Chapter Text
The idea had come to Sam during a weekend visit to Midvale.
Not long after Reign’s defeat, the “Super friends” had felt the need to relax and decompress. Eliza had been all too happy to receive the mismatched clan into her home including both her daughters significant others, J’onn, Winn and James. Alex had even convinced the ever-elusive Lucy Lane to stay for the weekend.
All it had taken was a blissful forty-eight hours of surf and sand for Sam to fall in love with Alex’s hometown.
Sam had been around the ocean only a handful of times before, but she found herself wholly at ease with the rushing waves just beyond the Danvers back porch. Whenever they would trek down to Midvale, inevitably Sam would make her way out to a familiar rock mass, taking solace in the waves pounding against the rocks, relishing the sea spray across her skin.
From her vantage point, she could easily spot Alex and Ruby playing amongst the growing swells, their matching wetsuits standing out on the dark waves. Ruby had been adamant that Alex teach her to surf, bringing tears to the older woman’s eyes. The redhead was thrilled to share her childhood passion with someone else, no doubt understanding how her father had felt the first time he’d let her paddle out into the waves on her own. Kara had never been a fan of the water, her body too dense to properly stay afloat, so Alex had all but abandoned the sport, especially once Jeremiah had been presumed dead.
Sam wasn’t afraid watching her daughter face down the elements and it had nothing to do with the girl’s alien heritage. She knew Ruby was beyond safe with Alex by her side. The Director was fearless and selfless; a combination that had saved Sam multiple times and countless others. Only Alex could fight an alien virus, embedded deep within her psyche, and win. She was sheer stubborn will and the universe had yet to invent a challenge Alex wouldn’t willingly rise to.
It was the main reason that Sam loved her so much. The reason that Sam tried to be better every day, to love Alex better everyday. She had wandered out onto her favorite spot in Midvale to contemplate just how to accomplish that goal when she was struck with a crazy, wonderful idea.
Alex was her everything, and the Danvers were exactly the type of family she had always hoped she and Ruby would someday belong to. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with the new Director. She ran back to the house, using only a tiny bit of super speed, to speak with Eliza before Alex and Ruby returned.
“Hello, Samantha.” The Danvers matron deadpanned as a gust of sand blew across her front patio, mussing her hair and contaminating her coffee!
“Sorry!” Sam squeaked, another gust of wind revealing the tall brunette wearing a sheepish grin, a fresh mug of coffee in hand.
“It’s fine, dear.” Eliza waved away the apology, trading her old cup for the fresh one Sam offered. “Lord knows Kara was far worse when she was first coming into her powers.”
Even though Sam had decided to forego a life of heroics, the people she loved faced otherworldly dangers everyday, so she had agreed to train with Alex were her abilities ever needed. Not to mention Ruby, almost thirteen, had already begun going through the Kryptonian version of puberty! No one knew exactly what to expect, since the teen was only half Kryptonian, but noting the strength Reign had displayed they fully expected at least some form of powers. Thus far the pre-teen had exhibited strength, some invulnerability and minimal flight, though the list could grow at any moment.
There was no way Sam would let her baby struggle through such changes alone so she made it a point to work on controlling her powers, often removing her Kryptonite bracelets when she was home or in Midvale. It forced her to be mindful of her strength and control her speed. There had only been one incident with heat vision and Alex was extremely apologetic about startling Sam, eyes tracing over the scorch marks on their bedroom door!
“So...” Eliza drawled, taking a sip from her mug.
“I just, um, wanted to talk to you.”
Eliza hummed with curiosity, tapping the seat beside her. “Have a seat, dear. What did you want to ‘talk’ about?”
“I want to marry Alex!” Sam blurted out before she was even seated.
Her hands flew to cover her mouth in horror as she awaited Eliza’s reaction. She was surprised when the older woman continued sipping from her mug, still humming a little melody.
“Eliza? Did you hear what I just said?”
“Of course I heard you dear. From the way you just shouted, I’m surprised she didn’t hear it too!” The mother teased lightly. “I already know you want to marry Alex. Is this you asking for my permission? Because you and I both know if this is what Alex wants too, which trust me dear she does, my daughter won’t wait for my permission.”
