"Okay, you two." Having received Elizabeth's approval, Mark set to work. "I will get busy on obtaining the marriage license." A fixed scowl was on the man's handsome face. "I'll hold off the invading hordes to give you guys a couple of moments before they descend."
Red nodded his gratitude, holding the woman cuddled happily in his arms. A nagging doubt marred the moment.
"Hey." He leaned back enough to get her attention. Those blue eyes lifted questioningly. "Is it me this time rushing you... instead of Susan?"
A crease marred Liz's forehead. "I thought this was settled? Are you having second thoughts?"
"No." the man responded without hesitation. "It is, of course, settled."
"Then... what's wrong?" Liz wanted to know.
"Nothing," Red assured. "I suppose I meant to say, do you require more time? Can you get everything you want done by tomorrow?" He asked what he considered important questions. "Or perhaps, would you prefer our wedding be in Italy... France?" He offered choice places Lizzy may prefer.
"Oh..." Biting at her nail, Liz mused quietly to herself. "That sounds lovely." She mused wistfully. "The ideas hadn't even occurred to me."
Glancing about their surroundings, she thought over Red's offer, versus all the hectic preparations which may inundate her here. But here was special. This place had brought them together so much closer than they had been. A wave of peace encompassed her mind.
Looking about, she smiled wistfully as images of their time flooded back.
It was romantic here, quiet... intimate.
Red proposed to her here.
If she couldn't get all she planned for the ceremony, what did it matter? All she needed was standing right here... being with Red was all that meant anything at the end of the day.
"No," Liz shook her head. "I like it here… it's perfect."
"Then that is what you shall have." Red kissed her pert nose adoringly, smiling gently for her. "You are, after all... the bride."
He smiled, canting his head when the woman blushed a vibrant red.
"Do you like that?" he murmured for her alone. "The sound of it?"
"... Yes." Liz lifted dazzling eyes, smiling softly.
"I do too." Red decided with finality, which amused the woman. He kissed her brow, enjoying their private moment to its fullest. "My... bride." He beamed.
Standing in the quiet, the couple embraced one another for a long moment until Red remembered what could be of significant importance to the woman's happiness.
"Do you want to invite your aunt?" Red offered to make it happen. "Any of your other family members? I can have them here by morning."
Liz pulled back slightly, frowning. "Hell, no."
Red's brows lifted, a little shocked by the sharp response.
"I love Aunt June... my family," Liz said, "I really do, but I do not want to deal with their bullshit on my day."
"I was unaware there was," Red sought the word, "strife in your family."
"There isn't, as far as I know." Liz restated more candidly. "I just know they'll be on my ass about Tom. I don't want to hear anything they have to say concerning our association. I just don't." She set her mind. "They don't know you. I know you. They have no say in my decisions, even though I know they will put in their two cents for all its worth."
Red's expression fell, clearly disappointed for the woman.
"I can hear it now." Liz grumbled her annoyance. "Don't you think it's too soon after Tom?" she mimicked their collective voices, rolling her eyes. "Do you know who this Red Reddington is?" She scoffed disgustedly. "Of course, I know who he is... I'm fucking marrying him!"
Red stifled his chuckle for the woman's stringent tone, and even more perturbed mood. "Baby, I think they would merely be questioning whether you knew what you were really in store for, being with me."
"I think I would know what it's like being with you," Liz scowled, "if we got to the stage where marriage seemed an appropriate next step! The idiots!"
"Well, sweetheart, they don't know that." Red reminded.
"Then they should keep their noses out of my business, huh!" Tiny determined fists came to those shapely hips. "This is our day. It's going to stay our day."
How could he argue with that? Why would he even want to?
"Your team?" Red suggested slowly, hoping beyond hope Elizabeth's feelings ran along similar paths.
Samar and Aram were all right, but Ressler? Red didn't even want to image the shit storm it would start if that idiot showed up. And Cooper?
Red sighed... heavily. He could just imagine how long Harold would spout off about what a horrific mistake Red and Liz were about to embark upon.
"No, thank you." Liz interrupted his thoughts. "I have no desire to hear about rules and regulations on one of the happiest days of our lives." She fell silent, worrying her lip with her teeth. "Do you think I'm being unkind?"
"What are your thoughts on the matter?" Red waited for the woman to voice her opinions.
"I'm sure Aram would be supportive, but I don't think the others would be at all." Her brow furrowed tightly. "Samar expressly stated it was okay to take you as a lover, but advised against falling in love with you."
"In Samar's world, becoming romantically involved with a CI has only led to heartache." Red said, explaining Samar's stance. "Her society is not ours, Lizzy. Keep that in mind, baby."
"I understand that," Liz did, "but you're so much more than just a CI... you've proven that time and time again."
"To you, maybe." Red reminded. "But bottom line? I couldn't give a damn about what your team thinks of me."
"Look, you and I have had in-depth discussions about what may happen when we get married. Am I right?" Liz asked.
"Yes, we have." Red agreed.
"With that said, I don't want to sit around with them on my wedding day, rehashing something we've already discussed and settled." Liz staunchly replied. "I, especially, do not want to see Ressler's moody, accusing expression all damn day!"
"All right," Red smiled down at her. "If they should offer their congratulations on our return... we'll hold a get together or small party to celebrate the occasion."
"That would be okay... I'm all right with that." Liz agreed wholeheartedly. "What about you?" she asked. "Are you going to invite Rachel? Maybe René?"
Red shrugged, nodding after a fashion. "I suppose I could."
"What of Antonio and Maria?" Red held his smile, knowing Lizzy would love the couple to be in attendance.
"Oh, I would love for them to be here," her voice took on a reflective note, "but they were going to Italy to visit family." She reminded. "Plus, the travel time..." she sighed. "Maybe when we all return home," she posed the scenario, "we could have an intimate ceremony with our closest friends," she warmed to the idea, "... I could wear my dress, maybe have dinner and cake?"
"Yes, we could do that, just for them." Red promised, enjoying the idea of intimate acquaintances sharing in their happiness.
"Well, that's one issue taken care of then." Liz nodded decisively, beaming happily.
"Is there something else?" Red sensed an undercurrent, and had since he sequestered her earlier.
"It's nothing, really." Liz smiled wanly, shrugging aside the issue.
"Yet, whatever is on your mind is troubling you." Red knew the woman well. "If we are to be married, I would hope we could confide in and share with one another... no matter how trivial the issue."
Sighing, Liz nodded, albeit reluctantly. "The girls... they weren't as supportive as I thought they would be about our," she sought a polite description, "interaction this morning."
"I see." Red mulled over the information. "I admit, I'm shocked Susan–"
"No, Susan and Emma were okay. Actually, more than okay." Liz said, now that she thought about it. "I guess Amanda and Amy weren't all that shocked. They were just giving me the business. I can take that, really."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Red was confused. "I'm not following. If they were supportive, then..."
"Well, really, it was Missy." She finally confided. "She was a little bit critical in all the wrong ways." Liz had time to think about it and yes, it upset her more than she liked to admit. "It got on my nerves. Truth is, I wanted to punch her lights out at one point. Was I ever that prudish, Red?"
Though he didn't know the woman well, he had observed enough to know Melissa wasn't the worldliest of persons. It surprised him when he realized Francis was serious about his involvement with the girl.
Melissa wasn't the type Francis usually gravitated to, which, in a way, was a very good thing. Normally, Francis attracted flamboyant, superficial, self-seeking women.
Melissa, on the other hand, was naturally beautiful and intelligent... but appeared to have lived a very sheltered life. It wasn't unusual for the woman to become overly sensitive, verging on pretentious, narrow-mindedness. At least in Red's opinion.
He could only imagine how she reacted when discussing the type of lovemaking he and Lizzy enjoyed this morning with all its faceted glory.
In truth, Red had been more than pleasantly accepting of Elizabeth's unfolding ability to share her fantasies and desires with him. What real man wouldn't be?
