Thea and I took a few moments standing at the altar before we separated to walk down the aisle together. We turned to face our guests and my breath caught in my throat when I saw my mom sitting in her seat. She smiled at me with tears in her eyes as Thea took my hand in hers to walk down the aisle. I looked up at Thea and found her smiling at me. When I looked back to her seat, my mom was gone and I took a breath before I pulled Thea to let her know it was time to start walking.
All of our guests are going to a cocktail hour while Thea and I get some time alone together. We walked hand in hand up the aisle up to our bridal suite. Just as we got upstairs to our room Thea picked me up and carried me over the threshold of the door. I just wrapped my arms around her neck and held on tight as we walked into the room and heard the door shut behind us.
Thea finally put me down in the middle of the room and I couldn't help but wrap my arms around her neck pulling her into me. I didn't want to let go of this closeness we have, not yet. Thea held me close to her and wrapped her arms around my waist and I pressed my ear to her chest. Her heart is pounding at a steady rhythmic beat and I feel myself calming down.
"Are you okay Ash?" Thea asked quietly.
"If this is a dream I don't ever want to wake up." I said and wrapped my hand around her neck. I pulled my head away from Thea's chest and looked into her eyes.
"I love you and I'm so happy that you're my wife." I said and smiled. Thea's eyes watered and she pulled me into a kiss.
The kiss didn't last long as there was a knock on the door. Emily was standing on the other side when Thea pulled the door open. She brought us a tray of the appetizers that were being served downstairs and told us we had a half an hour before we needed to head downstairs for pictures.
Thea and I made quick work of the food before we touched up the little bit of makeup we still had on our faces then headed downstairs to meet Emily and the photographer. The photos didn't take long for us to get done as everyone was already waiting for us. Once we were done our guests were brought into the reception room and the DJ started to announce our wedding party.
"So are we doing any dance moves as we walk in?" Thea asked as we watched Nikki and Malia strike a pose as they walked into the room.
"Not unless you want too? I'm sure there are going to be enough embarrassing pictures of us that are going to end up on the internet by the end of the night and I don't want to activity add to that list." I answered as Alyssa and Lindsey walked in next.
"Very true. We are going right into our first dance right?" Thea asked as I heard the DJ hyping us up.
"Yes, I got Ashley to sing Is There Somewhere for us." I said and took Thea's hand in mine.
She didn't get a chance to respond as the doors opened for us and I pulled Thea inside the reception room. All of our family and friends cheered for us as we walked our way to the middle of the dance floor. The DJ announced that Ashley was singing the song for our first dance and she launched right into singing.
"I can't believe our song is a Halsey song." Thea said and chuckled as spun me around. When I came back to Thea I couldn't help but chuckle.
"I did offer to sing one of the many songs I wrote for you." I said and smiled.
"I know but we said I love you for the first time after this song, it's special." Thea said and gave me a shy smile.
"I know baby." I answered.
Halsey finished out the rest of the song and afterward the DJ opened the dance floor for the night. It didn't take long before we were mobbed by our guests giving us well wishes for our marriage. Thea and I managed to escape the crowd after a few songs we went our separate ways to check in with our families.
Pat gave me a tight hug once I got to the table. He let me go after a few a moments and look me over.
"How are you doing hon?" He asked.
"I still feel like this is all a dream." I said and gave Nicholas a hug as he stood from his seat.
"It will set in, just give it a little time." Pat said and I gave Sydney a hug.
"Did you manage to talk with any of my friends yet?" I asked as I watched a few of my friends move to the bar.
"Not yet, I'm waiting for my moment." Pat said and brushed off the shoulders of his suit.
I could only laugh as I went around the rest of the table to talk with my band to make sure everything is set up for later. Once they assured me that everything was a good I met up Cari Fletcher, Taylor Swift and Hayley Kiyoko at the bar to get my only glass of champagne for the night. After a few sips they dragged me out to the dance floor where I met up with Thea who was dancing with Lindsey. I came up behind Thea and wrapped my arms around my wife and pulled her into me. Wife. I don't think I'll ever get tired of saying that word.
Thea and I danced around for another song before we went off to get some pictures in the photo booth. At the end of the night we are going to get a print out of all the pictures and I can't wait to see all the crazy pictures we are going to get later. After our pictures Thea and I just watched everyone having a good time, getting to soak in the moment.
