Chapter 30
Iwake to the gentle touch of Alexa’s fingers stroking my freckled heart, her soft caress filled with love and tenderness. The sparkle in Alexa’s green eyes mirrors my own excitement and happiness, a reflection of the joy that fills our hearts on this our special day. Today is not only my wedding day but a momentous occasion for Alexa because I marry her daddy and officially take her as my own. The significance of the day fills me with a sense of belonging and security, knowing that I’m surrounded by the love and commitment of such an amazing family.
As I look into Alexa’s eyes, I feel a rush of gratitude for the profound love I have received from my little love, not just today, but every day since the moment she climbed into my arms and asked me to read her favorite book to her. With a smile that spreads across my face, I know that today marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, a chapter filled with endless love, days filled with laughter, and the promise of a bright, happy future together as a family.
“Mommy, I love you so vewy much, and will be the bestest flowaw giwl, I’m so happy you and Daddy awe mawwying today,” a tear escapes her beautiful green eyes, “and so vewy happy I will be yaws faw evaw maw.”
I pull Alexa to my chest, holding to me tightly and kiss her forehead, before pulling her back so I can look into her vibrant green eyes.
“You have given me the greatest love I have ever known Alexa Jane Harrington, so pure and honest and I’m honored you chose me to be your mommy, I love you sweet girl and always will with everything I am.”
We stare into each other eyes just taking a moment to absorb our feelings for one another and slowly start to smile and giggle.
“How about I make us some of our favorite eggs for breakfast and then I’ll have to jump back into bed before the pampering begins, how does that sound?”
Alexa giggles because she knows I’m meant to stay in bed, but I want to do this, it was the first breakfast I ever made her and it feels fitting to recreate our first breakfast to mark the special occasion.
“Okay, let’s go before we get cawt.”
We giggle all the way to the kitchen and we both make our favorite breakfast together before hiding the evidence in the dishwasher and clambering back into bed before Mom, Caroline, Eve, Betty and Lottie come barreling into the apartment, followed by .
“I made you and Alexa some breakfast Cupcake, I’ll bring it in for you,” Betty hollers as she races to the door and when she sees Alexa and I giggling she knows we’ve been up to no good.
Betty shakes her head smiling, “I’ll feed the others while you take a shower and for love of all that’s holy, use the damn shower chair or I’ll whoopee tee your butt.”
Alexa kisses my cheek and whispers, “You bettaw do as Gwanny Mae says Mommy. I loves you to the moon and back,” then runs full tilt to be with Eve and the rest of the family.
As I stepout of the bathroom, I’m greeted by the sight of Frédéric and his team, diligently at work, transforming the room into a haven of beauty and elegance. The chairs are arranged around the room for everyone to sit while being pampered and relax while the team works their magic.
I settle onto the bed, Frédéric’s crawls onto the bed and has a gentle touch as his expert hands run through my hair as he looks into my eyes.
“Mon amour, will you allow me to gift you something my grand-mère gave to me, she told me it was for someone special to pass this heirloom down to?”
In Frédéric’s hands is a beautiful French diamond encrusted filigree hair comb, it is absolutely beautiful.
“Frédéric, I love it but I can’t take this from you, I’d be honored to borrow this and have it as my something borrowed but this should remain in your family belle homme,” I say with tears in my eyes.
“My Jean-Paul and I missed our chance to have a family, and what I see in you mon amour, is a woman I would want my enfant to be. S’il te pla?t do me the honor of accepting this piece as I know you will cherish it the way it is meant, and then you pass it down to ton petite fille Alexa. It would make me and my grand-mère proud to see this loved for generations to come, oui.”
I have tears streaming down my face and pull Frédéric into my embrace, “Oui, Frédéric, I will accept this beautiful piece and cherish this piece until I can pass it onto Alexa on her special day. Thank you doesn’t seem enough, but I’m lost for words and... merci.”
Frédéric smiles, “oui, mon amour, let me create you sit back and sip on your tea, Frédéric will enhance your beauty.”
Frédéric crawls back off the bed and I notice his scarlet shirt and navy blue suit and smile.
He comes around behind me and begins to weave his magic through my hair. The room is filled with the soft hum of conversation and the gentle rustle of brushes and hair tools, creating a sense of tranquility and anticipation. Surrounded by the people I love, I feel a sense of calm wash over me, knowing that I am in the hands of true professionals who are dedicated to making me look and feel my absolute best on this special day. With each stroke of the brush, I can feel myself being transformed, not just on the outside, but on the inside as well, as I prepare to embark on this new chapter of my life with confidence and grace.
Through the shared experience of beauty and conversation, bonds are strengthened and hearts are touched. In the midst of wedding day myself, Lottie, Betty, Frédéric, Mom, Caroline, Eve and Alexa find comfort and support in each other’s presence, united by love, friendship, and the enduring power of shared stories, many tears are shed and laughs are had by us all.
