Title: Desperate Measures
Chapter 15 – A Brand New Beginning
'Do you Edward Tucker Lane take Donna Marie Sabine to be…'
The day was perfect. Crystal clear blue sky, warm, gentle breeze keeping a few pesky bugs at bay, soft music playing in the background, a modest gathering of close family and friends and the man of her dreams standing before her, their hands firmly clasped; two destinies about to collide into one.
She looks into his warm blue eyes, watching a loving smile starting to crease his handsome face and suddenly her stomach does another excited flip. His fingers tightly curl around hers as he utters his genuine 'I do,' before allowing his smile to widen as he waits for her to return the matrimonial favor.
'Do you Donna Marie Sabine take Edward Tucker Lane to be…'
Her heart swells as the words rush from her brain to her lips; her mouth unable to utter her own 'I do,' fast enough. But just as she feels the words roll off her tongue, her soon to be husband anxiously anticipating the moment, she hears a slight distraction coming from her right. Her mind yells at her to pay it no need and wait for the paid minister to make the official pronouncement and the rest of the festivities can begin.
'It is my happy pleasure to introduce to this wedding crowd, Mr. and Mrs. Lane…'
The warm applause starts to rise, Donna turning to Ed about to eagerly receive her first kiss as a new wife when suddenly the air is broken by loud shouting and the hail of gunfire.
'This is Logan retribution!' Someone shouts as the gunfire rings louder, shouts and screams replacing smiles and applause for the newly formed union; order replaced by chaos. Donna feels Ed's hand slipping from her grasp and turns to watch in horror as her new husband's white tuxedo shirt is instantly stained red, his lips calling her name, crimson spraying her dress before she feels herself being hit and slowly falling to the ground beside him; Ida's twisted laughter ringing in the background.
'I win…'
"NO!" Donna shouts as she bolts upright in bed, her entire body soaked with a light film of sweat and slightly shaking from her horrific and very realistic nightmare.
"Donna…what…" Ed's voice dies out as he quickly reaches for the light, flips it on and then looks in concern at the panicked expression on his wife's flushed face. "What is it?"
"Ed…I saw…" she slightly heaves, her heart racing so fast, she is actually unable to catch her breath.
"Hey it's okay…it's okay," he tries to soothe as his hand tenderly rubs her back, her eyes briefly closing as her brain commands her lungs to take a deep breath, hold it and then slowly exhale. A few times of the same routine and she's finally able to explain her outburst with a coherent sentence.
"Nightmare…I saw our wedding…and then…our deaths. It was Ida," she huffs as she shakes her head, willing Ida's twisted image to fade from her memory. "Ed…it was so…so real," she frowns as she remains seated upright, delighting in his comforting touch on her back.
"But it's not real, she's in jail right now," Ed assures her. "The judge has fast tracked her hearing to…well today," Ed looks over at the clock and frowns at the time. "And we are getting married tomorrow – no matter what."
Donna twists herself around and smiles before she plants a warm kiss on the top of his forehead and then snuggles back down, her head resting near his shoulder, careful not to put too much pressure on his still healing chest. Ed pulls her a bit closer, not caring about slight stretching feeling on the nearest stitching and telling himself that no matter what, tomorrow he was gonna enjoy making love to his wife in their honeymoon suite.
"You okay?"
"Yeah," Donna assures him as he turns off the light and she snuggles in closer. "I'm better now." Donna closes her eyes, her mind comforted in Ed's slow steady breathing, the soft reverberations of his heart and his chest moving in time with hers; she then forces her mind to focus on their happy date at the restaurant and soon the ugly images Ida's lingering presence had created, were replaced with happy images of them enjoying their first date and the rest of the night passes by with some actual solid rest.
Friday finally starts to peek its head through the windows, the sun shining, a foretelling of what the weekend would have in store for them. They would hire a JP just to oversee the basic ceremony as they wanted to have something more official for their friends, but there would be no more paperwork to sign, that was already legally filed away with the city. This time it's Donna's turn to awaken to the smell of fresh coffee filling her senses, a happy smile instantly playing upon her face at the thought that despite a somewhat rough night, she felt rested and Ed seemed to be back to himself. I am blessed, she muses inside her mind as she pushes herself from her bed and then heads toward the kitchen.
"Morning," she greets him with a hug, her eyes looking at him in wonder.
