A Little Unsteady (A Grey's Anatomy Story)

First Step To Forever

"But what if she doesn't show up? Alex, what if she leaves me standing there?" I asked Alex as I paced around in circles nervously

"Jamie, the way you look right now, there isn't a woman alive that would stand you up!" Alex reassured me as he took my two hands to prevent me from pacing any further

I sighed, knowing he was right. We had worked so hard and come so far to reach this day. Our day. Our wedding. I looked at myself in the full length mirror and watched as my white dress flowed around my feet. My hair was pulled up in an elegant up style and the most natural touches of make-up covered my face. Alex stood behind me and wrapped his arms protectively around my waist as I leaned into his body for comfort.

"You're the perfect bride Jamie. Arizona is lucky to have you" Alex said softly

"I think you mean that the other way round. I'm lucky I still have her Alex, I've put her through so much and yet she's willing to stand there and still want to spend the rest of her life with me. I'm the luckiest woman alive" I admitted

Alex and I had come so far since we were together. The angry and awkward phases were well and truly behind us and we became very good friends. He was my person.

I leaned into his embrace as we both remained in front of the mirror. Taking a moment to just enjoy the peace, before the real chaos of the day began. I heard a soft knock on the door and Alex removed his arms from around me and went to answer it. I turned away from the mirror to see who it was.

"Dad?" I barely choked a whisper

"Hey Jamie. Hows about a hug for your old man eh?" He said genuinely

"What are you doing here?" I spat coldly

I hadn't seen him since Blake's funeral over 2 years ago and now he had the nerve to show his face.

"Meredith rang me. I couldn't miss my daughter's wedding day. We used to dream about this day J, remember?" He approached me with a sad smile

"Well you're too late" I turned my back to him harshly

"Jamie please. I know it hasn't been easy for you. I know I've just been a coward, I was afraid to see you in pain but I'm asking for another chance." he begged

"Alex is walking me down the aisle. You can sit at the back if you wish. Now excuse me, I'd rather not leave my future wife waiting at the alter" I said with venom

I brushed past him, a pang of guilt hitting me when I saw his crushed features. But I had every right to treat him that way, if he wanted to ignore me when I needed him most then he certainly does not get to enjoy my happiest day with me.

I walked out of the house with Alex and Meredith, who was my chief and only bridesmaid. Arizona and I decided to keep it simple. We didn't want a huge wedding, we just wanted to be with the people who mattered most. I wasn't angry at Meredith for calling my father. I knew she only meant well, I just hoped he decided against attending the wedding.

We left Meredith's house and climbed into the back of our hired Bentley. The driver took us exactly to the spot. The place where I proposed to Arizona. On the grassy opening of the forest, overlooking Seattle. It was perfect. The justice of the peace stood at the foot of the opening surrounded in beautifully laid out flowers. Meredith left the car first and joined up with April Kepner, she had always been a good friend of Arizona's and Arizona picked her as her chief bridesmaid. The two walked side by side up the make shift aisle through the chairs that seated our friends and family. My two brothers sat near the front, which warmed my heart. I hadn't seen them in so long, I never told them what I went through after Blake's death but we stayed in contact, so there was no bitterness between us. As my eyes scanned the rest of the crowd, I saw my father sitting at the back. That man never knew when to give up.

"You ready?" Alex asked softly

I hadn't even noticed him leaving the car and walking around to my side until he opened the door and took my hand.

"Yeah" I breathed shakily

Arizona's car had just pulled up but I didn't want to ruin the surprise of her walking down the aisle so I didn't look. I made my way to the end of the row of chairs as the music began and Alex and I walked arm in arm down the aisle until we reached the make shift altar. Everyone stood up and clapped and cheered. And then I heard the music start up again and I knew she was coming.

I slowly turned to face her, to see her in all her beauty and when I did, I almost couldn't catch my breath. I had been waiting 6 months for this day, I had pictured her in my head over and over, walking down the aisle. But no mental image could compare to the beauty that stood in front of me. She soon was standing by my side and I turned to face her.

"Hi" I whispered

"Hey you" she whispered back as she flashed me a smile

Her eyes sparkled up at me and her smile stretched from cheek to perfect cheek. Her hair flowed in soft ringlets down her shoulders and back and the soft pink blush radiated against her perfect smile. Her dress hugged her beautiful body so perfectly and all I wanted to do was take her into my arms and never let her leave. When I finished taking her all in, we turned and faced the minister as she began the ceremony. She kept it short and sweet and it was soon time to exchange vows.

"Arizona" the minister asked her to proceed

"Jamie" she began shakily but once her hands held mine it felt like we were the only two people on this earth.

"I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become. I promise to listen to you and learn from you, to support you and accept your support. I will love you and have faith in your love for me, through all our years and all that life may bring us. You are my solid ground, my person. And I look forward to the rest of our forever" Arizona spoke passionately, which brought tears to my eyes.

"Jamie" The minister nodded towards me

"Arizona" I began, taking a deep breath "The moment I met you, my life became extraordinary. You taught me to be my best self, to look forward to tomorrow's adventures, even when I thought I didn't deserve a tomorrow with you. And when I was vulnerable, you were strong. I love you Arizona Robbins and I want to live my life in the warmth of your smile and the strength of your embrace and the mystery of you is one I want to spend my life exploring. I promise you, I will love you. I will be your friend and your partner in life. Always." I smiled lovingly

The ceremony came and went and we soon found ourselves back in the hotel reception dancing the night away. The happiness it brought me just look around the room at all my friends and family was something I will cherish forever. The band announced that it was time for the first dance as Arizona and I made our way to the center of the floor. The band began our song. The one that played across the radio in the nurses station the first time I laid eyes on Arizona Robbins.

'The day we met, frozen I held my breath.

Right from the start, I knew that I'd found a home for my heart, beats fast

Colors and promises

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall?
But watching you stand alone
All of my doubt suddenly goes away somehow

One step closer

I have died everyday waiting for you
Darling don't be afraid I have loved you
For a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more '

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen" I whispered lovingly into her ear as we swayed softly across the floor

"Nothing compared to you" she said sweetly

I kissed her lips gently and we spent the most amazing night together. Our first step to forever.