Chapter Twelve: I Get To Love You

Christmas Eve - 1 Year Later

Kara and Lena had a simple vision for their wedding. They wanted to be married on Christmas Eve, surrounded by all of their friends and family, and they wanted to be married in the snow where they first met face to face.

When Kara suggested that they be married in the exact spot where they met, Lena was madly in love with the idea. No other place on the planet seemed as romantic as that spot outside the department store where serendipity seemed to take hold of their lives.

They received some push back from the city initially, but one call from Cat sealed the deal. Kara and Lena never asked Cat what she had to threaten or promise to secure the spot. They just thanked her with hugs and kisses and hoped that she didn't need to make anyone cry.

Snow, of course wasn't guaranteed either, but it had been well over a decade since Metropolis had a snow-less Christmas Eve. Kara and Lena were sure Cat would call Mother Nature herself if it looked like snow wouldn't fall for their magical day.

Lena's suggestion that their wedding guests be whisked away to the reception in horse-drawn carriages, added a sparkle of romance and old-world charm that delighted everyone in attendance.

The air smelled of Christmas pine and the glow of the white globe lights hanging from the trees painted a beautiful holiday tableau.

Their guests wore heavy winter coats, muffs and hats. The wedding invitation had suggested that their guests dress warm and cozy for the snow and Lena and Kara were pleased to see that they took their suggestion to heart.

The happy couple wore matching white fur-lined coats from Russia, one of the many gifts Cat presented to them before the big day.

Lena and Alex jokingly referred to Cat as the "father of the bride" because she was so generous and proud of Kara. The image of Cat holding Eliza close and crying onto her shoulder at the rehearsal dinner only seemed to solidify the playful nickname.

Cat, of course, officiated. As she put it, only she was capable of sending Kara and Lena off into the world together the right way. Kara and Lena both happily agreed.

In true Cat fashion, her words were poignant, thoughtful, funny, and they evoked just the right amount of emotion. Cat's cutting wit and her surprisingly infectious warmth made everyone who didn't know her a big fan. For those who were blessed enough to know her, it came as no surprise that she was the dream officiant.

When it came time for their vows, Kara and Lena wanted to keep things simple. They were happy to save their words for each other for the reception, where they knew their guests would be warm and well fed. They didn't want their guests to catch their deaths on the chilly Metropolis night.

The one thing Kara absolutely insisted they do in the snow was share their first dance.

The DJ played "Heavenly Day", by Patty Griffin.

https://open.spotify.com/track/2vy6F2C23RxlGJvbdA7NTq?si=9OvRhJ91Rv6ZoU42q7Fuwg

The music began to play, just as a perfect dusting of snowflakes fell from the night sky.

Lena wrapped her arms around Kara's neck and kissed her lips softly.

"Aww baby, your nose is so cold", Lena said rubbing her cheek against Kara's.

"I can't feel anything but the warmth of your body and pure joy."

Kara wrapped her arms around Lena's waist and squeezed her tight. Kara stood tall and strong on her leg as they swayed back and forth.

"So, you got your snow, my queen", Kara whispered softly to Lena. I knew it would happen if you just kept the faith.

"Everything is perfect. The snow, the horse drawn carriages, you. God, you are so beautiful. This is everything I ever could have dreamed of and more."

Kara looked around at their loved ones. No one seemed cold or uncomfortable. They all grinned, their eyes bright with happy tears.

"I still can't believe we convinced the city to let us have the wedding outside the department store."

"It's where I knew I loved you. It's where I first imagined marrying you", Lena said dreamily. "Of course they let us do this. Who would have had the heart to say no?" Lena moved her hands to the back of Kara's neck and lightly scratched. Kara purred like a kitten and pressed her cheek to Lena's"

"You really knew you loved me that day?"

"I did. I had no doubt in my mind. I saw your smile and those bright blue eyes, and I just knew. I stood here, on this spot, and wondered what it would be like to wake up next to you every morning."

"I hope it hasn't been a disappointment", Kara said with a playful chuckle.

Lena gave Kara a little poke in the side and kissed her lips.

"Waking up in your arms every morning is the greatest joy I could possibly feel. When did you know you loved me?"

"I won't say. You'll make fun of me."

"Oh stop it. You're my wife now. You have to tell me."

"I knew I loved you that first night. I can't explain why. There was just something in your voice. I was a goner."

"I'm so sorry my love", Lena said caressing Kara's cheek.

"Why are you sorry?"

"I'm sorry that I was so crazy back then. I'm sorry you had to wait so long", Lena said burying her face in Kara's neck.

"My love, this was all worth the wait. Yes, we have been through hell, but look at where we are now. This is the most beautiful moment of my life."

Lena pressed her lips to Kara's ear.

"Wait until you see what I have planned for our wedding night. I'm just saying, THAT might be the most beautiful moment of your life."

Kara pulled Lena close and kissed her with all of the fire, joy and silliness in her heart.

"Thank you for marrying me, Lena."

"Thank you. Thank you for all of this. It's a dream come true. You're my dream come true."

Kara and Lena looked over and saw that Alex, Cat, Eliza and Sam were all standing together crying like babies as they watched the two star crossed lovers finally find their way home for good.

