"Sabrina-Simone Vega if you don't stop running!" Verity yelled as she ran in to the room behind her rambunctious daughter.
"I swear that is your favorite line." Regina laughed.
"That's all she does the minute her feet touch the ground. I'm raising the next Sanya Richards-Ross." Verity huffed.
"And that's a bad thing?" Regina laughed as she picked up Sabrina and kissed her cheeks. "Are you ready to go play on the beach?" she asked Sabrina who shook her head yes.
"Did Christian go jet-skiing with the rest of the guys?" Verity asked as they walked out of the suite.
"Yeah, I told him that if he breaks anything I'm not marrying him tomorrow." Regina rolled her eyes, the last thing she needed was Christian getting maimed all in the name of having a good time. Since they already had rehearsal the rest of the day was free to do whatever they wanted. Regina could not believe that after a full year of planning their big day was in less than twenty-four hours. Christian had come up with the idea of having a destination wedding which Regina immediately got on board with. They chose to get married in Bali and somehow the wedding turned in to a mega family vacation. A week filled with relaxation and sun-shine was just what the doctor ordered. Regina was too relaxed to feel tensed about the wedding which was exactly what Christian wanted.
"There goes mommy," Regina heard Sandra say as she bounced a fretting Jasmine on her hip underneath their reserved canopy.
"Uh-oh what's wrong with the Princess?" Regina asked as she walked over to Sandra.
"I think it's nap time." Sandra said as Jasmine tried to reach for her mother but Sabrina was refusing to give Regina up.
"Give her to me mom," Regina said anchoring Sabrina on her left hip then Jasmine on her right.
"Stop it Sabrina and come to mommy." Verity demanded as she tried to take her from Regina's arm but Sabrina shook her head rapidly as she tried to keep her mother from taking her away. Verity succeeded and Regina couldn't help but feel bad as she watched the toddlers face turn red with frustration.
"We'll play after Jazzy takes her nap, okay munchkin?" Regina said hoping to get a response but was only answered with silence.
"She'll get over it," Verity said walking away.
Once Regina put Jasmine down for her nap Christian returned from his adventure with a slight limp.
"You're limping." Regina frowned as she watched Christian sit beside her.
"I just caught a cramp in my foot." He said resting his head on her shoulder. "This week went by so fast, I can't believe that tomorrow you will be Mrs. Regina Grey."
"Washington-Grey," she corrected.
"You just can't let me have this one. What is so wrong with taking my last name?"
"What's wrong with keeping mine?"
"Because it feels like you're anticipating our divorce."
"No I'm not I just like my last name, just be glad I'm taking it and not making you Mr. Regina Washington."
"I already am," He laughed knowing that Regina had him completely at her disposal. A piercing scream flashed passed them grabbing their attention.
"That sounded like Racheal." Regina said as she watched the couple that zoomed pass on their jet ski.
"I think Maxwell finally convinced her to go for a ride."
"Do you think something is up with them?" Regina noticed the minute she introduced Racheal and Maxwell to each other sparks were flying.
"Oh god I hope not, the last thing I need to worry about is my brother hurting your sister." He said with a yawn as he stretched out on the blanket next to Jasmine.
"Don't go to sleep you have to set up the fire and grill."
"Where's dad he would be so mad if I didn't let him help." He said sitting up. "I'll go find him so we can get started." Christian said as he got up and left to find his father. Sabrina ran over to Regina and plopped down in her lap.
"My munchkin is all wet." She said hugging her.
"We play now?"
"Yes we can play now." Regina said as she got up to go play in the water with Sabrina as Felicia and Carl made their way over to the canopy with Zachary.
"Hello parents, it's nice of you to return with my child." Verity said as she picked up Zachary from his stroller.
"We didn't mean to be gone for so long but this resort is just enormous. We have been here a week and still haven't seen everything." Felicia said before kissing Verity's cheek.
"Mooooom Richard put sand in my hair." Teresa cried as she ran to Felicia while Richard trailed behind her laughing. "It's not funny, just wait until we get back to the room." She growled as Felicia did her best to brush the sand from her hair.
"When will you two grow up?" Carl asked as he shook his head.
"Have the guys start grilling yet? I'm hungry." Teresa pouted.
"We're working on it your majesty." Verity said dryly.
"You should curtsy when addressing me." Teresa said prompting a bickering session between the sisters.
Once the grill was set up and the food started cooking it served as a signal to everyone to gather at the canopy. Regina couldn't help but smile to herself as she watched everyone interact with each other. Maxwell and Racheal were doing a poor job flirting covertly, Teresa and Richard were busy bickering, and Verity was blushing like a school girl after Dimitri whispered something to her in Spanish. Carl and Darrell manned the grill under Felicia's careful watch.
"What are you smiling about?" Christian asked as he sat beside her.
"Nothing, I'm just happy." She said as she stroked the side of his face and a huge grin spread across his face.
"What?"
"I'm happy that you're happy. I live to see that pretty smile of yours." He said as he moved in for a kiss.
"Okay lovebirds enough, food is ready." Felicia said breaking up the moment.
