Chapter 23

'Betty, Momma Meade needs to talk to you', Christina calls over from the door.

'Claire, please, come in', Betty says happy, sitting perfectly still on the chair. Hilda was working on her hair. Doing the perfectly messy curly up-do with a few strands falling around her neck and face. It's simple and playful. And just the way Daniel loves it. 'Is something wrong?'

'Don't worry, Dear, everything is going as smooth as it could be. Any smoother and we should put some spikes under your pumps', Claire strokes her cheek softly.

'Funny, Mrs. M', Amanda quips from the other side. Waiting for her turn to make Betty's make-up. Claire likes the girl. She really does. Amanda is sweet in a slightly naive way. And she has a dry sense of humour. She is always good for a quick, short laugh. But Claire can't help but prefer Betty as her future daughter-in-law. It may be all the things Betty did for her, Daniel and their family. But it may also be, that Betty is one of the most astonishing young women she ever met in her life. Not that she would ever say this out loud. Oh no, she has class and knows manners. But back to the reason she came in the first place.

'I come bearing gifts. Literally. Daniel sends me. He wants me to tell you, that he loves you and can't wait to see you. And he forgot to give you this yesterday evening. He said you would know why', the questioning look on Claire's face, while holding out a jewelry box, makes Betty blush ferociously in a matter of seconds.

'Oh, that gorgeous jerk', Betty mumbles breathless, her face hot, red and glowing. All eight eyes were on her. Looking at her curiously. 'Believe me, you don't want to know. Especially you, Claire'

'You're probably right. Well, he also said, that you don't have to feel obligated to wear it today. It's just something he saw and it made him think of you. And because he knows you well enough, that you wouldn't just accept a gift like that out of the blue. He kept it for today', Claire opens the box slowly. And in it nestles a delicate necklace with earrings. A perfect match to her engagement ring. The band is so thin, that the one pendant almost looks like it's floating.

'It's just something he saw and thought of me? How dense does he think I am?', Betty holds up her right hand, puts her engagement ring next to it. One perfectly plucked eyebrow raised high on her forehead. 'A matching pair he just happened to stumble over, huh?', Claire's brilliant laugh is loud and very unladylike.

'I'm sorry, but I had no idea. When he gave it to me, I thought he looked a little like the cat that ate the canary, you know?'

'Of course he did, I know exactly what he looked like telling you all that. Claire, I know your not an owl, but could you tell him something for me?', Betty's hopeful look warms Claires heart.

'Of course, what do you want me to tell him'

'Please tell him that I love him too, and that I can't wait to see him as well. Tell him thank you for the gift, it's absolutely beautiful and perfect. I love it very much. But I'm not dense. And him sending over his mother, making clever and subtle implications about our sex life while come baring gifts is not going to work. He better behave or I'll give him a real reason to butter up my ass'

'Done, it's perfection', Hilda calls out. Sprays a last cloud of hairspray around Betty's head to make sure everything stays in place.

'Finally', Amanda gets up, and comes over, lays all her make-up out, puts it in the right order and starts prepping Betty's face.

'Alright, dear, anything you want to add?'

'Yes, he's going to ask you what my idea of a real reason is'

'And what's that?'

'That his son made me sick one too many times', Betty says mindlessly, looking up to Amanda.

'Son? You're having a boy?', Hilda asks shocked, while putting away all her pins and brushes.

'Oh shoot, Daniel's gonna kill me'

'Huh?', Claire's eyes are huge. Her perfectly plucked eyebrows hiding under her perfectly blow-dried bangs.

'He wanted to tell you all together. On Christmas. Do me a favour and keep it to yourselves? Don't tell anyone, Hilda!'

'Ay, what about Amanda and Christina. They are just as floppy mouthed as I am'

'Yeah, but Christina is going to be back in London in two days and Amanda actually knows how to keep a secret nowadays. So, you are the weak spot here', Betty explains matter-of-factly, while Amanda begins to apply a soft crème and bronze coloured eye makeup.

'Alright, I shut my mouth', Hilda throws her hands up in the air. Surrenders to her neurotic little sister, before making a zipping motion over her mouth.

