Chapter 15: The Dawn

Kate, Rachel, Ireland and Ana celebrated Ana's last night of freedom by taking a tour of all the bars and casinos up and down the strip. By the time they arrived back at the Cross Hotel and Casino all four were more than drunk. Gideon, Elliot, and Jeb had to pick up their women and pour them into their beds.

While the women slept off their drunks the three men sat in the living room having a few more drinks.

"You know," Elliot said feeling no pain. "She…your intended used to be engaged to my brother."

"Yes, I know." Gideon said with a smile.

"She was good for him." Elliot shook his head. "He's an ash..ass…asshole! He cheated on her you know? I mean, damn, look at that woman…she's t…totalllllly hot! How could he?"

"I have to agree." Gideon looked to Jeb who was trying the best he could not to laugh at the oldest Grey brother.

"You won't hurt her, will you? She's a good girl. She wouldn't hurt anyone." He hiccupped a few times. "My family loves her…they've always loved her." His hiccups came harder. "I love her!"

Gideon knew that Elliot was very drunk. "I love her also."

"Lucky…you are so lucky. She is beautiful." Elliot was leaning as he sat on the sofa. "Chrissy…he wanted her…he had her…but he fuck…fucked it up." He fell completely over and passed out.

Gideon sighed with relief. "Thank God!" He started to laugh with Jeb. "I think Elliot Grey has a bad case of the hots for my bride."

"And, here I thought he was an idiot!" Jeb joked. "He has more sense than I gave him credit for."

"He's not an idiot. He's just a big kid." Gideon declared remembering what Ana had told him about Elliot Grey. She called him sweet, adorable, and playful. She was very fond of the older Grey brother. "We better get to bed and get some sleep. I am sure we will have a few hung-over people to deal with in the morning."

Jeb finished off his drink. "One thing, Gideon." He stood. "Rachel and I love Ana a great deal. She has been our friend from the very beginning. She was always more than just an employee." He cleared his voice. "What I am trying to say is that I don't want her hurt. You take care of her and keep her safe."

"Jeb, I will always keep her safe and I will move heaven and earth to make sure that she isn't hurt by anyone…including me."

"Ugh…morning." Kate said as she sat at the dining table and turned green as she smelled the food. "Did anyone get the plate number of the truck that hit me?"

Rachel who had her head in her arms on top of the table lifted her heavy head and opened one eye. "Was it a truck or a Sherman tank?"

"Good Morning, all." A bright and cheery voice declared. The two women groaned and looked to the freshly showered Ana. She was wrapped up in a hotel robe with her head wrapped in a towel. "Mmm…breakfast! I am starved." She sat down and began to place food on her plate. "Didn't we have fun last night?"

"Why aren't you hung-over?" Rachel asked with a moan as her voice pained her head.

"I really do hate you." Kate offered as she felt her stomach roll.

"I burned off the alcohol early this morning." She said with a shy smile.

"I hate you even more." Kate said. She pointed to the lump on the sofa. "Elliot is still passed out."

"We should paint his toe nails pink." Ana joked.

"I would, but I don't have the strength or the nail polish." Kate moaned.

"You better get the strength. You are my Maid of Honor." Ana dug into her food and drank her tea.

=====================================================================Elliot woke up to an empty room. The bright Vegas sun was not his friend and he cursed it. He stumbled into the room assigned to him and Kate to find it was also empty. He went into their bathroom and started the shower. He had to get cleaned up and find some coffee. He promised Ana that he would stand with Gideon as a groomsman. He knew when his little brother found out that he would have hell to pay, but it was Ana and he would do anything for her. He went to the mirror and looked at the damage. His eyes were bloodshot and he did look green around the gills. He undressed slowly because moving too fast made his head hurt. He was about to step into the hot shower when he saw bright pink toenails. "Son-of-a-bitch!" He yelled and then he began to laugh. "Those damn girls!"

Ana was all smiles when she looked into the mirror to inspect her image. Her makeup was perfect and natural. Her hair was worn down in gentle waves that framed her face. She felt beautiful. She stood up and slipped off her robe as Rachel and her mother, Carla brought over the dress. It was an ivory, slim-lined Vera Wang dress with spaghetti straps. It hugged her curves with the silk feeling cool against her skin. Ivory satin five-inch Louboutins heels were on her feet and she decided not to wear a veil. She stepped back to see her reflection.

"You are a beauty." Carla said with a tear in her eye. "I knew this day was coming, I just thought you would be marrying Christian."

