Sorry this has taken so long. I was having some technical difficulties with and it didn't want to upload the chapters. I'll try to keep them coming more regularly so please keep reviewing. This chapter is what I like to call the sappy wedding chapter and it has another small love scene in it so if that kind of thing bothers you then please just skip over it. Also, I don't own these songs. They are both on Michael Buble's new album so any and all credit goes to him and the original writers and performers. Thanks and enjoy! Emmy
CHAPTER 31
"You look beautiful, kid."
Mary glanced up at Ed's reflection in the full-length mirror. Her make- up and hair were finished and the girls had just headed downstairs after helping Mary into her dress. She didn't mean to run them off, but she just needed a few moments to herself. "Thank you. I still can't believe this is all happening."
"You havin' second thoughts? Because I can have a car out front in two minutes," Ed told her with a hint of humor in this tone.
"No second thoughts," Mary smiled, her eyes lighting up at Ed's teasing, but her face suddenly turned serious. "Did you make Danny the same offer?"
"Nah--didn't have to. He's ready for this, Mary. I wouldn't let either of you go through with it if I didn't truly believe that."
"Thank you."
"So, you change your mind about letting me walk you down the aisle?" Ed pushed himself off the door frame and walked further into the room.
Despite her childhood fantasies of a perfect wedding, Mary had never harbored any illusions of her father walking her down the aisle. Ed's offer had been so terribly gracious, but it was important to Mary that she take those last few steps on her own. "I really appreciate the offer, Ed--really and truly, but this is something I need to do on my own. Can you understand?"
"I do…will you at least let me escort you downstairs?"
"I'd like that."
"Good, let's go then. If I know Danny he's probably bouncing around like that little cartoon tiger waiting for this thing to start."
"You mean Tigger? I didn't take you for a Winnie the Pooh kinda guy." Mary laughed.
"I've been brushing up on my fairytales. I've got a grandbaby on the way, you know?"
"WHAT?" Mary asked in shock, "But…Delinda didn't tell me."
"Not, Delinda, sweetie," Ed corrected her, "You and Danny."
At Mary's confused look he explained, "You didn't think I was going to let this little one grow up without a grandpa to spoil him or her rotten, did you?"
"Oh," Mary's voice broke and her eyes welled up with tears.
"Don't start that now," Ed scolded, removing his handkerchief and handing it to her so she could dab at her eyes. "Jillian will have my head if I make you mess up that pretty face of yours."
"Thank you, Ed…for everything. I don't know what would have happened to me if you hadn't…."
"Don't," he stopped her, realizing what she was trying to say. "We're a family, Mary. I'd do anything for any one of you." His words stunned her to silence and she took a breath, trying desperately to control her inevitable tears before Ed spoke again, effectively changing the subject. "So, you ready to get married?"
"Yeah," she smiled and looped her arm through Ed's as he escorted her down the staircase and towards her future.
---
Danny fidgeted nervously with his tie before glancing once again towards the French doors. The ceremony was scheduled to start at eleven and another quick look at his watch showed Danny that it was already ten past. What was taking so long? Was Mary having second thoughts? Maybe he should go check on her. He weighed his options as he once again adjusted the cuffs of his suit. He'd almost decided to head inside to look for her when he felt Mike nudge his arm. Startled Danny looked at his friend, but immediately noticed Mike's attention was focused elsewhere. Danny followed his gaze and caught sight of the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. Mary stood framed in the doorway to the side patio, a vision in white. She smiled calmly as Delinda and Sam fussed about her—making sure that every last detail of her appearance was in place as the music began. Once Delinda and Sam walked out the door and down the aisle Danny's eyes finally locked with Mary's and the rest of the world melted away. As she slowly made her way towards him Danny's patience ran out. He took the last few steps to join her, meeting her somewhere around the third row and escorting her the rest of the way to the altar. Once they faced the minister Danny noticed the amused look on the man's face.
"Sorry," he apologized sheepishly, "she was taking too long." The small group of guests erupted into laughter before quieting and letting the ceremony proceed. Following the minister's instructions, she handed her bouquet to Sam and turned to face Danny, their hands entwined.
"These hands you hold on your wedding day are the hands of your best friend, tender and sincere and vibrant with love. These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as together you laugh and cry, and together you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of laughter and joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when you are grieving. These are that hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness, as you promise your love and commitment to one another, all the days of your lives."
Mary knew she was crying, she'd expected as much, but she was surprised to see tears making their way down Danny's cheeks. She reached up and wiped them away with her fingertips before taking his hands firmly in hers again.
"Bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May Danny and Mary see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide."
The exchanging of rings followed the blessing with each of them reciting the traditional vows—the same vows that had been recited by couples for hundreds of years. During the ceremony they both had been so lost in each other that it wasn't until Danny heard the words husband and wife that he realized it was over. They were married and he waited for the inevitable weight of that fact to settle over him, but strangely it didn't happen. In fact, he felt quite the opposite as he leaned down and softly touched his lips to Mary's. He felt free—like the hard part was over and now they could finally start the rest of their lives. The feeling startled him and Mary noticed his breathing change as he leaned his forehead against hers.
"Are you okay?" she whispered, nervously chewing her lower lip.
"Yeah," Danny nodded, leaning back to look at her face. "I'm more than okay."
A relieved smile crossed Mary's face and she pulled Danny to her for another kiss as the minister proclaimed, "Ladies and Gentlemen—it is my great honor and privilege to present to you—FINALLY—Mr. and Mrs. Danny McCoy."
The small crowd cheered, tossing rose petals at the couple as they made their way down the aisle.
---
"So, are you going to tell me what this big surprise is?"