Claire couldn't be happier. Another Grandson. One she will enjoy to see growing up. She loves DJ dearly. She really does. But she was always sad that they met so late. She would've loved to see him grow up and explore the world around him, with stubby and sticky little hands and wonder in his eyes. And she knew that Alexis would never have any other children. Daniel on the other hand, she feared could have too many. And very unwanted ones as well. It's nothing short but a wonder that Betty is indeed the first and most definitely last woman who will have his children. If they manage to keep their love alive. But they seem so full of passion for one another, she doesn't think there's anything to fear about. Knocking on the grooms suite door, she waits for her sons invitation.

'Come on in'

'I have a message for you, Daniel'

'Of course, you have', he leans against the little wardrobe on one wall of the room. Arms crossed over his chest, a mischievous little smirk on his face.

'Betty wants you to know that she loves you too. And that she too can't wait to see you. She is very thankful for your gift. It's absolutely beautiful and perfect. She loves it. But she's also not dense. You sending me over, making a..., what was it that she said? Uhm..., oh yeah, clever and subtle implication about your sex life while come baring gifts is not going to work. You better behave or she will give you a real reason to butter up her ass', Daniel throws his head back, laughs brilliantly. Her darling little boy. He looks so happy.

'What is her idea of a real reason?', his hands buried in the pockets of his dress pants, he looks at her amused.

'That your son made her sick one too many times', Claire says, wicked smile on her lips. And when she sees the happy, sparkling glint in Daniel's eyes, she can only admire the view in front of her. His little chuckle is light and infectious. He has so much love in his life. Has so much love inside of him for this little, sassy and vibrant woman and their baby down the hall. It's dripping from every pore of his being and shines right through him for everyone to see. And if you ask her, it's the most handsome he ever looked in his life.

Back at the bridal suite she sees Amanda and Hilda standing outside of the door.

'What is going on?'

'We've got kicked out. We wanted to help with the dress, but they said we're not supposed to see yet', Amanda whines.

'Oh, I see', Claire knocks at the door. 'Betty, it's me, Claire. Do you need a hand?'

'Yes, please, come in. You two, on your marks. Not long and we have to get this show on the road. Chop chop', Christina shoes them away. Closes the door behind herself. 'Say what you want, but nobody could suspect that she's already having one of your middle sons spawns'

'Which isn't even important anymore. Everyone already knows', Betty smiles at Christina's feisty attitude. God, she really missed her.

'Yeah, I know, but you still have to admire my handiwork', Christina calls out with her thick scottish accent.

'Hiding my baby bump or simply designing a beautiful dress. I will always admire your handiwork, Christina. Could you do me a favor though and see if Papi is ready, please?'

'Of course, Sergeant Suarez-soon-to-be-Meade', Christina Saluts and is gone.

'I love her, really. And I know she only means well', Betty smiles softly at Claire, opens her arms to the side and slowly twirls around one time. 'What do you think?'

'I think my son is a very lucky guy. And that I hope he doesn't inherit his fathers heart problems', Claire walks over to Betty and engulfs her in a big hug.

'He doesn't. He is amazingly healthy. Ever since Bradfords heart attack, Daniel sees a cardiologist at least once a year. Just to make sure'

'Thanks to you?', Claire squeezes her hands.

'Maybe', Betty shakes her head.

'Betty, your fellas on his way, and Papi Suarez is ready', Christina sticks her head through the door.

'Thank you, for everything. And sorry I'm so bitchy'

'Oh, it's alright. And if anyone deserves this, it's you. I'd say on your mark, ready and run. Go get your man'

'Alright, so Papi is here?', Betty claps in her hands one time. Straightens out some imaginary wrinkles in her dress and gets ready.

'I'm just waiting for you, Mija'

'We'll go, take our places', Claire places a quick kiss on Betty's forehead and lets Ignacio in.

'Ay, mija, look at you. You are so beautiful. You look just like my Rosa', he cups Betty's face in his hands, kisses both her cheeks. 'Come on, we shouldn't let him wait any longer then necessary'

When the music starts, Ignacio gave Betty a last reassuring glance before leading her down the corridor in front of the double doors. When two of the staff members got their queue, they finally opened the door.