It wasn't long before we got dragged onto the dance floor again by our friends. Thea even got Rory up on the dance floor for a little bit and it was so funny to watch him dance. I won't be surprised to hear some of his officers dig on him when they all go back to work. A lot of Thea's officer friends got the night off to come. Her whole gang unit is here and it's the first time I've gotten to meet all of them. I have met a few here and there but it's nice to see them all together.
We got to dance around for a few more songs before we got pulled into the photo booth with varies groups of our friends. After getting out of the booth with Pat, Emily came over and said that they have a game for us to play before dinner is served. The DJ told everyone to return to their sets as two chairs were placed in the middle of the dance floor. Emily told us both to take a seat so our backs were facing each other.
"Okay ladies and gentleman, before dinner is served we are going to play a game with our newlyweds. Ladies if you could please take off a shoe and hand one to your partner so you each have one shoe of each other's. The game is simple, we are going to ask you guys questions and whoever you think fits the question, raise that shoe." The DJ said.
I groaned as I heard Thea laugh behind me. She handed me one of her heals while I handed her one of my converse.
"Okay so these questions were all written by your friends. So the first question is who said I love you first?" I raised Thea's heal and smiled thinking back to the moment.
"Who is the romantic?" Was the next question. I put both shoes in the air because I couldn't decide.
"You know it's only one shoe right Ash?" The DJ asked.
"But we both are." I said and turned to see the Thea has my shoe raised in the air.
"Alright, next question, who wears the pants in the relationship?" I raised Thea's shoe in the air and I heard a few snickers around the room.
"Daddy Thea for the win!" I heard Nikki from somewhere in the room.
"I'm kicking you out Nikki!" I yelled back in her direction.
"Who is the sappy one?" Was the next question. I raised my shoe in the air.
"Who is more of the party animal?" I would love to know who picked these questions.
I raised my shoe and I looked behind me to find that Thea had her own shoe raised. I laughed and then I saw Eli start laughing from where he is sitting.
"Okay two more before dinner is served, who planned the first date?" The DJ asked. I raised my shoe thinking back to our first date and how it ended.
"Last question, who's best dressed today?" Right away I raised Thea's shoe. When I turned around I saw that Thea had my shoe raised. When Thea's eyes met mine I couldn't help but smile at her and lean in for a short kiss.
We returned our shoes to each other and put them back on before we walked to our table for dinner. Dinner was waiting for us when we got there and I dug right in as I was really hungry. The DJ played some light music in the background as everyone had their dinner.
"Are you having fun?" I heard Thea asked and I turned to her.
"This has been the best night of my life so far. I hope you are having a good time." I said to her and moved a stray piece of hair off her face.
"It's more than I could have imagined." Thea said and pressed her forehead against mine. "I'm so happy I was able to pull you over the bridge that night." She said quietly just for me to hear.
I didn't say anything to her but gave her a kiss. We didn't get far when we heard someone clear there throat in a microphone. Thea and I broke apart from each other and saw Pat standing in front of the DJ booth holding the microphone.
"Oh god" I said and rubbed my forehead.
"Hello everyone. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Pat and I have lived next door to Ashlyn and her family since they moved in the early 2000's. I've had the pleasure of watching her and her siblings grow up. They were all good friends of my own son Nicholas. I will always treasure the days when we sat on my porched and watched Asher and Nicholas playing football on the front lawn. I was there when tragedy struck the first time when Samantha passed away unexpectedly. Asher picked both you and Ashley up and helped you both through the loss."
I could feel a few tears escape my eyes when I thought back to the months right after mom died. Asher did everything he could to help Ashley and I trying to make sense of what happened. Those first few months were some of the hardest moments in my life.
"Your music career took off fast and soon the three of you were traveling the world with Asher as your tour manager and Ashley as your stylist. You three stuck together, all the way to the end. That night changed all of us and I saw the spark of life leave your eyes.
"The night my husband died I knew something was wrong with you and I'm sorry for not noticing it sooner. When Thea came into your life, I saw the change in you. You were happy again. Watching you two grow closer together has been a joy and you even reminded me of the early days of Ed and I's relationship. As you two grew closer so did your bond.
