A/N: Hello again, everyone! I hope you're all doing well and hanging in there—that's all anyone can do. I hope you're up for some sweet and all things sugary because this chapter is all about Morgan and Savannah's wedding!
Spencer stared at his reflection in the mirror, fixing his black handmade silk bow tie and humming the Wedding March. Out of all the people he thought would not get married, Derek Morgan would be at the top of the list—or maybe in the top five or ten. But today was the day he and Savannah would say their 'I dos' and live happily ever after with their unborn child, whose gender is still not revealed since the two insisted on being surprised themselves when the baby was born.
"Hey, Spence! You ready?" Spencer could hear Élise's voice coming from the opposite side of the door. "We don't wanna be late!"
Spencer cried back, "I'm coming!" he glanced at his reflection in the mirror one last time before he left the room. When he came back into the main spot in the bedroom, the door swung open and closed swiftly.
Élise was in a vintage Spring/Summer Oscar 1996 de la Renta French bluish wide sleeveless square-neck lined dress that went a little above her knees and Manolo Blahnik light beige/nude suede buckle detailed kitten-heeled pumps with a pointed toe. Her hair was blown out and trimmed to her shoulders; her skin was still radiated from yesterday's spa day at the Willard Spa—it was one of the two activities (the other being afternoon tea at the Washington InterContinental hotel) from Savannah's bachelorette party/bridal shower.
It was fun; Élise got Savannah some silky lingerie (loungewear and nightwear, to be exact) from La Perla, baby books, and the number to the interior designer who redesigned her home office. Not only did she meet Savannah's mother, Mrs. Cadance Hayes, a retired teacher; her younger sister by five years and maid of honor, Denise, a psychologist; a couple of her bridesmaid friends—Eva, Kiki, and Hana—who have been friends with her since school; and got reacquainted with Morgan's sisters and mother—in which Sarah will provide the entertainment.
"Do I have anything in my teeth?" Spencer flashed his pearly white smile.
Élise leaned in closer and answered, "Nothing but well-flossed spaces—thank you, water flosser." She strolled to the upholstered ottoman bench and gathered up her matching color long-sleeved cropish sweater and purse. "Today's gonna be a good day—I can feel it."
Spencer fixed up his bow tie again to make sure it wasn't too loose. "The kids had their breakfast; Opal, Alexander, and Éliana are sleeping; Seraphine and Isaac are practicing their walks. Are you ready to see SSA Derek Morgan marry the lovely Dr. Savannah Hayes?"
"Indeed, I do," Spencer took Élise's elbow and escorted her away.
Spencer steered the car into Rossi's circular driveway and yielded when he found a free space. Élise helped Seraphine and Isaac out of the Suburban and escorted them inside. Based on the number of vehicles, Rossi's driveway and curb were jammed for the first time in a while—and for a full house occasion.
The sky was a stunning shade of blue with white cotton-like scattered clouds. The air even smelled nice, and today's temperature and humidity were just right; it wasn't hot but instead warm and comfortable. The wind was light and breezy. It was decked out to the nines when they got to the backyard. The dark wooden arch was accented with white drapery and white roses. The padded white folding chairs were aligned with white rose petals, and the greenery (from the lawn to the tall trees) was perfectly manicured. The custom dance floor incorporated lanterns on the ceiling. Two wedding tables were set up, along with the buffet tables.
Some familiar faces wandered around the back lawn, either being served by white-shirt, black-trousers servers offering drinks or amuse-bouchées or chatting amongst each other. Jack Garrett and his family were there, as were Matthew Simmons and his family, Rossi's daughter Joy, her husband, and grandson Kai.
"Ah, there you are," an Armani-suited Rossi opened his arms out. "Welcome back to Villa dei Rossi."
Spencer and Élise returned his hug back. "This place is beautiful."
Rossi shrugged his shoulders up; he had his hands in his pockets. "Well, I had a little help." As if on cue, Garcia bustled onto the grounds, carrying her iPad and talking into her Bluetooth. Her fingers were bedazzled to the nines, her hair had a pink rose in it, and she attired in a cold-shoulder ruffled dress and sequined heels.
"Yes-yes," she said into her speaker and gasped. "And…yes!" Garcia turned off her headpiece and sighed dramatically, throwing her head back. "Ugh! Being a part-time wedding planner is so exhausting."
Her eyes lit up when she saw Spencer, Élise, and the kids. "Heeey, buddies!" she puffed and bent down to Seraphine and Isaac's height. "You two are the most adorable flower girl and ring bearer I've ever seen."
