Authors' note: Tonight's chapter finds us at the long-awaited Saffron and Andrew wedding. We hope you guys enjoy it and we please ask that you take a few moments after reading to let us know what you think. We want the feedback!
Andrew stood fidgeting under the garden archway as music wafted over the crowd of guests seated in front of him. After what felt like forever, it was finally his wedding day. He waited anxiously to get his first glimpse of Saffron, who he hadn't seen since the previous afternoon.
He smiled along with the rest of the crowd as little Chloe McGregor walked down the aisle with her basket of rose petals. Andrew chuckled as Chloe did a little twirl at the end of the aisle.
Next, Ashley and Katie came forward together. Normally Katie would have revelled in having every eye on her, but at the moment, none of that seemed to matter. She kept her smile pasted on her face though.
Her grandfather's death had happened a couple of weeks ago, but it still pained her to think about it. She was trying to remember what her mother kept telling her. At least, he was at peace and was no longer in any pain.
Ashley touched her arm gently as they moved over to stand opposite of Andrew.
Julie and Alexa stood with Saffron as they waited their turns to walk down the aisle. "You look absolutely gorgeous," Julie told her sister.
"Thanks Jules," Saffron said. "I can't wait to get up there."
Julie motioned to where Harry was standing just off to the side. "Think he's going to be okay?" she whispered to Saffron.
"I imagine this is hard for him," Saffron said softly.
Julie saw that it was now her turn. She gave her sister's hand a squeeze before making her way down the aisle, leaving Alexa, Saffron and Harry.
"I just can't believe you're about to get married," Alexa said, fighting back a few tears.
"Lexie, don't you start," Saffron said. "Or I'll start too!"
"Or I will," Harry joked.
Alexa laughed. "We don't want that, Mr. Potter."
"My eyeliner might run," Harry said with a straight face.
"Daddy," Saffron said with a giggle. "You are NOT wearing eyeliner!"
"I'd better go and put some on then," Harry said grinning at her.
"There's no time for that," Saffron laughed as Alexa began her way down towards the front.
Harry looked at his daughter. "Sweetheart, you look absolutely beautiful."
"Thank you," Saffron said, sliding her arm into the crook of his. "This is one of the best days of my life."
"Mine too," Harry said.
"Are you ready?" she asked him.
"Shouldn't I ask you that?" Harry returned.
Saffron laughed. "I know I'm ready, Daddy."
"Good," Harry said as they began their slow walk towards the garden archway.
Saffron couldn't wait to see Andrew. It had been hard being away from him last night. But, they had not wanted to tempt fate.
"Finally," RJ mumbled from behind Andrew.
Andrew was about to say something to RJ when he saw his bride. A smile spread over his face.
Saffron wore an identical grin on her face as she spotted Andrew waiting for her. She was not nervous at all. She had never been more sure of anything in her entire life.
Harry kissed his daughter's cheek when they reached the front. "I love you, baby."
"I love you too, Daddy," Saffron said softly.
Harry nodded to Andrew before releasing his youngest daughter's arm.
Saffron handed her bouquet to Alexa and then took Andrew's hand. She looked over at him as the vicar began to talk.
"Who gives this woman to be married?" the vicar asked.
"Her mother and I do," Harry answered before taking his seat next to Hermione.
Saffron looked over at her parents and smiled. The vicar welcomed the guests to the wedding and then spoke about the importance of marriage. Andrew squeezed Saffron's hand.
It seemed like forever before the vicar got to the vows.
"I, Saffron," Saffron said softly. "Take you Andrew, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish from this day forward til death do us part."
Andrew grinned as Saffron slid the wedding band onto his finger. "I Andrew," he began. "Take you, Saffron, to be my wife." he finished the vows and carefully put her matching wedding ring next to her engagement diamond.
"By the power invested in me," the vicar said. "I pronounce you husband and wife. Andrew, you may kiss your bride."
Andrew swept her up into his arms and gave her quite a passionate kiss.
Saffron was breathless when he broke the kiss.
"Way to go, mate." RJ couldn't resist. "At least now her parents can't kill you."
Andrew laughed. "Sorry, got a little carried away."
"It's quite all right with me," Saffron said, laughing.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the vicar announced. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kirke."
Everyone in the garden cheered as the newlyweds made their way back up the aisle.
RJ linked his arm with Alexa's as they followed their two best friends.
"I can't believe it," he said to her. "They're actually married. Remember when they got together? That was because of me you know."
"They owe everything to you, do they?" Alexa asked grinning at him.
"They do," RJ responded. "This wouldn't be happening right now if I hadn't--"
Alexa nudged him. "Maybe they'll name a son after you."
