Three weeks later...

"You may kiss the bride."

The minister quickly discovered that Matt didn't need to be told twice. While maintaining his balance with the use of his crutches, Matt leaned forward to claim his wife's lips. Gently cupping his face, Ellen willing accepted her husband's kiss. In time, the kiss ended amid cheers and cattle calls from the wedding's guests.

"Congratulations, Drs. Harmon! Best wishes for a happy life!"

Neither Ellen nor Matt knew who called out to them, and it didn't matter. What mattered was the sentiment. Looking into each other's eyes, they knew that they would have a happy life together.

Kevin produced Matt's wheelchair for him and helped him ease into it. With Ellen holding his hand, Matt led the way down the aisle. Kevin, the best man, and Dara, the matron of honor, followed the newlyweds. Everyone else followed suit, leaving the church to meet again at the Port Charles Grille for the reception. However, there were two couples that lagged behind.

"A week," John suggested, holding on tightly to Carrie's hand.

"A month," she countered.

John paused in the center of the aisle to look back over his shoulder. "Dawn, wanna help me out here?"

"What do you need?" Dawn asked, giggling as Lucky wrapped his arm around her waist. "You know I'm always here to help you!"

"Ah, that's my sweetheart," John said. As she and Lucky joined him and her mother, John swiftly placed a loud kiss on her cheek. "I knew that I count on you. Would you please talk some sense into your mother?"

"Mama, say yes, for goodness' sakes!"

"Listen you," Carrie said, with a smile, "you haven't even heard the question. And, don't switch sides so easily. Have you forgotten who gave birth to you?"

Dawn took hold of her mother's hand. "I'll never forget that."

"But that doesn't mean you can't help me," John quickly interjected. "Your mother is giving me the run around. She won't set a date."

"And, he's not giving you the full story," Carrie defended herself. "I have a date for him, but he doesn't like it."

"So compromise is out of the question?" Lucky asked, humor twinkling in his eyes as he looked at Carrie and John.

John's frown was lessened by the smile that appeared on his face. "I can compromise. I wanted to get married today, but she didn't want to. So, I offered for next week and she's still not having it."

"You call that a compromise?" Lucky laughed.

"Thank you, Lucky," Carrie said, smiling at the younger man.

"But Mama, haven't you and John waited long enough. Why not just marry him? We could get it together in a week."

John's grin broadened. "Thank you, Dawn! Listen to your daughter, Carrie. She makes sense."

"Oh, you two!" Carrie groaned. "A week is too soon. Two weeks and that's my final offer!"

John released a whoop that shook the stained glass windows. Lovingly, he swept Carrie into his arms and swung her around. When he lowered her to the ground and kissed her, Lucky and Dawn quietly left them alone.

Lucky steered Dawn's CRV left when the rest of the wedding party drove right. Dawn gave him a quizzical glance. "The Port Charles Grille is that way. Where are we going?"

Lucky answered her question with a shrug and a smile.

"Lucky!" she said, her curiosity at a high peak. "We'll miss the reception."

"It's just cake and champagne," he said. "There will be cake and champagne where we're going. I promise."

She stared at him, hoping that their destination would magically appear on his forehead. It didn't and she frowned. "Can I get a hint?"

Smiling, he shook his head. "Nope."

"Lucky!"

"And whining will get you nowhere," he added. She grumbled to herself and looked away from him. He cast a glance in her direction. "Pouting won't help either. Patience, my love."

"I'm not a patient woman."

He chuckled softly. "I'm learning that…"

Narrowing her eyes, she looked at him. There was a smirk on his face, but the white knuckles that gripped the steering wheel gave him away. He was playing the self-assured man to the hilt, but he was nervous, too. Should she cut him some slack? Hmm…

He glanced at her again. "I'm afraid to ask," he said upon the look in her eyes. "Besides," he said, turning his gaze back to the road again. "We're here."

"Where's here?" she asked turning away from him to look at their surroundings. The sight was familiar. "This is your place. We're at your place. Why are we here?"

"You'll see." He turned the ignition off with the flick of his wrist. In the next second, he had hopped out of the car and was standing beside her door. He opened it with the flourish of a gallant knight. With a slight bow, he extended his hand out to his lady. She graciously slipped her hand in his and exited the car.

"I won't ask any more questions," she said softly, as she walked beside him. "I know that this will be good."

He smiled at her. Under his breath, he mumbled, "I certainly hope so."

With a firm hand at the small of her back, Lucky guided Dawn up the staircase to his small one bedroom apartment that was above the Outback. The steps didn't so much as creak as they made their slow ascent. Finally, they reached the door and Lucky quickly opened it and ushered Dawn inside.

