AUTHOR NOTES:
I should have known when I let my (evil) coworkers decide which songs would be played for Red and Liz's first dance... they would pick one of the most difficult songs known to man for Red's choice.
I know I appreciate a challenge, but damn... this about made my head explode! Bravo for throwing me a hell of a zinger! Haha!
LIZZINGTON
Elizabeth sat back to take in the full scope of the panorama before her. What they accomplished in such a short time, amazed and delighted. This was the first moment the woman really had to take it all in.
When Mark assigned the Venue Coordinator, Ellie McMillan, to assist in creating her vision, Liz had not believed the lovely concepts suggested could be accomplished with just a few lights, flowers and some well-placed fabric.
The results, however, were indisputable. She was right to trust Ellie with her hopes and dreams. The woman turned out to be a miracle worker.
Liz had barely noted the change at first, but as the sun dipped further in the sky, the atmosphere of the room changed with it.
What had been a bright and vibrant room shifted to a warm, inviting ambiance that welcomed a person in.
Muted colors of orange, yellow, pink and blue slowly began to take shape on the ceiling overhead. Only when misty white sprays skirted along the multi-colored hue did Liz realize, the effect mimicked the big fluffy clouds dotting the dazzling Texas skies she had become accustomed to during their stay.
Even the enormous rain-shower chandelier center stage adapted to the change. Long strands of varying lengths flashed with a myriad of colors the sinking sun shone.
She didn't think she'd ever seen anything more hypnotically beautiful.
Glancing out over the multitude of guests gathered, each individual table was adorned with splendidly arranged centerpieces of delicate flowers. Gorgeous china was laid out on pristine tablecloths. Everyone was conversing and smiling and just seemed to be having a wonderful time.
Leaving the guests' gifts in Susan's capable hands was also a wise decision. Those opening their boxes now appeared delighted by the contents.
Liz knew that the majority of these people were more worldly and classier than she. Facts were facts. It was safe to say, her nerves had been on edge since the wedding arrangements had been put on the table.
All night, she second-guessed her choices, any decision she made...but now that trepidation eased considerably.
There would always be naysayers in life, of course. She was sure there was some whispering about her choice of colors, bouquet, Red's boutonniere and tie, but those things, they were personal to her and Red. If their guests found those less than chic... that was their problem.
At the end of the day, she could say with all honesty... she loved her wedding. It was everything she had hoped it would be, and more.
"Should I have Silas take out the chef?" Red asked quietly. "You haven't barely touched your chicken."
"I'm fine," Liz sent the man a gentle smile. "This is the first time I've been able to take in the final product." She indicated the space beyond the dais.
"You did a wonderful job." Red's brows lifted with his congratulations. "I am astounded, Lizzy. It's a beautiful effort... the food is also fantastic." he waved over his own plate.
"I believe Henri deserves the credit for that." Liz chuckled. "Plus, there was a plethora of Mark's people guiding me."
"Perhaps, but all of this," Red gestured, "was what you envisioned... your choices." He reminded, his tone an encouraging one. "Everyone is having a splendid time, so relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor."
Smiling, Liz leaned, kissing the man softly.
"Now, give that plate some serious consideration." Red's expression was stern. "I know you didn't eat much today."
"I was too nervous." She confessed. "Everything tasted so bland. I did try."
"Well, Mrs. Reddington." He grinned when the woman flushed prettily, having heard her new name from his lips. "I know you, so... settle the hell down and take a deep breath."
Sighing, Liz sat back in her chair, slowly feeling the weight she had been carrying lift away. "There were just a million little details to handle..."
"Are those nerves something we should be concerned about?" Red was curious, remembering the woman's words in the hallway this morning.
"I wasn't nervous about marrying you, if that's what you mean." Liz clarified.
He had wondered if any doubts had crept through. It was one thing to accept a proposal, another to go through with a lifelong agreement.
"I was so sure something... someone... would ruin our day." She shared her worst fears.
"But nothing has." Red murmured lovingly. "The hard part is over. We made it through, Lizzy."
Elizabeth blinked her shock. "Oh my god, we have." It dawned. "Red... we're married."
The man's grin widened. "It looks that way." He showed his ring as proof.
The woman's features transformed into a joyous beam of delight. "We really... really are married."
