Two months later:

I take a deep breath before I turn around.

"Aw, you look so beautiful, Maine!" Patricia says to me. She's wearing a champagne colored dress. All bridesmaids are wearing the same color, but not the same cut, since there isn't a cut which fits all body types. And you should even as a bridesmaid look good. "And no one can tell that you're already in your 24th week." my best friend ensures me smiling.

Just like Patricia, I am wearing Vera Wang on my wedding day. Unlike her I am not wearing a ball gown like dress. I chose a silk old-Hollywood styled dress with a v-cut in the front and back. It's classical and timeless. Plus, it suits my 24th weeks pregnant body perfectly since I still don't have a baby bump. I don't know why, but it seems like the baby doesn't want to show any visible signs yet. Addison says that it could happen. It's very rare, but it happens. I call myself lucky.

But that's also why we decided to keep it a secret until we're married. No one but Patricia knows about the pregnancy. It's still our secret.

A female secret with no name yet.

The door opens and Valerie walks in. The Grey beauty is also wearing a champagne colored dress. Her hair is up in a messy updo, her make up is light. She looks nice.

"Patty, I need to talk to you for a second." Valerie says to Patricia.

"Oh okay..." she says confused before she disappears out of my hear range.

I look at my reflection in the mirror and can't believe the person who is staring back at me. A person who will be married in only an hour. A person who will be a mother in only 16 weeks. A person whose life has changed a lot in the last months.

But in the reflection I can also see a worried Patricia and a worried Valerie. Something is wrong.

I turn around and look at the two women, who still seem to be discussing something.

"What's wrong?" I ask them.

"Honey, nothing is wrong..." Patricia ensures me, faking her best smile yet.

"Valerie, what the hell is going on?!" I ask the other Grey woman.

"I... I-"

"Valerie!" I hiss at her.

"Richard is freaking out." she says in one breath.

Patricia hits her right away, "You could have used some better words!"

"What... What do you mean, he's freaking out?!" I yell at her. "How can he freak out!"

"Maine, he is just..." Valerie starts to explain as I pass her. "Where is she going?"

"Oh no..." Patricia breaths out as I storm down the hallway.

I knock on the wooden door as loud as I can. I can hear whispers before the door opens. Samuel is looking at me. "You shouldn't be here."

"Is he in there?"

"Yes, but-"

"Close your eyes!" I yell into the room. Although our love story isn't like one out of the fairy tale, I shouldn't dare to play with fate. A groom shouldn't see his bride in the wedding dress before the wedding - even I know that.

"Maine?" he asks me shocked.

"Are your eyes closed?"

"Maine, you should really-"

"Samuel, shut up!" I hiss at him. "Richard?"

"Eyes are closed."

"Good." I say and pass Samuel to enter the room.

My breath gets stuck in my lungs. He hasn't looked any sexier. God, this black tuxedo fits his body perfectly. This man is the father of my hot man will be my husband in only a couple of minutes...

"Don't you dare try to look!" I hiss at him as I walk over to him.

"Really, everything is alright, we just-"

"Samuel," I interupt the only Grey family member in the room, "Could you give us five minutes?"

"Okay..." he says nodding before he leaves us alone.

"Keep your eyes closed." I remind him.

"Okay."

"Are you freaking out?" I ask him slowly.

"I... I..."

"Okay..." I say and brush through my dark brown locks which are loosely falling on my shoulders. God, how can he get cold feet now?! I grab his hands and place them on my pregnant stomach with no baby bump. "Open your eyes." I say with my eyes focused on his.

His scared eyes stare back into my soft brown ones.

"Don't you dare look anywhere else but in my eyes." I threaten him.

He is silent. Man, he's really freaking out.

"This day, just requires one thing of you." I start, "All you need to say is I do. Say yes to this journey with us. Just say yes to 'I won't go without you'. Say yes to a life with me and our baby. Nothing more, nothing less. But if you... If you don't want this, then we'll be out of here in a blink of an eye. Wherever you go, I'll go. We're in this together, remember?"

"There are 200 guests waiting for us to walk down the aisle. First me and then you."

"So what?"

"Maine, I want this. All of this. You and me. Our family." he says to me.

"Then let's do this. Get this over with."

"Get this over with?" he quotes me with a raised eyebrow.

I roll my eyes, "I'm not excited about the wedding, frankly I just want to be married already. Be a family." I say with a soft smile on my lips. Out of the sudden I feel a kick inside of me. Our baby girl is kicking.

He smiles, "It's kicking, isn't it?"

Right, he doesn't know the sex yet. He was at a meeting in Boston when I had the last ultrasound, which told me the sex.