Lizzy's sex life had been rather... boring. At least from his perspective. He'd imagine, it was quite refreshing to say one little word now and, without fail, he would take part in the play she seemed so willing to explore. How could that not be a win-win situation for them both?
Hopefully, his performance had proved that he was listening to her needs. He was more than intrigued to see what the woman came up with next. To hell with what others thought.
"What do you feel about what happened between us?" Red asked for the only opinion that mattered to him.
"It was exciting, Red." Liz confessed. "I really enjoyed what we did."
"Then, that's all that matters." Red said. "Your friends can offer opinions or advice and even ask questions," he shared his thoughts on the matter, "but in the end, all that matters is what you think...what you want, Elizabeth. You...not them."
Nodding slowly, Liz thought over all being said.
"They do not know of our arrangement," Red reminded, "nor anything else we discussed behind closed doors."
Red was right in that regard. She had not confided in her friends, nor was she likely to in the future. She wanted to keep those moments just for herself.
What she experienced with Red this morning, or anytime, really, had been incredibly arousing and liberating. She had never felt such freedom to explore and experiment with her sexuality... and she loved it. If her friends did not have that type of openness in their relationships, she could only feel sorry for them.
In fact, the anticipation she felt about what their next adventure might entail was building in her mind even as they spoke.
If she and Red failed in their attempts to liven up their sex life, so what... it was okay because they tried something out of the norm. No harm done. More couples should experiment in her opinion.
But if they succeeded...a deeper understanding of one another and a more solid foundation of trust and communication could come from this. It could prove to be something very special to them as a couple.
Anyone that had a problem with that, they could just kiss her ass.
"You can, of course, confide in them the things we do, as women do from time to time, I'm sure," Red continued on, "but until they know the private details of what we share with one another..."
"They don't know jack shit." Liz said, realizing as much.
"Yes, exactly." Red agreed with her assessment wholeheartedly. "If you are having second thoughts and wish to reevaluate our earlier arrangement–"
"No," Liz interrupted, "no, I am not. I'm perfectly happy to continue on the path we decided to explore."
"If that changes," Red held her eyes willfully, "in any way," he stressed, "you only need come to me and we'll discuss it, okay." No matter how small a change might be, it was still significant in his world.
"Yes," Liz smiled, happy now, "yes, we'll do that."
Red frowned when Lizzy grimaced, covering her gasping mouth with her hand.
"Oh, I hope we didn't offend Lily." she groaned dejectedly. "After all she's been through..." she sighed. "I mean, she seemed okay, but what if she was just putting on an act so I wouldn't be embarrassed or..."
"While Lily's situation was troubling," Red agreed, "she seems to have moved past some of the pain." he soothed her concern. "I can speak to Harper to see if there is any residual damage we need to address."
"I really have become quite fond of her." Nodding, Liz wrapped her arms about Red's shoulders, hugging the man. "Thank you."
All too soon, the ladies swarmed, stealing Elizabeth away. Normally, Red might be annoyed by the interference, but in this case...his actions would be rather petty, since all they really were doing was assisting Lizzy in a trying time.
Left to his own devices, Red did as promised and went about locating Harper. He thought Lily was a lot stronger than most people gave her credit for, but to keep any misunderstandings from rearing their ugly heads, it never hurt to say the words out loud.
Harper actually seemed touched by Elizabeth's concern for Lily. Red left with a good feeling. Matters on that front seemed to be looking up.
Red took to the phone, making necessary calls as the morning wore on.
"No," Red laughed cheerfully, "don't worry, Charles, really. Elizabeth and I just thought of you and..." he nodded, "yes, exactly." His smile widened. "Tell René I'll call later... and give that new baby a kiss for me."
Saying their goodbyes, Red hung up the phone, only to feel it vibrate in his hand a moment later. Opening the text, he smiled when he was greeted by the sight of René and Charles' newest family member... Mia, all swaddled in her pink blanket, sleeping soundly in her mother's arms.
Taking a breath, Red opened his tablet, scrolling through the list of items he needed to address, a warm feeling encompassing him. He liked babies. Babies were a good thing.
Michael Fairfax had been searching high and low. He told Red so as he interrupted the other man's busy work. "You are a hard man to track down when Dembe is otherwise occupied and can't direct us to your whereabouts."
Red had found a little niche in a secluded office to get some much-needed quiet time.
"I want to apologize for my wife." Michael spread anxious hands. "I love her to death, but Susan's a tenacious little brat when she gets something in her head."
Red felt a serene calm overcome him; the man's words bringing back fond visuals. "I actually have to thank your brat of a wife." Red had caught glimpses of Lizzy throughout the morning. He had never seen her more excited and bubbly.
It was only due to Susan's meddling, Red decided to take the chance that perhaps Lizzy might actually be ready to take the step he, himself, was all too eager to take.
"Lizzy is having the time of her life planning this ceremony." Red confided.
Michael shrugged apologetically. "Be that as it may–"
"Trust me," Red assured, "I didn't mind the tenacious brat's interference one bit." he smiled happily. "In fact, I should probably thank Susan for sticking her lovely nose into the fray."
"When I left the hen-house, another co-conspirator had arrived on scene." Michael knew Red would be interested in his news. "That Harper chap had escorted the shy little bird of his into the pack. Liz welcomed her with enthusiastic charm, of course." The man shook his head. "We all have taken her under our collective wings, but your woman has a genuine warmth for that little waif that is rather touching, even to this old reprobate's hardened heart."
"Lizzy has a way of putting people at ease." Red's pride was showing.
"Even Harper was smiling at the goings-on." The unusual sight impressed Michael. "He even gave the women some breathing room for a change. He actually went over and sat with Ben and Francis... poor unsuspecting fool that he is."
Red chuckled. "I bet it's boring for those two idiots not to be the center of attention for a change."
"Are you kidding?" Michael was dumbfounded. "When I left, they were arguing about which risqué negligee your bride-to-be should wear on her wedding night." The man thought back on the moment. "It was getting quite heated when I left. I personally opted for the sheer black lace with no crotch."
Red cut his eyes to the man; his expression benign. "I will have to kill those little bastards before this is over, mark my word."
"Surely it's all meant in good clean fun." The Englishman was relatively certain. "But if you decide to do so, I will be gentleman enough to hold your coat."
"Just make certain my weapon is loaded and ready to use." Red chuckled lowly.
"Wouldn't it be awful if Elizabeth decides, down the road, to do all this over again because it's just not what she envisioned?"
"Why would you say that?" Red was instantly concerned.
"Don't all women do that?" Michael was stumped. "My God, man... Susan has had three weddings to date. I thought it was the norm. One for us...one for show and one for family."
Red's eye twitched subtly in response.
Family...
Lizzy had family, but she intimated their bond was not as close knit as he had believed it to be. Aside from Rachel and his daughter... Red also had a very limited family tree.
One that would claim him, anyway.
After tomorrow, however... that would all change when he and Lizzy said their vows, and began a family all their own, God willing...in time, of course.
It still amazed him that just a short while ago, he and Dembe were navigating the world alone.
Now, Lizzy was by his side. Added to the mix were a plethora of guards, Nora and... Francis.
It wasn't the most traditional family, but a family none the less.
"Oh, shit." Red arose hastily. "I forgot something of the utmost importance. If you want to tag along... feel free."
He sought Lizzy's location posthaste. He hadn't wanted to intrude on the festivities, but there could be none without his contribution.
"Pick the red one. Get it?" Francis was advising a very patient bride-to-be. "Red? It's some kind of omen or something."
"Francis, I'm not wearing a red wedding gown." The woman cut her friend a glance. "It would be an omen, alright. Oh, look... the pastries are coming out. Want to sample some and tell me which to pick?"
The young man was off and running. Liz breathed a sigh of relief. "If you don't find something to occupy that man..." She lifted blue eyes to Red's amused ones. "I'm going to have Silas stuff him into one of those pastry bags!"
