Walking down the aisle hand-in-hand, Red guided Lizzy to the elaborately decorated archway, their entourage close on their heels. The chaos followed, the sounds and experiences caving in on all sides.
Silas smiled at the glowing couple as they approached, waving towards a private room. "Feel better now?" he smirked condescendingly Red's way.
Closing his eyes, Red nodded his relief. "... Yes," he smiled softly, kissing Lizzy's hand, "much better."
"Oh, my god!" Liz giggled happily, grasping Red's fingers in a death grip. "Can you believe it!" she gasped her joy. "We're married!"
"Not quite yet." Judge Clark chuckled as he stepped in behind the couple. "Not legally, anyhow." he reminded. "The important part, right?" he teased.
"Let's do this." Red jerked his head in the needed direction. They made a detour, throwing smiles over their shoulders as they left the bedlam of their wedding behind for a few moments.
Stepping inside a quiet, designated room, Judge Clark laid the papers out on a nearby table. Glancing down at his person, the man patted his pockets, laughing quietly.
"Considering I was a third wheel today," the man jested to ease the mounting tension he felt from Red, "I feel I should perform at least one duty to account for my fee."
"Yeah, do that." Red breathed easier, pleased to see the guy had at least the forethought to bring the necessary signing equipment for pens were laid out rather formally on the lace-covered table.
Rubbing his hand along Lizzy's back, Red smiled as the woman leaned close. Her perfume filled his head, and his mind settled instantly. Both watched Clark sign the certificate with a stylish flourish.
"If your witnesses could sign here, please." Clark straightened, indicating the line.
Smiling happily, Amanda bounced excitedly in place, hastily completing her duty. The woman giggled, rushing for Liz as she lay the pen aside. Hugs were shared all around.
"Did you think this day would ever end?!" Amanda gushed, wrapping Lizzy in a crushing hug before lifting her arms to Red's broad shoulders. "You are one lucky guy."
"I am one lucky guy." Red sent Lizzy a meaningful glance, returning the warm embrace.
"My warmest congratulations," Dembe shook Red's hand, before he, too, embraced Elizabeth. "It is about time you two made this thing legal. Neighbors were beginning to talk."
"Mrs. Langley across the street, right?" Liz squeezed the man tight, grinning playfully.
"Can't forget the groom." Clark gestured, handing the pen over. "This is one time he is rather an indispensable factor."
Leaning over the tabletop, Red's brows lifted in stunned astonishment when he saw his name begin to appear in bold, black print. His real name. He hadn't signed anything other than an alias in... a while. But look at that.
The man stared down, shaking his head minutely. There it was, for all the world to see, care anyone look.
It had been so natural, so automatic; one would think he had never signed another, well, not for the last twenty years. That was not the case, however. It was definitely not the case.
He promised Elizabeth they would be married under their real names… damn the consequences. It had been so long since he signed his real name to anything; it admittedly surprised him there wasn't the slightest hesitation on his part.
Then again, this wasn't a run-of-the-mill transaction, but his marriage license. Where everything else in his life was fake, his marriage to Elizabeth was real.
"Now the beautiful bride." Clark was ready with a duplicate pen, all smiles.
Taking the gold instrument, Liz stepped in beside Red, peering down at the paper. "What name do I sign?" she whispered, a frown creasing her forehead, a perplexed expression appearing. "This is confusing..."
"Your married name." Red murmured.
"Okay." Liz placed the tip of the pen on the paper, once again hesitating. "... Which one?" she continued to keep the conversation between just the two of them.
Grinning, Red chanced a quick glance over his shoulder. Dembe and Silas had distracted Amanda, for they knew Elizabeth would need to sign her real name. The large guard was hitting on the woman, making her giggle infectiously real.
"Elizabeth Keen." Red replied quietly, then gestured to the next line. "You write what you wish your married name to be, right here."
Red waited patiently now, for the woman had begun the signatures needed.
He smiled warmly as Elizabeth placed her finger beneath the fine print, silently reading the printed instructions for her new chosen name. As expected, she hurriedly wrote her first name as she had performed thousands of times in the designated area, then hesitated.
Repositioning her hand, the woman began the slow process of printing his name carefully beside her own.
He wondered if the woman was aware of her actions, or merely following the directions before her? Time would tell.
"Back off, Guard Guy." Mark arrived on scene, taking Amanda out of Silas' hands, literally. "She's staked and claimed."
