Wow, I made it to chapter 30. This is the longest story I have ever written. Thank you to everyone who has followed this tale. I appreciate you all of the reviews and for adding it to your alert and favorites list.
Chapter 30
Alistair and Alex had enjoyed a quiet Christmas morning together. Alex relished the excitement that Alistair had about the holiday. This was Alistair's first Christmas in her world and he was as anxious as kid that still believed in Santa.
He woke her up at six in the morning as he feathered kisses down her neck, "It's Christmas morning, Love. Time to unwrap presents," he whispered as he nibbled on her ear.
"Mmm, Alistair you keep that up and there will be no opening presents until you unwrap me first," Alex said as she savored the feel of his lips on her neck.
"Well, then I think presents can wait a little longer," he groaned as he slid the lace strap of her camisole off her shoulder and kissed his way across her collar bone, and down to her breast.
Alex giggled and rolled on top of him, "Santa, I don't know if I deserve any presents, I've been a very naughty girl."
Alistair laughed, "Well, depending on just how naughty you are I may actually a few extra presents under the tree for you." Alistair slid his hands through her hair to the nap of her neck, pulled her down towards him and reclaimed her mouth with his.
After they had done things to each that would ensure they ended up on the naughty list next year, they finally made their way out to tree, opened presents, laughed and talked through breakfast and made love once again before falling back into bed completely exhausted.
They finally made it out of bed by early afternoon and then spent the afternoon relaxing while they watched old movies. Alex had always been a fan of classic movies, but she was surprised at much Alistair enjoyed them over the newer, computer graphic movies that populated the screens. Alex thought he enjoyed the simplicity of the storytelling. So they cuddled in each other's arms as they watched Lawrence of Arabia. As the sun began to set they made their way over to Brandon's house for Christmas dinner.
Alistair let out a low whistle as the approached her father's home. "Nice home your father has here."
Her dad had a done well financially as a MMA champion and with her mother's insightful advise he had invested wisely. His home was a spacious Tudor style home in the valley that was surrounded by several acres.
"It's no Palace of Denerim, but its home," Alex replied.
"Yes, but I didn't earn the Palace. It was given to me because of my title. Your father worked hard to achieve this. It's impressive."
"Alistair, stop selling yourself short. You earned the Palace after spending two years fighting to stop the Blight and fighting for your birthright that should never been denied to you. You earned and deserve your title and the Palace that comes with it," Alex said as she took his hand and headed up the walkway.
Alex looked around at the house and yard noticed that her Father had gone all out this year with the white twinkle lights and evergreen Christmas décor. He must have really missed her. She rang the bell, but didn't wait for someone to answer before she opened it. She stepped into the foyer and her mouth hit the floor as she stared around in disbelief.
Every nock and cranny of the foyer was light up with white candles, all of the furniture in the large living room to the right had been removed and approximately a hundred white folding chairs had been set up. Candles lined the center aisle with red roses and evergreens attached to the chairs. The front of the room was covered with candles and red and white poinsettias.
Brandon, James, Matt and Eva walked up to her with huge smiles on their faces. Alex looked at them and then at Alistair, "What is going on?"
"Well, I know that the four of us will be able to attend your wedding in Ferelden, but you have so many friends and family here that would love to see you get married," Brandon began. "So I wanted to surprise you with a wedding that you could enjoy with the people that know and love you best."
"So while you and Matt were busy in the lab I hired you mother's party planner, Isabella Monroe, to create and organize your wedding," Eva said.
Alex felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She looked at Alistair, "You knew about this?"
Alistair nodded, "I couldn't wait for you to be my wife. When they told me their idea I thought it was a wonderful suggestion. Our wedding in Ferelden will be very ceremonial and the reception will be nothing but nobles vying for our attention to garner political favors. I hated the thought of our wedding day being celebrated in such a manner. So this was the perfect solution. Besides, I would marry you everyday if I could so the idea of marrying you twice just seemed…perfect."
Alex was dumbfounded and the only thing she could manage to say was "I don't have a dress."
"Oh Sweetie, you know that Matt and I were all over that. We had the best time picking out your dress. Good thing you and I are the same size and height." Eva replied as she glanced at her watch. "Now we only have an hour before the guest start to arrive. So let's go get you ready."
Alex looked at her Dad, "What did you tell everyone?"
"I told them that you and Alistair had to head to Ferelden to become King and Queen and to come to a surprise wedding here in our world," Brandon said deadpanned.
"What?" Alex exclaimed.
Brandon smiled, "Just kidding. I told them that Alistair's job required him to head back to England immediately after Christmas and the only way for everyone to see you get married was to have the wedding Christmas Day. I told that you were so busy in the lab doing some research that I didn't want to trouble you with the details of a wedding so that it was to remain a surprise. Everyone seemed to love the idea."
