The Wedding March

Z Note:  Apologies! Sorry for the delay.  Life Happens.  Writer's Block. Mehhhh!!  What can I say~  I had wanted to get this up for Valentine's Day, but unfortunately - it wasn't in the cards.  This one is a doozy.  It's quite a bit longer than the other chapters, there was a lot I wanted to cover.~
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Chapter 7 - Put a Ring On It

Monday evening when London came home from work, he decided that he and Kiera needed a night out. They had been working so hard, and he knew there were things that they needed to talk about for the wedding.  A date night was just what they needed. They both had work in the morning, but then, they always seemed to have work.  London had been looking into taking a day off when the preparations for the wedding were done... just so they could get married.
When Kiera came home, he asked her if she'd like to go out to dinner.
"London, that would be fantastic.  Just let me get cleaned up and changed and I'm all yours." Keira smiled.
"Kiera, you have no idea how happy it makes me to have you say that... all mine!!" He gave her a wicked grin and dipped her over his arm, kissing her.  

When she was standing right side up and on her feet again, she found herself giggling. She pulled him closer and kissed him herself, "I'll be quick." she whispered against his lips. Then she turned and made her way to the bathroom for a shower.
London watched her go with a huge smile on his face.  He was a lucky man.  A very lucky man.  And with that thought he made his way to their room to get changed.

~♥~

When they arrived downtown, London took Kiera's hand and helped her from the cab.
"Kiera.  I know I tell you all the time how beautiful I think you are, but you look amazing in that dress!"

"Oh really?  Do you like it? " Kiera smiled and played a little. Posing and batting her eyelashes.  "April made it for me a while back.  I love it. It's one of the reasons I was so excited when she offered to make my wedding dress."
At the mention of the wedding, London took her hands and smiled warmly.  "And that's one dress I can't wait to see you in Kiera."  He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them.  "Let's head inside and talk more over dinner."  Looping her arm through his, Kiera let London lead the way.  

After dinner, they decided to head to The Blue Velvet Night Club to have a drink before heading home.  Inside the two found a table near the fireplace.  They had spent the evening enjoying each others company. They talked about work, life, and of course the Wedding. When they started comparing schedules, Kiera was more than a little disappointed that it looked as though the Wedding wouldn't take place again this week.  She had Sunday off and she had thought it would have been a perfect day.  April was coming by soon with "The Dress" - it was nearly finished!! Plus, most of their friends were off work that day as well, so they would have been able to make it.  Kiera didn't particularly want or need a big Wedding, but she did want a celebration with the people who meant the most to them.  It wasn't everyday that you married your soulmate.

"Kiera, I've been thinking.  We have no way of knowing when our schedules are going to connect again, so I was talking to Geoffrey, my main supervisor.  He's agreed to give me the time off.  I was thinking this weekend. And since you have Sunday off already... what do you think?  Will you marry me Sunday?" 

"Really London!! This Sunday!! That's fantastic!  I'll talk to April tomorrow and make sure the dress will be ready.  I guess we'll have to go over the guest list one last time tonight... so that we can start making calls tomorrow...  OH! and the Pianist, Bartender and Caterer .. I'll need to talk to them too!!  I mean, everyone knew we were going to be having this wedding on short notice." Kiera was so excited, she was practically vibrating, her words flying fast and furious.
The two decided to make their way home.  Arm in arm they walked home, drinking in the beautiful evening. Talking all the while about what was really important.  The Wedding would happen.  No matter who managed to attend.  No matter whether they were able to hire a caterer ...  This Sunday, they would be married.  This Sunday they became a family.

~♥~

Kiera somehow managed to find more than 24 hours in a day.  Or that's how it seemed. She spent Tuesday at work, even managing to get another promotion - which worked in her favor.  She now got home a little earlier in the day, which meant she could get together with April, (her friend who was designing and creating her wedding dress) and Liv, who was a caterer.
Liv, would be able to make it on Sunday. She would handle the preparation of all the food for the event... with one exception. The Wedding Cake.
She felt terrible about it, but she was not a patisserie.  And the woman who usually handled such things was on maternity leave.
No worries though!  Kiera told her it would be fine, she take care of the cake.  

