Chapter Text
Today is the day that Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen finally get married. It’s a day that everyone has been looking forward to. It’s a day that is already filled with love, laughter and joy. They both have been through so much and have overcome obstacles. Today is the day that everyone they love will gather together and watch the love pour out.
Today is a special day.
July 19th.
The Bradford and Chen wedding will commence. Everyone is looking forward to it.
It will be a good wedding.
(More to come after the ceremony)
Anonymous (definitely not Smitty).
***
“Oh Lucy,” Joy says and Lucy catches her eye in the mirror. “You look beautiful.” Lucy can’t keep the smile off her face. Her dress is even better than she remembers it, her hair is done and so is her makeup.
“Thank you.” She says. “How is he?” She hasn’t seen Tim since last night, they had their rehearsal dinner and she was glued to his side. And then they were separated all night. She hadn’t even seen him come into the hotel.
“He’s wonderful.” Joy says. “He looks handsome.” Lucy has no doubt about that. They were doing a first look and she would see him in a few minutes but—
“Thank you for everything.” She says to Joy. Her future mother in law really stepped up in doing things for and with Lucy. Things that her own mother should have done. As far as Lucy knew, her parents were coming. She just didn’t know how long they were staying or if they would even show up.
“Of course sweetie.” Joy says. “You are amazing.” Lucy smiles and Joy pulls her in for a hug.
Lucy pulls away, and she knows she is going to have to redo her makeup. “I have to go.” She says her voice shaking. “I’ll be back.”
“Okay.” Joy says and the door opens to reveal Angela. She is the one coordinating the first look, being the go to person between Tim and Lucy.
“You ready?” She asks. Lucy nods and follows her out the door.
“I think so.”
“You look beautiful.” Angela says. “Tim doesn’t cry. He’s going to cry.” Lucy’s not sure about that but—
They get to the courtyard and she sees Tim with his back turned. He looks a little tense, but she knows it’s the nerves.
They have been counting down to this day for so long.
“Go on.” Angela says. Lucy takes a step forward, and then another until she is behind Tim. She reaches out to tap him on his shoulder.
She’s not sure how he’s going to react, this was her idea and he went along with it. Angela organized it and that was that.
Tim turns around and his jaw drops a little. His face is soft, his eyes are bright as he takes her in. “Oh wow.” He mutters. She smiles but its shaky, as she watches him. “I get to marry you?” He sounds more in disbelief than anything.
“Apparently.” She says.
Tim lets out a laugh and then pulls her in. “You look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.” He says. He presses a kiss to her forehead and a tear rolls down her face. Not because she’s sad or anything.
But she gets to marry this man who loves her more than anything. Who waited for her and was patient with her.
He’s not perfect and she doesn’t want him to be.
She just wants him.
“You don’t look too bad yourself Bradford.” She says and he wipes the tear away from her cheek. “You really do look handsome.”
“You saw my mom didn’t you?” He asks. She nods and he lets out a laugh.
“She loves you.” Lucy says softly unable to keep her voice from shaking. “I do too.”
“I know.” Tim says. “I love you too. And god—” He eyes her up and down. She has a feeling he’s going to have a hard time keeping his hands off of her.
(She doesn’t mind one bit.)
“Okay.” Lucy says. She gives Tim a kiss and then pulls away. “We have to get going. I’ll see you out there?”
“I’ll be the one at the end of aisle.” Tim says. Lucy lets out a soft laugh.
This was happening.
This was actually happening.
***
The Bradford-Chen wedding is underway. Lucy Chen is being walked down the aisle by former Watch Commander Wade Grey who is also officiating the wedding.
(I have my certificate, I could officiate but Bradford said no).
Anyway.
Angela Lopez and Aaron Thorsen are standing with Tim. While Celina Juarez and Tamara Collins are standing with Lucy.
The colors are blue and yellow, and I have to admit it’s very Bradford and Chen. The wedding is about to start.
More later.
Anonymous (still not Smitty).
***
Tim is nervous, not in getting cold feet kind of way because the minute he saw Lucy in her dress he knew.
This was going to be the best day of his life. She looks absolutely beautiful and she is all his. She will be all his after the wedding is over.
She hasn’t even walked down the aisle yet and he’s planning their night. He’s not nervous about any of that.
He’s nervous because all this anticipation and planning. It was all going to be over in a few minutes. He doesn’t want this moment to end. He wants to be in this moment forever. He wants to bask in Lucy’s presence forever.