"I'm going to suggest that," RJ said, going over to them.
Saffron laughed when she saw RJ. "We still have pictures, Junior, before we get to eat."
RJ scooped her up. "I just wanted to say congrats to you both and remind you that you probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for my pushing."
Saffron hugged him tightly. "Thank you, RJ."
RJ kissed her cheek. "All joking aside, I'm really happy for you both. You know that."
"Thanks, RJ," Saffron said beaming at him.
"When are you going to follow suit?" Andrew clapped him on the back.
"I'll keep you posted," RJ said with a grin. "Congratulations mate."
Alexa hugged her best friend tightly. "This is so wonderful, Saffy.... I'll have to get used to calling you Mrs. Kirke now!"
Saffron grinned. "Thanks, Lexie."
Greta stepped through the crowd with Ellie. "Saffy, someone here wanted to give you her congratulations!"
"There's my girl," Saffron eagerly took her daughter. "Thank you for watching her, Greta."
"It was my pleasure," Greta said smiling at her. "You look beautiful, sweetheart."
"Thank you," Saffron grinned.
Andrew made a goofy face at Ellie. The baby yawned in response.
"Even on your wedding day she doesn't find you that interesting," RJ remarked.
Andrew nudged him. "Shut it, you."
"She's just tired," Saffron kissed her daughter's cheek. "She was up late with us last night."
"You going to be able to leave her for your honeymoon?" RJ asked.
"It'll be hard but we'll see her in a week," Saffron hugged Ellie to her.
"My mum and dad will take good care of her," Andrew said.
"Of course they will," Saffron passed Ellie to RJ.
Darla came over to the couple. "Sorry to interrupt, but its photo time."
"Our first one as husband and wife," Saffron said, giving Andrew a kiss.
Andrew grinned and spun her around. "I like the sound of that."
Saffron laughed. "Mr. Kirke, you're making me dizzy."
Darla hurried the couple and their wedding party back toward the altar where the photographer was waiting.
"I'll have the newlyweds in the middle," the photographer said. "With the bridesmaids over there..."
"Come on, Katie," Ashley said to her sister. "Katie..."
"What?" Katie asked distractedly.
"They want us for photos," Ashley said.
"Oh okay," Katie replied.
Ashley put her arm around her sister. "It's okay."
"I don't mean to be a downer," Katie said. "I just can't stop thinking about him."
Ashley nodded. "I know."
"It's just so hard," Katie said quietly.
"At least we were able to get to know him before he died," Ashley said thoughtfully. "
Katie nodded. "I'm glad for that." she followed her sister to where everyone was gathered. Chloe ran up to them. "Look at my flowers!"
"Those are really pretty, Chloe," Katie said. "You did a great job as flower girl."
"Thanks," Chloe spun around. "I look so pretty!"
Katie smiled genuinely. "Yes, you do."
"Ash," Alexa called. "Katie and Chloe- we need you three over here!"
"Come on," Katie said taking the little girl's hand.
Ashley waved to Brittany and Zander who were standing off to one side. She wished she could go hang out with them but knew the sooner they got the pictures done, the sooner the reception could get started.
"I love Ashley's dress," Brittany gushed.
"She looks nice," Zander said, gazing around the gardens.
"And I love Saffron's gown," Brittany said. "When I get married, I want a dress just like that."
"You'll be married like four times," Zander teased her.
"I will not!" Brittany exclaimed.
"Okay, five." Zander conceded.
Brittany rolled her eyes.
"I cannot believe we're at the wedding of the year," she said. "There are SO many famous people here!"
"I know," Zander said. "You could fill the Quidditch World Cup with the players here."
"I wish Evan was here with me," Brittany replied. "It's all soooooo romantic."
This time, Zander rolled his eyes. He had already listened to Brittany comment on everyone's fashions. He wished Evan were here too so he would have someone to talk to about guy things. He looked over at the wedding party and even he had to admit that Ashley looked beautiful.
Darla was happy to stop and take a breath for a moment as the photographer took over the wedding party for a few minutes. It had been a long day, but the payoff had been worth it. Saffron and Andrew's wedding had gone off without a hitch so far and all that remained was the reception. If there was a downside, it was the fact that Liam had missed the wedding.
He had told her he would be there, and after the other day she'd really been looking forward to it.
But, he had been called away on an emergency and had owled her to let her know he would not be able to attend the wedding.
Drew joined her sister and handed her a glass of water. "Thought you could use this."
"Thanks," Darla said. "What a beautiful ceremony."
"Not bad at all," Drew said proudly.