April was sure the dress was nearly finished.  She just needed Kiera too try it on. Just some last minute alterations.
"It really is lovely Kiera.  I can't wait for you to see it.  I went with an old Hollywood/Goddess look.  I think you're really going to love it.  I'll bring it over tomorrow after work for the fitting.
"Oh April!  I can't wait to see it." Kiera exclaimed.  Then she got a dreamy look in her eye. "I can't wait for London to see it." 

The two women exchanged looks and smiled.  They really didn't think it'd matter what Kiera was wearing that day, or what the food tasted like.  London was only going to "see' Kiera. "Hmph!" April huffed.  "Well, I hope the dress at least makes it onto a hanger after the wedding ceremony."  All three women giggled.

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Wednesday after work.  April arrived with the dress.  They had a couple hours before London got home from work, so the two ladies quickly got to work.  April went into the bedroom and carefully removed the dress from the garment bag, laying it out the bed. Kiera went ahead to the bathroom to touch up her make-up and arrange her hair the way she would be wearing it for the wedding, when she tried on the dress she wanted to get the full effect.
When she walked into the bedroom and saw dress, she almost started to cry.  It was so beautiful!  She looked at April, her eyes brimming with tears.  She was about to start gushing to April about how grateful she was - but April wasn't having it.  
"Quickly Kiera.  We can't waste anytime, I may need the full two hours before London gets home." Kiera smiled and wiped her eyes.  She gave the woman a quick hug before she undressed and slipped into the gown.

As Kiera put on the dress and turned to look in the mirror.  April couldn't help admiring her work.  The dress was a stunning creation of draped silk and crystal beading... and Kiera was gorgeous in it.  It was a perfect match.  Mentally she gave herself a pat on the back. "Well Kiera, I don't think there's much to be done.  I think it looks perfect on you. What do you think?"

As Kiera looked at herself she was overcome with happiness.  She gently ran her gloved hands over the gown.  The details were amazing.  
The silk was so soft and light, it was like she was wrapped in nothing at all!  And the beading!!  So delicate... Again Kiera felt herself wanting to cry, but she stopped herself.  It wouldn't do to stain the dress at all.  
"April...  This is beautiful.  More than beautiful!  I'm overwhelmed.  It's perfect." 

The two women smiled at each other. 

Kiera turned in the mirror, grinning like a fool.  This was her WEDDING dress.  She was getting married.  She was already so full of joy at the 'idea' of marrying London in 4 days... 4 DAYS!! O_O  that she wondered how she was going to keep it together until then.
"Well I think I just need to finish the hem a little.  Tighten some of the bead work.  But all in all.... I'd say you are going to be the most beautiful bride Willow Creek has ever seen. " April said, winking a Kiera.
They were chatting about where April had gotten the inspiration for the gown when they heard the front door open, and London calling out "I'm Home!  Kiera are you here?"
"Don't come in the bedroom!!" April and Kiera yelled in unison.  Then laughing at themselves.
Kiera took the gown off and changed into her normal everyday clothes... she suddenly felt very under dressed.

April slipped the gown back into the garment bag.  The two hugged, Kiera squeezing the dear woman, "Thank you SO much April."
The moment London saw April coming out of the bedroom, he knew what she and Kiera had been doing.  He smiled at her "Hello April.  How's the dress coming along?"
April smiled smugly at London, walking up to him and patting his shoulder.  "The dress has been upgraded to a 'gown' ... and you, London Grier, are going to have an extremely beautiful bride on Sunday."

As April made her exit, Kiera came around the corner.  London thought, "she's always beautiful."  He embraced his fiancee, stroked her cheek, and kissed her gently.  "I can't wait for Sunday." He said to her.  

