Chapter Text
Chapter 11: Epilogue
4 years later…
The sun streamed in through the window, casting a beam over the two women cuddled in bed under the covers - it was still early however the summertime weather meant everything started a lot earlier.
“Hm good morning,” Maya mumbled, her eyes still shut as she felt Carina’s hands run along her stomach.
“Morning Bella,” Carina replied, placing a soft kiss on the blonde’s lips smiling as she saw her favourite pair of blue eyes flutter open.
“I will never get over how beautiful you are,” Maya said with a lazy smile.
“As charming as ever,” Carina laughed, continuing to trace her finger over Maya’s body. She felt goosebumps erupt over her skin as Maya’s hand ran down her bare back, slowly going over her spine then resting at the base. However, Carina’s morning happiness faltered as her thumb stroked over the 3 inch white line that ran across the blonde’s abs; a faded yet permanent reminder of the ‘what if’?
“What’s wrong?” Maya asked, seeing the small frown on the brunette’s face - however her question was quickly answered when she saw where Carina’s hand lay. “Hey - we promised. No sad tears today. Only happy ones,” she said, pulling Carina’s face back up to look into her eyes.
“I know. I know . I just- everything could have been so different…” Carina whispered.
“I am yours, and you are mine. That will never change, okay? Plus, if I do ever get injured I have a brilliant doctor fiancé - you may know her?” Maya teased.
“Do you? Well, she is one very lucky lady,” Carina replied, playing along.
“I would say I am the lucky one,” Maya winked as the brunette pushed herself up on her elbows to give Maya another kiss, this one more passionate and heated. However, they were quickly interrupted by the bed dipping and four paws jumping onto the sheets.
“Enzo - I love you but you really do have the worst timing,” Maya complained as the brunette diverted her attention away from Maya’s lips to the golden labradoodle now occupying their bed.
“But he’s cute so he gets away with it,” Carina replied, stroking the dogs curls.
“I can’t believe I nearly let you name him cannoli,” she sighed, remembering the time Carina had suggested it.
“It’s a cute name!” Carina protested, her hands ruffling the dog’s fur who was more than enthusiastic to get some love.
“For a dessert, not a dog,” Maya countered.
“Whatever,” Carina huffed as Maya laughed.
“Just think in twenty four hours it will be just me and you. No dogs, no alarms, nothing to interrupt us - just peace,” Maya said wrapping her arms around the brunette.
“I can’t wait. The sun, the sand, the sea and my wife - what more could I want?” Carina replied, relaxing against Maya’s toned body.
“But for all of that to happen - we do need to get up. Vic, Travis and Andy and your brother will be here soon and I don’t think any of them would appreciate us still lying in bed naked.”
“Hm okay. But only if you join me for a shower?” Carina asked, not liking the idea of moving from their warm bed without some form of incentive.
“How could I ever say no to that?” Maya replied with a kiss, the brunette letting out a surprised yelp, then a laugh as she was picked up from under the covers and taken into the bathroom.
Nearly an hour later, after an….eventful shower both girls were now downstairs, dressed in joggers and t-shirts, drinking coffee at the island.
“I still can’t believe how far this place has come,” Carina thought out loud as she looked around their home.
“Told you it had potential,” Maya replied with a proud smile.
Two years ago…
“Maya I thought you were showing me a house…this is a scrap yard,” Carina said bluntly.
“It’s not a scrap yard!”
Carina raised her eyebrows, then flicked her eyes between her girlfriend and the so called ‘house’ that was in front of them.
“Just please come and look at it. For me?” Maya begged.
“Fine.” Carina relented, not being able to resist Maya’s eyes.
Maya smiled in triumph and dragged her girlfriend into the house. It was very run-down but Maya knew it had something special, she just hoped she could convince the brunette of the same thing. They walked inside and were met with a fairly large space, but the wallpaper was almost coming off the walls, the floors were dirty and in places broken, the windows were full of dust and any furniture that was in there was almost completely unsalvageable yet Maya had a wide grin on her face.
“This place is a health hazard,” Carina said, looking around the ground floor very unimpressed.
“Okay - can you please use that very intelligent brain of yours to just imagine for a minute?” Maya asked. Carina rolled her eyes but agreed anyway as Maya took her hand and pulled her further into the building.
“So, this whole side wall here will be the kitchen, an island in front of it so we can eat breakfast together, cook dinner together and drink wine while we talk about our days. Make this back wall a large pocket door so we can open it out during the summer and have BBQ’s with all our friends. Sit out there till the early hours of the morning, have an outside firepit where we can just sit and look up at the stars and toast marshmallows,” Maya explained with enthusiasm, before leading her back towards the front of the house.
“Build a fireplace so we can cuddle in the winter on the sofa, where I can wrap you up in my arms while we watch a movie. Host our dinner parties with all our Italian food at the dining table; family dinners in the future…” Maya tailed off seeing Carina smiling knowing she was envisioning their life as a family. She then dragged her up the stairs. “This will be our bedroom - I’ll build an ensuite so we can have some privacy, then there’s a few more bedrooms for guests or kids,” Maya added, wrapping her arms around the brunettes’s waist, giving her shoulder a kiss, as they stared into their ‘potential’ future bedroom.
“So, how long would this take? I know that you have already planned this all out,” Carina said cautiously, knowing her girlfriend wouldn’t have brought her here without a fully devised plan that included timelines and figures all ready prepared.
“7 months,” Maya replied honestly.
Carina stayed silent for a moment, just taking in everything Maya had said. She couldn’t help herself as they’d gone around imagining what their lives would be like in a few years time. The fact that Maya had put so much thought into all this made her body feel all warm and fuzzy, a familiar feeling she had these days with the blonde by her side. The family dinners, the BBQ’s, the morning showers, the dinners they would make together, the nights that they’d spend cuddled on the sofa drinking wine and talking about anything and everything…she could see it all. The strange thing was, she could see it all happening here. Maya had put such a strong picture in her mind, one she hadn’t been able to form before, but now - now she couldn’t imagine them being anywhere else.