Red smiled down at the serenely collected woman. He had thought to find her frazzled and edgy.
"Oh, Red." Liz looked the man over expectantly. "Did you get hold of Rachel? René?"
"I did." He answered obediently. "They will most definitely... not be here."
Liz's face fell, crushed for Red's sake. "Why?"
Pulling his phone free, Red scrolled the screen. "René is a little wiped out from her own adventure." he said, showing the baby picture to Lizzy.
"Oh!" Liz gasped joyously, dropping the clipboard beside her to take the phone. "When?"
"Mia is now," he glanced at his watch, "... twelve hours old."
Liz looked back to the picture, grinning madly. "And Rachel?"
"Watching her grandchildren." Red's smile widened. "Jackson and his wife are about to go into labor any day now. Talk about timing."
"Gosh!" Liz's eyes widened. "It's a busy time for everyone!"
"Yes," Red chuckled. "I asked Mark to set up streaming for Granny, however, so she could watch the ceremony in real time."
"She will kill you if she finds out your called her that!" Liz beamed happily.
"She'll be too busy. But she did have a message for you." Red relayed a promise. "Said she was proud of us... for heeding her sage advice." He snickered quietly.
"Oh..." Liz flushed. A small smile curved her lips as she recalled the conversation with Rachel. "Some would say we did let others dictate our actions." She said. "It is because of them," she gestured to the others, "we're planning this at all."
"They may have encouraged us, yes." Red shrugged. "But dictated? No. We made this decision all on our own."
"I do want this, Red." Liz grasped his hands in hers, lifting her eyes to his.
"As do I, sweetheart." Red assured, crouching before her. "More than anything in the world."
Lifting her hands to his mouth, Red kissed the soft flesh lovingly.
"Oh, Red, what about Nora!" Liz lifted wide eyes. She put all else aside, starting to rise.
"Nora said she wished to ready the house for our return." Red sighed lightly, smiling. "Whatever that means." he said, allowing his confusion.
When Lizzy came to stay, he had hired housekeepers, a lawn crew... and Nora. As they were not in house at the moment, and the guards were off enjoying their own pursuits... he couldn't fathom what the woman meant by the cryptic statement, but there had been excitement in Nora's voice and a little giggle.
Red teased her about nipping at the cooking sherry again because of the whimsical way in which his news had been met.
"What could she possibly mea..." Liz trailed off, frowning. "She better not be working!"
Red soothed her concern. "If she is, which she better not be," he concurred, "I will generously compensate her time." He assured. "In any case, she, too, will be a virtual guest."
"...I don't like that." Liz calmed somewhat. "But trying to change that woman's mind is just a useless endeavor, as we all know. But I love her, anyway." She almost teared up.
"How much of that have you and your posse dwindled down?" Red asked of the list at Lizzy's side, distracting the woman.
"Huh?" Liz frowned, then noticed what Red gestured to exactly. "Oh! Yes...well, Susan has conducted this campaign like a military coup, let me tell you. We're making quite a dent."
Scanning the flourishing penmanship on the long list, Red was pleased with the progress made... all seemed in order. Removing his wallet, he waved a card in the woman's direction.
"Don't leave home without this." He said, placing it in her hand.
Turning the card about, Liz's expression amused. "Is this metal?"
Tapping the card against her palm, Liz felt the noticeable difference between her card... and whatever the hell this was. "Did Silas tell you to give me the business?" She cast the man a scolding stare.
Red chuckled quietly when the woman continued her investigation, tapping the credit card on a nearby lamp base, making the titanium sing.
"Isn't this weird." Liz held the nifty object up to see if it caught the light.
Considering the woman had carried plastic all her life, Red could see where a titanium card would be a novelty. It was also one of the many reasons his love for Elizabeth grew every passing second of each day.
Something of which he took for granted was now seen through her eyes to be a wondrous thing.
Lizzy always made him remember to stop and smell the roses, so to speak.
"I've placed you as an authorized user, so you should have no issues." Red made mention. "I also alerted the issuer colossal sums would be moving in and out of the account like water through a sieve today." The card had no limit, but Red still wished to assure her... "So, no cops will show up to ask embarrassing questions. Spend to your little heart's content."
"...Okay." Liz exhaled a shaky breath. "If you insist."
"I, like Nora...have made up my mind. In any case, Dembe will be there with you and will handle issues should they arise." He nodded his satisfaction. "Which they won't."
"Red, I do have my own–"
"Don't even go there, woman." Red stepped into Lizzy's sphere, cupping her sweet face in hand. "This is our day, let me have some fun too... at least in spirit."
Normally, he wouldn't argue over such a minuscule issue, especially considering his accountants were already in the process of adding Lizzy to all his accounts. Still, he wished for her to purchase whatever tickled her fancy without the threat or worry of extending her limit.
"Don't even think about scrimping on the flowers, dress and whatever the hell else you want." Red warned, knowing the woman well. "I mean it, Elizabeth."
"That's why you're sending, Dembe!" Liz gasped. "The little traitor would turn me in!"
"I'm sending Dembe to assist you." Red clarified, then smiled slowly. "But yes, he will rat you out for not picking the very best for our wedding...or at least, what your heart is telling you to choose."
"Fine..." Liz pouted. "My master's voice has spoken, it seems."
"I like the sound of that." Red lifted impressed brows.
"Of course, you do." Liz held her smile. "So, I guess we're off, but I have no idea..to where. Do you have any suggestions... sugar daddy?" the woman's voice lowered seductively.
"Behave," Red warned, "or I will take you over my knee, Elizabeth." his smoldering gaze swept the woman's form lasciviously.
"..Don't make promises you can't keep right now." Liz's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"The jet is ready to fly you all to Houston." Red grunted quietly, relating the pertinent information. "Dembe has been making a list of places you'll want to check out. He will be down any second." The man leaned covertly. "I think he is just as excited as you."
"How does that man know everything under the sun, Red?" Liz tossed her hands out at her sides. "I don't even know what I need for this wedding and I'm kinda a major player here."
"Calm down. I'm positive that you will find exactly what you're wanting with Dembe's capable input," Red soothed frayed nerves. "I'm sure that everything will fall into place just as it should." he hoped as much, at any rate. "Stop worrying." He teased. "God wants this to happen... what could go wrong?"
"What could go wrong, the man says." Liz inhaled a shaky breath but relaxed on the exhale. "All right. I'll suck it up and put on a happy face." She did just that.
"You're trying too hard." He chuckled at the fixed, faux effort.
"There's just no pleasing you, Red." She joked, lightening the mood.
"Well, that depends on the wedding night lingerie you chose, doesn't it?" He came right back in the same vein.
Finally, that giggle came, for which he had worked so hard... appeared just the same time as Dembe and Silas, who came sauntering up as if neither had a care in the world.
"Your Pinkerton men have finally graced us with their illustrious presence." Red nodded his greeting to the duo. "Now, go, have fun." The man sent Lizzy on her way with a playful swat to her rounded bottom.
In little less than an hour, Liz and her entourage landed in Houston, Texas.
"Where to first, do you think?" Liz asked of those gathered. "My head is already spinning."
"I would think," Susan suggested, "we should start with the bouquet."
"Right!" Liz nodded agreeably, looking over the list Dembe offered. "But what about the bouquet?"
"Just decided that, dear." Susan grinned. "Calm down. We have this under control."
"I'm calm." Liz assured one and all. "What makes you think I'm not calm." Her hand shook as she swiped a fine tendril of hair from her cheeks. She smiled that faux smile Red had poked fun at earlier.
"We can hit the bridal boutique afterwards," Emma said. "See what they have on your list and go from there."
"Yes, okay." Liz thought the idea a sound one. "Okay, well... I guess we should do that."
The ladies began piling into the waiting SUV, chattering excessively, conversations converging over one another.