“Alex wants to marry me too?” Sam gaped at her apparent future mother-in-law in shock causing the elder woman to roll her eyes.
“Ruby was right, you two really are ‘useless lesbians’.” Eliza teased.
“She is so grounded.” Sam grumped, dropping her face into her hands.
“Go easy on my only grandchild. She means well. I think she just wants you two to make it official.”
Sam couldn’t help the smile that spread over her face every time Eliza referred to Ruby as her granddaughter. It was a role she had hoped Patricia would grow into but the woman had died before the pair could reach a reconciliation. Ruby had been drawn to Eliza immediately and was calling the elder woman “Nana” long before she and Alex were even truly dating. Referring to Alex as “Ieiu” had come not long after. They were already a family; Sam just needed to declare it to the world.
“You’re right. We need to make this official! How long does it take to get a marriage license?”
Now it was Eliza’s turn to gape! “Sam? How soon are you wanting to do this sweetheart?”
The answering grin told the mother all she needed to know. “I’ve wasted enough time. Eliza, do I have your blessing?”
“No.”
“Excuse me?! But you just said...” Sam was understandably confused and upset as the mother headed leisurely into the house, leaving her no choice but to follow.
“I said no,” Eliza clarified as she unlocked her desk drawer, “because you can’t propose without a ring.” She turned and handed Sam a small velvet box. “Open it.”
Inside was a simple black band, the metal polished to a high shine and cool to the touch. Sam lifted it out and noticed it already bore an inscription. The initials “JD” and “ED” were etched delicately inside. “Is this?”
“Jeremiah was never one for opulence. Alex is so much like him sometimes it hurts. This was the only thing they gave to me when he was declared MIA. He left it behind for us in case he didn’t come back.” The mother explained quietly, tears gathering in her eyes. “I had it sized for Alex years ago but had given up hope that she would ever be able to use it. There was a time I hoped to give it Maggie...but...I’m glad I waited. You’re the only person I can imagine sliding this ring on my daughter’s finger.”
Sam pulled the woman into a strong hug, mindful of her strength, the ring box clutched gently in one hand. “It’s perfect. Thank you Eliza.”
“Welcome to the family, Samantha.” Eliza pulled back from the brunette with a wide smile. “Now, we’ve got a lot of planning to do and very little time! Better call in reinforcements.”
Eliza was dialing Kara’s number before Sam could even register her words. She opened the box once more, running her finger gently over the ring with reverence. Alex was going to be her wife and nothing could make her happier.
“I never realized how much I missed this.” Alex sighed wistfully as she and Sam strolled down the boardwalk later that night hand in hand.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s beautiful out here.” Sam’s face split into a nervous smile as she watched the other woman, the same smile she’d been wearing most of the night.
The pair had spent the afternoon lounging around the beach house with Ruby before Sam declared that she needed a “Mama’s Night Out”. Alex had been eager to show her mate her favorite seaside restaurant in town and Sam had released a grateful breath that she hadn’t been forced to wrestle Alex out of the house. Less than an hour later, the pair had strolled out to their rented Jeep and headed into town.
Sam had planned on proposing at dinner but found herself completely lost in Alex.
The Director looked extremely distracting with her hair wavy and loose, pulled to one side, shaved temple on display, and a crisp blue blazer with the sleeves pushed up tossed over a white v-neck tee. Dark wash skinny jeans perfectly accented her hips (and ass) if Sam was being honest. Alex topped the outfit off with the brand new pair of white low-top converse that Sam and Ruby had bought the Director after finally convincing the woman to toss her old pair. The redhead would only ever wear the popular sneakers in white, though they never seemed to stay that way for long!
Not wanting to tip Alex off by dressing too formally, Sam had opted for a simple pair of light wash, ripped jeans, a flirty white blouse and a black, wool, wide brim hat she had stolen from Lena atop her new, wavy bob. Knowing Alex didn’t mind the height difference, she had finished her look with her tallest black heels, designed to make her legs look even longer.
They had pulled up to a lovely little restaurant on the pier, Alex barely even missing her bike, as she steered the topless Jeep one handed down familiar streets. The agent had been thinking of purchasing a vehicle for a while, Sam being wary of Ruby being picked up from soccer in a DEO issued SUV, but the Director couldn’t seem to settle on what she wanted. Watching the woman smile widely at the feel of the wind on her skin made Sam think that maybe, just maybe they had found the one.
