Allison's bridesmaids lead the way out of the living room and into the back yard. Ellie and Catrina brought up the end of the line of bridesmaids helping Everly down the steps. Everly and Allison had decorated the walker the night before with flowers that matched the bridesmaid's bouquets. Everly made her way to the front and was met by Annie who helped her into her seat.
Allison stood in the living room with Owen ready to walk down the aisle, "dad don't let me fall."
"I won't, I've had practice," Owen smiled.
"I can't fall," Allison said.
"You won't," Owen assured.
The music changed and it was their turn to walk down the aisle.
Asher beamed seeing Allison come towards him, her ivory coloured dress had a sweetheart neckline with off the shoulder sleeves and a full skirt. She looked stunning.
"Mommy," everly shouted.
"Shh Ev hold my hand," Annie whispered.
They reached the altar and Allison gave Asher a hug.
"You look stunning," Asher whispered, pulling her closer.
"So do you," Allison replied.
Allison stepped back still holding Asher's hands and David began the ceremony. He was retired but had made the decision that this would be his last wedding. He was 90. It was time to be done. But for his granddaughter had to do this wedding.
"Dearly beloved," David began, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Allison Altman-Hunt and Asher Blouin. A wedding is always a time of celebration, the joining of a couple in the eyes of god and the coming together of the people they care about and who care about them. It is a time for joy, love and fun. Today we are celebrating Allison and Asher's commitment to each other and to their family. They are choosing to make this commitment. By attending today you have chosen to celebrate with them. I have known both of them for a long time now. I think Allison was only three the first time I met her and she quickly became my granddaughter. I have had the privilege of watching this young lady grow and seeing all she has accomplished. Asher I met his senior year of high school when he and Allison came to see Evelyn and I for advice and to talk. I have seen time and time again what a wonderful young man he is. I am honoured to be able to do this wedding today that you have asked me to do this. Allison and Asher have chosen to write their own vows. Allison why don't you go first."
Allison took a deep breath, "Asher I love you. Five years ago I could not have pictured us standing here. Being a family. We've been friends since middle school and today you are my best friend, my favourite grown up. We've had some incredible times together and we've had to work through hard and scary things. I love how we are a team, how you always seem to know exactly what to say or what I need. Ash you are the love of my life. I can honestly say I would not have survived the last few years without you. I can't picture the rest of my life without you. I know that I want the rest of our lives together. I love that you are by my side no matter what. We do things together as a team, we are always stronger together. You are my first call, my person. I love that with you I can always be completely myself. Asher I love you more than I have the words to say."
"Asher," David prompted.
"Allie," Asher began, "you are the love of my life. I've loved you since middle school. I love how when we are together I can just be myself that you've never asked me to be someone I'm not and you've always seen me for me. We've faced some hard things together and come out stronger for it. We also had some incredible moments, days that were absolutely perfect. I know you are my best friend, the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Allison I love you. I want to be with you forever to keep having our adventures. I love you more than I know how to say."
"Allison," David said, "do you promise to be together in sickness and health, in good times and bad as long as you both live?"
"I do," Allison beamed.
"Asher," David said, "do you promise to be together in sickness and health, in good times and bad as long as you both live?"
"I do," Asher grinned.
"Allison Altman-Hunt, do you take Asher Blouin to be your lawfully wedded husband," David asked.
"I do," Allison beamed.
"Asher Blouin, do you take Allison Altman-Hunt to be your lawfully wedded wife," David asked.
"I do," Asher smiled.
"By the power vested in me I now pronounce you man and wife," David said, "you may kiss the bride."
Asher gave Allison a passionate kiss causing the audience to cheer.
Annie set Everly down and watched as she walked completely unaided to her parents. The ten feet was a lot for the little girl on her own but Allison and Asher both crouched to hug their daughter.
They walked back down the aisle and out of the back yard to meet the photographer. They spent some time taking pictures and enjoying a few minutes to celebrate with their closest friends and family. Asher's parents and siblings minus Renee joined for the last part of the photo session.
"I want one with my girls," Teddy said.
"Are we holding her," Annie asked.
"We should," Teddy said, "but I'm 68 and you're only 5'2"."
"In heels I'm 5'5",``Annie countered.
"My little sister," Allison smiled, putting her arm on Annie's shoulder.
"Excuse me," Annie teased.
"Why are you two trying to pick me up," Allison asked.
"There's a picture of the three of us from dad and my wedding and from Annie and Josh's and in both one of us is lifting you up so we're all level with the camera," Teddy smiled.
"We can do it," Annie said, "the cross hand hold and she sits on our hands."
"Should we," Teddy asked.
"I like the tradition," Allison agreed.
Working together Annie and Teddy lifted Allison up for the photo to be taken with the three of them laughing.
"Our turn," Nancy smiled.
"Yes," Asher agreed.
"No," Everly protested.
"You don't have to be in the picture if you don't want to," Allison told Everly, "you can choose if you want to be in the picture. Daddy and I but you choose for you."
"Everly come join us," Michelle called.
