Author's Note: Here it is… the last chapter. It's kind of short, but I think it wraps up Alex and Jo's story. I hope you like it. Thank you all so much for reading my story and staying with me to the end. And thank you so very much to each and everyone who reviewed.
The mid-morning sun streamed through the curtains waking Jo. She stretched and smiled, rolling over to Alex, "A-alex," she said in a sing song voice, "wake up. It's our wedding day," she pressed kisses to his cheeks, forehead, and lips. His lips turned up in a smile before catching hers and returning her kisses.
The couple had decided they wanted to have a wedding... another wedding. One where their friends could share in their happiness, a declaration to the world they were married… where they were sober and could remember every detail.
Jo looked at the clock and started to roll out of bed, but Alex stopped her, pulling her back down into his arms, "Not yet," he pleaded.
"I have to get up," she argued, "I'm meeting April for brunch, then I have to go get my hair done." April had settled for brunch, but what she had really wanted was a best friends slumber party the night before, claiming it was bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day before the wedding. Jo had countered that she was pretty sure that didn't count if the two were already married. Alex held on for a few more brief moments, finally letting her go with a groan.
The two went their separate ways, excitement for the day building. Jo met April, immediately taking the new baby from her arms. Alex went to pick his sister up from the airport and took her out to lunch.
After the two women ate and got their hair and makeup done, they left for the church. April was following Jo in her own car, when Jo realized she didn't have her shoes. She called April, gave her directions to the church, and sped off to the apartment. She turned the key in the lock and threw the door open rushing in. She ran smack into Alex. Surprised she looked up with wide eyes, "Alex?! What are you doing here? You should be at the church."
"What are you doing here? You should be at the church too," he smirked down at her.
"I forgot my shoes," she pouted playfully. His eyes twinkled as he chuckled and continued to smirk at her. "Don't!" she warned.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"Don't give me that sexy look standing there looking all sexy as hell in that suit, or we'll be late to our own wedding," she looked him up and down, her eyes darkening as she bit her lower lip. Their eyes met and it was as if a magnet pulled them together. He cupped her face as their lips met in a heated kiss. She pushed the jacket from his shoulders.
They rushed into the church ten minutes late to their own wedding just as Jo had predicted. It was a small affair just a few friends and Arizona in attendance. Pastor Webber officiated. The two had never looked happier holding hands and gazing into each other's eyes, flushed with love.
Callie offered her services for the wedding photography, taking pictures after the ceremony. As Arizona posed with the newlyweds, she said, "I'm really sorry Mom and Dad wouldn't come, Alex. Jo is great, and I know they would love her if they would just give her a chance. But I'm really proud of you, baby brother." The two shared a warm embrace that Callie caught on camera. As they took a few more pictures, Arizona became increasingly more distracted by the photographer.
They enjoyed a reception with cake, punch, and fellowship. Jo couldn't help but laugh and point out to Alex that Arizona and Callie were flirting the entire time. She was happy for her new sister-in-law and her boss turned friend. They both deserved some fun and happiness and if they found that together, all the better.
On their flight to Colorado Springs, where they had rented a cozy cabin for their honeymoon, Jo snuggled into Alex's side and sighed contentedly. "That morning, four months ago when I woke up in a strange man's bed with his ring on my finger, I never imagined it would end up like this. I thought you were crazy when you said we could make it work. But we just clicked; you were right when you said something drew us together. I fell in love with you so easily and everything just feels so right now."
He shrugged, "I could feel it. That morning, from the first moment, when you stepped out of the bathroom so casually as if you belonged there, as if we belonged."
They arrived at their cabin and settled in. As Alex was scoping out the view from their back door, Jo approached him mischievously, "I have something for you," she said hands behind her back. He turned to her eyebrows raised questioningly. She pulled a photo album out from behind her and pushed it into his hands.
He carried it to the couch and sat down to flip through it. He opened the cover and his eyes widened and a blush crept up his neck and face. Jo giggled thrilled with his reaction to her boudoir photos, "There's that blush I grew so accustomed to seeing on your face," she bit her lip, "You don't blush like that around me anymore… I always did think it was cute," she winked at him.
"Jo, these are… wow!"
"Thanks," she murmured taking the book out of his hands and setting it aside. She took his hand and led him to the bedroom. She was ready to start their life as husband and wife. They had been living that way, of course, but now it was public. She could be Jo Karev, Mrs. Alex Karev, to anyone who asked not worrying about keeping any secrets.
They didn't know what their future held, but if the first months of their life together were any indication, it was going to be amazing. They couldn't wait to go on that journey together.