It had been a glorious few hours of delicious seafood, fruity drinks and flirty looks. Their table, right on the restaurants patio, gave them the perfect view of the sun setting over the ocean. Sam wished she could keep such moments with Alex in a bottle, but she was determined to have many more with the tenacious redhead. If only she could manage to propose! By the time the pair made it back to the Jeep, Sam was on pins and needles and she grew more nervous the closer they got to Alex’s childhood home. Naturally, the ever-intuitive Director noticed something was amiss.
“Hey, Sammy, you okay?” She asked, lifting their joined hands from resting on the gearshift to gently kiss her knuckles.
“I’m great!” Sam lied with an exaggerated smile. “Just stuffed from all those crab cakes!”
Alex broke into a wide smile at the mention of food. “I know right! I told you nothing beats fresh seafood by the ocean. Next time we’re in town we’ll have to take Rubes there.”
“Definitely.” Sam was relieved when Alex let the conversation lapse in favor of finishing the ride in companionable silence.
As they pulled back into Eliza’s driveway, Alex frowned slightly, noting the house was dark though the night was still young. “Huh...guess mom and Ruby turned in early?”
“Maybe they just wanted to give us some privacy on our ‘Mama’s Night Out’?” Sam suggested, doing her best to sound casual as she pulled Alex through the dark house towards the back patio.
Despite her best efforts, Alex remained unconvinced, especially when they reached the patio surrounded by glowing tea lights. “Sam? What is all this?”
“I’ve been trying to find a way to do this all night,” Sam sighed as she came around to stand before Alex, gripping her hands gently. “You are my hero, Alex. I’m constantly in awe of your courage, your selflessness and your brilliance. I love you...so much that it hurts sometimes. And I want to spend the rest of our lives together. So...”
Sam dropped to one knee and pulled the small velvet box from her pocket, noting the shocked expression Alex wore as she finally realized what was happening. Her eyes were glassy as she raised a hand to her mouth in shock waiting for Sam to continue.
“Alexandra Eli Danvers, will you marry me?”
Alex nodded tearfully but didn’t speak until she saw the ring in the box. “Wait, that’s-? Sam, that’s my dad’s! How did you get it?”
“Apparently, your mom has been waiting a long time to give it to you,” Sam explained as she removed the ring from the satin lining. “Is that a yes?”
“YES!” Alex exclaimed, pulling Sam to her feet for a passionate kiss before allowing her to slide the ring on. “I was wondering how long it would take you to ask.” She whispered as they pressed their foreheads together lovingly, knocking Sam’s hat off in the process.
Before Sam could respond a whoop rose up from the far corner of the porch. “Finally!”
Suddenly, the whole space lit up revealing their entire family with Ruby at the forefront! The teen rushed forward to tackle the two women in an excited hug as the rest of their family cheered on in the background. Alex stared at the group in awe, trying to figure out how Sam had been able to slip all of this under her nose.
“I can’t believe this finally happened...” Alex mused, tears still in her eyes. “You guys came all the way down here just to throw us an engagement party?”
“Not quite...” Lucy drawled with a knowing smirk.
If anyone had asked Alex years ago what her ideal wedding would be, she could never have imagined this.
And yet...it was perfect.
Standing on the back steps of her family porch, Eliza’s arms wrapped around her as she stared down a makeshift aisle at the love of her life. The beach just beyond their porch was littered with tea lights, white folding chairs on either side of a long linen cloth leading to a lovely wicker arch, white flowers woven throughout. J’onn, clad in his Martian robes, stood in the center of the arch beaming up at his adopted daughter.
Next to Sam stood Ruby with a blinding smile, her outfit a miniature version of Alex’s, the velvet ring box in hand. Lena also stood with the Arias women, dressed more casually than Alex had ever seen her, in a black floral wrap dress, Sam’s discarded hat perched on her raven locks.
