Chapter Text
Alex told herself she wasn’t going to cry. It was a lofty goal to have, one she was sure she wouldn’t be able to uphold, but she loved a challenge. She had been doing fine all day… until it was time for Kelly’s vows. She held strong for a brief moment, then Kelly started crying and Alex couldn’t help but get choked up watching her and listening to her.
As they took a minute to wipe at their eyes and compose themselves, Alex caught movement out of the corner of her eye. She glanced over to the front row of seats and saw Esme standing in front of her mother. Eliza had her hands on her granddaughter’s waist and was whispering something in her ear. Esme clearly did not agree with whatever was being said. She caught Kelly’s eye and subtly gestured. They exchanged a knowing look.
“Eliza,” Kelly smiled, holding out her hand, “it’s okay. Come here, Esme.”
The little girl all but sprinted the ten feet to wrap her arms around Kelly’s legs. She brushed a wayward curl from Esme’s face and kissed the top of her head.
“Hey, kiddo,” said Alex when Esme turned around. Without hesitation, Alex picked her up and perched her on her hip, kissing her cheek. Esme kissed her back and rested their temples together, both looking at Kelly with big smiles.
“What am I going to do with the two of you?” Kelly sighed.
And if you in turn agree
To the next ten minutes
And the next ten minutes
‘Til the morning comes
Then just holding you
Might compel me to
As you for more
There are so many lives I want to share with you
I will never be complete until I do
When the officiant nodded at her, Alex took a deep breath.
“I had vows written and I’ve been practicing them all week, just ask Esme. Right now, though, they don’t feel adequate. No words do. I mean, look at you, Kelly. You’re absolutely gorgeous. And your vows? I can’t even come close to matching that.” She adjusted Esme on her hip to get a better grip. “I’ve waited a long time for this day and the fact that I get to share it with you...” Her voice trailed off as she cleared her throat.
Alex looked up and blinked several times to keep the sting of more tears away. When she looked at Kelly again, she felt her heart swell. The woman standing in front of her was everything she wanted in a partner. She was understanding and supportive and adventurous and, most importantly, she loved Alex and Esme more than anything else in the world.
“Mama, did you forget your vows?” Esme’s whisper was loud enough for Kelly to hear and she did her best to stifle a laugh.
“Not exactly,” Alex replied, adjusting her grip yet again. “Why are you so heavy?” Esme shrugged with both hands in the air. “Get on my back.”
“Alex! What’re you—” Kelly took a step forward and reached a hand out to help Esme transition to the new position.
It took a few seconds for Alex and Esme to get settled. Alex didn’t care how ridiculous she looked wearing a strapless dress with her daughter on her back. Esme deserved to be front and center for the wedding. Kelly could only shake her head and smile when Alex gave her a half-smile and a shrug.
“Now, where was I?”
“Your vows,” Esme announced as rested her chin on Alex’s shoulder, draping her arms around her neck.
“Thanks, kiddo.” Alex cleared her throat again and held eye contact with Kelly.
I want to be your wife
I want to [raise our] child
I want to die
Knowing I
Had a long, full life in your arms
That I can do
Forever, with you
“I love you, Kelly Olsen. Plain and simple. Unconditionally, without hesitation. You’ve changed my life over these last two years. I believe in love again because of you and that’s something I never expected to happen.” She started to ramble and trip over her words as she continued. “Everyone deserves a relationship like this and I’m just so lucky I get to wake up next to you every morning.”
“Hey,” Kelly’s voice was soft as she put a calming hand in the middle of Alex’s chest. “Take a breath.”
Alex did so, closing her eyes. When she opened them, Kelly was staring at her with the softest expression. Suddenly, Alex surged forward and kissed her. Hard. Kelly automatically cupped Alex’s face and kissed her back. Laughter and gasps of surprise sounded from those gathered.
“I… shouldn’t have done… that,” Alex said shyly when they separated.
The officiant chuckled and held out his hand, offering the women their wedding bands. “I think we’re at the point of exchanging rings.”
Alex went to set Esme on the ground and, like before, Kelly stepped forward to help. Esme turned to the officiant and took the rings out of his palm, holding them out to the women in dramatic fashion.
Will you share your life with me
For the next ten lifetimes?
For a million summers
‘Til the world explodes
‘Til there’s no one left
Who has ever known us apart
There are so many dreams
I need to see with you
There are so many years I need to be with you
I will never be complete
I will never be alive
I will never change the world
Until I do
Kelly slipped the wedding band onto Alex’s finger first. It felt cool against her skin yet sent a warmth through her body. Before Alex put the ring on Kelly’s finger, she mouthed the words “I love you.” They gripped each other’s hands tightly, smiles beaming as they waited for the go-ahead to officially kiss.
“I now present Mrs. and Mrs. Danvers-Olsen,” the officiant announced. “Go ahead and kiss your wife!”
Applause and cheers broke out from the audience as they stepped closer together. Alex wrapped her arms around Kelly’s shoulders while Kelly’s hands automatically reached for Alex’s cheek and neck. It felt like the kiss lasted forever, both were breathless by the time they separated. They smiled into a second one, only ending it when they felt Esme’s arms squeeze their knees. They automatically knelt down and the little girl hugged them tight.
“We’re officially a family!” Esme shouted, the bridal bouquet she held in each hand acting as cheerleading pom-poms.