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Thursday and Friday came and went in a blur.  Kiera's work at the museum kept her busy. On her lunch breaks she managed to make a few calls.  The arrangements had been made, the company they were renting the wedding supplies from would be at the house early Saturday to start setting up.  The Florist would be coming by on Saturday as well. Kiera wasn't able to hire a Pianist, but she was able to get a Violinist... which she was happy about.  The bartender would arrive on Sunday, just after the ceremony started. And to top it off...  it looked like quite a number of the people she and London had invited, were going to be attending!  

AND London got a promotion!
He had been working exceptionally hard, kinda as a Thank You to make up for asking for the extra time off.  The firm seemed to really think a lot of London.  Not only did they give him a promotion, but they also gave him the whole weekend off!  Now he could help Kiera with the preparations!

So Saturday morning, Kiera went off to work.  Her last day as a single woman!

London greeted the men and women who came to set up the wedding arch, seating .. and the flowers.
He wasn't an expert, but when they were finished... he was pretty pleased with how everything looked.

In the early afternoon, Kiera came home.  Alice had insisted that she take the afternoon to finish the preparations. She

had even given Kiera a ride home, and stopped in to get a glimpse of the wedding area.Alice was over the moon about the wedding.  She had met London on several occasions and liked him.  She was convinced that Kiera's mother and father would have loved the young man. Alice was looking forward to coming to the ceremony. In her small way, she wanted to represent Kiera's family - since she was the only one that would be in attendance they had known her parents.

Kiera wasted no time and got to work making the wedding cake.  She had made a couple practise runs earlier in the week. But this one would be the real deal.  She took her time, double checked all her steps, all the ingredients.  The decorating was the most stressful, but in a way, it was like painting.  In the end she was happy with the elegant little cake.

When everyone had left, and the cake was finished and placed carefully in the refrigerator - Kiera and London headed outside.  

They sat on one of the benches and cuddled .. enjoying the view of where they would become husband and wife.  Tomorrow afternoon their backyard would be filled with activity.  They talked about the craziness of this past week.  About how the people they had come to know here in Willow Creek, and in neighboring Oasis Springs - had rallied around them... making all of this, possible.

The two looked at each other and knew they were thinking the same thing.  

They were blessed.  

They had found one an other.  

They were deeply in love.  

They were young and healthy. 

They were becoming very successful in their work.  Successful enough to start expanding the house again - maybe even adding to their family, sooner than they had thought possible. 

And they were both eager for Sunday to finally arrive.

~♥~

Sunday morning arrived bright and clear.  The two love birds went about getting ready. London made himself presentable and went out to answer the knock on the door. April had arrived, gown in hand, she smiled at London and made her way to the bedroom to help Kiera get ready.  

London headed to the back yard.  

Just before 12 noon, Liv the caterer arrived along with the Violinist. 

An hour later some of the guests began to arrive.

London greeted everyone.  Accepting handshakes and even some hugs.  Everyone was thrilled for the young couple.

At 2:00pm London stood under the floral arch, in utter bewilderment at just how beautiful Kiera looked in her Wedding gown. 

  

He couldn't help but give her a little kiss.

 

"Kiera.  I had no idea when I decided to move to Willow Creek to start my career, that I would meet such an amazing, talented, beautiful woman.  

You have completely changed what I believed I wanted my life to be.  I have had to redefine what true happiness is, since meeting and falling in love with you.  

You are my light, my world, my everything.  

You make everyday bright and beautiful.  

I love you so much, and I am blessed that you have chosen me to build a life and family together.

I will honor and protect you and our love, for the rest of my life."

"London.  When I left Lucky Palms to come here... I had nothing.  

No money.  No family.  No idea of what my life would become.

I was living day to day, trying to make something, from nothing.

And then I met you, and everything just seemed to fall into place.

Somehow, with you, life just seems to be more.  

It has become more joyful.  

It has become more exciting.

It is full of more Love,

and more Hope.

I am grateful every moment of everyday that you are in my life.