And there he is, standing down at the end of the isle. Waiting for her. His head whips around, he was talking to someone. Betty doesn't see who, and couldn't care less right now. He looks so gorgeous. The dark grey-beige suit he's wearing accentuates the tie perfectly. The fit is seamless. Like a second skin. As if it's made for him. Accentuates all of his best features. His smile the most glorious she's ever seen it. And when her eyes caught his, there is nothing that can stop her.

She would love to be able to say that she remembers the hushed comments her guests made. Or the guests in general. Who was there in the first place? But she can't. She can only remember seeing Daniel there. The wet eyes, that betray the depth of his feelings for her and the glorious lopsided smile, that never fails to make her weak in the knees and her heart to skip a beat.

She can feel her own smile stretch out over her face. Feels the rush of her blood through her veins. How her pulse quickens, not out of nervousness, but the thought of finally getting married to him. Finally becoming a family. It's all a heady mix.

When Ignacio hands her over to Daniel, she is as giddy as a schoolgirl. Hands her bouquet over to Hilda, before turning around and standing in front of him. She can see out of the corner of her eye, a hunched over Christina draping her train. Fanning it out behind her. Taking both his hands, she feels the little hushed squeal bubbling up. But she can't hold it back. She beams up at him when she hears his low chuckle. Taking a small step closer to her. And when a single tear slips down his cheek, she catches it with her thumb. Padding it away, cupping his face for a quick second, before the officiant raises his voice.

'We are gathered here today, to join these two, Beatriz Usoa Suarez and Daniel Meade into holy matrimony. I met these extraordinary young people a few times in preparation for their wedding today. And it's astonishing to see a love like this, still living among us. It's unconditional and all encompassing. You know, love is a wondrous thing. Mystic in its ways. Love can unite and build bridges. It can conquer all. I know, that there are a lot of people here today, who know the unique story of these two finding their way to one another. I don't need to tell it in excruciating detail. Let me just tell you this. Their love for one another is pure and ruled by their hearts of gold. And so willing to fight for what they have. So I ask you, if someone knows of a reason why these two should not get joined, he or she may speak now or remain silent forever', the officiant waits for a quick five seconds. There is no need to torture this lovely couple any longer.

'The couple prepared their own vows for their ceremony. Daniel, please, you go first', the officiant nods to Daniel. Gives him a little reassuring smile.

'Alright, god, you look breathtaking. And again, I thought it so well through. Had every word planned out. Because I know how much you love to edit me. But you just walk down here and my head's in a juggle. It's really not fair', he squeezes her hands a little, waits for the quite laughs to die down. Betty's brilliant blush only makes it worse, but he'll try his best.

'Betty, when you came into my life, you were the most vibrant, happy and passionate woman I've ever met before. And in a matter of weeks you took my life over, dictated and planned every minute of it and helped me in ways I could've never imagined. And when I found my life so wrapped around a little feisty girl from Queens, that I had no idea how to function without her anymore. I knew I had to do everything in my might to keep her in it, no matter what', he wipes away a single tear from Betty's cheek. His thumb drawing little circles for a second.

'You always encouraged me to do better, be better. Made me see right from wrong, and taught me one lesson after the other. So many I lost track of them. And because of you, I am who I am today', a couple more tears appeared in Betty's eyes. Alexis took a step closer, handed him a handkerchief for her. Which Betty gladly took.

'You are courageous, passionate, beautiful, vibrant, ambitious, witty, playful, gorgeous, confident, clumsy as hell...', Betty lightly hits his chest. Makes him chuckle. 'I could go on and on and on...', he teases her, enjoys her panicked look for a second.

'But I won't, I promise. Except one more. It's my favourite thing about you. Your big heart. You are the most loving and forgiving person I ever met. Your love knows no end. You give so much. And where would I be without your many second chances? I really don't want to think about it. I love you so much, Betty. I tried to find the right words. I was so desperate. Thought my genius Betty would know exactly what to write. I used a dictionary. Again. Only to come up empty handed. Again. No word has the right meaning or is big enough to let you know how I feel about you. I love you beyond words', he slowly slips the ring on Betty's hand and places a soft kiss right under its spot.