"I'll prove it to you." the man's eyes lit with an inner flame. "As soon as we ditch this crowd and can find a moment's privacy, I'll show you the difference between being Elizabeth Keen and... Mrs. Red Reddington."
She leaned conspiratorially. "I've had sex with you, Mr. Reddington. I kinda know what you're going to do."
"Do you?" the man's brows arched confidently. "Well, we'll just have to wait and see what the night brings... won't we."
LIZZINGTON
After dinner, Red and Liz floated the tables, mingling with their guests. The man could feel the woman's anxiety notch up a wrung or two if she sensed anyone they approached was likely one of Red's associates or business partners.
But to her credit, no one else could ever guess the lady at his side was in any way, shape or form, ill-at-ease. Liz carried herself with poise, grace and a natural kindness, which put even the most cautious individuals at ease.
Dembe and the others jumped into the fray, making the rounds, circulating on behalf of the bride and groom who could not possibly hope to meet and greet with every single guest.
Maria and Antonio took up the bulk of the burden, seemingly at home in such an environment. Red could not have guessed just how many of these events both had officiated over in their lifetimes.
Of course, Antonio ingratiated himself to each person he met, his reputation preceding the man. Red hoped one day that he could emulate such unflappable confidence and charm. Red had the confidence down, he thought, but that Italian old-world charm? That would take a lifetime to achieve.
Not every guest was a pleasure, of course. Even now, Red was being detained by a man who just did not get the adage, all work and no play. Several times, he had politely tried to disengage from the conversation.
Lizzy had already moved on, tables ahead.
Red asked himself, what would Antonio do, at one point in the frustrating encounter. It came to Red that the older man would simply shoot the asshole and caramelize whatever remained.
"I have a major problem here, Red." Francis interrupted Red's musings. "We gotta have your input, man." The younger man jerked a thumb in the needed direction. "Things are going down that should not be going down."
Red glanced at Francis' meaning. Dembe, Mark and Danny surrounded Ben Gilchrist, all wearing extremely unpleasant scowls of distaste.
Red's brow furrowed. "Excuse me." he walked away, headed for the group.
"There's nothing going down." Francis waited until they were out of earshot. "I just wanted to rescue your ass from the old windbag. How did I do?"
Dembe and the guys broke up the group, all smirking confidently Red's way. Ben pulled a comical face, cackling his glee for the small but effective deception.
Red halted mid-step, grinning retroactively. "Francis, the Marvel Superheroes have nothing on you. My IOU tab is running high, let me confess."
"You'd think these assholes would give you one damned day." the younger man shook a woeful head. "Now... what are you going to buy me I don't already own? I'm thinking something along the lines of a luxury yacht or say... Cessna airplane. I saw one for sale on eBay the other day."
"A yacht or a plane." Red glanced about aimlessly, searching for his now missing bride.
"You can't buy a yacht on eBay, man... well, none the Coast Guard hasn't stripped of all its goodies." Francis rolled his eyes. "I'm talkin' about a Cessna here."
"I'm not sure I would purchase a plane on eBay." Red stated. "Where the hell... has that woman gone?"
"Silas keeps track of her." Francis snapped. "I rescued your ass. I should get something for that, not that I expect it or anything."
"Sounds like you sorta do." Red scowled over at the guy.
"That's not what this is all about... maybe she went to pee?" An idea struck the boy. "I know I have to."
"A two or three person job, I am given to understand." Red had located Amanda and most of Lizzy's lady acquaintances but... not Lizzy herself. He was beginning to be concerned, for Silas was nowhere in sight, either.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." A disembodied voice interrupted the festivities, causing the din of voices to lower in volume.
"If you could give us a moment, please," the DJ smiled. "If anyone knows the location of the groom... could you possibly direct him to the dance floor to share the first dance with his new bride."
Applause and good cheer met the announcement.
Francis pointed. "Eight o'clock, to your right."
"That would be… left, Francis." Red grinned when he saw Lizzy step from a small alcove. Their eyes met. She sent him a brilliant smile.
"I think I'm being paged," Red patted the man's arm. "Hold down the fort."
"Make me proud, man." Francis cheered the guy on. "Just forget about the hundreds of people watching you. Don't get nervous or anything."