"Guys," Liz asked, "aside from the dress... how are we going to get anything back to the hotel?" The woman's nerves shot up a notch or two.
"I'm sure whatever you purchase will fit on the jet, Elizabeth." Dembe assured.
"It's a really big jet, after all." Amy reminded. "It even has its own bar area."
Liz stared at Dembe, a little dumbfounded. She still couldn't quite grasp the idea she had a jet at her disposal but realized she had better become accustomed to it and fast.
"I would figure this excursion is for specialty items." Lily's face was flushed with excitement. "Such as your bouquet, gifts, lingerie..."
"Men always appreciate something in latex." Silas put in his two cents' worth. "Crotchless anything, goes without saying, of course. And the timeless but always tasteful nipple clamps and chastity belt, which is really fun to figure a way into... is a must for any bride's trousseau."
"Oh!" Liz hurriedly jotted down that reminder. "Yes, my lingerie! How could I forget!"
"I would imagine," Silas shooed her into the vehicle, "Red doesn't normally give a shit about such distractions."
"Well..." Liz hid her flushed cheeks, "it's tradition... isn't it?"
"Whatever you say." Silas shrugged, closing the door on the woman. "I'm just the Pinkerton guy."
After searching two florists, and a million suggestions later, Liz found exactly what she had been looking for at the third shop on the list.
More exciting, or surprising really, okay... shocking; they could have her flowers done within a couple hours.
She silently wondered if Dembe had anything to do with the unusual events going so smoothly, for she had seen the man speaking with the florists as she searched for what she needed. And what did it matter if the guy moved things along?
Dembe Zuma was an irreplaceable commodity in her book.
After enjoying a quick lunch to bolster their spirits, they headed for the boutique, taking in the full scope of all they had to offer.
Liz's mouth fell agape, just staring at the rows upon rows of bridal paraphernalia and gowns available to browse.
Thankfully, finding a bridesmaid dress was just down to one person, at least. Before her departure, she and Red decided to have one person stand beside them, and that was Dembe and Amanda.
Liz had already picked her color theme as well, so that was another problem taken care of.
She wished she could say the same about the hunt for her dress.
A task Liz secretly dreaded.
The first time she had done this, it had taken months to find a dress, let alone alter it.
Time which she didn't have.
While the girls went about securing the bridesmaid dress, Liz scanned the racks loaded full of gown after gown.
A sea of white... that made her feel like she was drowning.
"Hello, my name is Holly," a stylish woman smiled, holding her hand aloft. "Can I help you with something today?"
"Oh, uhm, I'm not sure?" Liz felt overwhelmed already, shaking Holly's hand. "I mean, I'm not sure what I'm looking for exactly."
"All right. Why don't we talk budget first." Holly smiled kindly.
Liz hesitated, unsure if she should quote something to simplify the choices available or if it would make any difference at all.
"It is unlimited." Dembe spoke from somewhere behind her.
"Oh, are you the fiancé?" Holly asked, her smile brightening.
"No, I am her assistant and bodyguard." Dembe replied stoically.
"I see..." Liz chuckled inwardly at Holly's heightened interest before returning to the task at hand. "When is the wedding?"
"Tomorrow." Liz grimaced accordingly.
"Oh, dear." Holly looked Liz over, mentally gauging her size.
"I know." Liz winced apologetically.
"Well, this shouldn't be too difficult." Holly bolstered. "You have a darling figure. I'm sure we have something that will need only minor alterations, which can be done in no time at all." She put Liz's mind at ease.
Holly waved a couple of free agents over to assist. "Why don't I pick you a gown in each style, see which you like best, then take it from there."
"That sounds like a good plan." Liz shrugged agreeably.
Watching the woman and her helpers scurry away, Liz smiled up at Dembe as they dashed madly about.
"Money really does talk, doesn't it?" Liz whispered, chuckling under her breath.
"At times, but a titanium credit card opens many a door as well." Dembe grinned, directing her to a dress Silas held aloft.
The dress was a see-through creation, but it held a certain appeal even for Liz. "I don't have the balls to wear that, and you know it." She rolled her eyes. "That front is cut down to my navel. If you aren't going to be serious here, go flirt with someone." She shook her head for such antics. "At least it will keep you occupied."
"That would be unprofessional of me." Silas put the gown back on the hook provided. "I'm just going to sit over there and look amazingly attractive. Give the women a treat. They all look kinda frazzled."
Liz sighed mentally. "Okay...do that then."
An hour later, Amanda's bridesmaid dress and her shoes had been secured.
Concerned she was taking too long in her endeavor, the girls hurriedly assured Liz they could see to the other items on her list, freeing her to focus on the matter at hand.
After choosing a style which suited her best, the search for the perfect gown was going faster than anticipated.
She vetoed the first for being too puffy, the second too flashy.
Coming down to the newest choice, Liz turned her back on the mirror as Holly helped her situate the gown into place.
"I don't want to turn around." Liz smiled wanly, confiding in her unfailing helper.
"I think you should." Holly encouraged. "I think you'll really like this one." She stepped back, looking over her handy work with a smile. "You look... amazing."
Liz felt an unexpected shiver of excitement, for Holly actually sounded sincere. Not salesperson sincere, but genuinely honest.
Taking a steadying breath, Liz nodded, then turned to the wall of mirrors, her mouth falling agape.
"Oh, it's beautiful!" Liz gasped her joy. She instantly ran her hands down the luxurious material, twisting this way and that to see the full effect.
"You can embellish it anyway you wish," Holly lifted a couple examples she had on hand, "... or not."
Liz raised her arms out of the way as Holly tied a belt of rhinestones and pearls about Liz's waist.
Taking in the full scope of the vision before her, Liz felt very much the movie starlet the way the layers of lace and tulle highlighted her best qualities.
Following the delicate straps of lace running up over her shoulders, she glanced into the mirror at the open back of the gown which mirrored the deep plunging V-neckline showcasing her full breasts.
Her bronzed skin appeared to glow against the pristine white piping decorating the bodice and skirts in an intricate design of lyrical swirls and loops.
The form-fitted gown accentuated her small waist and bottom before falling into a heavy drape at her hips, creating a stunning cathedral-length train. The exquisite fabric fell along the stairs, the heavy drape conforming to each step in a lacy veil.
The dramatic cut of the dress provided a hint of glamour yet retained a glimmer of class and sophistication. She felt voluptuous... and so very alluring.
The dress was simply... stunning.
She felt simply... gorgeous.
Giving Liz an idea how the final product may look, Holly gathered Liz's hair into a bunch, securing it with a diamond studded veil.
"You want to show them?" Holly asked as she pulled tendrils down to frame Liz's face.
"I suppose so, but there's really no need." Liz's eyes glittered with warm tears, a beaming smile lighting her features. "I don't care what they say. This is it. I want it." She was absolutely positive. "This is my gown." She literally beamed her happiness, her eyes shining their joy.
Opening the door, Holly ushered Liz out, sharing an excited smile with the woman. Granted, she would gain a hell of a commission on this one sale, but in all honesty... she truly liked Elizabeth. She was a very nice, sweet, easy-going person. She wished more than anything this was the dress of Liz's dreams.
"Hey, guys." Liz said quietly, waiting to see their reaction.
Dembe turned, his eyes widening at the sight. A slow grin pulled at his mouth before it turned into a full-on smile. This was the first reaction where he seemed both pleased and shocked.
"Whoa..." Silas looked Liz up and down appreciatively. The low, soothing baritone said more than any words could. Liz felt beautiful and sexy and just... amazing.
"You are truly stunning, Elizabeth." Dembe said, his tone making tears well again.
"You guys would tell me right, I mean..." Liz had no doubts, but words were nice too. "If I was going off the rails here?"
"That's the one." Silas stated his opinion. "I'd be the first to tell you otherwise, as well you know."
"You are a vision, Elizabeth. Truly." Dembe nodded his approval. "Raymond will be blown away."