"Yaaaay!"Teresa exclaimed as she rushed to be the first one in line.
After dinner everyone sat quietly with full bellies as they watched the sunset. It was a perfect way to end the day.
The next morning Regina woke up the next morning just as the sun began to rise. Jasmine rolled over tossing her leg across her mother.
"You are such a terrible sleeper." She mumbled as she fixed her back in to place before getting up with a stretch. Regina stepped out on the balcony, the ocean in full view, she watched as the waves gently rolled to shore as she took a deep breath in.
"Why are you up so early?" Verity asked her voice heavy with sleep.
"I'm used to being up this early. Go back to sleep."
"I need to get ready so I can check on the chapel."
"Verity will you relax, part of the reason why Christian and I chose this place was so you wouldn't have to worry about anything. The resort has their staff—"
"—you're my best friend and sister, it's your wedding day and I want to make sure that everything will go according to plan." Verity huffed and Regina knew better than to argue with her.
"Okay, fine. Just make sure your back in time to get dressed. I can't get marred without my maid of honor."
"You should get ready too, you have a full day at the spa." Verity said as she started to walk away.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you didn't I. Since the wedding isn't until the evening Dimitri and I thought what better way to spend the day than being pampered. You'll be getting a facial, full body massage, manicure, pedicure and something that involves spring water. I don't remember it just sounded cool."
"Verity you didn't—"
"Make sure you're ready by nine, someone will be here to escort you down." Verity said before rushing off to the bathroom leaving Regina behind in disbelief.
*****
Regina sat at the vanity mirror and inspected her makeup when there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," she called out as she messed around with her hair.
"You look beautiful baby girl," Darrell said as at his daughter with his proud of my daughter grin on full display.
"Thank you daddy. Is it time to go already?" she said getting up to find her shoes.
"Yes it is."
"Time has been flying by since I got back from the spa." She said as she struggled to strap on her heels.
"Come, have a seat." Darrell said and helped Regina to a chair. He crouched down and began to buckle the straps at her ankles.
"I remember when I taught you how to tie your shoes. You got it in one day, I knew then that you were a genius.... I've been nostalgic all day and Sandra has been crying non-stop."
"Why? I'm only getting married." She laughed.
"Because you're my little girl—" He said looked up at her and smiled "— I watched you grow up in to this beautiful woman and now... you're starting a family of your very own." Darrell cleared his throat as he stood up and held out his hands for Regina to take. "After today you won't be my little girl anymore, you'll be that man's wife."
"I'll always be your little girl daddy." Regina said a she wrapped her arms around him.
"You and Christian have been through a lot, but I am glad you two stuck together."
"What? Do you have a fever?" Regina said placing the back of her hand on his forehead "You actually said something nice about Christian."
"I might as well since you're so adamant about having him in your life." He said dryly as he rolled his eyes making Regina laugh.
"Be nice."
"Oh I almost forgot, the concierge gave me this for you." Darrell said digging in to his pocket and pulled out a white orchid hair pin that was an exact replica of the orchids that grew on the resort.
"It's beautiful," Regina said taking the pin from him and immediately putting it in her hair. "Now I'm ready to go."
The walk to the chapel went fast even though Darrell and Regina took their time. The sum was just starting to set when they reached the chapel gateway and was greeted by a pond filled with floating candles. They could hear the string quartet playing Pachelbel's Canon.
"Oh my god you look stunning, Christian is so gonna cry!" Cookie said as she rushed over to Regina.
"Cookie, what are you doing here?" Regina said hugging her. "I thought you were on bedrest."
"Oh no I just wanted to mess with you a bit. Did you think I would miss the wedding of the century?"
"I'm glad you made it, and that my nephew is okay." Regina said rubbing Cookie's belly.
"I'm hope Kevin grabbed our seats."
"Cookie get in here." Verity said motioning for Cookie to hurry up inside before making her way to Regina.
"You look so gorgeous, this color really suits you." Verity said referring to the strapless ocean blue tea length chiffon dress Regina wore. The design was simple which made the color stand out even more.
"We should get started, I was hoping Jess would make it in time." Verity frowned as she checked her watch.
"I though she and Leo were already here."
"Their flight was delayed."
"Oh no, did we miss it?" a familiar voice said grabbing their attention.
"Jess!" Regina and Verity said in unison before rushing over to her and Leo before they could get off of the bridge that led towards the chapel.
"I'm so glad you made it." Regina said hugging Jess.
"Me too I didn't think we were going to make it but right after I talked to Verity, the fog began to clear up."
"Now we can get started." Verity squealed with excitement.
Once all the guest were seated and the bridal party was lined up the wedding was ready to start.
"Racheal please stop crying you're going to mess up your make-up." Regina whispered as the chapel doors opened revealing the gorgeous view of the sunset meeting with the oceans horizon.
"I can't help it," she sniffled as she quickly wiped her tears away as Regina shook her head. Regina watched as Racheal made her way down the aisle followed by Verity and their shy flower girl Sabrina.