"Mom, I explained all this last night to you and Dad." She said not wanting to rehash this discussion once again. "Gideon is a good man and he will never hurt me."

"I know, honey, and Gideon seems to be a very nice man…"

"He doesn't seem to be…he is." Ana said defending her man. "He won't cheat on me like Christian did."

Carla lowered her voice and moved closer to her daughter. "Do you still love Christian?"

"No, I don't. He killed my love when he stepped out." She understood why her Mom was questioning her so. Carla was afraid that she was moving on to fast and using Gideon as a rebound man. "Gideon is the man for me. He is strong yet gentle. He is honest with me. I never had that with Grey." She took her Mom's hand. "Listen, I know that you and Dad really liked Christian. I get that, but Mom I am the one who has to live with the man that I marry, not you and Dad. Listen, if you want to keep a relationship with him, go on. God knows the man needs all the friends he can get, but do not give him any information about me. If I want Christian Grey to know anything about my life, I will tell him myself. Agreed?"

"Agreed, however, I doubt if Mr. Grey will be calling me anytime soon." Carla said with a small smile. "It's not like we run in the same circles."

"So, we are good here? No more worries?" Ana asked hopefully.

"No more worries. I trust your decisions. You have always been a good girl with a lot of common sense." Carla felt tears well up in her eyes. Her little girl was getting married. It seemed just like yesterday that Carla had brought this little bundle of joy home from the hospital. "Just be happy, sweetheart."

Ana gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. "I love him, Mom and I will be happy with him."

A knock came at the door and Ray Steele dressed in what Ana knew was a new black suit stuck his head in. She smiled at the man that she called Daddy. He motioned to his wrist. "It's that time. We need to head down."

Rachel, Ireland and Kate were dressed in bright blue dresses similar to her own wedding dress. They were smiling at her when Carla pressed a bouquet of red roses with white baby's breath into her hands. "You are so beautiful, Ana." Kate said with tears in her eyes. "Cross is one lucky bastard to win your heart."

The ladies went down together so Ray could escort Ana by himself. He waited until they got into the elevator to speak. "You do look like an angel. But, then again, I always thought that you were. I love you so much Annie and I just want to make sure that this is what you want to do. I need to know that this Cross guy isn't forcing you into this."

"Daddy!" She said horrified by his words. "I thought you understood after I explained everything last night. I love Gideon and I hope someday you will come to love him as your son-in-law."

Ray looked away. "Christian says that Cross is a dangerous man and that he will hurt her."

"Dad, consider the source. Christian is the one who hurt me in more ways than you will ever know." She replied surprising herself that she staying calm. "Dad, Christian has problems that no normal woman would want to deal with. He wanted to suffocate me and…and…well there were issues that we couldn't agree on, and then when he stepped out on me…I had enough." She couldn't tell her Dad about his BDSM needs. "Dad, please promise me that you will give Gideon a chance. After all, he is going to be the father of your grandchildren."

"Annie, are you…you know?"

"Oh, no, no...NO." She laughed when she saw her Dad sigh in relief. "But, we will have children in a few years." The elevator doors opened and Ray offered his arm to his daughter. Everyone stopped and smiled at her as she was walked to the ballroom. Her heart was beating hard with excitement. She was about to become Mrs. Gideon Cross… Anastasia Rose Cross…Ana Cross. She bit her lip as they stood outside the ballroom doors waiting for them to open. She leaned over to her Daddy. "Thank you, Daddy for being here for me."

Ray patted her hand that was on his arm. "Where else would I be on the most important day of my daughter's life?"

The doors open slowly revealing the bride and groom to each other. Ana's breath stopped when she saw Gideon in a black Armani Tuxedo with a bright blue tie. His black hair was combed back but still remained wild looking. He smiled making his dimples dance when he saw her. Oh, my God…He is perfection! I love him so much. Walk, Anastasia. One step at a time, don't run up the aisle…be cool. He will be waiting for you. He's not running. He loves you. Look how he is looking at you….that is a man in love. Gideon Cross loves me! I love Gideon Cross…Gideon and Ana sitting in a tree…k.i.s.s.i.n.g…..Oh good grief…singing a child's song during your wedding…silly girl! Listen to the music. Mmmm…so pretty…one of my favorite pieces Pachebel's Canon in D. It's perfect for this day, a day full of hope and joy for Gideon and me. This is our dawn. A new day for us both!

