Chapter 7: Just Married
Shepard returned to a hero's welcome on the Alliance Citadel. Even with the Reapers gone, it seemed that Shepard's exploits still garnered attention. He waded through reporters and did his best to keep them away from Zack and Alyna. Delan being brought out on a portable life support apparatus got attention as well; Shepard's shot had torn away his entire arm and shoulder, and he had lost a lot of blood and had sunk into a coma. Questions were being fired at him in rapid succession, but he brushed them aside. Somehow, Liara found them in the throng.
"Shepard! Over here!" Liara waved as she called out to him, and Shepard made a bee line for her, Miranda and the kids staying close behind. "Still rescuing distressed damsels, I see."
"You don't know the half of it," Shepard said with a laugh. "Come on; Cortez is right over there with a skycar. I'll fill you in on the way."
The group quickly climbed into the car and sped away, the cacophonous din of the crowd being replaced by quietude and serenity. Liara looked at the kids; first at Zack, then at Alyna.
"You must be Alyna," she said to the shy little Asari. Alyna nodded and Liara added, "I saw you on the vid. I'm Doctor Liara T'soni."
"How do you do?" Alyna was doing her best to be polite, but it simply made her that much cuter. Liara laughed and smiled broadly at the little girl, stooping down slightly and opening her arms for a hug. Alyna accepted Liara's invitation and hugged her, allowing Liara to take her up in her arms and hold her for the duration of the trip.
"I am doing well," Liara replied. "In fact, now that you're here, I think I'm doing quite well." She then turned to Shepard. "Shiala wanted to be here, but her headaches were acting up. I have to admit that I was not sure how to answer when you contacted me. In fact, I was still not entirely sure I wanted to say yes. Then I saw Alyna on the vid screen, and I just knew that this was right. Thankfully, Shiala and I have been discussing children, and she was ecstatic about the idea."
"Good," said Shepard. "This little girl has been through enough. She needs a good break for a change."
"Yes, but not only that," observed Liara, "with the Asari in the Sol System cut off from Thessia, every Asari who is stuck here is of vital importance. I would have said yes even if that were not the case, but as it is …"
"Which is why I called you," he said. "You are the one Asari that I know like a sister, who I can trust without having to go through fifty background checks and security procedures. And we'll be neighbors."
"Yes, though It's funny hearing you say that," Liara remarked. "Asari do not have brothers, but if we did, you would be mine. And once you're married, Miranda, you will be my sister. With all we've been through, I consider you both to be family."
"Yes," said Miranda. "The family with the highest confirmed Reaper kill count."
"Oh, with Shepard in there," observed Liara, "I think it's just the highest kill count period. I think the destruction of the sushi restaurant alone increased that count by over a hundred."
"Ha!" Shepard laughed, as did Miranda. Alyna looked at Zack, but he just shrugged, unfamiliar with the shore leave debacle with Agent Brooks and the clone. "Well, these are happier times. Perhaps we can keep the kill count to a minimum."
"Too late, Shepard," chided Miranda. "You already upped your kill count by a hundred in the first five minutes of our reconnecting. Can't wait for the honeymoon."
"Yeah, but kill count will be the last thing on my mind," he said, eliciting a mild blush from the former operative. Then he looked at Alyna and switched gears. "Looks like you and Liara have become good friends."
The little girl smiled and nodded rapidly, then hugged Liara. "I'm going to live with her, right?" she asked, looking expectantly at Liara, then at Shepard, then back at Liara.
"Yes," Liara confirmed. "And it will be a very happy home."
#
Getting Alyna situated proved to be easy. Getting Zack situated with Shepard was also fairly easy; Shepard could ask for practically anything and it would be given. With the rescue of the Jovian Colonies, Shepard was offered an admiralty again, and this time, he accepted; a lot had changed in just a few short days, and an admiral spent less time in the field than a captain. Now that he was engaged, he had a wife and family to consider. Adopting a son was easy; it was having Miranda as his wife that would be a challenge.