That you asked me to be yours for the rest of our lives.

I Love you London,

and I will honor and protect you and our Love for the rest of my life."

And with those words, Kiera Stokes and London Grier became husband and wife.

Don Lothario, the one person at the wedding, that could NOT understand the need to commit to someone else at all - was so moved, he couldn't sit down.  >_<  

As the ceremony came to an end and the party started, the guests approached the happy couple to congratulate them and wish them a life full of happiness.  Kiera and London could barely contain themselves. They were finally married!  

And now their Legacy could truly begin . . .

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^_^
First come Love...

Then comes marriage....

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

All About the Benjamins~

Z:Note:  I am following the rules of the Legacy Challenge.  HOWEVER, this story kinda took on a life of it's own.  Pictures are sometimes used out of order to tell the story.
But the #1 thing to remember - NO MONEY CHEATS to ADD to the household funds- 

like 'kaching', 'rosebud', or 'motherlode'. 

Actually, the only cheats I've used during this challenge has been 

'bb.MoveObjects' and 'money' but only to subtract

(used to get rid off the $20,000 that London brought when he moved in. 

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Chapter 6 - Makin' Bank~

It took a couple days for London to get out of his lease, so in that time the lovebirds decided to look for a double bed for Kiera's place... since they were definitely going to need it.   As soon as the bed was delivered, London moved in.
Kiera quickly realized that the house just wasn't big enough for two people.  With the bed, and her art supplies all over the place - it was so cramped.  Add to the fact that London had to spend hours at the local library filing reports for the company.  London was going to need a computer here at home, or they we never going to see each other!!  
The two of them talked it over, and although Kiera had a fair amount of simoleons saved up, London wasn't satisfied for her to flip the whole bill.  What little savings he had managed to save had been eaten up with the move and renting - and being an intern paid next to nothing.
"I know it's close quarters Kiera, but can we hold off until I get a serious placement within the company?  It may be less than ideal right now, but I'd like to contribute to the cost - and I've been told that I'll be offered a position soon."
"London!! That's fantastic!! .... If you really want to wait that bad, then I guess we can.  I mean, you're the one who will have to deal with the paint fumes - I'm used to it." Kiera scrunched up her nose.  "Not sure that's a good thing ..."
London laughed at her expression, pulled her into his arms, and kissed the scrunched up nose.  "I can deal Kiera.  I feel like I can handle anything right now."
A few days later London came home with a big smile on his face.
"Kiera, I am now officially working for The Simdelity Investment firm, they even gave me a cash bonus!!" 
Kiera was so proud of London, heck, he was proud of himself.  There were a lot of interns and not everyone was asked to join the company.

Over the next couple days Kiera and London finalized their ideas for the house expansion. An actual bedroom, for SURE.  
London felt that Kiera absolutely needed her own art studio.  Her work at the museum was a steady paycheck, and she loved it there, but her paintings were what truthfully brought the most money into the house.
Keira loved that London believed in her art so much.  He had even used his connections at the firm to get her a couple new clients.  But his work was important too. And Kiera really wanted him to be able to work from home - rather than going to the library almost every night.
"London, I think you should have your own office."
"Kiera, I really don't need it."
"London.  I'll have my own workspace... and I want this to be OUR home.  So you need your own space, within OUR home - to call your own."
London raised an eyebrow. He was starting to recognise that determined tone in Kiera's voice... "I'm not going to change your mind about this am I Kiera."
"Nope." Kiera smiled sweetly and picked up her phone to call the construction crew.

And with that, the little square shack got one step closer, to becoming a home. 
They were able to get London a computer, it was an old one, but it got the job done. Kiera painted some small paintings for the house.  
After all the construction was complete and London's office and Kiera's studio were set up, they made one last purchase.
And Kiera almost cried the day the table and chairs for the kitchen area were delivered.
The two finally felt as though they had a home could be proud of.  Ok, it wasn't the fanciest house on the block... but it had everything they needed.
And they were happy.  So very happy.

