FIFTEEN
Authors Notes: Wow, I cannot believe that this is almost over. Next up will be the epilogue. Here is the wedding! I hope everyone likes it.
They head to the beach and Lizzie smiles when she sees her family gathered, waiting for her. She stops short and places Nora onto the ground. "There's Papa," she whispers. "Go see him."
Nora grins and runs to Ray. "Papa!" she squeals. She runs toward him and everyone chuckles at her exuberance. He scoops her up into his arms, giving her a kiss on the cheek. He turns and gasps at the sight of his Lizzie. He knew she would be beautiful.
She halts Dembe for a moment and kicks off her shoes. Ray smiles as he watches Lizzie do this. They walk a few more steps and Ray hands Nora off to Ressler as Dembe leans down to give her a kiss on the cheek before going over to stand next to Ray.
"Friends, we have been invited here today to share with Raymond and Elizabeth a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife. Who supports this woman in her marriage to this man?" the Justice of the Peace asks the crowd.
"We do," Cooper and Ressler say together. The Justice chuckles and starts talking about being in love, before reading from bible.
"First Corinthians chapter 13, verse four," he says in his southern accent. "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. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Lizzie and Ray grin at each other. "I love you," they whisper to each other.
The Justice talks for a few more minutes before looking towards the crowd. "The couple has decided to write their own vows. Elizabeth," the Justice announces while looking at Lizzie.
"Mama," Nora calls happily. Ray and Lizzie turn to see Nora put her hand to her mouth and blow her a kiss. They smile at their daughter.
She takes a deep breath before smiling at Ray. "Okay, well, let's see if I can do this and not cry," she remarks making their friends all chuckle. "I once thought that I found love. That I already had something amazing, but the day you walked into my life, I was wrong. You challenged me, frustrated me to no end, you made me laugh and you made me cry. You were there and then you weren't, and I didn't know if I could go on without you. Then one day everything changed and I started to see a little 'Ray' behind the 'Red'. Slowly, but surely I was falling in love with you. And I was so scared, because I had no idea how you would react. Then that day in the hospital everything changed. You took care of me and I started to see that you loved me. That you would do anything for me, be anything for me; and it made me fall in love with you all over again. I thought the end was near when I told you about our baby and yeah, we had some time apart but we persevered. We've had more obstacles thrown our way than most people, but we came through it. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you, Ray. Always and forever."
"Raymond," the Justice says, turning towards Ray.
"Papa!" Nora squeals.
Ray gives a nervous chuckle. "Well, I'm not sure if I can follow that, but I will try," he says making everyone laugh including Lizzie. "When I first saw you, I knew that you were different. I let you go all those years ago, and in the time we were apart I thought about you quite often. What you were up to, what you were like, how you turned out. When you walked down those steps years later, and sat across from me, I knew I was in for one hell of a ride. I learned how frustrating and maddening you could be. And when I was with you, I felt more alive than I had in years. You challenged me, you fought me, you defied me but at the end of the day, I fell more in love with you. I love how soft you are, and how hard you can be. I love to watch you with our daughter. I love everything about you Lizzie. I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you. Always and forever."
And then it was the time for the rings. Lizzie had no idea what Ray had up his sleeve for another engagement ring, since Nick the psychopath had hers in his possession when she had escaped. Even if she didn't get another ring, she was okay with just having a wedding band. She really liked the bands they had chosen for each other. They had also chosen simple chains for each other, to wear when they were on the job.
"And now the rings," the Justice says. Lizzie and Ray grin at each other. They both turn to Samar and Dembe, who each had the rings. "Now repeat after me. I, Elizabeth, give you, Raymond, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you." Lizzie repeats as a tear slides down her cheek. "Raymond has asked that he be allowed to give an extra ring, since apparently something happened to the last one." Lizzie giggles at the Justice's curious look. Ray slides both her new engagement ring on her finger as well as the wedding band.
"Oh, Ray!" she exclaims as she sees her new ring. Three round diamonds sat all in a row. He follows the Justice's prompts as he says the words to her, getting choked up in the process.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Everyone claps as Ray takes a step forward and presses his lips to Lizzie's. Their first kiss as husband and wife. There was a whistle as they break the kiss, grinning at each other.
"We're married," she whispers to Ray.
"That we are, sweetheart," he whispers back to her. She wraps her arms around his neck and gives him another kiss.