He looks at Angela who just smiles at him, and he knows this is it. The music starts, Celina and Tamara walk down the aisle.
(Tamara was home from college, and she was happy to be included but she was also leaving for a trip tomorrow.)
Jack, Kojo and Emmy make their way down the aisle. And then Joy and Genny. Lucy’s parents come after them. They look annoyed as they take a seat.
The music stops and then starts again and everyone stands. Lucy appears right away, and Tim feels his heart pounding in his chest.
She still looks beautiful, and she’s glowing as she makes her way towards him. Tim doesn’t let his eyes leave her.
He has seen her already, and he felt weak in the knees then but now he feels like his heart is going to burst out of his chest.
She finally gets to him, gives Grey a hug and then he’s pulling her up. Grey gets into position and starts talking.
But Tim’s eyes are still on Lucy.
“Your vows.” Grey says. Someone nudges Tim, and he jumps a little. He pulls a paper out of his pocket.
He spent weeks, months pouring over this. He wanted it to be perfect.
“Lucy,” he starts. “You have always been a light in my life. You have always seen the good in others and me. You have always pushed me to be better and gave me grace when I didn’t deserve it. You made me a better person.” He pauses and sees Lucy wipe something off her cheek.
He continues without missing a beat. “I love you. I think I have fallen even more with you.” He says. “You just—you make everything good. I don’t know what I did to deserve you. But I’m so thankful you are mine. I love you and I promise to love you for the rest of my life. I promise to show you the love you show me. I love you.”
Lucy wipes another tear from her face and sucks in a breath before letting it out. She takes the piece of paper Celina hands her and looks at Tim. “Tim, I love you.” She says. “You make me happy. You make me smile. I don’t know how we went from what we were when we met to this.” She gestures between them.
“I’m glad we did.” She says without pausing too long. “I am so glad we did. You are the love of my life. My best friend. You make my life better. You always say I bring light into your life. But you brought love into mine. You brought strength and safety into mine. You are my safe place to land. I know you always have my back, and I will always have yours.” She pauses again, and then continues. Her voice is a little unsteady.
“We have been through so much together. We went through hell together and if we can get through that we can get through anything. I love you so much Tim Bradford. Forever and always.” She finishes.
Tim feels unsteady as he squeezes her hands. He’s not sure how he will make it through tonight without pulling her away.
Grey continues and then they are repeating after him. He slides Lucy’s ring on her finger and she slides his.
And finally, at last they are pronounced husband and wife. And everything is so, so good and bright.
He takes Lucy’s hand in his as they walk down the aisle. He ignores Lucy’s parents look of disappointment as they walk by. He smiles at everyone else and he knows it can only go up from here.
***
Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen are officially married! Husband and wife. It was a lovely ceremony and I (the anonymous writer) cried a little.
They really do love each other so much. They are so in love and maybe one day I will find love like that.
Anyway, it was wonderful. I don’t usually use words like wonderful.
Next up is the reception, I will be back.
Anonymous (not Smitty).
***
“We are married,” Lucy whispers. “We did it!” Tim smiles at her, and pulls her into his chest. Lucy can’t help but pull him down to kiss her.
“We did it.” He says softly and he looks like he’s taking it all in. She’s grateful they have a few minutes carved out for just them.
Lucy made sure Angela added it before they went to their reception. They were going to be with their friend and family all night.
***
“Introducing for the first time: The Bradford’s!” Grey announces. Lucy walks next to Tim feeling like she would never lose her smile. She has been smiling since he kissed her for the first time after Grey pronounced them husband and wife.
“I really wish we had more time alone.” Tim whispers to her. She did too, she could have spent all night with just her husband. They would have found a way to sneak away back to their hotel room.
But—
This wedding was a big deal, they spent months planning it and there were people who came to see them.
“Me too.” She whispers back. “But we can do this.” Tim nods and then spins her around. Lucy takes in the room.
It’s filled with her family and friends. Her parents are there of course. She noticed them at the ceremony but didn’t have a chance to say anything to them because everything moved so fast. She watches her husband as he pulls her to a stop in the middle of the floor. This was their first dance.
“Are you ready?” He asks. She looks up at him, and to her surprise his eyes are a little misty. She could see them getting misty when she was saying her vows. Tim usually held it together.
“Yes.” She says and as if on cue the music starts. She follows Tim’s lead and never takes her eyes off of him.