***

Lena, Kara and all of their guests piled into the horse drawn carriages.

Kara stepped into the carriage confidently and put her hand out to Lena to help her up.

"I can't believe how far you've come in a year. You are so strong and confident", Lena said kissing her bride.

"I have you to thank", Kara said sitting down and laying a warm heated blanket over their laps.

"Why?"

"You were not only there for me, but you gave me a goal. You gave me tonight. I wanted to be able to stand proudly next to my wife at the altar. I wanted to dance with you in the snow and help you into the carriage. I wanted to be the wife you deserve."

Lena moved closer to Kara and kissed her cheek softly. She continued to press her cheek to Kara's and closed her eyes.

"You have been the wife I deserved since day one. What you have accomplished is amazing, but I would have married you a year ago in your office and been just as happy."

"Really?"

"Really. But this, all of this is magical, so I'm glad I waited to make you mine officially."

Kara pulled the blanket over them and wrapped her arm around her beautiful bride. They kissed all the way to the hotel, their cold skin, warmed by each other's touch.

***

The ride to the Grand Hotel was shorter than anyone would have liked. The magic of the carriages delighted all of the guests so much, they wished the ride would never end.

Kara and Lena took an extra lap around the hotel so they could make their grand entrance. It gave them an opportunity to enjoy some extra cuddle time under the blanket and take in the splendor of their perfect Christmas Eve night.

When they walked into the ballroom, a beautiful reception was waiting for them. The theme of snow, glowing white lights and Christmas pine continued into the the magnificent space.

Everyone was seated and enjoyed a gourmet plated dinner of Chinese food. Kara's favorite potstickers were served at every table.

Kara and Lena settled into their seats and cuddled up close as their friends and family took turns giving speeches.

Sam and Alex made their way to the center of the room. They stood together nervously. Sam spoke first.

"Kara, I remember how much I hated you before we met", Sam started with a chuckle. Everyone in the room laughed.

"I couldn't believe that anyone would turn down the opportunity to love my very best friend in the world. When I found out the truth, I felt like a total ass."

Everyone in the room laughed again. There was something endearing about Sam's totally inappropriate speech and her big bright brown eyes.

"I've been with you two since the beginning, and all I can tell you is that I have never doubted that the two of you were meant to be together. Your hearts, your souls, your nerdiness screamed destiny. I mean, who the hell works that late on Christmas Eve? Just you two nerds."

The crowd looked at each other and laughed even louder. Sam was killing it.

"You two met because you were both married to your jobs, but now I am sure that you are finally where you need to be. Kara, I've known Lena for over a decade. We have been to hell and back. I have seen her triumphs and her failures, her best days and her worst days, I have seen her love and I have seen her ache. I know her as well as she knows herself. I have never seen Lena as happy as she is now. Never. You have brought new life and new meaning to her world and I can't thank you enough for sticking with it and not giving up. This last year was one of many changes. Lena, we both fell in love and they're sisters. Go figure. We are so codependent."

The crowd chuckled and Lena nodded in agreement.

"Lena, I truly believe we are finally where we were meant to be. You're back home and we have the love of the two most beautiful women in the world.

Congratulations to you both. I have been here with you from the start and I can't wait to see what our shared future holds. Holy shit Lena, it just occurred to me that we are actually family now. That is so cool. Anyway, I love you both and you better name one of your kids after me for all of the 'will they or won't they' angst you have caused me."

Sam blew them both a kiss and the crowd applauded and cheered the very strange and very Sam speech. Alex took the mic and stepped forward.

"I'm not sure how I could possibly follow such a perfectly Sam speech", Alex said pulling Sam in for a one armed hug and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Kar, I just want to start by saying how proud I am of you. Everyone here knows that exactly two years go, my sister was involved in a horrific car accident that left her severely wounded and in pain. One year ago tonight, you and Lena were engaged and since that day, you have put in the work and rehabbed to the point that you cannot only stand on your own two feet, but you can dance with your beautiful wife. Kar, how could words possibly convey how proud I am of everything you have accomplished during the last year? You're a partner at your Engineering firm, you are standing on your own two feet and you married the woman of your dreams. You have overcome insurmountable odds and I have to thank Lena for always standing by your side and supporting you with unconditional love and patience. Lord knows, I haven't always been patient with you."

The crowed giggled a little.

"I think the most amazing thing about you both is that you stand by each other, live to love each other, and appreciate each other every day. Sam and I both agree that you are a template for how a couple should love and support each other. You two are so disgustingly sweet, but we all love to watch you two grow and thrive together. You're kind of adorable. Cheers to you both. I suppose I should extend a special thanks to the person who gave Kara enough crap to get her ass in gear. Cat, thank you for talking some sense into my pigheaded sister. Cat walked to the center of the room and took the mic.

Everyone applauded Alex's speech as she took a step back.