"Alright you two, get a room," Ressler yells. Lizzie breaks the kiss laughing and they turn to their friends. Ray leads Lizzie back down their makeshift aisle, scooping up her shoes as they go, everyone following behind.
"I hope you don't mind, but I've taken the liberty to hire a photographer," Ressler says, nodding his head towards a woman who had a camera around her neck. "I figured you would like a few pictures to commemorate this occasion."
"Don," Lizzie gasps. She whirls around and gives her partner a hug.
"I'm Claudia," she says. "So, if you have a few minutes. I could take some pictures. I know this isn't a traditional wedding. But I could take a few family pics and whatnot."
Ray and Lizzie take a look at each other before nodding. "Sure," Lizzie says with a bright smile. For the next half hour or so they all took pictures together. Lizzie sees Nora standing with her feet in the soft sand, giggling as the tide washed up and over her feet. Lizzie walks over and kneels next to her daughter, not caring if she got sand on her dress. "Hey baby," she whispers. Nora turns to look at her mother.
"Mama, look," she says pointing out over the ocean. Ray walks over and kneels next to his daughter on the other side. Lizzie looks out over the ocean to see the sun setting.
"That's pretty, baby," she says. She leans over and gives Nora a kiss on her cheek, making the girl giggle. They were in their own world and they didn't even hear the clicking of the camera.
"Papa," Nora says, looking at Ray. "Up pease." Ray chuckles before standing up and then picking Nora up. He holds out a hand for Lizzie and helps her up. She brushes a hand over her dress, getting the sand off before taking a step towards Ray. He wraps his arm around her as Nora lays her head on his shoulder. "Love you Papa, Mama," Nora whispers before closing her eyes.
"We love you too," Lizzie whispers, nuzzling into Ray's neck. They watch as the sun goes down over the horizon.
"Ready to get back to the hotel?" Ray asks with a whisper. Lizzie turns to look to see they were completely alone.
"I say we skip the party altogether, and get to the wedding night."
"I wouldn't object," he says, making her laugh.
"Come on you two!" they hear. They both turn to see Ressler standing on the sidewalk. "Yes, I know it's your wedding day, but come on. Have some food, or in your case, Liz, eat and then probably throw it up because your baby apparently doesn't like anything. So, you'll eat, have your first dance, shove cake into each other's mouths and then I will take Nora and you guys can have your wedding night."
"Okay," Lizzie says with a shrug and a sigh. "And I don't throw everything up."
Ray chuckles as the two walk back to the hotel after Ressler.
~*~ TBL ~*~
"Wow," Lizzie remarks walking into the small ballroom where their 'reception' would be held. 'Reception' wouldn't be the best word to describe it, seeing as they only had a handful of people attending. But Ray, being the kind of guy he was, wanted the best for Lizzie and with the money Ray has, the best is what Lizzie was going to get. The ballroom was decorated beautifully in a dark blue and silver color scheme. There were a few tables decorated, even though one or two of them were to be used.
Dinner was excellent, although, true to what Ressler had said, it had made her nauseous. The lights lowered until the room was dimly lit. The beginning cords of John Legend's 'All of Me' starts and Lizzie grins at Ray.
"Would the new bride and groom step onto the dance floor?" the DJ asks.
Ray leads Lizzie out onto the dance floor. He pulls her close, wrapping his arms around her waist as she wraps hers around his neck. They dance for a few minutes, whispering into each other's ears before Ray stops when he feels a tug on his jacket. They both look down to see Nora standing there, sleepily rubbing her eyes. He grins before scooping her up into his arms. Lizzie grins at her two loves before they continue dancing, as a family.
They danced for a little while before Lizzie lets out a yawn, trying to hide it from Ray. He didn't miss it though, and wanted to be done with this whole wedding party thing. He catches a hotel worker and explains to them that he would like the cake brought out. The worker runs off and a few minutes later, the cake appears. Lizzie knew she was in for a real treat. Ray, with a palate like his, would only choose the best.
"Please don't get cake all over me," she tells her husband. Ray only chuckles. They each cut a small piece before he brings the cake to her mouth. An explosion of flavor makes her moan. "That's incredible."
"I thought I was the only one who could make that sound come out of your mouth," he tells her.
"Wait till you try the cake," she giggles back. "But you are definitely good at making me make that sound. And you will definitely hear that sound tonight."
"Ugh, come on you two. That's gross," Samar says, making everyone laugh. "That is too much information."
Lizzie takes her piece and brings it to Ray's mouth. He grins at her as he swallows his own piece of cake. "Wow, that is excellent."