It took about three months for Shepard to get all of the kinks in Miranda's rather complex situation worked out. Before they even left Callisto, he had begun putting the pieces into place; he had referred back to her many deeds of service, both to humanity and to the Alliance, making sure to emphasize her role in the shutting down of the Cerberus facility on Horizon and in the war. Although the Prime Minister had agreed to pardon her, it took a full three months for that to actually happen. When two months of going through proper channels had not produced the results he wanted, he finally went directly to Prime Minister Osoba. He hated calling in favors, but this was one favor that he was determined to have paid in full.
Upon hearing Shepard's case for Miranda, looking through the many reports compiled about her, and finally interviewing her himself (a process that took a month all its own), Prime Minister Osoba finally granted Miranda a full pardon for any crimes that she might have been guilty of during her time with Cerberus. This not only cleared the way for her to teach without having to utilize an alias, but it enabled them to obtain a marriage license.
#
It had now been about four months since Miranda had taken up residence with Shepard on the Citadel. The Alliance Citadel was not set up like the original Citadel. This one had generated gravity rather than spin gravity, so one could no longer look up and see the other arms of the station. As majestic a view as it was, Miranda was glad that they did not rebuild the old Citadel; they never had figured out all of the station's inner workings, kept ignorant by the Reaper's servants, the Keepers. And far too many people had died on the great station.
Miranda walked hand in hand with Shepard to the courthouse to apply for their marriage license. They walked silently, just enjoying each other's company. Miranda leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked. So this is what a normal life with Shepard is like, she thought. Shepard was dressed in casual clothes; blue jeans and the N-7 leather jacket that Edi and Joker had given him. Oh, how I wish Edi could have been here to see this, she thought. But alas, Edi had died, the Reaper-tech in her betraying her to the Crucible.
"I thought this day would never come," she said as they walked inside.
"I never gave up, Miranda," he said, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Not once. And I knew you didn't either. It's been a long time coming for both of us."
"So … licensed to wed," she laughed, reaching up on her tip toes to kiss him. "Then all that remains is the big day."
"That, and the adoption process for Zack," he added.
"Then we'll be a family," she said, holding him tightly.
#
The license was granted without a hitch, and they left the courthouse in a jubilant mood. For Miranda, it was as if a weight had finally been lifted. The license was the last bureaucratic hurdle to their being wed, and they had just cleared it. For Miranda, there was only one hurdle left, and she was standing outside the courthouse as they exited.
Admiral Hannah Shepard stood, tall and erect, her uniform perfectly tailored. She wore her now gray hair in a close cropped style, not too unlike that of her son. She had that same look in her eyes; that determined, unconquerable look. Now, she knew where he got it from, at least some of it. His father had died when he was young, but she imagined that he had not been too dissimilar from his mother; he had been a soldier as well, an N-7 marine, no less. But it was Admiral Hannah Shepard that stood before her, sizing her up.
"Mother," Shepard called, waving. "Right on time. There's a beautiful lady that I want you to meet."
"Congratulations, John," she said, embracing her son. Her voice was warmer, softer than Miranda had expected. She looked as imposing as Admiral Hackett, but she sounded like … like a regular mom. She called him John. Miranda would really have to get used to that. After all, they were both Admiral Shepard. Then she turned to Miranda. "So, is this the 'literally perfect' Miranda Lawson you've been pining for since the war?"
"Mom, this is indeed her," he said proudly.
"How do you do, Admiral …" Miranda began, only to be cut off abruptly as Hannah Shepard embraced her like a long lost daughter. It caught her completely off guard, but Miranda hugged her in return. It felt natural, familiar. Having been cloned and grown by her father, Miranda had never had a mother, but this is how she had always imagined a mother's embrace would feel.
"He's told me so much about you, Miri," exclaimed the older woman, pulling back so as to look at Miranda. "I feel like I know you already. Come! I have a skycar waiting. We must celebrate, and I know just the place!"