Alexa all of a sudden races out of the room, then darts back in, “Mommy you needs to close yaw eyes, please.” Then she’s gone again.
I close my eyes and wait in wonder at what Alexa could possibly be up to and then I hear her fast little feet coming back down the hall and everyone gasps, and I hear a little sob.
“Open yaw eyes Mommy, I have a big suwpwise faw you.”
When I open my eyes, I see Alexa holding up a beautiful scarlet dress in a very similar design to Alexa’s but the colors reversed and Eve running her little hand over the material in awe. Frédéric holds tissues at the inner corner of my eyes.
“Mon amour, no more tears, oui,” Frédéric smiles warmly at me.
“Oui, Frédéric,” I say with a smile.
“You got me a special dress, Lexi?” Eve whispers in wonder.
“Yes, Evie, you awe going to be a flowaw giwl with me, Daddy wanted Mommy to have hew family in the wedding too,” Alex says proudly.
“Wow, Lexi, is so pretty, I love it and love you,” Eve grabs Alex in a cuddle and they giggle then jump up and down.
“Lils, Alexander wanted to give you your family on your wedding day to share this moment of your life that you will remember forever,” She turns to my sister, “Caroline if you feel comfortable in standing alongside me and Lils today, we have matching scarlet dresses and stunning heels to wear, what do you say, Caro?” Lottie finishes with a smile.
My sister looks to me teary eyed and I nod encouragingly because this is such a beautiful moment Alexander has given to us.
“Say yes, Auntie,” Alexa pipes in and we all start laughing.
“I would like that Lottie, thank you this means the world to me,” Caroline whispers, giving Lottie a hug.
Lottie turns to Mom and Betty, “You have dresses hanging in the back of the closet on Alexanders side at the back, let’s get into our finery and get this show on the road.” Lottie exults.
Lottie helps me into my wedding ivory lace underwear, and before she squeezes me into my dress, she lifts my left leg and slides a blue lace garter belt onto my thigh. The dress is on and fits perfectly, such a design allowed for my belly growth.
“We have the old, and blue, now Alexander has a wedding gift for you and Alexa which is your something new,” Lottie pulls out to little black boxes and hands them to us Alexa and I open them at the same time and gasp. He has brooches made in our initials, and they are absolutely stunning.
“Oui, may I, mon amours?” Frédéric asks and we nod.
He pins them in the center of our dresses in the middle where the lace meets the satin and they are perfect.
“parfait, mon amours,” as he steps back and kisses each side of our cheeks.
“We just need something borrowed,” Lottie announces.
“I’m here, I’m here, I’m so sorry the traffic was backed up and... I’m sorry Lily,” Renée breathes out.
“Hi Mrs. Harrington,” I say smiling wide.
“None of that, I told you to call me Mom, please, and today my dear child, you are marrying my eldest son and will become Mrs. Harrington. I couldn’t prouder of the woman he chose to marry and to be Alexa’s Mommy.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I whisper.
“I have a necklace for you to wear as your something borrowed, normally I would pass on my pearls today but I want you to wear something that was Anne’s it is a diamond heart pendant that Andrew bought for her on their first wedding anniversary which she wore every day after. I think she would be honored if you wore this, on the day you legally become her precious Alexa’s Mommy. I say it’s borrowed because this is to be gifted to Alexa on her eighteenth birthday. Anne would have adored you sweet girl and we’d be honored if you would wear this.” And all I can do is nod with a quiet smile.
There’s not a dry eye in the room as she helps Alexa clasp her mother’s necklace in place.
“I loves you Mommy and Gwandma’s wight, Mommy would have loved you to pieces, just like me,” my little lovebug assures me with a wide happy smile.
I hold Alexa tight as we allow ourselves to just... feel.
As the whitehorse-drawn carriage arrives, adorned with delicate flowers and ribbons, Alexa and I are overcome with awe and wonder. The sight of the majestic carriage waiting to whisk us away to the wedding venue fills us with excitement and giggles. Hand in hand, we step inside, Alexander has really made us feel like princesses today and we smile brightly with our hearts full. As the carriage sets off, gliding gracefully through the bustling streets of the New York city, Alexa and I are enveloped in a cocoon of serenity and joy. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse’s hooves creates a soothing soundtrack to our journey, while the soft sway of the carriage lulls us into a state of peaceful anticipation.
As we approach Angel Arch at Bethesda Terrace, the grandeur of the venue takes our breath away. The late afternoon sun casts a warm golden glow over the surroundings, bathing everything in a soft, ethereal light. With each passing moment, the anticipation builds, our hearts filled with love and excitement for the ceremony.
