TWENTY ONE
Christian took a shower and got ready to head back to the penthouse.
He was confused because when he walked out of the bathroom, Brenda was sitting in the middle of the bed doing absolutely nothing.
He looked around. "Why haven't you packed anything?"
She took a deep breath and blew it out because she knew it was about to be World War III. So, she just blurted it out. "I'm staying here."
"No, you are not."
"Yes, I am. I've decided to stay here. Christian, if I have to be honest, I'm still kind of angry that you kicked me out. I think I'll just stay here until you get ready to move into the new house. It is only a week or two away, right?"
Now, he was annoyed. "You told me that you were coming back. Well, you alluded to it. What the fuck changed?"
"My mind. I changed it."
He shook his head. "Well, you need to change it back. You aren't staying here. I'll pack your shit for you."
He went into her closet and started looking for a suitcase.
It didn't take him long to find one, because she had several.
He brought it out, placed it down on the bed, and opened it up. "Are you going to tell me what you want to take with you or do I need to just figure it out?"
"I am serious, Christian. I am not going."
"Brenda, you don't want to stay here. You are just being dramatic. I told you I should have never broken up with you."
"It's just hard to go back to the place I was kicked out of."
"You will get over it."
She crossed her arms. "So, you are just not going to respect my decision?"
"No, because you are just being dramatic, as fucking usual."
"Well, you were being dramatic when you kicked me out. Christian, I look like a fool going back to the penthouse after being kicked out two weeks ago."
"I'm the one that ended things, but I still brought my ass over here last night with my tail between my legs. That was hard for me…and to some I probably look like a fool but I still did it, because I knew how much you meant to me. Look, Brenda, I don't want to argue. I know I can't make you, but I really want you to come back. Please."
She got out of bed. "I guess as long as you look like a fool too, I can go back."
Christian shook his head in disbelief. "You are so goddamn dramatic! Just help me pack, or I can just have my shopper bring you some new shit. It really doesn't matter to me."
She went into her closet. "You love spending money."
He followed her. "I work hard for it, I'm allowed." He looked around the packed closet. "Ok, so what do you want to take?"
She waved him off. "Just go sit down, I'll handle it. There is even more in the other room but it is all organized, so I shouldn't have a problem finding anything."
"Whatever, just do what you need to do, so we can get the hell out of here."
She started going through her clothes and he went back into the bedroom…..
Brenda is just waking up.
She couldn't believe she was back at Christian's.
The whole thing was so crazy.
Saturday morning she thought they were over, Sunday morning he asked her to marry him, and on Monday she was waking up in his bed…engaged.
She stretched and yawned.
At that moment, she heard him come into the room.
She sat up. "Hey, how was your workout?"
"Good." He walked over to the bed and sat down. "Hey, Baby."
He kissed her. "Everything is right in the world. You are back in my bed…naked, right where you belong."
She wrapped her arms around him and buried her face into his neck. "You just finished working out and you still smell so good. Are you working from home today?"
"Yeah, later. We need to run a few errands first."
She looked up. "Errands?"
"I was thinking we can go apply for our marriage license and we need to also do some ring shopping."
"So, you haven't changed your mind?"
"No, have you?"
She collapsed back onto the bed. "No, not at all. I think we are a little crazy, Grey, but being crazy with you is fun."
He leaned down and kissed her. "I second that."
She ran her fingers through her disheveled hair. "I guess I should get up and get dressed. I thought I was going to spend the day in bed doing nothing, which is one of my favorite things, but it seems we are actually going to have an eventful day."
He stood up and took off his shirt.
She got out of bed. "I get dibs on the shower first, since I'm already naked."
He picked her up and threw her across his shoulder. "I vote that we help the planet and save water."
She squealed. "Do I get a vote?!"
He laughed and smacked her on her rear. "No, this is a dictatorship."
He took her inside of the bathroom…..
After getting dressed and stopping for breakfast, they went to the courthouse and applied for their marriage license.