"You didn't try it before you ordered?"
"No. I overheard someone when I was looking at the cakes. They raved about this one. So, I ordered without even trying it. Looks like I was right to do so."
Soon, it was almost time for the newlyweds to go back to their room for the night. But before they made their getaway, Ray leads Lizzie to a chair. She realizes what Ray had in store for her and she tries to push him away. "No, this is not going to happen."
"Oh, yes, it is. And when I get my hands on it, I'm flinging it straight at Donald's head."
"Oh my gosh," she laughs. She feels his hands on her leg, traveling higher and higher. "Ray!" she warns as his hands suddenly got off course. She tries not to moan, as his hands disappear. "A few more minutes and I won't stop your wandering hands. But for the love that is holy, finish so I can get you upstairs." Ray grins at her before pulling the garter down her leg. He grins as he sees the white and red garter with a cute little bow and a little silver heart attached. He slingshots it, straight at Ressler's head. Lizzie laughs as Ressler turns as red as a tomato.
Ray then pushes Lizzie towards the doors making excuses that she wasn't feeling good. But to everyone watching the pair, no one believed him. Lizzie wraps her arms around his neck kissing him deeply as they wait for the elevator. He pulls her as close to him as she could get. They were so into the kiss they didn't hear someone walk up behind them and clear their throat. They break the kiss to see an older couple smiling at the two.
"Newlyweds?" the older gentleman asks, seeing the clothes Ray and Lizzie were wearing.
"Yes," Lizzie says with a smile on her face. She was married, again. But she couldn't help but think of the first time as a stepping stone to the love of her life. If Tom hadn't come into her life, then Ray wouldn't have either. She wouldn't know his love like she does now. She was so into her thoughts she didn't realize Ray had struck up a conversation with the gentleman until she heard her name.
"It may have taken a bit longer to find her, but I did find her. She is the love of my life," Ray says, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close to his side. The couple grins at them as Lizzie wraps her arms around his neck and lays her head on his chest. She closes her eyes, relishing in his warmth and scent. They turn as a ding signals the elevator's arrival. They get on in silence and head up to their floor. The couple gets off before them and, when the doors close, Ray tips Lizzie's face to his and kisses her once again. His hand travels down, over her waist, and to her leg.
"Ray, I suggest that, if you don't want to have a quickie in the elevator, then you should stop that hand," Lizzie tries to scold, but Ray had moved his lips to her neck, so it came out breathless.
"I wouldn't oppose," he whispers into her ear.
"I would. Security is probably getting an eyeful right now." Ray silently curses as he takes a quick look at the camera on the ceiling of the elevator as it slows and dings upon arriving at their floor. Lizzie grabs his hand and leads him to their door. "What about Nora's stuff?" she asks.
"Dembe has already taken care of it. He slipped out of the party earlier and brought a few things for Nora into Ressler's room. Jennifer went with him and she grabbed some of her stuff as well. I got her a room for the night."
"Good," Lizzie drags Ray into their room and pushes him onto the bed. "I will be right back. I have a surprise for you." She turns her back to him. "Unzip me please, dear husband."
"Anything for you wife," Ray gets up and slowly unzips Lizzie's dress, dragging his knuckle down her back as her skin was revealed. She shudders before taking a step forward and out of his grasp.
"I will be right back." She heads into the bathroom, pulling her new lingerie out of the bag and unwrapping it from tissue paper. She strips out of her clothes, being careful to hang her dress back up in its garment bag. She then pulls her new dark red nightgown on, liking the look of it on her. She takes the barrette out of her hair, letting her hair fall. She takes a deep breath, giving herself a look-over in the mirror. She nods before walking out of bathroom. Ray was sitting on the bed, having discarded his suit jacket. He was working on taking his cufflinks off, ones that Lizzie had gotten for him for his last birthday. He looks up when the door opens and his breath catches as he sees his wife.
"Wow. Lizzie, sweetheart, you look exquisite." Lizzie blushes under his gaze. "If you weren't already pregnant, tonight would surely get you that way." Lizzie laughs out loud as Ray walks over to her. He grabs her hips and pulls her to him. She wraps her arms around his neck and kisses him, while pushing him towards the bed. He laughs as he falls onto the bed, pulling her with him.
Afterwards they lay in silence with Lizzie's head onto his chest. She was running her finger along one of the scars on his chest. "Husband," she giggles.
"Wife," he says back with a grin.
"I cannot wait to see what life throws at us next."