Chapter 7

As soon as they were alone, Gina's smile dissolved into a serious expression as she glanced at his bandaged hand. "Sam, we need to talk."

"Yeah, I planned on telling you what happened to us last night."

Her look softened, and she asked, "Really? It wasn't something top secret?"

"No, it was just supposed to be an innocent sunset cruise. Let's go get some breakfast and I'll tell you all about it."

Gina drove them down the causeway to her home. "I think you need to clean up and change before we go anywhere."

Sam glanced down at himself. "Yeah, I guess I came out of this one a little worse than usual." He just realized that he left his shirt on the yacht, if it was still hanging out the porthole. Hopefully when he and Virgil worked on fixing up the boat after the wedding, he would be able to retrieve it. And hopefully it would be in good condition after the beating it must have taken during their flight. The rest of his clothes didn't look much better, smudged with dirt and ripped in places.

"Maybe it would be better if we stayed at home, and you can tell me now, because I'm mystified as to how this happened." She let out a small sigh and placed both hands on the steering wheel. By the way she gripped it, he could tell she was not happy. There'd been issues before due to his activities with Michael and Fi, and he suspected that she was tiring of this.

He took a breath, collected his thoughts, and filled her in on their bachelor excursion gone wrong. The entire time, she wore a look of disbelief and now and then shook her head.

"I don't understand how you can go out on a cruise and wind up being attacked by pirates," Gina said as she pulled into the driveway. "I mean, that's insane!"

"Not really. Our biggest mistake was going too far out in the water. If we'd stayed within sight of shore, we probably would have been okay." Sam got out of the car and followed her inside. "I'm going to jump in the shower and change, I'll be down in a bit."

"Be careful with that bandaged hand!" She headed toward the kitchen while Sam went upstairs.

He picked out some clean clothes to change into and ducked into the bathroom. Before getting into the shower, he removed the bandage from his hand. It didn't look too bad, and in fact, exposing the burns to air would probably be a good thing, so he left it open. He stepped into the steaming shower and took care with how he used his hand.

"Sam?" The sliding door moved and Gina stood on the other side smiling at him. She held up a rubber glove and waved it. "I thought maybe you could use this to keep your hand dry."

"Thanks." He grinned and appreciated her resourcefulness. "But I decided it might be better to just leave it out in the air." He held up his hand long enough for her to get a glance at it.

"It looks terrible, but... you might still want to be careful with it." She looked up at him with a playful smile. "Need any help in there?"

"Wow, what an offer. As tempting as that is, I better get this done so we have time to grab some breakfast. Then I might try to get a little sleep."

She sighed dramatically, leaned sideways so she had a better view of him, and her smile wiped off her face when she saw the bruising on his left side. "Sam! How did that happen?"

"I told you that pirate kicked me...twice." He ran a hand over the tender ribs. "It's okay, nothing's broken." He looked at Gina and saw sadness in her eyes. He reached out and caressed her cheek. "Really, I'll be fine, baby."

She shook her head. "How can you be so casual about it? After all this time and all the things you've told me about some of your other scrapes..." She paused. "I don't know how you can keep doing these things!" She turned away and the bathroom door closed behind her as she left him alone.

Sam closed the shower door and finished washing off the grime from his ordeal. There wasn't anything he could do about how Gina felt. At least now she had a truer picture of what he did. When they dealt with Kira being left at Fi's and unraveling the mystery as to why she was abandoned, Gina thought it was exciting, like the novels she read. She wanted to help, but when things looked like they might be dangerous, he refused her. She didn't understand that this was real life, blood and bruises, and everything else that went with triumphing over bad guys. If she couldn't handle his work, decisions needed to be made. Either he had to quit, or he and Gina couldn't be together. He shook his head. He wasn't ready to make that sacrifice one way or the other.

Sam dressed and stepped into the kitchen, hoping to find Gina there, but the room was empty. He looked out the sliding glass doors, but she wasn't at the pool either. She was nowhere to be found in any of the rooms downstairs. He went to the front door, shielded his eyes against the bright sun, and peered at the driveway. Her car was gone.