The romantic setting of the apartment diminished Lucky's hurried movements. Bouquets of beautiful, fragrant red roses adorned the room. Behind her, Lucky moved, and soft music suddenly filled the silence. Dawn's breath caught in her throat as Lucky came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist and began to gently sway to the music.

'Maybe it's intuition
But some things you just don't question
Like in your eyes
I see my future in an instant
and there it goes
I think I've found my best friend
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe'

He took her hand and gently turned her around until she faced him. The brightness of his eyes shocked her. Electric heat burned her to the depths of her soul. He wanted her. It was so clearly shining in his eyes. The knowledge overwhelmed her. She could only gasp his name. "Lucky..."

'I knew I loved you before I met you
I think I dreamed you into life
I knew I loved you before I met you
I have been waiting all my life…'

Placing her hands at his waist, he secured their embrace. Trembling hands cupped her face. "From the first moment... I felt this urge to...be near you. I tried to ignore the urge and you. I tried to push you away, but I couldn't. Despite what I said or did, I couldn't stay away when I knew that you needed me. I wanted to help you...to be there for you..."

"To be my calm during my storm?" she asked softly. "You were. You are."

'There's just no rhyme or reason
only this sense of completion
and in your eyes
I see the missing pieces'
I'm searching for…'

"There won't be any walking away tonight, Dawn," Lucky said, his voice deep and husky. "If you still want me, I want to love you. Tonight."

'I think I found my way home
I know that it might sound more than
a little crazy but I believe…'

"I still want you," Dawn told him. "Tonight and all the nights that follow."

No other encouragement was needed. Lucky lowered his head and his mouth hungrily covered hers. His tongue darted out. Sliding sensuously, it traced the fullness of her mouth before sliding inside. Their tongues collided. The kinetic heat that they had kept at bay exploded and there was no looking back for either of them.

Dawn's hands were everywhere at once. His strong jaw line, his dark blonde hair and the back of his neck were sensuously acquainted with her small, roving hands. Her mouth pulled away from his to trail light kisses against his mouth and chin. Lucky moaned low in his throat, enjoying the attention she gave him.

She smiled as she felt him relax under her touch. She brushed her lips against his for a brief moment and then she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close to her. "This day has been beautiful. This night will put it to shame."

"Promises, promises," Lucky hoarsely whispered as he returned her embrace. His hands slid over her arms, back and backside and back up again. He gasped softly as she trembled against him. "I love you, Dawn," he murmured against her cheek. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he scooped her inside his arms. He carried her across the living room and into his bedroom. He groaned with pleasure as he released her and she wantonly pressed her body against his. "You're driving me insane."

"Good," she whispered seductively. "I've been crazy for you for ages. It's good that you'll be with me all the way now."

Lightly grasping her hands, he raised them to his lips. He kissed her fingertips with immeasurable tenderness. "I'm with you, sweetheart. They'll be no turning back for me. I'm ready for us to be one."

"Oh, Lucky..." Dawn moved into his arms. Lifting her head, she pressed her open mouth against his. Her kiss was slow and drugging. Together, they were suspended through time to a realm where the moment would last an eternity.

Shivering with passion, Dawn pulled away. Moonlight streamed through the open curtain and cast warm shadows in the room. Their silhouette appeared on the wall. Two lovers joining together for the first time. Dawn smiled as she looked back at Lucky. He had been unbuttoning his shirt, but stopped when she looked at him again. "Allow me," she suggested and her fingers replaced his. His shirt and jacket fell to the floor. "You're perfect," she murmured, her fingers trailing over his collarbone, his hard pecs and then lower to his abdomen.

"I want to see you, too," Lucky slowly admitted, his voice a breathless whisper. He sat on the edge of the bed, facing her. His legs parted and gave her room to stand between them. Taking his time, he raised his eyes to her. Her chocolate brown eyes had watched his every move and suddenly he felt nervous and unsure of himself. His face grew hot and he lowered his eyes to the floor.

"Watch," she instructed.

He raised his head to look at her. His breath lodged in his throat as Dawn's hands disappeared behind her back. He watched in silent fascination as her pale shimmery gown fell to the floor. Her slip soon followed. He drew in a sharp intake of air as she stood before him, wearing only her bra, panties and thigh high stockings. She placed one small foot on his hard thigh and asked, "Want to help?"

