Title: Yesterday to Tomorrow: Chapter Sixty-seven Completed My Heart
Rating: NC-17 [violence, swearing, nudity, sexual situations]

Summary: The wedding reception begins

Previous Chapter Until Death Do Part

Current Chapter Completed My Heart

Next Chapter An All Night Thing

Making their way into the small room Chris and the groomsmen had inhabited prior to the ceremony, the newlyweds took a few moments to themselves. Alyssa had been adamantly against formal photographs, so they had no worries, no reason to rush about. The wedding was over, the party had begun.

It was barely sinking in.

Alone in the room with only the never noticed photographer, Chris set down the rose on a nearby table. His hands went to Alyssa's waist, lifting and spinning her slightly, causing her to giggle in the motions. As he lowered her, their lips met in a quick, loving kiss.

"We did it!" she squeaked.

His hands moved from her waist to frame her face, his lips touching hers once more, "I never had any doubt in my mind."

"Me neither," she agreed, nuzzling him. "Your vows were amazing."

Chris grinned, "You were expecting a song."

"I was n— how'd you know?" she grinned.

"I know you," he replied simply.

"I had to completely scrap mine too. It just didn't seem right after yours," Alyssa admitted.

Chris stared at her for a moment, "You mean the sun thing was all impromptu?"

She nodded, "Proud of me?"

"Way impressed is more like it," he retorted before kissing her again.

There was a knock at the door, followed quickly by it opening, Andrew's head poking in, "I hope you're not consumating this marriage before it's really official."

"Oh because you know Alyssa and I cannot keep our hands off each other," Chris remarked.

"You have looked at your bride right? She's hot," Andrew winked. "Besides there's someone who really wants to see you guys, besides the Cardinal."

Opening the door further, two little girls came running into the room. Toni was swept up into Chris's arms giggling. Lily's arms wrapped tightly around Alyssa's waist.

"And one more," Andrew held Nick into the room.

Plucking the little boy out of his arms, Alyssa kissed him loudly, "Now I've got all of my loves!"

"MAMA!" Nick squealed, obviously happy to be back in her arms.

"I want kissie too!" Toni declared, reaching for Alyssa.

Switching kids, even Lily went to hug her father, Alyssa moved towards the couch with Toni on her hip. Sitting carefully, she listened while the toddler babbled about the ceremony, as if she beleived Alyssa hadn't been there the entire time. Joining her on the couch, Chris made room for Lily to sit with them, all five together, waiting for the Cardinal and wedding party.

The next opening of the door indicated the arrival of the very ones the newlyweds waited for. Tim carried each of his sons under his arms, both growling once more. Alyssa just giggled at that, not really needing an explanation. They were Tim's sons afterall.

"Who have you decided to be the witnesses on your marriage license?" the Cardinal asked as he pulled out a leather-bound folder from his briefcase.

"Peter and Judith," Alyssa answered, causing both of their eyes to go wide.

"Are you sure, Lyss?" Judith asked. "Andrew has known you longer and—"

"You're family," she interrupted. "You'll sign as witness."

"I... wow. I'm honoured."

The cardinal moved over to the couch, not seeing any reason to disrupt the family of five just to get a document signed. Offering it first to Alyssa, he smiled as she carefully signed her name in the appropriate location. He then passed it to Chris who quickly signed it, Nick trying to steal the pen from him. After receiving both Judith's and Peter's signatures, the cardinal placed his own signature and dated the form.

"Congratulations," he winked at the two. "You're official."

Chris grinned and kissed Alyssa quickly, elicting an 'Ewwww, Dada!' from Toni.

"I think it's time to celebrate!" Alyssa proclaimed, shifting on the couch to let Toni down. "Let's go party!!"

Though the enthusiasm to party was there, a few minor details had to be taken care of first. Namely Alyssa's dress had to be bustled, or she would forever be stuck trying to make certain it didn't get stepped on. That was seemingly more of a task than most thought it would be. While Alyssa and Judith had practiced it before, everyone else seemed to want to help, especially as Judith was having difficulty finding the tiny pearls hidden in the back embroidery that marked the loops.