"It's not too late to run you know." Darrell whispered as Regina wrapped her arm around his. The quartet began to play Handle's The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Regina smiled as she thought about how Christian teased her when she told him what her entrance song would be. As she and Darrell walked down the aisle Regina's eyes locked on to Christian who was constantly rubbing his eyes trying to keep his tears from falling.
Darrell placed Regina's hand in to Christian's with a sigh before taking his seat.
"Let us begin," the priest said as he started the ceremony. As the priest spoke Regina's mind took her back to the moment when she and Christian had met again. She had fainted and he was there to catch her before she fell, he held her in his arms securely which she knew that he would do for the rest of their lives.
"Christian and Regina will now recite the vows they have written to one another. Regina you may go first."
"Christian, this whole week I have been reflecting on everything that we have been through, all of the good, the bad and even the ugly. I am so thankful for how far we have come, and how much we have grown together. With my whole heart, I take you as my husband. I promise to be faithful and supportive. I promise to support you just as you support me. I will dream with you, celebrate with you and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring."
"Regina, when you came in to my life you forever changed it. You forever changed me and I thank you because of you I am a better man. You are my everything, and I promise to never take you for granted. I promise to love you even when you're cranky. I promise to cherish and respect you, to care and protect you, to comfort and encourage you. I thank you for choosing to be my wife. I love you."
"Though we have heard the vows, which have been shared by Christian and Regina words, once spoken, are carried away on the wind. Therefore, the wedding ring is a visible symbol of the promises that have been made. The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken. "
"I Christian, take you, Regina to be my wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my wife, for as long as we both shall live.
"I Regina, take you Christian, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as we both shall live."
"To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today... And now for the moment we all have been waiting for. With the power invested in me I now pronounce you man and wife. Christian you may now kiss your bride."
Christian could barely contain his excitement and went straight for a dip kiss causing everyone to laugh. Once he set Regina upright she nudged him as her face burned with embarrassment.
"And now it's time to party." Christian said as he took Regina's hand and led her out of the chapel.
"Slow down cowboy, the receiving line is first." Regina said bursting his bubble. Christian pouted as Regina led him to the terrace. The sun had completely set and they sky was filled with stars Regina couldn't have asked for better scenery.
"I am just so happy I can't stop crying." Diana said as she hugged Regina.
"Mother please," Christian begged as he hugged her.
Regina laughed as Sandra hugged her.
"You look beautiful Gina, it was a beautiful ceremony."
"Thanks mom,"
"Christian if you hurt my baby girl I will kill you, no questions asked this time." Darrell and Regina shook her head.
"Daddy stop it, were married now." Regina said pushing her father away from Christian who had suddenly gone pale.
"That doesn't mean anything."
****
"I didn't know we invited so many people," Christian complained as the last guest walked away.
"What are you talking about seventy-five percent of them are your family members."
"Can we go now?"
"Why are you in such a rush?"
"Because my dear wife—"Christian pulled Regina in to him as he placed a kiss on her neck "— we have better things to like, consummate our marriage." He wiggled his eyebrows at her and Regina rolled her eyes.
"I don't know I'm pretty tired, and if Jasmine won't stay with mom and dad then she'll have to sleep with us." Regina said walking away.
"Hello Regina," a familiar voice called out. Regina turned around and noticed Melanie.
"Hi, I didn't know you were coming." Regina was surprised to see her, she had sent Melanie and invitation but never received a reply. Their relationship hadn't progressed much over the year but Regina did not have it in her to not invite Melanie to her wedding. She knew that if it was her, should would die from a broken heart if she missed her daughter's wedding.
"I'm sorry I didn't rsvp, at first I wasn't going to come. I thought that maybe you didn't want—"
"—I wouldn't have sent you an invitation if I didn't want you here."
"I know...thank you. I don't know how happy it makes me to see you like this. You are absolutely radiant."
"Thank you."
"Hi Melanie, thank you for coming." Christian said as he caught up with Regina. "Will you be joining us at the reception?"
"No, I have an early morning flight."
"At least have something to eat before you go." Christian linked their arms together and grabbed Regina's hand and led them to the reception area.
The second they stepped on to the terrace Jasmine ran to Regina as fast as her wobbly legs could carry her.
"Mama!" she squealed as Regina picked her up and covered her face with kisses.
"Auntie let's dance." Sabrina said tugging on Regina's skirt.
With her girls in tow Regina took to the dance floor where Christian quickly showed up to join in on the fun.
The night didn't seem real, Regina was almost afraid that she would wake up and find out that it was all a dream. She had her family by her side that supported her, a husband who adored her, and a daughter whom she loved more than life itself. If it was a dream then she wanted to dream on, because love had found her just in the nick of time.
A/N: (silently cries in the corner) I always get a little emotional when I finish a story but with this one... the feels are real. This story and I have had so many ups and downs, terrible bouts of writer's block but I have prevailed! I couldn't have done it without all of you beautiful people who voted and commented on every chapter. Thank you for sticking with me through the on holds and past due updates, it really means a lot to me. God Bless, Stay Beautiful and Happy Reading!
J