Chapter Text
Gustus Dollinger stepped alongside his elegantly gowned daughter and reached for her hand. He was careful not to press on the delicate lace of her long sleeved, high neck gown. Her father tucked her small hand into the crook of his arm and patted it with his own large one. “I am so proud of you, Anya.” he shared quietly.
Tears filled her eyes but she tried to laugh it off, “Because I’m finally getting married?” she quipped.
“Well, you’ve always done things in your own time.” He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. The strains of Marco Sinclair’s glorious voice began to rise. “Now are you ready?”
“More than ready.” she replied to his soft laughter.
It wasn’t supposed to be such a long engagement. Raven and Anya hadn’t intended for it to take five years to get to their wedding date. However, there was always an adventure or sometimes misadventure in their way. They hadn’t been planning on a short engagement as they wanted to see the arrival of Echo and Sinclair’s child and have their friends somewhat recovered from the experience. So a year-long engagement seemed right.
Matteo’s arrival had been an extraordinary event and even Anya had to admit he had all of them wrapped around his little finger from day one. He was a cuddly, sweet and cheerful infant and toddler. Now at the cusp of his fifth birthday, Matteo was a funny, solemn and quirky boy who loved the stars as much as his father and both of them looked at Echo with love shining from their eyes. Then Lexa and Clarke picked their date. Of course she and Raven didn’t want it to be too close so they pushed out the wedding a little further and participated in all of the events surrounding their special day, as much as possible given that the brides lived on the opposite coast.
Once Clarke and Lexa’s oceanfront wedding was held and life began to return to normal, Raven and Anya readjusted for a two year engagement, which seemed entirely appropriate and they were contently planning. Except Echo got pregnant again, by accident, since they had initially just been planning on the one child. And, unfortunately, this pregnancy was not smooth. Raven couldn’t bring herself to plan anything when things were so tenuous and honestly, Anya couldn’t blame her. Everything felt so fragile and Echo was constantly on and off bedrest until, at barely thirty weeks of pregnancy, she went into labour. Sinclair left to take their oldest to Gina and Bellamy’s house where he would spend the next couple of days and had intended to return for his wife. Her prior labour had been almost twenty hours so they weren’t rushing.
Then Echo called Anya in a panic and she and Raven had rushed over. Anya for the first and only time in her career, god willing, delivered a beautiful little girl before the ambulance or Sinclair could even arrive. The tiny infant was named Raven Anya Eloise Sinclair and who was generally known as “Rae”. Gina joked it should have added her name too, making the nickname Rage. Anya still laughed in recollection of her friend’s joke.
While Rae was catching up on the growing she needed to do and Echo recovered, they began to plan again. It was progressing well and they were on the verge of sending out the save the date cards when Raven got a work opportunity of a lifetime. However, it was an opportunity that would take her to Switzerland for a year. It wasn’t ideal but it was too exciting to pass up. Raven was the team lead. To be honest, it was a hard year. Making the distance work had been a challenge but like everything else, it was surmountable.
When Raven returned to professional accolades and with an extraordinary work product created, they had all been so incredibly proud, including Anya. How could she want less for the woman she loved? Still, it was glorious to have her home again. Now, at long last, they were getting married. The venue was the Smithsonian National Zoo. Where else could it be?
The doors opened to the pavilion and she walked through, her father on her arm. All she could see was Raven. She looked beautiful with her hair a riot of dark curls down her back, her lips painted that wicked red that never failed to set fire to Anya’s blood. Her dress had a full skirt to hide her brace which was much more streamlined after five good years of recovery. Raven would never be able to walk for any distance without it and occasionally these limitations still chafed but even her physicians called her recovery beyond all expectation. No surprise there to Anya - Raven herself was beyond all expectation.