"Morning," he greets her back with a warm husky tone, kissing her on the cheek and then gently pushing a blond tendril behind her ear. "What?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Like I could go play in the grey cup right now," he smirks, referring of course to Canada's final football championship game. "Actually kinda excited and nervous about tomorrow."
"Nervous?" Donna arches a brow in wonder.
"Kinda…I don't know…" Ed shrugs and then offers a small smirk as he turns back to the coffee maker, pouring them each a cup. "Everything done?"
"Almost. Today they'll fax over the final menu selections and…and you booked the hotel room right?"
"I did and it's a surprise," Ed answers with a grin as they head to the table. "This the dinner choice?"
"Yeah I thought…" Donna's voice trails off as she starts to explain a bit more about the meal and what kind of modest wedding cake they and their guests would be having for dessert. Ed looks at his wife and feels his heart inwardly settle; her hair was mussed, face displaying a warm glow, features untense, her mood light and happy; it felt wonderful – he felt wonderful. Despite all the mental torment and physical pain that Ida had inflicted upon them they had managed to ensure their love for each other remained intact; self-blame starting to dissipate.
"And um…are you still okay with writing our own vows?"
"Yeah," Ed pauses with a frown. "How much do I hafta say?" He asks with a somewhat sheepish expression; the thought of pouring out his heartfelt feelings and emotions in front of friends actually starting to make him feel agitated.
"Your proposal was pretty great."
"Donna…"
"It's from the heart Ed. Technically we are married…this is just for us," she tries to assure him with a comforting squeeze of her hand. "But if you don't want to…I mean I want you to enjoy the day as much as me."
"I don't mind. Just don't expect Shakespeare."
"Mick Jagger?" She counters and he chuckles. "This is going to be an amazing weekend," she adds, her eyes drifting toward the clock and then back to Ed.
"But?"
"No…no buts…but," she pauses with a strained smile. "Ida."
Ed looks at the clock and then at her and nods. "Any time now right?"
"Ed…"
"She's going away for life," he comments firmly, this time it's his turn to give her hand a squeeze. "So come on…what else do we need to do before tomorrow?" He asks, hoping to take her mind off the impending sentencing. However, he knows that as soon as Greg could, he'd be texting them with the outcome and he was just as anxious to know. After that, they could get on with their day.
XXXXXXXX
~RCMP main detention facility~
Greg maintains a discreet distance in the small hearing room, seated near the back with Tom and Holleran on either side; all three of them anxious to hear the outcome; Greg assuring Ed he would text him as soon as the verdict was handed down.
"Do we know the delay?" Tom asks as he looks over at Greg, Holleran just recently joining them.
"Apparently there's been a new development."
"What?" Greg asks in haste. "Sir you better assure us that she will not walk on…"
"No in fact I understand that here is someone here from Interpol with an international arrest warrant; the date superseding the arrest warrant from a few days ago."
"What's that mean?" Tom inquires again, his mind racing at the thought that their chief nemesis could walk on a technicality and his friend and supervisor's life would once again be in danger.
"It means we have to wait and see what the judge decides. Maybe she'll serve her time there and then be sent back here to…" Holleran's voice trails off as the doors open and people start to enter; the clerk, two armed guards, Ida in restraints, two more armed guards; two others, none of which the three of them recognized but surmised it was the Interpol agents and then finally the judge himself. Criminal Judge Hargrove takes his post and gestures for the rest to sit; Mickey and Miles having separate hearings from Ida.
Greg and Tom listen to the list of charges against Ida stemming from the Canadian arrest warrant but then says that they have another matter that had stemmed from an incident in Belfast a few years prior. Ida sits in her chair, her face proud and her mind thinking that it would be her native country that would come to her aide; Ireland, her family's birthright and her husband's salvation. She wouldn't do time. However, as the Judge asks the Interpol agent to come forward, Ida's eyes narrow in hatred. Even more so as he starts to read the charges and the incident that was caught on camera – her pulling the trigger in cold blood, killing a police officer, her husband Callum at her side coaxing her to finish her task.
"I was coerced," Ida's simple defense is stated. To which of course the judge does not pay any heed. His sentencing is swift and final; Ida Logan would be sent to Ireland, the place she thought she could turn to for freedom, was now to be the bearer of her punishment. After that sentence, if she was still alive, she'd be sent back to Canada to serve her sentence here.
Justice was served.
"Literally…thank God," Tom whispers as the Judge continues to explain a few more legal details and procedures; Greg slipping from the quiet hearing room to text Ed and Donna the good news.