'Just the place' was a sushi restaurant that Reminded Miranda of the one in the Silversun Strip. The one Shepard had demolished in a fight with his clone's forces. They sat down in a private booth, one with a low table and pit underneath so that it would resemble traditional Japanese seating.
John and Hannah Shepard had settled into the familiar rapport that a close mother and son do, making in jokes and reminiscing. Though they tried very hard to include Miranda in the conversation, Miranda could not help but feel a sharp pang of jealousy. Shepard had grown up with this woman, who was warm and encouraging. Miranda had not only had no mother, but was mercilessly driven by her father, who sought to live out some dynastic dream through her. She felt her eyes tearing up as she watched them.
"John, be a dear and find out what's taking our waiter so long, would you?" asked one Admiral Shepard of the other. Miranda did not understand; they had only just been seated.
"Sure thing, mom," he replied, getting up.
"Miranda, I wanted to talk to you alone," announced John's mother. "He knows me, so he'll give us some space for a few minutes. What's wrong?"
Miranda choked up as Hannah asked the question. She collected herself after a few moments and answered tearfully. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I … I had no mother. I'm sure he told you how my father created me." Hannah nodded and Miranda continued. "I had no idea what to expect when I met you. I was made to be perfect, but … but I'm afraid that I won't measure up; that I'm not good enough for your son, for you. He had to get the prime minister to pardon me just so we could get a marriage license. When I saw the two of you together, I felt jealous. And that just made me more self-critical; what business do I have being jealous of what he had? It isn't his fault that I grew up with an overbearing father, one for whom I was never good enough."
Hannah reached across and touched Miranda's cheek. "Miri," she said softly, "your feelings are completely understandable. But never doubt that you're good enough. If John loves you, you're good enough. He told me about the risks you took, about how you defied the Illusive Man, and about how you went after your sister on Horizon. Your character speaks for itself. And from the first time he told me about you after that Collector business, I have wanted to meet you. Not to size you up, or to judge you, but to finally embrace the daughter that I had never had."
"Ma'am, you're going to make me break down and cry, though I assure you that they will be tears of joy."
"It's Hannah, Miri," said the older woman with a warm smile. "Hannah. Just call me Hannah. After you're wed, you can call me mom if you're comfortable, but only if you're comfortable; that kind of thing shouldn't be forced."
"I … don't know what to say."
"Miranda, this is a brand new start, a new beginning for you. Seize it, relish it, and enjoy every second of it. We're going to be a family, Miri. You and John, that young man you're adopting, Oriana, and me. We're a family, Miri. I know John has waited a long time; first just to find the right lady, and then for that damnable war to be over so that you two could make a life together. And then it ended and you were separated again. But you found Zack, then you found each other. And now you've found me."
Miranda broke down and cried. She did not know for how long. Hannah Shepard slipped around to sit beside her and just held her as she cried. She could not believe that she was breaking down in a restaurant, and was very thankful for the private booth that they shared. After what seemed like an eternity, the tears stopped flowing.
"I had no idea how much I needed that, Hannah," she laughed.
"We all need a good cry, every now and then," noted Hannah. Then she looked up and said, "Except John." Hannah then slid back around to her original seat as John slipped in next to Miranda.
"Sorry to intrude," he said, "but the waiter's getting impatient. I was afraid I'd have to knock him out, so I thought I'd rejoin you."
"No, no, no, no, no, no," laughed Miranda. "You're not destroying another sushi restaurant!"
"Another …" Hannah looked at John with an eyebrow raised. "Please tell me you weren't the one who destroyed that sushi restaurant on the old Citadel!"
"Oh, just sit back and I'll tell you the whole sordid tale," he laughed.
As her fiancé retold the story of the clone and his minions, a story that Miranda had never heard fully recounted, she began to relax. For the first time since meeting Oriana, she felt like she had a family.
