Ready

It's a beautiful and glorious Saturday afternoon in May. The glimmering sun hangs high up in the vivid blue sky, a couple of white clouds scattered about. Spring has officially arrived and the citizens of Vermont could not be happier to trade in their bubble jackets and snow boots for flip-flops and shorts. The birds are all chirping gleefully, perched up on the branches of the green, leafy trees. The flowers have blossomed as well, gracing the world with their vibrant colors and floral fragrance.

Inside the grandiose church styled after the neoclassic structures in Russia, guests are buzzing with excitement as they wait for the bride to make her entrance. The lucky man stands anxiously with his groomsman lined up by his side as he tries his best to remain patient. One should never rush a lady on her special day. Even he knows that. However, as more time passes by, he can't help but grow nervous. What if she suddenly got cold feet? What if she's already halfway out of the country? No, she wouldn't do that to him. He's overthinking it. He should just take a deep breath and trust her. What's a relationship without trust?

His worries are put to rest when a familiar tune finally echoes throughout the place. The pianist begins to glide his fingers across the keys of the instrument, playing Here Comes the Bride, ultimately informing everybody of the bride's arrival. The guests rise to their feet, their gazes now settled on the large double-doors crafted of fine oak. A second later, the doors swing open. In glide the two bridesmaids donned in floor-length, lavender dresses and bouquets in their grasps. They are then followed by the flower girl, who is leaving a trail of red roses on the white carpet behind her.

The bride appears with an arm linked around her son's and the veil shielding her face. With graceful steps, the two of them make their way down the aisle. Her fiancé smiles and extends a hand out towards her when she reaches him. She accepts and the crowd takes their seat. The officiant goes through the usual routine, asking them each to read their vows. Their heartfelt words cause tears to well up and hearts to swoon.

After they are finished, the officiant brings up the last two questions which would seal the deal. "Do you, George Alanson, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do," declares George, taking the silver wedding band and slipping it over her finger.

"And do you, Olivia Morindozo, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

She nods feverishly. "I do."

"Then by the power vested in me by the state of Vermont, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." As soon as their lips are connected, the guests all jump to their feet, swarming the pair with thunderous applause, whistles and cheers. Ethan smiles from where he stands before his eyes flit over to his girlfriend who is standing next to his new step-sister, looking as gorgeous as ever. Painted over her face is a beaming smile as she watches the newly wedded couple. He couldn't wait for the day where he'd be the one standing at the altar, ready to spend the rest of his life with her.

* * *

At the reception held in George's backyard, people seem to be enjoying themselves, having a grand time indulging in the delicious food and live music. Laughs and smiles are exchanged as the guests congratulate the groom who is making his way around to thank everyone for attending and taking part in such a special day. Nobody has been judgmental about Olivia's circumstances, if anything they've been rather supportive, and he is beyond grateful. Now if only he could find that wife of his.

After she helps Olivia change out of her wedding dress and into something much more comfortable, Charlie heads outside to join the rest of the party. Her family has an entire table to themselves and she goes over to greet them, careful not to trip over the fabric of her dress. Trust me, if she had the option of showing up in pants, she would have taken it in a heartbeat. Even until this very day, she still feels awkward wearing dresses.

"You look so pretty, Charlie," Naomi compliments with a wide smile.

The girl doesn't get a chance to say thank you though. "As if," snorts Chase as he pretends to gag. "She looks out of place wearing that."

"Shut up, Chase. Nobody asked you," his sister scowls.

"Kids," Mr Whitmen chides, sending his eldest an apprehensive look. "Behave."

From a distance, Charlie spots Ethan talking to Zara and excuses herself. She creeps up behind the boy, but before she could scare him, he whirls around and stares at her with a stoic expression. "You walk too loud," he deadpans. Next, he stalks off and Charlie chases after him. They enter the kitchen, where the caterers are busy plating the food, and she manages to grab onto his hand, causing him to halt in the living room. It's clear somebody is still a little upset with her.

"Babe, are you still mad at me? I said I was sorry."

"Sorry is not going to cut it," he huffs, turning back towards her. "And don't call me babe. I'm not going to soften up."

"Ethan, you're being childish," she remarks as she lets go of him.