“Let’s do it!” Carina decided with a smile.
“Yeah?” Maya asked, not quite believing it.
“Sì, Bella. Let’s make this scrap yard our home!” She teased, bringing Maya in for a kiss, her fingers brushing against wisps of blonde. Maya grinned, then picked Carina off the ground, spinning her around in circles as she kissed her making Carina squeal.
“I love you so much!” Maya whispers, resting her head against the brunette once she’d put her back down on the ground.
“I love you too Bella!”
5 months later….
Their scrap yard was now becoming a home. Maya with the help of a few contracted builders and the team at the Station had knocked down a few walls, built a few more, painted and renovated the front of the house, bought a new door, and replaced all the windows. The couple had spent endless hours picking out wood, tiles and paint colours for the walls and floors and it was starting to pay off.
The back yard was being completely ripped out and redone including a patio and the fire-pit matched with some outdoor furniture and the addition of a hot tub that Carina had managed to convince Maya of, claiming it was a necessity. Kitchen cabinets had been installed with wooden countertops already on and their fireplace had nearly finished being built. It had changed so dramatically and so quickly. Maya hadn’t been kidding when she said she had a detailed plan because they were currently right on time, if not ahead of schedule, which was no real surprise to anyone.
But, Maya was determined to have the house all complete before their anniversary so they could celebrate another milestone in their relationship in the comfort of another milestone in their relationship.
It had been a result of many long and exhausted nights, a few minor arguments over various decisions most namely the debate between wood or carpet in the bedrooms. Carina claiming her feet got cold so she wanted the warmth, with Maya arguing that’s what socks were for. Needless to say Maya had won the argument after some all night long, very persuasive convincing. But, for the most part they’d agreed on everything which had made the process a lot quicker and a lot easier and a lot less stressful for them both.
It was currently nearly ten o’clock at night, both girls had finished their shift at the station around eight with Maya going straight to the house to do some painting while Carina had gone to run some errands.
Maya was dressed in some running shorts and a white paint-stained vest top, music playing in the background while she rolled the paint across the walls. They’d gone for a soft grey for the living room; something that would go with most of their furniture as well as some of the more natural elements to their house that they’d designed and incorporated. Maya was so wrapped up in her work she got startled when the front door suddenly opened, Carina walking in.
“Hi bambina,” she greeted cheerfully.
“Hi beautiful, I didn’t expect you to be here?” Maya said, thinking Carina would have just returned home.
“I brought us dinner,” she replied revealing a pizza box from their favourite restaurant.
“Oh I love you,” Maya declared drastically not realising how hungry she was until the smell of tomato, cheese and basil filled the room.
“Here I was thinking it was for my charming personality,” she joked.
“Sorry to break it to you but I really am only in to for the food,” Maya shrugged as she took a slice from the box.
“Well I mean you never seem to have any complaints about eating Italian,” Carina winked as Maya stared at her blankly until the realisation of what her girlfriend was implying set in.
“I can’t believe you!” She cried, feeling herself blush.
“Don’t act like you didn’t know what you were getting yourself into,” Carina laughed, placing a soft kiss on the blonde’s lips.
“Hm touchè,” Maya chuckled, giving Carina another kiss.
Maya got back to the painting while Carina continued having some of the pizza just enjoying the view. The view being Maya’s strong arms and strong legs and the muscles that moved when she painted the wall.
“Are you going to pick up a paintbrush any time soon or just keep staring?” Maya asked without turning around - she knew exactly what her girlfriend was doing.
“I wasn’t-“
“Don’t even try to deny it!” Maya smirked.
“Fine,” Carina sighed, dusting herself off from the ground and then grabbing a paintbrush and joining Maya by the wall.
A few minutes later Carina decided to have a little bit of fun, the mundane task of painting already boring her. “Hey Maya?” She asked sweetly.
“What’s wrong?” Maya asked, only to be met with her arm being covered in paint by a grinning brunette. Maya stared at her arm, then back at Carina who was stifling a laugh. “Right - that’s it,” Maya laughed, picking Carina up by the back of her legs and putting her on the countertops - it was safe to say they didn’t finish paining the wall.
Current day….
A knock sounded at the door breaking them out of their reminiscent thoughts, followed by the sound of paws racing across the floor. Maya chuckled seeing Enzo eagerly waiting for people to walk in. He was an incredibly friendly dog, loved people, was very active which meant he regularly accompanied Maya on her runs and visited the Station with the couple more often than not.
He was perfect and the best addition to their small family. When they’d found him at the shelter they’d instantly known he was the one they were meant to have. He was only a puppy and had no name meaning they’d spent countless days trying to find one they both liked but he was now a full year and a few months old and was still growing every single day.
Maya opened up the door and was met with all their friends smiling widely.
“It’s wedding day!!” Travis cried, immediately giving Maya a hug.
“It certainly is,” Maya smiled, moving to stand back next to Carina once she’d greeted everyone.
“How we both feeling?” Andy asked, putting down all their bags and clothes, giving Enzo a small scratch on his head.
“Fantastico!” Carina replied.
“Great! Now lovebirds it’s time to get dressed and get ready - hair and makeup will be here shortly!” Vic grinned, grabbing Maya’s hand and dragging her up the stairs.
Vic had agreed to keep hold of Maya’s suit while Andrea had kept Carina’s dress so the other wouldn’t be tempted to try and sneak a look at what the other was wearing. With both parties being sworn to secrecy and with promises to not accept any form of bribery to get a sneak peak from either woman. Andrea and Travis were helping Carina while Vic and Andy were with Maya both having their best friends by their side to help with the whole process.
Maya had let Carina use the master to get dressed while she used one of the guest rooms. They’d wanted to get ready at their home, a space where they felt comfortable and would mean they could hopefully avoid most of the stress that came with any wedding day preparations.