XXXXXXXX
"What? They're sending her back to Belfast?" Donna asks with growing smile. "Actually I'm relieved she won't be here. And the others?"
"They'll do time here," Ed answers in truth as he gratefully receives a hug and then looks down at Donna with a tender smile. "Now we can get on with the rest of the day right?"
"Eager to write those vows?" She teases and a frown creases his brow. "It's over now."
"Belfast?"
"Do they even have internet over there?" Donna smirks. "The less reminders of her in this city the better. Trust me I'm happy about this."
"Yeah I guess that's true," Ed nods as he finally feels his face relax and replace the tense frown with a genuine smile. "Donna…"
"Ed we got justice. She's going to jail and I know jails over there are hell holes compared to here. Actually I'm glad I am. What do you want for lunch?" Donna asks as she hears his stomach lightly growl.
"You," he smirks as they turn and head for the kitchen. They talk a bit more about Ida's future home, agreeing that prison conditions in Belfast certainly weren't the country club lifestyle they would be here and for that both were thankful – give her a small taste of her own miserable medicine. Of course her incarceration would in no way make up for the lives she so brutally took, but the fact that she could end her life in the country she had wanted to seek refuge was ironically comforting.
By the time supper rolls around, everything for the wedding the following day had been set and confirmed; her dress and his tux were in the closet, even Wordy and Rachel who would be standing up beside them mostly for show, had managed to find a coordinating color on such short notice.
"Do you miss having a bachelor party?" Donna teases as Ed sits on the bed watching her slowly undress; him sitting there in only a pair of black shorts, the stitching on his chest and leg which had been itching earlier now covered with some cream.
"You do realize this is killing me right?" Ed states with a heavy as his core starts to warm.
"You can look away," she retorts with an arched brow expression to which he rolls his eyes. "And I asked a question."
"This is better than a bachelor party. Why would I want some used woman when I can have my beautiful wife stripping for me and me alone?"
"Because you are supposed to resting and not getting any ideas."
"Can you blame me?"
"I have an idea…" she quickly grabs one of his few ties from the closet, heads over to him and playfully wraps it around his eyes. "Better?"
"Hardly," Ed groans as his body starts to warm further. "This just turns me on even more."
"Okay think about Greg watching," she snickers and he merely shakes his head. "Still turned on?"
"That isn't funny," he deadpans as he lifts one edge of the tie and peeks out at her. "You seriously wanna wait until tomorrow?"
"I wasn't the one who just had lifesaving surgery after one of my main arteries was sliced open."
"It was a small cut and I'm fine," Ed insists as he pulls the black tie back down over his eyes and rests his head against the headboard of their king-sized bed. Donna looks over at him with an amused expression before she finishes undressing; her mind debating on whether to chance some movement on his part, perhaps putting undue strain on the stitches before the night of their official wedding, which in effect could be ruined by tonight's actions.
"Damn it Ed," Donna huffs as she yanks the black tie off his face, making him look up at her in wonder.
"What?"
"Well that's turning me on even more and that wasn't my point," she groans as her fingers fondle the black fabric. "I should just tie you to the bed and get some sleep."
"Okay," he grins readily, making her face instantly flush and her head shake.
"I'm not helping am I?" She asks with a heavy sigh.
"Come here," he warmly entreats as he offers his hand, pulling her down nearly onto his lap, but ensuring that she didn't put any pressure on his recent injury. He places her between his legs and then pulls her back onto his chest, his fingers trailing up one of her bare arms.
"Like this," Donna offers softly.
"Are you missing your bachelorette party?"
"I just had it," she smirks. "I still wanna tie you to the bed and have my way with you though."
"Like the sound of that," he whispers as her as lips plant a soft kiss on them. Donna's eyes linger on the healing scar on this strong thigh and for a moment he feels her body stiffen in his grasp. "Donna?"
"Was too close," she whispers before she twists her head and looks up at him with a frown. "I never want to lose you."
"Never will," he promises as he leans in a bit closer and kisses her on the lips. The two of them sit together in each other's embrace until they were too tired to remain away; sex on hold one more night until after the wedding when pain would be tossed aside in favor of marital pleasure.
XXXXXXXX
Both awaken Saturday morning well rested and with happy thoughts to occupy their minds the night before; ensuring the day ahead would be one full of happy memories; not tense worry or concern. Ida was in the process of being extradited to another country, the others already booked and awaiting transport to the appropriate prison facilities. Now it was time to concentrate on putting the finishing touches on the Lane marriage.