"Not sure I like the sound of that." Amanda's wry grin scolded somewhat.
"You know what I mean, baby." Mark grinned down at the perturbed little face. "Can't take any chances with this son-of-a-bitch." He indicated, a fixed scowl on his face as he observed Silas' confident grin. "...So, how's everything progressing in here?"
"Signed and sealed." Clark smiled, folding the paper into his jacket pocket. "I will file this personally Monday morning and that, ladies and gentlemen... will be that."
Graciously inviting the man to enjoy cocktails and dinner, Mark clapped Clark on the back before the man took his leave. Red's gratuity was slipped in somewhere between the backslapping and the goodbyes and thank you's. The guy was classy, Red noted... he didn't even open the envelope to see how much, before taking his leave.
"I want to kiss the hell out of you." Red teased his new wife. "But Susan Fairfax will put a hit out on me if I mess your make-up before the reception. I just wanted you to know what I am feeling at this exact moment."
Amanda took Lizzy's arm, guiding her away. "That's right, fella." She wagged a 'no-no' finger Red's way. "There will be all the time in the world for that stuff later. We women have women things to do right now."
Red graciously stepped to the side, grasping Mark's elbow in passing. Mark discretely followed suit, both men watching the women congregate and strategize.
Using Amanda's excited chatter as a cover, Red murmured quietly to their host. "You're sure Clark won't be a problem." Signing that name was conjuring all sorts of weird scenarios now.
"The guy can be trusted, Red." Mark looked Red in the eye. "He's a good man. A decent one. And... he owes me a favor."
Red's brow arched questioningly. "What kind of favor?"
"I got Lonnie the Hood, out of Houston." Mark said. "You know, the mechanic?" Red nodded he did. "He's helping rebuild a '62 Thunderbird Clark found on his father's property after the old man passed."
"You think that alone buys good will?" Red frowned his confusion.
"Depends on the sentimental value of a '62 Thunderbird convertible." Mark grinned. "It not only belonged to his father. Clark's first-born child was conceived in the back seat of that car."
Red's brow furrowed more deeply as the tale unfolded.
"The kids are all gone off to college in the Judge's household and the wife is feeling..." the younger man could sympathize, "out of sorts and lost. Clark hopes to take her on a trip down memory lane. They will hit Route 66 as soon as the car is finished."
"Hopefully to rekindle the romance that has likely gone a bit stale." Red could see the possibilities. "But...to trust this guy with the knowledge..."
"He knows who you are." Mark stated flatly. "He knows what I do here and is smart enough to mind his own business when it doesn't concern him or his district. If I ever cross over the line, I know what to expect. I don't cross that line and he doesn't cross into my sphere of operations."
Red lifted his head, his mind ticking away. "Get that to me as soon as possible after Clark delivers it here."
"You have a wife now, Red." Mark reminded. "To what lengths would you go to make her happy if she were not so?"
Red glanced at his wife, his eyes softening. "Any lengths."
"Yes." Mark nodded. "But I will keep an eye on the judge all the same. Planned to anyway. You go be with Elizabeth. This is your day not to worry about anything. It's covered."
Red's smile returned. "I trust you." He sought out his new wife, his smile finally a genuine one.
"You will remember, there is a party being held in your honor, correct?" Amanda's 'stay' hand came to the fore yet again. "No messing around until..."
Red rolled his eyes, guiding the young man to his lady friend. "Make this problem go away." he strongly suggested to an amused Mark Donovan.
Wrapping his arm about Amanda's waist, Mark leaned, kissing the woman's soft mouth. "Let's go grab some hor d'oeuvres, hmm." He whispered seductively. "Give these two lovebirds a moment."
"One man's moment is another man's, let's take the dress off and get kinky!" Amanda scolded Red yet again. "So, you just keep it zipped, Mister... and don't forget, we have your after-wedding pictures to–"
"Come along, General Patton." Mark guided the woman out of the area gently but firmly.
"Liz, don't you let him talk you into... or out of..." Amanda called over Mark's shoulder, for the man was literally having to carry her out of the room.
"I promise faithfully...no into or out-of shenanigans," Liz smiled happily, waving wistfully at her departing friend. "After wedding photos, got it! No way we'll miss that!"
"Get out." Red wasn't so pleasant to his remaining friends.