“Who would have thought we’d be here - getting ready for your wedding!?” Andy exclaimed as she watched the makeup artist brush Maya’s face with powder - thinking back to all the times the blonde had claimed she was never a ‘relationship person”.
“It’s crazy,” Maya agreed. “A house, a dog, a wife! I can barely believe it myself - she’s perfect. She’s everything…” Maya trailed off, her face breaking into a smile. Both her and Carina had agreed on some light make-up, something pretty natural and minimalistic with Maya wanting her hair only lightly curled and the brunette deciding to have it styled, although she’d omitted any further details about her plans.
“Okay Romeo save it for the vows,” Vic joked.
“I can’t believe my big sister is getting married!” Andrea smiled, as Carina allowed the hairstylists to continue working on her hair, make-up already sorted. “All of those summer flings I’d hear about from Giovanni; I’m glad you finally found the one.”
“Me too. I can’t believe I found her. When I went for that job interview I never thought in a million years I would end up finding a wife, building a home, having a dog - it still feels like a dream sometimes,” she said, thinking back to all the memories she has made with the blonde.
“I know you see it everyday but Maya is so in love with you. I still catch her staring at you while we cook, or when we are all just hanging out. She looks at you the same way she did when she first met you and I’m so happy found found one another. I just still can’t believe I never figured it out,” Travis chuckled.
“She’s definitely special,” Carina smiled. “Okay - Andrea turn around,” she instructed twirling her finger.
“Why?” He asked confused.
“So, I can get dressed,” She replied.
“Oh - yes, sorry,” he apologised, immediately going to stand against the wall.
“I know we helped you pick this out - but you look incredible Maya!” Vic cried, seeing Maya dressed in her suit.
“Is it weird I now feel really nervous?” Maya asked, looking at herself in the mirror. The suit was all black and made to fit all her curves. She’d decided to forego a traditional shirt and gone with a matching black lace bralette top after some convincing from both Vic and Andy that it was the best choice to make and seeing the final product she couldn’t agree more.
“No - it’s totally normal. I’d be sort of worried if you weren’t. I mean - you’re marrying the love of your life in less than a few hours; I’d say you have every right to be nervous,” Andy offered, standing next to her best friend.
“I can’t wait to see her,” Maya smiled.
“Not long now,” Vic grinned. “Do you think you are going to cry when you see her?”
“I mean that woman is quite literally an angel so I really wouldn’t put it past me to,” Maya replied honestly. She’d come a long way in the past four years.
“Travis come and help me,” Carina called from the bathroom, the man quickly walking in.
“Wow - Carina you look stunning!” He said with a warm smile. He helped her do to the stain buttons up on the back of the dress then pulled the dress out from around her feet.
“Thank you Travis,” Carina smiled, looking back at him through the mirror.
“Maya is going to definitely cry,” he manifested.
“You think?” She chuckled, carefully moving her hair as she didn’t want to disturb the beautiful work her hair stylist had done.
“If she doesn’t I’ll get up there and marry you myself,” he joked.
“I don’t think Emmet would be do happy,” Carina laughed back as Travis shrugged and joined in.
“Ready to see your brother?” He asked.
“Sì,” Carina replied. She turned away from the mirror and slowly walked out of the bathroom, smiling as she still saw her brother facing the wall in his suit.
“You can turn around now fratellino,” She called, he slowly turned and she nearly let out a tear seeing her brother’s reaction. He titled his head to the side and gave her a soft smile, his own eyes welling up a bit.
“Sei incredibile, Carina. La mamma sarebbe così orgogliosa di te,” he said, giving a kiss on the cheek. [You look incredible Carina. Mama would be so proud of you.]
“Non farmi piangere fratallino, ma grazie. Ti volgio bene,” Carina replied, refusing to let any tears ruin her make-up. [Don't make me cry little brother, but thank you. I love you.]
“Want me to give Maya her gift now?” Travis asked - knowing the couple had bought each other something for before the wedding.
“Ah yes - How could I have forgotten?” Carina cried. “Andrea, can you grab the box at the top of my wardrobe please?” She asked. He nodded and reached up to get it, Carina being thankful that Maya was too short to have seen it making it the ideal hiding spot. “Thank you,” she said as Andrea handed the her the box which she then gave to Travis.
He quickly left the room meeting Vic in the middle of the hallway who was carrying a medium sized bag.
“Looking very nice Victoria Hughes,” he said seeing his other best friend wearing her dress.
“You clean up very well yourself,” Vic said returning the compliment, as she looked at Travis in his suit. “I’m guessing Carina is looking incredible?”
“Stunning and Maya?”
“Beautiful,” Vic smiled. “See you on the other side?” She asked knowing they would all be driving to the venue in separate cars and wouldn’t be talking to one another until they arrived.
“See you soon,” he said, giving the woman a quick hug before returning back to Carina’s room with the bag in hand and Vic walking back to Maya.
“Got it,” Vic said as she walked into the room and handed Maya the box. “Here.”
Maya carefully took the box, smiling as ran her fingers around the sharp edges before sliding the lid off, gasping a she saw what was inside. It was a necklace - silver with a small, circular white diamond pendant at the bottom.
Maya brought it closer knowing Carina would have had something unscripted on it because she’s almost as sentimental with gifts as Maya was.. Her suspicion reigning true when she saw the names ‘Maya and Carina’ engraved into the pendant followed by the date. Today’s date. Their wedding day. Maya ran her fingers over the gift admiring it as the diamond shone against the light coming into the room.
“It’s perfect,” she whispered to herself as Vic and Andy stood smiling watching their bets friend looking so enamoured by her gift.
“So what did she get you?” Andrea asked sitting down next to his sister as Travis handed over the bag. Carina only answered by opening up the bag, seeing two neatly wrapped boxes inside, one small one and one a bit bigger.
She opened the smaller one first, carefully unwrapping it and almost letting out another joyful tear as she saw what was inside.
“Is that?” Andrea asked seeing what was in Carina’s hands.