Her husband.
The love of her life. They were dancing their first dance as husband and wife.
(The one they had been anticipating for months).
Her husband.
God, she would never get over it. The song is ending and she knows other people will be on the dance floor.
But her eyes are on Tim—as always. It feels like it’s just the two of them in the room. There are people all around them.
But she only sees Tim.
And she wouldn’t have it any other way.
***
Lucy doesn’t leave Tim’s side, not even when her parents come up to them. He has been watching them all evening. Her mom was stuff, and flinched whenever someone would come up to her.
His mom had approached them and it looked like she was inducing herself but Vanessa Chen just turned her nose up.
Her dad was a lot less obvious and he was examining the room with some sort of interest. His eyes would wonder and then they would always find Lucy. It’s like he wants to say something to her.
Tim is about to step aside, he doesn’t want to leave her completely but he also doesn’t want to interfere. But Lucy holds onto him tightly and he knows he’s not going anywhere.
“Mom.” She says nodding at Vanessa. “Dad.”
“Lucy.” Vanessa says. She cuts her eyes to Tim, makes a noise and then turns back to Lucy.
“This is my husband Tim.” Lucy says and his heart flips over just hearing those words out of her mouth and she said them so casually like she has been saying them her whole life.
“I see.” Vanessa says. “You work together?” Lucy nods and his grip tightens on her. He feels how tense she is.
“Yes ma’am.” Tim says.
“You thought it was a good idea to start dating someone from work?” Vanessa asks. Lucy opens her mouth to reply.
“You don’t know Tim.” Lucy says. “You don’t even know me. You—” She stops when she sees Genny approaching them.
“It’s time for the speeches.” She says. Tim nods and guides Lucy away.
“It was nice meeting you.” He says to the Chen’s. “Enjoy yourselves. There’s a lot more to come.”
Tim leads Lucy to their table and they both sit down. Tim squeezes her hand, and that didn’t go as she hoped but everyone else here was here for them.
And that’s all that matters.
***
It’s time for speeches but Bradford said no to me (definitely not Smitty) giving the speech. Which is just crazy if you ask me (not Smitty). I would give an excellent speech but to each their own.
Lopez, Joy Bradford (Bradford told me no to flirting with her.) and Genny Bradford are giving the toasts. Along with Juarez.
I will be back later to tell more about the reception.
Anonymous (not Smitty)
***
“Tim and Lucy have always been Tim and Lucy.” Angela says. “They are a packaged deal. They are a team. I have known Tim a long time, and I have never seen him so happy. There’s just something about Lucy that makes him shine.”
Tim turns to look at his wife (he feels like someone needs to pinch him) and she’s smiling as Angela talks.
It’s been quite a night already, with the first dance, and now the speeches and dinner. This really isn’t Tim’s thing. He would rather be up in their hotel room, loving on his wife like he has wanted to do all day.
“I love you both,” Angela says and it brings Tim out of his thoughts. “You both deserve a lifetime of happiness. To Tim and Lucy.”
“To Tim and Lucy.” Everyone says. Lucy clinks her glass with Tim, there’s a light in her eyes he hopes never goes out. His mom stands up next, and he puts his arm around Lucy’s shoulders.
“When I first met Lucy,” Joy starts. “I really didn’t know how much she meant to Tim.” Lucy sends Tim a look. He does feel bad about that, he kept the most important person in his life from his mom. Not because he was ashamed but he didn’t want his mom to get hurt. It was silly, but he was a protector. He protected those he loved and despite not being close to his mom at the time he still loved her.
“I understood why after awhile. Tim is complex but he’s a protector.” Joy continues. “He will protect those he loves and put them before himself. When I realized who Lucy was to Tim, I got to know her and she is amazing.”
Tim sees Lucy’s cheeks flush red a little. “She is sweet, loyal and loving. She loves Tim too and I can see that every single day. She makes him happy, and I am honored to have her as my daughter in law.”
Tim looks at Lucy and she has tears flowing down her cheeks. “Jesus Christ.” She mutters. “What is it with you Bradford’s?” Tim lets out a laugh and presses a kiss to her cheek.
“I love you both so much.” Joy says. “You both deserve all the happiness in the world.” She sits down and Celina stands up. Tim has no idea what she is going to say but he’s ready.