"I think I am too nervous for coffee," Donna lightly laments Saturday morning as she stands in the kitchen in her housecoat; her, Rachel and Jules would be heading to the hair dresser to get their hair and makeup done for the big event; Ed of course meeting her there. "And you arranged for a limo right?"
"I did and I even packed my own overnight bag," Ed teases, earning himself a small slap to the shoulder. "Why are you so nervous?"
"I…I just am," she looks up with a small frown that morphs into a smile. "Just have waited for this day for a long time and…" she starts only to have him take her left hand and gently tug the ordinary gold band off. "Ed…no…don't."
"What? We don't need them anymore," he reminds her.
"Right," she takes hers off; Ed placing both rings in her hand and closing her fingers around them.
"I've waited for this day for a long time also."
Hearing his words only cements in her mind and heart that this would be a lasting union and endearing love; something Ida's ugly vengeance was never able to alter or destroy. They have a lighter than normal breakfast, each of them expressing their delight in being able to sleep late the following morning and actually having room service – breakfast in bed, all day if they so wanted.
They had chosen to head to Niagara on the Lake for their honeymoon; Donna finding a very romantic bed and breakfast destination for them to spend a few days in, each agreeing to go somewhere more official; warm and tropical in the winter months, once they had settled into their new apartment and that was all taken care of. But for now they just wanted to focus on the exciting day ahead.
"Love you."
"I love you too. Okay I'll see you later," Donna gives Ed a full on kiss on the lips before she gathers up her things and heads for the doorway, Rachel giving Ed a smile and wave before the two of them disappear into the hallway. Jules and a few of the wives would also be heading to the same salon, wanting to make an extra special outing for them all; another happy memory to mark their big day.
"Hey buddy…nervous?" Wordy asks as he enters the quiet apartment.
"Not in the least," Ed looks up as his best friend and Tom enter.
"Really? So why are you putting pepper into your coffee?" Wordy snickers, making Ed slightly curse and toss the contents into the nearby sink. "Yeah maybe no more coffee."
"Wordy, I'm fine. Men don't get nervous on their wedding day," Ed insists.
"Some do," Tom shrugs.
"I'm not…did you?"
"A little…sure," Tom replies with a small frown. "Kept thinkin' they'd run out of beer," he ends with a chortle and the three of them laugh. They talk a bit longer before its time to get ready in their wedding attire; only tuxes for Ed and Wordy, the rest wearing black suits.
"I look like a waiter," Ed groans as he fiddles with the black satin bow-tie around his neck.
"Yeah…but it's worth it," Wordy gently pats him on the back. "'sides you do it for her mostly."
"That's very romantic," Tom teases, making Wordy grab a nearby book and toss it at the team three team leader; getting a small chuckle from Tom in return. "Okay you guys all set?"
Ed looks at Wordy and then at his waiting overnight bag by the door and then at Tom before nodding in agreement. "Let's go."
XXXXXXXX
The restaurant had purposely closed off its lounge area for the bride and whoever else wanted to use it to take care of a few last minute touches before the big celebration would get underway. The day was blessed with clear blue skies and a warm breeze; adding to the romantic touch for the marital presentation taking place in the late afternoon on the patio overlooking the bay. The patio area was closed until after the ceremony and picture taking; half the restaurant itself booked with the couples family and friends.
Donna looks at herself in the mirror just as a soft knock is heard at the door and Rachel hurries to open it. "Greg…come in," Donna entreats with a smile.
"Donna," he smiles. "You look truly beautiful," he praises warmly.
"Thank you," she answers with a firm smile of her own. Despite the fact that her heart was racing so fast she couldn't wait to get on Greg's arm and make her presence known to her waiting room. "Thank you for this."
"Happy to be part of this moment for you two; thank you for including us all. Ready?"
"I am."
"Ed…is gonna fall in love all over again," Greg assures her just as Wordy appears.
"Are you…wow Donna. You look amazing," he also praises with a wide smile, knowing his nervous best friend's jitters would soon be put to rest.
"How is he?"