“Mama’s favourite perfume…”Carina trailed off, not believing how lucky she was to have Maya. “It’s the same one I wore for the interview - the day we met.”
“But, you only get that specially imported form Italy?”
“Exactly,” Carina smiled knowing how much effort it would have been to get the gift from there to here. She only ever bought it once a year not only because of it’s large expense but because of having the stress of dealing with customs too.
Carina had yet to put on any perfume yet, wanting to spray it just before she left so it lasted as long as possible, but now she knew exactly which one she would be using. She placed the bottle down on the table, where she kept her makeup and extensive perfume collection then sat back down to open the other box. This one was fairly heavy, but also smallish so she wasn’t too sure what it was. But, just as before, when she opened it she nearly cried. Again. It was a photo album.
Carina had told Maya all about the photo albums had her mama had made when she was a child before she left for the States. They had been her safe haven growing up; a special reminder of her past and she’d always kept them with her and would look through them every now and again - telling Maya the stories of her childhood and the significance behind every photo.
So, Maya giving her a photo album of their life and their story was a gift she could never repay. She slowly turned each page smiling as she saw each photo, Maya’s handwriting detailing the exact date, place and event of every photo. Their first date. Her first time trying a churro. Various holiday pictures. Family photos of them with the Station. Pictures of both of them as they built their house. Photos of their proposal. Anniversaries. The day they’d picked up Enzo. It was all here in one place. Their story told throughout the years with lots of blank pages for the stories they had yet to tell.
“I can’t believe she did all of this,” Carina whispered, her hand coming to trace over the photo they had taken when they’d visited Italy together.
“I hate to break this up but we should get going,” Travis suggested, noticing the time.
“Don’t want to be late,” Carina chuckled, she put on some of the perfume from Maya, gave herself one more look in the mirror before slipping on her heels and taking her brother’s arm.
Travis stuck his head out of the door and quickly checked Maya had already left as planned, and once he was satisfied the coast was clear he opened the door further and walked with Andrea and Carina downstairs and out to the car.
“You excited for the honeymoon?” Vic asked as they were all sat in the car on their way to the venue.
“A week in the Maldives followed by a week in Italy is exactly what I need,” Maya sighed, smiling just thinking of the sun and the beach and her very soon to be wife.
“I’m insanely jealous,” Andy chuckled.
“You and Sullivan went to Greece like last year!”
“Yes, but that was with Mateo and vacations with kids are not the same. It was beautiful don’t get me wrong but when you have to take care of a two year old as well - everything becomes just that bit more stressful,” she pointed out.
“I guess I’ll just have to make the most of it then,” Maya laughed.
“Sir, how long till we arrive?” Vic asked the driver.
“Around five minutes,” he answered.
“Thank you!” She said before turning back to face Maya. “So, how did you decide on this place?”
“I mean we looked at a million places, but none of them felt right. This is where we are getting married and none of them made us feel like it was where we wanted to make all of our memories together. I mean this is one of the most important days of our lives, so we wanted it to be perfect. But, when we found this place it immediately felt right. Rustic but still modern, the decorations were beautiful, it was big enough for the number of guests we wanted. We both knew it was the right choice as soon as we walked in,” Maya explained.
“Well, it is definitely stunning,” Andy said, having seen the venue before from when she’d helped Maya and Carina figure out some of the decoration placement.
The place in conversation being Sodo Park. It had a barn-like feel to it with beautiful reclaimed wood panelling lining the walls, large industrial size windows up above letting in lots of natural light and small details that just made the couple realise that this was the place where they wanted to dedicate themselves to one another.
The car began to roll to a stop, the stone driveway crunching underneath the tires.
“Let’s get married!” Vic cried excitedly.
“Let’s get married!” Maya agreed with a smile as she got out of the car to go and greet everyone. Most of which were already inside with some mingling near the entrance.
As soon as she walked in she saw Carina’s family and decided to go see them, knowing how far they’d travelled for today.
“Maya!” They cried as they saw the blonde approach them.
Maya smiled seeing all the people she had meet multiple times over the years: Zia Alessandra, Zio Maurizio, Vittoria, Giovanni, Zio Nico and Zia Rosa. Everyone was here that had been able to make the journey.
“È così bello rivedervi tutti!” She said giving them all a hug. [It’s so nice to see you all again!]
“Non ci saremmo persi per niente al mondo!” Zio Nico smiled. [We wouldn’t have missed it for the world!]
“Non eravamo d'accordo con la decisione di nostro fratello: non avrebbe mai fatto vergogna a nessuno di noi,” Zio Maurizio answered shaking his head, the irritation of the situation clearly still fresh. [We disagreed with our brother’s decision - she would never bring shame on any of us.]
“So che apprezza davvero la tua presenza qui, come me,” Maya said gratefully [I know she really appreciates you all being here, as do I.]
“Mi sembra un'eternità dall'ultima volta che ti abbiamo visto.” [It feel like forever since we last saw you.]
“Ebbene, quando siamo in Italia partiremo tutti per quel viaggio che Carina ha programmato. È passato un po 'di tempo dall'ultima volta che abbiamo fatto un viaggio di famiglia.” [Well, when are in Italy we are all going on that trip Carina has planned. It’s been a while since we’ve had a family trip.]
“Ah sì! Non vediamo l'ora!” [Ah yes! We can’t wait!]
“Bene, ci incontreremo tra un po '? Devo solo controllare che sia tutto a posto,” Maya said apologetically, not wanting to end her conversation with Carina’s family. From the minute they’d met her they’d treated her as family and she alway felt welcomed by them.[Well, we will meet up with you in a bit? I just need to check everything is all sorted.]
“Certo, è stato bello vederti Maya e sei bellissima!” Vitoria, Carina’s cousin said, giving her one final hug. [Of course, it was lovely seeing you Maya and you look gorgeous!]
“Grazie Vittoria! Anche voi state benissimo!” Maya smiled, before waving and leaving them to go back to their conversations. [Thank you Vittoria! You all look great too!]