“I have known both Tim and Lucy together and apart.” Celina says. “Lucy and I got closer and I could tell how much she loved Tim and Tim loved her. They are both stubborn, but also fiercely loving and protective. I don’t use this word lightly but they are without a doubt soulmates. And they made their way back to one another.” Celina says. “I know this was wedding was a long time coming and it was so worth it. To Tim and Lucy.” There’s more clanking of the glasses.
“Soulmates huh?” Lucy says quietly. She’s grinning at Tim and he leans in closer. “I like that.”
“Me too.”
“I love you.” Lucy says. “Just a few more hours until we are alone.”
Just a few more hours.
“My brother is a typical older brother.” Genny says and once again Tim is brought out of his thoughts. “He’s protective, a little annoying and guarded but I love him. When I first met Lucy, I knew she was the sister I never had. And I didn’t know if they would end up together but I’m glad they did.”
“See?” Tim grumbles to Lucy. “She likes you more than me.”
“She says she loves you.” Lucy points out.
“She’s my sister. She has to say that.” Tim whispers back. Lucy rolls her eyes and takes his hand.
“I am so glad my brother found happiness. I am so glad he got his act together. I know they will always choose each other.” Genny continues and she smiles at them both. “To my annoying brother and amazing sister in law.”
Tim rolls his eyes but Lucy just pecks him on the cheek. “You are lucky you have a sibling to annoy you.” She mutters. “I always wanted that.”
“Well now you have it.” Tim says back. He knows his sister and his wife will get together and that will also include Angela and probably Celina and Nyla. But it was worth it.
It was all worth it.
***
“I just don’t understand why you had to settle for this.” Lucy’s mom says to her and she gapes. Her parents had been here all night just sulking in a corner, if they thought she was settling. They clearly weren’t paying attention.
“I’m not settling mom.” Lucy says softly and she looks around for her husband but he’s talking to his mom. “I love Tim and he loves me.”
“You are telling me you actually want this?” Vanessa asks. She grabs her bag from the chair and gives Patrick Chen a look. Lucy’s dad stands up and comes to stand next to her. “You want to be married to him?”
“Yes.”
“You just moved in with him.” Vanessa says.
“I have known him a long time mom.” Lucy says. She doesn’t want to get into the timeline of her relationship with Tim. Not here or with her mom.
“But how long have you two been together?” Vanessa asks.
“Awhile.” Lucy says. “It’s complicated. But I love him, and if you actually would talk to him.”
“Maybe.” Vanessa says and she looks for once in her life a little unsure. A little unsettled. “We just want you to be happy Lucy.”
“Then maybe you should support me.” Lucy says and she looks over to see Tim and Joy watching her. Tim has a look of concern on his face, and Joy is watching carefully as well. “I know this isn’t how you imagined my life but I’m happy.” Vanessa sighs a little as Tim comes over.
“Mrs. Chen,” he says holding out his hand. “I am Tim Bradford. We haven’t properly met but I am glad you came.”
Lucy is stiff as her mom studies Tim and then she finally shakes his hand. Tim holds it out to her father as well and he shakes his hand too. “We are heading out.” She says and she drops Tim’s hand just as fast as she took it. “It was a nice wedding Lucy.” Lucy nods and watches them go.
“Well that wasn’t awful.” Tim says.
“It wasn’t great.” Lucy says.
“But they came.” Tim points out. “It’s a lot more than you expected.” It was a lot more and she was grateful they were here. Maybe this was the start of moving forward with her parents. Maybe just maybe.
***
Wesley approaches Tim. It’s one of the few moments where Lucy is not tucked into his side and he misses her. But she’s talking with Angela, Nyla and Celina. And she’s happy, despite her parents leaving a little early.
“Congratulations.” Wesley says coming up to stand next to Tim. “This was a great wedding.”
“I agree.” Tim says and despite slowly forgiving Wesley, he still wasn’t there.
“No hiccups.”
“Nope.”
Wesley sighs and shifts on his feet. “I’m sorry.” He says. Tim turns to look at him with raised eyebrows.
“What?”
“I am sorry. For everything. I was just doing my job but I get why you were upset. And you know our wives will be planning double dates.” Wesley says. “I don’t want this tension between us.”
Tim shifts on his feet too and then looks over at Lucy who is watching them. Angela is too. He hates to admit it but Wesley is right. There will be double dates in their future and it won’t be fun if he’s glaring at him all night.
Besides this was the happiest day of Tim’s life. He didn’t want to think about being angry at Wesley. He didn’t want to think about Everett or anything else.