"Where'd she go," Sam muttered to himself. In the kitchen, he picked up the phone and called her cell, but she didn't answer it. Well, I guess the decision's been made for me. She left without saying she was leaving. She must want me out of here.

He found a pad of paper and pen, bent over the kitchen island, and tried to think of the kindest way to say goodbye. He really liked Gina, and he'd hoped this time he hit the jackpot when it came to love. But it wasn't meant to be. When Gina returned, Sam planned on being gone. He had enough emergency cash to get him a cab to Mike's place, and with luck, he could stay there while the newlyweds went on their honeymoon. By then his life would be back to normal, at least identification wise, and he'd have his own place again.

"Sam? I'm back!" Gina's voice echoed in the foyer and her heels clicked on the marble floor as she closed in on him. She entered the kitchen and stared at him standing next to the island with his wide eyes full of guilt as he tried to get the key off his key ring. "I just ran to the store for some eggs, and..." The words came out thick and soft. She set a bag on the island, saw the note he just finished writing, and her hand gently grasped his elbow. "What are you doing?"

He looked down into eyes that were uncomprehending. "I...I thought you took off to give me time to get out."

"Get out? Why would I want you to do that?" A spark lit up her eyes and she slowly nodded. "I understand. You thought that I was mad at you and couldn't handle everything you told me. Sam, I love you." Her smile was tender as she turned him to face her, and she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. "I wasn't planning on falling in love with a guy who goes off on all these missions and things like a spy, but I can adjust." She kissed him until they both felt as if bolts of electricity ran up and down their bodies. "The question is, are you willing to put up with me?"

"I don't understand. What's there to put up with? You're perfect."

"I'm far from it, but I'm flattered that you think I am." The smile that lit up her face was amazing, and it made him realize that he'd read her all wrong. She closed in for another kiss. "You've got a few things to learn about me yet." She kissed him again until his knees grew weak, and she whispered against his lips, "What did you have to do before the wedding?"

He wrapped his arms around her and held her as close as he could with his sore ribs. "Um...nothing important."

A few minutes later, the cab driver rang the doorbell, but there was no answer.


Fiona stood in the dressing room putting the finishing touches on her makeup. Maddie played with the ringlets of hair trailing down from Fiona's updo, spritzing them with hairspray to keep them in place. The clock on the wall showed that it was twelve fifty. Fiona expected to be excited, but not like this! The butterflies threatened to beat a hole in her stomach so they could escape.

"Are you okay?" Maddie smiled at her in the mirror.

Fiona gave her a shaky smile. "Of course, why shouldn't I be?"

A knock sounded on the door. "Hang on." Maddie went to answer it and found her younger son on the other side looking extremely agitated. "Nate, what are you doing?"

"Ma," Nate whispered so Fiona wouldn't hear. "Michael isn't here yet. We were supposed to do the guys' pictures at twelve thirty, and he didn't show up. I got a hold of Sam, and he went over there to check on him, but that was a while ago."

"What? He should have been here by now," she rasped and looked back at Fiona. Thankfully, the younger woman was too intent on straightening the crown of flowers in her hair to notice. "Did you try calling?"

"He lost his phone to the pirates, remember?"

"Oh." Her lips set into a firm, bright red line. "Well, go to the loft and get him, and hopefully Sam is there too! Michael is not backing out and letting my daughter-in-law wait in vain at the altar!"

"Y-yes, Ma!" Nate hurried down the hall and Maddie closed the door.

She turned and found Fiona standing before her ready to step down the aisle, her bouquet held tightly in her hands and a tense look on her face. "It's about Michael, isn't it."

Maddie grimaced. "Nate is getting him, honey. Don't worry, he'll be here!"


Sam and Gina climbed the stairs to the loft and Sam poked his head inside. "Hey Mikey, you ready to go? Oh, great!"

"What? What's wrong?" Gina slipped inside with him and they approached the figure laid out on the bed. Michael was still asleep, his body twisted in the sheets.