"Alistair's job? What did you tell them he does?" Alex asked.
"I told them that he is an antiques dealer specializing in medieval weapons," Brandon replied.
Alex grinned, "That is bloody brilliant."
Brandon smiled back, "Yes, I do have my moments."
"And you managed to keep this quiet how?" Alex asked.
"Well, Love, it really wasn't that hard when you have been practically living at the lab," Alistair said. Alex smiled sheepishly. "It's okay, it was for a good cause…trust me I appreciate the additional years added to my life."
"Okay, enough chit chat, it's time to go get ready," Eva said as she started to lead Alex away, but Alistair grabbed her arm and pulled her into his loving arms.
"Are you okay with this? I know this is a big surprise and a lot to take in. I want to make sure you are fine with getting married tonight," Alistair whispered in her ear apprehensively.
Alex kissed his cheek and whispered, "There isn't anything that makes me happier than to know that by the end of the night I will be Mrs. Alistair Theirin."
Alistair kissed her neck and sighed, "I really like the sound of that."
Eva grabbed her arm, "Okay lovebirds there will be plenty of time for that later on tonight."
Eva brought Alex into the guest bedroom, walked over to the closet and pulled out a white bag. Eva unzipped and showed Alex the most beautiful wedding dress she had ever seen. It was a white satin, strapless dress that once she was wearing it would cling to every curve of her body down to her knee and then the material began to flair out like a trumpet. The neckline was low cut and scalloped at the top of her breast with beading and embroidery on the bust and at the bottom of the dress as it wrapped around to the chapel length train.
"Eva, it's perfect," Alex exclaimed.
"I knew it was exactly what you would want the moment I saw it. Now, let's get to work on your hair and make-up before we put the dress on," Eva said.
An hour later there was a light tap at the door and then her father entered wearing a black suite with a red embroidered vest and tie. He took one look at his daughter and began to cry. "Your mother would be so proud of you, Alexa."
Alex walked over to her dad and threw her arms around his neck. "She's here with us tonight Dad. I can feel her presence."
"I wanted to give you this," Brandon said as he handed her a black velvet box. Alex opened it and immediately recognized it as the crystal earrings and necklace her mother had worn on her wedding day. "She would have wanted you to have them and wear them today," Brandon said.
"Will you help me with the necklace, Dad," Alex said as she turned around for her dad to hook the clasp of the necklace. She quickly walked over to the mirror and put the earring on.
"Well, my dear, are you ready to marry your King," Brandon asked.
"More than you will ever know," Alex replied.
"Oh no, I do know. If it is half as much as I wanted to marry your mom than Alistair is a very lucky man," Brandon said as he held out his arm and escorted his daughter out of the room.
xxXxx
Alistair passed around the room nervously as he waited for his cue that it was time to get started. He checked himself in the mirror again. James had done an excellent job of helping him pick out the right suit. He was wearing a black tailored cut suit with a silver vest and tie. He adjusted the red rose boutonniere again.
"Would you stop messing with that damn flower; you're going to kill it before you even say I do," Anders said.
Alistair let the flower go and walked away from the mirror. Anders had agree to be his best man and Alistair admired how well the mage cleaned up. Anders was dressed in the same suit and vest as he was, but his tie was red.
There was a knock at the door and James came in, "It's show time boys!"
Alistair walked to the front of the room and the instrumental version of the song A Time for Us began to play. Alistair had watched the original movie Romeo and Juliette with Alex a few weeks before and he had found the song as beautiful and moving as the movie. He thought it would be the perfect song for their wedding. Alistair looked toward the back of the room to where Eva stood in the entrance way. She looked beautiful in a silver Grecian dress that was tight across the breasts, but flowed freely to her knees. To accent the dress color she carried a bouquet of red roses. Anders stood beside her and he had to admit they made a stunning couple as they made their way down the aisle toward him.
Once they reached the dais, Anders stood beside him and Eva went to the opposite side of the aisle. The music stopped, everyone stood and turned toward the back of the room. The string quartet than began to play Pachelbel Canon in D just as Alex appeared in the doorway with her father. The air rushed out of his lungs as he watched his bride glide down the aisle towards him. She was breathtakingly beautiful in the most exquisite form fitting dress he had ever seen. He didn't know if Eva had to pour Alex into that dress as it hugged everyone of her tempting curves. The beading on the dress and her tear drop crystal earrings glistened in the candlelight. She wore white gloves that came up past her elbows and she carried a bouquet of red roses.
Her raven black hair was pulled up, but ringlets of hair framed her gorgeous face. Her stunning blue eyes sparkled as she made eye contact with him and her gaze never left his as she made her way towards him. She was about to become his wife…he couldn't believe it. All of the dreams he had as a young man he never once imagined that he would ever meet someone as perfect for him as Alex; he never imaged that anyone could be this happy.