"Nervous," Wordy smirks as he readies himself to walk down the aisle with Rachel. It wasn't to be anything too formal and the guests were able to sit wherever they wanted in the small arrangement of chairs overlooking the bay. Just Ed and Donna would be standing before their friends stating their own personal vows and then having the city Minister re-pronouncing them husband and wife. The restaurant DJ starts up the soft wedding march and Donna feels her stomach tighten a bit more, her smile unable to leave. She watches Wordy and Rachel slowly meandering through the quiet restaurant; the staff instantly stopping to watch and admire.
She feels her footsteps a bit forced and then commands herself to take a deep breath and just enjoy the moment. But as soon as she breaches the outside air, locks eyes with her husband, the world around her blurs – him being the only one in focus. For a few seconds, her heart skips several beats; he looked…beyond handsome. The black tux, something he protested at first was now slowly edging the SRU uniform as her favorite clothing look for him; a loving smile adorning his handsome face, and a somewhat mischievous sparkle in his bright blue eyes. Wow…is all her overheated mind manages as she nears him.
As soon as Ed watched Wordy pull away after whispering it's almost time, his heart started to race faster. The teams were there as well as a few other friends and co-workers, all on hand to share their joy and officially celebrate their marital union. His fists tighten as soon as the music starts and a hush falls over the crowd, him being the only person standing before the group; the city appointed Minister (the JP) off to the side waiting. Ed watches Wordy and Rachel walking down the aisle and smiles; his best friend giving him a playful wink and Ed's face finally relaxing somewhat. And then…she appears.
Unable to actually make his heart restart, Ed stands fixed in time watching his beautiful bride approach; she was a vision indeed. Her hair was up with soft tendrils coming down, a few white flowers peeking out from among the curls in strategic places. She had told him she wasn't a flashy kinda gal but her dress was amazing; at least to him. Strapless with delicate beading around the sweetheart neckline, fitted until about mid-chest and then flowing softly around her perfect frame. He locks eyes with her and feels his heart finally restart and the pick up the pace as she nears. Wow…is all his overheated brain can manage at the moment.
"Hi…" she whispers nervously as Greg gives her a modest peck on the cheek and then stands back until the Minister steps up to take over.
"Hi," he whispers warmly in return as he takes her hand and holds it, both eyes locked on each other. The minister mentions a few words to start, acknowledging their rather 'unique' start to their marital union but now wanting to have their friends on hand to share in the happy excitement with them in this 'amended' ceremony.
"I understand you have each prepared some vows," the Minister states as Rachel steps up and takes Donna's white lily bouquet and then hands her the piece of paper entrusted to her earlier.
With one hand still attached to Ed's, Donna takes the piece of paper, glancing down and then back up at him with a tender gaze before she takes a deep breath and then starts.
"Ed…You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you. Using the love that we share I can promise that you will always have my deepest love, my fullest devotion, and my most tender care. I promise to love you, to always strive to encourage and inspire you to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and also when times become difficult, when our love is simple, and when things becomes complicated. I promise to honor you, and to always hold our love for each other in highest regard. These things I pledge to you today, and all the days of our life together. I Love You."
She finishes with a loving smile and glistening eyes, her heart rate matching his. She squeezes his fingers for a bit of extra support, her eyes still locked on the man before her – her husband. Ed looks at the minister who nods and then with his free hand takes take the paper from his pocket, takes a deep breath and then starts into his.
"Donna…You are my best friend. You have taught me what it is to truly love something more than my own self. I commit to you that I will love you forever. I will give my life for you and I promise to always protect your life with mine. I will celebrate with you in times of great happiness and I will not just stand by you, but carry you during times of life's greatest sorrows. I will cherish our love from now until the day that I die. I will always stand by you, and you will always be taken care of. I will never give up on our love these things I pledge to you today and all the days of our life together. I love you."
Ed had confessed to her that he wasn't too keen on uttering his feelings but at her request had tried to put down his honest thoughts and feelings and with a bit of guidance from his best friend and best man, was able to come up with something heartfelt, loving and official.
A happy wave of 'awwws' falls over the crowd before the minister once again steps up with a happy smile on his face.
"Very nice. Now I understand you have rings to exchange. If you could get those now," he instructs. Ed turns to Wordy who pulls out a small black velvet box and hands it to Ed, who slowly opens it and shows it to his wife; Donna's instant smile of approval settling upon his mind.
"Ed please take the ring and place it upon the fourth finger of Donna's hand and repeat after me."
"With this ring, I wed you, and pledge you my love, now and forever."
"Very nice. And Donna, if you'll take the ring and place it upon the fourth finger of Ed's left hand and repeat after me."