"Then I got that call and I thought I lost you, both of you. It was the worst moment of my life. Slowly you woke up and I watched as you and Thea got closer together as you both took steps forward in your recovery.
"The love you guys share is something truly special and I hope you never have to be without your partner. I wish you all the best and a long and happy life together. To Ashlyn and Thea!" Pat said and held up his champagne glass.
Our guest toasted to our union and I got up from my seat to give Pat a tight hug. We stayed together for a few minutes talking before I returned to my seat. Just as I finished off the second glass of champagne I shouldn't be having I heard someone else start speaking. To my surprise I saw Rory standing by the DJ booth with the microphone in his hand.
"Did you know he was going to say something?" I asked Thea.
"No, this is a surprise." Thea said and sat on the edge of her seat.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I hope everyone is having a nice tonight celebrating these two lovely women. For those of you who don't know me my name is Rory Connley, currently I'm the police chief of Salem." Rory got cut off by a bunch of his officers yelling for him. "All right all right. I just wanted to say a few words about our lovely bride Themis."
Some more happy yells were heard through the reception hall and I could help but join in. I looked over at Thea and I saw her face blush with all the attention.
"Thea joined the force right out of college. Her family line full of police pedigree. Thea's father Preston served the NYPD and her mother Addie served as an FDNY Paramedic; both were off that tragic day in September but still rushed off to lower Manhattan on 9-11. Both of them made it out that day but were returned to the lord after both suffering from related 9-11 illnesses.
"I watched Thea as she became one the best officers I have on my staff over the past 9 years. You rose to every challenge and it's something that I wish some of my other officers would do. First in last out mentality, always. You were and still are always one to jump on extra shifts, you've mentored countless younger officers fresh out of the academy and always gave the shirt off your back to someone in need. As the years go by and we got closer I started to think of you like the daughter I never had, I still do." Rory chuckled and gave Thea a smile.
I looked over at Thea and saw she is struggling wiping away her tears. I grabbed my napkin and handed it to her before turning to Rory.
"It didn't surprise me much when you called me to tell me that you have been letting Ashlyn camp out at your house. I still remember the conversation we had your first shift back on duty after the fall out. You told me she was special. The more time I saw you guys together I learned just how special she is.
"It's not easy being a police officer's wife but I've watched the two of you overcome a lot of hardship in the short time you've been together. That strong bond will carry on through your life together and only get stronger.
"If all of you would like to raise your glass to toast our newlyweds, Ashlyn welcome to the family." Rory said and held up his champagne glass.
All of our guest raised their glasses and toasted to us. Thea and I sipped our water as I wiped away the last of my own tears that fell. As far as I know nobody else is supposed to be making a speech so I thought now would probably be the best time to sing for Thea before the DJ starts up the music again. I finished off the last of my dinner before I kissed Thea's temple before running off to find my band.
Once I gathered them all up I found Emily and told her now was the time. She ran off to get our instruments ready and I went up to the DJ to let him know now is the time for my song. As I saw the hotel staff setting up the equipment I walked back over to Thea and I's table and held out my hand for her. Thea smiled and took it. I walked her over the dance floor and sat her down in the chair I stole from my bands table.
Someone put their hand on my shoulder and I turned around to see Britt holding my guitar. I took it from her and put it around my shoulders making sure it didn't rub to hard against my dress. Emily gave me a thumbs up and I took the microphone from the DJ.
"Hi everyone." I said and chuckled as I got every ones attention. "To me, song writing is a way for me to express my feelings. I'm working on a follow up album to Alone in the Room to compliment it. That album was dark and stormy and this one that I'm writing now is light and happy."
"Such a shocker but a few of the songs off the new album are about Thea and this on in particular is really special to me. Over the past week I finished it up with the help of my friends and I want them to help me sing along to the part we recorded together. So without farther ado, Thea this song is for you." I gave Thea a smile and clipped the microphone into the stand.
I looked around at my band and they all smiled and told me they were ready. I nodded and counted us in for the song. For me this song rivals Tell Her You Love Her. I actually had most of this song written before I showed it to my friends. They all loved it so much they helped me make it better and I even had them jump in on a background vocal for the last chorus. I couldn't help but smile as I sang. This song just makes me so happy.