Most mornings they enjoyed having breakfast together. 
Their evenings were always busy. London doing extra work in his office and Kiera painting in her studio. The mornings were when they got to just hang out and enjoy each others company. 

With London's new schedule, for a little while they were even able to leave for work at the same time.  Although, that didn't last for too long.

Before they knew it, both of them got promotions! 

Kiera was becoming one of the most recognisable and talented artists in the area, and the museum wanted to hold on to her.  They gave her a new title, an office of her own, and a bigger paycheck.  Kiera was saving all the money she could and in the back of her mind ... she started planning a wedding.

London wasn't stuck in the mail room any more.  He didn't have an office of his own ... yet, but he was working closely with men and women who did.  Large, expensive, fancy offices.  He spent most of his time running around and doing all of their research... but that was ok.  He was learning.  And he was learning fast. He was becoming the go-to guy at the firm.

Unfortunately, their days off didn't often overlap.  

London spent his random time off work, working off some of the stress from the office.  He'd hit the gym whenever possible, or go for a jog... He liked jogging downtown, he saw some interesting people.  He had to admit though, the gym was a good place to network.  He'd run into some people from the office there.  He'd also met some guys that who were good for a laugh.  They'd hit the gym together, sometimes head to the bar afterward for a beer.  His one buddy, Don Lothario, was intrigued by his and Kiera's relationship.  He got how London fell in love with Kiera... but he just couldn't wrap his mind around the idea of getting married and spending the rest of your life with one person.  But then, Don lived with three women .. and from what London had heard... the Caliente women weren't the only women in Don's life.  That kind of lifestyle didn't appeal to London.  The two men were polar opposites, yet they were developing a great friendship.

London also liked to play around in Kiera's studio.  He'd always loved art.  He knew he'd never be as good a Kiera, it wasn't his calling in life.  But he did enjoy it ... and he liked being able to talk to her about.

Kiera spent her time off painting (as usual), puttering in her little garden, and doing a little exercise.  She also tried to make something special for dinner the nights she wasn't working... It seemed like she was happiest when she was creating something.  Whether it was a work of art, or a beautiful meal.
She was also thinking about her's and London's wedding... a lot.  She didn't want anything big.  Her family were all gone from this world. There was no one back in Lucky Palms that she wanted to attend.  London had mentioned that although his parents were happy for the both of them, they wouldn't be able to make the trip to Willow Creek.  London's parents had lived a hard life and were now paying the price. Money problems. Health issues. Even run in's with the law. London wasn't especially close to either of his parents it seemed...  
A friend of Kiera's, who was a talented - but struggling, clothing designer had offered to create a wedding dress for Kiera, and of course Kiera had accepted.  She was thrilled actually.  It would be a small wedding.  Most likely here at the house.  A few friends and colleagues. But the most important thing was that she and London would be married.  They didn't have a lot of free time at the moment.  But they decided that as soon as they had a few days off, they would get married.  Whoever was free to come that day would be welcome, but their priority, was each other.  The two of them wanted to make a commitment to one and other.

They wanted to start their family.

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^_^
I hear wedding bells...

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!

A Man with a Plan

Chapter 5 - Never Saw it Coming

On her lunch break, Kiera decided to do a little shopping.  She didn't want to show up at London's wearing her work outfit and smelling like turpentine and paint fumes!  In the evening, she got off work an hour before London so that gave her time to get cleaned up... she ran to the gym down the block - where she had a membership, and used the shower there. An hour later she was walking up the steps to the house London was renting.

"Come on in Kiera, I'll be out in a moment", Keira heard London call out when she knocked on the door.
The house was small, but what could she say... it was nice.  A heck of a lot nicer than her own place.  Hell, at least he had a table, chairs... and a stove!  She was really looking forward to making something special for them tonight.

Who was she kidding... it'd be nice just to have something that wasn't salad.