Red threw the guy a scowl, continuing on his way.
Guests cleared a path as Red strode across the expanse space, his gaze never once leaving the woman walking towards him.
"You rang?" Red intoned playfully, a smile tilting his mouth.
"I did." Liz smiled up at the man as they came together under the shimmering chandelier.
As night fell outside the picturesque windows, the aura of the room shifted.
The yellows and pinks that decorated the ceiling gave way to the enchanting colors of twilight.
Dark purples and royal blues flickered along the walls as twinkling strands of light sparked to life overhead in the inky blackness, blanketing the couple in starlight.
The edge of the dance floor and the occupants lining it became shadowed figures in the darkened space, leaving Red and Liz to feel encapsulated in a sphere all their own.
Wishing to do as the bride said, but not break the spell cast over the loving couple, the DJ lowered his tone to a soft one.
"Elizabeth wished to dedicate this to her new husband," he murmured, "for making today, and every day they have shared together... unforgettable."
Grasping Lizzy's hand, Red pulled her flush with his body, smiling down at the woman's upturned features. Very aware Elizabeth was uncertain in her qualifications as a dancer, he wrapped an arm about her slim waist, swaying his new bride to the mellow and nostalgic instrumental, allowing the woman to get a feel for the rhythm.
Red was glad Lizzy opted for the duet version of the old classic, for it was more melodious...romantic.
Giving the woman a slight nudge with his hand, Red gently guided Elizabeth to slowly take her first steps. The woman understood the subtle tell, stepping back gracefully. He smiled down at the anxious little face.
"Ginger Rogers has nothing on you, sweetheart." He murmured encouragingly.
"No one can see my feet." The woman quipped. "...Thank the Lord."
Memories of those first days they began to explore what was to become an enchanting romance, came flooding back.
The nervousness and longing to become intimate. The excitement and relief both experienced when they made love, and all had gone extremely well. The anticipation both shared, wondering where their new connection would take them...
Everything they felt then was just as prevalent now, only more profound.
Having now come full-circle, celebrating the eve of their wedding... nothing had ever felt so extraordinary.
The night they danced under the stars, to this very song, on his... their yacht came to mind. Sharing his first dance with Lizzy as a married couple... there were no words, none which did not sound cliché.
Tucking her hand against his chest, Red's eyes closed when he felt the sensual sway of her body move fluidly with his own.
"We did it, Lizzy." Red whispered. "We did it... and no one is ever going to take this away from us."
Brushing his mouth against hers, Red held her tight in his arms. "No one is ever going to take you away from me."
The ferocity behind the words, Red's staunch belief nothing would separate them ever, was a belief Liz grasped hold of with all her heart.
"I know, Red..." she whispered brokenly, clasping herself to his strength and presence. "We won't let them."
"Francis was right, you know..." he murmured, lovingly rubbing his cheek against hers.
The soft tendrils framing her face tickled his own as he drew back to look down into the woman's hypnotic baby blue eyes.
"Our journey... our adventure is just beginning." He willfully held the teary eyes staring back at him.
Liz's lip quivered, vividly remembering the blessing their friend gifted them, and how special it made their day. "Where...how did Francis find just the right words? It was if they were written just for us, Red."
"I felt them deeply." He shared. "I am going to vigilantly try to remember them. I hope we always cherish each other and what God has given us this day."
"No matter what anyone does to try and tear us apart," Liz attempted to prepare herself for the tribulations ahead, "we're going to make it out on the other side... together. I know we will."
Tears spilled down Liz's cheeks, believing those words with all her heart. She knew it was going to be a long, difficult road for them, but with Red there by her side... she knew everything was going to be okay.
"I wholeheartedly believe we will experience truly unforgettable moments more often than the difficult ones." the man promised. "I can't wait to see what fate has in store for us... and where the lessons learned will take us."
Turning his attention outward, the singers came together crooning the lyrical tune. Lizzy had chosen a sentimental, nostalgic song. One Red had always enjoyed.
"I've always loved this song." Liz lay her head on his shoulder as they danced.
"Where were we?" Red said, bringing Lizzy back to the present, a slow mysterious smile curving his sensual mouth. "Oh, right... yes."
Giggling softly, Liz followed Red's lead with ease as he turned her about in a slow circle.