Brandon and Alex stopped just a few inches from him and the Reverend spoke, "Who gives this woman away?"
"I do," Brandon replied. Brandon leaned in and kissed his daughter's cheek; then he placed Alex's hand in his. He looked directly into Alistair's eyes, "Take good care of my daughter."
Alistair never wavered, "I give my word, Sir, that I will protect her and care for her as long as I live." Brandon nodded and took a seat as Alistair led Alex beside him. The Reverend began to talk about the importance of marriage and the commitment it takes for a marriage to succeed. Then the Reverend read from this world's version of the Chant of Light and Alistair found the words very inspirational. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails". Then the Reverend told the guests that Alistair had written his own vows that he would like to say to Alex.
Alistair then took both of Alex's hands in his, looked into her eyes and said, "Poets and song writers describe love as this emotion that can't be controlled because it overwhelms our logic and senses, and they have it right because that is exactly what it's like for me. Alex, when we met I wasn't planning on falling in love with you and I doubt you were planning on falling in love with me, but once we started to get to know each other it became very clear that neither one of us could control what was happening and I don't think either one of us wanted too. For me, a love like this happens once in a lifetime and that is why every minute we have spent together has been seared into my memory. I'll never forget a single moment that I have spent with you. Your love has awoken my soul, your love makes me reach for more, your love has planted a fire in my heart and has brought peace to my mind and that is what I hope to give back to you forever."
The Reverend looked at Alistair and whispered, "Wow!"
Alex wiped the tears from her eyes as she whispered, "You're going to mess up my make-up." Alistair chuckled as he reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
The Reverend turned to Alex, "I know that you haven't had time to prepare for this, but do you have anything you would like to say."
Alex nodded as she took a moment to compose herself. "Lucky for me I have been working on my vows for sometime, but I haven't quiet worked them out yet so I am sorry if this is a bunch of incoherent thoughts."
Alistair squeezed her hands, "It's okay, Love, you don't have to say anything right now."
Alex shook her head and then looked into Alistair's eyes. "Alistair, I love you…pure, simple and truly. You are the embodiment of every quality I have ever looked for in another person. I can't stand beside you without wanting to hold you and to touch you because your very presence fills me such peace and comfort. I can't talk to you without wanting to express my love for everything you are to me. Before I met you, I doubted that love like this even existed. I am forever changed because of who you are and what you mean to me. So today, my Love, I vow to never take you for granted, or say an unkind word to you. I promise to never stop being amazed at your warm and loving heart, to laugh at your silly jokes and to never stop marveling at your incredible arse." Alex paused as everyone in the room laughed. "I warned you about my incoherent thoughts. Now you now you know mind is always in the gutter."
Alistair laughed, "Just where I like," and the room laughed again.
Alex squeezed his hand, "Alistair, I promise to be your best friend, your lover and your wife for the rest of my life. And I plan on thanking God every night for fooling you into being my husband."
Alistair couldn't hold back the overwhelming emotions that rose up in him. He pulled her into his loving embrace as his lips crashed down on hers and the crowd cheered.
"Well, now we are getting a little ahead of ourselves," the Reverend said. Alistair reluctantly relinquished his lips from hers. "Alistair do you have the rings?" Alistair nodded as Anders handed both rings to him and Alistair handed them to the Reverend. The Reverend blessed the rings and then handed Alex's ring to Alistair.
Alistair took her hand, brought it to his lips and kissed it, "Alexandria, I give you this as a symbol of my love for you, my faith in our strength together, and my promise to learn and grow with you. As this ring has no beginning and no end, it symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. As I place it on your finger, I give you all that I am and all I ever hope to be."
Alex looked at the ring and then into Alistair's eyes, "My Love, I will wear this ring forever as a sign of my commitment to you and the desire I have in my heart for you."
Alex repeated the vows to Alistair as she placed the ring on his finger. The Reverend smiled, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. Now Alistair, you may kiss your bride."
Once again, Alistair pulled her into his arms as his lips found hers and for a moment the world slipped away as his mouth tasted her soft, sweet lips. The Reverend coughed slightly uncomfortable and Alistair begrudgingly surrendered his claim on her mouth. "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Alistair Theirin." A thunderous applause went up as the husband and wife made their way back down the aisle.
xxXxx
Alistair watched as his beautiful bride danced on with her friends on the dance floor. He had no idea how that dress didn't rip as she bounced and slid around the floor, but he was enjoying watching her in the dress and had definite plans on getting her out of that dress very soon. The reception was everything that it wouldn't be in Ferelden. All of her family and friends came up to them and genuinely congratulated them on their nuptials. Alex was surrounded by people that truly loved and cared for her and it amazed him that he was now a part of her world and a member of her family.