Getting married in blue jeans and sneakers was probably not what her mother had envisioned when she pictured her daughter’s wedding day but somehow it fit the non-traditional couple. Initially, Alex had wanted to change; sure that Sam would want them to be dressed more formally for such a momentous occasion. But Sam had assured her love that their day would be special no matter what they wore, that she loved Alex as she was.
Kara stood opposite the two Arias women, clad in a flowing sundress, hair loose and glasses discarded. In her hand was the guitar Alex had gifted her long ago and the youngest Danvers eagerly awaited the cue to sing her cherished sibling down the aisle. Behind Kara stood Lucy in jeans and a flowing tee, emerald eyes shining with unshed tears, as she watched her best friend finally get her happy ending.
The rest of the audience was full of Alex and Sam’s family and friends, including Vasquez and her partner, James, Winn and the rest of the Super Friends. Even Clark, Lois and Alura were in attendance. The only person missing was the one whose absence Alex felt the most.
With a shaky nod to Kara, the ceremony began. Tears sprung to Alex’s eyes as her sister’s voice carried over the warm winds rolling off the sea...
When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
And curse at the wind
He broke his own heart
And I watched
As he tried to reassemble it
And my momma swore
That she would never let herself forget
And that was the day that I promised I'd never sing of love
If it does not exist, but darlin'
You are, the only exception
You are, the only exception
You are, the only exception
You are, the only exception
Paramore’s “Only Exception” had been a song the eldest Danvers could relate to all too well, never truly believing in the concept of love but seeking it all the same. Now the lyrics struck her more poignantly, her eyes locked onto Sam’s as her mother guided her down the aisle towards her future. They reached the end of the aisle just as Kara finished the last refrain.
Eliza hugged her daughter tightly before placing a gentle kiss against her forehead. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, my sweet girl.” She whispered with tears in her eyes.
Alex watched as her mother took her seat and nearly broke down at the empty chair beside her, a framed picture of Jeremiah perched upon the seat. Eliza caught her daughter’s gaze, giving her a teary smile as she mouthed, “We love you”, with her hand over her heart. Alex nodded, eyes equally glassy, as she turned back towards Sam.
“Hi, baby.” Sam whispered as she took Alex’s hands in hers.
“Hi.” Alex whispered back, unable to stop the tears as she nodded at J’onn to begin.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate Alexandra and Samantha, two women that we have all been blessed to have in our lives. I’ve spent years watching Alex grow from a brilliant but stubborn little girl into an equally brilliant and stubborn young woman.” J’onn paused as the crowd chuckled around him. “But in all seriousness, I’ve always believed Alex was extraordinary and I just hoped, as any parent does, that she would find someone equally as extraordinary to spend her life with.”
The Martian stopped again, seeming to need a moment to compose himself and as Alex glanced around the ceremony, she noted that more than a few were swiping tears from their eyes. She gave J’onn a watery smile before he continued, turning his attention to her beloved.
“Samantha, you crashed into our lives in the most unlikely of manners. But throughout it all, you remained warm, caring and selfless. You have made the best of some of life’s worst circumstances and it has made you one of the strongest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. And you’ll need that strength...if you’re going to keep up with Alex!” More chuckles ensued as J’onn then turned the ceremony over to the loving couple.
Sam took a deep breath before she began to speak, eyes locked onto her love. “Alex...where do I even start? I knew the first time I saw you with Ruby, that you were someone to whom I could give my heart. Because Ruby is my heart and you treat her with such care, such kindness, such love that I would have been a fool not to fall for you! I want to spend the rest of our lives showing you how grateful I am for all you’ve done for me, for our family.”
“Dammit,” Alex muttered with a teary smile. “How am I supposed to follow that?”
She glanced back to her sister and Kara gave her a dorky thumbs-up, tears of joy streaming down her face. Lucy caught her eye and gave her a quick nod, assuring her that she could do this; she could declare her love for Sam before their family and friends.
“Sam, I grew up thinking that I wasn’t made to love because no on seemed to...fit. Even when I finally accepted who I truly was, when I was so sure I had figured it all out, there was still something missing. And then this adorable kid crashed into me on the pier and her equally adorable mom followed.” Alex paused to wink at their daughter as a quiet chuckle rippled through the crowd. “At the time I could never have predicted how that chance meeting would change my life forever, but it did. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Damn,” Sam grumbled with a teary smile. “That was way better than mine.”