I smile at him, "No. She is kicking."

"She?" he asks me smiling like crazy.

"It's a girl. My wedding present for you. You will get a baby girl."

"A girl?" he asks me, still grinning.

I nodd, "Another woman you can spoil big time..." I say, rolling my eyes.

He kisses me passionately. "A girl..."

"Yes, a girl. You will be father of a baby girl..."

"God, I love you so much, Maine." he says into my eyes.

"I love you, too." I say before I kiss him softly.

A knock at the door interrupts our kisses.

"Guys, you're done yet? 'Cause you need to get married exactly now." Patricia says through the wooden door.

"You're ready?" I ask him.

"As ready as I will ever be."

"Okay, then close your eyes again so I can leave you."

"I'll see you at the aisle."

"Don't you dare don't be there." I joke as he closes his eyes again. I take a deep breath before I open the wooden door again.

"Are you guys ready?" Patricia asks me.

I nodd, "Ready to get married."

"Has he calmed down?" my  best friend asks me.

"I can still hear you!" Richard shouts.

"You were meant to!" Patricia shouts back before I close the door.

"Everything's fine. He just..."

"Got cold feet?"

"Yes."

"What about you?"

"I am fine."

"You sure? No, you know, morning sickness?"

"Shh!" I say to her as we walk back into my changing room. "And no. I am fine. The vomiting went away two weeks ago and hasn't come back yet. Thank god."

"Good." she says closing the wooden door behind herself. "Are you ready?"

"Patty, if you will ask me this one more time, I swear I'm going to rip your head off. I am fine. Ready for this fucking wedding!" I hiss at her.

"I'm just worried about you, that's all." she says, fixing my hair.

"Could you stop fixing my hair for Christ's sake!" I yell at her.

"Are you having a breakdown?"

"I am not having a fucking breakdown!" I yell at her again.

"But-"

Valerie tears the door open, "Maine, it's time."

"Finally!" I say and roll my eyes.

"Are you-"

Patricia shakes her head, "Don't."

"But I was just going to ask if she's rea-"

"I know and don't." Patty says as we walk out of the house.

"Okay..." the Grey woman says nodding.

The orchestra starts to play a soft melody. A song Richard and I composed together. Our song. Amanda and Taylor are waiting for us. They're both wearing champagne colored dresses. They look wonderful.

"You look so beautiful, Maine!" Amanda says grinning as she hugs me.

"Thank you, Ams."

"Breathtaking." Taylor remarks smiling. "Richard is lucky."

I am the lucky one. It's a dream coming true. In only thirty minutes I will be Mrs. Richard Faulkerson. A year ago, I wouldn't even have dared to dream about it. Well a year ago, I didn't even know who he was. That he existed.

Patricia is the first who leaves me. With glamorous gestures the blonde walks slowly down the asile.

Then Valerie leaves. After her Taylor. And then Amanda.

The music changes to the typical "here comes the bride" melody. Now, it's my turn to go. Alone. Without Ray. Although, I can clearly feel his presence. In a way, he is walking down the aisle with me. It calms me down. Takes away my nervousness - oh hell what am I talking?! It doesn't help. Doesn't calm me down!

Everything looks perfect. The location is beautifull. The ocean is clashing against the stones, creating a beautiful sound along with the soft music.

The way to the aisle is contured with white rose pedals. The guests are all dressed glamorously. Patrica, Valerie, Taylor and Amanda all grin back at me as I am walking towards the priest.

The Sloane/Grey family is sitting on the right side. My family on the left. My Mom is grinning like crazy as she stares at me, like all the rest of the guests. She has tears in her eyes. I quickly look away so I won't start crying.

Meredith looks breathtaking in the lavender colored dress. It has a classy v-cut. Mark is sitting next to her.

William is sitting in the first row at the right as well. He wears a black tuxedo. Next to him is his partner, Carol.. She is nice and they seem to fit together really well. I'm glad he has moved on from Lilly.

And then... Then my breath gets stuck as I see him again. That's the man of my dreams. A man I will be married to within thirty minutes. The man, I want to share the rest of my life with. Til death will do us apart - or other conflicts considering our children.

Our eyes connect and for the first time, I can look right into his soul. He is just as amazed as I am right now.  Seems like I have the very same effect as he has on me. Who knew?

"Hi." I whisper to him as I reach him.

"Hi." he whispers back smiling. Gosh, his eyes are sparkling! Amazing.

"You look breathtaking." he whispers. "I love you."

"I love you, too." I whisper back.

"We are gathered together on this beautiful afternoon to share with Maine and Richard as they exchange vows of their everlasting love. If any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter for ever hold his peace." the priest starts.