“I am sorry too.” Tim says. “I may have overreacted but I was also doing my job.” Wesley nods and holds out his hand.
“I know that.” He says. “Are we good now?” Tim hesitates but he feels his wife’s eyes on him.
(And honestly if he forgives Wesley, Lucy will tell him she’s proud of him and that will just make this night 10 times better.)
He takes his hand and shakes it. He could be somewhat civil, and besides this was the happiest day of his life.
“Fucking finally.” He hears Angela behind him. “Okay now for that double date—” Tim groans a little and Wesley looks amused.
Lucy comes over and pulls him to her. “I am proud of you.” She whispers so only he can hear.
And yeah this was going to be the best night ever.
***
Forgiveness and love is in the air tonight. I witnessed a civil interaction between the Chen’s and Bradford. And Wesley Evers and Bradford.
It must be something about love.
Now it’s the send off and then Chen and Bradford are off on their honeymoon. Sources tell me it’s Paris.
This has been a good wedding, a good day and I am happy for Bradford and Chen. They deserve happiness.
It’s been good.
Anonymous (still not Smitty)
***
Lucy is relieved when they get up to their hotel room and it’s finally just them. She hasn’t had two minutes alone with her husband. She’s grateful for today, she’s grateful for everyone who helped make it happen.
But she just wants her husband and she wants him all to herself.
(Which luckily she is going to get for the next two weeks.)
“Oh thank god.” Lucy says kicking off her heels. They were also killing her, but she didn’t want to lose them. Tim looks at her in amusement and then stops her before she can flop down on the bed.
“Hold on.” He says. He turns her around and carefully unzips her dress. “I love the dress by the way.”
“Yeah?”
“You looked beautiful.” He says. He presses a kiss to her shoulder. “But now I need you out of it.”
“Yes sir.”
Tim groans as the dress falls to the ground and pools at her feet. “Lucy—” He turns her around and she sees nothing but want and love on his face.
“Yes?” She asks. His tie is already loosened and she pulls his jacket off his shoulders. “We are married now. We are alone.”
“I know.”
“I need my husband.” She says and she doesn’t finish because Tim is already on her. His hands are moving up and down her body. He carefully lifts her up and sets her on the bed. She glances at her dress on the floor.
(She really loves her dress).
Tim must be reading her thoughts because he gathers it up and then lays it across a chair. He finds a hanger in the closet and hangs it up without another word. And then he makes his way back to her.
“Come here,” she says and he steps between her legs. She swallows at the look on his face. “I need—”
“What baby?” He asks. Lucy straightens up as he leans down, he pushes her gently on the bed and then he’s hovering over her. “What do you need?”
“You.” She says. She just needs Tim. She’s been craving him all night. All day. Even when he was close, she needed more. “I need my husband.”
“You got it.” He mutters and then he’s kissing her and she knows without a doubt this will be the best night ever.
***
Tim wakes up with his wife wrapped around him. His alarm is going off and he knows they need to get going to the airport. He carefully shakes Lucy, and then rolls out of bed. He doesn’t want this moment to end. But they were going to Paris. They were married, newlyweds and going to Paris.
“Morning already?” Lucy groans.
“Barely.” Tim says. “Come on babe. Paris awaits us.” Lucy sits up and even in the dark he can see her smile.
Angela was going to get all their stuff out of the hotel room. Their honeymoon luggage was on its way to the airport. They just had to get to the airport.
“Can you believe it?” Lucy asks as she climbs out of bed. “We are married and going on our honeymoon.
He couldn’t quite believe it because everything felt like a dream. But the ring on his finger and her finger told him differently.
They were married and this was the beginning of the rest of their lives together.
He couldn’t wait.
“No.” He says. He walks over and gathers her in his arms. “It came and went so fast. But—”
“But?”
“This is the beginning of the rest of our lives.” He says and a huge smile lights up her face. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” She says. “Are you ready?” He nods and grabs her hand.
The rest of their lives. This was going to be good.
So, so, good.
***
Your anonymous source saw the newlyweds leaving the hotel this morning. They were both smiling and all over each other.
They are—if my sources are correct— going to Paris for two weeks.
(Don’t worry—I have some sources in Paris who will keep track).
I will say this wedding and this relationship has been a long time coming, they do deserve all the happiness in the world.
They truly do.
Anonymous (definitely not (not) Smitty)