The DJ began to play a remix of one of Alex's favorite songs and she began shake and sway her hips in time with the rhythm. He also liked this song because of all the double entendres that were laced throughout the song. The singer sung out, 'You look good, baby must taste heavenly, I'm pretty sure that you got your own recipe'. Watching her was no longer satisfying and he needed to feel her in his arms. He made is way over to her and slid up behind her just as his favorite line from the song began. He pressed against her backside as his hips moved in time with hers.
"Number one, I take two number threes, that's a whole lotta you and a side of me
Now is it full of myself to want you full of me, and if its room for dessert then I want a piece
Baby get my order right, no errors, I'm gonna touch you on the right areas
I can feed you, you can feed me, girl deliver that to me, come see me
Cause it's me, you, you, me, me, you all night, have it your, way, foreplay
Before I feed your appetite, do you like it well done, cause I do it well"
She leaned back into him as he kissed her down her neck. "So Mrs. Theirin, are you enjoying your party?"
"It's your party too," she said.
"Yes, but these are mostly your family and friends. I just wanted you to enjoy your last night in your world," Alistair whispered as he nibbled on her ear.
"I won't really enjoy myself until I am alone with you later on," Alex purred. The song changed to a slow one and Alistair spun her around to face him as he pulled her tightly to his chest. He stared into her eyes as he brushed a stray hair out of her face.
'Oh, her eyes, her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining, her hair, her hair, falls perfectly without her trying, she's so beautiful, and I tell her every day'.
"I am looking forward that because I definitely have plans for you," Alistair sighed into ear.
"Oh, you do, your Majesty, do tell," Alex cooed.
'Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me, her laugh, her laugh, she hates but I think it's so sexy
She's so beautiful, and I tell her every day'
He looked and smiled at her mischievously. "Well, as my Queen you should have a say in how I am to indulge myself with you tonight. So when I can properly kiss you the way you were meant to be kissed, do you want me to kiss you sweetly and slowly and allow our passion and desire to build or do you want me to claim your lips with all the voracity and hunger that I am a feeling right now?"
"Voracity, huh? That sounds very…exciting…and stimulating," she purred against his neck sending a fire coursing through him and he had to pause to compose himself.
"Next, I can't decide if I want you to seductively undress yourself while I watch or if I should be the one to help you slip out of that deliciously tempting dress?" Alistair moaned into her ear. The feel of his hot breath sent a visible shiver up her spin and he smiled.
"I believe that you should sit comfortably in the oversized chair in my room while I slowly, teasingly and seductively remove this dress and then you have to watch while I painstakingly slid off my bra and panties. And if my hands should accidently linger on my breasts or between my thighs as I remove these garments that is a chance I am willing to take," Alex sighed as her lips found his ear.
"Oh, Maker Alex…." Alistair paused as his imagination got the better of him, but he remembered he was in a room full of people and quickly composed himself. "Mmmm, that sounds nice. And do I make love to you with lights on so that I can enjoy seeing every inch of your exquisite body or with the off lights so that I have to explore your body by just touch and taste," he groaned as he pictured his lips exploring every inch of her as he delighted in her sweet taste and smell.
"Oooo, both are so tempting, but you make the lights out sound so alluring and inviting," she moaned against his throat as he pressed into her. By the Maker, he needed her desperately and not just because the images she had planted in his head were so enticing. It was because he needed her in every way a person could need another person and he just wanted to be alone one last time with his wife before their worlds changed completely.
'When I see your face, there's not a thing that I would change, cause you're amazing, just the way you are
And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while, because girl you're amazing, just the way you are'.
"I need to be alone with you, Alex. I need to be alone with my wife. When can we leave?" Alistair pleaded.
"We can leave right now. Let me let everyone know we are leaving," Alex whispered as she leaned in and kissed his lips.
An hour later, they made their way up to her home and as they neared the door he swept her up in his arms and carried her across the threshold. When then entered her living room the room was light with a multitude of candles, the hallway that led back to her room was lined with candles and red rose petals. Her room was aglow with candles, her bed was covered in petals and the table near her window had a bottle of wine and fruit and cheese tray arranged there. A note lay next to the tray.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Theirin,
We assumed that the two of you probably didn't get a chance to eat much this evening so we took the liberty to bring you some refreshments. Enjoy your first night as husband and wife.
Love,
Anders and Eva
Following their friends advice, they took their time and enjoyed their first of many nights together as husband and wife.
Songs from the wedding – Carry Out by Timberland featuring Justin Timberlake and Just the way you are by Bruno Mars.
I had planned on our little group to be back in Ferelden by the end of this chapter, but the wedding kind of got away from me and this is where we ended up. I hope you enjoyed the diversion. I promise next chapter we are headed back to the mother country.