Isaac wore a black suit, and polished oxfords and Seraphine had her wavy coils in half-up twist braid knot with some of her ringlets out and a flower crown. "Thank you."
Spencer patted their backs and allowed them to play with some of the other kids. "Go on, have fun."
"But don't get your clothes dirty!" Élise prompted them. She hissed through her teeth, asking, "So…how are the bride and groom?"
"Well, of course, my chocolate thunder is calm and relaxed, and the bride and prenatally pretty…and hormonally hungry," Garcia answered truthfully and went back to ogling on her tablet. "Speaking of the bride, she's craving for some cheese and crackers."
Garcia's Bluetooth buzzed again, and she went back to her planning duties. "Excusez-moi, mes amis."[1]
Rossi allowed Morgan and Savannah to use two of his spare rooms for the bride and groom suites. As one of the best men (Rossi and Hotch served as the fellow co-best men), Spencer's job right now was making sure Morgan got to the aisle so he could marry Savannah.
"Mmmm…mmm…" Morgan adjusted his black silk bowtie. He fox-whispered to himself. "I look good, don't I?" He let out a chuckle. "But then again, when have I not looked good?"
Spencer shook his head with amusement—even on his wedding day, he still had that cocky arrogance. "Of course, GQ Model of the Year."
Morgan tucked on his lapels and smiled. "I think I was one in the past life."
"And a daytime soap opera actor," Spencer joked, rolling his eyes just as there was a rhythmic knock on the door.
"Come in," said Morgan.
The door swayed open, and it was Mrs. Fran Morgan (in an emerald green satin midi dress and low gold-colored heels), his older sister Sarah (in a gold strapless sweetheart sequin gown), and his younger sister Desiree (in a light burgundy spaghetti-strap jersey gown).
"Mama!" Morgan pushed the men aside to make away and scooped his mother up for a swing and a hug. "Mmmm…"
Mrs. Morgan leaned forward and pecked Morgan's cheek. "My, you look so handsome."
"Oh, my little brother is getting married today…" Sarah tossed a curl over her shoulder. "Savannah is a lucky gal, a'ight."
"If only Daddy were here to see you get married…" Desiree's voice croaked; she had a lump in her throat and sniffled.
"I know Daddy's lookin' down on me." Morgan looked up; Mrs. Morgan pinned a rose on his lapel and smoothed the collar of his white tuxedo shirt. "Ready to be escorted to the wedding of the year?"
"Yes, I am."
Once the guests took their seats, the ceremony began when the officiant marched down the aisle first, following Morgan and his mother. Spencer, Hotch, and Rossi came down and stood next to Morgan. The three orange silk chiffon gown-clad bridesmaids were next, escorted by their significant others. Seraphine couldn't help but wave at the crowd and smile as she was throwing flowers on the ground, and Isaac walked down the aisle and sat next to his mother.
The traditional Here Comes the Bride began playing. Everyone looked to see Savannah being escorted down the aisle by her father, with her arm looped through her father's arm. Savannah was breathtaking, to say the least. Her stretch crepe bias gown was a gorgeous silk gown from Amsale with a plunging V-neck; it made her bump stand out. Her hair was set up in a classic side-swept, and her veil was secured with crystal hairpins; her makeup looked natural and fresh, glowing, and it wasn't just her pregnancy hormones that made her glow.
Spencer was directly next to Morgan, and in all the years he had worked with him, he hasn't often seen him so emotional like this before.
The officiant gave a small smile before speaking, "Dr. Elton Hayes, do you support your daughter's decision to join together in holy matrimony with Derek Langston Morgan?"
"Her mother and I do." He gave his older daughter a loving hug before joining his side of the family.
The officiant coughed to clear his throat, covering his mouth with his fist as he did. "Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family, loved ones, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Derek Langston Morgan and Savannah Zora Hayes. If there is anyone who doesn't think these two should marry, speak now or forever hold your peace."
Sarah, Desiree, Mrs. Morgan, and Mrs. Hayes turned and stared down everyone with looks that said, 'Hold your peace, or you're gonna catch some hands.' The officiant continued, looking at the bride and groom. "Do you, Derek Langston Morgan, take Savannah Zora Hayes to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"You know it."
The officiant looked to Savannah and asked her, "And do you, Savannah Zora Hayes, take Derek Langston Morgan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
"Yes, I do." Their eyes have not left each other.
The officiant looked at the crowd and asked them. "Will you who are witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two people in their marriage?"
"We do." Said the happy couple.