"You're the one who forgot it was our six month anniversary," retorts the boy.

"Oh come on. I was busy helping Olivia with the wedding."

Ethan falters but quickly regains his footing. "Still."

Jack had been right. Relationships aren't easy. Charlie can attest to it, but that doesn't mean she's going to throw in the towel because things aren't going smoothly. She knew they weren't going to be perfect and Charlie would rather much prefer fighting and making up to never having a dispute. Originally, she had wanted to wait until later when everyone was gone or at least sloshed to sweep her boyfriend off of his feet, but it seems like she's got no other choice now. She doesn't want to spend the rest of the night with him upset. "What if I make it up to you?" she bargains.

Ethan raises a brow. "And how would you do that?"

Charlie glances around to make sure that nobody else is around. Once the coast is clear, she reaches up and kisses him. "I'm ready," she whispers breathlessly, pulling away.

"R-ready for what?" he stammers. She couldn't possibly mean that.

Then she runs a finger down his chest and bites down on her bottom lip, her eyes flickering back up to his. "You know."

"Right now?"

"Why not? Didn't you say you needed to break your new mattress in?"

"Yeah, but everybody is here," he mutters. "Isn't it a little risky?"

"It'll make it more memorable, don't you think? I'll go up first. You follow me up in five minutes, okay?"

Ethan purses his lips out. "Why can't I follow you now?"

"Just do it," Charlie orders.

"Fine," he resigns.

Once the time is up, the boy makes his way upstairs, his entire body filled to the brim with both excitement and anxiety. Sure, it's not his first time having sex but it is the first time he'll be doing it with someone he can't picture his life without. What if this ruins everything? What if it ends up being awkward or, even worse, nothing she expects it to be? Inhaling a deep breath, Ethan throws the door open and his eyes widen at the sight of the balloons, scattered rose petals, and illuminated candles decorating his new room.

Standing in the center was his beautiful girlfriend, a shy smile painted over her lips. He's not going to lie, this seriously looks like a scene straight out of one of those romantic movies Jillian is always fawning over and to be honest, now Ethan could see why. "You planned this," he whispers in awe. He definitely did not see this coming. When did she even have the time to set everything up?

"Of course. Do you think I'd forget something as important as our six month anniversary? Plus, I wanted our first time to be special. It's corny, I know."

"It's the thought that counts," Ethan remarks. "I'm sorry for getting upset with you."

"It's okay. I've gotten used to it," she laughs.

"You still look weird in a dress." He simpers coyly, his arms slithering around her waist. "How about we get rid of it?"

"You read my mind." Charlie reaches for the zipper and allows the dress to fall down and pool around her ankles, putting herself on full display.

"Oh fuck, Charlie." Just the mere sight of her has all of his blood rushing down there. "When'd you buy lingerie?"

"It was Jill's idea," she mumbles, feeling a little self-conscious all of a sudden, her cheeks scalding hot. She's never worn something so provocative before. "Do you like it?"

"Do I really need to answer that?" he groans before bending down and devouring her lips. "God, do I love you," he breathes wistfully, his hands working busily to unfasten the buttons of his shirt. And he means it. He genuinely loves her. A second later, the boy realizes what he has just said and his jaw slacks open. Ethan feels like he's a deer caught in headlights... again and he can do nothing but stare at Charlie, a look of utter bewilderment plastered on his face. Did he just say that out loud? What had he been thinking? What if Charlie gets spooked out? Great! He totally ruined the moment.

To his astonishment, however, a broad smile spreads across her face and, without skipping a single beat, she says, "I love you too. Now come here, lover boy." Next, Charlie tugs Ethan by the collar of his suit, ultimately reuniting their lips. Clumsily, they stumble into the bed, both of their hearts racing at what feels like the speed of light as they make the evening theirs, forgetting about everyone and everything else in the world except for each other.

- - -

Author's Note: And the curtains have been drawn. This is the official end to Elie <3 Thank you all so much for sticking by me. Oh and for getting this story ranked 68 in TF :D don't forget to vote and comment. If you're into werewolves, please do check out my newest story entitled: Beautiful Rogue. There's a trailer below. Take care everyone. I will miss you dearly. Oh and don't forget about Jack ;)