They learned that It would only take a few days before it could be used.
By the end of the week, they could very well be married.
After they applied for their marriage license they went to the jewelry store.
It was the same one they had been to on so many occasions but now they were shopping for rings.
They started out with the engagement rings first.
Christian picked up one. "So, do you see any you like?"
"I want you to pick it out. You would have if you would have gone the traditional route. You know if you would have just shown up with the ring. And you have great taste. So, just pick what you like."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm positive."
He shrugged. "Ok."
She walked around and looked at other pieces, while he looked carefully at the rings.
It wasn't a quick pick, he really took his time.
After some time, he ended up settling on a princess cut diamond ring.
The ring was beautiful and also very expensive.
He slipped it on her finger. "Do you like it?"
It actually fit her finger perfectly.
"I love it. I told you that you have great taste. Is it crazy that it feels really real now? Even after applying for our marriage license?"
He kissed her. "No, it isn't crazy. I'm not going to lie, seeing you actually wearing a ring has me feeling, I don't know, it is hard to explain. I never thought I wanted any of this, until I met and got to know you. The more we were around each other, I think the deeper I fell. I really cannot imagine my life without you in it. These last few weeks were really hard. Not talking to you or seeing you. I don't ever want to go through that again."
"You don't think I was feeling the same way? I was really heart broken, Grey. I'm really happy you decided to stop by."
"Brenda, I have to be honest, I actually came by because I thought you were with someone else."
That was news to her. "Really?"
"Yes, I thought you were on a date or something."
"I don't want to ask what you were planning on doing."
"I actually almost lost it at the bar, but my siblings talked me off that cliff."
"Christian, I'm so glad they did. I was just hanging with friends, people I used to work with. And you said your siblings talked you down? So, your sister was with you too?
"Yes, she was there. I wish you two could have met, but…well, it just wasn't the right time."
"No, it wasn't. That's too bad. I would have loved to have met her."
"There will be other chances."
"Yeah." She looked down at her hand. "We are engaged."
He kissed her. "For the next few days at least."
They picked out wedding bands next which ended up needing resizing.
They would pick them up in a few days.
After they left the jewelry store, they headed back home, Christian had some work to do.
Christian went into his office as soon as they got back and Brenda went into the kitchen to get something to drink.
She is sitting at the counter staring at her hand.
Things were happening so fast.
She just needed a moment.
Miss Jones walked in.
She instantly noticed the ring, smiled, and nodded.
Brenda smiled and nodded back.
Miss Jones walked over, grabbed her hand, and looked at the ring. "Stunning. How soon?"
"Very."
She hugged her. "I'm happy for you both…."
After talking to Miss Jones for a while she went into the entertainment room to call Lois.
Lois was in shock. "Married? I know I used to joke that he would probably ask one day, but this is all happening so fast, Bren. I know you two are happy to be back together but this is a bit much."
"Maybe, but we really want to be with each other."
"You can still be together. You don't have to get married, especially so soon."
"We realize that."
"Well, what is the rush?!"
"I can't explain it to be honest. He asked and I said yes. He also said that if we are going to do it, we should just do it. No long engagements."
"You really think you'll be married by Friday?"
"Yeah, Christian is going to see if we can get an appointment at the courthouse. And he normally gets what he wants."
"I see. I mean, he has talked you into marrying him. Look, Bren, I know you love him and I know he is crazy about you, just make sure that you know what you are doing. Marriage is not like dating."
"I know, Lois. And to be honest, I don't know what I'm doing. Did you know what you were doing when you married Ned?"
Lois laughed. "Well, I guess you have a point. I knew I loved him but I had no idea what we were doing. I had never been married."
"I don't know what I'm doing. I really don't…but I love him so much. I love everything about him, even the things that drive me crazy. And there is a lot that drives me crazy. The guy is moody and possessive as hell. And he curses too much but I still love him. I wish I could wrap myself in his skin."
