Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

[E P I L O G U E]

"Joanne you look phenomenal". Francesca commented when Joanne was fully dressed in her wedding dress, her make-up done and her hair beautifully hanging down her shoulders, loose, in natural waves as she loved it the most. "I wish I will look as gorgeous as you do 10 months after giving birth, holy shit". Francesca continued, admiring her friend in the stunning, pearl cladded wedding dress. "I'm sure he can't wait to see you". Francesca added, taking Joanne's hands in hers. "He's been eager ever since I fitted the dress a couple months ago". Joanne laughed. "I'm happy that I'm here with you, to witness you marry the love of your life, because there is no one else who deserves this, after such a rough time". Francesca spoke and it made Joanne smile at her, swallowing hard to force back her tears. "I saw your little men walk around the house already, all dressed up". Francesca giggled, meaning Liam and Jules.

Little Teresa was now nearly a year old and Celia and Annemarie were watching her today, making sure she'd be safe asleep in her crib asleep. The wedding venue was located in France. Charles had invested in real estate and the house they were spending the summer in was just outside Rouen, the countryside that was peaceful, spacious and perfect for them and their family. The garden was large, a couple acres stretching out behind the house and the venue was perfect for their wedding. The sun was shining still, it was late in the afternoon and the sun would start to set as their ceremony started. It was the same setting in which Charles asked her to marry him. Joanne was incredibly to see the garden filled with many guests already, their friends, Charles' partners and their wifes, Charles' crew. "Joanne?". Mick's voice sounded from outside the room and as the door was opened, he soon stood in the doorway, his breath hitching in his throat when he saw Joanne in her wedding dress.

A smile curled his lips. "Mrs. Leclerc, you look breathtaking". Mick said and Francesca stepped away from Joanne so the young German could hug her. Even while Joanne was in heels, Mick was still taller than her. His arms wrapped around her and he kissed her cheek, making her smile too as she hugged him tightly. Joanne had asked Mick to walk her to the isle. He had been the most loyal to not only Charles, but also to her, especially in the difficult times, and he had always been there to comfort their boys and he had been so invested with Teresa. "I have no words to express how honoured I feel that you let me walk you down the isle, Joanne". Mick said, pulling back, but his hands rested on her arms. "There's no need to say anything about it. It feels more than right to have you guiding me to my husband". Joanne smiled, her hand briefly caressing his face. She swore he could be their 21 year old son, but Mick was having a great relationship with his parents and his sister, however she knew he enjoyed spending time with her and the kids.

"It's time to go then". Mick said. Francesca smiled at them, getting downstairs in front of them to find her Antonio. Joanne held Mick's arm, the fresh evening breeze brushing her hair further over her shoulders as they walked outside. Her heels slowly clicked on the path that would lead her to Charles. And he was already waiting for her. Mick made sure she wouldn't have any trouble to catch up with his steps. Joanne smiled at the people who were in awe with her appearance, Liam and Jules walked after them and threw flower petals around. Charles' brows furrowed together when she approached him and he tried his best to swallow the lump in his throat, but he didn't manage to do so. He shuffled in his position, hard to find a posture, but he eventually brought his hands up to his face to wipe away the tears that was blurring his vision at the sight of his incredibly beautiful wife. Mick let her go as soon as she reached Charles, his hands reaching for hers while his eyes were watery and he couldn't believe how angelic she looked.

Joanne rubbed her thumbs back and forth over his, smiling up at him, her heart clenching at how genuine his emotions were. An officiant started to read his text, but the couple could only look at each other. He looked incredible in his Armani suit, his hair styled and his eyes were sparkling when they looked down at her. She felt hypnotized, in a trance when he told her his vow and she repreated the words, it all felt like she was floating, carried by the clouds on this wonderful day. Sound erupted from their guests when Charles leaned down to kiss her, her eyelids fluttering closed as she could finally, officially be called his wife. She was more than proud to take his last name. Charles took her to the dancefloor, having her in his arms as long as their favourite song was playing and meanwhile Joanne couldn't stop the tears from flowing down her cheeks. Charles attempted to stop them, to wipe them away, even telling her the make-up would be too pretty to cry off, it just made her laugh and cry at the same time.

Celia had little Teresa in her arms, who was crying for her mom or dad and Charles took her from Celia. "My little angel". Charles said, twirling her around and it caused her laughter to erupt meanwhile, her pink dress looking so cute on her. Liam and Jules had no interest in their parents as they were playing with their friends in the garden, kicking the football around. "She's about to go to bed". Celia mentioned, a smile on her face. "If she has any trouble falling asleep because of the noise, don't hesitate to bring her to our room, alright?". Joanne asked the maid and she nodded. "Of course". "Do you hear that? It's time for a nap". Charles cooed, the smile still prominent on Teresa's face and she laughed loudly each time he pressed a kiss to her chubby cheek. Joanne caressed the mop of hair on top of her head and it seemed like she was developing the same, onyx hair Joanne had. "We love you". Joanne hummed, kissing her cheek as well. Celia smiled at the pair again before taking Teresa from Charles, carrying her into the house.

Charles' hand moved over her lower back, pulling her into his chest. "Have I told you how beautiful you are?". He hummed and she chuckled, letting her hands wander up his pectorals before resting them there. "How sexy you look...". He continued. "How unbelievably gorgeous you look...". Joanne let out a laugh. "This is one of the best days of my life. And all of the best days I've lived so far are with you". He said. "I love you so much". Charles told her and her arms wrapped around his neck to bring him down to kiss her again. "If the kids are passed out tonight we're definitely going to have se-...". Charles muttered against her lips and she swatted his chest, shaking her head, nevertheless she was amused by her husband. "Hey, lovebirds! Arthur's drunk on that vodka your Finnish partner brought, you should totally see it". Pierre called at them and Joanne and Charles briefly looked at each other. "Do I even want to?". Charles asked and she laughed. "Let's go". Their fingers entwined and they walked back to their friends, celebrating the nightfall after sealing their relationship with the kiss of life, the kiss of being together, till the end of times.