"Saffy's gorgeous," Darla said. "Look at her."
Drew turned and smiled. The smile faded though when she saw the person heading in their direction. "Heads up, Dar. Great-Aunt Muriel straight ahead."
"Oh no," Darla groaned.
Darla was relieved somewhat to see that Nana Molly was with her. Perhaps it would not be that bad.
"She looks charming as always," Drew muttered.
Molly engulfed her two granddaughters in hugs and gushed to them about the beautiful wedding. "I'm so proud of my talented girls!"
"Thanks Nana," Darla said.
"Too many people here, if you ask me," Muriel said disdainfully. "And outside! Should have been in a church..."
"It was a beautiful place and day for an outdoor garden ceremony," Drew said.
"Saffy grew up here," Darla told her. "She wanted to get married here."
"Hm," Muriel said, disapprovingly.
Molly held up her handkerchief. "I cried throughout the whole ceremony."
Drew laughed. "I think Uncle Harry cried harder."
Muriel looked at Darla. "Must have been hard on you, dear."
"It wasn't," Darla replied, determined not to let her great aunt bother her.
Muriel shook her head as if not hearing Darla. "Such a shame..."
Darla cast a look over at her sister and rolled her eyes.
"What's that?" Drew asked sweetly. "That you never married, Aunt Muriel?"
Muriel frowned at Drew. "That's no way to respect your elders, Drew."
"Come along, Muriel," Molly said taking her hand. "We should go to the ballroom."
"This is such an ostentatious place," Muriel said. "Really... entirely too much room."
Molly sent an apologetic look in her granddaughters' direction before leading Muriel away.
"That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Darla commented.
"Well, we just have to realise that she does not like anything or anyone," Drew said. "Easy to see why she never married, eh?"
"No man would have her," the sisters said together.
Darla grinned and hugged her sister. "Come on, we have work to do." Drew nodded and turned her attention back to where the photographer was posing Julie, Harry and Hermione.
"Wait," Saffron said. "Where's Ellie?"
"Right here," Ashley said stepping forward with her cousin.
"Thanks," Saffron said gratefully. "It wouldn't be a family photo without her.
Ellie gave Saffron a gummy smile.
"My girl," Saffron said adoringly.
"Okay, Potters," the photographer said. "Let's see some smiles."
Andrew watched his wife and daughter and couldn't help but grin.
His father came up beside him and clapped him on the back. "You're a married man now, son."
"I know," Andrew replied. "It's fantastic."
"We're so happy for you, Andrew," Tricia said. "We've always loved Saffron, you know that."
"I know," Andrew said. "She fits in so well with the family."
Tricia dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief.
"Mum, you're not losing a son," Andrew said with a grin.
Tricia laughed through her tears. "I'm just so happy."
"I know," Andrew put an arm around his mother. "I am too."
"And she gets to watch her granddaughter while you're on your honeymoon," Andy said.
"We can't wait to have her," Tricia said. "I have your old bedroom all ready."
"This is the first time we've been away from her for so long," Andrew said.
"I'm sure we'll hear from you," Tricia said.
"About a hundred times a day," Andrew joked.
"You and Saffron will enjoy this time with each other," Andy told him. "When it's just the two of you."
Andrew looked over to where his wife and daughter were. "Yeah..."
"Andrew!" Saffron motioned. "We need you!"
Andrew grinned as he walked toward her. "Already taking orders from you..."
"Get used to it," Saffron poked him with her free hand.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "She's really good at bossing people around."
"Ethan James," Hermione admonished. "You be nice to your sister on her wedding day."
"I was just making an observation," Ethan said. "Not an insult."
"Listen to your mother," Harry told him.
"Best wedding present ever," Saffron said with a grin. "Ethan getting in trouble...."
"Brat," Ethan mumbled.
"Okay," the photographer said laughing. "Let's get the groom in here with the Potters and then we'll take one with the bride and the Kirkes."
"Let me take her," Andrew said, lifting his daughter into his arms.
Just off to the side, RJ and Alexa watched. "How many pictures are they going to take?" RJ asked. "Lex, I'm starving."
"Oh relax," Alexa said. "Audrey should be right back. She said she was going to grab you a little plate with some appetizers."
RJ patted his stomach. "I have regular feeding times, O'Leary."
Alexa laughed. "Don't I know it?"
RJ tugged at his tie. "And I hate these things. Haven't worn one since my Hogwarts days..."
"You don't have to keep it on much longer," Alexa pulled his hand away from it. "Once they're done with Andrew's family pictures, we'll be finished."
RJ nodded. "And Andrew can show Saffy his fancy footwork."