Lois laughed. "Ok, I got it. You really love him."
"I'm kidding, I want his skin to stay on his body, but I'm glad you get it."
"Brenda, if you want, Ned and I can come and be your witnesses."
"Lois…would you… really do that?"
"Of course, I'm sure we can move some things around."
"I would love that. I'll have to run it by Christian, but I think he would be fine with that, because we will need witnesses. Of course we have friends here, but having you and Ned there would be so great…"
Christian actually thought it was a good idea and he was also able to get them an appointment to see the justice of the peace early Friday morning.
That didn't shock Brenda, because if he wanted or needed something to happen, he made it happen.
The week ended up flying by.
Ned and Lois flew in late Thursday and they all went to dinner.
They had a really nice time.
The conversation just flowed.
Brenda loved having all the people that meant so much to her together.
It also gave them a chance to just relax before the big day.
Ned and Lois would be flying out as soon as the wedding was over because they both had business that needed to be taken care of, and the wedding happened so quickly, they were only able to push a few things back.
Brenda was just grateful they were able to come…..
It's Friday morning.
Christian and Brenda are getting ready to go to the courthouse.
They are getting ready together.
Christian had his personal shopper pull a few things earlier that week.
He wore a grey suit and she wore a white short dress with a birdcage veil.
Her hair was pulled up into a bun that sat at the nape of her neck.
He helped her zip up her dress.
He stood back and took her in. "When I think you can't look any more beautiful. Damn, Brenda. You look great, Baby."
He leaned down and kissed her. "Are you ready?"
She nodded while grabbing her bouquet and purse. "When we walk back into this room, we will be husband and wife. That is so wild, Christian."
"Just a little. Are you sure about all of this? I want you to be sure, Baby."
She gazed into his eyes. "I'm sure. I feel good about this. I feel good about us. What about you?"
"I would have never asked if I wasn't sure."
She took a deep breath and blew it out. "Ok."
He nodded. "Ok. Well, let's go."
He took her hand and they left.
Miss Jones had tears in her eyes as she watched them leave.
Taylor would be driving them.
Brenda wasn't as nervous as she thought she would be.
She honestly felt like she was making the right decision…..
They didn't say much on the way there.
They just held each other's hands.
It felt like they blinked and they were at the courthouse.
Brenda saw Ned and Lois standing outside when they pulled up.
Taylor got out and opened Christian's door.
Christian walked around, opened her door, and helped her out.
Lois was in awe of how great they looked. "You two look stunning."
She hugged them both.
Christian wasn't a big hugger but he hugged her back.
Ned shook Christian's hand. "Take care of her. She means a great deal to the both of us. We love her very much."
"I love her too and she will never want for anything. You can be sure of that."
Brenda felt like melting, just turning into a puddle…right there on the sidewalk.
It was shocking enough that he confessed his love to her but now he was telling other people too.
She still had not gotten used to him saying it.
She knew she would never get tired of hearing it.
Christian looked at his watch. "We really should get inside."
He grabbed her hand and they started making their way up the stairs.
They could hear car horns as they got closer to the entrance.
Lois turned and looked. "Awe, they are wishing you two luck."
Brenda turned, smiled, and threw up her hand…..
They were getting married on the roof top deck.
It was the perfect spot because it overlooked the city.
A female judge officiated the ceremony.
Christian also hired a photographer and a videographer who had been taking pictures and recording since they arrived.
The ceremony started on time.
They were allowed to recite their own vows.
The judge went through the basic intro, the whole we are gathered here speech.
To be honest, they were half listening.
They were just focused on each other.
Ned and Lois stood off to the side with their arms wrapped around each other.
Both of them were in tears, because they really cared about Brenda, and they knew how heartbroken she was after her split from Sonny.
Who knew she would meet Christian a few months later?
After having dinner with them last night, Ned and Lois had no doubt that they were head over heels in love.
They looked at each other like they were the only two people on earth.
They knew that look very well.
