Beyond The Illusions

The October morning dawned crisp and clear, the venue was decorated in navy blue, grey, plum, and dusty mauve. Meredith stood before a full-length mirror, her fingers tracing the subtle lace details of her wedding dress while Cristina adjusted the train behind her.

"You know," Cristina said, smoothing out a wrinkle, "I never thought I'd see you do this again. But this time... this time feels right, Mer."

"It does," Meredith replied, watching her reflection smile. "Where's my little monkey?"

As if on cue, Luca's gleeful squeal echoed through the bridal suite as Alex chased him around the room, the toddler's tiny dress shoes clicking against the floor. "Unca Awex! No catch!"

"Come here, you little speed demon," Alex laughed, finally scooping up the squirming boy. "Your mommy needs to see how handsome you look in your suit."

Meredith turned from the mirror, her heart swelling at the sight of her son in his tiny navy suit, complete with a dusty mauve bowtie that matched the wedding's color scheme. "Look at my handsome man!"

"Mommy pwetty!" Luca declared, reaching for her with grabby hands. Alex carefully transferred him to Meredith's arms, mindful of her dress.

"Remember what we practiced, buddy?" Cristina asked, adjusting Luca's bowtie. "You walk with me down the aisle and hold the rings really carefully."

"Wings for Mommy and Mama!" Luca nodded seriously, though his expression quickly turned mischievous. "Bwailey here?"

"Yes, Dr. Bailey is here." Meredith laughed, sharing an amused look with her friends. Since Luca's first word had been 'Bailey,' the chief of general had become one of his favorite people, much to everyone's entertainment.
A knock at the door preceded Bailey herself entering, already dabbing at her eyes.

"Now, look at this beautiful family getting ready. And there's my favorite little resident!" Bailey beamed as she shut the door to the bridal suite behind her.

"Bwailey!" Luca squealed, practically launching himself from Meredith's arms. Bailey caught him with practiced ease, also happy to get some Luca cuddles.

"You ready to help your mamas get married, little man?" Bailey asked, settling him on her hip.

"Yes! I good wing bearer!" Luca declared proudly. "Aunie Cwistina says I do good ten I get exta cake!"

"You're bribing my kid?" Meredith tried to maintain a serious expression, but a small smile was tugging at her lips.

"What do you care? He's staying with me and Alex tonight so you and Addison can have a night to yourselves before we leave for Italy tomorrow." Cristina snorted. "It's not like you'll be the one dealing with the sugar rush. I figure if he can't sleep tonight, he'll just crash on the plane."

"Way to use your critical thinking skills, Yang." Bailey chuckled as Luca played with the neckline on her dress happily.

Another knock announced Amelia and Lizzie's arrival, Lizzie in a dusty blue knee length dress while Amelia's dress was a dark plum with black lace along the neckline and skirt. "The entire venue looks amazing," Lizzie reported, "and Addison is..." she paused, grinning, "well, you'll see."

"Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this." Amelia carefully hugged Meredith and then almost started crying as she took her the blonde's appearance for the first time. "Oh my god, you look... Addison's going to drop dead!"

"Filter Amy, our nephew can hear you." Lizzie laughed. "She's right though, you look amazing. Addison's heart may not be able to take it."

"I heawt docta! I help!" Luca grinned from Bailey's arms.