"It's Ev's choice," Owen reiterated, "Allison gave Everly the choice."
"She's had enough mom," Asher replied, "we can't make her and forcing it would cause anxiety and a tantrum. We don't need it today."
"How about one," Nancy suggested, "Everly can you take one picture with us? You can be right with your mommy and daddy."
"Mommy and daddy," Everly asked.
"Yes princess we promise," Allison said.
"Okay," Every said, "up?"
"I've got you, we don't want your shoes to mark mommy's dress," Asher said.
"We're right here always princess," Allison promised.
They took a few photos with Asher's family before they rejoined the party in the back yard.
"You're married," Josh said walking with Allison for a moment.
"I am," Allison smiled.
"I'm happy for you," Josh smiled.
"Uncle Josh up," Everly asked.
"Okay missy," Josh smiled, picking up the little girl, "so your mom and dad are married."
"Yes mommy looks pretty," Everly said.
"She looks very pretty," Josh agreed.
"Was mommy ever little like me," Everly asked.
"She was,"Josh said, "I first met your mom the day she was born like I met you the day you were born."
"Will I get married," Everly asked.
"When you're all grown up," Josh assured, "you have to be a bit taller first."
"Auntie Annie isn't," Everly said.
"I know Auntie Annie is the shortest," Josh said.
"Are you married," Everly asked, starting to understand what marriage ment.
"To auntie Annie," Josh said, "for 20 years now. Your mommy was the flower girl in our wedding she was 2 or 3."
"Two," Annie said, "Allie and Ellie are 4 years appart. And we were married just about 2 years when Ellie was born."
"So you're all grown up and married," Megan said.
"I am," Ellie grinned.
"I'm happy for you," Megan smiled, "both of you."
"Thank you," Asher smiled, "we're really happy."
"You should be," Megan smiled, "it's your wedding day. You two have worked so hard and grown so much together."
"I'm happy for you as well," Nathan said.
"Thanks uncle Nate," Allison smiled.
"Look at you Allison," Nathan said, "all grown up and married."
"Are you and Nathan," Annie started.
"We're working it out," Megan agreed, "I would have said no but time and talking we're working it out. Slow, we're dating again."
"If it's what you want," Teddy said, "Megan is this what you want?"
"It is," Megan said, "I've always loved him."
"Allison," Evelyn said, "Asher."
"Yes Nana," Allison said.
"I need hugs both of you," Evelyn said, "I'm so proud of you both and happy for you. I love you."
"I love you too," Allison said.
"Me too," Asher agreed.
They rejoined the party and were instantly surrounded by friends congratulating them.
After dinner the speeches started.
"So I have the pleasure of going first," Ava said, "I've known Allison since second grade and Asher since middle school. Allie as always been one of my best friends. The person I can count on. She's had her share of surprising announcements over the years as well. But today has been a long time coming. Allison, Asher I'm happy for you. We've had a lot of fun the last few years from camping trips and you two dragging me up mountains on hikes, the amount of games nights and pool parties. I can't say I know much about love or relationships, but I know that what you two have is real. You have been totally committed to each other since senior year. I was surprised when she told us they were together and having Everly but they just make sense. They've been through a lot and it only seems to make them closer. Allison and Asher you two are the most supportive friends, loving couple and the kindest people I know. You're amazing parents, fantastic partners and great friends. I'm incredibly happy for both of you! To Allie and Asher!"
Jonah took his term next, "So I've literally known Asher since preschool. And Allie since middle school. The day in senior year when we were shooting hoops and he told me that not only was he dating and living with Allie but that she was pregnant I was speechless. I knew he had been in love with her since eighth grade but didn't know she saw him that way. I've gotten to know Allie better over the last few years as we all hang out and spend time together. Like Ava said, they're good friends and great parents. Always the first to reach out to help when you need a hand, or are moving. He doesn't even expect a beer, he just comes with his truck and moves your stuff. Without Asher I would never have pursued my apprenticeship. He's the type of friend that keeps everyone else moving forward and wanting to be better. They're always the first to say they'll come for a hike, bike ride, picnic or to the zoo or babysit. They've been through a lot together. I promised I wouldn't make this the dirty best man speech, and I really can't because Asher doesn't have those kinds of stories. Congratulations guys we're happy for you. To Asher and Allie!"
While Asher's parents hadn't been asked to speak they had asked Teddy and Owen to speak together.
"Okay I officially feel old," Teddy laughed, "my baby girl is married. Allison, Asher, we've had a lot of talks over the last few years about what being together, a team and a partnership really means. We love you and are so proud of you, both of you."
"You guys have put in the time and the work to become an incredible team," Owen said, "you always have each other's backs and know the other person as well as you know yourself. My big advice for both of you is keep making time for you, keep hiking, playing games and doing the things you do to support your relationship as a couple. Always work on your connection, even if it's only a quick backyard soccer game or a walk around the block."
"I agree with Owen," Teddy said, "your friendship came first and is your foundation. Keep that strong. Be each other's best friends. In all the busyness of life stay connected, every day find time to be connected. It doesn't have to be big just together. Owen and I are so proud of you and happy to be standing here. Congratulations!."