With it finally accomplished, Chris waited for the group of bridesmaids to step away from his wife. No longer wearing a veil, merely the satin headband, and her dress no longer trailing behind her a few feet, Alyssa seemed far more comfortable. Once more he lifted and spun her, ending it with a kiss. This apparently was all right with the kids, because they cheered.

"Who's ready to get something to eat?" Alyssa asked, her attention mainly on the five children in the room.

Hands went up in the air.

"Then let's go!" she chirped.

Nick settled back on her hip, while Toni and Lily held hands, proceeding the bride and groom out of the room. Most of the guests had made the transition from ceremony to the reception tents, the brief cocktail hour begun. Alyssa had also been against the traditional receiving line, so they would make circuits around the reception, hopefully chatting with most everyone in attendance. In the very least, they would thank everyone before dinner was served from the raised table at the end of the dining tent.

With the bridesmaids and groomsmen jumping before Chris and Alyssa, the moment they stepped into the tent, the DJ announced them and the gathered crowd erupted into applause once more. Spending only a few moments to embrace Chris's parents and Alyssa's grandparents, they made their way up to their table. Settling the kids in chairs, they waited for everyone to take their seats.

With their guests seated, Chris and Alyssa stood, a microphone pressed into Chris's hand, "Alyssa and I would just like to thank everyone for honouring us with your presence on this very special day. We probably will not be able to personally thank each and every one of you tonight, but know that we appreciate you coming out tonight. I know Alyssa spent months putting this together, only turning to me when she struggled with decisions, and if I do say so myself, this is one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. But how could it not be with such a beautiful bride?"

"Chris," she flushed.

"So relax and enjoy yourself tonight. We'll try to thank as many of you as we can tonight," he paused. "And just a reminder, after dinner is served and the party really begins, we do have entertainment set up for the little ones in a separate tent. I'm not certain all of what is there, but for those who find watching adults dance and whatever it is we do, there's plenty for you to do as well. Thank you again."

Having nothing else to add to Chris's mini-speech, Alyssa returned to her seat. A moment later, plates were placed before them. Soon the tent was filled with the soft hum of people eating. Alyssa leaned over to Chris a few times, whispering in his ear. Each time he would chuckle and shake his head, making everyone around wonder what the newlyweds were discussing.

When dinner plates were cleared away, Alyssa stood this time, "We've elected to not have long toasts tonight. However if you feel the need to toast us, there is a booth set up on the east end of the tent, where you can tell us whatever stories you want. Remember our kids will see that one day so try to keep it clean."

The guests chuckled.

"We're also not doing that silly garter toss nor bouquet throw and definitely not the money dance, so you can forget about those fantasies as well," she looked pointedly at Tim. "However while I have your attention, I would like to pay a special thanks to someone very special in this crowd, someone not even my husband knows was on the guest list."

Chris's eyes shot to her, not at all sure where this was heading.

"Most of you we know one way or another. This particular guest I will admit I have never met, except maybe in passing at one of Chris's concerts," she began, glancing at the third table back from where she stood, her eyes focusing on the young adult whose cheeks were turning red. "Her name is Anne. And she's been a fan of Chris's almost as long as I have."

"You see," her eyes left the girl to address the guests again, "I contacted Audioslave's website as well as a number of fansites and Chris's fan club. With the help of Anne, I was able to hold contests on each site and for the fanclub. Four months ago, fans were chosen and screened, an invitation mailed to them. I arranged all their travel and hotel needs. Anne coordinated it all, emailing me sometimes three times a day with updates on what we called operation wedding."

"So my personal thanks to you, Anne," her brown eyes focusing on the girl again. "Thank you for helping me bring Chris's fans to our wedding. You all are as much a part of our lives as our friends and family are and we thank you for all of your support through the years."

When she returned to her seat, Chris leaned over, "You invited fans to our wedding?"

She nodded, still smiling, "That third table. They're all your fans, Chris. When the time comes, make sure you go and speak to all of them. They've travelled from around the world to visit with you, with us."

"Why did you do that?" he asked, softly.

"One way to fend off the paparazzi is with a strong fan base who will fight for you, Chris," she pointed out. "And they helped make you what you are today."