Liz smoothed her hands lovingly down the gown, feeling like a million bucks suddenly. "I feel like freaking Cinderella, guys. I love this dress!"
"And..." Silas grinned impishly as his eyes swept her frame for once with masculine appreciation, "it loves you, Lady. Box it up... we're outta here."
"We are." Liz bubbled with joy. "And yes...it is my gown." She grinned ecstatically, thrilled with her selection.
"After you get back from showing them..." Silas held up a staying hand, then reached behind him. "Try this on for size, will ya."
"But..." Liz waved a hand over her favored gown.
"You're definitely keeping that dress." Silas pointed to the gown Liz wore. "I just want to see what this one looks like."
Hoping it wouldn't be too slutty, Liz cautiously scanned the dress with a critical eye. "Oh... wow."
More than content and ecstatic she found her dress, Liz shrugged nonchalant shoulders. She was so damned happy right now; she wouldn't mind playing mannequin for a minute. Besides, she had felt pretty in everything she tried, so why not extend the good feeling a couple minutes?
"...Okay!" Liz grinned enthusiastically.
Both men watched the woman rush off, intent on showing off her chosen dress. Shaking his head, Silas chuckled for Liz's girlish enthusiasm.
"We really should be going," Dembe alerted Silas to the tight timeline, "shouldn't we?"
"No," Silas begged to disagree. "Let her play."
"There is much to do." Dembe grimaced, gesturing to the list.
"Maybe," Silas shrugged carelessly, shifting his attention to his anxious friend.
"Look, I know there's a shitload to do," Silas acknowledged, "and we will get it done... but not at the expense of Liz not enjoying the experience."
Jerking back, Dembe looked Silas over with a bewildered look. "Are you inebriated?"
"Not at the moment, no. I imagine I will be by the day's end, however." Silas allowed the man's skepticism. "Look man, Liz deserves this, Red would want her to have it."
"Raymond would enjoy that, yes." Dembe concurred.
"Besides, she's the bride," Silas reminded, "... shit can't start without her, anyway." he grinned. "If she's late... it's her prerogative."
The woman in question came hurrying back, a brilliant smile on her face as she yanked the dress from Silas' hands with a giggle.
"I'll be just a second!" Liz promised as Holly shut the door behind them.
Offering Dembe a pointed look, Silas sat, getting comfortable for the long haul.
"Take your time, Elizabeth." Dembe called out, taking the same stance as his friend. "...Take your time."
"You're back." Red arose from his resting place as Dembe walked in through the door.
"We just arrived a few moments ago." Dembe said, plopping down into the chair opposite Raymond. "Before you ask, Elizabeth is downstairs in the ballroom. Matthew has taken this shift."
"You couldn't take it anymore, could you?" Red chuckled as Dembe sprawled uncharacteristically in his seat. The man looked wiped. "All those women. Something finally brought you to your knees."
"I don't know how Elizabeth could sort it all out." the man cradled his forehead in his palm.
"I bet she looks a hell of a sight better than you, old friend?" Red teased. "Should I go down, offer support and another broad shoulder to lean on?"
"Those women need no help." Dembe scoffed. "They have more energy than an entire division of military elite."
"But... everything came off okay in the end?" Red was a little anxious. "No major hiccups?"
"Elizabeth is very happy... she had a wonderful time." Dembe assured. "There was a time or two she appeared overwhelmed, but she pulled it together quickly enough and refocused, after a deluge of red wine."
Red chuckled. "Deluge?" He repeated cheerfully. "Does this mean I have to restock the bar on the plane... and Elizabeth was still upright when you saw her last?"
"It goes without saying." Dembe confirmed with a nod. "Elizabeth was listing port side, but yes, still standing."
"Was Lizzy happy with her selections?" Red asked. "She got everything she wanted?"
"It was difficult to block out her friends' advise and choices, but in the end, they all stepped back when they realized the pressure they were exerting." Dembe said, chuckling, amending his thoughts on the matter. "Elizabeth has very special friends, Raymond. I hope you are aware just how they feel about her. Their actions showed it today."
"I worried about that, to be honest." The observation piqued Red's curiosity.
"The flowers, menu..." Dembe mentioned a couple. "They made a concerted effort to help, not hinder. I think the choices turned out very nice."
Uncapping his water, Dembe swallowed half the bottle in one long pull. "Speaking of which, I am to supply your tie and boutonniere before the wedding. I have been given my orders. I intend to obey them."
"However, am I supposed to know which suit to wear so I match the tie?" Red asked, his tone playfully aghast. "My God, man...don't keep me in suspense!"
"You don't need to know everything, dearie." Mr. Kaplan's husky rasp of voice interrupted the 'men talk'. She crossed the room, neglecting to announce her entrance in any way, shape or form, locating a suitable place to alight. She chose the cushioned couch with its hundreds of decorative pillows.
Red opened his arms to his friend, crossing to her location. He bent, kissing the woman's cheeks. "Kate, I'm so glad you could make it."
"As if I would miss your wedding." Kate scowled her disapproval for such a thought. "Plus, I had to bring you this." She slipped the box into Raymond's hand. "Can't get married without that."
Stroking the decorative leather-bound box, Red chortled quietly to himself, remembering how he, himself, had questioned whether to bring the item along on this trip.
He was glad it was now in his hand and not in his drawer at home. "Thank you, Kate. You think of everything...as usual. My invaluable, trusted ally."
Returning his attention to his friend, Red waited for a reply to his question.
"You've been told to wear your black suit." Dembe replied casually. "I would not even think of deviating from the 'suggestion', were I you. And yes, I have already sent it to the cleaners."
"I'm a little afraid, but in a good way, I guess," Red chortled. "The black suit it is, then." He shrugged his shoulders. "Mine is not to question why."
"No, it is not." Kaplan agreed. "Do you see a scotch in my hand, Raymond?"
The man hopped to rectify the mistake. "So, this thing is really coming together." Red felt a hint of excitement building. "It's really going to happen."
He handed Kate her glass, stepping back, hands clasped. "Did she get her dress?"
"None of your business." Kaplan pointed out, sipping the fiery liquid, enjoying the smooth burn in her throat. "Is it?"
"Aw, come on." Red demurred. "What's it look like?"
"A wedding gown." Dembe stated smoothly.
"But you got to see it?" Red was more interested than he should be, he realized.
"I did." Dembe confirmed, his smile a secretive one. "Elizabeth looked like an angel... quite breathtaking." The man warded off the countless questions before they could begin. "Don't start with me."
Red sniggered for the man's curt tone.
"You will see it soon enough." Dembe said, then sipped his tea he had made just seconds earlier.
"You can tell me about it later, Dembe." Kate smiled pleasantly for once, needling Red... the man sensed as much.
"I will do better than that." Dembe stated. "I took photos of it."
Red scoffed, shaking his head. "Talk about dirty traitors." He disdained. "I made you people who you are today. And this is the thanks I get?"
"Pretty much." Kaplan was not impressed, obviously. "Tell him the good news now." She prompted Dembe.
"As per tradition...it was generally agreed that you and Elizabeth should spend this particular night...apart."
"The hell you say." Red grumbled his dissension, but a thought occurred. "Is this what Lizzy wants, or those witches running the show down there?"
"I do not believe she has given it much thought." Dembe said. "If you were to ask me, though, I think it would be a wonderful idea."
"No one did ask you." Red made mention.
"I agree with Dembe." Kate added her two cents.
"All right, what the hell is going on with you two?" Red glanced between the two. "There is tradition and then there is stupid."
"Stop being so paranoid." Kate gave the man a perturbed look. "It's a wedding, not a back-alley meeting. You're supposed to be in the dark." She continued. "I think a brief separation would be good for the both of you at this time."
"Good for us?" Red fought to control his incredulousness.