"Do you, Richard Johnathan Christian Faulkerson Grey, take Maine Mendoza, to be your wife?"

"I do." he says, looking straight into my chocolate brown orbs as he puts the diamond wedding band on my left ring finger. The exquisite diamonds in a variety of sizes and cuts are snugly set together in a precious path of dazzling cobblestones. The ring itself is in platinum with a rose-cut and round brilliant diamonds. It's a wonderful wedding band. Right next to the huge diamond engagement ring.

"Do you, Maine Mendoza, take Richard Johnathan Christian Faulkerson Grey, to be your husband?"

"I do." I say as I slide the plain wedding band on his left finger. He chose a classic golden ring. He said that the woman should have a fancy ring, he himself something simple. A simple sign of telling everyone that he's taken. Taken by me.

The priest smiles softly, "You may kiss the bride now."

"Oh finally." he whispers before he kisses me softly. Our first kiss and husband and wife. Our best kiss yet.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. And Mrs. Richard Faulkerson!" the priest announces smiling.

"I love you." he mouthed to me before we turn our heads to the clapping guests.

I am too overwhelmed to say anything. I feel the tears forming in my eyes right away.

As we start walking down the aisle and the rose pedals are raining down at us, I feel our baby girl kicking inside of me. She's just as happy as we are. It's an amazing feeling. Now we really are a family. Officially.

"And now I'm asking the freshly married couple to inaugurate the dance floor with their first dance." Samuel says grinning into the microphone.

Freshly married. God, I can't believe it! This feels all so surreal.

Richard gets up and holds out his hand. I take it and we walk over to the dance floor.

The orchestra starts playing "The Way You Look Tonight" and we start swinging to the music. "We're married." he whispers to me before his soft lips find mine.

"We're officially a family." I say before he turns me around.

I yawn before I take a sip of my water. The last couple of hours have been the best in my life. Everyone is having a good time. Everyone congratulated us. It's been stressful, without at doubt but at the same time it was the best time of my life.

And while they all are having a blast on the dance floor after they had the most delicious wedding meal ever - along with the most amazing cake ever! - I am sitting here trying to not fall asleep.

"Hey," I hear the soft voice of my husband reaching my ears.

"Hi." I say and yawn again.

"We can go." he says with a soft smile on his lips.

"Can we?"

"Yes. I want you for myself now."

I chuckle and roll my eyes, "No, I mean can we leave just like that?"

"Darling, we took pictures, cut the cake, heard the best speeches ever and now I just want you all for myself." he whispers into my ear.

I smile at him, "Mr. Faulkerson, are you really planning to steal me from my own wedding?"

He smirks, "I've stolen you out of a hospital once. A wedding should be easy." he says, holding out his hand.

I take it with the same smile as him on my lips, "We're married."

He twists me around so I stand right in front of him, feeling his body warming mine. "Oh yes, we are, Mrs. Faulkerson."

I lean my body against his strong one, "I love that sound."

"And I love you." he says before he kisses my cheek. "And now I'd like to show you how strong my love for you is."

"Oh, Mr. Faulkerson.. I'm in." I say, feeling my senses awaking as we slowly make our way out of the huge room.

"Maine!" I hear a female voice crying.

"Valerie." Troy breaths out.

I chuckle, "I'll make it quick."

"You better, Mrs. Faulkerson." he says before he kisses my knuckles. "I'll be waiting in the suite for you."

"Okay..." I say smiling as he disappears. My husband. My fucking husband! God, I'm freaking married!

I turn around and face the Grey female. "Valerie."

"Were you guys just leaving?"

"Actually, yes we were."

"Such a shame! The night is still young!"

"I've been up since seven in the morning..." I say and roll my eyes - and I am fucking horny. "Valerie, if-" a hug from her interrupts me. It takes me by surprise.

"I'm glad he has found you, you know. And I am glad that you're part of the family." she says to me.

Aw! A sentimental Valerie Grey! Who would have thought this would ever happen?! "Thank you."

"And now go! Don't keep Richard waiting for you for too long." she says, having tears in her eyes.

I nodd, feeling tears building in my eyes as well.

"Go!" she says smiling.

I turn around and wipe away the tears from my cheeks as I walk out of the room. God, I am married! Married to the man of my dreams! Married to freaking Richard Faulkerson! The hottest - former - bachelor alive! How can I be so lucky?!

I walk into the elevator and push the 18th button. Suddenly rose pedals rain down on me as the elevator doors glide close. I smile. How does he do that? How does he plan all these things?

The soft kicks inside of me remind me of our little horserace. A true Faulkerson baby now. Our Faulkerson baby. Our little girl.

