Chapter Nine

A/N: Thanks to EVERYONE who's given this story a read!!!! Everyone's feedback, comments, and suggestions have been greatly appreciated!! All my friends over at I-C, you are my best critics!!!! Thanks to Teri and Ice for the suggestions for the middle names. Enjoy all!!!

2 Years Later

Betty sat on the salon chair, trying not to fidget, wondering for the tenth time that morning why she let Hilda talk her into this.

"Ay, Betty! Hold still or I'm never going to be able to get this done in time!" Hilda complained around a mouthful of hairpins.

"Hilda, I'm not even moving. If I sit any more still, I'll be a corpse!" Betty cried as Hilda stabbed another pin into her hair.

"Jeez Betty, I'm trying to make this as "pretty and simple" as you wanted." Hilda said, her nose wrinkling. Ignacio walked in to check on how things were going.

"Mija, you look beautiful. Hilda, you've done a terrific job." Ignacio praised. Hilda turned around and glared at her father.

"Papi, don't sound so shocked; I mean I am licensed to do hair. God, does everyone think I'm going to make her look like something out of an 80's video or what?" Hilda exclaimed, grabbing a can of hairspray. After shaking the can liberally over Betty's coif, she stood back to admire her handiwork.

"Don't spray it too much or I'll never get it down tonight." Betty said. Hilda grinned at her.

"And we know how important THAT will be later on." Hilda winked at Betty. Betty blushed as Justin walked in, his Armani loaned suit hanging perfectly on his tall frame.

"Aunt Betty, the car is here." Justin said. Betty and Ignacio made their way to the front door, Betty stopping to pick up a blue sheet of stationery. Betty turned back as Ignacio opened the front door.

"You guys will be right behind us?" Betty asked as Justin nodded.

"As soon as Mom hurries up and gets dressed." Justin laughed and dodged Hilda's hand.

"Ok, ok I'm going!" Hilda said as she hurried up the stairs.

The Town Car made its' way smoothly down the narrow streets of Queens, heading into the city. As Betty watched the familiar scenery flying by the car windows, she turned to find her father studying her thoughtfully.

"Dad, is something wrong?" Betty asked. Ignacio shook his head as he took Betty's hand.

"No sweetheart, nothing is wrong. I'm just so happy for you to finally be at this moment." Ignacio said.

"Thank you Dad. Any advice for me?" Betty wanted to know. Ignacio shook his head at her.

"Betty, there's nothing more I can say to you now. This is your day, your moment and I believe in my heart this is the right decision for you." Betty reached over and hugged her father. Ignacio returned the hug as the car stopped at its' destination. Ignacio opened the door and stepped out, extending his hand to Betty to help her out. Betty stepped out of the car as she gazed upward at the building in front of her.

"Wow, Dad this is amazing. I've been by here, but I've never been in here." Betty said in amazement, "I can't believe Mrs. Meade did all this."

"Well, you've been a good friend to her and I'm sure she thinks you deserve it." Ignacio said. He ushered Betty into the lobby. Betty looked around as they entered the lobby. She was in awe of all the polished marble and expensive furniture artfully placed all around. As Ignacio found the welcome placard for their destination, he approached Betty and took her arm.

"Betty, hurry it's this way. We're going to be running late if you don't get a move on." Ignacio urged as they headed down a carpeted corridor, a brass sign pointing the way to the Queen Ballroom.

Henry sat away from everyone who was arriving in a private corridor, Maddie on his lap. His palms were sweaty and his mouth was dry, so he knew Betty was probably on her way. Henry was so anxious he didn't notice Ignacio walking towards him.

"Henry, there you are. I've been looking all over for you." Ignacio said. Maddie jumped off Henry's lap and ran over to Ignacio. She crooked her finger at him and motioned for him to talk to her. Ignacio crouched down until his eyes met her wide brown ones. Maddie cupped her hand around his ear.

"Is it ok now?" Maddie whispered. Ignacio shook his head slightly and cupped his hand over her ear.

"Not until later. Ok princess??" Ignacio said. Maddie nodded and giggled at him. Ignacio approached Henry and shook hands with the younger man.

"Everything all right son?" Ignacio asked. Henry smiled warmly at the older man as Ignacio passed him a small package. Henry looked down at the package in his hand, then up at Betty's father.