Morgan offered to speak first when it came to the vows. "I, Derek Langston Morgan, take you, Savannah Zora Hayes, to be my wife. I promise to be true to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
"And I, Savannah Zora Hayes, take you, Derek Langston Morgan, to be my husband. I promise to be true to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love and honor you all the days of my life."
The officiant called for the ringbearer, Isaac hopped from his seat, presented the rings to the happy couple, and waved to the crowd. He went on as the rings were exchanged for Morgan and Savannah. "From now on, for the rest of your lives together, look at these rings as a symbol of your eternal love for each other. I pronounce you husband and wife. Kiss, and let's cheer for the happy couple."
Everyone roared at the newly wedded and lip-locked Morgan and Savannah.
It was now cocktail hour, and the guests began socializing, enjoying drinks and about half a dozen appetizers to appeal to their taste buds. The children had the opportunity to play with each other (with great supervision).
"Congratulations, Morgan," Spencer helped himself to a sparkling cider flute and a bruschetta square appetizer proffered to him. "Today became the National Day of Mourning for single women everywhere the yoctosecond you said I do."
Morgan playfully punched Spencer in his shoulder and mimicked him. "Ha-ha, you're so funny."
"Congratulazioni, amico mi," [2] Rossi took Morgan by his head and kissed the top of it.
"Ah, thanks, man," Morgan hugged Rossi. "Especially for hooking us up here."
Rossi slapped his back. "I'd do anything for you—that's what family is for."
Once Hotch joined them, they watched Savannah from afar talk to her little sister and her bridesmaids. "You two are very lucky to have each other."
"We sure are." The BAU men toasted.
"Mmmm…mmm…" Savannah had her second (or was her third or fourth) mini-slider before she helped herself to a mini taco. And another one. "Mmfh!"
"Hey-hey, slow down, Vannah," Kiki minced to Savannah's side, along with Eva and Hana with their glasses. "You don't wanna eat too much, or you'll miss out on the dinner."
Savannah gulped before she answered, "Sorry if I'm eating for two."
Hana lifted her glass in the air after Eva picked up a mocktail for Savannah. "And toast to you and Derek and your little baby."
"Cheers!" After the four ladies toasted, clinking their drinks, the bridesmaids left Savannah be, especially when Morgan appeared from behind her.
"Hello, Mrs. Savannah Morgan," he pecked his wife on the cheek, making her giggle.
Before she could say anything, a voice came out of nowhere and said, "I think you mean Dr. Savannah Morgan." Spencer injected himself and corrected for her, following a grateful nod from Savannah.
"At least mine is an actual doctor," Morgan bragged, kissing her another cheek.
Spencer retorted, "I'm just as much of a doctor with my three PhDs."
Élise took a sip of her Cosmo mocktail and toasted to that. "Mmm-hmm…Amen to that, doc."
"Oooh, I can't wait for our honeymoon," Savannah bubbled, shimmering her shoulders. "Nothing but crystal blue ocean views, sandy white beaches, palm trees, local and fine dining cuisine, and absolute quietness for the next two weeks."
Morgan couldn't help but grin. "You know what the best part is? We're going to be stayin' at an adult-only resort," he threw his arms around Savannah, his hands on her belly. "That means no kids; also means we get to have all the alone time we want…"
"You do know all that alone time got me preggers, right?" Savannah joked, pointing to her belly.
"Please welcome onto the dance floor, Mr. and Dr. Derek Morgan!" crowed the DJ into the microphone.
Everyone cheered with applause, welcoming the newlyweds onto the dance floor.
"Oh, her dress is pretty, Mommy…" Seraphine told Élise about Savannah's strapless gown set, a fluid satin gown from Amsale.
"Yeah, it's beautiful," Élise agreed with her daughter.
Once the applause died down a bit, the DJ replied, "At this time, I would like to invite the newlyweds over to the dance floor for the first dance. With entertainment from the stunning Sarah Morgan."
Warm applause filled the backyard once more as Morgan and Savannah made their way to the dance floor, and Sarah began singing to the Jackson 5's I'll Be There with more entertainment from one of Rossi's friends, who's a Grammy-winning singer, who performed during the mother-son and father-daughter dances.
Rossi tapped his glass, causing everyone at the table and the second table to pay attention to him. "Another good day, something happened to good people, and this is one of those days. Derek. Savannah. Congrats. May you be blessed with a happy marriage and memories. Cheers."
"Cheers."
[1] French: Excuse me, my friends.
[2] Italian: Congratulations, buddy.