Objection | SVU

Chapter 17

We were now on our way to the wedding reception, which would be the best part of the entire celebration- besides the honeymoon. Rafael wouldn't tell me where we were going on our honeymoon because he wanted to surprise me. The entire wedding party knew, including Benson and the rest of the SVU detectives, and it was killing me that I didn't know.

Our wedding reception was taking place at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. The cool part was that the Boathouse was on The Lake in Central Park, so we'd have a great, peaceful view of Central Park, along with the skyline of the city that had given so much to both Rafael and I. There were little boats that we could take onto the Lake, and both Rafael and I wanted to get on one of those boats before the night was over. We had arrived at the Loeb Boathouse about 5 minutes ago, but I was still admiring the view. I simply marvelled at the beauty of the park and said, "Wow, it's so beautiful." Rafael smirked and replied, "Not as beautiful as you." I looked at him with a blank expression, dissapointed in his corny pickup line. I playfully said, "Rafi, I'm yours. You don't need pickup lines anymore." Rafael chuckled and replied, "I want you to know how beautiful you look tonight. Seriously, Jess. You look stunning. I almost cried as you were coming down the aisle with Nathan." I smiled at Rafael's sincerity and pure love, and we waited for the rest of the guests and the wedding party to walk into the venue before we got out of our little limousine and entering the Boathouse.

As everyone finished getting settled inside the Boathouse, Rafael helped me out of the limousine. He took my hand and smiled triumphantly as he said, "Mrs. Barba." I laughed and smiled up at him, and he escorted me into the Boathouse. We waited in the lobby with the rest of the wedding party, and we listened as everyone was introduced. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were introduced, along with the maid of honor and the best man. Next was us.

As GDFR by Flo Rida began to play in the background, the DJ said, "And now, who we've all been waiting for. The bride and the groom... Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Barba!" When the beat dropped, Rafael and I entered into the reception room and danced our way to the dance floor. As we partied, I saw Benson make her way up to me and hand me a glass of champagne. She clinked her glass with mine as she said, "Congrats, Jess!" I smiled widely as it all began to sink in.

I had just married the man of my dreams.

*

As we all danced the night away, the time came for the special dances on the floor. I had already danced with most of the team, and I was so happy to have a family like them by my side. Rafael and his mother, Lucia, danced to "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack. It was a beautiful few minutes between Rafael and his mother, and of course, Lucia was crying as her head laid in Rafael's shoulder. Rafi was whispering to her, and I could tell that they were having a very heartfelt conversation. I looked over to see Nathan, getting ready for what would have been the father-daughter dance. We made it the brother-bride dance because of the familial circumstances that we've been left with.

After Rafael and Lucia finished the mother and son dance, Nathan escorted me out to the dance floor. I looked over at Rafael, and he looked at me with a mix of love and sympathy in his eyes. I looked up at Nathan as "You've Got A Friend" by James Taylor began playing, and I couldn't help but think of how happy my father would have been to share this moment with me. The tears began to slip from my eyes, and Nathan comforted me as he swayed us back and forth. 

When you're down and troubled, and you need a helping hand, and nothing, nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest night. You just call out my name and you know wherever I am, I'll come running, oh yeah baby, to see you again. Winter, spring, summer or fall, all you've got to do is call and I'll be there, you've got a friend...