"You amaze me," he claimed, kissing her softly.

"Good. I'm glad there's at least one reason you married me," Alyssa teased. "Let's take the kids to the game tent and get dancing. You know everyone is waiting to follow our lead."



Getting Chris out of the kid tent was harder than Alyssa imagined. Yes it was all fun and games to have with your family, but sometimes she wanted Chris time too. So as soon as the magic show started up, she nibbled on his ear and managed to get him to leave the kids to the magic acts and sweep Alyssa back into the adult world.

Seeing them finally emerge from the family tent, the DJ locked eyes with Alyssa, looking to see if it was time to boogie. She nodded once, indicating the first dance track would be the next one played. She hadn't even told Chris what the song was, just told him to head to the dance floor.

"You know, I would know better how to lead you if I knew what the song was," he commented, weaving through the tables to reach the large open dance floor in the centre of the tent.

"Just trust me, Chris," she replied.

He paused, turning to meet her eyes, "You know I do."

"Good," she grinned. "Keep moving."

"Ladies and gentleman, to get this dance started out right, please welcome the bride and groom, Alyssa and Chris to the dance floor!" the DJ chatted excitedly over the sound system.

Leading her to the centre of the dance floor, Chris twirled her about, bringing Alyssa in close to him. He kissed her softly, waiting for the music to start up. Everyone's breath held in anticipation, waiting for that note to begin. Rather than hear it come over the speakers, a single piano note filled the air. Alyssa grinned, pulling away from Chris. Her eyes darted over to where the DJ was set up, tickled to see that the second part of the contract had been fulfilled and a piano and other instruements littered the stage. Seated behind the piano was none other than Sarah McLachlan, her fingers touching the ivory keys. Chris's eyes followed Alyssa's gaze, wanting to ask a million questions. But he hadn't the time, for Sarah truly began to play the song.

"Your love is better than ice cream
Better than anything else that I’ve tried
And your love is better than ice cream
Everyone here know how to fight

And it’s a long way down
It’s a long way down
It’s a long way down to the place
Where we started from

Your love is better than chocolate
Better than anything else that I’ve tried
Oh love is better than chocolate
Everyone here knows how to cry

It’s a long way down
It’s a long way down
It’s a long way down to the place
Where we started from..."

Chris couldn't help but chuckle as he led Alyssa around the dance floor. He knew it was a short song, not even three minutes long, but oh how appropriate it was.

"You are a surprise every moment, baby," he muttered, kissing her as the song ended.

"Good. You've got a lifetime of them coming to you," Alyssa proclaimed.



Managing to sneak away from the reception for the moment, Alyssa looked up at the sky. She rubbed her face, sighing contently. The reception had already passed the midnight mark, at which most of the older guests and all of the children had left. Toni, Nick, and Lily returned to her and Chris's house with Chris's parents. Susan would pick up Lily the following afternoon. The other two would stay a week in the house with their grandparents before Vicky would pick them up for the following week.

Sitting on the fountain, she grinned, watching the shadows of people within the tents. By all accounts it was a great turnout. Chris's musically inclined friends had jumped up on the stage, dedicating songs to the newlyweds. The later the hour dragged, the more suggestive the songs became, but it didn't bother Alyssa at all. Everyone was having fun. That's what it was all about.

"How is it fair that you manage to slip out of all of that and I cannot?" Chris's voice teased as he neared her. "Especially since you're the beautiful one everyone is always watching."

She smiled sweetly at him, "It's called duck and cover. I would think you knew how to do that by now."

He slipped onto the fountain next to her, "Has it been everything you hoped it would be?"

Her eyes turned to his, "And more. I knew it would be quite the party. Afterall it is us. But it's the little things that made all the difference."

"Like?"

"You dancing with your girls. That was priceless," she grinned.

His thumb rubbed the back of her hand, "I wish your father could have been here to see how you sparkle tonight."

Her eyes teared some, "He is, Chris. He most certainly is."

"You are so very beautiful. He would have been proud," Chris kissed her softly, his other hand caressing her cheek. "I still don't understand how I managed to catch you."

"You're the one who completed my heart," her hand reached up to touch the heart pendant. "Just like Daddy said you would."