"Your first marriage started off well enough but ended badly." Kate ticked off her reasons she believed such a thing might be beneficial. "Elizabeth's first marriage was a sham from the beginning and ended horribly." She reminded.
Red sat back, falling silent.
"I think you both need to experience a fresh start." Kate said, crossing to the bar. "Why not follow tradition simply for the sake of tradition? Elizabeth deserves attention to details in this particular instance, don't you think?"
Feeling properly chastised, Red groaned dejectedly. "If that is what Lizzy wishes to do, I will... bite the fucking bullet." He decided on a course of action.
"Aren't you supposed to be busy later, anyway?" Kate asked, stirring the scotch in her glass with her finger, her look an amused one.
"With what?" Red was truly confused.
"Bachelor party." Kate said, munching absently on some nuts laid out in a silver serving dish.
"Please tell me you're just wanting to make my life hell and it's not really something on the agenda tonight." Red hoped against hope.
"How could you bear to disappoint Francis... Ben... and Mark." Kaplan's shrewd eyes danced with an inner light of delight. "After all the preparations and planning they have done. What an ungrateful cur you have become, Raymond."
Red dropped his face into his hands, scrubbing the calloused palms over his face. He silently cursed his lot in life. "And it just keeps getting better and better." He muttered dejectedly. "I was hoping for a quiet night in Kate. Or at worst, maybe a nice poker game?" He lifted hopeful eyes.
"Yeah, well..." The woman laughed gleefully, and, from this woman, it sounded more like a witch's cackle. "Hope springs eternal, but for you, my lad? It's a night of boobs, bare asses and drunken revelry. What fun, yes?"
Red's face went back into his hands as a means of reply. He groaned a heartfelt denial.
Red Reddington was antsy, no other word for it.
He had paced the spacious suite, made phone calls, tried to sit and enjoy an afternoon drink... but the feeling was still with him. He kept checking his watch but did not know why. Where was Elizabeth? What was taking so long? He arose, decision made.
"If you're looking for Elizabeth, the horde has gathered in the salon." Michael informed the man, having come upon each other in a corridor just outside the shops in the hotel. "Look what I found." The man was excited. "They have these half-off, mind you. Can we say 'steal'? And if you buy one, you get another half priced."
"Well, aren't you a wealth of information." Red said, grinning at Michael's droll tone. "Can you tell me what exactly you plan to do with… this?" He examined the man's opened bags as best he could, the merchandise inside all jumbled and crammed together. "Silly putty, cotton balls and magic sand?"
"After your 'tour de force' on the radio, we men have to step up our game." Michael shot his companion a sour look. "I have things planned."
Red held his smile. "I thought you had purchased those things for your kids, Michael." Red told the truth. "I was just kidding you."
"Kids!" Michael was appalled. "I would never allow my children to play such debase games! What sort of parent do you think I am?"
Red chuckled. "I... apologize." He took the high road. "I'm sure Susan will applaud your inventive outlook."
"You damned right she will." Michael was all smiles again, glancing over his playthings with open affection.
"If all goes well, perhaps you would enlighten me later on." Red sweetened the apology. "I will try a few of your notions on Elizabeth."
"Really?" The older man preened his surprise and happiness. "The old Master still has his touch." He balled his fist into a victory punch.
"I bow to your superiority." Red... did. "Now, can you direct me to my future bride?"
"I can do anything I'm told to do." Michael smirked. "Susan says I take direction exceedingly well."
"You're so whipped." Red teased his friend.
"And you're not?" Michael took no offense.
"I prefer flogging," Red quipped, "but whipping can be just as rewarding."
"Have you thought about what you're doing?" Michael asked seriously, abruptly changing the subject.
"All damn day, and before you ask what my thoughts are on the subject," Red replied, his manner earnest in nature, "I wish tomorrow was already here."
"I'm serious, Red." Michael voiced his own thoughts on the matter. "For men like us..." he began, feeling his way. "Our world is not suitable for the normal female, sad to say. Have you truly given thought to that fact? Is Elizabeth suited to this type of future... your world?"
"You obviously haven't heard all the details pertaining to our activities last night." Red muttered, mainly to himself.
"What?" Michael said, having not heard the remark.
"Nothing." Red brushed the matter aside. "Elizabeth isn't all she appears to be, trust me on that." he assured.
"Maybe not," Michael conceded, "but this life, with all its dangerous facets, its... on edge precipices? It's not a place for someone ill prepared."
"Elizabeth has been involved in one way or other since the day she was born." Red grumbled, still upset by her parents lack of sense bringing a child into such a mess. "Whether she likes to admit it or not, she adapted to this lifestyle better and faster than most."
"Perhaps there is a reason for that." Michael stepped ever so cautiously.
"If you're referring to the connection between Antonio and Elizabeth, there is no truth in the rumor, whatsoever." Red set matters straight.
The Englishman seemed to be debating something, but in the end, he only smiled his acceptance.
"It's a long, complicated story, Michael." Red halted any further questions. "Just know, even knowing her unintentional link to our world, I've thought how my association would only complicate matters."
There was still some concern, but in the end; Red hoped every potential threat imagined could be somehow thwarted with careful, calculated maneuvering. It had worked in the past, after all. They had faced several crises only to come out on the other side still intact.
"Due to certain incidents of late, it has come to my attention," Red believed the words he spoke, "when Elizabeth is within my reach, it is easier to protect her, lowering threats to her well-being exponentially."
Red trusted Silas and the guards would always perform their job admirably. That was made clear when they deflected the attack on their property.
That wasn't to say, he wasn't aware of the other factors in play.
Where there had been only speculation he retained control of the Fulcrum... there would be no doubt now it was definitely in his possession.
Though his enemies had treaded carefully to this point, he was positive they were on the lookout for any opening to infiltrate his defenses.
Thankfully, Silas was the paranoid sort. The man was constantly changing tactics and security measures to ensure there was never a set pattern to follow.
Should their enemies plan an excursion, Red was secure in the fact, Silas would take Elizabeth into his custody and protect her from harm. The number one objective would be carried out, and that alone stilled Red's fears somewhat.
"Nothing, and I do mean, absolutely nothing," Red warmed to his tirade, "will stop me from protecting Elizabeth." he vowed. "The same can be said of anything or anyone who tries to step in the way of me marrying the woman!"
"I would imagine, too," Michael smirked, fishing for details, "such an outlook surely gains brownie points with the old in-laws." The man arched a brow. "I know what you've said concerning Antonio's connection with your fiancée, but... there is something very concrete between those two, say what you will."
Sighing his vexation, Red slowly shifted an exasperated glance Michael's way. "Are you intimating I am marrying Elizabeth to gain favor somehow with Antonio's organization?"
Chuckling for the man's dour look, Michael raised a pacifying hand. "I just wanted to make sure you had thought this through..." The man's brow furrowed a bit. "Or... after my charming wife's interference, you weren't pressured into doing something you were not yet ready to do."
"Yes, because I give a fuck what you people think." Red scoffed incredulously. "Not that any of this is your business, but I'm marrying Elizabeth because I have fallen in love with the woman... it's as simple as that."
Michael's mouth quirked, accepting the man's blatant snub of disregard gracefully. "In truth, I was somewhat concerned that Elizabeth might have felt that pressure as well. Susan can be a force when she puts her mind to it... I feared she might have put your bride in a precarious position. I feel she is the catalyst for all this falderal in the first place."
"Elizabeth gives a shit about your meddling as much as I do." Red was pretty positive about that fact.
Red looked about irritably, grumbling under his breath. "Now, where the hell are Mark and Francis?" the man snapped his ire. "I'd like to politely explain to them that if any tits and ass are rubbed in my face tonight, they should at least be attached to Elizabeth's fantastic body and not some stranger's I have never even met."
"Well, good luck there, old chap." Michael seemed pretty certain no mere words could alter the planned course of the bachelor party of the century. "Besides, this isn't for you. Your friends simply wish to share in your happiness."