"It is now." Henry replied. Christina appeared at the corridor entrance, looking lovely in a silver-blue suit.

"Henry, they're waiting on you. Are you ready?" Christina asked.

"I am. Let's go." Henry replied as he took Maddie's hand and headed towards the ballroom.

Betty stood just outside the ballroom, peering in quietly at everyone there. Daniel, Alexis and Claire had come, Betty's family, Amanda, Marc and Cliff all sat talking quietly. She was just about to look for Hilda and Maddie when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned and looked at Gio. He was dressed in a simple black suit, his eyes taking her in from head to toe.

"Gio, I'm glad you decided to come." Betty said, enfolding him in a warm hug.

"Wouldn't miss this for anything." Gio replied. Betty looked around.

"Where's Isabella? Didn't she come with you?" Betty asked. Gio smiled.

"She's already inside. I told her I wanted to find you to wish you good luck." Gio said, "Not that you'll need it or anything." Betty smiled fondly at him.

"Gio, Thank you. I was worried when I invited you if this would be hard for you or not." Betty said. Gio pulled her into a quick embrace.

"Betty, all I've ever wanted was for you to be happy. This will make you happy. Besides, if Isabella has her way, we'll be heading down the aisle before you know it." Gio said. Betty gave a delighted laugh as they embraced. They held each other for a moment, both of them remembering a similar time like this more than 3 years ago. Gio pulled away first and looked down at her.

"I think it's time. I better let you get going or someone's not going to be happy with me." Gio said, turning towards the ballroom door.

"Gio?"

"Yeah?"

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

Betty watched as Hilda and Maddie took their places in front of her. She saw Christina open the door slightly to let them in, Maddie walking first scattering more flower petals on the guests than she did the runner. Hilda walked slowly behind her, obviously trying to draw out everyone's attention to her elaborate hairstyle. As the door closed quietly, Ignacio approached her.

"Ready Mija?" Ignacio asked.

"I'm ready Dad." Betty smiled back at him. Ignacio extended his arm to her as they made their way to the ballroom door. As they waited, Betty thought about the past two years.

The first few months after she and Gio had separated had been tough. She and Gio talked often, even going to the courthouse together to sign the divorce papers. The day their divorce had become final, she and Gio had gone to dinner together. Henry had been so supportive, encouraging her to foster a friendship with Gio even after their divorce. The dinner had been full of laughs and a lot of tears, but she and Gio both came away with a mutual respect and deep friendship for the other. Five months after their divorce, Hilda had gotten her small business loan. She had found a great location in the city, a run down old salon she'd gotten for a steal. Hilda met Isabella when she had been out recruiting, and Isabella became her first employee. Between Betty and Hilda, they had match made Isabella with Gio, who kept Gio on his toes with her outspoken nature. All signs pointed to Isabella being "the One" for Gio and Betty couldn't have been happier.

Betty continued to move on after the divorce. Daniel, Christina, and the rest of her friends rallied behind her. Christina became her closest confidante, as Betty worried about a new relationship with Henry. Betty needn't have worried of course, because Henry was working on taking their relationship slowly. They had spent time eating together in the cafeteria at work, sitting through many of Henry's favorite foreign films, and taking Maddie all over the city. The hardest part for Betty had been their quiet times alone. Sitting together on the couch watching a movie, or being alone in a candlelit restaurant had severely tested Betty's reserves of control. Many had been the night when Henry had dropped her off at home with a peck on the cheek or a hug that Betty had wanted to scream with frustration.

Eight months ago, Henry had rushed up to the MODE offices and practically yanked her out of her office. She'd only had time to grab her handbag and wave frantically at Daniel before she was rushed out the door towards the subway. They took the train to Queens and headed to Jackson Heights. Henry had raced down the sidewalk with the enthusiasm of a child. After a quick ten minute walk, Henry stopped in front of a pretty, but forgotten looking house. He'd fished some keys out of his pocket and opened the door. Henry had proudly shown her around the house, from the sunny little kitchen to all three of the bedrooms upstairs. Henry announced he had bought the house and had enlisted her help to fix it up. Betty and Henry had worked every weekend on the house for a month; painting, wallpapering, and furnishing the house. The week that it was finished, Henry called all their friends and invited them to a housewarming party.