"Mike, wake up! Come on, buddy, you're late!"

While Sam leaned over and woke Michael, Gina hurried across the open space to the stairs leading to the office loft, where Michael's suit bag hung. She unzipped it and checked to make sure everything was inside.

"Sam?" Michael groaned. "What time is it?" He glared at the clock on the bed side table. "I thought I set the alarm for ten. It's...twelve thirty five?" Whatever remnant of weariness still ran through him flushed out with a surge of adrenaline as he scrambled out of bed.

"Mike, watch that," Sam said as he pointed to the sheet and made motions for him to keep it around himself.

That's when Michael looked up and saw Gina smiling at him, waggling a silent hello with her fingers. "You better get in gear, Michael. You don't want to keep a woman waiting at the altar, especially this one, from what I hear."

"No, I definitely don't want to do that!" Holding up his makeshift covering, Michael rushed to the bathroom to take a quick shower and finish making himself presentable. Sam handed him the suit through a chink in the door. In less than ten minutes, he came out tugging on his tie. He stopped and slipped into his shoes while Sam finished straightening the tie for him. His hair was wet and unruly, and he ran his hands through it. Fortunately for him, it was easy to tame.

"I don't think I've ever seen you dress so fast, Mike." Sam chuckled and slapped a hand on his shoulder. "Let's go!" The three ran down the stairs. As they approached the car, Sam said, "Sweetie, you better let me drive. We're already way too late for the pictures, and we've got about ten minutes to get him there for the ceremony."

She slipped her sunglasses on while she pursed her lips and stood next to the open driver's side door, her weight on one stiletto heeled foot and one hand on her hip. "Sam. Michael. Get in, shut up, and put on your seat belts. That's all I've got to say."

Gina wasn't kidding around. She knew Miami well enough to take the shortest route of back streets, avoiding the police, while getting Michael to the chapel with five minutes to spare when she screeched to a halt in the circular drive. She pushed on Sam's arm and said, "Go! Get him in there! I'll park and be right in!"

Sam opened the back door and said, "You heard the lady, Mikey. Let's go!" Despite the jarring that running caused his ribs, Sam rushed to the chapel with Michael.

"Sam, where did you find this woman?"

"I'll tell you some other time. Why do you ask?"

At the top of the steps, he replied, slightly out of breath, "She reminds me of Fi."

Sam gasped a reply. "Oh, please, don't even say that!" He led Michael into the narthex where Maddie waited.

"Just in time, both of you!" She exclaimed. "I'll get Fiona." Maddie hurried to the dressing room.

Sam led Michael down the aisle and they fell into step by the time they approached the minister standing on the platform waiting for them. Michael got into position and Sam stood to his right. He slipped his hand into his pocket, feeling a sudden irrational fear that the rings wouldn't be there. To his relief, they were, and he let out a breath.

The organist played and Maddie came out in front, then Fiona walked by herself down the aisle of the nearly empty chapel. Nate, Ruth and Charlie sat on Michael's side with Barry, Jesse, and their dates. Gina sat on the end of one row. On Fiona's side, the girls from the card party sat, a couple of them with their male friends. There were a few former clients and friends scattered on both sides. Agent Pearce ducked in to the far right of Michael's side just as Fiona reached him.

The bride and groom's eyes were locked on each other during the entire ceremony. Michael was captivated by her. He had no idea what he was saying, just repeated what he was supposed to repeat. It wasn't that he didn't care. Rather, he was so enthralled with her and the fact that this was finally happening, that nothing could tear them apart ever again. It was an overwhelming feeling. He almost dropped the ring when Sam handed it to him, but he kept his cool and slipped it onto her finger without a hitch. When it would go no further, suddenly she was Mrs. Michael Westen, and that concept didn't scare him anymore. He just wanted to get the rest of the day over with so they could be together and go away, just the two of them, for a week.