"My friends want an excuse to party down." Red revised, but he pulled up, hesitating. "But... maybe you're right." He sighed, realizing he should just shut the hell up and go with the flow. "I guess it wouldn't hurt me to at least put in an appearance."
"That's right." Michael clapped his shoulder. "Put on a brave face! Stare those naked women down, be a man!"
Red forced a sincere smile. "I am really glad the idiots care enough."
"There you have it then." Michael was all smiles. "And if those tits and asses become simply too much for you to handle, just send them my way."
"Susan is so going to cut your dick off if that gets back to her." Red philosophized.
"Well, why not," Michael shrugged, "she's already got my balls in her grasp."
Dinner that evening was a festive affair.
Everyone was in good spirits, especially Red Reddington.
Before dinner, he and Lizzy gamely participated in a quick rehearsal for their very unexpected, but highly anticipated wedding.
Much like the entire day, the activity had come together on a whim, but enjoyed, nonetheless. It had been a highlight of the evening for the couple, for it reinforced both were eager for the real deal.
It appeared they weren't the only interested parties.
Though they had not formally announced it, news of the wedding spread like wildfire.
Just on the off-chance Lizzy changed her mind, Red had secured rooms for her family. He was glad he had the forethought to do so, for the hotel filled quickly.
Lest they miss the so-called event of the year, reservations from Red's associates came flooding in, once again packing the hotel with new and returning guests. Red could understand the importance of this wedding to himself and Lizzy, of course. The interest it seemed to generate among his associates astounded him.
"We've got trouble right here in Paradise." He took the woman aside, informing her of the increased number of guests that would be attending. "I didn't invite anyone but who was on the original list. And I'm sorry this is getting out of hand..."
"Oh, the more the merrier." Liz shrugged slender shoulders. "I think it's sweet everyone wants to come, don't you?"
"Okay." Red wasn't sure how he felt, one way or another. The woman laughed amiably.
"I guess I'm marrying a pretty popular guy." She quipped, rolling with the flow.
"Most women would be freaking the hell out, you know that, right?" Her calm attitude blew him away.
"A few more tables here and there won't make that big a difference."
"Tell that to Mark's chef." Red reminded, grinning for the gasp of breath the revelation caused.
"Oh, my butt is in the proverbial sling." She rushed off to find Mark, but Red knew she would handle the issue even if she had her doubts now.
Mark and the Chef assured the added visitors would be no problem to handle. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief.
"They are bringing gifts... right?" Liz said, a slow smile pulling at her lips.
"They better," Red bitched placidly, "the damned moochers."
Their quiet laughter fell away as their host stood, tapping his fork against his crystal wineglass.
"Good evening," Mark smiled charmingly. "As you may or may not know, we are holding a wedding here tomorrow for Red Reddington, and his lovely fiancée, Elizabeth Scott," he gestured to the couple in question, "... and you have all... been invited."
Red chuckled when Lizzy flushed as the occupants of the room applauded boisterously, most tossing bawdy jokes Red's way. "Did you know he was going to announce that?" She leaned, whispering to the man who met the blue eyes with a gentle acknowledgment.
Smiling at the exuberant crowd, Mark lifted his hands, quieting them down. "Since the happy couple are not sending standard invitations," he said, "you will find menus center table." He held a sample aloft. "If you could take a moment to fill those out, the Chef will be forever grateful...since if you do not fill them out, he will refuse to make the dish you might have had, had you...filled out the needed information."
Mark's efforts were met with good-natured humor and cheer.
"Since most of us are crashing the party, it wouldn't kill us to fill out a few lines so Reddington can feed us all, I guess." Was the general consensus shared by all. One outspoken fellow said it best, Red thought.
A low din fell over the room as people chatted amongst themselves, checking off items of interest to them.
Scanning the list himself, Red was pleased there were so many options to choose from. "Hey, this is real food here." Lizzy and the Chef had done very well in their selections.
"I got so confused, I just turned it all over to Henri." Liz told the truth. "Red, you have to steal that guy away from Mark."
"And this after Mark has bent over backward to give us a fantastic send off." Red shook his head, his look a pitiable one.
"I know, but...my goodness. Henri is superb! And that French accent is to die for." Liz quipped; her spirits high. "I'm going to burn in hell, aren't I."
"You already have Nora." Red scolded. "I've a good mind to tell her you've turned traitor."
"Don't you dare. No one can top our Nora but..." Liz sighed blissfully, "just thinking about Henri's chocolate mousse gives me the shivers."
Red chuckled. "Maybe later tonight, I will eat a portion off that flat little..." His mood soured. "Oh... that's right. We will both be otherwise occupied, won't we?"
"Oh, it's not going to be that bad." She forced a smile.
"Trying to convince me or yourself?" He looked at her askew.
"I'm sure we will have so much fun and make so many memories to cherish."
"Again... okay." The man clearly disputed her thoughts.
"Steak... potatoes..." Michael stopped by the table to gush his approval over the menu items he was perusing. "A woman after my own heart. I can't usually even pronounce the food on a wedding menu, let alone eat it. I'm in love!" The man literally danced away on cloud nine.
"One happy customer." Liz 'air-checked' the name off, grinning over to Red.
Laying his arm along the back of Lizzy's chair, Red leaned, whispering. "You must be exhausted." he praised her accomplishments. "Is there anything you didn't get done?" he asked, ready to offer his services.
"I think the only part left to do was to finish decorating the ballroom." Liz said. "All we really need, though, are the flowers, which they assured will be arriving first thing in the morning... God willing, and the creeks don't rise."
"We have our cake?" Red asked, brushing his fingers along the back of Lizzy's nape in open affection even though he wasn't aware of his actions, so concentrated on her joyful expression and demeanor was the man.
She shifted in her seat to face Red. "Chef assured me our cake was near completion, but he's forcing me to wait to see it." she grinned excitedly. "Can he do that? The groom's cake is really special, Red. I think you are going to be blown away by Henri's efforts."
"You got to see my cake." He pretended annoyance. "Do I get to see it?"
"I don't know." She was stumped. "I suppose if you go in brandishing weapons, Henri might step aside. Wish I had thought of it."
"What about an orchestra... DJ?" Red was curious, for he knew it was short notice.
"Mark secured a five-piece orchestra for the wedding itself," Liz nodded, "and Emma knew this local guy, a phenomenal DJ, for the reception. He really is good... really!"
Sensing the woman's exuberance, Red smiled warmly.
"You will be happy to hear," she laughed softly, "I banned that stupid chicken dance and refused to have anyone even mention the Limbo. I can only imagine the medical bills after that spectacle."
"Francis will be crushed." Red remarked sotto voce. "Have you picked our first dance?"
Liz's cheeks brightened to a charming pink hue. "Yes, I hope you like it, but the DJ is waiting for you to tell him your choice...if you have one, I mean." she grimaced adorably. "You don't have to. But he said he could blend the two together, no problem."
"Something that expresses the anticipation..." He planted a kiss on her bare skin, for she had worn a festive, off-the-shoulder floral mini-dress tonight. It brightened the soft glow of her tan to perfection. All Red could think of is... when can I get it off her? "The joy..." He moved slowly up her neckline with soft, feathery caresses of his mouth. "The amazement I feel regarding our... future, correct?"
Liz moaned gently, leaning into his antics. "Oh, I've missed you today, fellow." She sighed lovingly.
"When does he need to know?"
"Who?" Liz was more into the tiny flick of his tongue as it feathered across her flesh, leaving tendrils of delight in its path. "Oh! The DJ." She jerked to awareness, sitting primly straighter in her chair. "Oh...well, as soon as you can, of course, but like I said...it's optional on your part."
"Sorry to interrupt." Mark said, crouching beside the pair. "I know this is an imposition, but necessity forces my hand. I'm sure you don't want children at your wedding but..."
Red and Liz shared a frown, neither remembering any kids running around the hotel this week.