Maya then joined her friends before everyone was due to take their seats. She smiled and gave everyone a hug, hoping it would calm her body down her mind now very aware that Carina was currently in a car on her way to marry her.
“Thank you all for helping set this up,” Maya said, knowing they’d all offered to assist the venue with putting out chairs and flowers wanting to all do something for their Captain and friends.
“Of course, but we mainly did it for Carina,” Jack joked receiving a slap on the arm from both Maya and Inara.
“We couldn’t not help on your big day,” Dean smiled.
“Hey everyone!” A new voice said, joining the group.
“Darren!” They all said, smiling at the man that had become good friends with them all.
“How are you feeling?” Darren asked, his wife Charlotte by his side.
“Good. Slightly nervous, but good,” Maya said, taking a breath.
“You’ll do great,” he encouraged.
“Thank you for agreeing to all of this,” she said giving him a grateful smile.
“I should be thanking you! It’s not every day I get to officiate a wedding,” he chuckled.
“Well, you were the one who told me to tell her so I guess this is all a product of your wise words,” she joked, all though somewhat serious.
“Can’t argue with that logic,” he laughed.
Around 3 years ago Darren and Charlotte had moved from New York over to Seattle, with Darren’s work relocating him. Charlotte had since become a nurse working at Grey-Sloan and they had all become good friends. Darren had turned up at the Station to reintroduce himself and since then it had all been history; they’d all had many BBQ’s during the summer and Maya and Carina had even gone on a double date with the couple.
“Okay are we sure we have everything?” Maya asked, wanting nothing to go astray.
“Gianna picked up your cake - they put it in separate boxes and have sent someone to do the final touches which should be done any second now. All the chairs are out, flowers are in their places. Everyone is here. Food is being cooked, wine and drinks have all arrived - everything is sorted. All we need is for you two to say ‘I do’ and we will have pulled off a very successful wedding,” Vic relayed, knowing Maya would want to hear all the details.
“Okay - it’s time,” Darren called out, walking everyone through to where the ceremony would take place.
“You ready Bishop?” Andy asked, holding her hand.
“As ready as I’ll ever be,” Maya smiled. With one last smile Andy joined everyone in walking through leaving only Alberto and Maya.
When she thought of who would walk her down the aisle the first person she’d thought of had been the older man. He’d acted like a father figure in her life for such a long time, had been there throughout all of her relationship with Carina. He had listened to her doubts and worries and had always encouraged her to follow her heart. So, it had only felt right to have him in her wedding. When she’d asked him she’d seen a few tears fall from his eyes as he’d instantly agreed and pulled her into a hug.
“What’s your secret?” Maya asked, her hands drumming against her thighs.
“Secreto?” He chucked. “A cosa mia cara?” [Secret? To what my dear?]
“To marriage. What if after we get married she decides she doesn’t want me anymore? What if I can’t do it right?” She rushed out, only trusting her brain to speak in English right now.
“Maya, mia cara. Tu la ami?” [Maya, my dear. Do you love her?]
“With everything I am,” she responded without hesitation.
“L'amore che avete voi due verrà al di sopra di ogni ostacolo che potreste incontrare. L'ho visto. Sarà difficile ea volte sarà difficile. Ma se ricordi quanto è forte il tuo amore reciproco, non avrai mai nulla di cui preoccuparti. Ricorda i voti che fai oggi e ricorda le promesse che fai. Se fai tutto questo starai bene. Prendilo da qualcuno che è sposato da oltre 50 anni.” he finished with a smile as he took Maya’s hand in her own giving it a squeeze.
[The love you two have will come above any obstacle you may face. I’ve seen it. It will be hard and it will be difficult at times. But if you remember how strong your love is for one another then you will never have anything to worry about. Remember the vows that you make day and remember the promises you make. If you do all of that you be okay. Take it from someone who has been married for over 50 years,]
“Thank you Alberto - you always know what to say,” Maya breathed, feeling a lot better.
“Sei pronto?” He asked as the Italian music that the women had agreed on began to play. [You ready?]
“I’m ready,” Maya nodded.
Alberto held out his arm, which Maya took with a smile as they walked past the satin curtain to where the ceremony would be taking place. Everyone was stood up, and smiling, watching as Maya walked down the aisle.
She received a small thumbs up from Vic which made her smile - but she just focused on putting one foot in front of the other. She looked around seeing the red carnations that had been placed amongst the green foliage, both above them and directly in front of Maya. The room was sectioned off via white satin drapes, curved in such a way they made delicate arches. The room felt light, fresh and airy, yet warm, intimate and cosy at the same time — it was the perfect balance.
When Maya reached the front, Alberto gave her a kiss on the cheek and squeezed her hand in reassurance.
“Grazie Alberto,” She whispered, sending a smile over to Gianna also.
Maya then had to take on the task of waiting. She had many nerve-wracking moments in her life: the Olympics, her first day at the fire academy, her academy graduation, lieutenants exam, her first day as Captain, asking Carina to be her girlfriend, then her fiancé but this. This right here was at the top of the list.
“I know I said it to you earlier but Carina - Mama really would be so proud of you. I know she’s here, watching over you,” Andrea said, as he took his sister’s arm in his own - leading them into the venue.
“Grazie Andrea - I wish she could have been here, but yes, she is watching over me,” Carina agreed with a smile.
“You ready to get married?” He asked excitedly.
“I’m ready,” She nodded hearing her own music begin to sound.
When the music began to play again, Maya felt herself stop breathing and a tear run down her cheek. This was it. This was the moment. When Carina finally began to walk down the aisle, with Andrea by her side she finally let it out. She couldn’t believe her eyes - Carina and always been beautiful no matter the time of day, no matter what mood she was or what she was wearing, she always did. But right now, Maya felt like she was living in a dream.
Carina’s dress had a lace body, tight on her torso which then flowed out beneath her. The delicate detailing spread out across her chest and down her arms, the back of the dress open revealing her tanned skin. Her hair was styled in a fishtail braid that fell down her shoulder, her brown wavy curls only accentuating her gorgeous eyes.
