Protective Arms (Completed)

47. Grow Old With You

Filling the kiss with everything I had, I pull back to see Athena, my extrodanary bride, in a daze. My mission is complete because that dazed look means everything to me. Helping her stand back up right, I smile and move my thumb to smooth over her cheek.

"I love you."

"I love you." Athena smiles.

Everyone claps and is now standing.

"I just need you both to sign this and it will be completely official." Chief holds a clip board to us with a pen. Our marriage license. We both sign it and share another kiss, before people come up to us.

"Congratulations to you both." Chief smiles to us and pats my back.

"I never thought I would see this day." Mom gushes and wraps her arms around us both.

We move through the crowd of Officers and each of them pat my back and congratulate us.

"Hey you two!"

I turn and see Susan, Chief's wife.

"Hey Susan, thank you for all of this."

"Yes thank you. If there is anything we owe you please let me know." Athena gets out before she pulls her into a hug.

"No sweetie. This is all for you guys. It is something Patterson and I had gave to us when we got married, I just wanted it to be special for someone else too. When he came home and told me he had a Detective falling for a woman just like he done with me, I told him that he better have had the same speech you got as he done with me."

"Oh he did alright." I laugh.

"I am so glad, because it makes the love stronger." Susan smiles, just as Chief steps back up and wraps his arm around her.

"Stick around! Food just got here too so there is more than enough for everyone here and inside working to come out and enjoy. I had a catering company come in to where everyone can enjoy this special moment with you two. Oh! Also my daughter is here to take some pictures for you guys, she got many during the ceremony for you as well."

"Thank you so much!" Athena hugs Susan again, before stepping back in my arms.

"Here is this for you that way we can talk more. I would love for you to set me up with a new hair style and I know your the one to go to!" Susan laughs.

"I can give you a call once I know what everything looks like with the things starting tomorrow." Athena smiles.

I feel when someone taps my shoulder and turn my head.

"I am so happy for you bubby." Chas gives me a side hug.

Bethany comes up with Brit and hug us tight next.

It is one of the other with everyone talking with us and talking some. Athena gets the chance to meet many of the Officers on the force.

Gaperal comes up next and talks with us some and let's us know that the Chief's daughter is ready for our pictures.

We move over and get several photos taken with the sun setting behind us. I made sure one is of us kissing. Then there is nice photos of us with my parents and Chas, and then Bethany and Brit join in. The final picture that is taken is a large group photo of everyone here as the lady stands on a table to capture all of us in the picture, because Chief wants it hung on the wall where his and Susan's is in the station.

With all the pictures took, I take Athena's hand and we slowly make our way to the tables to grab something to eat.

"This is so good." Athena moans and I have to think of something else before my other head grows.

"Is that a cake?" Athena moves us over.

"Sure is." I laugh.

We walk up to it and it smells devine. Everyone gathers around and we cut into it.

"Chocolate cake." We laugh together.

"Well I was not sure what flavor but cake is a given for weddings." Mom laughs.

"It is amazing Mom." I chuckle, because it is my go to flavor if I have to eat any.

Athena doesn't let me get another word in as I go to say something but she smashes the cake into my mouth. I chew and pick up my piece off the plate.

"Don't you dare." I push it into her mouth to stop her words, making everyone laugh.

I purposely get some on her lips and cheek. "Oh, I think I made mess let me clean that up for you." I smirk.

Athena barely gets the food down for laughing, as I kiss and get the frosting off her face.

"Well, I am glad I didn't do the whole makeup look or you would have just ate foundation." Athena sasses.

I couldn't help but laugh. "Don't think that would have tasted good."

Leaning in to her ear. "But then again you taste better than any cake I have had before."

Athena shivers in my arms and blushes. Letting everyone know I said something dirty but it is one of the many things I love about her with how shy she can still be.

"One thing is missing!" Bethany says coming up to us, looking at her phone.

"What's that Beth?" Athena smiles at her.

Music starts playing and I know where she is going now. Bethany doesn't say anything but smirks at us.

"Oh no, no Bethany. I can't dance." Athena waves her hand making Bethany laugh.

"I can guide you Mrs. Gatlin." I take her hand and lead her out where everyone has made a area for us.

Athena takes my hand and looks into my eyes. Slowly, I start to move us to the lyrics of a mushy love song, but at the same time is fitting for us because for the both of us it is a song that is fitting just like the last part of our vows.

This is a day I will never forget and means so much to me to have her in my arms and as my wife. All the ones close to us are here and made it even better with the little surprises and gifts. We was happy with just a court wedding but got the gift for having something much larger than that.

"I am happy I get to grow old with you and love you for the rest of my life." I whisper against her lips as the song ends.

"So am I Zack." Athena smiles.

I kiss her again with all the love I have. There is nothing any could give me that is better than this right here.

A/N---
Hey Hey Guys!!!

Their wedding was one for them to remember!

Trial is up next! How will they handle seeing him so soon?