It is time for Christian and Brenda to recite their vows.
Christian was first.
They didn't write anything beforehand, they just spoke from the heart.
Brenda gave Lois her bouquet.
He held both of her hands in his. "Brenda, you have changed the course of my life. The day you walked into that casting, I had no idea I was looking at the person who would one day have me rethinking my whole life. I thought I would be fine just going through life alone. Now, wherever I go, I want you with me. I will always support you in whatever you want to do, I will always protect you, I will always take care of you. I will always be faithful to you. There is no one on this earth that could ever make me risk losing you. Your heart is safe with me. For better or worse, sickness and health, richer or richer, we are doing this life together."
She laughed.
He continued. "I love you, Baby."
"I love you too. Christian, I don't know what to say. I'll start with I have never met anyone like you. I've told you this several times. You have shown me a love I have never ever experienced. A person who truly cares for me and wants the best for me. I will be everything to you that you have been to me. I will always be there for you. I will always love you through good and bad times. I will be your biggest cheerleader. I will always be honest with you. I will always be faithful to you. Your heart is safe with me. For better or worse, through sickness and health, richer and…poorer."
Christian interrupted. "Richer, Baby. We will never be poor. I know how to hustle too well."
Brenda laughed. "Through it all, I'm riding with you."
He tried to kiss her.
She moved her head. "Not yet, Christian. We have to exchange rings."
The judge smiled. "That would be correct. And now we will have the exchanging of the rings."
They repeated the words provided by the judge.
Christian slipped her wedding band on her finger. "This ring is a symbol of my love for you, the joining of our lives, and my never ending commitment to you."
She slipped his wedding band on his finger. "This ring is a symbol of my love for you, the joining of our lives, and my never ending commitment to you."
The Judge smiled. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."
Christian leaned down and kissed her. "I love you, Baby."
"I love you too."
He lifted her off her feet briefly. "I can't believe you are my wife."
He placed her back down and they shared a few more kisses.
Ned and Lois clapped and stood back, letting them have a little more time together, before joining them and congratulating them….
Ned and Lois left as soon as the ceremony was over.
They had to get back to Port Charles.
Christian and Brenda were so grateful that they rearranged their busy schedules to be there for them.
After they left the courthouse, Christian took Brenda on a helicopter ride.
Their first as husband and wife.
"I remember sitting in this seat for the first time, I was so scared. I hardly knew you. I had no idea what I was doing. And I had no idea that you were going to be my husband one day."
"I had no idea that you would be my wife. I didn't even know I wanted one."
She burst into laughter. "Well, now you have one. I'm so happy."
He leaned over and kissed her. "Me too."
She pulled away. "Eyes on the sky, Grey. Eyes on the sky."
He laughed….
They have just made it back to the Penthouse.
The elevator door opened.
He scooped her up and carried her over the threshold.
Christian took her into the dining room.
There were flowers, food, a cake, and champagne chilling on ice.
"I thought about renting out a restaurant but I opted to just have Miss Jones set something up here."
"I'm happy you did. So, we can be alone."
He kissed her. "I have a wife."
"I have a husband."
They shared another kiss.
He finally placed her down on her feet. "Maybe we can go on a quick weekend getaway? A little mini honeymoon, before we go on the actual honeymoon."
"Where would we go?"
"I was thinking…New Orleans."
"The first place we ever went together. That's actually perfect."
"Well, let's eat, change, and go. I'll call my assistant to set everything up."
He pulled out his phone…
They made it to New Orleans around six that evening.
Being a few hours ahead helped with the time.
Christian's assistant managed to get them a very nice room at the Ritz.
Brenda was impressed with what she was able to accomplish on such short notice.
They even had reservations at a very popular restaurant.
They showered and changed as soon as they got to their room.
Taylor was with them and would be driving them around for the weekend.
They are at the restaurant having dinner.
Christian looked across the table. "You look so good."
"Thanks, I am trying to impress my husband."
"Your husband is definitely impressed."