She gasped her surprise but allowed his guidance as Red dropped her into a low, graceful dip.
Drawing her upwards against his chest, Red placed a firm, exploring mouth to hers as the song floated away on a breeze.
Both remained clueless to the quiet applause encouraging his efforts, until an intense spotlight hit upon them, casting their shadow on the back walls.
Liz's eyes darted opened at the unexpected brilliance, finding Red looking down on her with a broad, dazzling smile lighting his face.
"Let's party, baby." He whispered in her ear as he effortlessly lifted her upright.
Liz's brows lifted in surprise as a flurry of colored lights flicked to life, swirling about in a chaotic fashion as Red stepped away from her.
Her eyes followed the man's retreat, her brows crinkled in open confusion. That confusion grew as a pronounced hissing sound, followed by a low fog, filled the room in refreshing but unexpected bursts of grey rolling smoke.
A deep, resounding male voice began to speak.
Liz giggled, instantly recognizing that voice and the song about to commence. She brought her hands to her mouth, her mood spiking joyously for Red's playful mood.
The man had draped his jacket over the back of a convenient chair and turned his attention back to...her.
The look he gave sent tingling gooseflesh up and down Liz's arms.
She listened to the sentiment the male singer was issuing forth, the words at once, moving yet... causing a shot of adrenalin to fill her tummy. Red's gaze never wavered from her face, not once, and he moved closer and closer... sauntering toward her with that confident swagger that verged on cockiness.
The DJ took back the reins of control, his distinctive voice piping through the speakers, loud and clear.
"I forgot to mention, the groom, too, had a little request this very special night." the man grinned. "And that was to remind his lovely new wife...that she will always be... his first, his last... his everything."
Liz felt the hard pounding of the bass travel through the floor, into her feet, electrifying the atmosphere and the entire room.
Melodious violin strings preceded the infectious rhythm of Barry White's number one song...
Red crooked his finger, his stare a sensual one. The man motioned with his head, and Liz found herself moving involuntarily to his beckoning.
"Let's get this party started!" The DJ pumped up the guests and Liz alike.
Clamping her hands over her face, Liz giggled her delight and embarrassment. She had stopped momentarily to get her bearings and simply enjoy the moment.
Bending at the waist, Liz laughed joyously at the thought, Red had picked this song! Glancing up at the man, her cheeks flamed a bright pink, those blue eyes dancing with exhilaration.
Red approached, unconsciously stepping in time to the raucous beat of the song.
She bit anxiously at her lip, unable to look away from his approach. Red's hands spread wide, his fingers once again motioning her into his sphere of influence.
Feeling a wave of insecurity, Liz shook her head, waving a hand over her elaborate gown. She grimaced her doubt. She couldn't possibly dance to that beat in such a dress... could she?
Stalking his way across the dance floor, innocent bystanders could feel the man's intensity, let alone the object to which it was directed. Red halted, his footsteps inches away.
She held her breath as the man loomed large, staring down at her, waiting. "I thought maybe a couple s-slow dances in this thing!" She blurted. "I don't think I can move like the song calls..."
"You and me, baby," Red took her hand in his, pulling her into his secure embrace, his stare softening, "there isn't anything we can't do... or work to our advantage."
Exhaling a shaky breath, Liz felt her center flare to vivid life as the man's darkened gaze penetrated her very soul.
"Are you taking a page out of Antonio's playbook?" Liz attempted to tease her way out of what could prove disastrous.
"Learn from the master, I say." Red didn't deny it. Running his hand along Lizzy's arm, he took her hand in his.
Sensing the woman's trepidation, Red lifted her hand, kissing her suddenly clammy fingers.
"This is our night, Lizzy..." he hoped to cajole the woman into seeing the bigger picture, "what better way is there to express our joy, happiness and love? You tell me."
The only warning given this was going to happen was Red tightening his hand about hers.
"If I trip and fall, you better cover for me!" Liz set her mind, tentatively grasping Red's shoulder for moral and physical support.
"Just follow me, sweetheart." Red soothed the woman's frantic nerves. "You'll do just fine." he lifted her chin, grinning. "There's nobody but you and me..." he quoted along with Barry, drawing a quiet laugh from Lizzy. "We've got it together, baby... now let's show these damned people a thing or two."