'Betty?', the officiant reminded her, when he saw the dreamy look in her eyes, that it is her time.

'Right, sorry, I couldn't think straight for a second', Betty shakes her head, the soft rose blush a constant feature by now. 'Wow, Daniel, you keep surprising me. I wouldn't change a single word. Please tell me you actually wrote it down somewhere?', Daniel nods at Betty, smiling knowingly.

'You knew', he keeps nodding, making her laugh. 'Oh Daniel, I had the same predicament. No words are big enough, or hold the right meaning. I struggled so much', she looks at him, really looks at him. He's so beautiful, with his genuine smile. His blue eyes never leaving her, warming her from the inside out.

'I love you, it's as simple as that. But then again it's not. My love for you runs so deep. I feel like it's grown together with my innermost being. I can not not love you. It's just who I am', his wet eyes take her in. Smile at her. His hands squeezing hers in a reassuring warm manner. She pushes down her own tears. Not letting the hormones win.

'I can still remember the guy from almost five years ago. How he stood in my Papis living room in Queens. Nearly begging me to come back to MODE and work for him. I saw you for the first time in that moment. The desperate need to make it right. The overwhelming honesty of how badly you were hurting. And I knew, that I could never let you down. I would never do anything to hurt you even more. We all know how well that worked out. We surely had our ups and downs. But in only a matter of weeks and months, you and your friendship meant too much to me', she takes a deep breath. The tears pricking behind her eyes are nagging her. But she manages to keep them at bay. Only her voice slightly wavering.

'You complete me in a way, no one ever could. That sometimes I feel like we are so close, so one, so in sync with each other, that when your heart is breaking mine's hurting. I can't tell where your heart begins and mine ends. The lines are so blurry, it's hard to tell us apart. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I already told you this. No one ever loved me the way you do, and no one will ever love you the way I do. I love you beyond words', she quotes his words and with that slips the ring on his finger and squeezes his hands.

'Daniel, do you take this woman as your wife, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in health and in sickness? Then answer with a resounding 'I do''

'I do', Daniel says confident, squeezing Betty's hand.

'Betty, do you take this man as your husband, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in health and in sickness? Then answer with a resounding 'I do''

'I do', Betty softly sighs, smiling lovingly up at Daniel.

'With the power invested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife', the officiant calls out. Their bright smiles shine through the room. And with a little eager look to the officiant, Daniel makes him chuckle.

'Yes Daniel, you may kiss your bride', the officiant smiles mischievously.

'Thank god', Daniel sighs, engulfs Betty in a warm hug and takes her lips in a wet, hot kiss. Their guests roaring wildly. Laughing, whistling and cheering on the newlywed couple.

Sitting at the reception, Claire takes the microphone and taps carefully on a wine glass.

'I'm fairly sorry to interrupt the good mood. But as mother-of-the-groom and my son, thankfully not having a say in this, I'm allowed to say a few words', she waits til the chuckles die down and looks at Betty and Daniel. 'When I first met this woman, I had to fight for an appointment with my own son'

'Let's call it a fond memory, Claire', Betty calls over, bright smile never wavering. Another row of chuckles erupt the room. Daniel's loving gaze never leaving Betty. Oh, they look so lovely together.

'Whatever your saying, dear', she holds in for a second, gathers her thoughts again. 'The thing with Betty is, she is so very stubborn. Yes, yes, I know you prefer the word determined...'

'I would also prefer persistent, dedicated, ambitious or driven. Just to name a few. They all have a nicer ring to it', Betty rattles down, counting with her fingers. Daniel's low chuckle tinges his cheeks a lovely rose colour. 'Take a pick, it's your choice'

'I'll have you know, she's an editor. A good one. She can go on and on for hours. And of course she's right. She's always right. We all know that by now. And those words may have a nicer ring to them. But Betty Dear, they all mean the same. That you are a force to be reckoned with. The most beautiful one. Nearly five years ago you literally crashed into my sons life and butted your way into every aspect of it. His words not mine', Claire holds up her hands in Defense.