Dembe sighed lightly, taking his leave. Silas was aimlessly searching out the room, ignoring Red altogether.
"What the hell are you doing?" Red had to know, seeing the guy's puzzled look.
"Wondering how you're going to manage a quickie in a room with no table, no couch, no surface what-so-ever upon which to consummate any sort of meaningful..."
"Shut up... and get out." Red pushed the guy along, guiding Silas to the exit.
"We'll just be right outside here." The guard reminded Liz more than Red, for he sought her out. "With our ears to the door...blatantly listening in on any and all transactions taking place in here."
"Pervert." Elizabeth shook a woeful head.
"Thank you, Silas, we can always count on you to be there for us." Red closed the door with a resounding thud in the guy's face.
The sounds of guests milling about, enjoying cocktail hour, filtered into the room, then hastily muffled by the action.
The sounds became muted, amplifying Red and Liz's soft, exhaled breaths.
After the long and hectic morning, the quiet wrapped about them in a warm embrace.
"Well then, I suppose this takes care of that name change dilemma." Red murmured softly, breaking the silence.
"Oh, right." Liz smiled softly, remembering the conversation weeks back. "I guess it does, doesn't it."
"At least, I hope so." Red said, slowly approaching the woman, his eyes allowing all he was about to feel. "I kinda like the sound of Elizabeth Reddington...how about you?"
"I have to get used to it," Liz's cheeks flushed, "but yes...I like it too."
Taking her hand in his, Red leaned, placing his lips to her palm. "Some women prefer to keep their maiden names, I hear tell." He opened up the option but hoped it would not rear its ugly head.
"Well, I'm not one of them." She interrupted, "I really like being associated with you...in any form but taking your name," she leaned closer, her arms lifting about his neckline as she settled to his chest, "...means a lot to me."
"Means more to me." he murmured quietly, his gaze resting on that beautiful face.
Leaning, Red placed his mouth to Lizzy's pulse point, inhaling her sweet scent. "Call me old-fashioned...but I think a man's wife should have his name."
Closing her eyes, Liz shifted about, baring more of her neck to the man's soft lips. "A man's wife." she sighed dreamily.
"Elizabeth Reddington," Red whispered, his lips brushing the soft flesh, "... my wife."
He wondered, what name would Lizzy go by exactly? He was certain in their personal life; she would opt for Elizabeth Reddington... but what of her professional life?
He hoped like hell Elizabeth would choose his name but would more than understand if she didn't.
In any case, it was a discussion left for another day.
Nuzzling the wispy tendrils tickling Lizzy's neck, Red tenderly caressed the sparkling jewels laying delicately against her throat in his gentle exploration.
The cool gems shifted, stirring Liz from her pleasant daydream. "I haven't said how lovely your gift was." She said, placing her fingers against the precious stones.
Shaken from his own wandering, Red slowly opened his eyes. Clearing his throat quietly, he tamped down his libido, refocusing his attention.
"They are as lovely as the woman wearing them," Red fingered the strands of hair laying against Lizzy's shoulder, "or perhaps...because the woman wears them."
"What a nice thing to say." Liz lay her head on his shoulder, sighing her bliss. "Could this day get any better? You always make me feel so pretty, Red. How do you do that?"
"You are beautiful." Red ran his hand along her waist. "God made you that way, not me." he smiled at such absurdity. "I just appreciate all his wondrous creativity in all its many faceted aspects."
The woman lifted her hand, tracing his lapel. Red's hand covered her smaller one. The man felt the new width on her finger, glancing down. Lizzy smiled as she saw his interest. "Aren't they lovely?" She showed him her rings.
Feeling a long ago familiar, but new sensation, Red lifted his hand eye-level, rubbing the ring on his own finger.
"Dembe said I would like this." He spread her small fingers with his, intertwining their hand. "You chose wisely, woman."
The inset of dark-sapphire gems encircling the entire band almost appeared black against the brushed gun-metal they were encased within. It was understated, but classy and the perfect width.
"Hey, it doesn't reflect light." She whispered conspiratorially. He was amused by the fact. "It won't give away your position if you're in a firefight or if one of your incidents arises."
"I see..." he held his grin. "How apropos, considering the circumstances I often find myself within."
"Well, I'm just saying." the woman motioned to the object. "So, you won't have to worry about taking it off and on all the time."
"I wouldn't take it off for any reason," he couldn't envision why he might. "It's perfect... really."