"It's time you two," Owen smiled, "it's time for you to celebrate and have all of that happiness. Congratulations! To Allison and Asher!"
Annie and Leo came up together last.
"Surprise," Annie said, "you thought you'd get away without hearing from us."
"She's right," Leo smiled, "Asher dude you married my sister. I will remind you she's always going to be muy sister."
"When Leo stands down we have a story," Annie smiled, "because what is an occasion or a milestone without a story."
"When we were kids Annie started this tradition of buying Allison and I special picture books and signing them for every occasion," Leo explained, "she learned from her dad and his wife."
"Allie this one is special," Annie replied, "it's one Grandmere first read me when I went to university. This is your own copy but the book is now out of print so it took me a while to track down. I know if Grandmere was here she would be incredibly happy for you today."
Annie and Leo read the book aloud each taking a turn to read a page like they had rehearsed.
"Allie Bean we love you. I remember meeting you minutes old, you were the sweetest little baby, then the most amazing little girl, always a good friend, helpful aunt and a great little sister, I'm so proud of you and happy for you," Annie said, "Asher you've become part of our family. This today isn't the end goal, it's a beginning. Today you begin a new chapter for yourselves and your family. Enjoy the next chapter. See where it takes you."
"I have no profound advice," Leo said, "but I'm happy for both of you. You're great friends and always kind and supportive of those around you. Asher, you put up with Allie and I prepping for the MCAT over zoom until two in the morning. You two are a good team. We're really happy for you."
After the speeches and the cake cutting it was time for the first dance.
"Mrs Blouin, may I have this dance," Asher asked, offering Allison his hand.
"Yes," Allison smiled, taking his hand as he led her to the dance floor.
They danced the first half of the song like they planned before Leo started getting their friends up on the dance floor.
"Allie," Owen asked.
"Yes," Allison said just before the song switched for the father daughter dance.
As Allison danced with Owen, goofing around and being silly like they often did Asher spun Everly around making her giggle and shrieked with delight.
As it started to get late Megan picked up Everly, "missy it's time for bed."
"I want to stay," Everly pouted.
"You have to go to bed," Megan said, "it's 10:30. It's already three hours after your bedtime."
"No," Everly pouted.
"Everly I'm setting a time for 5 minutes and we are going to go say good night to your mom and dad and you are going to bed," Megan said.
"Ten," Everly tried.
"Six," Megan countered, "it's that or we go now."
"Six," Everly pouted.
Megan showed Everly the timer on her phone that was set for six minutes. When the timer was up Megan took the little girl to say good night to her parents then carried the exhausted girl down the basement steps to tuck her in. Megan had had about enough her self and was happy to have the break of tucking Everly in and sitting with the little one. She missed her Everly days and even Khitam went to daycare full time now. But she would get to meet her grandson in three more months and would be back to babysitting once a week once he arrived.
After everyone had left Asher led Allison to the truck, he had checked into the hotel that afternoon before the wedding and their bags were already in their room.
"We're married," Allison said, "Ash we're really married."
"We are," Asher agreed, "so Mrs Blouin our night?"
"Hotel and then we go from there," Allison smirked.
Asher drove to the hotel and they arrived just before 2am. Once the elevator doors closed behind them Asher pulled Allison into a passionate kiss.
"I love you," Allison whispered. Reaching their floor Asher grabbed Allison's hand and they ran down the hall to their room. They slammed the door behind them and began making out.
"Dress," Allison said.
"How," Asher asked, "I don't see a zipper."
"My back," Allison said, "it's all hooks and eyes."
"Turn around," Asher replied.
Allison turned and Asher un did the hidden hooks and eyes on Allison's back. Stopping between each one to kiss her shoulders and the back of her neck. The hooks undone Asher slid the sleeves off Allison's shoulders, the dress fell to the floor and she turned stepping out of it.
"We're married," Allison smiled before wrapping her arms around Asher's neck and kissing him. She stepped back and pushed his tux jacket off his shoulders before undoing his bow tie and unbuttoning his shirt. He unclasped her bra as she undid his belt.
"Bed," he asked.
"We have all night," Allison said.
"I know," he replied huskily, "I plan to kiss you everywhere."
"Everywhere," she asked.
"Everywhere," he promised.
It was nearly dawn when they curled up in each other's arms.
"That was," Asher said.
"We've never done that," Allison said, "been that loud."
"No Everly we can be," Asher said.
"Just us," Allison said, "one more night and a lazy day today."
"How about we sleep a bit," Asher replied.
"Sleep would be good," Allison yawned, "you know when we wake up we'll miss Everly."
"One day downtown just us," Asher smiled, "the last time we had 48 hours alone we got engaged."
"I know," Allison smiled snuggling into Asher, "I love you."
"I love you too," Asher smiled, kissing the top of her head. Allison put her head on his chest and her fingers traced loose patterns on his abs. He rubbed her arm softly as they drifted off to sleep.