'Are you telling them the rest of our conversation as well? Otherwise you make me look really bad', Daniel asks worried.

'Tell them yourself, Dear. Later', her pointed look shuts him up effectively. Daniel makes a little zipping motion, nodding to his mother.

'And let's be honest. He was a very willing participant. Finally having someone in his corner, who would go above and beyond for him. Even as just an assistant or friend. She would set his head straight, when he was a jerk. Literally whacked some sense into him. You cheered him on, when he needed encouragement and accepted him the way he is - unconditionally. And he did you the favour of doing the same. As different as you might've been, when you first started out on your journey. You build a bridge over those prejudices, expectations and your biggest enemy..., ...your own goddamn pride. And buried your differences somewhere along the way. Betty, you are the most passionate, bright, kind-hearted, vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, loving and genius woman I've ever met. And you are so much more then I ever hoped, Daniel would find', a single tear spills down Claire's cheek, looks at them for a second, how lost they are in each other.

'When you came to me, years ago, you said something I will never forget, Betty. You said, one day you want to be just like me. Courages, confident and with your own magazine. Said that magazines just speak to you and that you want to do the same for so many more people. You were - even back then - so full of life and passion. It shook me to the core. I've never seen myself as a role model. And you are already so much more then I was at your age. But I gladly take your faith in me. Unfounded or not. And you know, Dear, you have the Name now. The rest just runs in the family. And I'm sure you will run your own magazine like a pro in no time. Just give us a heads up when your ready to come back to your second home. We'll be waiting', Claire lifts her glass and toasts to them.

'To Betty and Daniel', the guests call out, before sipping on their wine.

The reception was glorious. They had so much fun. Betty and Daniel made an early round to see to their guests. Especially the business partners. All the designers were fawning over Betty's wedding dress, which was the boost for Christina's carrier she was waiting for all this time. Vera Wang and Valentino talked to her all evening, wanting to collaborate with her on a new line of exclusive wedding dresses for the upcoming season. And Christina was eating out of their hands. She loved it all.

Wilhelmina made sure to talk with them about the MODE Wedding Issue. Said she doesn't want to delay it too long. The publicity is craving pictures of the wedding of the year. 'Only god knows why they are so crazy about you. I personally don't understand the hype. But whatever. Make sure to select the pictures as fast as possible and give me a heads up'

They shot the pictures directly after the ceremony. Vincent did a wonderful job. Had great ideas and were actually so fast, that they were back at the reception in no time.

Very soon the business partners left the wedding. Kept the celebration to the freshly married couple and their families and friends. A few expectations were of course Vincent and Byron. They became kind of good friends over the years. And genuinely enjoyed each others company. Byron is a down-to-earth and very understanding guy. When he's not on the clock, that is. He gets why Daniel doesn't like to be in the public eye anymore. Though respecting that, he still has a job to do. And they both know, as long as Daniel's going to be EiC of MODE, Byron will have to look out for the newest gossip and News about him.

Dancing to one of the slow songs they enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Looking around the room, they see Hilda and Alexis standing at the buffet, being absolutely nuts and having the time of their life's. Adam and Bobby are still munching on their food, heads stick together. Probably talking about basketball. Austin and DJ are playing some silly game Justin is not participating in. He's walking around the wedding venue and scrutinizes every little detail. Betty fears the worst, but it's to late now, and she couldn't really care about it. She's too happy.

Their parents are sitting together with Elena, most definitely talking about them. The looks they throw in their direction at least give Betty that impression. And Becks is standing on the Bar with Tyler and Amanda and is actually behaving.

'Have I told you how breathtaking you look, Mrs. Meade?', Daniel whispers seductively against her neck, while softly placing a row of kisses along her jaw.

'Well, yes you have, Mr. Meade', she breathes out. Her hands clutching his shoulders. A soft moan on her lips.

'You know...', Daniel places a few kisses on her neck, '...I thought...', sucks a few fleeting seconds on the spot where her neck meets the shoulder, '...we wanted to tell them together?', he kisses his way back up her neck and nibbles on her earlobe.