Right in the middle of the party, Henry suddenly stopped the music. He waited for everyone to quiet down before kneeling in front of Betty and presenting her with a small velvet box. Betty already knew what was inside even before she popped the lid and gazed at the beautiful ring nestled against the satin inside. Henry had taken her hand in his and promised his love for her in front of everyone that mattered the most to her. Betty could scarcely breathe when he finally asked the question he'd gotten on bended knee to ask.

"Betty, will you marry me?"

Betty couldn't speak, could only nod her head through a haze of tears as everyone yelled and cheered. Her family surrounded her in hugs, kisses, and well wishes as everyone congratulated them. Later on that evening, after the last guest had left, Betty and Henry sat wrapped together on his new couch.

"You've made me very happy, Betty." Henry had said, "And Maddie's so excited!" Betty smiled at Henry, and then dropped her gaze as her expression turned serious.

"Henry, I've decided not to move in here until we get married." Betty said. Henry pulled back to look at her.

"You don't want to live here with us??" Henry asked.

"I do….but I want to do things right." Betty said, "And there's something else……I want to wait until we get married to…….."

"Make love??" Henry supplied. Betty nodded, watching Henry's face. He tightened his arms around her before leaning forward and softly kissing her forehead.

"Betty, I'm not going to lie and tell you that I don't want to make love to you right now, just like I've wanted to all this time. But, if you want to wait until our wedding night, I respect that." Henry said, "That just means I'll get to test out the cold water pressure here that much sooner." Henry finished as Betty smiled up at him.

Betty had thought the next few months would drag by waiting for this moment. She and Henry had decided not to have a grandiose wedding. Betty wanted something simple and Henry had agreed completely.

Until Claire Meade heard about the wedding plans.

Claire had not only insisted, but had went ahead and booked the Queen Ballroom at the Four Seasons and given them the use of the Honeymoon Suite as their wedding present. Betty had hugged Claire, tears in her eyes, when Daniel had called her and presented her with the keys to the suite and a business card for the wedding coordinator at the Four Seasons. Ignacio and Henry had insisted on paying for the food and drinks for the reception and Claire relented, as long as she got her invitation to the wedding. Betty had delivered it personally, along with her thanks for helping her with her special day. Now, standing here with her father waiting to begin a new life with the man she loved, she felt a lump form in her throat.

"Betty…..Mija….is everything all right?" Ignacio asked, "Are you ready?" Betty turned to her father, swallowing down the lump and giving him her biggest smile.

"I am." Betty replied, "Let's go." Betty turned to the door as Christina held it open for them. She waited until they crossed the doorway, and then quietly shut the door behind them, heading for her seat.

Betty almost laughed aloud as the band began playing Pachelbel's "Canon in D" not so much laughing at the choice of music; but that the band was the I.R.S and that they were concentrating hard on the sheet music in front of them. She smiled at them as Ignacio walked her up the aisle runner, where Henry was smiling tenderly at both of them. As Betty moved to stand next to Henry, Ignacio kissed Betty's cheek softly and shook hands with Henry. Ignacio turned and headed back down to his seat as Henry looked over at Betty.

"You're breathtaking." Henry said simply. Betty looked down at her cream-colored suit. Christina had picked it for her, knowing that the tailored waist and the slightly flared skirt would make Betty look absolutely beautiful. Betty blushed at Henry.

"Thanks." Betty whispered, taking in his black suit and cream tie, "You don't look so bad yourself." They smiled at one another one last time before turning towards the preacher. The preacher looked at the couple, and then smiled as he began to speak.

"Friends, family; we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses to join this man and this woman together in Holy Matrimony. The vows of marriage and the commitment made here are reverent and holy and therefore should not be entered into lightly. It should be entered into with respect, love, and a deep abiding devotion to each other. I now ask if anyone knows any reason why this man and this woman should not be joined together today, let them speak now or hereafter forever hold their peace." The preacher paused for a moment, and then continued:

"Do you, Henry David Grubstick, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love her, honor her, comfort and cherish her?? Do you promise to be there for her in sickness and in heath, for better for worse, and forsaking all others keep yourself faithful only to her as long as you both shall live??" Henry turned to Betty and smiled his devastating smile, the one that always made her knees weak.

"I do." Henry said solemnly.