Fiona watched keenly as she noticed the intensity in Michael's eyes when he repeated the vows. Somehow, she had a feeling if she asked him to repeat them later, he wouldn't have a clue what he'd said. It didn't matter, because she knew that the words embedded themselves deep in his heart. Still, her fingers shook a little as she took the ring from Sam and put it on Michael's finger. She'd waited for this day for so long, and even at the end, it almost didn't happen. But the fact that it did said so much more than words how much he loved her, and that they would be together forever. No running from each other, no more excuses. The only running away she wanted to do was to the cozy little hotel room on a quiet island where they could be together for a whole week without interruptions. No clients, no CIA...it was going to be great. But first, they had to get through the rest of the day.

After the ceremony and the photographs, the party moved to a small restaurant along the coast. As far as receptions go, it was a small, intimate affair with about twenty guests. They took over the patio, dined and danced under a brilliant blue sky that slowly faded to mauve and darkened to a navy blue. Michael didn't pay attention. He was too busy discovering how good it felt to relax. When they first arrived, he kept his eyes on everyone, searching for someone who didn't belong. Fiona noticed, and she read the look on his face.

"Michael, these are our friends and your family. No one is here to ruin our day by attacking or killing us, so...just...loosen up, will you?" She whispered to him as she clamped her hand onto his arm.

"I'll feel a lot better when we get to our destination. Wherever that is." He looked down at her. "Why won't you tell me?"

"I want it to be a surprise," she replied with a smile. "Just know that it'll be a nice, out of the way place, where our every need will be taken care of while we're there. So we can just concentrate on each other." She placed a tender kiss at the pulse point of his neck, and she nuzzled his jaw. "This is going to be the best thing that's happened to you in a long time. You really need a break!"

"Yeah, the cruise from hell didn't help matters."

Fiona laughed, and he put an arm around her. "I don't think Sam will ever live that one down, will he."

"Afraid not." Michael sighed. "I know he meant well, and it was out of his control...never mind. I don't want to think about it any more. I want...to dance with my wife!" He plucked the glass out of her hand, set it on a table, and spun her out to the middle of the patio where other couples swayed to the music under strings of paper lanterns.

They moved as one around the dance floor, focused on each other through the rest of the song. The music changed, but they kept dancing. They did so little of this, not counting all the emotional waltzing they'd done for so long. Michael glanced around at the others. He saw Nate and Ruth locked in a tight embrace as they danced. It was the first time he'd seen her look so happy. When they moved from Vegas, he really didn't expect their marriage to survive. Maintaining a respectable distance from her in-laws probably helped, and keeping Nate out of their affairs certainly didn't hurt. She couldn't handle the things they dealt with almost daily.

Sam and Gina were locked in a tight embrace, shuffling more than dancing. They way she kissed him sent sparks flying across the dance floor. If Michael didn't know how gun shy Sam was about marriage, he'd think they were the next to get hitched. When it came to love and romance, Michael could be hopelessly lost sometimes, but he wasn't entirely clueless. The looks that passed between them were more than just lust. There was something going on there.

"Isn't it sweet," Fiona said softly into Michael's ear.

"What? What's sweet?" He murmured in return.

"Gina and Sam! Please, Michael, don't tell me you can't see how much in love they are!"

"Really, I hadn't noticed," he said with a teasing smile.

"You...you're terrible sometimes!" She gave him a playful pat on the cheek and shook her head. "Maybe once you've had a chance to let go, you'll be more perceptive."

The music ended, he dipped her and said, "I'm looking forward to trying." Then he kissed her, and the crowd around the couple cheered them on.


Their flight left late, so after the excitement of the day before and the wedding and reception, Michael was beat. No sooner were they in the air, than he fell asleep with his head leaning on Fiona's shoulder. She smiled, rested a hand along his cheek, and tilted her head to rest against his. She was still too keyed up to sleep, so she just remained still through most of the trip. When their plane touched down on the island, she gently woke him and they disembarked to find a small bus waiting for them and a few other couples to take them to the resort. After that, they had nothing but time on their hands and no place that they had to be, and for once in decades, Michael finally really let his hair down, figuratively speaking.

A/N: No, this is not the end! There are more waves to be made!