Lucky shook with anticipation. Trembling, his hands reached for her thigh. His hands skimmed her soft, inner thigh as he lowered the stockings down first one leg and then the other. When he looked up to her face at her reaction, he was pleased to discover that she had discarded her bra while he had been hard at work. "You are perfection," he growled, pulling her to him.

He kissed her thoroughly as he moved her to his lap. Gently, he lowered her onto her back. His lean body covered hers and the kiss deepened.

Dawn groaned with unbridled passion as his hardness rubbed against her. Unable to resist, her hands lightly grazed his erection. Her fingers shook as she undid the top button and slowly unzipped his pants.

Dragging his mouth from hers, Lucky moaned, "Dawn..."

"Ssh," she whispered. "It's okay."

Taking a deep breath, she looked down. Subconsciously, she licked her lips, as his black cotton boxer briefs left nothing to her imagination. Entranced, she slid her hand inside his pants and he filled up the palm of her hand.

"Dawn," he groaned again. His eyes were glued to her hand as she stroked and squeezed him. He shivered slightly as she slid her other hand inside his pants. Both hands kneaded him gently, lovingly. He pressed himself against her as he moaned again.

Dawn shifted underneath Lucky on the bed. Her hands continued to hold him and she marveled at how good he felt. He drew in loud, harsh breaths and his erection became harder. The effect she had on him enthralled her. His manhood twitched in her hand, causing both of them to moan. His erotic response to her gentle caresses aroused her, and she trembled in her need to see more of him. She slowly removed her hands from his pants and then tugged on his black pants, pulling on them until they fell to the floor, too.

Starting at the base of her throat, he trailed his fingers down her body. He lightly caressed the swell of her breasts and then the valley between them. His fingers moved lower over her flat belly, encircled her navel and then lower to the waistband of her panties. He paused for a moment to look into her brown eyes. Their eyes locked and then his fingers slid down lower. Through her damp, satin panties, he discovered her moist center. He began to caress her there just as thoroughly as she had caressed him.

Her fingers dug into his arms as his inquisitive fingers found her tiny pearl. The friction of her underwear against her sensitive skin sent shivers through her again. She moaned, "Lucky," as she became dizzy and rested her head against his chest.

Her reaction fueled him. Lucky quickly removed her panties. His fingers sought and found her pleasure point again. Increasing his pace with circular strokes, his caresses drove her wild. Dawn's hips moved in time with his motion. Despite his lack of experience he knew that her release was near. He wanted to taste it and feel it.

His mouth closed over hers again, and parting her lips, he moved his tongue inside. Still kissing her, he slid over her until he was on top of her. His weight rested on his forearms and elbows as he eased his lower body between her parted legs. His fingers heightened the pace, pressing intimately against her. Her hands glided down his perspiration slick back to cup his behind. Her legs wrapped around his as she pressed him closer against her. Dawn whimpered as their bodies molded together.

"Lucky," she moaned. "Please... I want you inside me, baby... Now..."

"Okay." He removed his fingers from her and reached for the small box that lay on his nightstand. Fumbling with the box, he shook as he tried to open it.

"Let me," she said, her breathing labored. She sat up and instructed for him to lie down. She then took the box from him and easily opened it. The small foil packet fell into the palm of her hand.

Straddling his hips, she removed the condom from the package. Taking her time, she slid it down over him. He moaned aloud in agonizing pleasure. "It gets better," she promised him.

Sliding upwards, Dawn moved. Lucky's hands roughly grasped her hips. He held on tightly to her as she guided his manhood inside of her.

Setting up the pace, Dawn rocked on top of him. He moved in time with her motion. His thrusts were slow and deep as their bodies adjusted to each other. Dawn's back arched in anticipation of his movement.

She lowered herself on top of him. Her breasts were flat against his chest and their hearts beat in unison. His hands slid down to her lower back as her hips pressed against his. Her voice breathed into his ear, "Faster, Lucky. Please. Oh, Lucky…harder…"

Her thighs tightened around him as he obeyed her command. He shuddered as the first spasm overtook him. "Are you there, yet?" he panted.

"Almost. Baby, it's okay," she whispered. "Just keep going. Don't stop. Please, don't stop now."

He slid in deeper inside her as his manhood erupted. She accepted his deeper movements and then, suddenly her body became taut. As her release swept over her, she moaned his name, telling him repeatedly how much she loved him.

They rode the last moments of their climax together. In time, their breathing returned to normal. Lucky's arms held Dawn close to him. Her head rested on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She sighed softly as his fingers played with her hair. With a smile on her face, she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Lucky's slumber overtook him at a slower pace. His thoughts were on the amazing woman who lay in his arms as the sandman came to him. In the first time since he returned to Port Charles, he truly felt like he had come home.