Gideon stood straight and tall watching his bride walked through those double doors. He couldn't believe that she could be more beautiful than she was, but here she is! He could feel his smile grow across his face. Damn, she is beautiful! Look at her, everything about her is beautiful, her blue eyes, that pert little nose, and those lips…ahhh yes those lips so soft and delicious to kiss….I can sit and look at her forever. I love this woman. This woman will be mine forever. She will be the mother of my children. She will stand beside me at Cross Industries. She will sleep beside me every night. How did I get so lucky to be given this miracle? Thanks, Grey for being a world-class fuck up! I will love her with all my heart and soul. Her every need will be met and her every wish will be granted. I will be worthy of her love. I can't live without her. Come to me Goddess. Come to me. I love you!

Ray stood stopped before the Minister still holding onto his daughter. He could feel the energy that flowed between Ana and Gideon. Their eyes had met when the doors opened and they hadn't left each other since. It was like they were completely alone.

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" The Minister asked.

"Her Mother and I." Ray declared. He gave Ana a kiss on her cheek and then gave her hand to Gideon with a nod of his head. His voice was low but Ana, the Minister, and Gideon could hear him. "Take care of my baby girl. She is precious."

Gideon nodded agreement and took Ana's small hand into his. He took a moment to look into her beautiful eyes and see the adoration in them for him. "You are beautiful, Miss Steele."

"I was thinking the same thing about you, Mr. Cross." She whispered.

The Minister moved the ceremony on by explaining the meaning of marriage and how it was a good thing for man and woman to be married for love and companionship and for the procreation of the human race. They said their vows and exchanged their rings of matching gold bands, and then they were pronounced husband and wife. Gideon was invited to kiss his bride.

Gideon's hand went to the side of her face and caressed her soft skin. His other hand slipped around her waist and brought her close. "I belong to you now, Ana." He bent down and captured her lips for a soft and lingering kiss. As their family and friends clapped and surrounded them, the happy couple kept kissing.

"Yo, Gideon, come up for air." Jeb, Gideon's bestman said laughing. "Save something for the honeymoon."

Ana had to laugh as Gideon just kissed her again. He finally released her so they could hug and kiss their family and friends. She finally came face to face with the older brother of her former fiancé. She hugged Elliot warmly. "Thank you for being here, Elliot and thank you for not telling anyone."

"Hey, little one, I was threatened by your best friend that if I said one thing that I would lose my balls and I happen to like them." He smiled down at her. "Another thing, I only had time to pack and get to the airport with Kate. My family doesn't even know that I have left the state." He looked over her head find Gideon smiling as he took congratulations from his little sister Ireland. "Listen, you always have a home with us if anything happens. I think you are happy with Gideon, but just in case…I just want you to have a plan B."

"Thanks, Elliot, but I think Plan A is pretty great." She turned to gaze upon the man that she now calls husband. How handsome he was! Everything about him screamed power, sex, orgasm, and love, especially when those blue eyes settled on her. He was now getting a kiss from Rachel. "I do adore that man."

Elliot felt happy for Ana because she was glowing in joy. He could tell she was head over heels in love with this Gideon Cross. However, his heart was broken for his little brother. The only woman that Christian ever loved was now the wife of another man. Elliot knew that this would kill Christian. He decided that he would call his parents and give them a fair warning before the news broke that superbillionaire, Gideon Cross had married the lovely Anastasia Steele. Maybe they could keep Christian from throwing himself off some bridge.

After Kate and Jeb signed the marriage license, the celebration started. Dinner was served in the same room that they were married to Carla and her husband Bob, Ray, Ireland, Kate and Elliot, Jeb and Rachel, the Minister and his wife, and of course the Bride and Groom. It was small and intimate but that was what Gideon and Ana wanted. After the dinner, a beautiful Wedding Cake was rolled in and Gideon had the hotel's photographer taking pictures. Ana was enjoying this so much. She could be relaxed in this atmosphere. She was among family and good friends.

Gideon watched his bride as she talked with her father. He was so proud to be called her husband that he thought he would burst. Ireland approached him with her lovely smile and two flutes of champagne. She handed him one. "She is beautiful, Gideon. I'm so glad that you found her."

"Actually, she found me, Ireland." He put his arms around his little sister and hugged her to his side. "She is precious."

"Mom and Dad are going to be disappointed…."
"Ireland, don't ruin this day for me." He said sternly. "If I wanted them here, they would have been here."

"Ok, I get it." She shook her just not understanding why Gideon disliked his mother and step-father. She was so young when he left the family home that she had no idea how difficult his life had been. "You should still call them. When this hits the presses it will go viral."