From the time it took Carina to walk down the aisle, Maya felt like she’d relived their entire relationship. Images of certain events and moments from their four years flashing by like snapshots, each more special than the next.
When Carina finally reached the front, Andrea gave her a kiss on the cheek, gave Maya a wink and a smile before Maya took Carina’s hand in her own to help her up the two steps to the platform they were on.
“Hi beautiful,” Maya whispered, a smile gracing her face as the smell of the perfume she’d bought Carina hit her.
“Hi Bella,” Carina said, her own smile not far behind as she saw the necklace around Maya’s neck.
“I love you,” Maya mouthed.
“Ti amo,” Carina replied.
Everyone sat down, both Maya and Carina taking a breath as Darren began. This was it. This was their moment.
“When I first met Maya I must admit it was not my finest moment. I had been on a work trip, and after taking a series of wrong turns and bad decisions I had ended up in my car, about to fall down a cliff. The car had skidded and come off the road. I thought that was it but after all my shouting a group of people can running to my aid.
Just my luck they were a combination of firefighters and doctors enjoying their day off,” the crowd chuckled. “Maya abseiled down and convinced me everything was going to be okay. But, between trying to get me out of that death trap she told me about this girl. She told me she loved her but had yet to say anything so I told her that she should tell her and ask her to be her girlfriend because she never knew what could happen. After I was rescued I told her not wait; four years later here we are on their wedding day. When Maya and Carina asked me to officiate their wedding I immediately agreed, not only because they are now very good friends of ours but because it felt like I could say that my words did something and it made this feel like a very full circle moment,” Darren said with a smile.
“Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever and we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of those two people. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in their lives together. Maya and Carina have spent years getting to know each other, and everyone in this room has had the privilege to bear witness to what their relationship has become, which I think we can all safely say we are all very envious of,” he continued.
“Do you both have your vows?” Darren asked, both girls nodding.
“Dr Carina DeLuca - where do I start?” Maya started, the entire world falling silent to her as she stared into the already teared up eyes in front of her. “You are the light that changed my life. The second I saw you I was speechless, something I know will never change no matter how many times I see you. You walked into my office with your candid honesty, your awe-inspiring intelligence and I knew you were different. I was looking for the new recruit to fill the spot in the station but in that I found the person that completed me. My other half. We have made so many incredible memories together and I can’t wait to make a million more with you by my side.
The love I have for you is something I could never justify with words because there are an infinite number of things I love about you. From your British music band obsession, to the way you will always try and beat me at pool and lose every single time, the way your smile can make a bad day into one of the best, the way you will watch the same film over and over again even though it makes you cry, the way you hate waking up early in the mornings but still tell me you love me before I go for a run, the way you have always loved me unconditionally no matter what. I know most people here are only here for the incredible food so I won’t continue, otherwise we really will be here forever,” Maya joked, earning a half cry, half laugh from Carina and an unanimous chuckle from all the guests.
“Plus, I really want to kiss you and if I don’t stop I never will. I will love you every second, of every day, forever and always and prometto di darti il meglio di me. Ti amo, Carina,” Maya finished, a few tears of her own rolling down her cheeks. [I promise to give you the best of me. I love you, Carina.]
Carina quickly wiped away her tears, careful not to ruin her make-up. Once, she had collected herself she took a small breath, smiling as she looked into Maya’s eyes.
“I just want to say I have beaten you at pool before,” Carina quickly clarified, making everyone laugh. “Maya you are the love of my life. When I came here, to this country, to this city, I never thought I would find the person I was meant to spend the rest of my life with - but here we are four incredible years later. I am safest when I am with you. When you wrap your arms around me I feel safe, I feel loved, I feel comforted. No one has ever made me feel what you make me feel and for that I can only ever say thank you.
Thank you for all the years of memories and happiness, for the uncontrollable laughs and conversations at three am, for the breakfasts in bed and the wine drunk moments on the sofa where we become the only two people in the world to exist. Thank you for loving me whole-heartedly and sharing the deepest parts of yourself, thank you for always being there no matter what, for protecting me and supporting me even when we sometimes disagree. You have given me everything I could ever dream of - you built us our dream home, we have an adorable dog and now you have given me a love that I will forever be grateful for.
L'hai detto perfettamente stamattina. Io sono tuo e tu sei mio. Quello che abbiamo è magico. Ti amo con tutto quello che sono Maya e non mi fermerò mai,” Carina said, a small sniffle coming from her as she let go off a few tears. [You said it perfectly this morning. I am yours and you are mine. What we have is magic. I love you with everything I am Maya and I will never stop.]
Only five people understood the final words of both the women: Andrea, Alberto, Gianna then Maya and Carina themselves. But for anyone else they only knew the words that were spoken had been beautiful and full of love, not only because of the tears present on all of their faces but because they were Maya and Carina. There was not a dry eye among any of their friends or family.
“Well, you two have put my vows to shame I can tell you that,” Darren joked, making everyone laugh.
“Do you Maya take Carina to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do,” Maya said, looking into Carina’s eyes, her hands softly stroking over the brunette’s.
“Do you Carina take Maya to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”
“I do,” Carina said, smiling at Maya knowing she was only minutes away from officially being able to call the beautiful women in front of her her wife.
“Do we have the rings?” Andrea and Vic handed them respectively to Maya and Carina, both being made deemed the most responsible to not lose such an important element to the wedding.
“Your wedding rings are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which already unites your two hearts in love. Love comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, you’ll protect the promises you’ve made to one other today.”
“Maya would you please place the ring on Carina’s finger and repeat after me?” Maya shakily took the ring and gently slid it onto the tip of Carina’s left hand.
“With this ring, I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward: you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.”
Maya repeated, her eyes only on the brunette before fully sliding the ring onto her finger.
Darren asked Carina the same question before she repeated the same words.
“Maya with this ring, I give you my heart, I promise from this day forward: you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.”