As the carriage comes to a stop, Alexa and I are greeted by Dad’s smiling proud face dressed in his white dress uniform and he is so very dashing, he helps us step out onto the cobblestone path.
“Pa, you look so handsome,” Alexa gushes.
“And you look like a fairytale princess, Darlin’ heart” he says and bends to kiss her cheek. Go get into position alongside Eve and we’ll get Mommy married.
“On it, Pa,” Alexa starts to leave then turns back to me, “Mommy this so exciting, I loves you, smile and have fun, Oh, and kiss Daddy.” She kisses me on the hand then runs off to get into her all important position.
“You look like the angel you are, sweet girl. Alexander will be blown away, you have made this old frog and extremely proud man for allowing me to be your dad, with the most honorable role to date of walking you down the aisle. And I want you to know your father is looking down on you today a very proud man for how far you’ve come, smiling and sending you all his love.”
A tear escapes and quiet sob, “Thank you, Dad, I’m honored you are with me and know Daddy would be proud I have such a stron–” My belly tightens and I have to stop.
“Not yet baby girl. Oh, hell to, the, no!”
“No, no, no, no. Bugs please just wait a little bit longer,” I breathe.
“DOC!!!!!!!!” Dad bellows.
Next minute I’m lifted off my feet and put back into the carriage and water tilted to my lips.
“Lily, please tell me that is your first contraction today?” Doc asks seriously.
I nod, “Yes, Doc, what do we do?”
Doc laughs, “We get you married and now! The boys are literally holding Alexander back down there, so we’re going to hurry this along, you tell me if another hits by tapping your thigh okay.”
“Okay, let’s go,” I smile and get out of the carriage.
“At last” by Etta James starts drifting around us and I giggle.
“Alexander is such a romantic,” I tittle.
“Only with you sweetheart, and you deserve everything, now let’s get our asses moving because I have a feeling this time it’s ‘go time’ I feel.” Dad states.
As Alexa and Eve proceed us down the aisle, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air not only for the wedding ceremony but the impending situation that our bugs want to join in too. My heart swells with emotion as the girls walks hand in hand tossing scarlet petals on the path and when I look up, I find sparkling green eyes fixed firmly on my blue. Waiting at the end of the aisle, is my handsome. He takes my breath away with his commanding presence dressed in his navy dress suit, his medals gleaming in the lowering sun. With his black tousled hair and Duchenne smile, he looks... beautiful, there’s no better word for it, Alexander is a beautiful man both inside and out. I can see he’s concerned but I smile happily because this man is beyond my wildest dreams, he is... everything.
The team, resplendent in their navy blue dress uniforms, standing tall and proud, each member radiates a sense of honor and respect, their presence a testament to the bonds forged through shared brotherhood and loyalty. And Charlotte and Caroline look stunning in their scarlet below the knee A line dresses. As we draw closer, Alexa reaches out to take my hand, and Dad moves into position to the center back ready to officiate. Alexa grins up at me and walks me the last few steps toward her Daddy.
“Mommy, I love you with all my heart and give you to my daddy.” Then she steps to Alexanders side with a radiant smile.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, Angel.”
I beam up at him, “And you, my handsome are all to smexy and gave me a contraction standing there in all your glory,” I giggle and the whole family laugh along with me, as Alexander lets out a long held breath.
“Okay kids I’m honor–”
“Commander, if you don’t hurry this along there won’t be time for an, I do.” Doc bellows.
Again we all fall into laughter as another contraction has my breath stolen. Alexander scoops me up and starts running.
All I hear is laughter as I’m being jostled and trying to breathe.
“Alexander take me back, I need to say, I do, before these bugs exit my body, and you’re going to break my waters if you keep bouncing me like a ragdoll,” I giggle.
“Angel, as much as I love this setting and it would be quite a story to tell, I don’t want my wife giving birth in Central Park,” Alexander implores.
“Then best you take me back so I am your wife before I give birth to our impatient children, I just know they’re going to take after you, my love. I’ll tell you when it’s really time to go,” I soothe.
Alexander pivots on the spot and strides back to our laughing family but he doesn’t set me down, I remain cradled in his arms as Dad clears is throat.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Alexander James Harrington to Elizabeth Anne Saunders. Alexander say your vows, then Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth Anne Saunders, today I stand before you, overwhelmed with pride and love as I take your hand in mine. You are my angel, my love, my forever. With the deepest conviction, and deepest part of my soul, I pledge my life to you.
I vow to honor your strength and cherish your heart. I promise to stand beside you, unwavering, through every season of life, celebrating our triumphs and facing our challenges head on, together, like we have from our very beginning. In you, I have found my soulmate, my amazing mother to our children, and my forever love.