Her wife-to-be had already walked through, with Sinclair escorting her. The older man stood to the side now watching Anya walk down the aisle. He was holding his toddler daughter in his arms, the flounces of Rae’s pretty dress covering his arm. Matteo stood at Raven’s side, holding the small book shaped carrying case containing their wedding rings. Ordinarily she wouldn’t dream of letting a small child hold anything so valuable but Matteo and Rae were her two exceptions about everything to do with children. Matteo particularly took everything incredibly seriously. Echo joked that he’d take a bullet before he gave up those rings to anyone other than Anya and Raven. Anya replied that he was destined to follow in his mother’s professional footsteps.
Anya smiled up at her father as he leaned in to kiss her cheek. The audience awed softly and she was reminded once again what a giant of a teddy bear her dad was. Matteo grinned up at her and bounced on his heels as he waited for his important task. “Ready.” she whispered to her bride.
Raven nodded, “To be your wife? Absolutely. I didn’t think there would be so many chapters in between.”
“Still the same book.”
“How does that end again?”
“Happily ever after.” Anya whispered.
The Justice of the Peace stepped up to a small microphone to allow everyone to hear. “Guests, today we have gathered together to celebrate the marriage of Raven Reyes and Anya Dollinger. Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, who trust each other, who honour one another as individuals in that togetherness, and who wish to spend the rest of their lives with each other. It enables the two separate souls to share their desires, longings, dreams, joys and sorrows, and to help each other through all uncertainties of life. We thank you for being here today to celebrate these wonderful brides on this beautiful day. Please be seated.”
*
Jacapo’s hand folded over Echo’s as they slid into their seats. Matteo, their earnest little boy, stood at the front, mostly hidden behind Raven’s full skirt, watching his two favourite aunties get married. His daughter, Rae, was always quiet and watchful in a crowd so he wasn’t too worried. Even still, his parents, who Echo found incredibly helpful, were also invited and prepared to spirit her away should she start to act up.
He remained endlessly surprised by the bond between Echo and his mother, to the point of Echo including her name in their daughter’s. Echo had also brought his brothers closer than ever. Beth and Luca’s children, one together and Beth’s three from an earlier relationship were now an important part of their lives and they saw them often. The older children really seemed to enjoy being big cousins and playing with the little ones. Still, Jacapo made sure to pay them every time the oldest came over to babysit. He didn’t want to take advantage after all.
The suite in their house had guests more often than not and there was even some discussion that if one of the older children got into Georgetown that they could live there for their schooling. He thought Echo might object but she was all for it. The woman never failed to surprise him. Her own family was still elusive, despite their efforts, but Echo seemed to have let go of that pain and instead focused on all the family that had come through her husband and children.
“Five and a half years now.” he whispered to the stunning woman at his side.
She touched her cheek to his shoulder, “Only another forty to go.” she teased in response before kissing his cheek and tracing a hand down her daughter’s back, toying with the frilly skirt. “Matteo is having so much fun. Someone asked if we would be willing to lend him out for other weddings. The Justice of the Peace said he’s the best behaved ring bearer she has ever seen.”
“Takes everything so seriously, doesn’t he? Just like his mother.” Jacapo replied quietly. He knew she assumed that their fine little man would be like his father and while he looked a great deal like the man, Matteo was his mother’s child through and through from his secret worries to his solemn gaze. He weighed everything before acting. Echo confided that it was so strange to see herself reflected in their son. Jacapo wouldn’t change a thing about him.
Their little man offered up the box with the rings with great care and then waited for them to pass him the empty box. Then, and only then, did Matteo run back to his mother’s side. “I did it!” he whispered excitedly, the slow, secret grin that only rarely peaked out warming his features.
“Good job. Now stand back so they can get out.” Echo replied and the boy did exactly that, watching in amazement as his aunties kissed (which admittedly they did all the time) and then walked down the aisle. Everyone clapped and threw rose petals so he did too. Rae caught one between two chubby fingers and promptly put it in her mouth. They both shrugged. It wasn’t worth the screaming fit to fight her for it.
Now the party could begin.