So, Kiera started unpacking the groceries she'd brought with her.  She hoped London liked what she had planned for dinner.  She'd been reading alot lately about gourmet cooking techniques and she'd decided to make Herb Encrusted Salmon on a bed of rice with fresh veggies.  It sounded fancy... but not TOO fancy.  She checked in the refrigerator and sure enough, London had remembered the bottle of white wine she had texted him, and asked him to pick up on his way home.
Now all she had to do was get to cookin!!

London was in his room, he had a call from the office and had to deal with it then, so that it didn't ruin the night and the weekend. Now he was staring into the mirror... giving himself a pep talk.
Kiera was here.  In his house.  Cooking him dinner.
Was he wrong to think that she might want to spend the night?

Didn't matter, he had his own plans for tonight... a little walk down by the beach where they'd shared their first kiss.

Where she'd stolen his heart.

London gave himself a wobbly smile in the mirror, patted his jacket pocket, and made his way to the kitchen.

Coming around the corner London saw Kiera..

Do guys melt?  Cuz that's the way he felt when he saw her.  She was always so beautiful. "Kiera, you look gorgeous... and dinner smells great!!"

Kiera turned around and lit up.  Being around London always made her feel so good.  He looked so handsome tonight!  Maybe he thought tonight was special too!
"Thank you handsome, and I hope it tastes as good as it smells!!"  She walked into his arms and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek...  She couldn't let herself get to distracted by him, she had to make sure dinner was fantastic... London deserved fantastic.

Dinner was absolutely delicious!!  Kiera gave herself a mental high five.  YES!
The two chatted as they ate.  There was laughter, and long looks.  They just got along so well!  Kiera found herself Thanking her parents, her Grams, Alice ... everyone who could be connected with her coming to Willow Creek - And then she Thanked everyone who brought London here too.  Honestly, he felt like her destiny... and she knew how sappy that sounded... but she also knew it was true.  She could see them getting married one day.

After dinner they moved to the loveseat and finished their wine.

"Kiera, I know we said we'd watch a movie tonight, but I was thinking ... It's a really beautiful evening, nice and warm - I'd love to walk down to the beach with you." London asked.

Was it her imagination... or did London sound... nervous?  Was he thinking about what might happen if they stayed here?  She was a little nervous herself and a walk might be exactly what they needed to burn off some of this anxious energy.

Kiera smiled and said the words she had said so many times in the month she'd known him.  "I'd love to, London."

The evening had been perfect so far.  They walked hand in hand along the boardwalk, the moon was full and bright.  There was a warm breeze.  There weren't many people around... it was like they had the night all to themselves.

When they got to an especially pretty spot, London stopped them.

"Kiera..  I love you.  I've never known anyone as lovely as you.  I'm so very grateful I bumped into you that night.  This past month has been the best of my life."

"London, I feel the same.  I love you too.  When I think about the things that happened in my life before coming here, since coming here... if I had to go through that, in order to meet you - be with you... then .. you make it worth it."

London was suddenly overcome with the realization that he and Kiera were in love. Really, truly, deeply in love.  They both loved each other with the same intensity... it made what he was going to do next much simpler.  As simple as breathing really.

"Kiera, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Will you marry me?"

Kiera was shocked!?  Oh my GOD!  This wasn't what she thought was going to happen tonight!! Marry Him!?  She put her hand to her chest and she could feel her heart beating a mile a minute. She couldn't breathe!! What happened to all the air?!? What should she say... She loved him...

She loved him.

What else could she say...

As she looked into London's beautiful blue eyes she felt her heart beat calm, and she could breathe again.

"I'd Love too, London!"

As they walked back to London's place, arm in arm and smiling like fools.  They decided that London would move in with her.  He was only renting afterall, and Kiera owned the land her little shack was on.  London didn't care about the size of the house.  He was going to be living with the woman he loved.  His fiancee,  his future wife!!

They were still grinning like idiots when they decided to take advantage of the double bed.  

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^_^
OOOooOOO... FINALLY!!

Hope you liked this part~

Wizard of Roz...  OUT!