Chapter 34

APOV

This is it. In just a little bit I will be Mrs. Christian Grey. Kate has already had to fix my makeup twice this morning. There's a knock on the door to the room and Ray comes in.

"Dad, you look so dashing."

"Annie, you look stunning. You are the most beautiful bride ever."

"Daddy, I think you're biased."

"I may be but I'm also right." I give him a kiss on the cheek.

He looks at his watch. "Looks like it's time. Are you ready?"

I smile at him. "Ready as I'll ever be. Let's go."

I'm standing at the end of the aisle, my arm in Ray's. I hear the music start, Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. Ray whispers to me, "Let's go get you married." And, we start our slow walk to Christian.

I look at Christian and our eyes lock. I take a deep breath to calm my nerves and I see Christian's eyes get glassy with unshed tears. We get to Christian and the Pastor, and Ray shakes Christian's hand.

The Pastor smiles at us and looks at Ray, "Do you give your blessing for Anastasia to marry Christian?"

Ray clears his throat, "Yes." Ray then turns to me and kisses my cheek. "I love you, Annie." He places my hand in Christian's and sits down next to my mom and Bob.

Things go by so quickly the next thing I hear is "You may now kiss your bride."

Christian sweeps me up in his arms giving me a kiss like in the old Hollywood movies.

We spend time getting pictures taken while the guests enjoy cocktails in the reception tent. I haven't seen it yet - Mia wants me to be surprised.

Finally, the pictures are over and we head into the reception. It is beautiful. It's exactly what I wanted. We are greeted by our family and when I get to Grace and Mia I thank them for doing this for us.


It's time for the dances. I'm nervous since I am not the most coordinated person and everyone will be watching us. I wish I prepared for this and maybe took dance lessons or something. Christian picked the song out for our first dance as a surprise. I hope I don't cry.

The song starts and at first I don't recognize it. He sweeps me into his arms and we waltz effortlessly on the dance floor to "Marry Me" by Train. It's beautiful and so perfect. Quietly, so only I can hear, Christian sings the lyrics to me. "Promise me you'll always be happy by my side, I promise to sing to you when all the music dies." That did me in - I'm crying.

"Christian, this is so beautiful and perfect. I love it, I love you, thank you."

"No, Ana, thank you. You brought me to life and I will do whatever it takes so you are happy by my side. I want you to be happy always." He looks into my eyes so sincerely and leans down to give me such an honest and loving kiss. I know I will be forever happy by his side.

I'm glad I'm at least wearing waterproof mascara. Next is my dance with Ray. I chose "These Are Days" by Natalie Merchant. This song spoke to me. He's not my biological father but he might as well be. He's spent my entire life building happy memories for us, loving me unconditionally, and providing for me. "Annie, I like the song choice. I mean, it's no Frank but it's good." Ray teases me and since he's normally so reticent it puts me in a little fit of giggles.


CPOV

I'm glad Ana liked the song I picked out. I had so many that I was considering but I kept on going back to "Marry Me." And, I do want her always happy by my side.

Seeing Ana with her dad makes me smile. I'm so glad she has him and I don't think she would be the woman she is if it weren't for him. Seeing the two of them, probably the two most uncoordinated people in Washington, dance and laugh is enough to make anyone laugh.

Next is my song with Grace. Grace was my angel. She saved me; if it weren't for her I don't know where'd I be today. Or, if I'd even be here. I walk up to her to take her hand. "Mom, would you have this dance?" She immediately tears up and nods her head.

The recognizable notes of "What a Wonderful World" start and we dance in an embrace that up to not very long ago I wouldn't be able to do. "Mom, don't cry. Thank you for being there for me and loving me when I was unlovable."

"Christian never in your life were you unlovable. It makes my heart swell to see you so happy with Ana."

"I know. I wish I had met her sooner." She gives me a sweet smile.

"Don't worry Christian, you still have plenty of time to spend with her and your whole lives."

After the first dances, we have dinner and the toasts. All of them were very endearing, including Elliot's which is a surprise. Ana hardly eats anything. I can tell she's so anxious and she never eats when she's anxious but people are constantly coming up to her to talk and greet her. I don't think she'd have the chance if she wanted to.

I can't wait to leave on our honeymoon. I've been to those places before but never with Ana so it will be like my first time. She has made me the happiest man alive.

We cut the cake and pose for some more pictures. Once that is over, it's time for dancing and the party to begin. We dance with family and friends for a little while but I can't stand it anymore. I want to leave with Ana. I want to start our lives as husband and wife now.

While we are away, Elliot and his crew will be working on the new house. Gail has organized a move into it and bringing all essentials from Escala. That way, when I carry her over the threshold, it will be to our home - where we will have a family.

I walk up to Ana and kiss her nose. "Come on, baby. It's time to go."

"But the reception isn't over. Can we leave our own wedding reception?"

"I don't see why not. Plus, we have a plane to catch." I look at her and wink. A huge smile slowly spreads across her face.

"A plane? Where are we going? Somewhere where we have to fly?" I laugh at her question. She is so excited I can't help getting excited right with her.

"Well Mrs. Grey, you will find out in due time. Let's make our goodbyes."

We say goodbye to our family and friends who wish us well on our honeymoon. We hop into the back of the SUV and Taylor whisks us away. Finally, Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey.