Chapter 17
Renewed Lies
"There are no secrets that time does not reveal. "
-Jean Racine
Katie and Oliver stood with bright smiles as they stood on their porch waving as their guests got into their cars to leave. The couple had just spent the last couple of hours hosting the second birthday party of one Robyn Maisie Queen for some of her friends from day care and their parents.
"Is it over?" Katie asked through the her smile as she just continued waving.
"Almost." Oliver replied.
Once the final car pulled off, he brought an arm around her and lead her back inside, where they both fell back in exhaustion against the front door.
"You two look like you're having fun." John laughed as he passed the couple. He along with Felicity, Thea, and the team had stayed behind to help clean up. "You thought inviting a couple of kids over for a party would be a piece of cake, didn't you?"
"Other people's kids are just little demons." Katie said.
"And I had to pay the magician extra after those kids decided to kick him for no reason." Oliver sighed as he slid a hand over his face. He looked around, noticing he only saw John, but knew the others were there. "Where is everybody?"
"Where do you think?" John chuckled with a shake of his head before continuing to clean.
Oliver and Katie walked down the hall, and into the kitchen, already hearing the voices as they neared. The found the after party in the walk in closet where Harry and her puppies were currently staying.
"You know when you said you were going to help us clean up, we actually believed you." Katie said only to be ignored as they all seemed to be focused on the puppies.
"How do you guys have four puppies and haven't named them." Curtis cooed playing with the black and white puppy in his hands.
"Don't blame us." Ari said sitting next to Thea who currently had a puppy asleep in her lap. The teen looked over to Oliver. "The Mayor won the contest of correctly naming how many puppies Harry was going to have, and the winner was given puppy naming rights but he's refusing to give them names."
"I told you, if we give them names, it will make it harder for us to give them away." Oliver said.
"Then maybe we shouldn't give them away." Will replied, a puppy lounging in the pocket of his hoodie. He looked over to his dad. "Can't we just have five dogs?"
"No, we can't have five dogs." came Oliver's quick answer. "Now, up, there's still a lot that needs to be cleaned, and I don't want to be at this all night." He looked over to Ari. "And since, you Will and Damian decided to totally disappear after promising to help, I think you three should start with the clean up."
Damian looked over to the man from his spot next to Felicity who seemed to be cradling a sleeping puppy in her arms.
"It was a baby party. Who wants to hang out at a baby party?" Damian replied and Felicity just laughed before nudging his arm.
The boy just rolled his eyes before he and Will stood to their feet and headed out to start cleaning. Oliver grabbed the puppy from Will, much to the boy's annoyance before they left. The man lifted the puppy, his fur all white, with a streak of black over his right eye.
"You're getting attached." Bruce said from his spot at the door looking over to Oliver.
"No I'm not." Oliver replied before placing the puppy back over by his mother where he curled up next to her.
"I guess Ollie is right." Thea said before placing a kiss on the white and tan puppy in her hands before placing her next to Harry as well. "We should get this place cleaned up so he can head out."
"Head out?" Oliver looked over to his sister in confusion. "Head out where?"
"You and Will are going home with Bruce and Damian. Felicity and I were staying here with Ari, Katie and Robyn before the big day."
"Speedy, we're just renewing our vows. There is no tradition that says I can't sleep at home with my wife before a vow renewal. Plus I don't trust you or whatever you have planned for her. I still have no idea what happened two years ago at that fake bachelorette party."
"Oh, you absolutely do not want to know." Katie said and Oliver looked over to her with a quirked brow. She just chuckled and pointed behind her. "Uh, what was that?! Here I come Will." she just turned and hurried away.
Oliver shook his head before turning back to his sister.
"Absolutely not."
And yet that night, Oliver found himself following behind Will, Bruce, Damian and John into Bruce's house. They walked in to find Curtis and Rene already there, and it looked like they'd set up a table for poker.
"Prepare to go home poor, boys." Damian said as he took a step forward, rubbing his hands together. Bruce caught his shoulder and pulled him back and the boy glanced over to him with a quirked brow.
"You and Will can go up to your room to play your video game."
"Why, I can clean everyone here out with my eyes closed." he said before turning to the men in the room. "I mean, I think, you know I'm just a child, so I don't know the game that well."
"Go to your room." Bruce sighed with a shake of his head. "Look, raid the kitchen, eat whatever you want, and don't get into any trouble."
Damian just groaned before stalking off which Will found hilarious as he followed behind the boy laughing.
"You should all thank me." Bruce walked over to the table and they all turned to him. "He really would've cleaned all of you out and he would've laughed while doing it." the man pulled off his jacket. "Just so you're warned, he gets it from me." the man laughed as they all went to sit around the table.
Back at the Queen household, much to Thea's displeasure, they were going to spend the evening watching movies and playing games instead of going out.
"I still don't see why we couldn't go out to at least one bar tonight." Thea groaned as she stood in the kitchen in her pjs helping make popcorn with Felicity.
"You mean besides the teenager and toddler?" Felicity asked and Thea just shrugged and Felicity just laughed.
Katie came down the stairs into the kitchen with a pleased smile.
"Alright, little miss two is out like a light." she walked over to grab a few kernels of popcorn and toss it into her mouth. "So what are we doing? Playing some sort of game, or prank calls?" Felicity and Thea just looked over to her with furrowed brows. "What? I didn't have many slumber parties growing up, excuse me for wanting to milk the moment." Katie's phone vibrated and she pulled it from her pocket. "Oh, Tam and Claire are at the door."
"You invited work friends?" Thea asked and Katie shrugged.
"My work friends are also my friend, friends." she replied turning and heading out of the kitchen to go let them in.
They ended up playing a game of pictionary. Thea and Felicity couldn't help but feel a bit jealous as they watched Katie with Tamera and Claire. It's just the three seemed to have their own little inside jokes and it kind of made them feel excluded some times.
It was Katie's turn, the woman drew a large circle and then a bunch of little circles.
"Dodge ball!" Ari called out.
Katie started drawing lines on the circles and they realized they were actually stick figures.
"Twinkie, was art class one of the few classes you failed in high school?" Thea said and Katie laughed as she glanced over to her.
Katie started drawing more lines from the big circle to the stick people and time was just about to run out.
"Taking a selfie!" Tamera called out.
"That's it!" Katie smiled looking over to the woman before giving her a high five.
"How did you get selfie out of stick people and lines?" Felicity asked the woman and Tamera laughed as she pointed to the picture.
"The big circle is a camera and it's pointing toward the stick people. It was either a taking a selfie or being people being melted by the sun." Tamera, Katie and Claire laughed.
To Felicity and Thea it felt like another inside joke they once again knew nothing about. Claire seemed to notice and shook her head.
"It's this thing the boss says when we're outside and it's really hot. She always tells the driver, we need to get to where we're going or we're going to melt before we get there." Claire laughed again.
"You know I think I need more wine." Thea said standing to her feet.
"Oh, I'll help." Felicity stood to her feet and went to the kitchen with the woman.
Katie frowned a bit when the two woman hurried off before she shook her head and turned to Ari and handed her the market.
"Your turn Arianna." Katie said and Ari stood to her feet taking the marker. "This time no swearing at people because you don't like their guesses. This is supposed to be a fun game."
"Yeah, yeah, fun." she replied walking over to see her word.
Oliver sat at the table, cards in his hands. He had absolutely nothing, but he felt confident he could bluff a win. He looked up to the guys around the table that was scattered with poker chips, beers and snacks.
"So Oliver, you nervous about tomorrow?" John asked and Oliver looked over to him and just shook his head.
"Guys, seriously, this is just a vow renewal. We're not getting married for the first time. There's nothing to be nervous about."
"I mean Nazis from a different earth could crash the wedding and zap the guests into oblivion." Curtis said looking down to his cards. He lifted his eyes to see everyone looking at him. "I'm just thinking out loud of things I would be nervous about if I was getting married tomorrow."
"Or your wife could find out you've been hiding the fact you've been moonlighting as the Green Arrow." Rene said and Oliver turned to him. "Just thinking out loud myself."
"How about when my son is in this house, you stick to thinking in your head." Oliver replied before folding his cards to the table. "I fold." he nudged his head. "I'm going to check on the kids and then I'm turning in."
The man stood to his feet, and seemed to ignore the others protests to get him to stay. Once he was gone, they all turned to Rene.
"What?" Rene said.
"Look Rene, you've made your opinion known on the matter, but in the end, it's none of your business. We get you don't like his decision, but you don't have to throw it in his face every chance you get." John said before turning to Bruce. "That goes for you too. How about from this moment forward, and especially tomorrow we just let them have this happy moment."
"So we're all pretending that when she finds out the truth, all hell isn't going to break loose?" Rene asked folding his cards on the table. "I got squat." he stood to his feet. "I should head home to prepare for another day of keeping secrets." he sighed as he headed for the door.
"He's had a few tonight, I should-" Curtis stood to his feet. "See you guys tomorrow." He hurried to catch up to Rene.
Bruce and John were left at the table, still holding their cards in their hands as they looked over to each other.
"He's right you know. All hell is going to break loose and when she finds out we were all in on it, she's going to be pissed." Bruce said sitting back in his chair before sliding all of his chips to the middle of the table. "I'm all in."
John glanced down to his cards before sliding back into his seat as well and pushing all of his chips to the middle of the table too.
"Call."
The two men stared each other down for a moment. Both had great poker faces. Neither could read the other during the entire game.
"Full house." Bruce said before laying his cards on the table. He gestured for John to do the same. "What do you got?"
John let out a sigh as if in defeat before throwing his cards on the table.
"Royal Flush!" John laughed as he reached forward to pull all of his winnings. "Maybe you should leave the game to your son."
"Play again, all or nothing." Bruce said and John just laughed with a shake of his head.
Oliver had showered, and changed before he laid in bed in the dark room, his eyes up to the ceiling. He really did wish he was home, in his own bed laying next to his wife and not being taunted by Rene's words hours after they were said.
It seemed that at every chance, someone had to throw it in his face how he was making the wrong choice in keeping this secret from Katie. What was even more ironic was that, they weren't telling him something he didn't alright know. The problem was that it had gotten too far, gone on too long for it to end any other way than bad.
Oliver was torn from his thoughts by the chirp of his phone. He grabbed it from the table beside the bed and smiled at the message.
"We're getting married today."
He pressed her name and brought the phone to his ear. He listened to it ring before she finally answered.
"Why are you awake?" she bypassed a normal greeting.
"Twinkie, you literally texted me first. Why are you awake?" he asked.
"I can't sleep." she sighed. "I'm currently held up in the puppy closet watching our litter of no named puppies sleeping."
"We're not giving them names. The moment we give them names no one is going to want to give them up."
"But they're so cute, and cuddly, and you just want to squish their tiny faces." she said and Oliver just laughed. "Why can't you sleep?"
"Thinking about how I had a very different night in mind for tonight, that didn't include me sleeping in Felicity and Bruce's guest room." Oliver sighed. "Did you at least have fun at your fake bachelorette slumber party?"
"I did." she replied. "Oddly enough, I don't think Thea and Felicity did though. They were weird all night. I think it had something to do with me inviting Claire and Tamera."
"I'm sure it was nothing." Oliver said. "So...what are you wearing?"
Katie couldn't help but to laugh. "Really?"
"What? I'm awake, you're awake. Might as well make the best out of unplanned situation."
"Well in that case, I'm sitting in this puppy closet wearing absolutely nothing."
"Those damn lucky puppies." he replied, only making her laugh even more.
The next day, moments before the ceremony, Oliver found himself surprisingly nervous. He spent most of the morning obsessing about his vow until he remembered the words he said to Barry before his wedding. When they're at the altar, and he's looking at her, he knows the words will just come to him.
He and the guys arrived at the venue already changed. They were actually having the wedding at Green Acres. What they thought was just a horse ranch also was in the event hosting business. They rented out a beautiful decorated barn that looked almost nothing like a barn.
They had arrived before women, so Oliver seemed to move about, admiring how beautiful everything was decorated.
Inside the barn, there were tables set up that seemed to be strategically placed to create an aisle from the door to a beautiful wooden wedding arch decorated with white flowers and white drapery material. He stood staring up to the altar, hands in the pockets of his pants as he nervously waited.
"So I just off the phone with Felicity," John said walking over to stand beside the man. "They're just leaving the house now." Oliver looked over to him with a furrowed brow before glancing down to his watch. "Yeah, I know we may be late starting this thing, but hey, we were late at the first wedding and everything turned out alright." Oliver just shook his head before turning back to the altar. "How you doing man? Done pretending you're not nervous?"
"Yeah, I stopped pretending the moment I woke up this morning." he chuckled before glancing over to his friend. "Where are Will and Damian?"
"They went to see the horses. Bruce is keeping an eye on them." John replied and Oliver nods before turning back to the altar.
John could see something was really on the man's mind, and was going to ask him about it, but he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. When he turned, he let out a slight chuckle before nudging Oliver's arm.
Oliver turned as well, and slightly frowned.
"You're early Jamie." he said as the teen walked over and lifted his hand. Oliver sighed, before reaching over to shake it.
"I know, I left early because I thought for sure I was going get lost or something." Jamie laughed before turning and holding up a hand to John. "Mr. Diggle."
"I'm losing count on how many times I've told you to call me John, Jamie." John said as he shook the boy's hand.
"I know, I know. My parents always taught us it was a sign of respect." Jamie said before looking around. "This place looks awesome." he turned back to Oliver who just sighed before turning to John who once again chuckled.
"C'mon Jamie, how about I give you a tour of the place." John replied and Jamie looked from him back to Oliver.
"Oh, sure, but I was uh, kind of hoping to have a word with Mayor Queen." Jamie noticed Oliver's furrowed brow. "It's nothing bad or anything, just wanted to talk."
"Alright then," John said before turning back to Oliver who looked like he wanted to be any where else. He gave the man a pat on the shoulder. "Be nice Mayor Queen." he turned to Jamie. "I'll be over there by the bar when you're ready for that tour." And so, John turns and walks away.
"What's up Jamie?" Oliver said.
"Ok, so I uh—I know you don't really like me all that much, and I get it. You're a dad and I'm a boyfriend, and it's like coded for you not to like me. I just want you to be rest assured that I love Ari and I would never do anything to hurt her."
Oliver looked at the boy who he could see the honesty of his words in his eyes. He nudged his head and turned back to the wooden arch and Jamie turned as well.
"You know Jamie, I've been staring at this thing since I got here. I've just been thinking of Katie and how much I love her and the words I'm going to say when we're both up here later today. When we're up here, we're going to reaffirm the promises we made to each other two years ago. Oddly enough, the promise to not hurt each other isn't in there." he glanced over to the young man. "The truth is, no matter how hard we try to avoid it, we are going to do something that does hurt the other." he turned back to the arch. "Be it a lie, or a secret, or just an unintentional moment of being mean or even saying the wrong thing." Oliver let out another sigh. "You're going to hurt her Jamie, or she is going to hurt you. What I want you to promise is that you will do your best to not hurt her, but if you do you will do everything you can to earn her forgiveness." he once again turned back to the boy. "And if she can't forgive you, and she wants to walk away, I want you to let her."
Jamie turned from the arch to look over to Oliver, his words not making much sense.
"Uh sure, yes sir." Jamie replied before nudging his head. "I should go get that tour from Mr. Diggle."
Oliver just nods before watching the teen walk over to John. He turns his eyes back to the arch, and his thoughts return to Katie. And the moment he knows is coming when she finds out the truth. He's going to do anything she wants to earn her forgiveness, but he's afraid it won't be enough and she will walk away and that's the moment that's going to kill him.
Felicity and Thea were freaking out. When they jumped into the car, they fully expected to head to the venue, and yet Katie directed them to go to City Hall. They had questions of course, but the only thing Katie said was that there was a last minute document she had to sign and it couldn't wait.
And so they arrived as City Hall where Tamera and Claire were waiting, already dressed for the ceremony, while Katie was only dressed in a pair of sweats and a hoodie, her hair in rollers. Katie left Thea and Felicity in her office, while the three of them went hurrying off somewhere.
"We're going to miss the wedding." Thea said as she paced back an forth. She glanced over to Felicity who was sitting behind Katie's desk spinning in her chair. "We're going to miss the wedding because work just seems more important to her for some reason."
"Maybe there's something we don't know. Maybe her new best friends, Claire and Tam, know what's going on." Felicity said stopping her spinning.
"Right!" Thea said. "This is so unlike her. She'd never choose work over marrying Ollie again." Thea looked over to the clock. "We really are going to miss it." she dropped her eyes. "Maybe that's what she wants."
"What? To miss the wedding?" Felicity asked and Thea looked over to her and nods. "Why would she want to miss to the wedding?"
"Maybe she found out a very big secret I somehow got pulled into and asked to promise to keep." Thea shook her head. "I knew that was a bad idea. It's going to break her heart and she probably hates me and you and have replaced us with Claire and Tamera." she looked over to Felicity who just sat silently with wide eyes. "Felicity?"
Before the blonde could answer, the door pushed opened and in ran Katie with a folder in her hand.
"Ok, I'm ready, we have to go or we're going to miss the wedding." she said slightly out of breath. She looked between Thea and Felicity and noticed they weren't moving. "What happened? What's wrong?"
Felicity and Thea turned to each other for a moment, realizing their fears were wrong and so they turned back to Katie and just shook their head.
"No—nothing." Felicity said standing to her feet. "So you're ready to go?" she walked around the desk to stand beside Thea when Katie nods. "Then we should go, we're already late. We're going to have to get dressed in the car." she grabbed Thea's arm and tugged her along, and grabbed Katie's as well to pull them out the door.
People were arriving, and Oliver smiled and waved to greet them as they walked in. He glanced over to John, the question of if Katie had made it on his face and the man just shook his head. Oliver let out a huff before sliding a hand over his face. He needed some air, so he headed for the doors to step outside.
Outside, Oliver glanced over to see Damian and Will, both without their suit jackets on, kicking a soccer ball as Bruce stood nearby looking down to his phone. Oliver walked over, smiling between the boys before walking over to Bruce.
"What's going on?" Oliver asked and Bruce looked over to them. "Either they're stuck in traffic, or they didn't head here from the house."
"They stopped by city hall." Bruce replied and Oliver looked at the man in confusion. "That's all Felicity said. They stopped by City Hall, and now they're on their way here."
"Twinkie really stopped for work instead of showing up to our wedding on time." Oliver scoffed before turning and walking. "I'm going to go for a walk. Call me whenever she shows up, if she shows up."
Bruce let out a sigh before sending a quick text to Felicity about the unhappy groom.
When Bruce saw the car up ahead, he told the boys to put their jackets back on. The car stopped in front of them, and Thea and Felicity jumped out first, both tugging and pulling at the dresses.
"Hey," Bruce walked over to Felicity, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Cutting it close, aren't you?"
"Shut up, Bruce." Katie said stepping out of the car.
She turned to get a glimpse of herself in the reflection of the car as she tugged at the curls of her hair to fall over her shoulders. She slid her hands down the simple beautiful white sleeveless dress, once again tugging at the v-neck strap, hoping it wasn't too risque. She let out a deep breath, her heart racing in her chest before turning to Bruce.
"How mad is he?" she asked and the man nudged his head toward the hike trail.
"He wasn't happy when he said he was going for a walk that way." Bruce replied
Katie glanced over her shoulder before handing her bouquet to Thea. She turned, only taking a few steps before she stopped headed over to the car and grabbed her sneakers. She slipped off her heels and then slipped on her tennis shoes before turning.
"I'll go get the groom, just keep the guests entertained and drinking." she ran off down the trail.
On his walk, Oliver found a short bridge on the trail that overlook beautiful mountains in the distance. He's sure this was one of the spots they were supposed to be taking pictures. He found himself entranced with the picturesque scene.
He wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there, until he turned at the sudden footsteps. A smile came to his face the moment he saw his wife, walking toward him in beautiful white dress.
"You know there was a brief thought that I was being jilted at the altar." Oliver said as Katie walked over. "Maybe along the way, you found this next husband you keep talking about." his hands slipped around her the moment she was close. "And then I found out you went to City Hall. I thought it was kind of a unanimous decision that we don't work on our anniversary."
"It was, and I have a wonderful explanation." she replied sliding a hand over his bow tie before smiling at the yellow rose pinned to his tux. She lifted her eyes to his. "Which I can't tell you until we're alone on a plane to our two year anni-vacation weekend." she leaned in to press a kiss to his lips. "I'm sorry I was late. I'm definitely not leaving someone as handsome as you at the altar. You forgive me?"
Oliver pressed his lips to hers, his hands sliding across the skin of her exposed back, pulling her closer. The kiss seemed to push down every nervous and fearful thought about the future and he was glad for the moment of peace.
His tongue slipped between her lips, tangling passionately with hers eliciting a moan that drove him crazy. The kiss lasted until the last possible moment, before they broke apart to breathe.
"There are probably a few dozen people back there waiting for us to do this thing, and yet I wouldn't mind making them wait a little longer for another kiss like that." Katie replied with a dazed smile before pressing short kiss to his lips.
"Hey!"
They pulled apart to see Ari standing at the end of the bridge with a look of annoyance as she stares back at them.
"You're seriously making out when we're all waiting for you?! Let's go, kiss on your own time!" she walked over and began pushing the couple.
The moment Oliver and Katie found themselves standing at that altar it was like they'd been plucked into their own little world. Their eyes were on one another, big, stupid smiles on their faces, as they held each other's hands.
They were tugged from that world when Thea nudged Katie's arm, breaking the trance the couple was in. Katie looked over to Thea with a furrowed brow.
"Say your vows." she loudly whispered gaining a few laughs from the crowd.
"Oh, right." Katie turned back to Oliver with a chuckle. "From the moment our paths crossed, you've surprised me, distracted me, captivated me, and challenged me in ways that no one else ever has." Katie held Oliver's gaze with a smile. "I've fallen in love with you again and again over the years, countless times, without reservation" she felt his hands gently squeeze hers. "And I still can't believe that each and every day I get to call you my husband. These past two years have been a beautiful blend of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Together, we have built a wonderful family with our three amazing children, our crazy dog, and our four of the cutest puppies you've ever seen." Oliver let out a chuckle. "And there have been moments in these two years that have not always been easy. We have faced obstacles and hardships that tested our strength and our love. But through it all, we have stood by each other, growing stronger and more resilient." she looked up to his eyes, still not quite believing that with everything that has happened to her, she could be blessed with this man and this family. She placed a hand on his cheek. "I am proud of all that you have achieved and grateful for the love and dedication you bring to our family. I love you, Liver."
Oliver lifted her hand and placed a kiss to her fingers before looking over John who gave him a nod. He turned back to Katie and just let the words of his heart spill out of his mouth.
"Twinkie, in these last two years, you have shown me the true meaning of love and partnership. We've shared countless beautiful moments, faced challenges hand in hand, and grown stronger together. Your love has been my greatest blessing, your support my strongest foundation, and your smile my daily joy." Oliver smiled as he looked into her eyes, the emotions he felt now in his voice. "You are my best friend, and the love of my life. I am endlessly grateful for the love you give, the warmth you bring to our home and family, and the joy you bring to my heart. I promise to honor and cherish you, to support your dreams, and to walk hand in hand with you through every season of life." he let out a breath. "I love you so much."
"Today, Oliver and Katie, you have reaffirmed your love and commitment to each other, surrounded by those who cherish and support you. May your journey continue to be filled with joy, laughter, and endless love." John smiled as he looked between his friends. "By the power vested in me and the profound love you share, I now pronounce your vows renewed. You may now kiss."
Oliver slid his hand along her cheek before drawing her closer, until his lips met hers. They were once again plopped into the little world that consisted of no one else but the two of them. It's why they didn't hear John's final words or the applause from the crowd. All that existed in this moment was the two of them and the love they shared for one another.
Oliver decided to focus all of his attention on tonight and this beautiful moment. He was done giving any thought to the doom and gloom of the dark cloud that hovered above them. No, for right now, he was just going to dive into the happiness and blissfulness of the moment with his wife.
At the moment, he and Katie were swaying along to a song along the dance floor surrounded by their friends and family. Her head rested against his cheek, her arms around his neck as her fingers played with the back of his hair, while he whispered all the very deliciously naughty things he had in store for her tonight in her ear.
Katie closed her eyes and let out a sigh as she felt the heat of his palms when he once again slid across the skin of her back.
"I'm not sure I can wait that long." she whispered.
Oliver pulled back to see the look in her eyes with that very same thought. His hands gripped her waist before lifting his eyes to scan the room for a way out of here without being noticed. He took her hand, and turned, only taking a step before their escape was blocked by their children.
"Hey, uh guys, you having fun?" Oliver asked as he looked between Ari and Will. "We were just about to uh-" he glanced over to Katie hoping she had a believable story.
"Take a walk. We wanted to see those mountains under the moonlight." she replied glancing from Oliver back to the kids.
"Yeah, well walk later." Ari replied turning to Oliver. "I've been told there needed to be pictures of the kids and the happy couple on the dance floor. So let's do this daddio"
Ari held out a hand toward the man who let out a laugh before turning to Katie. He could see the flash of disappointment over her face, before she smiled and turned to Will.
"Alright Will, come show me your killer dance moves." Katie said she took the boys hand and they headed out to the dance floor.
Oliver smiled as he watched them before turning to Ari. He brought a hand around her shoulders, as they walked out to the dance floor as well. He took her hand and spun her around in a circle, making her laugh. She turned back to him, placing one hand in his, while putting the other on his shoulder.
"So I hear you and Jamie talked." Ari said and Oliver just shook his head. "So..."
"So, what? " Oliver replied looking down to her. "We talked."
"Ok, well are you going to be nicer to him and not give him that death glare thing you do?" she asked and Oliver once again laughed before spinning her again.
"I can't promise that." he replied when she spun back. "It's encoded in my DNA to give any guy you date a hard time."
"Dad DNA, huh?" she asked and Oliver just smiled down to her. She just shook her head as they continued to dance. "God, still can't believe it's been two years."
Oliver chuckled. He knew she wasn't referring to their wedding anniversary. It had also been two years since Ari has been in their life.
"I know, right. I remember it like it was yesterday." Oliver replied. "I met you in a coffee shop and you ran off and left me with your bill." Ari laughed before pulling back to look up to the man.
"I almost got Barry arrested." she continued to laughed as she remembered that day. "I never apologized for that."
"Don't worry, he doesn't hold it against you." Oliver replied, before once again glancing over to Katie and Will laughing as they danced.
Katie laughed when Will mentioned he and Damian trying to navigate the landmine of horse poop out by the stables.
"If I may say Mr. William, you're a really good dancer."
The boy looked up to her with a smile.
"My mom taught me." he said.
Katie smiles. He didn't talk about his mother much to her or Oliver and she felt honored he felt comfortable to talk to her now.
"There was this dance at my old school, and I told her I wanted to learn how to dance. She moved the furniture in our living room, and after school for a week, she'd teach me."
He laughed as he turned away at the memory. But soon the laughter died down as the memory became sad when he remembered she wasn't here.
"I miss her." he looked back over to Katie who placed a hand on his cheek.
"I know." she replied. "You're going to miss her, and you're going to remember her and some times it's going to make you laugh or smile, and other times it's going to make you sad. But whatever you feel is ok. Because feeling whatever you feel when you remember her, keeps her with you."
"Is that how it is with your dad?" he asked.
Katie didn't say anything for a moment, lifting her eyes from his, suddenly sad her father wasn't here to celebrate this moment. She looked back down to him, and nods.
"Yeah." she turned away and laughed. "He tried to teach me how to dance once." she turned back to Will. "Oh, he was so terrible. I spent the entire time just laughing because that man had no rhythm at all." she nudged her head across the room. "My friend Bruce ended up having to give me a real lesson."
The music faded out and they all clapped before turning at the sound of a clinking glass. They all turned to see Bruce standing with a microphone in one hand and flute of champagne in the other.
"Hello everyone. For those that don't know me, I am Bruce Wayne and I am the best friend of the bride." Bruce glanced over to Felicity who was giving him that dark look that made him chuckle. "Something my wife would disagree with, but I know it to be the truth." Bruce looked over to see Katie standing on the dance floor, a hand around William's shoulder as she just looks over to him in amusement. "You see I have known Katherine Queen here longer than anyone in this room." He glanced over to Oliver. "Even longer than her dear husband who hates whenever I mention it."
All eyes turned to Oliver who pulled on a tight smile as he shook his head at the man.
"I have also gotten the lucky pleasure of witnessing Oliver and Katie's relationship from the very beginning." he chuckled. "It wasn't a really good beginning. I spent most of it wanting to punch that guy in the face."
That got him a couple of laughs from the crowd and just chuckled before looking over to Oliver.
"But the beginning of any story is rarely the best part. The good stuff happens in the middle. Some bad stuff can happen in there as well, but what I admire about the two of you is your ability to carve your way through that bad stuff, to get back to the light." he turned to Katie. "You have been Mrs. Katherine Queen for two years now, but to me you will always my Robins, the closest thing I have to a sister, who I love and adore."
He placed his glass against his heart and Katie just smiled back over to him. He turned to Oliver.
"And to Mayor Oliver Queen, I never thought you deserved her." that once again got him laughs and an unamused look from Oliver. "I'm joking...kind of. But on a serious note, no one makes her smile the way you do, I've never seen anyone make her light up the way she does when she's in a room with you. The love you two share inspired even me and convinced me that I wanted it too." he glanced over to Felicity, a smile on her face as she looks back to him.
He lifted his glass, turning back to Oliver and Katie.
"To Oliver and Robins, two people who deserve all the good stuff, I wish you both the best."
Katie smiled over to the man before her ears perked up at the distant whines she knew were coming from her daughter. She turned and saw John holding Robyn in his arms trying to calm her down, but she did not look happy.
"Uh oh, little bird is t-minus ten seconds away from a tantrum." she said and William glanced over to see his unhappy sister. Katie placed a kiss to his cheek. "Thanks for the dance." Katie said, before heading over to save John before he had an angry baby on his hands.
Oliver wasn't sure where Katie went. He'd been greeting and thanking guests, while his eyes skimmed the crowd to figure out where she ran off to. He continued to sift through the party, smiling and waving as he headed over to John who was talking with Quentin, and Laurel.
"Hey," Oliver smiled as he brought Laurel into a hug. "I didn't think you were going to make it." he pulled back. "No Ethan?"
"He got caught up at the hospital, but he just texted and he is on his way as we speak." Laurel replied. "The ceremony was beautiful." she gestured to the decorated barn. "This entire place is beautiful."
"Thank you. It was actually Ari's idea, and her, Thea and Felicity put this all together." he replied glancing around once again before turning back to the woman. "How have you been? I can imagine you and Ethan are pretty busy getting ready for the baby."
"You have no idea." Laurel laughed before looking over to her father. "He and my dad have gone completely overboard." she turned back to Oliver. "The other night he baby proofed our entire apartment." she nudged her head toward Quentin. "With dad's help."
"I'm excited about my first grandchild, sue me." Quentin chucked looking over to his daughter before turning to Oliver whose eyes once again were skimming the party. "I think I last saw her with John." Oliver turned back to the man. "I think she's somewhere dealing with a grumpy two year old." Quentin gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Good luck with those terrible twos Mr. Mayor."
"C'mon Quentin, tonight it's Oliver." Oliver replied. "Matter of fact, it's always been Oliver." Oliver chuckled and once again looked around. "And thanks, I have a feeling we're going to need it." he moved past them to head over to John.
Oliver saw the man just a few feet away, but he stopped walking when he saw the man who'd just walked in.
"Martin?" Oliver greeted not expecting the man to show up. He wasn't even aware he'd been invited. "I didn't know you were coming. Did Katie invite you?"
"Actually Ari did." Martin replied. "I'm guessing you and your wife weren't informed." the man sighed before he lifted a beautifully wrapped box. "Then I should go." he held the box out to Oliver who took it from him.
"No, no, it's fine. You can stay. Thank you for coming." Oliver said reaching forward to shake the man's hand. "I uh, was looking for Katie, but I'll tell her you're here."
Oliver moved around the man to head over to John.
"I didn't know Martin was coming." John said when Oliver walked over.
"Me and you both." Oliver replied, as he glanced back to see the man greeting Ari. "Ari invited him." Oliver shook his head a bit. "I mean he is investing in Twinkie's project, and she's been getting along with him lately."
"He worked with her father for years. He's the closest connection to Jacob she has."John replied and Oliver nods before glancing down to the gift.
"I was looking for Twinkie, do you know where she is?"
John lifted his eyes and Oliver turned following his gaze up to the hayloft. He looked around and noticed steps that lead up there.
"She uh figured Robyn could use a little time away from the party." John chuckled and Oliver turned to the man before heading off toward the steps.
Oliver headed up to the hayloft that was decorated as well, lights strung around. It seemed to be more of a lounge area with few tables and chairs. He figures no one knew this place was here, because no one was up there other than Katie and his daughter who was sitting in a chair that faced her mother.
"Hey,"
Oliver placed the box on a nearby table before he walked over and both Katie and Robyn turned to him. The girl jumped from the chair and ran over to her father who scooped her into his arms. She just brought her arms around his neck and dropped her head to his shoulder.
"Oh, what's wrong, sweetie?" he placed a kiss to her head before looking over to Katie who walked over. "What happened?"
"Robyn wanted more cake, but uncle Diggle told her no because she'd have a tummy ache after already eating two pieces." Katie said looking over to Robyn. "Her response was to scream and then proceeded to kick uncle Diggle." Katie reached forward and pulled the girl from Oliver's arms. "After explaining why that was not ok behavior, we're now up here for a time out so she can calm down."
"No time out!" Robyn flailed as Katie brought her back to the chair.
The girl just jumped back to her feet and ran back to her father who she knew would save her from the time out. He once again picked her up into his arms.
"No time out, dada." Robyn once again brought her arms around Oliver.
Oliver looked over to Katie who just folded her arms over her chest as she looked over to him.
"I'm sure she's sorry, and will be happy to apologize to uncle Diggle. Isn't that right, sweetie." he placed another kiss to her head and the little girl just nods. He turns back to Katie. "See, she doesn't need a time out. She's learned her lesson."
Katie didn't say anything, as she stood there still staring over to him with a look he knew meant she was annoyed with him.
"Twinkie, she's just a baby. She will have freak outs. As long as we explain when certain actions are wrong, that should be fine." Oliver said and Katie just looked at him with a furrowed brow. "And I know what you're thinking, I'm not being a push over."
"You're being a total push over, saving her from a two minute time out." Katie shook her head. "And once again mommy's the bad guy and daddy swoops in to save the day."
Oliver sighed, once again looking down to his daughter who was holding on to him tight. He knew Katie was right. It was hard for him to discipline her because once she looked up to him with those big eyes, he just caved and would just give her anything she wanted. He justified it because to him she was just his baby who could do no wrong in his eyes.