"I will tell them when I am ready." He smiled her but his blue eyes gave her a silent warning.

"I hope you will let Ana and I become friends." She said with hope.

"I have no problem with my two favorite girls being friends, but she is not going to the Vidal Manor, and I don't want you introducing her to your brother."

"Christopher is your brother also."

"No, he is my curse." He turned to Ireland. "Do not disobey this, Ireland. Even you can see the issues that Christopher and I have and I won't have my wife hurt by him."

"I understand, Gideon." She knew her two brothers were not friends. Gideon thought Christopher a spoiled evil brat and Christopher felt that Gideon got too much attention from their parents and everyone. He hated that Gideon was so rich, so famous, and so damn handsome. Women would use Christopher to try to get an introduction to his older, wealthier brother. This did not sit well with Christopher who considered himself New York City's playboy. He knew he would always be second to Gideon and he would never be able to match up to the man. Ireland hated that her brothers seem to hate each other, but there wasn't anything she could do about it.

Gideon stood behind his wife and looked up and down her body that was sheathed in ivory silk that molded to every curve of her body. He felt his body tighten and get warm. He was getting hard just looking at her backside. This woman was his drug and he was addicted to her. "Ana." He said deeply. She turned to him and her beautiful blue eyes looked lovingly at him. "It's time for our first dance as man and wife." He took her into his arms and led her to the middle of the dance floor. From speakers that were hidden around the room the music of Etta James filled the room. The danced perfectly together to At Last. Gideon was so tall that Ana had to reach to wrap her arms about his neck. He held her close and kissed her nose, her forehead, and then finally captured her lips. By the end of the song, Ana was flushed with desire for her husband. "I love you, Mrs. Cross."

"I love you, Mr. Cross." She replied. They held each other and swayed when there was no music. They were lost in each other. Finally, someone cleared their voice and the newlyweds were brought out of their bubble.

Ray buttoned his jacket as he stepped out onto the dance floor to claim his daughter for their Father-Daughter Dance. Gideon kissed her hand and gave her over to her Father. The music of Daddy's Hands brought tears to Ana's eyes as she danced with her Dad. Carla watched with tears in her eyes as she watched them. The one good thing she ever did was marry Ray Steele. He was a good man and an excellent father. She had to admit that he had been more than a good husband. She was the problem in their marriage. She was the one that got bored wanting more excitement in life. She left Ray for a man that she thought would show her the world and all she got was an abusive, cheating third husband. Carla wiped a tear from her eye as Ray danced by with Ana in his arms. He loved that girl so much. Ray was her father in all ways, legally and emotionally.

"She adores him." Carla heard a deep low voice say to her. She looked up to see her son-in-law. She was taken back with his intense electric blue eyes and his heavenly good looks. If angels had to have a certain look about them, she was sure Gideon would fit the criteria. She could see the Archangel Michael looking like this beautiful man who stood beside her. "She talks about him all the time."

"They were always close." Carla added. "He's the only father she has ever known."

"He's a good man." Gideon took a flute of champagne from the table and offered it to Carla. "I just want to ease your mind that I adore your daughter. I have loved her from the first moment I saw her."

Carla nodded. "Just take good care of my baby. That's all I ask." She smiled at him. "Welcome to the family." He placed his arm about her waist as the photographer requested a photograph of the bride's mother and the groom for the wedding portfolio and they smiled happily.

After more pictures were taken and the Best Man and the Maid of Honor gave their toasts, Ana threw her bouquet straight to Kate which made Elliot start to laugh. He took the bouquet away from her. "We are already engaged." He bellowed and he threw the bouquet on to Ireland Vidal.

The young woman squealed.

"Just because you finally caught it, doesn't mean you can run out and get married." Gideon said in his big brother voice. "You are too young to even date." Ireland just glared at her oldest brother and stomped her little foot. The room began to laugh at the big brother teasing. He turned to his wife and gently kissed her. "Are we ready?"

"We are ready!" She whispered excited by the knowledge that they would be leaving Las Vegas for their honeymoon. Everything had been packed and already sent to his jet that was waiting for them. The car was out front so all they had to do was say goodbye to everyone. "Are you going to tell me where we are going?"

He kissed the top of her head. "It's a little surprise. Trust me, wife."

Everyone followed them out the door to say their final goodbyes to the newlyweds. Ana kissed her parents last before she climbed into the limousine with Gideon following. They turned and waved out the back window as they were driven away to their honeymoon.