#
"So, do you think that you're ready for married life? Remember, there are no explosions, skycar chases, or jumps through unmapped relays," teased Oriana.
"Ori, I'm marrying Shepard," countered Miranda. "With him, you never know. Ours could be the most adventurous family in history." She laughed heartily at the thought.
"Please try not to move, Miss Lawson," said the tailor. "Fitting a wedding dress goes much smoother if you don't jiggle around."
"Sorry," said Miranda, stiffening up and trying as hard as she could to be statuesque. Oriana stuck her tongue out trying to get Miranda to giggle. "Stop it, Ori!"
Miranda was arrayed in a beautiful white dress. It was a strapless taffeta gown with a sweetheart neckline. A lace birdcage veil completed the look. She looked at herself in the mirror and gasped. This is a day I thought would never come, she thought. She was convinced that Shepard would reject her once he found out that she was unable to conceive. But when she had finally told him, he had simply enfolded her in his arms and held her, telling that he loved her and that he wanted to spend his life with her. Then he returned to Earth and was in lockdown over the Aratot Relay Incident, and she thought she would never see him again. But then the war broke out and Shepard was suddenly the Alliance' go to guy. They reunited, but after the war was over, they were separated and she found herself on an Alliance most wanted list. She went into hiding, and was then convinced that she would never see him again. She hoped against hope, but she never truly believed that this day would ever arrive. But against all odds, it's finally happening, she thought, tears coming to her eyes.
"Alright, Miss Lawson," said the tailor, "you can move."
"Miranda, it's breathtaking," said Oriana admiringly. "You're the most beautiful bride I've ever seen! And leading a nice normal life, unlike you, I've actually been to several weddings."
"Oh, Ori, do you think … do you think I'm good enough?"
"No man should ever make you feel like you're not good enough," interjected the tailor.
"I'm marrying Commander Shepard," said Miranda flatly.
"Oh," said the tailor with a gasp. "You mean …"
"Yes, the Commander Shepard, now Admiral Shepard, hero of the war. The man who united a galaxy."
"Wow," exclaimed the tailor. "Talk about pressure!"
"Miranda, Shepard loves you unconditionally," Oriana reassured her. "It's your own self-doubt and insecurity that's talking. You know Shepard, for all of his accomplishments and lofty stature, is the most low pressure man you'll ever meet. And you two are like two peas in a pod; you're soul mates in the truest sense. No man you'll ever meet will understand you like he does. And no man would ever accept you wholly for who you are like he does."
"Thank you, Ori," said a tearful Miranda. "I know. It's just … my old insecurities always creep in. Our 'father' made sure of that. I was never good enough for him."
"Well, Miss Lawson," said the tailor, "when he sees you, his heart will melt. Your sister is right; you really are the most beautiful bride I've ever seen."
"Thank you," said Miranda.
"Anyway the alterations should take less than two weeks. We'll do a final fitting about two weeks before the wedding."
Miranda looked at her reflection in the mirror again, recalling all of the words that Shepard had spoken to her, and recalling the lengths he went to in finding her. Her confidence returned at the thought. I really am good enough, she thought. Never again will I ever think anything to the contrary.
"Thank you," said Miranda with a broad smile. "It's breathtaking!"
#
The final fitting came within two weeks, and the big day two weeks after that. Invitations had all received their RSVPs and all of the preparations had been made. They were being married in the Citadel United Chapel, a Christian multi-denominational chapel. The chapel looked as much like a traditional church on Earth as possible; stained glass 'windows' with an artificial light source behind them, a stone façade on the walls, and a traditional ambo and altar. The most striking feature, however was the transparent ceiling that was open to the stars. It reminded Miranda very much of the ceiling of Shepard's cabin on the Normandy.