Oliver placed a kiss to Robyn's head as he began walking.
"Sweetie, kicking is not nice and I think mommy is right. Maybe we should take a few minutes to think about it, and to just calm down, ok?" when he reached the chair, her lowered her to sit. "Me and mommy are going to be right here."
He placed a hand on her cheek before standing and taking a steps back. He let out a deep breath, when Katie walked over and took his hand.
"Two minutes, right?"
"Just two minutes." she said before nudging her head to the chair beside him.
He walked over and took a seat, and she slid into his lap, as she brought her arms around him. He slid his arms around her as he looked to the smile on her face that still made his hear skip a beat every time.
"So, wedding number three." Oliver said and Katie laughed. "What do you think?"
"I mean there's been no aliens, or psycho magic men, or evil alter egos, so it's getting a top rating in my book." her fingers slid along the stubble on his chin. "What about you? Three weddings to yours truly. Some would call you crazy."
Oliver laughed, "Then I must be insane, because I'd marry you every day of my life, if I could." he leaned forward to press his lips to hers.
He turned to look over to their daughter who was now distracting herself with kicking her feet and watching the pink tassels as they shook.
"One more minute." Katie whispered as she leaned her head against his.
"I guess now that we have a minute, you could tell me what was so pressing at the office that you were late to our wedding." Oliver said and Katie let out a light laugh. "Was there an issue with the project?"
"No, no issue with the project." she replied turning and placing to kiss to his cheek before letting her head fall to his shoulder. "I told you, I'd tell you on the plane."
"On the plane to this super secret anni-vacation trip you have planned." Oliver sighed with a shake of his head. "Should it worry me that you won't tell me until we're on the plane?"
"I don't think you should worry, but you're you, so you're going to worry until I tell you." Katie replied before looking over to the girl who let out a yawn. She grabbed Oliver wrist to look at his watch. "It's getting late, and I think she's had enough partying today."
"Are Bruce and Felicity watching her this weekend?" Oliver asked and Katie turned to him with a smile.
"Actually, Laurel and Ethan. Ethan stopped by City Hall the other day to sleep on my couch and-"
"Wait, he comes to City Hall to sleep on your couch?"
"He had a meeting downtown and didn't have to get to the hospital right away and didn't want to go all the way home, so he just crashed on the couch in my office until he needed to head over. So he overheard me talking about finding someone to watch Robyn, and he volunteered. Apparently, he's taking the entire weekend off so he and Laurel can get a taste of what it's like to care for a child."
She stood from his lap and walked over to Robyn. Squatting down a bit, she looked over to her daughter.
"Two minutes are up sweetie, you did so good." Katie held open her arms and Robyn slid forward into her grasp. Katie placed a kiss to the back of her head as Robyn laid on her mother's shoulder.
"They have no idea what they're getting themselves into." Oliver laughed in amusement and Katie did as well.
Robyn was already nodding off to sleep as they came back down the stairs, back to the party. Katie saw Ethan and Laurel and was about to head over, when Quentin appeared in front of them.
"Hey, uh-" Quentin glanced from Katie to Oliver. "Did you have a minute? There's something I got to run past you."
Oliver looked from the man, over to Katie who turned a furrowed brow from Quentin to Oliver before letting out a sigh.
"That sounds vaguely important," Katie says before leaning forward and pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I'm going to go talk to Ethan and Laurel, but find me after your talk, ok?"
"Absolutely," Oliver replied sliding a hand over Robyn's back before Katie headed off.
Oliver turned his attention to Quentin who gestured for them to step off to a less crowded part of the party.
"What's going on?" Oliver finally asked.
"Well, listen, I really did not want to do this right now, but Jean Loring just called, and she said I got to tell you right away."
Oliver saw what he thinks is nervousness in the man's features, and it make him a bit nervous.
"It's ok," Oliver replied. "What's happening?"
Quentin sighed, not sure how to even come out and say this.
"I told her it was your anniversary and you'd just renewed your vows and celebrating with your wife, I-"
"Quentin!" Oliver interrupted. The fact that the man seemed to be doing his best to avoid answering his question was only making him more nervous. "What's going on?"
Quentin's shoulders drop. "The prosecution's smoking gun—It's a witness who is willing to testify that you are the Green Arrow."
"Who?"
"Well, that information's still under seal, but it's someone on the team." Quentin said.
The moment the words came out of the man's mouth, Oliver's stomach dropped. He turned, glancing out into the party to see each member of the team, laughing and having a good time. His eyes then turned to his wife who was laughing at something Ethan had just said, Robyn now in his arms.
"I'm sorry, maybe I should've waited." Quentin said and Oliver turned to him with a shake of his head.
"It's fine, I uh-" Oliver slid a hand over his face as he tried to think of what should do. "I need to grab Felicity, see if she can dig into the team and figure out who this smoking gun is."
"And what are you going to tell the doc?" Quentin glanced over to the woman as well. "I thought you two were supposed to be headed out of town this weekend."
This time Oliver dropped his shoulders, because he found himself in an impossible situation. Today was his anniversary, and he promised himself he'd be in the moment with Katie. He was actually looking forward to whatever surprise trip she had in store for him. And yet, if there truly was a traitor on the team, he had to find out who it was as soon as possible. There was too much at stake, and he couldn't risk this traitor getting any closer to them. Oliver turned to Quentin and just gave the man a pat on the arm.
"Thanks Quentin."
He headed over off and to Katie, Ethan and Laurel.
Katie turned, a big smile coming to her face when Oliver walked over. His arm slid around her and she comfortably leaned into his embrace.
"There you are. I was just explaining to the excited parents to be, that they are about to have a very exciting weekend." Katie laughed as she turned back to Laurel and Ethan. "I was mentioning her random games of hide and seek. You're going to have to keep an eye on her, because you can turn your back on her for a second and in the next she's no where to be found."
