TItle: All or nothing
Security Chief Michael Garibaldi drew his new wife close as they danced. They had closed Earhart's for the wedding reception. Tables had been moved to create a larger dance floor. A circle of their friends surrounded he and Susan. Michael knew without a doubt that he'd never been happier in his life than he was at that moment. It'd been six months since they'd both nearly been killed in the explosion in Red Sector. Michael had been grateful for every day since.
"You know what I wish?"Michael asked softly.
"What?"Susan prompted smiling.
"That we could freeze time. Be locked in this day forever."Michael explained returning her smile.
"As lovely as that is."Susan responded. "We'd never get to the honeymoon if we did that."
"True."Michael said as he leaned forward and kissed his spouse.
Good natured whistling and cheering from their friends finally broke Susan and Michael apart. They turned to the group smiling. Other couples poured onto the dance floor as the music turned up tempo. Susan and Michael joined them.
"You guys know I'm not one for speeches."Michael began a half hour later as he sat at the head of a long table. "But I wanted you to know that both Susan and I are grateful for each of your friendships and glad that you could be here to share in our happiness."
"Here, here."Steven Franklin cheered with a smile. "About time you two made it official."
Laughter rippled up and down the table.
"To Mr. and Mrs. Garibaldi."Sheridan toasted as he raised his champagne glass. "May they have a long and happy marriage."
Cheers and applause broke out. Michael glanced at his wife across the table and smiled. She smiled back. The universe or fate or whatever you chose to call it had sent them a wake up call. They'd listened. Some may say six months was a fast engagement, but both he and Susan knew how short and fragile life was. They hadn't wanted to risk losing a day of whatever happiness they had in the years ahead.
"I love you."Susan said reaching across to take Michael's right hand in hers.
Michael squeezed her hand before interlacing their fingers.
"Love you too."Michael replied softly.
There was a planet called Persa that was a gate hop from the Milky Way. Only three large land masses on a green ocean it catered to the tourist trade. The tropical island planet it marketed itself as with it's mild climate. Now twenty-four hours after their wedding Michael stood next to Susan as they walked through a busy marina. They'd arrived that morning and had just enjoyed lunch at an outdoor cafe. Now they strolled hand in hand looking at the water craft.
"It's so beautiful here."Susan commented as they turned and headed back to the hotel.
"It is."Michael agreed."Maybe a midnight swim later?"
"Ocean not the pool."Susan replies with a grin.
"Deal."Michael agreed.
Susan stopped and tugged Michael out of the way of foot traffic. There was a cluster of palm trees and a bench. She paused to the left of the bench and kissed Michael. He smiled as Susan backed him against the tree. He buried his hands in her hair as they continued kissing. Yes, married life he could get used to.
Hours after their midnight swim Susan lay awake watching her new husband sleep. Michael
had fallen asleep with one arm draped across her waist. He wasn't conventionally handsome but Susan
found Michael sexy as hell none the less. Which she figured was a good trait in a mate.
Marriage. Husband. Two things Susan had never really thought she'd have. Being career focused a personal life fell to the low end of the priority list. Most times when you mixed work relationships with personal ones it normally ended badly. Susan was glad this one hadn't. Still part of her worried how they would merge their working and personal lives. Being with each other twenty-four/seven would be a challenge in any relationship.
Susan leaned forward and lightly placed a kiss on Michael's forehead. As she snuggled back under the blankets and Susan knew they'd be able to tackle whatever obstacles life threw at them. With a smile Susan curled up next to her husband and fell asleep.