"And do you, Elizabeta Rosa Suarez, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love him, honor him, comfort and cherish him?? Do you promise to be there for him in sickness and in heath, for better for worse, and forsaking all others keep yourself faithful only to him as long as you both shall live??"

"I do." Betty's voice answered softly.

"The rings please." The preacher asked. Betty turned to Hilda as she handed her the gold band that Betty had picked for him. Henry turned towards her holding her ring and a sheet of stationery.

"I'm told the couple has some words they would like to say to one another." The preacher said as Henry moved closer to her.

"You go first." Henry whispered. Betty looked down at his ring, then at the blue paper in her hand.

"Henry, I can't tell you how happy I am today; words just don't seem quite enough. You have given me more happiness in my life than I ever expected and my love for you grows more each day. You are my "other", the perfect fit half of my soul. I give you this ring today as a token of my love and devotion and as a sign of my endless commitment to you." Betty said, taking his hand and sliding the gold band on the third finger on his left hand. Henry cleared his throat as he took her ring from his pocket.

"Betty, I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. You blossomed before my eyes into a beautiful butterfly that went out of her way for everyone, even when sometimes they didn't deserve it. You've given me so much love and support that I needed, and you've always accepted me just the way I am, flaws and all. I promise to spend the rest of my life showing you each and every day how much you mean to me and how much I love you. I give you this ring as a sign of my love and devotion to you now and forever from the bottom of my heart…..and from your mother." Henry said as he took her hand and slid the ring onto her ring finger, Betty gasping as she looked at the band.

"Henry….when…how…" Betty said. Henry smiled at her.

"I asked your father to help me. Hilda agreed too. You should wear her ring. I had some diamonds added to it, but your dad and your sister thought she would approve." Henry said. Betty turned and looked at her father. Ignacio smiled at her, tears falling from his eyes. She looked back at her sister as Hilda nodded at her. Betty bit her lip to keep from crying.

"As Betty and Henry have made their commitment to one another in the presence of their family and friends and have given and exchanged rings as an outward sign of their commitment to one another, I pronounce that they are now husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." The preacher said. Henry turned and pulled her close. He smiled down at her tenderly as he bent down and touched his lips to hers. Betty wrapped her arms around his neck as she melted into the kiss. She heard Henry groan softly as he gently broke away from her. Betty blinked quickly to focus on Henry as he gave her his arm and escorted her back down the aisle.

The reception was in full swing, people milling about the ballroom, chatting with one another or enjoying the delicious food. Betty was chatting with her sister and Christina when she saw her dad take the microphone from the band and ask for quiet.

"Everyone, I just wanted to thank you all for coming. I want to wish Betty and Henry all the best in their life together. Now I'll let the band get back to playing and let the happy couple get on with their honeymoon." Ignacio laughed as Betty's face turned scarlet.

"Oooooh…Betty. You're face is all red. Guess someone's in a hurry to have you all to themselves." Hilda said with a grin as Betty watched Ignacio and Henry shook hands over in the corner by the band. Ignacio approached the women and drew Betty aside.

"Mija, I'm so happy for you. You and Henry will be very happy together. Just like your mother and I were." Ignacio said, his eyes filling with tears. Betty sniffled and hugged her father.

"Don't start crying now Dad, or else I will too." Betty said. Ignacio hugged her closer for a moment longer, and then gently let her go.

"Go and say goodbye to your guests sweetheart. Your husband is waiting for you." Ignacio said. Betty and Henry made their way around the room, hugging and accepting congratulations from everyone. Daniel smiled at her, Claire gave her some friendly advice, even Amanda and Marc managed quick hugs before winking at her knowingly. As they hugged the final person and left the ballroom, Henry pulled her into an empty corridor and kissed her soundly. Betty wrapped her arms around her as Henry steered them towards the wall, pressing himself against her. She moaned against his lips as his tongue teased her lips, gently rubbing against them. His hands roamed over her back, molding against the fabric of her suit. Betty's hands framed his face as she pulled back from him.

"Henry…." Betty sighed as he drew back.

