Hi to all of my readers. Chapter 32 will be the last chapter for this story. I'm thinking about writing a sequel but I am not sure. If you want to see one, let me know and I will try and get it out for you. Thank you for all of the reviews and following. 3

Chapter 31: Tying the Knot

APOV

These past few weeks have flown by. After Vegas it seemed as if everything went into overdrive. We had cake testings, dress fittings, flowers to select, musicians to listen to, and all of the security we need for today. My wedding day.

I sit in the spare bedroom at Bellevue at the vanity. I look in the mirror and can barely recognize myself. I look so… grown up. If you would have told me I'd be here a year ago I would have laughed in your face. Life is strange that way. Ray has been here for a couple of days and stayed with us at Escala. I'm glad we had some time together since I didn't get to spend much time in Vegas. He looks so handsome in his tux. I've never seen him this dressed up. "Dad, you look like you could be James Bond." Ray smiles at me and gives me a kiss on the cheek careful not to mess up my make up.

"Annie, you look so beautiful. It seems like just yesterday I was pushing you on the swings at the park and here you are about to get married." Ray clears his throat to hide his voice breaking up.

"You'll always be my Daddy." He gives me a gentle hug as if I'm a fragile piece of glass.

"You ready, Honey? I think Christian is barely holding it together with his excitement." I take Ray's arm and we head to the tent where the ceremony is taking place. We have the perfect day for this; not too hot or cold, a gentle breeze, and not a cloud in the sky. It's definitely a rarity in Seattle.

It's time. The music starts and we begin our walk down the aisle to "A Thousand Years." I see Christian, his beauty leaving me breathless. His hair has his usual just fucked look and his Armani tux fits him perfectly. He should be on a cover of a magazine but he's not. He's here waiting to marry me. Me!

Ray looks at me as we get to the front. Christian takes a large exhalation to try and calm his nerves. My dad places my hand in Christian's and kisses on the cheek whispering, "you'll be a wonderful wife" in my ear.

The pastor smiles us, "Today, as we join Anastasia Rose Steele and Christian Trevelyan-Grey in marriage, we celebrate them as they begin a new life together. Knowing this new branch of the family tree will be strengthened and enriched by the love, traditions, and knowledge of their loved ones whether they be family or friends.

Will you Raymond Steele bless Ana and Christian in their marriage? Will you celebrate with them in their times of joy, and bolster them and their marriage in times of hardship? "

Ray looks at me and then Christian and smiles. With his voice steady and sure he says, "Absolutely." Everyone laughs as they expected him to say 'I do.' or something equally as formal.

The pastor then looks to our wedding party: Kate as my Maid of Honor; Mia my bridesmaid; Elliot as Best Man; and Jose as a groomsman.

Will you Kate, Elliot, Mia, and Jose bless Ana and Christian in their marriage? Will you celebrate with them in their times of joy, and bolster them and their marriage in times of hardship?"

I'm unison they reply, "We will." They practiced saying it at the same time last night for about a half hour.

This is the point in the ceremony where I am glad we hired a videographer because I don't think I heard a thing until the pastor said, "You may now kiss the bride." Christian sweeps me up into a dip and gives me the sweetest kiss.

As everyone cheers we hear "I Do" by Colbie Caillat play letting us know the ceremony is over. We are Mr. and Mrs. Christian Grey! As we hold hands walking back down the aisle I see my mom and Grace both with tears in their eyes.

CPOV

I can't count how many times I've dreamt of Anastasia in a wedding dress walking down the aisle to me. Today did not compare. I don't think a word to describe her beauty has ever been uttered because she was so far above and beyond what anyone would know as beautiful. And now, she's my wife. She truly is my forever.

If I had it my way we would skip the reception altogether but I know we can't do that. However, after the cake and the dances are through we are out of here headed to our honeymoon. Ana still has no idea where we are going. It was a difficult secret to keep but I managed it. The only two things I was 'in charge of' for the wedding was the honeymoon and the song for our first dance. I'm not sure if there is a song that can adequately express how much I love her right this moment. But I am going to try.

We walk together hand-in-hand receiving guests and welcoming them. After this we have a few pictures. Jose is taking most of our wedding pictures but since he is in some of them we have another photographer - a photographer friend of Jose's. I've been through countless photo sessions all of them more painful than the next. But today, today is different. I want proof of how radiant my wife looks today - the smile on her face and the love in her eyes.

She kept her dress a secret from me reciting tradition. I was a little hesitant to see what she had chosen but knowing my Ana she would look angelic in anything. Her dress was off-white silk with an overlay of handmade silk flown in from Calais, France. Her sleeves, made of silk, sat off her shoulders allowing them to be exposed. She had a small chapel-length train that added drama but didn't overwhelm her small frame.

We walk into the reception after our photos and I'm glad we decided to have both the ceremony and reception at one place. I'm not good at this stuff but even I know this looks amazing. Each of the tables has a fresh centerpiece of lisianthus, stephanotis, white jasmine, champagne roses, and magnolias. There are small lights strung above the tables, much like what you would see at a Venetian cafe. It's just how Ana described what she wanted - simple yet refined.

The cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres just wrapped up and everyone is taking their seats. We decided to not have a head table allowing our friends and family to sit together. Ana and I are seated at a small table with just the two of us.

Carrick stands and taps a knife against his champagne flute. "On behalf of my wife and myself, we would like welcome you and thank you for coming. We are glad you are here to celebrate with us. As soon as Grace and I met Ana we knew she was special. She was also the first girl Christian had to chase. Ana, since the moment we met you, you were family. Now I would like to welcome you officially to the Grey family."

APOV

Carrick's speech alone has me in tears. I don't know how I'm going to get through all of this with my make-up intact. Next it's Elliot's turn with his best man's speech. "Christian, I always thought you were the most stubborn person I have ever met. That is until I met little Pipsqueak over here. And all I can say is that it's about time someone stood up to you and gave you a taste of your own medicine. Also I'd like to add that I really was the winner of the great monopoly marathon of 2000. And you cheated."

Everyone laughs at Elliot's speech and I'm glad he had humor in it. I don't know how I will get through Kate's speech.

Kate stands up with Jose next to her."Ana, since we can't decide who is your best friend I decided I would share my speech with Jose. You are my best friend. The person I go to when happy and sad. You understand me and laugh at the same things I do. I know for sure that I would not have survived college without you. Especially because you are the one who cooked and cleaned. Now that you're married I guess I'm going to have to learn how to hire a housekeeper and chef. I'm glad you are happy and I'm excited that now we can go on double dates together. But I have a warning… Christian, if you ever hurt Ana, I will be the one you have to answer to."

Everyone laughs but I have a feeling she's serious. Next, Jose gets up. "Annie, ever since we were outcasts sitting next to each other in class you were there for me. You have been the sister I never had. You are my rock through everything, even when I was in that phase where I wore a black turtleneck sweater every day. Or that time you took the blame for me when I spilled paint all over my parents' carpet. You have been there for me through everything and I'm glad I can be here for you. And I always will. Christian, you are the one man who truly captured her heart so by that I know you must be pretty special. I wish you two all the happiness in the world."

Suddenly Ray stands up. I didn't know he was giving a speech. I might as well just take my makeup off now. He stands up and clears throat. "Annie, my girl, I still see you as the little five year old girl in pigtails trying to ride a bike. But here you are, beautiful and a married woman. I know I am just your father by name but I am so glad that I got to raise you and watch you grow. You make me so proud. It's been just you and I for so long that I'm not sure I know how to give you up. But when Christian called me to ask for my permission to propose, I realized I better learn quick. I knew everything would be OK when he told me you are his forever. I hope you both live a long and happy life together, and one day make me a grandpa. Remember to always talk to each other and respect each other. Life is hard. Sometimes you may feel like throwing in the towel. But I promise one day when you are at your daughter's wedding you'll know what I mean. You'll always be my little Annie." I can't help it. I get up and give Ray the biggest hug. And I whisper in his ear, "Thank you for everything. I love you."

After everyone eats and I can compose myself we have our first dance. Christian picked the song as a surprise. But when I hear the first notes of the song and recognize it the tears once again flow. As we are dancing Christian wipes the tears from my cheek and sings the words to the song in my ear as he eases us into a flawless Viennese waltz. He really is good dancer.

Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand,
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be
Take my hand,
Take my whole life, too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you

At the end of the song he looks me in my eyes, "I love you with all that I am and all that I have, Anastasia."

I go and get something to drink to give myself a little reprieve. I didn't realize how emotional today would be. After my drink, Christian has his dance with Grace to Kenny Rogers' "Through the Years." I don't think there is a dry eye in here. It was touching to see Christian hold her close as she rested her head on his shoulder.

I'm actually nervous for my dance with Ray. He normally is so taciturn. I've picked Springsteen's "When You Need Me." He dances with me just as he did in our living room all those years ago. We quietly share stories with each other making us laugh. I owe him so much. He was there whenever I needed him when he didn't have to be. I can never express how grateful I am to him.

After the dances, the band begins to play and I am swept up in dances with first Jose, then Carrick, Elliot, Taylor, and Ethan. While Christian dances with Mia, Kate, my mom, and Gail, which was very sweet. Then Christian can't stand it anymore and steals me for a couple of songs. I don't think I have ever smiled so much.

After some dancing we decide to cut the cake. The cake is simply decorated with our initials on top. I made Christian promise me he wouldn't smash the cake. I don't like all this attention so I was hoping we could get away without doing this part. We pose for pictures with the cake and then cut ourselves a small piece which we feed to each other. Christian laughs when I cut another piece for myself. "What? I'm hungry and this cake is really good." I think my favorite part of the wedding planning was the cake tasting - we must have tried twenty flavors but settled on hazelnut praline cake with a chocolate espresso filling.

We make our way around to speak with all of our guests. I still can't believe this is real. This has been such a whirlwind. Just then Christian looks at me.

"Baby, it's time to go. We have a flight to catch." He still won't tell me what he planned. We say our goodbyes and hop into the SUV. We decided against a limo to not draw attention. Some of the paps started to suspect our wedding was soon. Luckily our security was enough to keep everything bay.