I watched Thea throughout the song and watched her listen to the lyrics. Super thankful that the sound system the DJ has set up is clear so she can hear the words I'm singing. As I got to the bridge the music basically fades out and there is just a little background noise before I launch into the bridge. So I took my guitar off, placed it in the stand and unclipped my microphone from the stand and walked over to Thea.
By now most of our guests have crowded the edges of the dance floor. When I got in front of Thea I held my hand for her to take. She stood and took it as I started singing the bridge. After I finished the three lines of the bridge, my friends all started to sing with me as I launched into the last chorus. I couldn't help but look around at them all. I held Thea's hand tight and pulled her into the middle of the dance floor and spun her around before pulling her into my arms to sing the last line of the song just to her.
The crowd around us kind of faded away as I wiped away a single tear that fell from Thea's eye. Once it was gone I pressed my lips harshly to her. The kiss didn't last for too long before she pulled away to breath. After she pulled away I rested my forehead against hers and smiled.
"I think I like that one more then Tell Her You Love Her." I heard Thea said after another moment.
I smiled brightly at her before giving her another kiss. Everyone around went back to their tables as we shared this moment in the middle of the dance floor. When we finally separated I went over to my band and gave them all hugs for thanking them for doing this tonight. Thea joined me a few minutes later and thanked them as well.
Before Thea and I could make it back to our table Emily came over to tell us it was time for us to cut the cake. We went with a four tiered chocolate vanilla swirl cake. It was honestly the best cake I've ever had when we came to sample it. I'm hoping we have enough to take some home. The cake was brought out to Thea and I in front of our table.
People came over and gather around us again as Thea and I made the first cut together. Once it was cut I put the piece on a plate and handed it to Thea. I cut the second piece for myself and put it on a plate and turned to Thea. She had a piece of cake in between her fingers and she brought it to my mouth to feed me. Thea was nice and didn't smash it in my face which I was thankful for. We both knew how good this cake was and didn't want to waste any of it.
After our pieces were cut the caterers came out and cut up the rest of the cake and handed it out to our guests. Thea and I returned to our table and finished our cake and even asked for another piece. The DJ started up the music again and people went back to the dance floor to let loose for another hour.
When we were finished with our dessert, Thea and I made the rounds of the party checking in on everyone. I was pulled into the photo booth quite a few times and I'm looking forward to getting to look at all of the copies of these photos.
The night started to wind down and some of our guests left the party. Thea and I were debating on when we should turn in for the night as it was getting kind of late. We danced around for one more song before speaking with Emily that we were ready to call it a night. Thea and I made the rounds one more time thanking everyone for coming and most of our guest walked outside before us to see us off.
Before we made it outside Rory came up to us and told Thea that he had a surprise for her that was waiting outside when we were ready to leave. Thea and I collected the last of our things before we told Rory we were to leave. Thea and I walked arm in arm to the doors and Rory opened them for us. Once they opened Thea and I were shocked at what we found. Parked out front were three Salem PD squad cars with their lights on.
Standing on the walk way to the curb is Salem's honor guard along with their pipe and drum band. The officers started to play and I looked over at Thea. She watched in awe as the rest of her friends who attended the wedding got in line with the honor guard. They all started to salute as Thea turned to Rory.
"We go big for our own." Rory said and Thea pulled him into a hug. I gave Rory a hug as well before Thea took my hand and we walked through the rows of officers. As we got to the honor guard the officers took out their swords and created an arch for us to walk under. The pipe and drum band continued as we walked to the waiting squad car. Our room for the night is at the hotel down the road and Thea and I were going to walk it. But when the officer waiting pointed us to the car Thea couldn't help but laugh when she saw the back windshield. Just married was written in marker on the window and I laughed as I slid into the backseat.
Thea followed in behind me and the officer closed the door for us. The ride to our hotel was quiet and quick. The officer let us out of the car and Thea and I walked into the hotel and up to our suite for the night. Once the door was locked behind us Thea and I carefully undressed each other. After we were both naked we found the bed and sealed our wedding night.
a/n: our girls are finally married and had a night they will remember forever. and now it's off to their honeymoon.
honestly the song on the side i think is my favorite LANY song it's so good, give it a listen when you read this chapter.