"Upstairs." Was all Henry said. He clasped her hand in his and walked towards the elevator. As they stepped in and the door closed, Betty felt the electric sparks dancing between them. She curled her fingers around his as he looked over at her. His eyes had darkened to almost black and the smoldering look he sent her almost made her push the emergency stop button for the elevator. Just then, the bell dinged for their floor. Betty stepped out, Henry following close behind her. They headed down to the corridor towards their suite, Betty digging for the key in her purse. She found it and jammed it into the lock as Henry stood behind her, his lips traveling over her neck. It took her three tries until she managed to get the door unlocked.

They stepped into the dimly lit room and looked around. Someone had already lit candles in the living room area, and as they headed to the bedroom, they found a note on top of a mini refrigerator letting them know there was champagne and a tray of snacks inside. Betty stepped out of her shoes as she read the note. Henry stood inside the doorway and watched her, marveling at how beautiful she was. Betty turned towards him, putting the note aside.

"Henry…what?!!? What is that look for?" Betty asked. Henry walked towards her slowly, never taking his eyes off her. Betty felt her heart racing and swallowed hard as he stood in front of her. Henry gently ran his thumb over her cheek as he removed her glasses with his other hand.

"I've just married the most beautiful woman in the world, the woman I love." Henry said huskily. Betty blushed as Henry lowered his head towards hers.

Henry kissed her slowly, his hand caressing the skin on the back of her neck. Betty ran her hands up his chest, pushing his suit jacket off his shoulders. Henry unbuttoned her suit jacket and pulled her blouse out from underneath her skirt. Betty shrugged out of her jacket as she tried to work on the buttons of her blouse. Henry stopped her with his hands.

"Let me." He whispered. Betty watched his face as he slowly undid each button of her silky blouse. As each one was freed and more of her skin exposed to the open air, Henry groaned a little deeper in his throat. Betty loosened his tie, pulling the knot apart and yanking it out of his shirt, casting it to the floor. As Henry undid the last button of her blouse and parted the material, his breath caught in his throat.

"Betty….God….you are magnificent…..I…." Betty stopped him by pulling his head down and covering his mouth with hers. She dipped her tongue between his lips, finding his tongue with hers. Henry groaned as he slid her blouse off her shoulders, his fingers working the clasp on her bra. Betty worked her fingers through his hair, gently tugging on the ends. She worked her hands across his shoulders and down towards his chest. She worked the buttons of his shirt through her fingers, making quick work of disposing of his shirt as well. His fingers worked the clasp open, her bra falling from her shoulders and joining the pile of clothes at their feet. Henry's hands worked over her, slowly kneading her heated skin.

"Henry…..please…." Betty said. Her fingers found the button and zipper on his pants, unbuttoning his slacks and drawing the zipper down. Henry took a ragged breath and covered her hands with his.

"Let me…it's been so long…..I can't wait." Henry said as he stepped out of his pants and boxers. Betty quickly tugged off her skirt, pantyhose and panties as Henry gently pulled her towards the bed. He backed her onto the mattress, kissing her and pressing her body into the mattress. He removed his glasses and set them on the nightstand next to hers. Betty reached out a hand to pull him on top of her. Henry covered her body with his as he looked down at her.

"Betty, I love you so much." Henry sighed. Betty looked up at him, her eyes alight with love.

"I love you too Henry. I always have and I always will." Betty replied. Henry slowly moved on top of her, his naked maleness enveloping Betty. She moved closer to him, giving him access to her. Henry looked deep into her eyes as he joined with her, his body rejoicing in what it had been denied for so long. Henry tried to move slowly, his lips and hands trying to bring Betty pleasure while he tried to slow his growing reaction to her nearness. Betty wrapped her legs around him, pulling him deeper inside her. Her breathing grew ragged as Henry murmured endearments in her ear, trying to hold back his release. Betty moved faster under him, urging him on. Her hands clutched at his back as she spiraled towards her oblivion, wanting Henry to join her. She felt a tingling in her body as she approached release. Her nails dug into the skin of his back as she finally could hold back no longer, her body spasming with pleasure, Betty crying out Henry's name as she fell into blissful oblivion. Henry finally gave in to his release, groaning Betty's name against her shoulder as he followed her into contentment.

Hours later, once they'd eaten and made love once again, Betty lay quietly with her head against Henry's chest, listening to the quiet rise and fall of his breathing. She snuggled closer to him as his arms tightened around her in sleep. Her last thought before drifting off to sleep with her husband was that she had finally found what she'd thought had been lost so many years ago.

THE END