The celebrant was Reverend Michael Bowman, whose daughter, Kate, was saved by Commander Shepard during his mission to stop Saren Arterius. Miranda could still hardly believe that the day was finally here, that the wedding was actually happening. Her maid of honor was Oriana, but she had chosen six bridesmaids: Tali Zorah, Ashley Williams, Liara T'Soni, Bryn Cole, Samara, and Jack. Jack had been shocked when Miranda had asked her, given that they had never really become friends, but they were both different people now. Jack, for her part, was immensely honored. She had selected red for the bridesmaids dresses, and all of them looked beautiful. Miranda could not wait to see Shepard's reaction to her bridal gown. They had insisted on a traditional wedding and he had followed the custom of not seeing the bride's dress until the day.
Finally, the procession began; first her bridesmaids and maid of honor processed, followed by the bride herself. She took the first few nervous steps, almost faltering, she was so nervous. But when she saw Admiral John Shepard standing at the altar looking at her with nothing but love and affection, she found her footing.
In his military formal wear and flanked by his groomsmen, Shepard looked like a prince from the vids. He had chosen his best man and groomsmen almost by the numbers; Garrus Vakarian was his best man, with Joker, Vega, Jacob, Zaeed, Grunt, and Wrex as groomsmen. In the pews were some of the Alliance' top brass, including Admiral Hacket, and the Alliance prime minister, Dominic Osoba. Also present was Urdnot Bakara, the Consort Sha'ira, and causing Miranda to do a double take, Primarch Victus.
Zack and Alyna sat with Hannah Shepard and Kate Bowman in the front, with the entire Normandy Crew behind them. It was an impressive sight. There were a few ex-Cerberus people whom she recognized that came to mark the occasion as well. She refocused and directed all of her attention on the man ahead of her; right now, nobody else existed except for Miranda and John Shepard.
It seemed like the longest walk of her life, but at last she stood at the altar across from Shepard. She barely heard the lovely words spoken by Reverend Bowman, transfixed on the face of her soon to be husband. Then, Reverend Bowman said the words she had been dreading:
"If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now; or else for ever hold your peace."
She breathed a sigh of relief when nobody spoke. She did not know why she was worried, but it seemed that all manner of things had come out of left field to keep them apart.
The reverend continued: "I require and charge you both, here in the presence of God, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully, and in accordance with God's Word, you do now confess it."
Then he turned to her and asked her, "Miranda Lawson, do you have this man, John Shepard, to be your lawfully wedded husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you vow to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, being faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," she said tearfully, overcome with emotion.
"John Shepard, do you have this woman, Miranda Lawson, to be your lawfully wedded wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you vow to love her, comfort him, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, being faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," he said, his voice strong and confident. Miranda smile broadly as he spoke.
Reverend Bowman looked to the congregation, and said, "Do all of you witnessing these promises vow to do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"
"We do," said the congregation resoundingly.
"Then power vested in me by the United Church and the Systems Alliance, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Admiral Shepard, you may now kiss your bride."
Shepard gently lifted her veil and wrapping his arm around her waist, gently kissed her. Miranda's knees went weak, but Shepard gently held her dipped her back, continuing the kiss. As he righted her, she felt herself blushing brightly. The congregation erupted in thunderous applause. It finally happened, she thought. We're finally married!
#
The reception was a smaller affair than the wedding had been, and was held in the sushi restaurant that Miranda and the Shepards had dined in weeks prior. Of course, now that they were married, 'the Shepards' included her. It had amazed her to see all of the Normandy crew, particularly her comrades from the Collector mission, out of uniform and body armor. Tali was the most striking; no longer needing the enviro-suit, she was free to show off her exotically beautiful face.
Miranda threw the bouquet and Shepard threw the garter as they exited the reception. Tali caught the bouquet and Joker caught the garter. After that, Shepard and Miranda climbed into a skycar with Zack and Hannah Shepard and left. Zack would stay with his still unofficial new grandmother while Shepard and Miranda would honeymoon in Hawaii, then return to live happily, though not boringly, ever after.