"Nope. I have strict instructions from Ed to keep you occupied for at least twenty minutes between the ceremony and the reception so he can get everything set up and that's what I intend to do." Danny kissed her feverishly as he led her through a door at the end of the hall and locked it behind them. Mary took note that they were in Ed's private study as Danny backed her through the room until they were stopped by Ed's desk. Danny fell to his knees, carefully lifting her dress up around her waist before helping her sit on the desk and standing up to kiss her again—now settled between her thighs.
"Umm, Danny? I don't think Ed meant for you to have your way with me on the desk in his private study," Mary protested half-heartedly.
"Well, he wasn't specific so this is how I'm choosing to distract you."
Mary gasped as Danny's hand found its way inside her panties and he moaned when he realized how wet she already was. The truth was she'd been ready for him the moment their gaze met before the ceremony and it had taken all her strength not to beg him to take her right there in front of everyone.
"Oh, God, Mary. I need you so much."
"Danny, please…," she whimpered, unable to stand a moment longer without him inside of her.
Danny was only too happy to oblige and he quickly unfastened his belt and buried himself in her warmth.
Mary sighed contentedly, wrapping her arms and legs tightly around her husband as he slowly moved in and out of her.
"That feels so good," she whispered. Danny grunted his agreement and continued to push into her, his pace increasing with each stroke. Both of them were lost in the feel of each other when a loud knock sounded at the door.
"You better not be doing anything inappropriate in there, McCoy," Ed's voice startled Danny out of his euphoric trance and he looked at Mary, his eyes as wide as saucers. Mary smiled a bit at his shock, but quickly brought him back to the moment with a slight tilt of her hips. Danny smiled mischievously and began to move again--this time at a more insistent pace.
"You've got two minutes and then I'm using my key."
"We're coming!" Danny shouted to Ed while Mary buried her face in his chest, laughing a little at their current situation. Danny acknowledged the irony of it as he moaned quietly into her ear, "Oh, God, are we coming…"
It only took a few more strokes and they were there, spiraling over the edge as they held on tightly to the other. Danny framed Mary's face and softly kissed her lips before reluctantly pulling out of her. A few moments later and the couple was presentable--Danny giving Mary one last kiss before opening the door to his boss.
"Hey, Ed. What's up?"
"What the hell have you been doing in here? Everyone's waiting."
"You told me to keep her busy so that's what I was doing."
Ed narrowed his eyes at his young protégé as Danny escorted a giggling Mary from the room, trying desperately to hide the smirk which was tugging at his lips.
"Yeah, well, I'll find out later when I check the surveillance cameras."
Mary and Danny both stopped dead in their tracks and turned to face their boss, matching looks of shock marring their features.
"Surveillance cameras?" Danny squeaked.
"Of course," now it was Ed's turn to smile as he walked past the couple and down the stairs.
---
"Ladies and Gentlemen---Michael Buble."
Danny watched Mary's face light up as Ed introduced the surprise guest. The singer took the stage and immediately began what Danny could only describe as a bad impersonation of a mime. Confused, Danny looked at his bride and noticed that she was laughing hysterically. He turned back to the stage just in time to see the guy give Mary a wink and then pull the microphone off the stand.
"Good evening, everyone. It's fabulous to be here tonight at Mary and Danny's wedding and I thank Ed for inviting me—I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I'd like to dedicate a very special song to these two and I hope that they enjoy it."
The first strains of the song You and I drifted across the lawn and Danny took Mary by the hand, leading her to the dance floor. The song was slow, too slow for any of the moves that Ed had taught him, but there would be time for that later. Right now he only wanted to hold his wife in his arms as he listened to the amazing words of the song.
Here we are
On earth together
It's you and I
God has made us fall in love
It's true
I've really found
Someone like you
Will it stay
The love you feel for me
Will you say
That you will be by my side
To see me through
Until my life is through
Well in my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I...
I'm glad
At least in my life
I've found someone
That may not be here forever
To see me through
But I found strength in you
Cause in my mind
You will stay here always
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I
In my mind
We can conquer the world
In love you and I
You and I, you and I
You and I...
As the song faded, Danny touched his lips to Mary's forehead before whispering, "I love you."
She barely had time to respond before the band picked up the tempo and Michael went into his rendition of Save the Last Dance. Much to her surprise, Danny spun her away from him and then back and began to twirl her around the floor in time to the music. Mary couldn't help but laugh, "Danny, when…how? I didn't think you had it in you."
"I'd do anything for you, baby," Danny's smile matched hers as they continued to move around the floor—other guests soon joining them.
You can dance-every dance with the guy
Who gives you the eye, let him hold you tight
You can smile-every smile for the man
Who held your hand' neath the candle light
But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin' save the last dance for me
Oh I know that the music's fine
Like sparklin' wine, go and have your fun
Laugh and sing, but while we're apart
Don't give your heart to anyone
But don't forget who's takin' you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darlin' save the last dance for me
Baby don't you know I love you so
Can't you feel it when we touch
I will never never let you go
I love you oh so much
You can dance, go and carry on
Till the night is gone
And it's time to go
If he asks if you're all alone
Can he take you home, you must tell him no
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
'Cause don't forget who's taking you home
And in whose arms you're gonna be
So darling, save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me
Save the last dance for me.
With the last few beats of the song, Danny dipped Mary and pulled her back up—holding her close to him and spinning them both in a circle. Mary squealed with delight and wrapped her arms around his neck as he continued to spin them, lifting her feet off the ground.
"I LOVE YOU DANNY MCCOY," she shouted through her laughter so that everyone could hear, "I ALWAYS HAVE…AND I ALWAYS WILL."