She was wearing a short black dress with strappy black sandals.
Her hair was pulled up into a high curly ponytail.
It was becoming one of her favorite hair styles, at least for the summer.
Christian wore a pair of black slacks and a white collared shirt.
Both were sporting new jewelry, their wedding rings.
Brenda couldn't stop staring at hers.
Christian noticed. "You are not dreaming. I've noticed that you keep staring at your hand."
She laughed. "I just can't believe I'm married. I don't think I've had time to process it."
"Yeah, we have been kind of busy today. Are you happy, Baby?"
"Yes, I'm so incredibly happy. I married you. The man I love with all of my heart. I need to be pinched. I am a little worried about what your family will think about all of this."
"It's funny that you mention that. While you were in the shower, Elliot called, he asked where I was, I told him that I was in New Orleans with you, and we were just married."
Brenda stopped eating. "What did he say?"
"He didn't believe me. He thought I was joking."
"So, how did you leave the conversation?"
"He told me I was being a smart ass, because he asked again, and I repeated myself. He just hung up."
Christian laughed. "It's not a secret."
"They are going to hate me."
"No, they are not. They will be shocked but you will be welcomed."
"You don't know that."
"You will be. I know my family, but it's always us from here on out. Ok?"
She nodded…
After they left dinner, they went to a little jazz club.
The club was so crowded, but they somehow managed to grab a table located in the back.
A very secluded table.
Brenda wondered how they got that table.
Maybe Christian set something up beforehand, or gave someone something extra?
It made absolutely no sense that there was an available table, just waiting for them.
They had a few drinks before hitting the dancefloor.
They were already a little tipsy from the drinks they had been consuming throughout the day.
Their bodies are pressed together on the crowded dancefloor.
It was a spirited crowd.
Those were the best crowds.
It was like being on the dancefloor with a bunch of friends.
They danced until Brenda's feet couldn't take anymore.
They went back over to their table.
They are sitting next to each other.
Their backs are facing a wall.
It was so dark in the club, especially where they were sitting.
They ordered another round.
Brenda downed her shot. "I don't think I have ever drank this much."
He laughed. "We've had a few, but what the hell, we are celebrating."
"Christian, we've had more than a few. We have been drinking since this morning."
He moved closer to her. "We've been taking breaks and eating. Do you feel ok?"
She kissed him. "I feel fine."
"You look even better. That dress looks spectacular on you, Baby. I can't wait to pull it up."
He kissed her, slipping his tongue in her mouth.
She felt his hand creep up her leg.
She broke the kiss. "Christian, don't forget we are out in public."
He grinned and looked around. "No, one can see back here. It's so dark and I know how to be discreet."
He was right, no one could see a thing.
There was a wall behind them and a wall to the right, on the side she was sitting on.
There was even a tablecloth on the table, which blocked out everything that was happening on the other side.
His body was turned towards her.
His hand made his way up her inner thigh.
She made no move to stop him, she just moved her legs further apart.
The alcohol had her feeling a little frisky.
He moved her panties to the side.
She felt one finger, then two.
She closed her eyes.
Christian kissed her. "Open your eyes, Baby. Look at me."
She looked at him.
He kissed her deeply as his fingers slid in and out of her.
He broke the kiss. "You feel so good, Baby. I can't wait to get inside of you."
She bit her lip and closed her eyes again.
"Open your eyes. Keep them…on…me."
She could feel that familiar feeling building deep down in her belly.
She looked down and bit her lip.
"Look at me, Baby."
She lifted her head as he continued to move his fingers in and out of her.
He could feel her getting close.
He knew her body so well, he knew what to do, and how long to do it, in order to get her there.
He took his thumb and gently started stroking her button.
"Goddamn it, Christian."
"You like that, Baby?"
"Mmmm…hmmm."
Their eyes are locked in an intense gaze, as he discreetly moved his fingers deeper and faster.
He felt her muscles squeezing his fingers.