'Huh?', Betty's head whips around and looks him in the eyes. Her dumbfounded and slightly shocked look is absolutely priceless. The rose blush tinting her cheeks to a more deep crimson. And he can see right through her. Denying it is useless. 'Uuh...'

'Babe, it's ok, I'm not mad. I guess you slipped up, when you gave mom the message for me? So tell me, who knows', his brilliant smile is soft and forgiving. Yes, he would've loved to tell them together, but there are more important things then that.

'Claire slipped up? And I thought Hilda is the weak spot. So yeah, when I gave her the message for you, I accidentally slipped up. But I told them to shut it and keep it to themselves. So, uhm, your mom obviously knows and Christina and Amanda. Well, and Hilda', she crunches up her nose, looks apologetic up into his clear blue eyes.

'So everybody knows?', his soft chuckle rumbles over her and makes a goosebump move down her spine. She lays her head on his shoulder and buries her face in the crook of his neck. God, he smells amazing. She can't wait when they're back in their hotel room. Drawing with her nose little patterns on his neck, she sighs content and melts even further into his arms.

'Yeah, probably. I'm sorry. I promise I will make it up to you', she places a few floppy, wet kisses along his neck and jaw. Can't get enough of him. She already wants him so much, it's maddening.

'Don't be ridiculous, you don't have to. There's no reason', his hand moves up and down her back, softly pulling her further into his body.

When Betty looks up into his face she sees pure joy and happiness. The same he can for sure find in hers. And the love in his eyes for not only her, but their son as well is overwhelming. Slinging her arm around his neck she pulls him down to her. Kisses him hot and searching.

'Hey, congratulations, a son, that's great, man', Bobby calls out.

'Will you shut up?', Hilda whacks him over the head, dances in a loop to the other side of the room and continues her little argument.

After dancing for a little while longer Betty feels her feet slowly but surely giving out on her. 'Hey, can we sit down? I have to get off my feet for a second'

Making they're way over to the family table, Betty plops down next to Justin, a little exhausted from the whole ordeal.

'Hey AB, I haven't told you yet, but after close inspection and thorough contemplation... - ...you did good', Justin's raised eyebrows and fake non-galant way of flicking some invisible lint from his dress pants betray his actual excitement.

'Really? I can't believe it. And even though I ignored all the In-and-Out's for this years weddings?', Betty calls out. The whole table laughing along with her.

'You love this, don't you?', Justin's annoyed sigh is only spurring everybody on.

'What? Me? No, of course not. How could I?', her brilliant playful smile mocking him.

'Ok, ok, the colour collaboration is absolutely immaculate, the flower arrangements are spectacular and I love your whole concept for the wedding. Well, and you, AB, look fabulous and sophisticated. You happy now?', he throws his hands in the air and huffs out a deep sigh.

'Oh. My. God. Someone pinch me. Did my fashion guru of a nephew just say that I look fabulous? Are you sure that there is nothing I could've done better?'

'It's perfect, alright? My worries were unfounded'

'Thank you, that's very big of you to admit. I'll appreciate it'

'If you liked the dress so far, you gonna love what happens next, Justin. Come on, Betty, time for you to change', Christina is already on her side and motions for her to stand up. 'This can't be too comfortable'

'No, to be honest, it's awfully hot under the skirt', standing up and turning around to Christina, Betty silently celebrates the genius idea her friend had. She came up with it, after the news of Betty's pregnancy got out. Thought that now it wouldn't really matter anymore. And she could make Betty more comfortable this way.

Christina is tugging on the skirt, tries to find the hooks and buttons under all the tulle. Moves Betty around in all directions.

'Come on, boss man, help me out here. This skirt is heavy', Daniel stands up to help Christina.

'What exactly are you doing?', Daniel asks quick.

'Ssh, hold this..., yeah, just like that...', Christina gives Daniel one end of the skirt and softly opens all the hooks and buttons. ' Betty turn a little to the left for me... - ...boss man, hold steady, don't rip the tulle! Here take that in the other hand. Try and ruffle it a little at the hem, yeah..., like layers..., that way you can hold the whole skirt', the last button was opened and Betty feels the weight of the skirt falling off her. And a nice fresh breeze is going around her now bare legs. Its heavenly.