*
The room was quiet and dark when a soft knock sounded. Anya jolted awake slightly and then panicked as she momentarily forgot where she was. As she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, Anya stretched and looked over at the bed where Raven was thankfully still sleeping.
“Come in,” Anya called softly, rolling her neck a few times to work the kinks out.
The door opened and Anya was unsurprised to see both Echo and Sinclair tip-toeing in. Echo carried a massive floral arrangement, and Sinclair held a soft sided cooler that already smelled delicious.
“Hey,” Echo said softly, a grin blooming across her face. “How are you two doing?”
“Hi,” Anya replied. “We’re good. Raven is finally resting after getting her pain under control.”
“How are the babies?” Sinclair asked, setting the cooler down on the bedside table and beginning to unpack the contents.
“They’re good,” Anya told him, unable to stop the smile that flashed across her face at the thought of her children. She still couldn’t believe they were actually here after months of waiting.
When they had discussed having children during their engagement, Anya had been pretty firmly against carrying them herself. Raven had been willing, but her leg injury presented a concern. After consulting with several different doctors, they had made the decision to pursue parenthood, and after only one cycle, Raven had surprised Anya with a positive pregnancy test. At their first ultrasound, Anya had almost shit herself with the tech announced there were three babies safely ensconced in her wife’s womb. Raven had smirked at the screen, joking that she didn’t do anything half-assed.
The pregnancy shifted from risky, to extremely high risk with the addition of multiples, and Raven had spent much more time in bed than she would have liked. There had been minimal complaining, as Raven had been willing to do anything to give their babies the best chance at survival. Anya had, of course, waited on her hand and foot to help offset the difficulty of so much bed rest.
The work had paid off, and Raven had by some miracle made it to the thirty-six week mark of pregnancy which was the goal her obstetrician had been aiming for. The cesarean had gone text book perfectly, even though Anya had been a wreck throughout the procedure.
When she had first looked at their children, Anya thought her heart might burst from the love she felt.
“They’re still in the NICU?” Echo’s question pulled Anya from her thoughts and brought her back to the present.
“Yeah, they’ll be there for at least a week,” Anya replied. “Though none of them have any health problems, thank god, they still need a little help eating. So they all have feeding tubes until their suck reflex is better.”
“I remember that from when Rae was born,” Sinclair said. “It looked a lot scarier than it actually was.”
For the first time, Anya caught sight of what her neighbour had actually brought with him and her stomach growled audibly. “That smells so good, what is it?”
Sinclair smiled happily. “I made some of my famous lasagna, along with fresh bread and a salad,” he told her. “I remember how hospital food tastes.”
“I can’t forget,” Anya grimaced. “Thank you so much, this is perfect.”
“What’s going on?” Raven spoke out, her voice groggy and hoarse from the strain of the last twenty-four hours.
Anya immediately moved to her wife’s side, soothing her with a soft caress. “Echo and Sinclair are here, love,” she explained, “we have beautiful flowers and Sinclair’s cooking.”
“Sounds good,” Raven answered sleepily. “Maybe I can actually eat this.”
“She’s been nauseous from the surgery,” Anya explained. “It’s normal, but worse for some women. Unfortunately Raven has had a pretty rough time of it, but she’s been doing better the last twelve hours.”
“I know we can’t see them yet,” Echo said, “but can you show us some pictures?”
Anya pulled her phone out of her pocket immediately, and began swiping madly. “Of course I can. I’ve already got a million pictures on here. Raven’s had a hard time getting up to see them, so I’ve been in charge of keeping her completely updated.
“In order of birth, I’m proud to introduce Astra Rose at 5 pounds and 6 ounces, Orion Wynn at 5 pounds 10 ounces, and Stella Rue at 6 pounds 3 ounces.”
Echo and Sinclair oohed and ahhed appropriately over the pictures and Anya answered all their questions, happier than she could ever remember being.