Now, with both women wearing their rings there were only a few more words to be said.
“And so now by the power vested in me by the state of Washington, it is my honor and delight to pronounce you married! Congratulations! You may now seal you marriage with a kiss!” He finished.
“Finally,” Maya whispered with grin as she pulled her wife in by the waist to give her a passionate kiss. Carina’s hands rested over Maya’s shoulders as they shared a kiss, so deep, so emotional, so tender and so undeniably perfect.
The cheers and claps around them continued as they then walked back down the aisle hand in hand, now officially married! They were showered with confetti, something Vic and Travis had devised as a surprise which had made both women laugh.
As they finished walking down the aisle, Maya held Carina close to her - both just taking a moment.
“I love you,” Maya whispered, resting her forehead against Carina.
“I love you to Bella. Mia moglie,” she replied, giving her a soft kiss. [My wife]
“Mia moglie,” Maya repeated with a grin. “Did I tell you how incredibly beautiful you look?”
“Hm I don’t think so,” Carina teased.
“Well - you my love, look absolutely stunning,” she said, taking a small step back to admire the brunette.
“So do you - I can’t tell you how hard it was to not kiss you as soon as I saw you.”
“Makes two of us then,” Maya replied with a wink.
They were then swarmed by their friends and family, rounds of congratulations and admiration for their ‘sweet vows’ that ‘brought us all to tears’, all of which was quickly followed by their photographer requesting various combinations of people for photos. Many of Maya and Carina at different angles and in different poses. The team. Carina’s family. Carina and Andrea. Maya and Andy. Maya, Gianna and Alberto. Maya, Carina, Alberto and Gianna. Maya and Carina with all of Carina’s family. The girls with their best friends by their sides. Then a group one with everyone in, Maya and Carina standing front and centre.
Then what felt like a thousand clicks of the camera later, they were all finally settled and food had been brought out. The couple had agreed on an all authentic Italian menu, wanting to pay homage to Carina’s roots as well as honour something that had brought the two so close together. Not only did it please all the guests but it including dishes that had personal sentimental value to the two women.
Pasta all Norma from when Maya had asked Carina to be her girlfriend, Pizza Capricciosa which was the first meal they had made in their new home, Pasta Fra' Diavolo which had been the first thing Carina’s aunt had made for the couple when they’d visited Italy together. With desert being churros and another of Maya’s favourites; the DeLuca tiramisu. There was something for everyone, each dish holding a special place within Maya and Carina’s journey together.
After everyone had finished eating, Maya rested back into her chair totally full from all their delicious food.
“I don’t think I can eat anymore food - ever,” Maya sighed, closing her eyes as her fingers wrapped around Carina’s.
“Really?” Carina asked with a disbelieving smile.
Maya just hummed in agreement.
“Not even for cake?”
“Cake! I can’t believe I nearly forgot!” Maya’s eyes suddenly opened as she sat up with a large smile on her face.
“I thought that might change your mind,” Carina chuckled.
“Always room for cake,” Maya declared, pulling Carina up from her seat so they could go and cut it.
Everyone followed them over to where the now finished cake was standing. It had four tiers, for the four years that they’d been together. It hadn’t been the original reasoning behind it, the initial one being that Maya just wanted more cake but she then quickly realised she could turn her love for the treat into a romantic gesture - one Carina quickly saw through knowing her fiancé all to well, but agreed to anyway.
After, hundreds of slices of cake, testing and trying they’d finally agreed on two flavours - each women picking one for the other. Maya had chosen lemon, not only because it was one of Carina’s favourites but because of its links to Sicily and the nostalgia that it brought. Plus when Maya had tried Carina’s Nonna’s famous family recipe she knew it was the perfect and had to be a part of their wedding cake.
Whereas Carina had chosen chocolate, for obvious reasons. Every birthday and anniversary Carina would make Maya a chocolate cake because the love her wife had for the delicacy was unparceled by anything else. She once caught her in the middle of the night having a slice. Which had started by Maya trying to deny it, and ended with them both eating chocolate cake and strawberries at three in the morning for the reason that they simply could.
“Ready?” Maya asked Carina as they held the knife.
“Sì,” Carina nodded with a smile. Both sliding the knife into the white fondant and the sugar flower decorations. Once, they both had a slice, Maya’s chocolate and Carina’s lemon they both went to take a bite but both ended up trying to hit one another in the face with it, both ultimately missing and both slices of cake mostly ending up on the floor causing everyone to laugh at the pair.
The cake was slowly, and more sensibly cut up by one of the caterers who served it around to everyone. Th caterer making sure to leave both a tier of each flavour for the two to keep so the women would have some for home which would mean more three in the morning, night time snacks.
“Now can we please welcome the happy couple to the floor for their first dance,” Travis said into the microphone.
Maya held her hand out for Carina, who happily took it into her own as they walked into the middle of the room; everyone else standing in a large circle to watch them. The music began to play, with both Maya and Carina smiling at the reasoning behind their choice in song, as Maya’s hands rested on Carina’s waist and Carina’s over the blondes shoulders. Like most of the elements behind their wedding there was a sentimental story behind it. Their wedding song ‘Conversations in the Dark’ by John Legend being no exception. It wasn’t a couples typical wedding dance song choice but it was special to them and that’s all that mattered.
A few months ago…
Maya walked in through the door, bags of groceries in her hand but was stopped when she heard sniffling coming from the living room. She furrowed her brow, not knowing what could have happened in the half an hour she had been gone for. But, she quickly put the bags up on the Island then walked towards the sofa, concerning washing over her face as she saw her fiancée crying, or trying to hide the fact she was crying.
“Hey, Hey what’s going on? What’s happened?” Maya asked, kneeling down beside the brunette.
“Nothing I’m okay,” Carina replied, recent an arched eyebrow from Maya in response.
“What to try that one again?” She asked. “Come on - please don’t cry,” Maya whispered, gently brushing away the tears on Carina’s cheeks.