"I will keep this short since I was able to share many of my thoughts during the ceremony", Cat flashed her signature half smile. "I have known Kara her entire adult life. I have seen her get through school, build a fabulous career, and she makes me proud every day just being her. Kara, all I have ever wanted for you is a happy life. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that I would see you THIS happy. It makes the rest of us mere mortals wish we could feel half the love and joy you do. I am happy to take the credit for talking some sense into you, but you two held on, always loved each other and persevered in spite of some gargantuan hurdles. Kara, Lena, I love you both and I feel so blessed to be a part of your story. Congratulations and you're welcome."

The crowd cheered loudly and applauded.

Kara and Lena stood up from their seats and joined Cat in the center of the room. They both gave her hugs. Alex and Sam returned to embrace the happy couple. Kara and Lena motioned for them to stay for their speeches.

Cat handed Kara the microphone and kissed her cheek.

"Lena and I wanted to thank you all for coming tonight. We thought when we decided to have our ceremony in the snow that we would lose twenty percent of our guests. We never imagined that everyone would say yes. As a courtesy to you all, we kept our vows short, but I wanted to make a little toast of my own. A toast to my new wife."

Kara and Lena turned to each other and smiled. Kara took Lena's hand and her eyes filled with happy tears.

"I Get To Love You", by Ruelle played softly in the background.

https://open.spotify.com/track/3CV4lFELdziNM1OnHU8nwz?si=_4j3uGyLT8yoMVMwFJUi2w

"Lena, I still remember the way my chest fluttered the night we spoke for the first time. I remember how speaking to you was effortless. You were this stranger on the other line, and all I wanted to do was rescue you and hold onto you. All I wanted was to know you. We had to travel a long road to get here, but it was worth the wait. The harder the path has been along the way, the more it has made me appreciate being able to finally love you with all of my heart. All I've wanted since that first night was to give you every part of me."

The sound of Alex sniffling and crying pulled everyone's attention away for a minute. Kara and Lena smiled.

"Lena, thank you for always standing by me, loving me unconditionally and allowing me to love you with every fiber of my being. I have to pinch myself sometimes. It is still so hard to believe that I get to fall asleep in your arms every night and wake up next to you every morning. I feel so blessed. Thank you for being patient, loving and kind during this last year as I worked on getting strong again. Alex is right, I couldn't have healed without you. You give me strength."

Lena moved her hands to Kara's chest and kissed her passionately. She pulled back and smiled.

"So, here is a special toast to my beautiful wife. You are the most beautiful, warm, loving, patient, and kind woman I have ever met. Thank you for loving me the way you do and thank you for marrying me."

Kara handed Lena the microphone and kissed her cheek. Lena's eyes welled up with tears. She grabbed Kara's neck and pressed her forehead to Kara's. She whispered to Kara softly.

"I love you so much, Kara. I feel like my heart might explode. Your words were perfect."

Kara smiled and kissed Lena tenderly. Lena wiped away her tears and stepped forward.

"A Thousand Years", by Christina Perri played in the background.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6lanRgr6wXibZr8KgzXxBl?si=LlQB6CSCSlypU8RKeeeEGw

"It really sucks to have to go after all of those amazing speeches, but I have had these words in my mind since the night I asked Kara to marry me. I think some of these words were in my mind since the first night we met.

Lena faced Kara and caressed her cheek.

"When you rescued me from the elevator that night, I was a total mess. My life seemed to be crumbling around me and the only bright spot was the conversation we shared on Christmas Eve. When you and I found each other in the snow two years later, I knew it was serendipity. I knew you were my destiny. We have all talk about the long road we travelled. I think we all understand that the pain we suffered made tonight possible, so it was worth it, but I am even more thankful for the suffering."

The crowd laughed, mainly out of confusion.

"I know you're all wondering why I am so thankful that we suffered. The truth is, everything has come pretty easy to me. I have spent my life following a pattern and I am not sure I have always stopped to take the time and appreciate what I have or how far I have come. I wake up every morning and I watch you sleep Kara. I wake up and I just smile until my face hurts. I touch your cheeks and hold onto you, thankful beyond words that you're mine. I would have suffered a thousand lifetimes to get here because I have finally found a reason to stop and appreciate life. That reason is you. I longed for you for so long, I could never take you for granted. Kara makes fun of me because sometime I look at her and pounce on her when we are at dinner or hanging out with Alex and Sam. Sometimes I am just overwhelmed by the fact that we finally have each other. This love we have is such a beautiful thing."

The whole room was in tears including Kara who held onto Lena's hand tight.

"So, thank you to all of our beautiful friends and family for joining us this evening. Thank you Sam, Alex and Cat for your love, support and beautiful words, and a very special thank you to my beautiful wife. Thank you for loving me, always standing by me, protecting me, helping me grow, and thank you for making me the happiest woman in the world. Thank you for taking a chance on me even though I was broken. I know you've said multiple times over the last year that you were broken, but I have never seen you that way. To me, you've never been broken. You've always been beautiful. My Kara, my life, thank you for loving me."

Kara pulled Lena into her arms. Her face was wet with tears. She moved a hand to Lena's cheek and kissed her passionately, not caring one bit that they were in a room full of people. For that moment, that split second, they only saw each other.

For years to come, all of their wedding guests would say that their wedding was the most beautiful and romantic wedding they had ever attended. It was simply magical.