Home At Last
In Kathryn's wildest dreams she had never imagined that it would be like this. The butterflies in her stomach felt more like the ships in the swarm Voyager had encountered. This was what she had spent seven years longing for. She was happy beyond belief, but frightened that something might interfere with the day that they both had longed for during Voyager's long sojourn.
She clutched Owen's arm nervously as B'Elanna took her place in the front. Suddenly, a few loud chords played, and then a melody that was still in use centuries later began playing.
Everyone stood to their feet as Owen escorted Kathryn down the aisle where Chakotay stood waiting for her. Seven years of working side by side to get home had paid off. Now, they could be together. They would still serve in Starfleet, but had both chosen to work at the Academy.
They stopped where Chakotay stood before the chaplain. Owen placed Kathryn's hand into Chakotay's. "You take good care of her, young man," he whispered with a smile.
"I will," he replied as he gazed into the depths of her blue eyes. They turned to face the chaplain.
"Do both of you come freely of your own will to be joined as husband and wife?"
"I do," they both replied at the same time.
He looked at those assembled. "Kathryn and Chakotay have opted for a very simple ceremony." He looked back at them. "Chakotay, do you take Kathryn as your wife?"
"I do," he replied gazing into Kathryn's eyes with an abiding love.
"Kathryn, do you take Chakotay as your husband?"
"Yes, I do," she whispered.
"May I have the rings?" the chaplain asked.
Tom and B'Elanna handed him the rings.
He handed one to Chakotay. "Please place the ring on Kathryn's finger and repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed."
He slid the ring on her finger and said, "With this ring I thee wed."
He handed the other ring to Kathryn. "Please place the ring on Chakotay's finger and repeat after me. With this ring I thee wed."
"With this ring I thee wed," she said softly as she slid the ring on his finger.
The Chaplain smiled, "By the power vested in me by Starfleet, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
Chakotay drew her into his arms and gave her a lingering kiss.
It was done, they were finally together.