"You're so funny." Liz nervously stated, crinkling her nose, earning a chuckle from Red.
The next thing she knew, Red curved his fingers into her waist, directing them into a hurried jaunt across the dance floor as the music peaked.
"I can't believe I'm doing this!" Liz squealed her disbelief.
Too intent on following Red's lead, Liz didn't have time to think about her footwork, only that she kept up with the vigorous pace set forth.
Dropping her gaze to see if she was even close to what Red was doing, Liz became distracted by the incredibly sensual sway of Red's hips.
"That is so...hot." Liz gawked openly, her mouth falling agape, her eyes wide and shocked. "I didn't know you could do... that!"
"You're not doing too badly yourself." Red made mention of Lizzy's hips swiveling fluidly along to the beat. Her full skirts moved along with her, jauntily swishing about behind the woman.
Placing his fingers under Lizzy's chin, Red redirected her line of sight, huffing a burst of laughter for the deep frown she directed up at him.
"Dammit," Liz scowled her discontent, "I wanted to watch your ass move!"
"You can watch, and feel, my ass move... later." Red's roughened tone promised. "Right now, we're a little busy."
"Huh?" Liz frowned her confusion.
Reaching the edge of the dance floor, Red spun them about, then stopped abruptly as the song came to a sudden halt.
Squaring up their frame once more, Red worked Lizzy's dress to their advantage.
Blowing hair from her eyes, Liz chortled uncontrollably as Red unexpectedly spun them about, taking them in a series of tight turns across the dance floor.
They moved so fast, so effortlessly, she could only feel the light touch of her heel make contact with the floor as they moved from one side to the other in the blink of an eye.
Tightening his grasp on Lizzy's slim waist, Red pulled against the heavy-weight of her gown threatening to tug her from his hold as the woman's luxurious skirts flared outwards and rippled like silk in a strong breeze.
Red smiled happily as Lizzy's lyrical, tinkling laughter rang out when she finally released her inhibitions and relied solely on her partner... on him... to take her along for the ride.
Moving past Antonio's position, Red jerked his head meaningfully towards the dance floor. He needed reinforcements along about now, he thought, uncertain how long Lizzy could take the pressure of being the focal point on the dance floor.
Lifting his dance partner's arm overhead, Red twirled Lizzy the opposite direction, unwinding her from the dizzying spin.
Using the weight of her dress to her advantage, Liz tossed the mass around, allowing it to take her along in a smooth glide before she met the solid surface of Red's chest once more.
Swaying in place to the music, Red dipped his face into Lizzy's neckline, a smile of pure contentment gracing his countenance.
The moment progressed. Red's attention was finally caught though. He lifted his head to see others converging on the massive dance floor, as was tradition.
The party had officially started. Which meant the pressure was off the bride and groom.
Red exchanged looks with Elizabeth who grinned up at him. "There goes our fifteen minutes of fame." she teased.
"Alright by me." He breathed a sigh of relief. "Dembe and Amanda can take up the slack." He watched the two spin around the dance floor in a series of moves any disco dancer from the seventies would envy.
It was Antonio and Maria, however, that put all the rest to shame. Liz gasped at the ease in which the two older people moved together.
"They came from that era." Red shook his head at the older man's elegance and style. "The big showoffs. They frequented the club scene in New York and the west coast when it was fashionable to do so."
Red felt the jaunty, buoyant twitch of his own partners shapely hips as they moved in time with the music. "You really aren't half bad yourself, Mrs. Reddington." His eyes watched the sensual sway.
Throwing her arms over Red's shoulders, Liz lifted to her toes planting a kiss on the man's mouth.
"I love you, Red Reddington." Liz giggled as they continued to sway slowly to a rather upbeat song.
Mindless of the guests joining in on the frivolity, Red brushed his nose against Lizzy's, before kissing her sweet mouth.
"Back at you... Elizabeth Reddington." Red murmured, hugging his effervescent bride tight in his arms. "How many times are we going to use your new title, I wonder."
"As many times as it takes for me to stop smiling when you do." She beamed him a smile.
LIZZINGTON
AUTHOR NOTES: If it wasn't obvious, the song choices were:
Natalia and Nat King Cole - Unforgettable
Barry White - My First, My Last, My Everything