Two years later
The sun was shining. It was a beautiful August day.
Caitlin waited behind the closed doors for her cue.
Pachebel's Canon started to play and the doors opened. She walked slowly, bouquet in hand and wearing a beautiful dress. She smiled upon seeing Alvin in his three piece suit, standing near the altar. He smiled as he watched walk down the aisle with such elegance and finesse. As she got closer to him, he winked at her and she winked back.
When she reached the altar, she positioned herself to the left of the priest and turned to face Alvin. His eyes were all over her, she was stunning and glowing. She turned her attention to the church pews and melted as she saw Gabriel in a suit and little pillow in hand that carried the wedding bands, waiting patiently for his turn. Charlotte, was holding a nearly empty basket of petal roses, and a beautiful flower girl dress. Both sat between Kim and Adam. Both children waved at their mother and smiled. She smiled back. It was amazing to see how they had grown so quickly.
The first couple of months had been difficult… OK so the first year had been difficult, but she and Alvin had made the perfect team and he had somehow managed to survive the first year combining work and helping around the house with the twins. A couple of time a week, Meredith would stop over and help Cat in anything she needed, but her preferred thing was helping her take care of the twins.
When they were six months old, Alvin and Caitlin got them christened. They had chosen Meredith and Hank as Gabriel's godparents and Kim and Adam as Charlotte's godparents. And after two years, the knew that they had made the best choices.
Before they'd had even the time to blink, their first birthday had rolled by, then their second. And somehow, Alvin and Caitlin wished they could slow down time. Caitlin had never returned to work, it had been her sole priority to be there for the twins and not hand them over to a nanny. Nevertheless, there were times, when Hank would call on her for some help or advice on a case. He always felt that she had that extra something, the eye of the lynx, a way of seeing past what some could not. He affectionately called her 'his consultant'.
And here they were…
She turned her attention back to Alvin. "I love you", he mouthed at her.
"I love you more", she mouthed back.
"Not possible", he answered smiling.
Suddenly the Bridal Chorus started and all turned their attention towards the church doors. When they opened, they all watched as Meredith walked inside. Caitlin watched her briefly before shifting her attention to Hank that had taken a step forward, placing himself nearer to the altar. She loved to see the happiness and love on his face. It had taken him a long time but she loved the fact that he was allowing himself to love and be happy again. She had been honored when Meredith had asked her to be her maid of honor and just as thrilled when Hank had asked Alvin. The four of them had a history together, they had a present and they were going to have a future. They were family now, immediate family.
The ceremony had been beautiful and when the priest had announced them husband and wife, everyone had applauded. The newly married couple held hands as they walked back down the aisle. As Alvin and Caitlin joined to follow them, Gabriel and Charlotte came running to them. They each picked up one of the twins and joined their free hands to follow Meredith and Hank.
The reception and dinner was a success. Caitlin sat next to Kim as they watched Adam and Alvin dance with Gabriel and Charlotte.
"She's awfully quiet", said Cat.
Kim smiled. "I know right, and the minute we'll be home, she'll be wide awake"!
Cat laughed as they both looked at Heather in her Maxi Cosi. She was 3 months old and Caitlin's goddaughter. "Well, maybe you should try to take a nap now".
"With all this music"? said Kim laughing. "I can't even understand how she manages to sleep".
"They look really happy together", said Caitlin as she watched Hank and Meredith dance.
"Yeah, they do. I'm really happy for them".
"So am I".
Haley walked over to them. "So who's next"?
"What do you mean", asked Kim.
"Well to get married. You and Adam are married, Alvin and Cat got married last year, now Hank and Meredith.. so who's next"?
Cat smiled. "Well, Kevin is still single, so that technically only leaves you and Jay".
"I don't think he's the type to get married", said Hailey.
"Sometimes, life sneaks up on you Hailey, when you least expect it. Had you told me five years ago that today I'd be married to Alvin and a mother of twin 2-year-olds, madly in love and blessed, I would have never believed you. You never know what will happen, so keep an open mind".
"I guess you're right", said Hailey as she headed back nonchalantly towards the dance floor.
What Hailey didn't know was that Jay was planning on proposing and sooner rather than later. Even though Jay and Cat had grown apart when she had returned to Chicago, over the months and year, they had gotten much closer. She was sort of his confident and she loved that he trusted her with his deepest secrets.
"Hey, I forgot to ask, how are things in the new house"? Kim asked Cat.
"Great. It's nice and much bigger which is really what we needed. Gabriel and Charlotte have a much bigger room and as they grow they'll be able to have their own room. They enjoy playing out in the backyard and I have eyes on them from the kitchen, dining room and living room when they're outside. It's perfect. I miss our apartment, but with Jay and Hailey renting it out, well at least it stays in the family".
As they talked some more, Alvin walked over to her. "Hey gorgeous, I believe they are playing our song".
She paid attention and smiled. "I think you're right".
"Feeling up to it or are your feet too sore"?
She lifted the bottom of her dress and he looked at her shocked, she was wearing sandals. "What"? she said laughing. "You really thought I'd stay the entire day and evening in high heels"?!
"No. That's why I love you… my kind of woman"!
She stood and he led her to the dance floor. When she was finally in his arms he kissed her. "Have I told you lately that I love you"?
She smiled. "Yes, you tell me every day. And not only do you tell me, but you show me how deep your love is every chance you get. I love you with all my heart".
He looked deep into her eyes and saw a love so profound, he could have drowned in it. He then looked at Gabriel and Charlotte who were dancing with Hank and Meredith.
"I love Gabriel and Charlotte".
He shifted his attention back to Caitlin. "I love you and I love Aaron", he said as he put his hand on Caitlin's imposing belly.
As he continued dancing with her, he realized that life didn't get any better than that. A wife that he loved and loved him back, two wonderful children who loved him and for whom he was their hero and that in 3 months, Aaron would make their family complete.
Things had been difficult at times. It's hard moving on and daring to open your heart back up. But Caitlin had been right. She had asked him to take the road with her, a road that could be difficult. And it had lead to a beautiful destination. A destination for which they had taken a one-way ticket!