“My papa is refusing to come to the wedding,” Carina revealed, her eyes welling up again.
“Oh Carina - I’m so sorry,” Maya sighed.
“I didn’t even want him to come! I only asked him out of obligation, but you know what he said?! He said I’ve brought enough shame on him. Not only do I now ‘not work in medicine’ but I am marrying a women. I thought he’d come up with some excuse and say he would be at a conference but I guess he’s finally said it,” Carina cried throwing her arms out, now pacing across the floor.
Maya stayed silent for a moment trying to think how best to deal with this. Sometimes, having a sit down conversation wasn’t always best - sometimes she just needed to remind Carina that she was here. So, she thought of something else. She grabbed onto Carina’s hands and led her into the middle of the room, halfway between their kitchen and living room.
“Maya - what are you doing?” Carina asked with a sigh.
“Trust me?” Was all Maya asked. Carina nodded slowly.
Maya gave her a small smile, pressed a few buttons on her phone with the sounds of John Legend’s ‘Conversations in the Dark’ airing through their speakers.
“Dance with me?” Maya requested, not really waiting for answer before she pulled Carina in close and just swayed them to the lyrics - sometimes actions spoke louder than words and right now this was one of those times.
As Carina danced in Maya’s arms she listened to the lyrics, her heart aching as she took in every word.
“But in my eyes, you are perfect as you are. I won’t ever try to change you, change you. I will always want the same you, same you,” Maya whispered to Carina, singing along to the lyrics of the song as they moved around the room.
Half way through the song Maya twirled Carina around then pulled her in close, making the brunette laugh at the blonde’s romantic sillyness.
“There’s that smile,” Maya said with a grin.
Current day….
“I love you,” Maya whispered, for the millionth time as they danced.
“I love you too,” Carina replied, pulling her wife in for a kiss as the song came to and end, everyone clapping and cheering as a new song began to play with people joining them on the dance floor.
In between the dances Maya and Carina had decided to forego the traditional ‘father/daughter dance’ for obvious reasons but had replaced it for a dance with Andrea and Alberto. Both being the closest male relative either of them had, and with everything they’d both done for the couple it only felt right. Just like it felt right for them to walk them down the aisle. Both girls had danced with both men, even though they all already felt like family, the dance was just one more final step in the binding of the two coming together as one.
Maya and Carina had payed for a full bar knowing that a wedding really wasn’t a wedding without alcohol. So, between the two of them they had done a few shots and had some champagne, enough for Maya to go solo dancing on the dance floor, resulting in many photos and videos being taken, but not enough that they would have no recollection of the day’s events, because these were ones neither ever wanted to forget.
It was now nearing midnight and everyone was feeling tired. Some people had already left, Gianna and Alberto, Jack, Inara and Marcus as well as Sullivan, Andy and Mateo. Leaving either the singles or the adult couples that were free of children to care for left.
Maya and Carina were still on the dance floor, swaying to the slow song that was playing, just whispering sweet nothing to one another. No one else in the world mattering to them as they just enjoyed the moment until Travis and Vic approached the pair, braking them out of their bubble.
“Your car is here,” Travis informed them.
“Bags are all packed and ready to go,” Vic added.
“I guess we better say our goodbyes then,” Maya suggested as Carina sleepily nodded in agreement. “Okay, let’s get going,” Maya chuckled, seeing her wife’s reaction.
“We’ll meet you out front,” Travis said, leaving the couple to say goodbye.
“They’re really married,” Vic said as they walked away from the dance floor to wait for Maya and Carina.
“They really are,” he smiled.
“Have a good honeymoon,” Andrea said as he hugged both women, “And congratulations again.”
“Grazie Andrea, for everything. I love you. I’ll message you at some point,” Carina promised, taking back Maya’s hand.
“I love you too. Now go and enjoy yourselves!” He called as the two left, then turning back to talk with his aunts and uncles.
Maya and Carina finished their rounds of thank yous, saying goodbye to Dean and his date, Warren and Bailey, Emmet, some of Carina’s cousins as well as Darren and Charlotte and then some more of their friends. Once, they were satisfied they’d spoken to everyone they made their way outside to Travis and Vic who were waiting by the car.
“You two ready?” Vic asked.
“More than ready,” Carina responded with a smile.
“So you both know the plan?” Travis confirmed. “You two will change, then give your clothes back to the driver who return them back to us?”
“Yep - got it,” Maya nodded - having come up with idea herself.
“We will take care of your plants and me and Emmet will look after Enzo while you are gone, so please don’t worry. I will even send you two some pictures so you don’t panic, of both the plants and the dog,” Travis joked, knowing how serious Carina was about her greenery.
“Thank you,” Carina laughed. “Thank you for all your help today - both of you. We couldn’t have done this without you!”
“It was our pleasure,” Vic said, brushing the compliment away.
“Okay - we’ve got to get moving so we don’t miss our flight,” Maya said, seeing the time.
“Thank you again - for all of this,” Maya reinitiated feeling so thankful she had her friends supporting her and Carina every step of the way.
“You two just go and have fun!” Travis replied with a smile, giving both the couple a tight hug, followed by Vic who did the same.
Maya helped Carina into the car, Travis holding the door open for them as Maya got herself in - Carina instantly cuddling up to her.
“Be safe!” Travis called.
“Use protection!” Vic joked, as Travis shut the door getting a laugh from Carina and a middle finger from Maya.
As the car drove off Maya tangled her fingers with the brunette’s, giving her a soft kiss on the head.
“I can’t believe I found you,” Maya whispered, thinking out loud to herself.
“I can’t believe you’re mine,” Carina replied.
“To the next chapter of our lives,” Maya toasted, taking two of the Champagne flutes in the car and handing one to her wife.
“To the next chapter of our lives,” Carina agreed. “I love you,” she added.
“I love you too, forever until the end,” Maya promised pulling Carina in for a kiss.
“Per sempre fino alla fine,” Carina whispered with a smile. [Forever until the end]