I will protect you with my life, respect you, and cherish you with a steadfast devotion that will not falter as the years pass by. Every day, I am inspired by your courage, moved by your kindness, and drawn deeper into the love that binds us.
Elizabeth, my commitment to you is absolute. I promise to nurture our bond with kindness, understanding, and passion. I vow not only to grow old with you but to grow with you, each day, learning, loving, and living life together for the rest of our days.
Today, my heart swells with pride and joy as I call you, my wife. This is my solemn vow to you, made in love, kept in honor, lived in hope, and eternally yours. I love you, Angel, mine.”
“Alexander James Harrington, enveloped in your arms and the tender gaze of your beautiful green eyes, my soul finds its home. With a heart full of love and ow, oh, ow, my belly’s tightening,” I stop and breathe, and just stare into Alexander’s loving but concerned eyes as I take long even breaths.
“With the magnitude of this moment, I vow to be your forever love in all of life’s adventures, your sanctuary in times of need, and your greatest admirer. I vow to cherish the remarkable man you are, just as I celebrate the extraordinary moments that have shown me the depth of your kindness and the warmth of your soul.
With eloquent simplicity, I promise to be by your side, through the whirlwinds of our mornings and the quiet nights alike, finding endless joy in our shared love and our life of endless love.
To you, Alexander, I give my unwavering loyalty and my infinite affection. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, to comfort you in times of sorrow, and to always hold you close in my heart.
Together, we will build a life rich with adventure, family and steeped in love, where our hearts and minds forever entwine. Alexander, you are my once-in-a-lifetime, with every beat of my heart, I will love you more deeply than the day before, for you are my everything, my soulmate, and my greatest love. I love you. My, Handsome.”
“With the powe–”
“Stop, stop, I have special vows for my little love,” I state, “Mr. Harrington, Dad, can you pick Alexa up, I don’t think my husband is going to let me down.”
Everyone laughs including my handsome husband, and Dennis picks Alexa up who is smiling with watery eyes.
“Hi, Mommy, Daddy, that was so, so beautiful,” Alexa kisses my cheek then Alexander’s.
I look deep into the same beautiful green eyes as Alexander’s and smile softly.
“Alexa Jane Harrington, I not only fell in love with you at first site, but you are the reason I met and fell in love with your daddy and the more I love your daddy, I cherish and love you ever more.
Because you, my little lovebug, are the sweetest most kind and ever so loving little girl I’ve ever known, and the more I’ve gotten to know you, the more I wish I’d had the pleasure of meeting your mommy and daddy.
I know they are looking down on us from the stars and smiling with pride at your remarkable capacity to love, and it is all because they were wonderful parents and they will forever look down on you, my sweet girl, because you hold their heart within your own.
Will you, Alexa, my little love, do me the utmost honor in becoming my daughter, my first child, my forever little love.
I promise to love you with all my heart, care for you with everything I am, honor and keep you for as long as we both shall live. I love you, my little love.
Alexa has tears rolling down her face just the same as me, “I say, yes, Mommy, yes, yes, yes! You love me so vewy much and you makes my heawt happy. I love you, to the moon and... back.”
Alexa leans forward so I can wrap my arms around her and we hold each other tight, like we will, forever more. As we sway gently on together, a sudden twinge hits my belly interrupting the magic of the moment. At first, it’s a subtle sharp sensation, but as the pain intensifies, my breath catches in my throat, and I let Alexa go and Dennis steps back and I lean into Alexander for support.
With determination and resilience, I push through the discomfort, drawing strength from Alexander’s unwavering presence wrapped around me.
“Dad,” I breathe, “papers I need to sign our wedding certificate and Alexa’s adoption papers. Now! Oh, right now!”
As the intensity of the contraction increases, Dad grabs his folder and a pen and hands Alexander the pen and certificates and he signs, while I breathe through my contraction. One the contraction has passed I sign first our marriage certificate and then Alexa’s adoption papers.
“Alexander and Elizabeth, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And I hear by certify you Elizabeth Anne Harrington as Alexa Jane Harrington’s legal mother, as a Commander of the United States Navy.” Dad kisses my cheek and salutes Alexander.
“HOOYAH!” Booms across the majestic Angel Arch at Bethesda Terrace.
“Now, Doc, bring my grandbabies safely into this world. Betty you’re driving get them to the damn hospital, go! Cuddy and I will wrangle this lot and get everything squared away.”
Betty charges ahead as Doc strides beside Alexander as we make our way to the Beast surrounded by our loved ones cheers and hollers.
Despite the unexpected timing, there’s a sense of serenity and purpose in the air as Alexander and I prepare to welcome our babies into the world. As we make our way to the hospital, me in his arms, I’m filled with anticipation and love, ready to embark on this new chapter of our journey together as husband and wife and very soon to be... parents.