He kissed her and she moaned into his mouth…..
They are back in their hotel room.
They showered and ordered room service.
They both wanted a little snack before going to bed.
After eating, Brenda stretched out on the bed.
She was so tired.
It had been an incredibly long day.
Christian was busy turning off the lights.
After he was done, he walked over, grabbed her leg, and pulled her to the edge of the bed.
He pulled the belt on her robe, it fell open.
She grinned. "You have got to be kidding me? Aren't you tired?"
He removed his robe and threw it on the bed. "I'm tired, but not too tired for this."
He pulled her legs apart and slid himself up and down her. "If you are not in the mood, give me the chance to get you there."
She moaned. "I might be already…there. Goddamn it, Christian."
He continued to slide himself slowly in between her folds.
"Aaaaaah, Christian, that feels so good."
Christian could feel how much she was enjoying it. "I can tell, you are getting so damn wet."
She started moving against him. "Put it in."
"You put it in."
She reached down, grabbed ahold of him, and placed him inside of her.
He closed his eyes and sighed. "Shit, you feel good, Baby."
He pulled her legs up, placed them on his shoulders, and moved deeper inside of her…..
They are lying in bed.
Brenda lifted her head and kissed his chest. "What a way to end a long day."
He kissed the top of head. " And just to think you were too tired to consummate the marriage."
"I wasn't worried about consummating our marriage. That was one thing I was not worried about."
He yawned. "It feels like we got married months ago."
She laughed. "Why does it feel like it happened a long time ago?"
"Because this day has been long as fuck."
She continued to laugh. "It has actually bled into the next day."
She extended her arm and looked at her hand. "I'm a wife."
"That you are. Still feeling great about it?"
She looked up at him. "Yes, what about you?"
"Easily one of the best decisions of my life."
"It's not the best decision?"
"No, the best decision was pursuing you after you left that casting. None of this would have been possible if I had not done that."
She planted a kiss on his chest. "I hope we always feel like this."
"As long as we make each other a priority, we will be just fine. It is always about us and then everything and everyone else."
She nodded. "I agree. You know what?"
"What?"
"I love you, Grey."
"I love you too, Mrs. Grey…"
Christian pulled up to his parents' house and turned the car off.
He looked over at Brenda. "So, are you ready?"
"No, I don't want to go inside. Just leave me here. I don't know why I had to come. You could have done this alone."
He grabbed her hand. "It is going to be fine. They will be shocked at first but they will get over it."
"I'm not going in, Christian."
"What are you going to do? Sit in the damn car?"
"Until an Uber comes and takes me back to the penthouse."
"Brenda, stop being dramatic."
"I'm not being dramatic, Christian. I know they are going to be shocked but also angry. And I understand why. You ran off and got married!"
"It's my life. We are going to get out of this car and go inside of that house."
He got out and walked around the car.
She locked the door as soon as he pulled the handle.
He used his key fob and unlocked it again.
She just locked it back.
Christian was getting pissed. "Brenda, open the fucking door."
She shook her head indicating a no.
"Goddamn it, Brenda. Stop acting like a fucking child, open the goddamn door!"
He tried unlocking it again but she just locked it back.
Christian was beyond pissed. "Brenda! Open the fucking door!"
He heard the door to his parents' house opening.
He turned and saw his mother walking out.
"Christian, why are you yelling?"
His eyes moved back to Brenda.
She looked up and saw his mother standing there.
She had no choice but to get out now.
She unlocked the door and got out.
Christian gave her the nastiest look and slammed the door.
He slammed it so hard, she was surprised the window didn't break.
She knew he was angry, but she didn't have time to worry about that.
She had to figure out how to take off her rings.
She placed her right hand over her left hand.
Dr. Grace smiled. "Brenda, it is so nice to see you."
"It's nice to see you too, Dr. Grace."
Christian must have known what she was thinking, because at that moment he grabbed her hand, preventing her from removing anything, and they walked towards the house…..