"With this ring, I wed you, and pledge you my love, now and forever."
"Well that's it," the Minister smiles as he looks out into the crowd, standing to their left. "Ed and Donna, you have exchanged your promises and given and received rings in my presence. By these acts and by the power conferred upon me by the Province of Ontario, I hereby pronounce you are husband and wife. You may now kiss."
Ed's hand gently encircles Donna, resting on her back as she leans in closer, their lips meeting for a brief but heated kiss, their ears picking up the sounds of pictures being taken but their hearts beating as one. They finally break apart, holding hands and smiling as more pictures are taken.
"It's my happy pleasure to introduce to this crowd gathered together today, Mr. and Mrs. Ed and Donna Lane."
Donna plants one more soft kiss on Ed's cheek as the minister takes his leave, no paperwork needing to be filed and the restaurant appointed MC steps up.
"Okay how's everyone this afternoon. My name is Dave and I'll be the MC for the rest of the night. Now…let's get this celebration really started. So there will be…"
When she was doing all the planning, Donna, herself wasn't too sold on a huge wedding album but after being whisked away to a nearby location, she found herself getting more and more into the whole spirit of things; even suggesting ideas to the photographer, Ed laughing at the poor guy at certain times if he dared argue back.
"What?" She would toss at him. "I am gonna play up the whole fairytale aspect of today okay and I want certain pictures," she'd state in her defense to which he'd merely shrug and smile when he was told; holding her close was the best part of most of the pictures. About two hours later after all the official pictures were taken, Wordy and Rachel head back to their spouses, Ed and Donna lingering in a quiet garden-like area close to the restaurant.
"I just wanted to tell you how absolutely beautiful you look today. You did take my breath away when I first saw you," Ed confesses as his fingers fiddle with a tendril that was starting to come loose.
"Well I know I haven't seen you look this handsome," she praises in return as she looks down at the band of white gold on his finger. "I love these rings," she confesses; her mind recalling the engraving on the inside, their initials and today's date.
"I wanted something that was us. 'sides I know you like this color better than plain old gold," Ed smirks as he looks down at her well-manicured finger; something she had done especially for their wedding and ensuing honeymoon.
"I do. I love today Ed…seriously it's an amazing dream come true."
"I do hafta admit it is pretty special," he answers honestly as he smiles warmly at her. "I do love you…very much."
"Me too," she leans in and kisses him on the lips before they are interrupted by Tom and his wife and their moment is stolen away until they could be alone once more. But tonight was also about their friends so they all head back into the restaurant where it's time to mingle before sitting down for supper and then some dancing.
During their picture break, the guests were asked their choice of meat as the dinner would be a served one with a few choices instead of a full on buffet. After their meal is finished, a few speeches were in order before the first official dance. Both Rachel and Wordy took to the mic, promising not to embarrass their friends but expressing their heartfelt wishes for the happy couple, tossing in a few anecdotes, words of praise and a few words of advice. Next it was the bride and groom.
"Okay so…Donna says that she's pulling rank on me here and not saying anything," Ed starts with a small frown, making everyone laugh and smile. "She made this day possible so my first thanks go to my amazing wife. We also want to thank…" Ed's speech lasts only a few minutes, thanking Wordy, the teams, their friends and finally their hosts for all coming together to help them celebrate the start of their new life together as husband and wife. There was no need for anything overly sentimental as Ed figured the vows had said that enough; the rest he would save for her only in private.
"And now the bride and groom will take to the small dance floor for their first official dance."
Ed takes Donna in his arms, the two of them starting to sway to a classic, Elvis Presley's, "Can't Help Falling in Love" while the rest of their friends look on.
"And how was my speech?" Ed asks softly, his arms holding her tightly against him.
"Perfect. But I never got to thank you for making this day even possible; it's been amazing every second. Ed I just…part of me doubted today would happen and I just didn't want to start…" she stops and quickly smiles as her eyes water. "Today was perfect," she states, pushing Ida out of her mind, not allowing her would be destroyer to ruin her perfect day. "Thank you."
"You don't hafta stop," he warmly encourages.
"How about I save the rest for private?"
"Okay."
They sway together until the end of the dance, which culminates in another passionate kiss, their friends applauding before the DJ/MC tells the rest they can take to the floor if they so desired. Ed and Donna continue to dance to a selection of rock and roll slow and fast songs for the next few hours, the modest cake being cut and handed out to guests; each of them taking the time to thank their friends for coming and for their love and support. Finally Ed looks at his watch and smiles; it was time to go. The day had been perfect and the evening a complete success; some of their friends had already started to leave and some were going to stay and party until they would be told it was time to leave.