"With the volume of guests attending, Steven is taking a shift and..."
"His sister." Liz instantly made the connection. "It would be lovely if she could attend. I should have thought of it myself."
"I'll make certain she's occupied and happy," Mark assured quickly. "This is really great of you guys. It helps me out a lot and Stephan too."
Red held up his hand. "She is more than welcome to attend, Mark."
Until mentioned, Red forgot he had seen the little girl throughout their stay. If she wasn't reading or coloring, she was helping staff with various duties. Everyone seemed to adore the shy, well-mannered child.
"Everyone knows to stay on their best behavior until her bedtime?" Red arched a brow.
"I'll handle that part personally." Mark confirmed. "I wanted your permission before I made the announcement."
"Well, do it." Red replied. "I'm a grown damn man, and you people disturb the hell out of me." He ignored Mark's chortle of amusement. "I don't want her being scarred by our friends and associates." he glanced at Lizzy, finding the woman absently tapping the table, lost in her own thoughts. "Earth to heavenly body..."
She chuckled, coming back to the present. "Just daydreaming." She waved off any undue concern. "The bride is allowed a few lapses, surely."
"If you'll excuse us for a minute." Red stood from the table, offering Lizzy his hand.
"But there's no problem with the kid." Mark was assured there was not.
"Just want a few seconds alone with... the bride." Red explained.
Guiding the woman out the French doors, both inhaled the warm, sweet air as crickets chirped lazily around them.
"Something wrong?" Liz asked, wrapping her arms about the man's waist as they strolled the paths idly, side by side.
"I've missed too, you know." Red murmured, tugging her over for a chaste but intimate kiss. "I also wanted to get your input on something." He stated succinctly. "This thing about the tradition of the bride and groom spending this night... apart from each other." He sought her eyes.
"If you want the truth?" Liz sighed heavily. "I would just as soon snuggle into bed and get a good night's sleep with you by my side... but on the other hand, there are the girls to consider who have worked so hard to make this thing come together."
"I know." Red sighed his agreement. "I guess one night won't hurt since the rest of our nights... will belong to just you and I."
"Then that's our decision." Red hated those words more than he thought he would. "We go our separate ways in a little while."
"For a very little while, though." Liz voiced her concern. "Just a very few hours, agreed?"
"Don't get me wrong," Red shared his thoughts on the matter, "I'll hate it with every fiber of my being because instead, I could be with you, baby. But..." He shrugged helpless shoulders, "I don't really see how we can do any less, right?"
"It will be...fun." Liz bolstered her spirits. "We're going to have a ball. Just wait and see... right?"
"Okay." the man chuckled, for his standard reply today seemed once again to fit.
She chuckled as well. "You crazy loon." She nudged his shoulder affectionately.
"But it will be easier on you if I'm not underfoot." He admitted. "And we should observe a few traditions, Mr. Kaplan told me as much." He rubbed her soft fingers between his thick, calloused ones. "... If only because you deserve a wedding that you will, hopefully, remember for the rest of our lives... with all the bells and whistles and bows and whatnot we can stuff into one lovely afternoon."
"Fine," the words softened Liz's frown, "but know this, after tonight I don't ever want to be apart from you again."
"I'll see what I can do about making that a reality." he leaned in, kissing her softly. "You will have a man with you though... I insist Silas take up residence for the duration. If I'm not there... he has to be. He's offered to sleep on the couch. Or rather, I offered the gesture for him."
"Great," Liz grumbled dejectedly. "I can already hear him bitching about his aching back all day tomorrow."
Chuckling quietly, Red leaned, placing his mouth on Lizzy's sullen one.
"Red?" Mark poked his head out, breaking the two apart.
"You're getting as bad as Francis." Red grunted.
"Not my fault this time." Mark grinned apologetically. "They're ready for her."
Red shelved his normal tendency to bitch and moan. Any other time, but not tonight. Lizzy's friends awaited. They were the reason the wedding was happening at all.
They had made the impossible, possible.
"We'll be right there." Red shooed the man away.
Smiling, Mark slunk back through the doorway, blocking anyone from pestering the couple. "Give them a minute, dammit!" He growled at the enthusiastic fellowship of women ogling the couple between the slitted doorway which Mark's body blocked even now. "What is wrong with you women! Settle down... I mean that now!"
Chuckling quietly for the man's stringent tone, Red returned his attention to the woman in his arms.
"Will you call me?" Liz asked hopefully.
"You think they won't take away your phone?" Red scoffed. "Trust me, sweetheart, they will do everything from now until you walk down that aisle to keep us apart. If it wasn't for Silas being there with you... all their carefully made plans would be out the proverbial door, believe me."
"Oh, god," Liz groaned miserably. "Silas isn't coming with me tonight... is he?"
"Matthew did volunteer to go with you," Red said. "Mark also enlisted some security here to tag along," he said, "... but yes, Silas demanded his rights as head guard to take lead."
"Are you kidding?" Liz was dumbfounded. "Silas gave up the chance to go with you, to see strippers, simply to play my shadow?" she demanded Red clarify. "What the hell is he up to?"
"Who said there'd be strippers?" Red tried his best 'innocent' face.
"Oh, please." Liz scoffed. "With Francis, Ben and Mark taking the lead? I'm just glad there won't be any wild orgies taking place... there won't be, right?" She scowled... hard.
Red hoped his little discussion with them earlier had steered them in a different direction, but if he knew the boys...
"Anyway," Liz sighed, "I get that it's a guy thing. Susan assures me she can top those three 'idiot savants' any day of the week." Those blue eyes rolled expressively. "Pray for me, Red."
"I don't know… when the guys heard Susan was in charge of the entertainment, they weren't as enthusiastic as they had been earlier." He laughed mirthlessly. "I think they're scared shitless that their women just might outdo them tonight in the bawdy antics department."
"They don't trust them?" Liz frowned.
"Oh, they trust them." Red chuckled. "They don't trust the men you females might encounter."
"Do you trust me?" Liz flicked her eyes upward, a semi-challenge within the lovely orbs.
"Wholeheartedly." Red replied without hesitation, a smile playing about his mouth. "Are you suggesting I shouldn't?"
"No, I was just wondering why you did." Liz admitted she was curious as to the reason.
"Because you're my baby." Red rumbled in her ear.
Closing her eyes to the delicious shivers Red's voice evoked, Liz felt a rush of heat encompass her body.
"Can't we just stay here... together." She grumbled melodramatically. "Tell them to fuck off, so we can just go someplace by ourselves and fuck each other's brains out."
Snuggling the woman closer, Red kneaded her ass in his palm. "We could, but then that would make us the lowlife douchebags of the decade."
"I don't want to be a lowlife douchebag." Liz hissed her aggravation. "Damn those three nitwit friends of yours!"
"Damn your little girlfriends." He laughed quietly. "Let's just get it over with, try to get some sleep afterwards and get to tomorrow as soon as humanly possible."
"All right, but I want it known," Liz lifted her chin high, "I'm going under protest."
"That's what I like to hear." Red said, kissing her full mouth with restrained sensuality before reluctantly guiding her inside.
As their respective parties surrounded them; Red's gaze met Lizzy's over the din for a brief second. He felt a sense of overwhelming peace and tranquility descend. He wondered if she felt the same.
Couples came together, wishing one another a good evening with a kiss and an embrace. Susan stole Elizabeth away.
Red felt himself react without thought.
Reaching, he grasped Lizzy's arm, pulling her back his way. Lowering his mouth to hers, Red explored the woman's sweet lips longingly for a few long moments. He felt her body mold to his.
More than reluctantly, he pulled back, brushing her lips with his own. "Have fun... be safe."
Liz flicked her tongue against the soft surface of Red's mouth, her eyes smoldering with pent-up desire.
"I'll see you tomorrow..." he whispered the promise.
"You'll see me tonight." Liz grinned as the girls pulled her away. "In your dreams."