Chapter 12

APOV

After pictures at the church, we head to the Westin in Seattle for the reception. Once the introductions are made, we settle in for dinner. But, speeches first. Kate's dad welcomes everyone and introduces me for my speech. I don't like speaking in public but since I already gave one for the engagement party I know I can do it.

"Hi, everyone. In case you don't remember, I am Ana and Kate is my best friend. She's the closest thing to a sister I have ever known. Kate and I differ in many ways but I always admired her for her determination, her love of life, and her ability to throw caution to the wind when it was the right moment. Kate, you are a beautiful bride and you will be an amazing wife. Life won't be the same in the apartment without you there.

"Elliot Grey - the man Kate has chosen to spend the rest of her life with. What can I say about Elliot that we don't already know? Well, he's handsome, witty, intelligent, and … Elliot, I can't read your handwriting so I'm just going to stop here. But I still want my $20.

"All kidding aside, as I was thinking about what to say today, this quote from Bob Marley would not leave my mind. 'He's not perfect. You aren't perfect and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn't going to quote poetry, he's not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don't hurt him, don't change him, and don't expect more than he can give. Don't analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he's not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don't exist, but there's always one guy that is perfect for you.'

Kate and Elliot, today, on the first day of the rest of your life, I don't wish you a fairytale life. I wish you a real life with laughter, love, vulnerability, and a tiny bit of frustration and sadness. Because with all of these your relationship will be built on respect, care, and trust. In fifty years, I hope the two of you are sitting on your porch holding hands, thinking about how you love each other more than you do right now."

All the guests applaud me and I am just happy I didn't mess up and I got through it all. Once I sit down I practically gulp down my champagne. Next, Christian stands for his Best Man speech. He stands and I notice how good looking he really is. He is so confident and doesn't seem the least bit nervous.

"Let's all give a round of applause for Mr. And Mrs. Grey. Congratulations you two. You both look absolutely stunning. I want to thank everyone for coming and celebrating this special day with Kate and Elliot. I know your presence here today means a lot to them.

"I was going to say something embarrassing about Elliot in my speech but I decided that would make the speech entirely too long. So, I won't do that. Not only has Elliot been a great big brother to me he also has been a great friend to me all these years. He always had my back even if he had no clue why. When he met Kate, his life changed for the better. I know how much she has made him happy, how much she inspired him to become his best self, and how special she has made him feel. I thank her for that.

"I am sure that Kate and Elliot will have a long and happy life together. They compliment each other and make each other stronger. As a couple, they both gain confidence from the other. The love they have for each other is obvious. They are fantastic, caring individuals and now they are a married couple.

"I wish you both the best of luck, health, and a happy life together. May all your dreams come true. I know you both will accomplish whatever you set your minds to. May the love you have for each other grow stronger every day. Let's all congratulate Kate and Elliot on their marriage. Thank you."

Christian's speech was sincere and sweet. After dinner, Kate and Elliot have their first dance to 'It Had to Be You'. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. I think I even saw Christian wipe away a tear but I couldn't be sure. Mrs. Kavanagh and Dr. Trevelyan Grey luckily had a full stock of tissues.

Now it was time for Kate's dance with her dad. It was very sweet to see them dance to 'My Girl'. Kate and her father didn't always have the best relationship, especially when she was a teenager. But when she decided she wanted to go into journalism and follow in her father's footsteps at Kavanagh Media, they became closer. A lot of times I thought they didn't get along because they are so much alike. Both of them are strong, determined, and obstinate.

Before I know it, the whirlwind of the day is over and we are offering our goodbyes to the newly married couple as they leave for their honeymoon. All the guests from the reception have left to either go home or head to their room in the hotel. Just as I was about to go up to my room I remembered I left my wrap in the ballroom. I head down there alone to get my wrap and there is Christian standing at the table.

"Oh, hi. I didn't think anyone would still be here. I forgot my wrap." I explain as I grab it off the back of my chair.

He gives me a charming smile and holds his bowtie up in the air. "I forgot this. Would you like to get a drink with me? Things were a little crazy today so my adrenaline is still rushing. This hotel has a very nice bar area."

"Sure. I'm not that tired either. Lead the way." He takes my hand in his and we make our way through the deserted hotel to the lobby bar. Besides the bartender and us, there are only a handful of other people here but it seems like it is enough for the bar to stay open later than usual.