"Time to go?" Ed whispers in Donna's ear as she finishes up some instructions with the restaurant hostess.
"Nope we are staying until the better end," she teases.
"What?" He asks with an instant pout making her giggle.
"I guess it is time to leave," she looks up at him with a knowing smile. "Just let me get my things."
"Meet you by the door," he smirks, making her just shake her head. Ed goes and says his goodnights to Wordy, once again thanking his best friend and telling him he'd see him in a week – everything back to normal.
"Thanks for letting me share today…it really was perfect," Wordy smiles as he gives Ed a hug and then takes his leave.
Donna finishes up with Rachel, telling her the same, she'd see her in a week and then it was back to normal – well for the most part, with Ida out of the way it would be time to really work on their new married life. She gathers up her small beaded clutch and heads for the front door, Ed leaning against a post with his back to her.
"Hello handsome, are you lost by any chance?" Donna asks warmly as she wraps her arms around Ed's waist and plants a soft kiss on his cheek.
"Actually yes. Want to take me home?" He lightly flirts in return as he embraces her with a loving smile.
"Home? How about a hotel where I can have my way with you?"
"Like the sound of that even better."
"Then come with me," Donna extends her hand for him to take; the limo waiting a few feet away. "Actually…where are we going?"
"You'll see," Ed smirks as they climb into the back of the black stretch limo, pulling away from the restaurant, their lingering guests able to stay and enjoy themselves for as long as they wanted. As they near the Royal York Hotel, Donna looks at Ed in mild surprise.
"The Royal York Hotel? Really?"
"Only the best for you," Ed kisses her on the cheek as the limo pulls up to the valet area and stops. Tonight wasn't the night to argue cost; they could afford the night…it was now time to enjoy everything else the other had to offer. Ed gets out and then extends his hand to his bride, helping her out, much to the delight of a few happy onlookers. They stop at the front desk to collect the key, once again accepting a few well wishes from the hotel staff before proceeding to their honeymoon suite.
"Wow Ed…this room is amazing," Donna exclaims as she slowly heads into the middle of the room that had been decorated with roses, candles and a special welcome basket for the bride and groom. Donna takes the lighter purposely left for the candles and starts to light them as Ed turns on the nearby CD player, already outfitted with soft romantic music before walking up to her, placing his hands upon her bare shoulders and bringing her lips to his for the first real searing kiss of the day; one that would last longer than a few seconds.
"I love you Mrs. Lane," Ed whispers as his fingers lightly graze her bare shoulder, before moving to the zipper in the back.
"I love you too Mr. Lane," Donna whispers in return. Not wanting to damage her dress in any way, Donna allows Ed to help her step out and then stands before him with a small nervous smile.
"Perfect," he praises before their arms intertwine.
"Ditto," she teases before their one uniform thought is finally put into action, the rest of their clothing being removed and their first official act as a newly married couple is well underway.
And for the next few hours nothing else in the world would matter to them. And as they started to make love, a peaceful calm washed over them both. Embracing them in its endless arms. Wrapping them in serenity. And watching over them with a careful eye making sure they got the love they both needed and deserved. And tomorrow would come. The future was theirs to share together. But for now it would have to wait...because afterall...
~They would live happily ever after~
…or would they? (*insert evil laugh heard all the way from Ireland here*)
THE END! (for now) *wink*
A/N: Okay we reached the end of my very first Ed/Donna multi-chap fic. I am so glad you all liked it and liked it right to the end yay! I could have added more details but this was already so long so I hope that you enjoyed what we came up with. I also hope you liked the vows and they weren't too out of character (hey google helps all of us haha) I have 2 more stories planned for this timeline (as well as a few standalones for our AU couple) so I hope you'll like and support those stories as much as you did this one! So please leave me one final review with your thoughts and thanks so much!
PS: In real life, Canada does NOT have an extradition treaty with Ireland but for the purpose of this story and the 3rd one in the series it DOES! Please don't flame I just told you I made that up so bend to the rules of FICTION. But all that will be explained a bit more in the 3rd installment when Ida returns – but up next will be a new story taking place 6 mos later and a new person from the past returns to cause some trouble for our couple – details coming soon. Stay tuned