, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust you again. Just be happy for me, Mom, and give me time and space."
She watched as her mother nodded, turning without a word to walk away. Clarke didn't know what her mother would choose, nor did she care. At the moment, all she wanted to do was marry Bellamy Blake.
She was pulled from her musings when another knock sounded, this time John Murphy stood nervously in the doorway. He looked handsome in his black tux, a soft smile playing across his lips.
"You look beautiful, Clarke", he said as she took his arm.
"Thank you, John."
They made their way down the stairs, and out the large French doors at the back of the house. They walked a short distance to where the ceremony was being held, Clarke and Murphy hidden by the tall shrubs as they watched Octavia walk down the isle to a soft classical song, and then Harper and Monroe followed her.
The blonde shifted in nervous anticipation, nearly taking off at a dead run when her song began to play. Chloe's voice drifted out over the quiet, sweet and melodic, "Heart beats fast. Colors and promises. How to be brave, how can I love when I'm afraid to fall, but watching you stand alone. All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow…One step closer."
Clarke smiled at Murphy, knowing how he felt about the quiet brunette. They began their trek down the isle, and her only thought was of Bellamy. He turned, his eyes widening and a smile curving his lips.
He looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen, his dark eyes filling with tears as he watched her make her way to his side. When Murphy stopped, and the music died away, the pastor smiled, "Who gives this woman to this man?"
"I do", Murphy replied solemnly.
He kissed Clarke's cheek and then handed her off to Bellamy before taking his place between Miller and Lincoln.
Clarke stared into Bellamy's brown eyes, losing herself in the dark pools. Her hands were held tightly in his, and he was the only thing she saw as she listened to the officiate speak about the importance of their commitment to each other and the sacredness of their vows.
"May I have the rings?"
The couple turned to their witnesses, Clarke taking Bell's ring from his sister and Bellamy taking Clarke's from Miller before they turned and handed them to the preacher.
The man said a quick prayer and then continued with the ceremony, "You've elected to say your own vows, so Bellamy you'll go first."
Bellamy took back Clarke's ring, placing it on her hand and then caressing her fingers as he spoke.
"Clarke Griffin, from the day I met you when I was ten years old, I knew that you would change my life. You're love and guidance have brought me through my darkest hours to stand before you today and pledge my life to you. I promise to show you the same unconditional love you've continuously shown me, even when I least deserved it. I promise to provide for you, giving you the best of everything you deserve. I promise to remain by your side when the seas of life are troubled, and the waves threaten to overwhelm us because you are my anchor, my love, grounding me when I'm adrift and my course is uncertain. I love you, Princess, and you will forever be my always."
Clarke's eyes filled with tears, as she smiled up at the man she loved. Then she turned and took his ring from the preacher, gently placing it on his finger before returning her gaze to his beloved features.
"Bellamy Blake, from the moment I met you, you've been the one constant in my life. You're steadfast hope and enduring love have seen me through my darkest hours when I was sure that despair would overtake me. Today I stand here, pledging my life to you. I promise to love you with the same passion and perseverance that you have loved me. I promise to always be there to care for you, through sickness and injury, health and happiness. I promise to stand by you, even when your dark hair has turned to grey and youth has fled from your features. You are my light, sweetheart, a candle in the window leading me home to your warm embrace. I love you, Bellamy, and you will forever be my always."
A single tear slid down Bellamy's cheek, and Clarke gently swiped it away her eyes never leaving his.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may now kiss the bride."
Clarke's hand moved of its own accord to tangle in the curls at Bellamy's neck. His lips met hers in a passionate kiss. His arms held her flush against him as his lips moved across hers in a tender, yet heated caress.
Bellamy soon pulled back, resting his forehead against her own and smiling into her eyes.
"Have I told you today that I love you", he whispered.
"I think you might have, but I wouldn't mind hearing it again", she whispered back.
"I love you, Mrs. Blake", Bellamy said.
"I love you, Mr. Blake."
"I now introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Bellamy Blake!"
Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you thought! :)
Martha: Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed that flashback! I hope you enjoyed the wedding! :)