*
The triplets first birthday was the party event of the Dollinger-Reyes and Sinclair family calendars. Anya had spared no expense to celebrate the babies, and Raven had never been more in love with her fierce and beautiful wife.
“I think it’s funny that she gives me hell about how excited I was to be a parent,” Sinclair said as he took a seat next to Raven in the backyard. “And now look at her. Those babies have her so wrapped around their fingers it isn’t even funny.”
Raven laughed, unable to deny the hold her children had on Anya. “She’s a good Mama,” Raven agreed. “They have started getting excited when she comes home from work, babbling and carrying on. It melts her into a giant puddle every time.”
Sinclair laughed loudly, no doubt at the picture of the normally intense Anya being reduced to an emotional mess.
“But if you ever tell her I said that,” Raven warned with a giggle, “I’ll deny it until the day I die.”
“Fair enough,” Sinclair nodded. “Well I need to go find Echo and make sure Rae hasn’t destroyed something yet. She reminds me way too much much of you, you know. Did I tell you that we had to have a parent teacher conference the other day because she tried an experiment in school that led to a small explosion?”
“She did what?” Raven shook her head in complete disbelief. “I don’t think I was ever that ambitious. At least not before second grade. That kid is going to rule the free world… or a prison gang. I’m not sure which.”
“You’re probably right, Raven,” Sinclair laughed without restraint. “Let’s all hope for the former, shall we?”
“For your sake, yes,” Raven agreed. “But yes, go find my favorite niece. Anya’s head might explode if this birthday party doesn’t go perfectly. Nevermind the fact that they will never remember a second of it.”
“I’m proud of you, Raven,” Sinclair said sincerely as he stood up. “Happiness looks good on you.”
“You too, old man,” Raven said with a smile. “I’m proud of both of us.”
*
Months and months of preparation had led to this moment, and all Anya wanted to do was to get on the ship and take a nap. Preferably on a quiet pool side deck, in a comfortable chair. She had known planning a cruise vacation for fifteen plus people would be a headache, but Anya had been wholly unprepared for just how much of a hassle.
Anya let out a breath as she helped Raven shepherd their three kids on the ship, trying to relax now that their much awaited vacation was finally here. It had started (as most things seemed to) from a simple conversation late one night. Both Anya and Raven had had the day off, and after finally getting all three kids settled for the night they had taken a few minutes to talk and catch up. Raven had mentioned that she had talked to Anya’s mother earlier that day, and the topic of anniversaries had come up.
“What do you think about doing something for your parents' anniversary?” Raven’s question had been simple enough, and Anya knew she had been thinking something more like a garden party. A fiftieth wedding anniversary, especially between two people who Anya loved so much deserved a whole lot more fanfare.
A week-long Caribbean cruise vacation had been the end result, and while the logistics and planning had been a headache, Anya was excited to have so many of the people she loved in the same space. Anya’s train of thought was broken by Raven’s attempts to explain the mechanics of the cruise ship to Astra, who was the most like her mommy in terms of interests.
“Mama,” a tiny hand pulled at her sleeve and Anya looked down to see Stella’s dark eyes. “When can I play with Rae?”
“Soon, baby,” Anya promised. “We have to get checked into our room first.”
They had booked out staterooms nearby the rest of the family, both for convenience and closeness, and Anya was not surprised to see her parents settling into their room but the time she and Raven had corralled the kids into the stateroom next door.
“Come see Gran-Gran,” Indra cried, opening her arms wide. “I’ve missed you little trouble makers so much!”
Anya leaned against the door, looping an arm around Raven’s waist as she watched the scene unfold. The only thing better than becoming a parent herself was watching her parents become grandparents.
*
As soon as everyone had settled into their rooms, and the ship had officially departed port, the group consensus had been to hit the pool. The triplets had buckets of energy on a good day, and after a half day of traveling and containment they were ready to explode.
The pool deck was crowded when Anya and Raven finally made their way out, but Anya saw familiar faces right away. “Lexa,” she cried, excited to see her sister after far too many months apart.