Daniel disregards the skirt on two unoccupied chairs, watches as Christina proves the fit of the now cocktail dress Betty is wearing.

And it fits her like a second skin, shows off all the assets Mother Nature blessed her with and softly accentuates her small baby bump. She's an absolute vision.

'Wait, it's not just one dress?', Alexis calls out over the music and looks with the rest of their little group astonished at the three.

'Nooo, it's a cocktail dress with a skirt. Didn't think that, did ya?', Christina explains in her Scottish accent. Her mouth agape with a brilliant smile. 'Ooh, Betty, it's perfection. You look just as stunning in this little piece. And I gotta tell ya, I like the back on this one even more'

'Isn't it the same? I never really looked', Betty makes a 360 turn, tries to look at her own back.

'Stand still, will ya? Here let me show ya, I made the cut deeper and round', Christina takes Bettys hand in her own and softly glides them over the cut-out off the back. 'It ends right above your second best feature. Your perfectly shaped arse'

'Christina', Betty scolds her.

'What? Ask your husband. He looks very pleased with my design. Isn't that right, Meade?'

'I totally respect her for her intellect', Daniel smiles mischievously. And tilting his head to the side, checks her out shamelessly.

Their party went on late into the night. Though Betty and Daniel excused themselves kind of early. Betty was exhausted. She may not be heavily pregnant yet, but she feels a difference. Before she could last way longer than now. But it's okay. Anyone thought they just wanted to be alone, which was very true as well. They couldn't wait to be alone. Finally being married and having a baby on the way. They are going to be a real family. And they're couldn't be more happy about it.

'Thank you, by the way', Betty plops down on their hotel bed, just like yesterday, when they completely forgot about the world.

'For what?', Daniel lays the skirt of her wedding dress on the little chaise in the corner of their hotel room, before he strides over to Betty and sits down next to her.

'Your surprisingly matching gift, you just happen to stumble over', she says mischievously. His deep chuckle tells her what she knew all along. His eyes softly follow the chain around her neck and fall on the pendant. That nestles adoringly in her cleavage.

'Yeah, I knew you would look right through that', he takes her left hand in his and kisses her right beneath her rings. 'Thank you'

'For what?'

'For having the perfect, most wonderful idea for our wedding. I get why you didn't want me involved in the planning. And feel flattered that you like the ring so much. That was the idea right? Christina created your dress after the ring? I hoped that I chose the right one'

'You don't have to thank me. It was just as much for me as it was for you. And yeah, I love the ring so much. Not just because it's so beautiful. But because it comes from you and what it stands for. But it still is the most beautiful ring I've ever seen as well. And you chose more then just the right one. It's perfect. And Christina did a wonderful job of creating my dress after it. The rest sort of fell into place', Betty explains, looking down on her rings. They are the most beautiful rings she's ever seen. And everything was so beautiful today. Claire was right, Abigail did an astounding job.

'Yeah, it all feels like a big gift to me. The whole planning. How well thought through everything is. I've done nothing. You did all this on your own. So thank you again. And a big thank you to Christina. You look absolutely stunning, babe. It's a shame you're only wearing this dress once', Daniel whispers into her skin, nibbling on her neck. His hand softly travels over her knee and laying hot on her leg.

'Yeah, she did amazing, creating a two-piece wedding dress was absolutely brilliant. That way I can at least wear the cocktail dress again', leaning her head to the side to give him more access, she starts to unbutton his shirt. Basks in the feeling of déjà-vu.

'Uh huh, amazing...', his hands travel over the long row of buttons on her back. 'Please tell me there's a hidden zipper and I don't actually have to open every damn button?'

'Yup, the buttons hide the zipper. She knew it would come in handy tonight', she clutches his shoulders, his breath against her neck wet and hot.

'Thank god', he moans, before sucking her skin into his mouth. His hands already working her body into a frenzy. Massaging and cupping her curves in the most sensual way.

'Huh..., come on, I really want to get out of this dress. You have no idea how much. Please, babe', Betty moans into his skin. Sucking on the spot where his neck meets his shoulder. Before soothingly lick over that spot again and again.