The elevator glide open and my breath gets stuck. The whole hallway is decorated with burning white candles in different sizes and rose pedals lying on the floor. It looks amazing. And so freaking romantic.

I slowly walk down the long thin hallway. My feet are already hurting - at least I chose the Louboutins and not the Blahnik's or Jimmy Choo's, because they would have hurt more.

Only a year ago I had no idea who Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Dolce & Gabanna, Dior or any other designer were... And now I do. He showed me.

a world I didn't think was possible. A world filled with an overwhelming love and... Wealth. A world filled with charity events and benefits. A world which is exclusive but yet it's in the spotlight. A world in which the line between privacy and public is a thine one.

A world which I am now a part of.

I stop in front of the white wooden door of our suite. The Royal Suite - at least that's the name. I don't know if it's royal - he hasn't showed me the interior yet.

Just as I am about to open the door, it gets open from the inside.

"You were quick, Mrs. Faulkerson." he remarks smiling.

"I told you so, Mr. Faulkerson." I say returning his smile. "For someone who doesn't think he's romantic, this is quite romantic."

"I'll do anything for you." he says into my eyes.

"Oh..." I say feeling strong kicks inside of me.

"What?" he asks me with worried eyes. He will be an awesome father - a little too worried at times, but still.

I take his hand and place it on my stomach, "You feel that?"

"Wow..." he says amazed. "Yes, I do. This is amazing."

"This is our miracle." I remark grinning as she stops kicking.

He returns my smile and places his hands in front of my eyes.

I chuckle, "I don't know how, but you keep on surprising me every single day." I say, totally blind now.

"Well, then you should get ready for another surprise, Mrs. Faulkerson." he says, leading me inside the suite.

A wonderful smell reach my nose. "What's the smell?"

"Jasmine with a little lavender." he explains, "I hope that doesn't make you sick."

"It smells wonderful. My morning sickness disappeared two weeks ago, Richard. I think, I'm passed that phase now."

"Good..." he whispers into my ear and I feel aroused right away. How is he doing this?

"Ready?"

"Ready." I say and he takes away his hands from my eyes. My breath gets stuck as soon as my eyes have adjusted to the soft lightning. He has light up candles and decorated everything with rose pedals. It looks breathtaking. Amazing.

"Richard..." I breath out, unable to find the right words. He has just topped himself.

"Do you like it?"

I nodd, since no words could describe how much I love it.

"Okay, so you have two options. Option number one is a hot bath, since you must be horribly tired right now. Option number two is a massage fr-" I shut him off with a passionate kiss.

"Or that." he says surprised to me.

I grin back at him, "You thought I'd be too tired for our first time as a married couple? Oh that's sweet, but nothing for me. You know me, Richard. Just because I am pregnant in the 24th week and my feet are really killing me right now doesn't mean we won't have sex tonight. I am yours. We are yours. And I think we should seal that." I whisper into his ear. "I am still the same woman you met a year ago... Only now I am your wife."

"And I am your husband." he whispers into my ear, trailing down my body with his finger cups. "I underestimated you, Mrs. Faulkerson..."

I try to catch my breath as I feel the heat inside of me rising.

"You have no idea what you're doing to me, Mrs. Faulkerson." he whispers as he places his forehead against mine.

"How about you show me?" I whisper to him before his soft lips find mine.

"I think I should peel you out of this beautiful dress first." he says to me. "Turn around." he orders.

I do as he says and feel his hands opening carefully each button of my dress only seconds later. The silk Vera Wang gown slides of my body as if it never really belonged there, revealing my white laced bra and panties. He kisses my blank shoulders. "You are so beautiful, Maine." he whispers between the kisses.

I turn around and stare into his eyes. Wow. Such a beautiful. "It's the same lingerie I wore on the evening you came back from Moscow. I told you, you'd be seeing it one day. Guess one day is today." I say to him, smiling.

He returns my smile, letting his eyes shining once more.

I kiss him softly before I help him out of his jacket, his tie and oxford shirt. Carefully, I unbutton each button of his oxford shirt. Then I undo the studs. Platinum studs with our initials engraved in them - my wedding present for him.

"I'll take them." he says, grabbing the studs out of my hands. He kisses his palm before he puts them into the pockets of his trousers.

I smile softly before I feel his soft lips on mine again. I brush through his soft hair as our kisses gain passion. His hands around my waist pull me closer to him, making me feel his erection. We continue kissing as we slowly start making our way over to the king sized bed until I fall softly on it.

"I love you." he whispers into my ear before he starts kissing his way down my body.

"I love you, too." I breath out, feeling the passion inside of me rising again.