Lexa looked up and waved excitedly. Clarke was laid out on a pool chair next to her, a floppy hat covering her eyes. “Hey, big sis! Let me see my nieces and nephew.”
The triplets all but jumped on their Aunt Lexa, who was as big a marshmallow for the kids as Anya was.
“Speaking of nieces and nephews, where are the newest family members?”
“Already in the pool,” Lexa explained, “hold on. Let me grab them.”
Lexa and Clarke had been going through the process of adoption for years, both deciding that pregnancy was not for them. They had been matched with a pair of siblings a year earlier, and had finally welcomed six year old Madi and nine year old Aden into the family six months earlier.
After the introductions were made, Anya took a seat on an empty chair, watching as Raven escorted the triplets to where Indra and Gustus were setting up their towels.
“Get the kids all set?” Anya asked when Raven dropped her towel on the chair next to Anya’s.
“Yeah, your parents are going to hang out with them in the pool while we get a few minutes to ourselves, their words not mine.” Raven laid the towel out and hesitated for a few seconds before pulling her cover up off.
Anya exhaled sharply, still as attracted as ever to the dark haired woman, even after all the years that had passed. “Damn,” Anya murmured, “you didn’t tell me you got a new bathing suit for the trip.”
Raven was wearing a white bikini which complimented all her best assets, in Anya’s humble opinion.
“I’m not sure how it looks,” Raven said, fussing with the fabric as she tried to pull material up and around to cover the marks of a triplet pregnancy and the much faded but still obvious scar on her left leg. She pulled her brace off and set it next to the chair, rubbing at the now exposed skin.
“You look gorgeous,” Anya whispered, moving closer to run her hands up Raven’s sides to her shoulders. “You are just as beautiful to me as you were the first time I saw you. Stretch marks, battle scars and all.”
“You just have to say that because you’re my wife,” Raven said.
“Not true,” Anya replied, “I say it because it’s true.” She moved to sit on the edge of Raven’s chair and leaned forward to capture her mouth in a passionate kiss.
“Gross, Auntie Anya,” a familiar voice said. “You two kiss way too much.”
Raven burst into laughter and Anya sat up to turn and take in the newest arrival. Matteo, now nearly eleven and just as serious as ever, was standing with his little sister and his parents.
“I see you found the pool okay,” Anya said with a grin. “The triplets are already in the water with Gran-Gran and Pops.”
“Come on, Rae,” Matteo said as he took his little sister’s hand. “Let’s go swim.”
“I’m so glad you two were able to make it,” Anya said, standing up to greet Echo and Sinclair.
“Us too,” Echo answered. “I am in need of a vacation so bad, you have no idea.”
“Well sit back and enjoy all the ship had to offer,” Anya said. “I don’t know about you two, but I intend to take advantage of all the free babysitting while I can.”
*
Dinner the first night at sea was a formal affair, and all the kids were polished and dressed to the nines, much to Indra’s delight. Anya sat back and looked around the table at all of the faces gathered, and felt her breath hitch for a second. Who would have thought, all those years earlier when Echo moved in, that it would all end up here. That Anya would end up with the love of her life, and three beautiful children. That the eternal bachelor neighbour who she spoke to occasionally would end up being more like a brother to her than a neighbour, with his own wife and family. Her sister was married and a mother now too, and Anya had never seen her parents so radiantly in love, even after fifty years of marriage.
“I want to raise a toast,” Anya called out above the din. Everyone, including even the littlest kids, stopped what they were doing to pay attention.
Anya held her glass of wine up, and tried to control her emotions as she spoke. “I look around this table and I see so many different people who all came together in one way or another, to form this great, noisy, beautiful family. And I couldn’t be prouder or more happy to be here tonight with each and every one of you.”
She swallowed hard and continued, “To family!”
“To family!” The response was resounding, repeated by fifteen voices all at once.