"Yeah, but it's okay if you don't really like it, we can exchange–"
"This stays here." he assured, his tone brooking no argument, his look a scolding one.
A sudden glimmering shimmer swept across Liz's eye, grabbing her undivided attention. "Oh... my... god!" she gaped at the newest addition, wiggling her fingers about. "Red... look at this thing!"
The large stone she had become accustomed to the last couple months sat as proud and gleaming as the night Red slipped it on her finger. The platinum bands embracing the delicate stone were rimmed in nothing but diamonds and sapphires, complementing one another to perfection. Though the sapphires made it unique, they didn't overpower the setting.
Red had designed them well, using the softest colors he could, while also hoping to make a statement.
One that said... property of Raymond Reddington.
Lizzy seemed to genuinely love her rings, and the sentiment expressed behind them.
Red's eyes gleamed mischievously as his wife stared wide-eyed at the rings on her finger.
"If you don't like them," Red interrupted her fascination, "we can exchange it or–"
"Like hell!" Liz scowled hard, curving her fingers tight to keep her rings in place. "You're not funny, Red Reddington."
The man chuckled lowly.
"Well, then," Red smiled slowly, wrapping his arms about her waist, "now you know how I feel about my ring."
Flushing with pleasure, Liz stared wistfully down at her hand. "They match perfectly." She lifted seductive eyes. "Did you know so early on that you would win me over?"
"I knew I was going to try like hell." Red said.
"You are the most romantic man I know."
"No, I'm not." Red differed, completing his thought. "So... Antonio Crocetti made it to your wedding. Talk about making an effort for a woman."
"Oh, Red," Liz sniffled, her arms encircling his waist lovingly, "I can't believe he and Maria cut their family time short just to be here." She gasped her joy. "Did you call–" the blue eyes sought him out hastily.
"No," Red admitted. "It wasn't me. I should have but..."
"I wonder who told them?" Liz's eyes sparkled. "Oh! I'm just so... I'm so happy!" Her lips quivered as she sniffled once more. "I didn't know how much I wanted them here until they actually showed up!"
"I know, sweetheart... I know." Red swayed the woman to a gentle beat in his head. "Their arrival made the day perfect for you."
Kissing her forehead lovingly. "I'll find the person who helped us out." he promised. "I'll let them know in no uncertain terms what their generosity of spirit meant to us."
"I missed you this morning." Liz muttered, not quite ready to upset the quiet afforded them.
"I missed you last night." Red grumbled. "Didn't sleep worth shit."
Smiling happily, Liz rested her cheek back against Red's chest. "I didn't either." She confided.
"It's kind of a pity neither of us will be sleeping much tonight, either." Red stated his belief. "I would say I'm sorry about that fact, but I would be lying... and lying is just a bad thing, I hear tell."
Only when he felt Lizzy laugh softly did Red allow himself to smile.
"I love you." Red's voice roughened. He pulled back slightly, looking down at Lizzy's upturned face. "I just don't feel I've said that enough today."
A soft smile curved Liz's mouth, her cheeks brightening to a delicate pink tinge. "You can't say it enough and..I love you too..."
Lifting to her toes, Liz placed her mouth to his for a brief moment of caress. Then the woman sighed blissfully.
Leaning into the sweet affection, Red grumbled his annoyance when a soft knock on the door interrupted their time.
"Yes?" Red reluctantly moved from the warmth of Liz's body, issuing a rather surly reply to the intruder into their domain.
Silas popped his head through the door, rolling his eyes at the embracing couple. "I'm good, but even I can't keep these damned people corralled for very much longer and the photographers are on scene now..." He cocked a brow. "So, if you've finished getting your jollies off, can you make an appearance at least?"
"Oh, right." Liz grinned at Red's petulant frown. "We're supposed to do this wedding thing... I forgot." she grimaced the distaste the man obviously was trying to hide, grinning at the fact afterwards.
"We're coming." Red waved the guard off, then turned back to the woman in his arms. "Let's do this."
"What," Liz took Red's hand, following his lead, "no complaints?"
"I've made it this damned far," he grumbled, "and damn it to hell... this is our wedding day and we're going to enjoy it... no matter who I have to kill by the end of it."
Tittering under her breath, Liz squeezed Red's hand in hers. "Yeah, I was right...you are such a romantic at heart."