A bottle of the Port Charles Grille's finest champagne chilled in a sterling silver bucket of ice. Soothing jazz played in the background, filling in the silence. Alone, the newlyweds sat on the huge king size bed, facing each other. Neither had spoken for several minutes. Completely overcome with happiness, neither had found words necessary.

"We made it," Matt said, breaking the silence. He reached out his hand to her. His fingers rolled her wedding band around her finger. "Finally, you're my wife."

"Finally," she agreed. "It has taken a long time."

"But it has definitely been worth the wait." He settled himself against the pillows and opened his arms. "Come here, my love. Let's love each other."

Ellen moved into his arms with a smile on her face. "You've been reading my mind."

One of Matt's hands splayed against her back as the other hand tilted her chin towards him. His mouth descended on hers, capturing her succulent lips. Tugging gently, he suckled her bottom lip. He pulled it inside his mouth, running his tongue back and forth. Ellen moaned in satisfaction.

Her hands glided across his bare chest, reveling in the smooth texture of his skin. An invitation to remove his pajama bottoms greeted her as her fingers moved lower to trace the line of his waistband. She gave a hard pull, deftly removing the silk barrier that separated her from her destination.

Reluctantly, he pulled his mouth from hers. "Oh, Ellen," Matt moaned softly as her hands squeezed his broad back. He held her hard against him as they rolled onto their sides. Leaning towards her, he showered kisses around her mouth and then lower down her throat. As he nuzzled her neck, her gripped on him tightened. "I love it when you respond like that," he growled before he directed his attention to the hollow of her throat.

As their passion heightened, Ellen's ivory negligee and matching panties fell to the floor. Their hot nude forms slid between the crisp, cool black silk sheets. Their bodies ground together, tangling the sheet around them. Not needing the interference, Matt ripped the sheets from their bodies and flung it away from them. He then just as quickly he covered her mouth with his again.

His mouth's assault began on her lips but then it left her mouth to begin a heated exploration. Ellen's fingers threaded his dark, grayish hair, guiding his head to her more sensitive parts. His tongue lapped at her breasts. His hot breath teased her tingling flesh as his tongue swirled around her nipple. Closer and closer he moved until he slowly drew the hardened nub inside his mouth.

"Matt!" she squealed as he suckled her first gently and then hungrily.

Inflamed by her response, he alternated between kneading her feverish flesh with his hands and loving her thoroughly with his mouth and tongue. Ellen responded by clawing his back. The involuntary action drove Matt wild.

"You've become such a wildcat," he murmured as he bit down gently on her. She gasped and he quickly rewarded her by licking her ferociously.

"I can't help it," she whimpered. "You're making me feel so good."

"I promise that it'll get better," he said, raising his head to look at her. "I have something that will make even better." His promise was honored as he slid his hand down her body, stopping as he reached her soft nest of curls. She groaned loudly and he smiled. "I knew you'd like it," he told her as he stroked her moist opening.

"Ooh…" she screamed as the first wave of her orgasm claimed her. The tension that had gripped her body with the first wave disappeared and soon she was soaring. Matt's name was on her lips the entire time.

The trip back down to earth was sweet and warm. Matt held her within a tight embrace, accepting each spasm and loving every one of them. Ellen's head rested on Matt's shoulder. Parting her mouth, she open mouth kissed his shoulders and chest. Her hands trailed down his body, seeking and finding his manhood.

Between her loving hands, he throbbed. His sex was hard and promised to fill her completely. Her caresses started slowly but began to build in speed. In her rapid pacing, his erection brushed against her thighs. Involuntarily, she quivered. The flame of passion had been ignited within her once again.

"Come on, Ellen," he growled. Covering his hands with her, he guided his sex to hers.

She moaned loudly in his ear as he filled her. To heighten the intensity, she threw her leg over his. Setting up a rhythm, she moved against him. He slid inside her deeper and deeper. Ecstasy was close at hand. And when it came, it hit them both hard, causing them to shudder under its impact.

Later, as they lay together with the sheet and comforter covering them, their thoughts drifted back to their wedding. A smile of contentment was on their faces, mirroring the contentment of their souls. Sighing softly, Ellen said, "This has been well worth the wait, my love."

"And, you remember what I said, right?" Matt asked, silently agreeing with her.

"That it will only get better," she answered. "You're right. We have the best. Nothing will ever tear us apart again. Matt, I'm yours for life."

"I'll take that as a promise," he replied in a low voice. "And to counter that offer, I'm yours forever, too."

"Here, here," she purred.

"Here, here."