“It’s not a competition, babe.” Alex teased before J’onn cleared his throat.
“The rings, please?”
Sam cocked an eyebrow at her soon to be wife. “Rings?”
“You weren’t the only one trying to figure out a way to ask.” Alex answered with a sheepish grin.
Kara leaned forward, pressing a gentle kiss to her sister’s cheek as she handed over Sam’s ring. Alex had called in a favor from Lena, needing a metal that Sam could wear constantly without fear of destroying it accidentally with super-strength. Never one to disappoint, the youngest Luthor had produced a stunning band of vibranium with Sam, Ruby and Alex’s birthstones embedded. It was beautiful and understated, as both women knew Sam liked her jewelry simple.
When Alex slid the band onto her finger, tears immediately gathered in her eyes. “Are those?”
“Our birthstones? Yeah.” Alex agreed with a watery smile of her own.
“And don’t worry Samantha,” The youngest Luthor leaned forward to purr in her friends ear, winking at Alex. “I made sure to leave room for more.”
It was no secret that the couple wanted more children, Alex especially wanting to experience parenthood again as she missed Ruby’s early years. Sam, too, wanted another child still regretful that she had not been able to give her daughter the life she deserved in the beginning. If the pair had their way, Sam’s ring would be full in no time!
“Perhaps we should finish the ceremony first?” J’onn suggested with a gentle smile. When both women nodded sheepishly, he turned back to the crowd. “By the powers invested in me, on Earth and beyond,” he added, eyes flashing red for a moment. “I now pronounce you wife and wife. Alex, you may kiss your bride.”
Before the words even left his mouth, Alex surged forward, framing Sam’s face gently with hands as they shared a loving kiss. It would have lasted much longer but a voice sounding suspiciously like Lucy bellowed “Get a room!” The pair broke apart reluctantly as J’onn announced them.
“May I present Mrs. and Mrs. Danvers-Arias!”
Hours later, Alex sat quietly on the steps of her back porch sipping a beer as she watched Sam and Ruby twirl each other around the Danvers backyard. Their friends and family were all littered across the sand: some laughing, some joining her girls in their reckless dancing and others canoodling in dark corners.
Kara and Lena were expected as the pair had just moved in together but Alex had to cock a curious eyebrow as she spotted a certain tiny Major whispering in an equally tiny Detective’s ear. Initially, Alex had been shocked to see her ex-fiancée in the crowd even though the pair were on friendly terms. Maggie had shyly explained to her that even if she wasn’t on the receiving end of Alex’s vows that she still wouldn’t have missed her wedding day.
“You deserve to be happy, Danvers. We both do.”
Apparently, that quest for happiness had beautiful green eyes and a feisty spirit that might be too much even for Maggie! Alex hoped that it worked out for both women, each occupying a special place in her heart.
Her eyes were instantly drawn to her wife as Sam strode towards her barefoot through the sand. Alex still couldn’t believe that a chance meeting had brought her to this moment. It was true that their relationship had experienced some extreme challenges, the likes of which most couples could never imagine! But in this moment, with Sam settling easily across her lap, slim fingers liberating her beer and plump lips stealing a sip, nothing mattered except them.
“I could hear you thinking way over there.” Sam teased with a whisper, pressing a tender kiss against her wife’s shoulder. “You okay, baby?”
“Never better.” Alex answered her honestly, stealing her beer back as she pressed a quick kiss to her wife’s lips. “I can’t believe you’re my wife. I can’t believe this is our life.”
“Believe it baby. I love you so much and this is only the beginning.”
“Yeah,” Alex agreed hugging Sam closer before she whispered conspiratorially, “How long before we can ditch our own party?”
“Alex!” Sam feigned shock before hopping off Alex’s lap and pulling her to her feet. She glanced around quickly as she grabbed Alex’s wrist, tugging her towards the house.
Everyone out back pretended not to notice the happy couple slipping into the darkened house, choosing to let them enjoy their day however they chose to. And if Kara started rambling and humming loudly a few minutes later, everyone in attendance was simply glad that Ruby’s super hearing hadn’t quite kicked in yet!