"Shhhh," Alexa said. "She's got the sharpest hearing, you know."
"Right," RJ said as Audrey came over to them, carrying a plate. "Oh, you are a lifesaver, Aud."
"I know you too well," Audrey said wryly. "It's feeding time at the zoo."
"Good thing you're here," Alexa teased. "I was worried he was about to turn cannibal."
Audrey grinned. "I had to fight your father for this," she said to her boyfriend.
RJ inhaled two cucumber sandwiches in one bite.
Alexa and Audrey both watched him in fascination. "That is disgusting," Audrey said to him. "Chew your food."
"I'm starving," RJ mumbled.
"We're having an entire meal in half an hour," Audrey pointed out.
"And your point?" RJ asked, finishing off the rest of the plate.
"Will that tide you over?" Alexa asked.
"For now," RJ replied.
Alexa shook her head. "You are incorrigible--"
"What does that even mean?" RJ asked.
Alexa just shook her head as she moved away. She'd caught sight of Gabriel on the other side of the garden.
"You did make it," Alexa said softly.
"Hi Lexie," Gabriel smiled at her.
Alexa hugged him tightly. "It's so good to see you!"
"You too," Gabriel replied. "I've really missed you."
Alexa pulled away to look at him properly. "How's school? Your grandparents?"
"Everyone's fine," Gabriel said. "Nico says hello."
Alexa grinned. "Is he still the same then?"
"Will he ever change?" Gabriel asked dryly.
Alexa laughed. "When did you get in?"
"Last night," Gabriel replied.
"I'm glad you could make it," Alexa said squeezing his hand.
"Me too," Gabriel said, weaving their fingers together. "Of course, if I'd missed it, Saffron would have had my head."
Alexa laughed. "Probably. Come on, let's go and say hello."
Gabriel put a hand at her waist as they headed over to the bride and groom.
"Gabe!" Saffron squealed.
"Hiya Saf." Gabriel hugged her. "Congratulations!"
Saffron grinned. "Thanks. I'm really glad you could make it."
"Of course I made it," Gabriel said as he shook Andrew's hand. "I'm not a fool. You would have had me annihilated if I missed your wedding."
"I'm not that scary," Saffron said with a grin. "But, I'm glad you're here. They just finished with our photos. Now it's on to the reception."
"Time for the good stuff," Andrew said, hugging her to him.
Saffron beamed at him. "And don't worry about hurting my feet. I charmed them so when you do step on them, it won't hurt."
Andrew fought back a grin. "That's very thoughtful, Saf."
"And you are dancing with me at least once," Saffron said. "It's tradition."
"I'll do whatever you want me to do today," Andrew murmured in her ear.
Saffron grinned and gave him a kiss.
"I love you Mrs. Kirke," Andrew said.
"I love you, Mr. Kirke," Saffron said.
Andrew picked her up and whirled her around again. "Finally, finally we're married." he said. "I knew from the moment we got together that this would happen someday."
Saffron giggled. "You did?"
"Of course I did," Andrew said. "You couldn't resist me."
"That's where you're wrong," Saffron told him. "It was you that couldn't resist me."
Andrew scoffed. "I'm Wizard McDreamy."
Saffron laughed. "You said that you didn't like that name."
"Sort of grew on me," Andrew said sheepishly.
Saffron squeezed his hand as they approached the ballroom. Drew grinned at them. "They'll announce you and then you'll enter the ballroom for your first dance."
"I thought we were going to eat first," RJ whined.
Alexa nudged him. "RJ."
"It's just our dance," Saffron said. "Then we'll eat, I promise."
"Okay," RJ relented.
Chloe went in first to quite the round of applause, followed by Ashley and Katie. Julie, Beth and Mimi headed in with their respective groomsmen and RJ looked over at Alexa.
"Our turn," RJ said as she linked her arm in his.
"Let's make it a good show," she replied.
"Deal," RJ said. "And I get to see the buffet table for the first time!"
Alexa was laughing as he led her in.
"And now entering the ballroom," the bandleader announced. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kirke."
Saffron giggled as Andrew held up both their hands joined together.
Everyone was clapping and cheering when the happy couple entered the ballroom. Saffron led the way out onto the dance floor. This had always been her favourite room in the house and she couldn't believe she was actually going to dance with Andrew here.
"Are you ready for this?" Andrew whispered in her ear.
Saffron nodded. "Yes." She did not even care that Andrew would probably step on her feet during the dance.
The music started with the song they'd chosen. Andrew took a deep breath and twirled her around.
Saffron gaped at him. "Andrew?"