"That's what bells are for, Kit." Ethan replied placing a kiss to the top of Robyn's head. "Me and Laur, are going to take care of your little one." he turned to Laurel who smiled back to him. "And in the process, prove to my wife that we're completely ready to be parents."
"Of course you are," Katie laughed before looking over to Oliver, who smiled, but she could sense something was wrong. She placed a hand on his chest and he dropped his eyes to her. "Everything ok?"
"Yeah, I uh—I needed to talk to you." he said and she's unsure why that made her worry, but she nods before turning to Laurel and Ethan.
"Ok, so her things are already in Laurel's car. You have our numbers. I know I've been poking fun, but if this at all becomes too much, just call and we'll make other arrangements."
"We got this Kit." Ethan said before turning to Laurel. "And now we're going to head out. We have to get this one off her feet, and we got to get this one-" he looked down to Robyn. "To an actual bed." he looked between Oliver and Katie. "Congratulations you two. Sorry, I missed the toasts, but I hear Bruce busted his chops enough for the both of us."
"And with that, we're going to go." Laurel waved to the couple, before she and Ethan headed off for the door.
Once they were gone, Katie turned to Oliver who took her hand, and pulled her with him. He pulled her back over to the steps of the hayloft, hoping it was still empty. His hopes were crushed the moment they reached the top to find Ari and Jamie alone, and in a very hot and heavy make out session.
"Hey!" Oliver growl may the teens jump, and turned with wide eyes.
"We were-we were just-" Ari shook her head, mind going blank to come up with an excuse to save them right now.
"Ari, just—both of you go back down to the party, now." Oliver ordered and the teens didn't hesitate before they hurried around them, back down the stairs.
Oliver let out a huff before turning to Katie who was still looking at him probably wondering what the hell was going on.
"Before, what Quentin wanted to talk to me about-"
Oliver started, but stopped as he looked into her eyes. He wasn't sure he should tell her about the possible traitor. He didn't want to ruin this moment, their anniversary with another dark cloud. He didn't want to put her through anymore stress.
"The sustainable energy project we just green-lit, seems to be having some road blocks." Katie's brow furrowed even more. "I have to meet with the project team, right away to get things back on track, or it's going to completely fall apart. And right now, the press getting hold of news that a project I'm backing has failed would just through more fuel to the flame."
He waited for her to say something. To give any indication of what she was feeling right now. She dropped her eyes from his, and turned away.
"Twinkie, I'm sorry."
He was sorry. For so many things right now. He felt like a piece of shit for more lies and more secrets. It felt as if he was just digging himself deeper and deeper.
"I just need a few hours, and then we should be able go. I'll meet you at the plane."
After a moment, Katie turned back to him and just nods.
"Sure," was all she said. She turned away once again, and slid her hands over her arms, suddenly cold. "I need to find a sweater or something." she turned back to him. "I'm-" she didn't get a word out before Oliver pulled off his tux jacket and brought it around her shoulders. "Thank you."
"I'm sorry," he said again and Katie just nods.
"Yeah, you said that already." she replied before nudging her head. "I'm going to do another spin around the room one more time to thank everyone for coming." she turned back to Oliver. "Good luck with your project."
With that, Katie heads for the stairs. Oliver's tempted to stop her and tell her the truth. He should've known whatever he told her right now, whatever reason he had to leave her on their anniversary was going to upset her. And now she's walking away from him, thinking he'd choose to go to work instead of spending today with her. He once again felt as if he was in an impossible situation. Once again hating how one part of his life was threatening the other.
When the party was over, and the guests were gone, Katie found herself standing in the empty barn as the staff was cleaning up around her. Her eyes were locked on the beautiful wooden arch, her and Oliver were standing under just a few hours ago.
"Hey," a hand touched her back and she turned to see Bruce. "You're still here."
"I am." she smiled as she turned back to the arch. "You know a couple of hours ago, this spot felt like magic." she closed her eyes as she remembered standing up here with Oliver. "For just a little while, everything was perfect. There was no impending trial, or dead parents, or secrets and lies. It was just me and Oliver, and nothing else mattered."
Bruce didn't say anything for a moment, because her words seemed to infer she may know more than what everyone thought she knew. Instead of saying anything, he brought an arm around her, and she simply dropped her head to his chest.
After a few moments she pulled away and slid her hands over her eyes.
"Why are you still here?" she asked looking back to Bruce. "You weren't waiting for me, were you?" she glanced around. "You didn't have to let Felicity and Damian go home without you."
The truth was, Felicity had headed over to the bunker with Oliver and John while Damian had headed over to the house with Ari and Will.
"Yeah, well I figure with everyone gone, and Oliver-" he cleared his throat. "Headed over to the office, you could probably use a ride."
Katie just smiled at the man.
"Want to know a secret you can't tell a soul. Especially not even your wife?" she asked and Bruce chuckled."You really are my best friend."
The smile grew on his face as he brought an arm around her.
"Of course I am, Robins." he placed a kiss to the side of her head as he lead her toward the door. "Don't worry, it'll be our little secret."
When Katie walked through the door of the house, she hoped Oliver would be there. He wasn't. He'd officially been gone for an hour, with no call or text.
She sighed as she headed up the stairs. She'd gotten a text from Ari, that she and Will actually headed to Bruce and Felicity's place, so the house was quiet.
When She reached their empty bedroom, she walked inside and dropped down to take a seat on the bed.
This was definitely not how she saw their night going.
Author's Note:
Of course the happy moments are fleeting.
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Sneak Peek
"Twinkie-"
"I don't care where you go, I don't care what you do, but I don't want you in this house tonight." she moved to go up the stairs, but stopped when he moved to block her. "Two years Oliver. Today of all days, you had to just break my heart." she tried to move around him, but he wouldn't let her.
"I'm sorry." he pleaded with her, hating the pain in her eyes and hating that he's the one that put it there. "I—I'm so sorry."
"I know you're sorry. You're always sorry. It's at the point now that those words mean absolutely nothing to me anymore. Get the bag and get out of this house."